Photos by Carol Porter
Wellington Bay Kicks Off the Holiday Season…
with Jingle and Mingle Tree Lighting Event
WELLINGTON, FL — On Thursday, December 5, 2024, luxury retirement community Wellington Bay hosted its Jingle and Mingle Tree Lighting in the main lobby, bringing residents, staff, and loved ones together to celebrate the holiday season. The event featured live festive music performed by local guitarist Ian Cooney, delicious holiday treats, and warm camaraderie among residents.
The beautifully decorated tree was a highlight of the evening, adorned with elegant red and gold ornaments and topped with a unique twist—a top hat in place of the traditional angel or star. Santa Claus made a special appearance to take pictures, delighting attendees and spreading holiday cheer.
“This is a time of joy and togetherness,” said Jay Mikosch, Campus Director of Wellington Bay. “Our Jingle and Mingle Tree Lighting is a wonderful tradition that brings us together to celebrate the spirit of the season. The laughter, good cheer, and shared moments remind us all of the importance of community and connection.”
The event was a shining example of the vibrant lifestyle that Wellington Bay supports for its residents. Whether enjoying independent living, assisted living, or memory care at the onsite Lisbet Health Center, Wellington Bay residents are provided with opportunities to embrace the joys of active aging and shared celebrations.
For more information about Wellington Bay Senior Living Community, please visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.
About Wellington Bay
Wellington Bay is a luxury rental retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care, and advanced memory care at the Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. The community is dedicated to supporting active aging and vibrant living, offering something for everyone.
Named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Money Magazine, Wellington boasts a thriving equestrian community, premier golf courses, and scenic neighborhoods.
Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management specializing in senior living communities. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and its communities, visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.
LinkedIn Workshop on Dec. 9th, 2024
Video and Photos by Monica Kallas, SharpShooter Marketing Group
On Dec. 9th, Debbie Wemyss and Julie Bergeron presented a workshop on success strategies for LinkedIn at the Wellington Community Center.
2024 WinterFest
Photos by Lois Spatz
WinterFest with Vanilla Ice was another smashing success this year, produced by the Wellington Chamber and the Village of Wellington! Held at the Wellington Amphitheater, WinterFest participants were asked to bring a new unwrapped toy for the 15th Annual Little Smiles Holiday Toy Drive. As always, Vanilla Ice invited kids up on stage with him and turned the whole event into a dance party.
The 47th Annual Carbonell Awards
Photos by Carol Porter
The 47th annual Carbonell Awards, recognizing the best in South Florida’s theater and the arts, was held on Monday, November 11, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center in Broward County. During the 2023-2024 season, nearly 90 productions at thirty different theaters were evaluated by a diverse group of more than forty judges representing Broward, Miami Dade and Palm Beach County. The 47th annual Carbonell Awards also recognized recipients of the George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts; The Vinnette Caroll Award; The Ruth Foreman Award; The Bill Hindman Award; The Howard Kleinberg Award and the Bill von Maurer Award. The Jack Zink Memorial Student Scholarship awards were also presented. For more information about this year’s honorees check out the Carbonell web page at www.carbonellawards.org.
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County to Launch 20th Anniversary Season of
CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben
On Monday, January 6, with
LAUGH LINES
A Chat with Award Winning Comedy Writer Alan Zweibel
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
(Lake Worth Beach, FL – December 5, 2024) Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County today touted the first of three fun and fascinating conversations in 2025 during the 20th and final season of the popular series:
CULTURE & COCKTAILS
At The Ben
January – April 2025
“Cheers to 20 Years! The Cultural Council is proud to present three CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in early 2025 featuring some exciting personalities from the worlds of entertainment—all at our beautiful venue, The Ben, in downtown West Palm Beach,” says Lawrence. “All three events will be held in the hotel’s gorgeous Blue Heron Ballroom, a popular rooftop venue with outdoor terrace and stunning water views, overlooking the intracoastal packed with pleasure boats and yachts.”
The Ben is located at 251 N. Narcissus Avenue in West Palm Beach. Free valet parking will be provided for each of the Monday evening CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations, running from 5 to 7 pm.
January 6
LAUGH LINES
From Gilda Radner & Billy Crystal to Dave Barry & Larry David
A Chat with Emmy & Tony Award® Winning Comedy Writer
ALAN ZWEIBEL
2025 is the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live and the legendary Alan Zweibel was one of the show’s original writers. The winner of five Emmy Awards, his creative output includes It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (which he co-created and produced), The Late Show with David Letterman, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. A frequent guest on all the late-night talk shows, Zweibel’s theatrical contributions include his collaboration with Billy Crystal on the Tony Award winning play 700 Sundays, Martin Short’s Broadway hit Fame Becomes Me, and six off-Broadway plays including Bunny Bunny – Gilda Radner: A Sort of Romantic Comedy, which he adapted from his best-selling book. Zweibel has written 11 books including his cultural memoir titled Laugh Lines – My Life Helping Funny People Be Funnier; the 2006 Thurber Prize winning novel The Other Shulman; the popular children’s book Our Tree Named Steve, a parody of the Haggadah — For This We Left Egypt? which he wrote with Dave Barry and Adam Mansbach, and Lunatics co-written with Dave Barry. In addition, he has appeared in episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Law & Order and can be seen in the documentary The Last Laugh about humor and the Holocaust; Judd Apatow’s Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling (HBO), Gilbert about the life of Gilbert Gottfried, and the Emmy nominated CNN documentary he executive produced titled Love, Gilda.
Interviewer: Bill Boggs, satirical novelist as author of the acclaimed Spike The Wonder Dog series, four-time Emmy Award-winning TV talk show host and producer, a professional speaker, and author of four acclaimed books. His shows ran on NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, ESPN, The Food Network, The Travel Channel, and Showtime, and hundreds of his interviews can be found at BillBoggsTV on YouTube.
The remaining CULTURE & COCKTAILS conversations in 2025 include:
February 24
DIVINE DRAMATIC DIVAS
Dishing with Andrew Kato and Three Celebrated Actors:
Elizabeth Dimon, Angie Radosh, and Karen Stephens
April 14
THE ULTIMATE MUSICAL FINALE
With Rob Russell, Avery Sommers & Special Surprise Guests
The 20th Anniversary Season of CULTURE & COCKTAILS is generously sponsored so far by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder; Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation; Scott Teich, Senior Vice President, Teich Wealth Management of Raymond James; The Gardens Mall; Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, PLLC; Palm Beach Media Group; Palm Beach Daily News; Legends Radio; and PR-BS, a Boca-based public relations firm. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Please Note:
Admission to each one of next season’s CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben is $125 per person, and $165 for VIP Seating. A Season Pass to all three Conversations is $300 per person, and $450 for VIP seating. To purchase tickets, please call 561.471.2901 or visit https://www.palmbeachculture.com/council-events/council-special-events/culture-cocktails/.
All proceeds from CULTURE & COCKTAILS go to support the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s mission to nurture, promote, and support a healthy, diverse, and inclusive cultural sector.
Topics and speakers are subject to change depending upon the availability of scheduled participants.
About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County
The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artists in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Cultural Council is located at 601 Lake Avenue in Lake Worth Beach and is currently open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 5 pm. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.
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
+ 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
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
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
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
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.