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USHER 2025 IN AT JUPITER’S SEXIEST DINING ENCLAVE, BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN

madison mangoni
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USHER 2025 IN AT JUPITER’S SEXIEST DINING ENCLAVE, BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN

Jupiter, FL — Ever notice how perfectly New Year’s Eve and bucket lists go together? If bidding the year hello or goodbye in an exotic locale like Hong Kong or Singapore is on your wish list but not in your budget, commemorate the year’s most auspicious occasion at Blackbird Modern Asian instead. 

On December 31, the glamorous Jupiter hotspot will treat guests to an evening of razzle-dazzle with free-flowing champagne, party swag for festive merrymaking, and a live DJ spinning into the wee hours. 

Executive chef Tim Nickey (of China Grill and Komodo fame) will serve an à la carte menu from 4 to 6 p.m. then a four-course prix fixe menu ($150 per person plus tax and gratuity; includes one complimentary glass of champagne) featuring Pan-Asian masterpieces until close. 

Menu stand-outs include lobster pancakes; Mongolian brisket buns with green apple, pickled Fresno chilies, and hoisin sauce; miso black cod in sizzling soy vinaigrette with baby bok choy; chow fun with shiitake, wide Cantonese rice noodles, mushroom soy sauce, garlic chive, and truffle; Szechuan New York strip steak with crispy onion and lobster mashed potato; and wagyu beef short rib with potato-leek puree, crispy enoki mushroom, and honey-soy glaze. Japanese 7 Spice Maine Lobster (MP) with yuzu miso brown butter sauce will be served as an à la carte option. An à la carte menu will be available at the upstairs and main bars, but it does not include a complimentary glass of champagne.

Few do wow-worthy desserts better than Blackbird’s award-winning executive pastry chef and Guy’s Grocery Games winner, Denise Elrod. Tuck into the chocolate NYE ball drop—a dark chocolate sphere infused with milk chocolate mousse and sesame marshmallow foam and plated with raspberry and blueberry agar sauce and a tuile with “2025” lettered in black cocoa—or indulge in a miso apple cream puff. Crafted from warm miso apple compote and ginger ice cream layered in a cinnamon wonton crunch and topped with vanilla whipped ganache and miso caramel, this head-turning dessert arrives in a ring of fire then doused tableside.

DJ Karina will spin from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and guests around for the midnight countdown will be treated to a sparkler display around the restaurant’s 12-foot-tall golden Buddha. 

Reservations for all party sizes will be accepted and are highly recommended. Walk-ins are on a first-come, first-served basis only. Seating commences at 4 p.m. 

ABOUT BLACKBIRD MODERN ASIAN

Blackbird Modern Asian is located near the A1A/U.S.1 junction in Jupiter, Florida. Designed by Kat Solomon of Kat Solomon Interiors, the glamorous, two-story, 5,500-square-foot restaurant hosts 150 seats and banquets, three dining venues, and two vibe-led cocktail bars, including an alfresco setting on the second floor featuring expansive, southeasterly vistas of the Jupiter Lighthouse. Coupled with executive chef and partner Tim Nickey’s innovative interpretation of Pan-Asian fare, the menu is anchored by dim sum favorites and Chinatown-style staples remastered with bold and luscious flavors.

Partners Scott Frielich of Subculture Group, Angelo Abbenante of Lynora’s, Cleve Mash of Clematis Social, and executive chef Tim Nickey opened Blackbird in October 2022. The Far East-inspired venue is the third property opened by the four-man hospitality group, which includes two PapiChulo Tacos locations in Jupiter and Royal Palm Beach. 

Blackbird also hosts a daily happy hour menu with half-priced cocktails, wine, and beer on Monday from 4 p.m. until close and Tuesday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Blackbird is located at 1511 N. Old Dixie Highway, Jupiter, FL 33469. For more information or reservations, visit blackbirdmodernasian.com or call 561-589-7505, or email info@blackbirdmodernasian.com. Follow on social media at @blackbirdjupiter.

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is Offering Two Special Yuletide Events This Month

madison mangoni
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Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is Offering Two Special Yuletide Events This Month

+ Tiny Trees, Big Cheer: Succulent Edition – Dec 8

+ Handcrafted Gifts: Create a Frog House & Floral Frogs – Dec 21

Plus: RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II – All Month Long

(West Palm Beach, FL – December 3, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be offering two special Yuletide events in December:

December 8

Tiny Trees, Big Cheer: Succulent Edition

with Michael Spencer

Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

$45 for members; $55 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults; classes are nonrefundable. 

Join us for a delightful hands-on workshop where you’ll create your miniature holiday tree entirely out of succulents. In this festive class, participants will learn the art of arranging colorful, drought-tolerant succulents into charming tabletop trees—perfect as centerpieces or gifts. Led by our succulent expert, Michael Spencer, this beginner-friendly workshop will cover everything from succulent care to design tips for making your tiny tree beautiful and long-lasting. All materials will be provided, including vibrant succulent cuttings, decorative moss, and festive accents to personalize your creation. You’ll leave with your own “living” holiday tree that brings cheer well beyond the season. Whether you’re a plant lover or just looking to get into the holiday spirit, this is the perfect way to celebrate sustainably.

Note: Refreshments and holiday music are included.

For details, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-12/mounts.org

December 21

Handcrafted Gifts:

Create a Frog House and Floral Frogs for Arrangements

with Marilyn Walter & April Krebs

Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

$30 Members; $40 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 teens and adults; classes are nonrefundable. 

Unleash your creativity this holiday season in our Gift-Making Workshop,where you’ll craft two unique, nature-inspired gifts: a charming frog house and functional flower frogs for floral arrangements. In this fun and engaging class, you’ll learn how to make a cozy, decorative home for garden frogs, providing them with a safe habitat while adding a whimsical touch to your yard. Alternatively, explore the art of creating a flower frog—an essential tool for floral design that helps secure stems in beautiful arrangements. With guidance from experienced artisans, you’ll use natural materials and sustainable methods to create functional and beautiful pieces. Perfect for personal use or as a one-of-a-kind handmade gift, these projects will delight gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and floral designers alike. All materials will be provided, and no prior experience is necessary. Join us for a morning of crafting, connecting with nature, and leaving with a handmade gift you’ll be proud to share—or keep for yourself.
Note: Limited space available—reserve your spot today.

To register, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-12/mounts.org

December is also the perfect time to celebrate the current major exhibition at Mounts:

Ribbit The Exhibit II

Back by popular demand is this collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures on throughout the Garden, offering a playful and imaginative exploration of amphibians. These fun and quirky sculptures also create opportunities for engaging programming about real frogs and their essential role in our environment. Each piece is handcrafted and colored with natural patina by artist Andy Cobb, and almost all the super-sized sculptures are new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020.”

Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.

Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects

Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide

Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org]. 

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

Holiday Offerings at Local Restaurants

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Holiday Offerings at Local Restaurants

CHRISTMAS EVE

Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar 

WHAT: Celebrate the magic of Christmas Eve with an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience at Amar Kitchen & Bar in Downtown Delray Beach. Guests can indulge in Amar’s beloved a la carte menu, featuring exquisite Lebanese-inspired mezze, grilled meats, fresh fish and homemade desserts. Pair your meal with selections from the eclectic wine list, including outstanding Lebanese wines, or enjoy a handcrafted cocktail from Amar’s full bar, showcasing innovative drinks that highlight the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

WHEN:
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
4:00 PM – 9::00 PM

WHERE:
Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
25 SE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
amardelray.com

(561) 865-5653

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Driftwood in Boynton Beach 

WHAT:  Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Driftwood, a Boynton Beach gem known for its creative, Florida-inspired cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. This special evening features a thoughtfully curated five-course menu highlighting the best of local and seasonal flavors:

  • Grilled Treasure Coast Oysters with Champagne and caviar butter
  • Roasted Winter Squash with hazelnut brown butter and caramelized yogurt
  • Seared Local Fish with Carolina gold rice, black-eyed pea hoppin’ john, and house-smoked pork jowl
  • Jerked Quincey Cattle Oxtail Pappardelle with hand-cut pasta, pecorino, local curry leaf, and lime
  • Warm Cornbread Shortcake with local lychee sorbet, strawberries, and chantilly

PRICING:
$95 per person ($45 for optional wine pairing)
$45 for children under 12

WHERE:
Driftwood
2005 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Driftwood Website
(561) 733-4782

Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar

WHAT: Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar invites you to ring in the New Year with a festive celebration featuring Mediterranean cuisine and live entertainment. The evening offers two seating options: the first seating from 5-7pm, perfect for an earlier celebration. The second seating begins at 8:30pm with belly dancer performances, a live DJ, party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight.

PRICING:

First seating 5-7pm – $75 per guest ($45 kids under 12)

Second seating starting 8:30pm – $175 per guest ($90 kids under 12) 

WHERE:
Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar
25 SE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483
amardelray.com

(561) 865-5653

TREAT YOURSELF AT HOME THIS  HOLIDAY SEASON 

Palm Beach Meats

WHAT: This holiday season, enjoy the luxury of an exceptional dining experience without leaving the comfort of your home. Palm Beach Meats, West Palm Beach’s premier butcher shop and specialty food purveyor, offers an unparalleled selection of gourmet items to elevate your celebrations. Choose from Creekstone Prime and Australian Wagyu standing rib roasts, premium Wagyu cuts, Ossetra caviar, artisanal cheeses curated by a Femme du Fromage, champagne, wine and more. With their team of expert butchers ready to assist, selecting the perfect meats and accompaniments has never been easier. Whether planning an intimate dinner or a festive feast, Palm Beach Meats ensures your holiday meals are extraordinary.

WHEN: 

Open daily 

WHERE:
Palm Beach Meats

4812 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 | 561-623-7471 

@palmbeachmeats

Palmbeachmeats.com

PHILANTHROPY TANK PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH TO DISTRIBUTE YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND GRANTS

madison mangoni
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PHILANTHROPY TANK PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH TO DISTRIBUTE YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND GRANTS

Our youth will play a large role in solving our climate issues.

West Palm Beach, FL (December 2, 2024) Philanthropy Tank (PT), a non-profit organization committed to empowering young CHANGEmakers, is proud to partner with the City of West Palm Beach on their Youth Climate Action Fund grant program. In an ongoing effort to serve the community, Philanthropy Tank assisted in distributing the grants to the students.

Mayor Keith James recently announced the winners of the Youth Climate Action Fund, a program initiated by Bloomberg Philanthropies at the Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Innovation Studio at COP28. The initiative empowers local youth (ages 15-24) to create innovative climate solutions. The City of West Palm Beach worked cooperatively with both the Community Foundation and Philanthropy Tank to deliver funds to youth-led initiatives. Winning projects receive microgrants ($1,000-$5,000) and mentorship from local experts. Learn more at www.wpb.org/green.

“We are proud to partner with the City of West Palm Beach to identify and foster youth leaders,” said Amy Brand, Philanthropy Tank CEO. “Our youth are going to play a large role in solving our climate issues.”

 About Philanthropy Tank:

Founded in 2015, the nonprofit Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers, and equips student “CHANGEmakers” to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities. Philanthropist Investors fund student initiatives, investing in their own community projects. Through one-to-one mentoring, philanthropist investors fuel students’ desire, helping them execute initiatives while increasing their ability to make meaningful change. For more information visit www.philanthropytank.org.

Preserving Generational Wealth: Virtual Training Series Tackles Heirs’ Property Issues in Palm Beach County

madison mangoni
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Preserving Generational Wealth: Virtual Training Series Tackles Heirs’ Property Issues in Palm Beach County

Riviera Beach, FL – Families across Palm Beach County face significant challenges due to heirs’ property issues, a legal hurdle that often results in clouded titles. These complications can prevent families from accessing vital financial tools such as loans, grants, and property tax exemptions, jeopardizing their ability to preserve generational wealth and maintain community stability.  

In response, Community Partners of South Florida, in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc. and sponsored by JPMorgan Chase, has launched a five-week virtual training series to empower residents to protect their properties and secure their legacies.  

The training covers critical topics such as estate planning, preparation of wills and trusts, probate issues, and strategies to clear title ownership. The program emphasizes the importance of safeguarding generational wealth and keeping it within families. The first session took place on November 12th, but it’s not too late to join the initiative.  

“Our goal is to provide residents with the tools they need to protect their most valuable investment—their homes,” said Lynda Charles, Vice-President of Housing for Community Partners of South Florida. “This is life planning, and everyone who owns a house should attend to learn how to preserve their assets.”  

The program pairs legal expertise with community outreach. Community Partners of South Florida will conduct outreach and education to raise awareness about heirs’ property issues and work directly with 10 Palm Beach County residents in need of legal assistance while Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County attorneys Tequisha Miles and Blake Hanley will deliver comprehensive legal assistance for estate planning, probate, and clearing titles. Hanley also leads the training sessions, equipping participants with practical knowledge to address their property challenges.  

“With the recent surge in property values and demand for land in Palm Beach County, heirs’ property work is more important than ever,” said Hanley. “Many families, some who have lived in their homes for generations, can’t access crucial benefits like homestead property tax exemptions without clear title ownership. Our mission is about justice, protecting generational wealth, and strengthening communities.”  

The issue disproportionately affects African-American households, particularly in low-income communities across the southeastern United States, according to the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws.  

Residents who qualify are encouraged to participate in this transformative program. 

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Tera Rose at 561-841-3500 or trose@cpsfl.org.  

About Community Partners of South Florida

Serving Palm Beach County’s children and families for almost four decades, Community Partners of South Florida is the local trusted leader in comprehensive community development – investing in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive. 

Their trifold approach to care though the avenues of housing services, community services and mental health services is an unreplicated model in Palm Beach County and they truly are changing the odds for families facing financial, social and emotional adversity. 

About Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County

The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County, Inc., founded in 1949, is a private nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) organization dedicated to providing free, high- quality legal services to the most vulnerable community members.

Foster Children Bring Christmas to Foster Puppies

madison mangoni
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Foster Children Bring Christmas to Foster Puppies

The Kids at Place of Hope Share a Unique Bond with the Puppies at Big Dog Ranch Rescue

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES, Fla., — A group of foster children from Place of Hope, with campuses across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, brought holiday cheer to the dogs at Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves. The kids arrived with toys and treats, eager to spread joy to their four-legged friends.

Big Dog Ranch Rescue staff and volunteers were on hand to teach the children about caring for and interacting with dogs, creating an educational and heartwarming experience. The kids also gave the puppies festive Christmas baths, followed by plenty of cuddling and playtime.

Through this visit, the Place of Hope children learned a valuable lesson in giving back, showing kindness to animals with whom they share a unique bond. It was a touching reminder that no one, human or animal, should be forgotten during the holidays.

The day was filled with love, laughter, and compassion, leaving everyone with a sense of joy and connection.

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MAGICAL

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MAKE THE HOLIDAYS MAGICAL

SUPPORT LITTLE SMILES’ 15th ANNUAL TOY DRIVE TO BRING CHEER TO LOCAL KIDS IN NEED

Shop from Little Smiles’ Amazon Wish List, donate online or by text, or drop off a new, unwrapped gift

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (December 5, 2024) – Little Smiles of Florida invites the community to help brighten the holidays for local children in need through its 15th Annual Holiday Toy Drive. Through December 25, 2024, the drive collects new, unwrapped gifts for children from newborn to 18. These donations are distributed through collection centers for families to pick up or delivered directly to Little Smiles’ 39 pediatric partners, including hospitals, medical daycare centers, hospices, shelters, foster homes, and medical support facilities.

“The need is greater than ever this year, and we rely on our community’s generosity to ensure no child goes without a smile this holiday season. Every toy, every donation, and every act of kindness makes a lasting difference,” said Brittany Perdigon, Executive Director of Little Smiles Florida. 

Last year, the toy drive made a tremendous impact, doubling its reach and collecting over 20,000 toys and gifts, bringing smiles to more than 12,000 children across Southeast Florida. The community support is vital in helping kids be kids during difficult times. Visit littlesmilesfl.org to make a donation, shop the Amazon Wish List, or shop for a gift and drop it off at a participating business or the Little Smiles North Pole at Harbourside Place, 106 Front St, Jupiter, FL 33477. Donations can also be made by texting LITTLESMILES to 44321.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate by becoming sponsors or drop-off locations. 

Donations fund the holiday toy drive and year-round programming at one of the many facilities that partner with Little Smiles. Donations fund movie nights and arts and crafts events and fulfill specific requests like birthday celebrations, ensuring children and their caregivers experience moments of joy and normalcy during challenging times.

For more information about Little Smiles Florida and the toy drive, including details on drop-off locations, or to donate, visit littlesmilesfl.org.

About Little Smiles Florida:

Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with thirty-nine pediatric facilities from St. Lucie to Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. Their mission is to help kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to children and their support staff with fun events, including movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities.

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Calendar Listing: 

Through December 25, 2024, Little Smiles’ 15th Annual Holiday Toy Drive collects gifts for children from newborn to 18. Donations will be distributed to families in need and Little Smiles’ 39 pediatric partners. Visit littlesmilesfl.org to make a donation, shop the Amazon Wish List, or shop for a gift and drop it off at a participating business or the Little Smiles North Pole at Harbourside Place, 106 Front St, Jupiter, FL 33477. Donations can also be made by texting LITTLESMILES to 44321. Local businesses are encouraged to participate by becoming sponsors or drop-off locations. 

Home for the Holidays – Reconnecting with the New and Old in My Original Hometown

Terri Marshall
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Home for the Holidays – Reconnecting with the New and Old in My Original Hometown

From the time I was a child, I remember my parents taking my brother and me for a drive around town to see holiday lights. Now that I live in New York City, lights are everywhere, spread across all five boroughs, celebrating the holidays in big city fashion. But a recent trip back to my original hometown, Chattanooga, Tennessee, reminded me of simpler days.

On a Mission to Save Christmas

Despite its continued growth, Chattanooga is still a relatively small city nestled in the valley beside Lookout Mountain. Of course, there are many new things that weren’t around when I last lived there in the early 1970s. For example, Time to Escape – an escape room in downtown Chattanooga where participants are locked in a room and follow clues to solve a mystery. If successful, they escape the room before time runs out. Themed adventures vary year-round, but since it was the holiday season, we chose the Saving Christmas adventure.

I’ll be honest: I’m not good at solving mysteries. So, as the door locked behind us in a room resembling a cozy cabin decorated for Christmas, I immediately wanted to ring the buzzer and request a few hints to get us started. But, my team members – which consisted of my daughter, her husband and my 14-year-old grandson – were determined to solve the mystery of an evil disgruntled elf who had hidden Santa’s bag of toys and interrupted his flight pattern. It was up to us to save Christmas. Without giving away any secrets, we ultimately solved the mystery and saved the holiday with just seven minutes to spare. You’re welcome.

A Festive Forest and a Winter Wonderland

During the holiday season, downtown Chattanooga’s Miller Park transforms into a festive forest. Sponsored by the Better Business Bureau in partnership with local businesses, the Festive Forest boasts 78 creatively decorated trees.

While all the trees added twinkling lights to the season, each had a unique decorative touch. My favorites included Cluster Funk, where a pink cowgirl hat served as a tree topper and an ornament wished “Goodwill to Y’all!” Another favorite represented a long-time Chattanooga attraction, Ruby Falls. Other trees were sweetly decorated by schoolchildren. And, of course, there had to be a Grinch-themed tree—it’s a holiday must!  With Lookout Mountain overlooking the city, a fan favorite was Camp Lookout’s campfire-themed tree surrounded by firewood logs and decorated with fiery red and orange ribbons, fire symbols, and giant marshmallows on sticks.

Across from Miller Park, the Electric Power Board (EPB) building lights up the season with joyful window decorations depicting this year’s theme of “Chattanooga Polar Palooza.” An 80-plus-year tradition, this year, the display presents a cleverly blended blizzard of a winter wonderland and the magic of the carnival.

Home for the Holidays

The Chattanooga Choo Choo Shines Bright

Perhaps the city’s most famous landmark, the Chattanooga Choo Choo brings a new experience to the holiday celebration this year with the Choo Choo Holiday Walk-Thru Light Show NoogaLights. While the Chattanooga Choo Choo remains a city tradition, this Christmas-themed walkable light show features a not-so-traditional light show with an hour’s worth of synchronized music to gardens of themed lighting.

Home for the Holidays

Christmas Cheer for a Cause

Meanwhile, back in the Chattanooga neighborhood where my parents live and my grandmother before them, East Ridge displays one of the most spectacular residential holiday light displays I’ve ever seen. Tucked away on Jason Drive in the center of a hilly community, the holiday spirit shines brightly.

This drive-through privately owned attraction brings not only the neighborhood together but also others seeking the spirit of the season. The attraction is free, but donations are welcome, and all funds collected go to local charities. Now, that’s the true holiday spirit!

Wishing you and yours a happy and peaceful holiday season!

Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball Players Open 2024-25 Season

Mike May
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Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball Players Open 2024-25 Season

By Mike May

L to R: Marty Ross and Harry Klaff, throwing “first ball” prior to the first game on Opening Day of stickball.

The 2024-25 stickball season is now underway in Wellington.  Tuesday, December 3, was officially Opening Day for the Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball League which began its 23rd season of competition.  The stickball games – always played on Tuesday afternoons – are held on the grounds of Village Park, located off Pierson Road, in Wellington. 

This year’s stickball season has five teams competing throughout the season.  They are the Brooklyn Bums, Atlantic Whalers, New York Egg Creams, Hoboken Zephyrs, and the Bronx Clippers.

On Opening Day, Brooklyn played Atlantic in the first game while the Clippers faced off against Hoboken in the ‘nightcap.’  In the first game, Brooklyn doubled-up Atlantic, 8-4 while the Hoboken Zephyrs and the Bronx Clippers played to a rare 1-1 tie. The NY Egg Creams had a bye.

In honor of past Opening Day traditions, a ceremonial ‘first pitch’ was each thrown by Marty Ross and Harry Klaff prior to the first game while Rob Martin, the general manager of the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, tossed the ‘first pitch’ in the second game.

In this version of stickball in Wellington, there is only pitching, hitting, and fielding.

According to league director Arthur Spector, there is no base running involved, but just like in regular baseball, the games last nine innings and the team with the most runs wins. 

“If there’s a tie after nine innings, a two-inning extra-inning session is held,” said Spector.  “If the tie is not broken, the game remains a tie.”

Prior to the actual competitive games on Opening Day, all those in attendance gathered and removed their hats in order to sing “The Star Spangled Banner,” which is a weekly tradition.

The last regular season game for the Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball League will be played on March 18.  The post-season playoffs begin on March 25.  The league championship game is scheduled for April 1.  The annual all-star game will be contested on April 8. Ross and Klaff are the only two players who have played in the league since its inception in 2002.

Arty Peskin of the Brooklyn Bums
Brooklyn Bums captain Stan Baum and Atlantic Whalers captain Ross Ginsberg

Securing Our Future Initiative Hosts Second Summit to Address Barriers to Upward Economic Mobility

madison mangoni
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Securing Our Future Initiative Hosts Second Summit to Address Barriers to Upward Economic Mobility

Palm Beach Gardens, FL – The Securing Our Future Initiative is proud to announce the 2nd Securing Our Future Economic Mobility Summit, scheduled to take place on Monday, December 9, 2024, at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott, 4000 RCA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. 

Running from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m, the summit will bring together community leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that empower low-income families to overcome economic barriers. 

This year’s summit will feature eight dynamic breakout sessions focused on equipping community-based organizations and local networks to implement effective frameworks for upward mobility across Palm Beach County. These sessions will provide attendees with a collaborative environment to address critical topics including re-entry challenges, food security, health equity, childcare, transportation, and affordable housing, all integral to advancing economic mobility in the region.

“We are thrilled to partner with Securing Our Future for a second year,” said Kelly Powell, CEO of Community Partners of South Florida, opening reception sponsor and Securing Our Future Initiative (SOFI) partner. “This summit underscores our mission to build pathways for families to break the cycle of poverty and create economic stability that lasts for generations.”

Securing Our Future is a collaborative initiative in partnership with Community Partners of South Florida, Community Action Program, Pathways to Prosperity, Birth 22 United for Brighter Futures and the Citizens Advisory Committee on Health & Human Services (CAC/HHS). The initiative is focused on developing integrated systems of support to drive economic mobility for families in Palm Beach County who are working to overcome the challenges of poverty.

The 2024 Summit is aligned with Securing Our Future’s mission to help families with children ages 0-18 who are living below 200% of the federal poverty level, particularly focusing on those at or below 100% of the FPL who are able to work. This comprehensive approach recognizes the unique challenges that low-income families face when it comes to securing work or education, and the summit will spotlight strategies to address these barriers, from childcare to access to education and health services.

Breakout Sessions Topics Include:

  • Navigating the Challenges of Re-Entry to Promote Economic Mobility
  • Harnessing the Power of Food Systems for Economic Mobility
  • Paving the Way to Economic Independence
  • Advancing Health Equity Through Economic Mobility
  • Exploring Childcare Solutions to Advance Economic Mobility
  • Advancing Transportation for Economic Mobility
  • Enhancing Education for Employment in the Digital Age
  • A Collective Effort to Increase Access to Affordable Housing
  • Building Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health and Human Services: Addressing Current Challenges and Exploring Future Opportunities

The summit will conclude with closing remarks by Dr. James Green, Director of the Palm Beach County Community Services Department.

For more information about the Securing Our Future Economic Mobility Summit and to register, please visit: http://www.securingourfuturepbc.org/economic-mobility-summit.htm 

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