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St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s move to downtown Fort Pierce arts & cultural center

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St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s move to downtown Fort Pierce arts & cultural center

St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s move to downtown Fort Pierce arts & cultural center
 lays foundation to serve artists, art lovers, businesses, residents and visitors

by Laura Louise Tingo, Photos by Dieulanie Claude

The St. Lucie Cultural Alliance is pleased to announce the move to its new home, nestled in exquisite gallery space in Downtown Fort Pierce’s cultural center, at 111 Orange Avenue, in Fort Pierce. Perched on the 3rd floor of the vintage, architectural icon, the beautiful gallery enables the Alliance to showcase each member of its steadily growing family with events, exhibitions, classes, and more! This year alone, membership has surpassed 100-plus members.  The new location will enable the Alliance to expand its offerings by presenting quarterly-juried exhibitions, offering classes in various creative disciplines, and facilitating professional development workshops and seminars. In addition, the Alliance will begin to support the cultural community through a grant program starting this Spring.

“Being a part of the vibrant Fort Pierce Downtown is essential for the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance’s efforts to promote and grow the blossoming creative community in the City of Fort Pierce and greater St. Lucie County area.,” said Alyona Ushe, executive director of the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance. “The new location will serve artists, art lovers, businesses, residents, and visitors.”

Partnerships in place to generate support for the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance include the city’s Downtown Business Alliance. Both dedicated champions for its monthly art walk to support local galleries and infuse more arts with visual and performing artists lining the streets in front of participating businesses – this partnership is poised to grow and strengthen the artist community and ramp up widespread excitement for this anticipated, beloved event.

Another powerful initiative that the Alliance recently implemented is “Arts Made in St. Lucie.” It’s first partner is the Chamber of Commerce aligning to sell unique local treasures created by members of the Alliance in its House of Seven Gables.  “We are committed to showcasing the incredible talent to our visitors and residents alike,” said Ushe. “Providing additional venues for our artists’ work to be purchased is one of our main priorities.”  

In a short time since moving to the 111 Orange Building in December 2020, the Alliance has already forged relationships with local businesses. It is proud to be a part of the Event Committee, spearheaded by Beryl Muise of Notions & Portions, and is working with city staff to develop and expand events throughout the downtown area, and beyond as a vibrant tourism draw.

The Alliance plans to hold monthly marketing meetings to offer members a place to gather and share information about upcoming events and support one another with effective cross-promotional initiatives. A calendar of events is featured on the Alliance’s website and promotes its artist members and partners on all available social media channels. In addition, this spring, the Alliance will launch its first magazine in collaboration with Martin Arts Magazine and distribute it throughout the Treasure Coast. Feature articles and human stories, events, and cultural programs will fill the pages of this brand-new, exciting publication. A listing of contributing artists working or residing in the County will be listed. Special just for members – is the exclusive opportunity to have their contact information listed in a special section!

 The Alliance invites artists to join at a special offering of 25% off to its members to advertise in the new magazine – a treasure cost-wide publication of 8000 copies and mailed to affluent art lovers and connoisseurs.                             

Some additional benefits of Membership with the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance include:

·  Listing in the Cultural Alliance online membership directory and website

·  Individual page on the Cultural Alliance website and a direct link to the organization’s website

·  Marketing support via e-blasts and social media

·  Complimentary admission to Cultural Alliance networking events

·  Discounted admission to quarterly professional development seminars

·  Digital marketplace selling organization’s products online

·  Consideration to participate in Creative Passport

·  Access to grants search engine

·  Grants application review

·  Press release review and distribution support

·  Consideration for Board match program

·  Consideration for special project assistance

·  Creative Passports featuring discounts to St. Lucie County creative establishments for full-time employees

To learn more about the St. Lucie Cultural Alliance and the benefits of membership, please visit ArtStLucie.org, email: [email protected] or call 772-462-2783

Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge

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Anne Caroline Valtin, Executive Director of the Great Charity Challenge

A few words from Anne Caroline Valtin about the Great Charity Challenge, which was held on February 6th at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL. This was the 12th annual event and over a million dollars were distributed to non-profit organizations.

Clematis by Light

Maria Landron
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Clematis by Light

The City of West Palm Beach is launching new programming at the newly renovated Centennial Fountain. The new “Clematis by Light” series starts with the “Love Our CommUNITY” show on Thursday, February 11, 2021. The nighttime attraction runs from 6 – 10 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday, plus Presidents Day, through March 11. The show will include a waterworks spectacle set to synchronized light and music shows. In addition to the love-themed music and brightly colored water bursts, interactive multi-colored lights on nearby palm trees will be included in the synchronized show. The Centennial Square Fountain is located at the east end of Clematis Street, just west of Flagler Drive (150 North Clematis street). Parking is available in City of West Palm Beach garages. Banyan and Evernia garages are the closest to the Centennial Fountain.

Our Love Story

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Our Love Story

The Sweethearts Tell Their True Love Story (Over a Piece of Cake)

The love endures…the cake does not!

Restaurant and dessert reviewers Frannie and Dani tell about how they first met. #Sweethearts

The Science Center is the place to enjoy the nice weather with safe, fun activities!

Jennifer Brooks
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The Science Center is the place to enjoy the nice weather with safe, fun activities!

When the rest of the country is gripped with polar vortexes and frozen winter wonderlands, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is the place to be this winter to enjoy the beautiful weather and a docket full of socially-distant, outdoor family-friendly activities. Visitors are lucky to be able to explore the Fisher Family Science Trail, Conservation Course, Discovery Playground, programming at the Cox Amphitheater and many more of the Science Center’s outdoor offerings during these beautiful days in Palm Beach County.

“We are following strict COVID-19 protocols as guests’ safety is our first priority,” said Kate Arrizza, president and CEO of the Science Center. “We have been diligent in our precautions since re-opening in early summer and have prided ourselves on being a place of learning and safe fun. Our unique outdoor offerings set us apart, and we encourage parents to make sure their child never stops learning. We are a valuable resource for education and fun.”

The Science Center is also one of the first to obtain a Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accreditation, the gold standard for prepared facilities. Under the guidance of GBAC, a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, the Center now implements the most stringent protocols for cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention throughout the facility.

Visitors can enjoy the beautiful weather by playing a round of mini golf on the Conservation Course, named one of the Travel Channel’s top 13 mini golf courses in the country. Nearby, the Fisher Family Science Trail boasts a five-acre, quarter-mile trail connecting 15 exhibits including a PNC Physics Forest, FPL SolarScape, the Cox Amphitheater, shark tooth dig pit, gem panning station, Under the Sea Splash Pad and dinosaur walk.

On the second Friday of each month, guests can sing and dance along to a dazzling laser light show with plenty of room to social distance on the science trail during Laser Lights & Bites. Offering something for all ages, guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets to set up on the Cox Amphitheater lawn and purchase food from the food truck scheduled to be on-site. The next event is February 12th from 6-9pm and will feature music from The Beatles. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children, $10 for adult members, $8 for children members and free for children under 3. Twilight Mini Golf on the Conservation Course will be available as well.

Stroller Daze, happening February 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a fun-filled day for little ones, ages 5-years and under, and their guardians. Age-appropriate science crafts, outdoor live science shows, free planetarium shows, Discovery Center and playground exploration, giveaways and more are all on the schedule with 50% off general admission for adults and free for members and children under age 5.

Indoor exhibit halls are also open, including the Science Center’s current blockbuster exhibit, Real Bodies: The Exhibition, which showcases real preserved human bodies. Presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the exhibit is appropriate for all ages and goes beyond skin deep to reveal the mysteries of human anatomy and explores the body through history, culture and emotion. Visitors dig deeper into what it means to be alive. Real Bodies: The Exhibition runs through April 11, 2021.
Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for members and kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.

The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. The Center was awarded a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for the 7th consecutive year, which comes from the nation’s largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities and is awarded for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

For more information, please call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.

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STROLLER DAZE
WHEN: February 23 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHAT: Age-appropriate science crafts, planetarium shows, Discovery Center and playground exploration, giveaways and more are all on the schedule with 50% off general admission for adults and free for members and children under five. Other activities include a free planetarium show and live science demonstrations.
HOW MUCH: 50% off general admission for adults, free for members and children under five

LASER LIGHTS & BITES
WHEN: Second Friday of each month – next event is February 12 from 6-9 p.m. and features music from The Beatles.
WHAT: Sing and dance along to favorite songs with plenty of room to socially distance during the outdoor Laser Concert Spectacular. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets to set up on the Cox Amphitheater lawn and can purchase food from the food truck scheduled to be on-site.
HOW MUCH: Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children, $10 for adult members, $8 for children members and free for children under 3.

REAL BODIES: THE EXHIBITION
WHEN: On display until April 11, 2021
WHAT: This exhibit showcases 20 real, preserved human bodies, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presented by the Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, the exhibit is appropriate for all ages and goes beyond skin deep to reveal the mysteries of human anatomy and explores the body through physiology, culture and emotion.
HOW MUCH: Included with general admission

February, 2021 – AW in Pics

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February, 2021 – AW in Pics

AW in Pictures

From the 2021 Great Charity Challenge, which took place on Feb. 6th at PB International Equestrian Center. Photo by Lois Spatz.
Be my Valentine? By Rollin McGrail.
Ylvisaker Cup by Alan Fabricant.
Celebrating Black History Month through travel. See related story in “Travel with Terri” this month (02/2021). By Terri Marshall.

Wellington Garden Club (WGC) members at work to keep Wellington beautiful. Four times a year, under the guidance of Jim Thompson and Kay Brown, members of WGC participate in Wellington’s Adopt-a-Street program by picking up litter along Greenbriar Blvd. between Aero Club Drive and Wellington Trace. All equipment is provided by the Village of Wellington and includes an Adopt-a-Street sign, reflective vests, trash bags, gloves, and long-handled grabbers to pick up the litter. Shown left to right are Kathy Siena, Maria Wolfe, Jim Thompson, Kay Brown, Jan Seagrave, and Twig Morris.

Anti-Semitism Today

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Anti-Semitism Today

Temple Beth Tikvah, Greenacres invites the community to a crucial virtual program “Antisemitism Today” on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:00pm. The program will be presented by Josephine Gon, Vice President of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. Antisemitism is a threat to all of us. Questions, call the Temple office at 561-967-3600. To register for the virtual  “Antisemitism Today” program, please visit: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUpcOmqrDwqGdAAuAoMDaLSMU5LTeAqmyT_

The ODP Corporation Launches Nonprofit Initiative

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The ODP Corporation Launches Nonprofit Initiative

The ODP Corporation Launches Nonprofit Initiative to Help Accelerate the Creation, Growth and Prosperity of Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Elevate Together™ powered by Round It Up America® will connect Black and Hispanic small business owners with education, access and aid in collaboration with the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Boca Raton, Fla., February 4, 2021 – The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP), a leading provider of business services, products and digital workplace technology solutions through an integrated B2B distribution platform, today announced the launch of Elevate Together™ powered by Round It Up America®, a new nonprofit initiative designed to help accelerate the creation, growth and prosperity of Black and Hispanic-owned small businesses. 

In collaboration with the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers and the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), Elevate Together™ will help to deliver impactful, measurable and scalable support services that foster business creation and growth opportunities for Black and Hispanic small businesses with five or less employees. As part of this initiative, eligible small business owners will gain access to educational workshops, training and mentorship services, professional networks and more. Businesses may also be eligible to receive aid in the form of cash grants, products and services.

“We strongly believe that in a society where the playing field is level, Black and Hispanic small businesses will play a vital role in restoring the health of our economy and in driving long-term wealth creation across North America,” said Gerry Smith, chief executive officer for The ODP Corporation. “With support from our associates, customers, community partners and other like-minded corporations, we hope to continue to foster new opportunities for minority-owned small businesses, to help them prosper and get the resources they need to better compete in today’s marketplace.”

In keeping with its longstanding history of serving local community businesses and as the founding partner of Elevate Together™, The ODP Corporation is proud to pledge an initial investment of $250,000, which will help to launch the initiative in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and South Florida.

“Small businesses are key to job creation, and through the work of the National Urban League’s Entrepreneurship Centers Program, current and prospective entrepreneurs in underserved communities across the country are being empowered to establish new ventures every day,” said Marc H. Morial, president and chief executive officer for the National Urban League. “This partnership with Elevate Together™ powered by Round It Up America® will help us provide additional services that will impact and improve the lives of many Black business owners for years to come.”

According to a recent survey from the National Association for Business Economics, 73% of surveyed forecasters believe that the economy will not return to its pre-pandemic level until the second half of 2021. To help strengthen local communities and foster job creation during this challenging time, it is now more important than ever to provide minority-owned small businesses with access to essential business resources and direct financial investments.

“At the USHCC, we are proud to advocate for Hispanic-owned businesses to foster economic development and build sustainable prosperity for our American economy,” said Ramiro A. Cavazos, president and chief executive officer for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “We’re excited to help launch this new initiative, championed by The ODP Corporation, and look forward to expanding our services and reach to support America’s diverse small business owners through our network of chambers during this time of economic recovery.”

Individuals interested in helping to elevate minority-owned businesses through this initiative can make a donation to Elevate Together™ at their nearest Office Depot or OfficeMax store and at checkout on officedepot.com.

For more information about Elevate Together™ powered by Round It Up America®, including how to participate as a minority-owned small business or get involved as a corporate donor, visit ElevateTogether.org.

About The ODP Corporation

The ODP Corporation (NASDAQ:ODP) is a leading provider of business services and supplies, products and digital workplace technology solutions to small, medium and enterprise businesses, through an integrated business-to-business (B2B) distribution platform, which includes world-class supply chain and distribution operations, dedicated sales professionals and technicians, online presence, and approximately 1,200 stores. Through its banner brands Office Depot®, OfficeMax®, CompuCom® and Grand&Toy®, as well as others, the company offers its customers the tools and resources they need to focus on their passion of starting, growing and running their business. For more information, visit news.theodpcorp.com and investor.theodpcorp.com.

The ODP Corporation and Office Depot are trademarks of The Office Club, Inc. OfficeMax is a trademark of OMX, Inc. CompuCom is a trademark of CompuCom Systems, Inc. Grand&Toy is a trademark of Grand & Toy, LLC in Canada. ©2021 Office Depot, LLC. All rights reserved. Any other product or company names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Happy February 2021

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Happy February 2021

Happy February & Happy Valentine’s Day!

Dear Reader,

Thanks for checking in with AroundWellington.com this month!  We celebrate 15 years in business this month too.  Due to COVID-19, we couldn’t have a party to celebrate, but we did have a Zoom happy hour (see photo below. L to R: Dianne Park (Writer), Krista Martinelli (Founder/Editor), Melanie Lewis (Mommy Moments Writer), Denise Marsh (Cultural Corner Writer), Bryan Hayes (Living Green Writer) and Terri Marshal (Travel with Terri Writer). 

It’s Black History Month, and our travel writer Terri Marshall takes us to a few key destinations to visit in celebrating Black History.  See “Travel with Terri.”

Meanwhile, writer Denise Marsh interviews photographer Danielle Judd and pays a visit to her fun, busy studio.  See “Cultural Corner” this month.

A candid and personal view of the Coronavirus comes to us this month from writer Julie Khanna.  Yes, she made it through a dark period of time.  Read “My Dance with the Devil” in “Ask the Docs.”

Where in the world is Mike May this month?  In “On the Move with Mike,” he takes us to Huey’s on the River in Savannah, Georgia for some beignets and other treats. 

It’s a big weekend with the Great Charity Challenge happening last night (2/6/21) and Superbowl Sunday happening today.  By the way, I’ll have a story about the GCC for you next month and some great photos from Lois Spatz.  Congratulations to the YWCA who took home the grand prize of $100,000.

Thanks to all of you who send us your events.  Just a reminder, you can also submit events using this link on our site “Submit Content to AW!”

We are looking for an advertising salesperson for our online publication.  This is a part-time position and offers a completely flexible schedule.  If this sounds like a good fit for you, send your resume to me at: [email protected] with the Subject Line “Advertising Salesperson.” 

Thank you, Happy February, Happy Valentine’s Day and have a wonderful month! 

Best Regards,

Krista Martinelli

Owner/Editor

AroundWellington.com

Celebrating 15 Years!

Palm Beach County Food Bank Receives $500,000 to Double Distribution Capacity in New Warehouse, Complete Capital Campaign

Jennifer Brooks
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Palm Beach County Food Bank Receives $500,000 to Double Distribution Capacity in New Warehouse, Complete Capital Campaign

(LANTANA, Fla.) The Palm Beach County Food Bank will be moving to a new, fully funded facility in March, with the help of a $500,000 donation from part-time Palm Beach residents Stephen and Christine Schwarzman. The gift closed out the organization’s $3 million “Grow with Us” capital campaign, which supports the Palm Beach County nonprofit’s move into the new warehouse and distribution facility, doubling its capacity to serve the community.

Under the leadership of co-chairs Debbie Pucillo and Rev. Dr. Cecily Titcomb, the “Grow with Us” campaign was launched quietly in Spring 2019. Private donations, grantmaking organizations and others came together to reach the target, and the Schwarzmans’ $500,000 – the largest single donation –allowed the organization to reach its goal.

“We are exceedingly grateful for the Schwarzmans’ generosity,” said Jim Greco, interim CEO of the Palm Beach County Food Bank. “Their gift underscores the importance of donations from private individuals and organizations. This new warehouse space doubles our capacity for distribution and will make it possible to meet our county’s increased need for food distribution due to the pandemic and into the future. Last year, we were offered resources for distribution which we couldn’t accept because we were limited by our existing infrastructure. This new warehouse space ensures we will be able to feed many more of our hungry neighbors.”

“Christine and I are honored to support the Palm Beach County Food Bank and help ensure that this transformational new facility is fully operational as soon as possible. The COVID crisis has put a greater spotlight on the issue of food insecurity across the country and I’m pleased that this gift will help Jim and his team double their capacity to support local families in need,” said Stephen Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone.

Stephen and Christine Schwarzman

The Palm Beach County Food Bank traces its origins to a one-truck operation. Nine years ago, thanks to the support of key funders and the County, the Food Bank moved to its current three-building facility in Lantana. Located at 701 Boutwell Road in Lake Worth, the new facility totals 28,000 square-feet in a single building with 30-foot-high ceilings, allowing more room to stack pallets and thus a more efficient use of space.

“In order to bring strength of scale and efficiency to serve our partners, and to provide access to the nutritious food our county needs, a larger space for our work was critical,” continued Greco. “We needed loading docks, a modern, state-of-the-art freezer/cooler, designated space for both incoming and outgoing food, easily accessible pick up for our partner agencies and a more efficient facility for employee and product safety. Steve and Christine’s gift allows us to move into our new building fully funded. We can seamlessly continue our very necessary work.”

Historically, the Palm Beach County Food Bank provided access to nutritious food for more than 180,000 hungry Palm Beach County residents every month. Since COVID-19 disrupted the county’s economy, the demand for the Food Bank’s services has tripled. While pre-COVID 19 distributions averaged close to 5 million pounds per year, the current facility is now distributing close to 1.5 million pounds of food per month. Greco says the new location offers the nonprofit the ability to meet the increased demand from Palm Beach County neighbors who find themselves needing access to food for their families.

“It is hard to appreciate that one in six people living in the county do not know where they will get their next meal,” Greco said. “The pandemic has exposed just how easy it is for people to become food insecure. Food is such a basic human need and often children are the most impacted. Imagine being just six-years-old and not knowing where your next meal will come from when you leave school on a Friday. Gifts like this restore dignity to families who never expected they would need the help of a food bank.”

The Palm Beach County Food Bank procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers and other sources and provides it to almost 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and residential housing programs. Palm Beach County Food Bank programs reach families, school children and seniors, and connect those in need to available benefits and resources. Partner agencies are never charged a fee for any of the products received, including culturally appropriate food and necessities like paper towels and diapers. This process ensures families have access to food when they need it and not just when there is a scheduled distribution with long lines. For more information, visit pbcfoodbank.org or call Ellen Vaughan, Director of Development and Philanthropy at 561-670-2518.

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