This year “APRIL 10th” a short and touching film by first time student film-maker Mirta Desir from Brooklyn College’s Feirstein Graduate School of Cinema has been officially selected and will be featured at the 2021 Wellington Film Festival in Florida. Her poignant and timely work captures the essence of human and humane interactions especially during the pandemic time we are living through. Her American and Haitian mixed cultural perspective gives it a wonderful spin.
The 2021 Wellington Film Festival in Florida, would like to feature short films from student and indie film-makers for our local festival here in the wonderful village of Wellington Florida. Go to WellingtonFilmFestival.com to submit your masterpiece!
There is still time, the submission deadline is October 1st and the films are due to be shown live on November 5-7 and November 12-14. Venues will include the Movies at Wellington, the Movies of Lake Worth and St. Regis Café in Lake Worth, Florida.For more information, email: WellingtonFilmFestival@gmail.com or call (561) 250-2764. That was it from the Wellington Film Festival in the Village of Wellington Florida, a great home town! See you there!
The Village of Wellington is excited to announce the opening day of its Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center. The market opens on Friday, October 1st, and is hosted along the promenade on the scenic Lake Wellington waterfront, directly behind the community center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The opening day of the market will be accompanied by the start of a 3-day German-style Pop-Up Biergarten featuring Hofbrauhas Bier from Munchen.
Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center — Formerly the Twilight Green Market at Wellington, the Lakeside Market is now exclusively operated by the Village of Wellington Parks and Recreation Department. The Market will be open, weather permitting, on Fridays, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., between October 1, 2021, and April 22, 2022, with some exceptions.
The only evening market of its kind in the Western communities, the Lakeside Market aims to provide a casual, laid-back environment for the community to connect and enjoy an early start to the weekend. Looking for an affordable date night? A fun family night out? An excuse to spend a beautiful evening outdoors and see the stunning Florida sunsets? We’ve got you covered!
Shop, sip, eat and stroll while supporting local small businesses. Lighting along the promenade, in vendor booths, and over the market provide a charming natural ambience to compliment the stunning sunset views, and an ongoing schedule of FREE entertainment at the adjacent Wellington Amphitheater is the perfect way to cap off an enjoyable evening outdoors.
Vendors and products you may find at the market include:
artists and crafters
locally grown herbs
fresh baked goods, breads, and pastries
fresh flowers
fruits and vegetables
homemade and gourmet food items
jewelry and clothing
plant-based and vegetarian products
Other amenities of the market include the nearby Wellington Community Center, lush green space, restrooms, benches, pontoon, and boat parking for our Lake Wellington residents, a new playground and shade structure along the promenade, Scott’s Place; a playground for all abilities, and the Wellington Amphitheater.
The market is pet-friendly, and admission and parking are FREE. Please remember to pick up after your pet. For more information, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/LakesideMarket.
Interested in participating as a vendor? Contact Program Coordinator, Heather Navarro, at hnavarro@wellingtonfl.gov or 561-753-5262.
Pop-Up Biergarten — The first day of this autumn, German-style Biergarten event will accompany the Lakeside Market opening day, and is located in the green space and pavilion adjacent to the promenade. Featuring Hofbrauhas Bier from Munchen, the event will include a selection of German beers, US craft beers, and ciders, along with sausage, pretzels, and other German-themed foods for purchase. Traditional music and stein-hoisting contests will round out the free, family-friendly experience. Dates and times for the 3-day event are as follows:
Friday, October 1st, from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 2nd, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
All guests are asked to follow recommended CDC social distancing guidelines. Masks are recommended when adequate social distancing is not possible.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at 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.
Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11 by Hosting a Community Drive on 9/10 for Three Local Charities:
Vita Nova, Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, and the Palm Beach County Food Bank
‘Pay It Forward’ Campaign Inspired by Upcoming Production of Broadway Hit COME FROM AWAY
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 7, 2021) To commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is hosting a special one-day community drive under the headline of Let’s Do Good Together! This effort is inspired by the “Pay It Forward” campaign associated with the Broadway hit musical COME FROM AWAY which is coming to the Kravis Center, November 16-21, 2021.
The Kravis Center is inviting friends and supporters to be part of this special day of charity in remembrance of 9/11 by participating in a nationwide effort to spread kindness, inspiration, and compassion throughout our community. How? By bringing donated items to the Kravis Center on Friday, September 10, 8 am to 5 pm. Items should be dropped off in front of the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.
All donated items must be unused and unopened, and will be earmarked for three local nonprofit organizations:
+ Vita Nova, a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education and employment and life skills training. As the voice of homeless young adults, Vita Nova is working to eliminate homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years old in Palm Beach County.
Requested Items for Vita Nova include bottled water, men/women’s underwear and socks, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothpaste or toothbrushes, deodorant, lotion, sunscreen, shelf-stable food—canned/dry goods, full size bedding, arts supplies and canvases of all size.
+ Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, which provides shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals.
Requested Items for Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League include cat food (dry/wet), dog foot (dry/wet), litter, and training pads of all sizes.
+ Palm Beach County Food Bank is committed to being a strong leader for the other stakeholders and organizations that address the issues surrounding hunger in Palm Beach County. There is a collective resolve tin working together to help children, families, and seniors in our community.
Requested Items include rice, pasta, canned and dry soup, shelf-stable milk, canned fruits, peanut butter, canned meat (tuna, chicken, salmon), canned tomato products (sauce or diced), canned vegetables, beans (dried or canned), oatmeal, cereal, and Mac & Cheese.
For more information about this one-day-only “Pay It Forward” community drive, please visit www.Kravis.org/communitydrive.
About COME FROM AWAY:
This Best Musical winner from Broadway tells the incredible true story of 7,000 passengers, who were on their way to different locations across America when the tragedy of 9/11 struck. 38 planes were grounded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, where the community opened their hearts, arms, and homes to these strangers. About this Tony® Award-winning show, Newsweek declared, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave.” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all. COME FROM AWAY comes to the Kravis Center for eight performances, November 16-21, 2021.
Health and Safety: The Kravis Center is focused on ensuring the health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff. A CDC approved mask that covers the mouth and nose is required to be worn by all guests. To learn more about our current health and safety protocols visit kravis.org/healthsafety.
About Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts: The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs—serving nearly 3 million students since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For information, please visit kravis.org.
Boynton Beach, Fla. — (September 8, 2021) City of Boynton Beach announces a 20th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony honoring those who lost their lives in the 2001 terrorist attack. The Remembrance Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 11, 2021, from 10 – 11:30 am at Amphitheater at Centennial Park (120 East Ocean Avenue). The community is invited to attend. For more information, visit boynton-beach.org/911-remembrance-ceremony-2021, email marketing@bbfl.us, or call 561-742-6038.
Boynton Beach resident and American Legion representative, James Czizik will open the ceremony. The Posting of Colors will be presented by Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, Delta Demons, and the Boynton Beach Veterans Task Force. Other presenters and speakers include City Manager Lori LaVerriere, Calvary Chapel Pastor Duane Roberts, Boynton Beach Mayor Steven B. Grant, Vice Mayor Woodrow L. Hay, Commissioner Justin Katz, Commissioner Ty Penserga, Boynton Beach Police Chief Michael G. Gregory, Boynton Beach Fire Rescue Chief Jim Stables, Reverend Rick Ricard of the Boynton Beach Police Department and Reverend Amalie Ash from the First Presbyterian Church of Boynton Beach.
Included in the ceremony will be the traditional firing and salute, a tribute to first responders by State Representative Joseph Casello, Taps, and a Prayer for Peace.
On September 8th at the Wellington Community Center, members of the Wellington Art Society (WAS) gathered to celebrate their 40th anniversary. WAS President Laura Jaffe ran meeting. Past president Leslie Pfieffer gave a little history of WAS and all its activities, including providing scholarships for art students.
September 7, 2021 – West Palm Beach, Fla. – Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County is pleased to announce Danielle Oldham, of Wellington, as the newest member to join its leadership team. Oldham, tapped to enhance service offerings in three key areas of mentoring, college-readiness for students aged 12 – 22, and supports for graduates of the nonprofit, throughout their college experience.
Take Stock in Children, now in its 26th year of awarding two-year scholarships to students living in poverty and its commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty with education, accomplishes a 98% success rate with an innovative multi-year model that begins in middle school, and continues after high school graduation, to help students navigate their individual college journeys to earning diplomas.
Oldham brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position including prior career positions in higher education advisement at several universities and colleges in Kentucky and Ohio, and a strong business marketing acumen honed in the insurance industry.
Her skills in relationship management, business development, community engagement, marketing, student advisement, service, and program development have her poised for success. Oldham takes her post on September 7th.
“We look forward to Danielle leading our program team and collectively, enhancing the quality and depth of our mentoring and college readiness program, as well as implementing new supports for our college students,” said Nancy Stellway, Executive Director, Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County.
Oldham brings solid community relationships and a sincere commitment to the Greater Palm Beach County community. Current and past business affiliations include: Membership and Board Leadership positions with the Palm Beaches, Broward, and St. Lucie Realtors Association and service as Affiliate Committee Vice-Chair with its Regional Board of Directors, North Palm Beach Chapter. She is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Academy.
“Working with students, watching them grow and successfully reach their fullest potential is a passion of mine,” said Oldham. “I believe Take Stock in Children’s mentor program is a key bridge at helping students achieve their educational goals and career aspirations, and I am so excited to join the team.”
Oldham is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, Kentucky where she earned a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership Dynamics, in 2012. A lifetime learner who embraces education, she has also enjoyed completing courses towards a Master’s Degree in Education, Counseling and Human Development. Oldham earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in Psychology, from Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Kentucky, in 2004.
In leisure time, Oldham enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, watching them play competitive soccer, travel, and good food as a self-professed “foodie.”
About Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County:
Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County celebrates 26 years of commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty with education. We accomplish our 98% success rate with an innovative multi-year model that begins in middle school, and continues throughout post-secondary completion. We provide wraparound services to underserved youth from age 12 – 22, with no drop-off after high school completion. We help students evade dropping out of high school and attain a college education by providing one-on-one mentoring, after school club meetings, college readiness coaching, college retention services, and two-year scholarships.
How can the community help? Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County impacts the community by bringing limitless opportunity to its young adults, with the gift of education. We remain committed to empowering students to earn college scholarships, experience the reward of dedicated work, and gain wide-open access to a life of success, without poverty. Strengthen your community by investing your time as a mentor to support students as a friend and role model throughout their educational journey, or, make a donation to help fund resources critical to student success. www.takestockpalmbeach.org.
THE NONPROFIT COMMUNITY BREAKS RECORDS WITH 172 NOMINATIONS TO CELEBRATE AND HONOR THEIR WORK, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND INNOVATIONS FORTHE FIFTH ANNUAL NONPROFIT HATS OFF AWARDS
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Tuesday, September 7-Nonprofits First proudly announces the record-breaking number of nominations to honor local nonprofit organizations of Palm Beach County reaching 172 for the Fifth Annual Nonprofit Hats Off Awards Tuesday, October 5 inside the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
CAPEHART @capehartphotography @capehartphoto
Nominations were accepted in 11 categories for Nonprofit of the Year (small, medium, and large); Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year; Nonprofit MVP, Nonprofit Professional of the Year; Nonprofit Executive of the Year; Lifetime Achievement; Hats Off to Heroes Award; Community Collaborators Award and the newly added Nonprofit Innovation Award. Awards for Best Hat, Best Mask and People’s Choice will be awarded the night of the event.
Chaired by Natalie M. Alvarez, of Key Private Bank, the Fifth Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrates and honors nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County who contribute and dedicate themselves to making our community “nonprofit” strong and who so deserved to be recognized. As part of the evening, the honorees from the past Hats Off awards will also be recognized. “As event chair for the past two years, it has been an honor and a privilege to witness the remarkable accomplishments of nonprofits and individuals in all corners of our community. Please join us in celebrating their great work,” said Ms. Alvarez.
The fun evening will kick off with celebratory musical vibes by the nonprofit organization, Digital Vibez. The party continues with a special surprise guest emcee. Attire is business to cocktail. Guests are encouraged to wear a hat of any kind and masks are required. Tickets include an open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres catered by The Breakers, and parking in the covered garage is complimentary.
CAPEHART @capehartphotography @capehartphoto
Nonprofits First is implementing COVID-19 protocols for the safety of the attendees and staff to gather as safely as possible. Plans include the requirement of wearing masks, seating capacity has been reduced, tables will be placed at a distance with only 8 people, and there will be contactless check-in. Guests will have to be temperature checked before entering.
“Safety protocols will be in place to ensure our guests feel safe. These are unprecedented times we’re living in. Masks on and hats off is our unofficial theme this year!” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.
Fifty-two sponsors will support the event including four top sponsors: The Palm Beach Post; M&T Bank Wilmington Trust; FPL, and Key Private Bank.
Tickets for the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards are on sale now at www.hatsoffawards.org for $100 per person, tables of eight are $1,000 and sponsorships are available at all levels. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Calendar Listing:
Tuesday, October 5, 2021, Nonprofits First Fifth Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion. This fundraising event will celebrate and honor the Palm Beach County nonprofit sector, the professionals, and volunteers. For more information and tickets visit www.hatsoffawards.org.
About Nonprofits First, Inc.:
Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
Calling all poets, writers, and aspiring authors. We, The Royal Palm Beach Writers, are in search of new or experienced writers willing to share their stories and hone their craft. Our meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the FIRST and THIRD Thursday of every month in the Royal Palm Beach Commons Pavillion. Not only do we share and critique each other’s writing, but we share valuable information and lessons on characters, dialogue, formatting, and grammar.Our writing group also publishes an annual anthology of our work, known as the Spectrum. Check us out on Amazon! Our mission is to make our stories the best they can be with the goal of seeing our work in print. So join us for the skills and stay for the lasting friendships.Contact person: Virginia Smythe 561-460-0455, ginny.smythe@me.com
Climate Change Presentation Featured at Garden Club Meeting
Olivia Collins, Senior Director of Programs at the CLEO Institute, is the featured speaker at the Wellington Garden Club meeting on September 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Collins’ presentation, “Climate Crisis: A Race We Can Win”, is open to the public.
Born and raised in rural Canada, Collins has lived in many places, before settling in Miami in 2017. She has over 15 years of experience in the environmental field, from natural building to corporate social responsibility to grassroots community development. As Senior Director of Programs, she helps oversee and execute most of CLEO’s outreach programs and collaborations and provides climate trainings in the community.
The CLEO Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated exclusively to climate crisis education and advocacy. Founded in 2010, the organization works with communities across Florida to build climate literacy and further its mission to educate and empower communities to ensure a safe, just, and healthy environment for all. www.Cleoinstitute.org
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, landscape design, conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. To attend the meeting , contact Maria Wolfe at tcacad_registrar@yahoo.com . For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org
Road trips continue to appeal to COVID-weary Americans. For a truly unique road trip, consider New Mexico. With miles of open space and terrain ranging from desert to mountains, variety spices up any New Mexico road trip. As home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Chaco Canyon, Taos Pueblo and Carlsbad Caverns, discoveries abound in the “Land of Enchantment.” It’s also a state with an unexpected Spanish history and influence. Combine that with national monuments, alien sightings and plenty of green chiles and you have an epic southwest road trip.
New Mexico Landscape Photo: Terri Marshall
Exploring Native American Culture at Taos Pueblo
Inhabited for over 1,000 years, Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community to receive the designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Pueblo is made entirely of adobe. It’s a striking structure comprised of many individual homes, built side-by-side in layers with common walls. Today, 150 Native Americans live within the walls of the Pueblo and over 1,900 Taos Indians live on the surrounding Taos Pueblo lands. The Pueblo evokes the feeling of a living museum, but it’s actually a working community.
Hiking Through Petroglyphs Dating Back to 900 AD
Three Rivers provides more evidence of centuries-old life in its petroglyphs. Scattered over 50 acres of New Mexico’s Chihuahuan Desert, numerous geometric and abstract designs created by the Jornada Mogollon people date back to 900 AD. Hiking trails wind past more than 21,000 glyphs of birds, humans, animals, fish, insects and plants.
Ancient Petroglyphs Photo: Terri Marshall
Search for Evidence of Aliens in Roswell
The supposed landing place of aliens, Roswell is entertaining even if you don’t believe in little green men. Evidence of the alien invasion is everywhere. Alien heads top street lamps. Murals on buildings throughout town display the green creatures. And the UFO Museum explores the phenomena amid a collection of kitschy exhibits.
Communicate with Space at the VLA
You might not find aliens in Roswell, but you can connect with space at the Very Large Array (VLA). One of the world’s premier astronomical radio observatories, the VLA consists of 27 radio antennas in a Y-shaped configuration on the Plains of San Agustin. You might recognize it from the movie Contact starring Jodie Foster. It’s a science-themed experience even a non-science nerd will appreciate.
VLA Photo: Terri Marshall
White Sands National Monument Dazzles with Beauty
A natural wonder awaits at the northern end of the Chihuahuan Desert where brilliant white sand sparkles under clear blue skies—the White Sands National Monument. Wave-like dunes of gypsum sand engulf 275 square miles of desert. This is the world’s largest gypsum dune field, and it is stunning. Information at the visitors’ center explains the science behind this harsh ever-changing landscape but even if the science doesn’t fascinate you, the beauty is captivating.
White Sands National Monument Photo: Terri Marshall
La Junta Trail at Wild Rivers Recreation Area
A place where the rugged landscape and history of the region collide, the Wild Rivers Recreation Area is protected land preserved by congress to allow present and future generations to experience its natural beauty. There are several trails, but La Junta provides the most exhilarating immersion in this rocky terrain—and the most rewarding views
The trail descends 6.4 miles into an 800-foot deep volcanic canyon cut through the high plains of New Mexico by the Rio Grande. The hike begins along the canyon’s rim at 7,500 feet and winds through a series of steep switchbacks. As you descend, awe-inspiring views of the Rio Grande and the Red River are visible in the gorge below. Keep an eye on the rock walls of the gorge where you may see a few petroglyphs left by the early nomadic Indians who occupied the area over 12,000 years ago. The trail ends where the waters of the Rio Grande and the Red River collide. The steep hike is a bit challenging, but you’ll be rewarded with a sense of accomplishment—and the views along the way.
It Doesn’t End There
There is so much to experience in New Mexico I could have spent a month exploring. Foodies can follow along enticing culinary trails like the Breakfast Burrito Byway. The Green Chile Cheeseburger Trail will introduce you to New Mexico’s culinary staple—the spicy chile. In and around the state’s major cities of Las Cruces, Albuquerque and Santa Fe more adventures await. From tequila tastings to the trail of Billy the Kid, hot air balloons, museums showcasing the artwork of Georgia O’Keefe and snow-covered mountains for skiing—New Mexico has it all. Prepare to be enchanted.
