Sunday, September 14, 2025
Home Blog Page 243

HOMESAFE APPOINTS HILLARY DOBBS TO NONPROFIT’S BOARD

0

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.

“Death at the Disco” Murder Mystery Dinner Theater coming to Wellington Community Center on November 6th

0

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

0

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.

CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ANNOUNCES FREE MONTHLY CONCERT SERIES, FIRST FRIDAYS @ 5

0

CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH ANNOUNCES FREE MONTHLY
CONCERT SERIES, FIRST FRIDAYS @ 5

BEGINNING FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, AT CENTENNIAL PARK AMPHITHEATER IN DOWNTOWN BOYNTON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Boynton Beach, Fla. — (September 27, 2021) The City of Boynton Beach announces a free family-friendly monthly concert series, First Fridays @ 5. The concerts will take place at the Centennial Park Amphitheater in downtown Boynton Beach (120 East Ocean Avenue) from 5 – 8 pm on the first Friday of each month. The first concert, in this year-long series, will be held on Friday, October 1, 2021, beginning at 5 pm and will feature music by a local-favorite band, AudioTramp. Food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site at each concert, offering up a delicious range of fare available for purchase. Art and fun activities such as a Peace Symbol Painting on small canvases, Find a Rock, win a bag of ‘70s and ‘80s candy, hula-hoop contests and cornhole will be available for kids.. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the concerts on the Amphitheater’s lawn. For more information visit, boynton-beach.org/concerts, email marketing@bbfl.us, or call 561-742-6019.

AudioTramp will play favorite classic rock songs from the ‘70s and ‘80s including “Stairway to Heaven,” by Led Zeppelin, “Hotel California” by The Eagles, “Imagine” by John Lennon, “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye, “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen, “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns n’ Roses, “Back in Black” by AC/DC, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Every Breath You Take” by The Police, “With or Without You” by U2

Food trucks will be serving up delicious food and beverages.

Parking:
Free parking is available on the corner of Boynton Beach Blvd. and Seacrest Blvd. (entrance is located off Boynton Beach Blvd.)
Accessible parking will be available. 

ADA Accommodations:
ADA accommodation requests can be made by calling 561-742-6241 or Florida Relay 711 or email ada@bbfl.us.

Attendance at City events is at your own risk. Per CDC guidelines, facial coverings and social distancing are recommended.

###

Calendar Listing:
5:00 – 8:00 pm, Friday, October 1, 2021 – The City of Boynton Beach announces a free family-friendly monthly concert series, First Fridays @ 5, at Centennial Park Amphitheater in downtown Boynton Beach (120 East Ocean Avenue). The first concert, in this year-long series, features ‘70’s and ‘80’s hits by AudioTramp, food and beverage trucks, and fun activities for kids. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Free parking in #DowntownBoynton.

Why Dogs Are Our Best Friends, Unconditionally

0

Why Dogs Are Our Best Friends, Unconditionally

By Julie Schrager

Why do we love our dogs so much? What is it about these furry animals that make them so irresistible? Of course, you might say, “he’s just so cute.” Or, “she is so cuddly.” Sure, these reasons are legitimate but did you ever think it’s because they love us? Unconditionally.

Dogs Just Get It

People just don’t cut it. I’m sorry. But it’s the truth. Dogs love us no matter what. That cannot be said about all humans. If we try to ignore our dogs, they will love us without judgment. If we feed them late, they will still give us wet kisses. They always know when we need some extra affection without even asking for it. When we are feeling ill, they are right by our side. Dogs just seem to get us, to understand us with no special language being spoken.

Let Me Break It Down

Fitness

We all need to exercise, whether we like it, love it, or hate it. Having a dog pushes us out of our home and into a regimen of walking. Exercise gives off endorphins. Endorphins make us happy. Shouldn’t this be reason enough to exercise? Or, look at it this way, you can achieve your 10K steps each day by taking your companion for walks.

Emotional Support

Research has shown that dogs help alleviate stress and anxiety. They are very intuitive and can sense when their owners are having an emotional crisis. Other ways dogs help us with emotional support are:

  • reduce depression
  • less frequent doctor visits
  • lower blood pressure
  • help us to live longer

They’re Smarter Than Us?

There’s a reason why the fire department utilizes dogs to find people and other animals under collapsed buildings due to a fire. The police department and military utilize dogs to sniff out drugs and bombs. Dogs are used to guide people who are blind. Service dogs help people with disabilities. Specially trained dogs are incredibly smart and become their owner’s best friend and companion.

They Are Wise

How easy is it for you to just take one day at a time? It’s not easy for many. Yet, dogs simply have this attitude. They are so enthusiastic about life and embrace every second of it. Consider this…our dogs inspire us to live our best life. We learn from them how to appreciate the moment and embrace it.

My Dog My Protector

Back in the 1570s, dogs were used to herd sheep. At the same time, dogs were responsible for protecting sheep. As the world continued to evolve and dogs became more domesticated, humans became the ones dogs would start to protect. They have an extraordinary sense of smell and can hear much better than humans. This is why some breeds make great guard dogs. And because dogs consider their owner a part of their pack, they will protect them to the end.

These few points give you some clarity into understanding why dogs are our best friends, unconditionally. They will love us forever. They are not nearly as complicated as us. They hold no judgment against us. We can’t do anything wrong in their minds.

We don’t deserve them.

***

Julie Schrager and her husband Jeff have lived in Wellington for 20 years with their son Jake along with their two mini schnauzers, Baron and Leo. Julie is the owner of Tail Waggers Dog Walking & Training and the host of her podcast Nothing But Julie.

The Read It Write It Writers Group

0

The Read It Write It Writers Group is a local, casual group of writers of all levels – novice and experienced.  It takes place once a month, the 2nd Tuesday of every month at NOBO Brewery in Boynton Beach, FL.  Our next scheduled event is on Tuesday October 12th.  The purpose of getting together is to share our work or projects in a friendly environment.  There’s an Open Mic and Round Table discussion but participation is optional. We like listeners too.  For more information check out the Read It Write Book Festival page on Facebook under events or email Heidi Hess at heidicreates01@gmail.com

Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum Announces $1M Donation & New Nam

0
Mary Csar, Dick Schmidt in WWII Gallery

Funds Earmarked for Reimagination, Redesign and Renovation of the Newly Renamed

SCHMIDT BOCA RATON HISTORY MUSEUM

Boca Raton, FL – September 24, 2021) The Board of Trustees of the Boca Raton Historical Society today announce a generous $1 million donation from The Schmidt Family Foundation,led by Barbara and Dick Schmidt, to rename the museum the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum (SBRHM). Funds from this donation will be used to sponsor the Museum’s public display areas, new immersive exhibits, and internal gathering spaces, including the historic Council Chamber and heavily-used research library.

“The history of Boca Raton is important to our community, so it is important to me and my family, a legacy that began with my parents, Charles and Dorothy Schmidt,” Dick Schmidt declared during a recent tour of the completely renovated museum that is housed in the city’s historic Town Hall, located at 71 N. Federal Highway in downtown Boca Raton (33432).

“The Schmidt Family Foundation has been a longtime partner and generous supporter of this museum going all the way back to Boca Raton’s original downtown redevelopment plan in the 1980s,” says Mary Csar, Executive Director. “This donation—one of the largest in the Museum’s nearly 50-year history—will underwrite a significant portion of our ongoing top-to-bottom reimagination, redesign and renovation, leading up to our official reopening and relaunch later this year.”

“The Schmidt Family Foundation is proud to support the purpose and community outreach of this truly valuable organization,” says Barbara Schmidt. “The redubbed Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum meets our mission of strengthening and enriching our community through education.”

“The historic Boca Raton Town Hall has been our home since the mid-1980s,” says Csar. “But, due to space limitations, our exhibitions have been temporary and largely two-dimensional. Not any longer. The dynamic redesign of the new Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum will allow for both permanent and changing exhibitions that will appeal to families, students and research buffs of all ages—a project we call History Alive!” 

The new exhibits will bring to life the growth and development of Boca Raton from a small farming town to the dynamic internationally known city it is today. They incorporate artifacts and images from the museum’s extensive local history collections.

The new permanent galleries include:

Boca Raton Timeline, starting with the earliest Pre-Columbian inhabitants up to the 21st Century.

+ Pioneer, focused on the local heritage of a small farming community.

+ Addison Mizner, featuring the museum’s important collection of Mizner Industries and architectural drawings and images of the great architect’s plans, which put the tiny town of Boca Raton on the map in the 1920s.

+ World War II, when the Boca Raton Army Air Field served as the Air Corps’ top secret radar training facility.

+ IBM, celebrating Boca Raton as the home of the IBM PC personal computer.

In addition, the Council Chamber will feature display areas and cabinetry for changing exhibits and will also function as the museum’s lecture hall. The redesigned Research Library will house the Society’s extensive archival collections and provide workstations for research patrons.

The Boca Raton Historical Society is still raising funds for this ambitious renovation, and naming opportunities are still available, from the gift shop, research library and council chambers to individual decades within the captivating historical timeline that runs the full length of the museum. Anyone interested in helping to preserve and promote Boca Raton’s amazing history can do so by contacting Mary Csar directly at 561.395.6766 or director@bocahistory.org.

About the Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum:

The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is the home of the Boca Raton Historical Society, whose mission is to collect, preserve, and present information and artifacts relevant to the past and evolving history of Boca Raton and to maintain a visible role in the education and the advocacy of historic preservation in the community. Although closed to the public for more than a year due to the COVID pandemic, the Historical Society used this time to complete the History Alive! project.

Grandma’s Angels planning their 6th Annual Luncheon

0

Grandma’s Angels planning their 6th Annual Luncheon

On September 9 th Grandma’s Angels got together at Patty Hadden’s house to continue
planning their 6 th Annual Luncheon, which will be held on Tuesday, November 30 th at The
Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. Co-Chairs, Jodie Schmitz and Manda Galin welcomed the
Committee Members in attendance, which included: Kristi Bomar, Kelly Brenner, Ali Govier,
Patti Hadden, Barbara Hollender, Kat Ogg, Dina Rubio, Lisa Shapiro. Not in attendance:
Missy Agnello, Diane Berman, Susy Burrowes, Leslie Byck, Patty Cooke, Margaret Donnelley
, Eleanor Jones, Cynthia Mascia, Anita Mitchell, Mary Lewis Moews, Adreana Moss, Joan
O’Connell, Toni O’Brien Amy Quattlebaum, Eve Sauer, Donna Scully, Valerie Seifert and
George Swan, Jr.

The luncheon starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During
lunch there will be a small live auction by Neil Saffer while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz
Quirantes once again graciously serves as the celebrity emcee. This event is “In Memory” of
Lou Ann Wilson-Swan, the founder and previous Chair of the luncheon.

The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides shelter and loving care to children
who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes, and also
provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their
parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.

Tickets are $200 per person or tables can be purchased for $1,800 each. To receive an
invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, place an ad in the event program, or
sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail at
roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org .

Think Pink at PGA Commons for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

0

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (September 21, 2021) – The power of pink is real this October at PGA Commons. The whole plaza is feeling philanthropic, as several retailers and restaurants have joined together to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. You can support Susan G. Komen Florida by getting a mani/pedi, sipping on spirits, or finding someone special.

Sock it to breast cancer with luxe pink socks from the Tux Shop’s private label. All month long, the men’s clothing retailer is donating 100% of the proceeds from the sales of its fancy footwear to Susan G. Komen Florida. The gift will help Komen in its efforts to ensure access to screening and diagnostic services for women (and men) in our community.

Treat yourself at Blowtox and support breast cancer treatment for community members in need. Throughout the month, the blow-dry bar and full-service salon is donating 10% of all retail product sales. Your hair will thank you – and so will those who are provided assistance for treatment.

Never underestimate the power of pink nail polish! Pick pink this October at Polished Nail Spa and help provide access to breast cancer screening in our community. The nail spa is donating $2 from every pink manicure or pedicure. Making a difference is this season’s top nail trend.

Find your sweetheart and share the love during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Revolution Dating will donate $50 for every new client who joins the matchmaking service during the month of October. Singles ages 20 to 80 can make a connection with someone special, and also help to connect breast cancer patients with needed care. Each new member at Revolution Dating gets a bio to highlight their personal attributes, a photo shoot, and introductions to fellow singles for a one-year period. Call (561) 630-XOXO (9696) to find love now.

You can also sip pink at PGA Commons throughout October. Kabuki Sushi Thai Tapas, Prosecco Café, and Spoto’s Oyster Bar are donating $2 from the sale of each specialty pink cocktail. Cheers to charity – and to finding a cure!

About PGA Commons

PGA Commons features an exciting collection of upscale boutiques, fine art galleries, top-tier restaurants, and a wide variety of specialty stores and services. For more information about PGA Commons, call (561) 630-8630 or visit pgacommons.com.

Swank Farmer’s Market and Swank Table Schedule

0

SWANK SPECIALTY PRODUCE ANNOUNCES 2021/2002 FARMER’S MARKET, SWANK TABLE SCHEDULE AND FARMHOUSE COOKING SHOWS

Celebrating Florida’s diverse agriculture out in the beautiful Loxahatchee countryside, Swank Specialty Produce is kicking off their abundant Farmers Market on Saturday, October 2nd. The market will take place every Saturday through June from 10am-1pm featuring farm-fresh lettuces, vegetables, herbs and wildflower bouquets from Swank Farm, along with live music from Mitch Herrick and fantastic goods from 25 local vendors. Guests can shop outdoors under Swank Farm’s 8500-sq ft open-air pole barn rain or shine and enjoy free and convenient parking. 

Stop by to stock up for the week, nibble on a breakfast sandwich from Uprooted Catering or  BBQ from Tropical Smokehouse, or savor a cup of coffee and a pastry. Kids will love saying hi to the Swank’s pigs and sheep.

Swank Farms has also revealed the schedule for their Swank Table series featuring twelve events kicking off December 12th with a Gauchos Asados Argentine BBQ. There are several new events this year including a Tribute to Anthony Bourdain, a Venetian mascarade, a C.B.D. dinner and celebrations of Caribbean culture and street food.  

Each Swank Table event unites the area’s top chefs, mixologists and brewers for an unforgettable multi-course plated dinner benefiting a local charity. After enjoying a welcome bite and cocktails from Sweetwater, guests are invited to participate in a tour of the hydroponic grow houses led by Darrin Swank, or simply wander around the fields to see a true farm in action before taking their seats in the expansive custom-designed pole barn. 

Live music from South Florida’s favorite musicians fills the space during a memorable evening where guests leave feeling like family. The all-inclusive, all-local dinners incorporate products from partner farms and purveyors, craft brews, wine pairings, cocktails, and of course, plenty of delicious just-picked Swank Farm vegetables and herbs. Returning this year is talented chef Emerson Frisbie (Clandestine Culinary, Palm Beach Meats) as Chef Liaison on the farm. He’ll also be hosting their famed family-friendly Easter and Mother’s Day brunches.

For guests seeking a more intimate experience, the Swanks open their home for a series of Swank Cooking Shows featuring  fun and flavorful cooking demonstration by Chef Dean James Max followed by a three-course meal. The dinners are BYOB and they’re limited to 24 guests so they do sell out quickly. 

Tickets for all of the events are on sale now. 

Swank Speciality Produce 

Swank Table 2021/22 Season 

December 12 – Gauchos Asados Argentine BBQ 

January 9 – An Evening in a Japanese Pub

January 16 – A Tribute to Anthony Bourdain 

January 30 – 70’s Throwback 

February 6 – Street Food

February 20 – Venetian Ball Mascarade

March 13 – C.B.D. Dinner: Culinary Botanical Dreams

March 27 – Woodford Bourbon and BBQ

April 3 – White Party 

April 17 – Easter Brunch 

April 24 – Food Cultures of the Caribbean 

May 8 – Mother’s Day Brunch

Where: 

Swank Specialty Produce

14311 North Road, Loxahatchee, FL 33470

www.swankspecialtyproduce.com

@swankspecialityproduce  (#swanktable #swankspecialtyproduce) / Facebook

Swank Specialty Produce: Founded by Jodi and Darrin Swank, Swank Specialty Produce is a hydroponic farm that has become regionally famous for their 350 varieties of impeccable pesticide-free vegetables, edible flowers and micro-greens. The 20-acre farm also features an expansive pole barn and stage where they host a free weekly farmers market with 25 local vendors, as well as all-inclusive ticketed dining experiences showcasing chefs from around the country. The farm is also available for private events and weddings.