(South Florida – December 6, 2018) Jody Leshinsky, board president of the Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theatre & Arts Honors, today announced that the nonprofit cultural organization is receiving a $5,000 donation from 2018 Knights Arts Champion Eric Fliss, managing director of the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, located in Cutler Bay and operated by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation recently announced this year’s 21 Knight Arts Champions, who “have played key roles in fostering the arts sector, honoring these men and women for their vision, courage and tenacity in building Miami’s cultural community. They include prominent Miami leaders, as well as emerging voices in the arts.”
Knight Arts Champions are each given $10,000 to share with local cultural organizations, artists and arts activists. Eric Fliss, one of the 2018 Knight Arts Champions, is dividing his funds between Miami Youth Ballet and The Carbonell Awards.
A Carbonell board member from 2011-2018, Fliss says donating $5,000 to The Carbonell Awards was “a great way of acknowledging the theater community at large and recognizing the great work done by many of our theatre companies throughout the tri-county region.”
“It was a magical evening. There was excitement in the air,” says Leshinsky, who attended the Knight Foundation event held at the Pérez Art Museum in Miami. “I was so proud of Eric and so honored that he chose our organization. We will use this generous donation to support the Carbonell’s mission of celebrating excellence in local theater and providing scholarships for talented young people seeking higher education in the fields of theater and journalism.”
About The Carbonell Awards:
The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the diversity of our theater artists, providing educational scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. More than 25 professional theater companies in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties participate in the awards process every year. Each season volunteer panelists and judges choose nominees and recipients from nearly 100 shows produced on our area stages. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of our artistic leaders by presenting ‘Special Awards’ and support the next generation of artists and journalists by awarding scholarships. Along with New York’s Drama Desk and Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s senior regional arts awards and predate others, including Washington, D.C.’s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards are named after Manuel Carbonell, an internationally-renowned sculptor, who designed the original solid bronze and marble award in 1976, the signature trophy that is given to Carbonell Award winners. For more information, please visitwww.carbonellawards.org.
About the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation:
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with strong local roots. We invest in journalism, in the arts, and in the success of cities where brothers John S. and James L. Knight once published newspapers. Our goal is to foster informed and engaged communities, which we believe are essential for a healthy democracy. For more information, please visit www.kf.org.
The 2019 Writers’ Academy begins with the popular Kickstart Your Writing Ability, a two-hour immersion program to be held on Thursday, January 3rd, letting aspiring writers “dip an exploratory toe” into the craft and power of writing, says instructor Julie Gilbert.
Writers’ Launch, beginning on January 7th, is just that – a pad from which to jump up and grasp the tools needed to begin. Gilbert views the Launch as a program “for anyone who loves reading and has questioned their ability to write. It is also for those who have relished writing once upon a time and found that life has galloped by without pursuing more of it.” The cost for the Writers’ Launch series is $325.
“I urge new writers to ‘lend me their ears and write me their words,’” says Gilbert, a National Book Critic’s Circle Award nominee for her biography Ferber: Edna Ferber and Her Circle, which chronicled the life of Gilbert’s great-aunt and fellow author of such acclaimed American novels as Show Boat, Cimarron and Giant. Gilbert was recently contracted by Penguin Random House to write a new book about her great aunt, with the working title Giant Love: A Personal History of the Classic Novel, Movie and the Elegant Dame Behind it All.
This year, Writers’ Academy will have three new technique courses. Evolving Technique begins on January 8th and is designed for writers honing their craft, working toward a substantial project, starting a first draft or beginning a rewrite. The cost is $325. Evolving Technique II begins on February 19th and is a course for writers who have previously attended Writers’ Launch and/or Evolving Technique. The cost is $325. Advanced Technique begins on January 9th and is an invitation-only course for dedicated writers who have worked with Gilbert in establishing voice, technique, style, work habits, projects and durability. Students will work on one prompt and one project per writer. The cost is $525.
“The new Evolving Technique courses provide more opportunities for growing writers,” said Gilbert, who also received a Pulitzer Prize nomination for Opposite Attraction: The Lives of Erich Maria Remarque and Paulette Goddard. “The writers I work with at the Kravis Center are a funny, wise, intelligent and sophisticated bunch. But what has separated them from the myriad writers I have worked with is that they are daring. After a while, trusting that a solid amount of technique and the discipline of writing steadily would be their safety net, they have ventured up on the high wire.”
Gilbert is also known to Kravis Center fans as a co-presenter of popular lectures, including this season’s Kravis Film & Literary Club presentation of Love in the Afternoon on February 21 and Sabrina on March 14, both at 11 a.m.
To learn more about The Writers’ Academy, please call 561-832-7469 or visit www.kravis.org/performance-calendar/writersacademy.
GIANT DINOSAURS ROAR INTO THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM Dinosaur Invasion is “Bigger, Badder, More Teeth”
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Dinosaurs are back at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium! The blockbuster exhibit Dinosaur Invasion roars to life through advanced animatronics, fossils and authentic casts as the largest exhibition ever hosted at the West Palm Beach-based Science Center. Open through April 21, 2019, guests can view the exhibit during regular hours for the Science Center or may choose to have a dino-mite time at upcoming special events.
During Dinosaur Invasion, visitors experience the reign of these amazing creatures through 20 dinosaurs, including life-size recreations of Tyrannosaurus Rex, Velociraptors and everything in between. In an encore performance by the same exhibition company crowds loved in 2014, this time, the apex predators will be “bigger and badder” and even more lifelike, according to Lew Crampton, President of the SFSCA.
“The T-Rex is twice as big as the one which helped us set an all-time attendance record last time we exhibited it at the Science Center,” said Crampton. “This time around, some of our dinosaurs will even greet incoming guests at the airport. In fact, we have so many giant, moving beasts that we are showcasing part of the exhibit inside, and part of it outside at the Science Center! Guests will get an up-close view of the amazing creatures while learning about the most recent discoveries in the world of paleontology. We want to ‘open every mind to science,’ and this is the perfect way to get visitors obsessed with this part of history.”
Created by Imagine Exhibitions, all ages are invited to check out this immersive indoor and outdoor blockbuster exhibition. Dinosaurs – once considered by science to be immobile and small-brained – were actually nimble and smart. They dominated the world for well over 150 million years and were wiped out by a cataclysmic event – an asteroid strike – which happens only once every several million years. But dinosaurs never went totally extinct – visiting scientists will show how their descendants are still alive and among us today. These – and many other thrilling stories – will be revealed in this prize-winning exhibition which casts new light on what these giants ate, where in the world they lived and how they died.
With a scale unmatched in animatronic dinosaur exhibitions, this show features some of the world’s most unique and recently discovered dinosaurs. Guests can visit every continent in order to discover what dinosaurs lived there and for how long. Visitors will also be able to see how they measure up against the life-sized animatronic Triceratops, Velociraptor, Tyrannosaurus rex, and even the giant Spinosaurus.
The exhibit is presented by Outfront Media, Gast Construction Group, Quantum Foundation, B/E Aerospace, and the Tourist Development Council of Palm Beach County including the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and Discover The Palm Beaches.
Scheduled for December 28, the Science Center’s next Nights at the Museum will be themed “Dinomania!” On the last Friday of each month from 6-9pm, guests of all ages can enjoy extended hours of exploration at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium! Each Night at the Museum is a different theme, which includes various interactive science crafts, activities, entertainment, exhibits, planetarium shows, and a chance to view the night sky in Palm Beach County’s only public observatory! The upcoming Nights at the Museum will feature Paleo Talks with Robert DePalma, “Dinosaurs Alive” planetarium show and dino-themed crafts like plaster claws and clay prints. Also save the date for March 9, 2019 ∙ 10am-3pm for Dinofest, a day-long celebration of dinosaurs with special dinosaur-themed activities. Hunt for dinosaur eggs, dig for fossils and learn about the quest for fossils with Paleontologist Robert DePalma.
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, conservation research station, 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 South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Admission to Dinosaur Invasion is included in general admission to the Science Center, which is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing. Admission to Nights at the Museum: $14.95 for adults, $12.95 for seniors, $10.95 for children (3-12), FREE for children under 3, and $6 for adult members (child members are FREE).
For more information, 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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WITH EQUESTRIAN SEASON COMES LUXURY RETAILER FAB FINDS BY SARAH
With Two Locations At The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Sarah Rowen Offers Fine Difficult-to-Find Luxury Goods
Wellington, Fla. (November 30, 2018) – The horses are coming! The horses are coming! With the exciting time in Wellington known as equestrian season comes Fab Finds by Sarah, a luxury boutique offering curated collections of fine cashmere, footwear, jewelry and accessories.
Owner Sarah Rowen started Fab Finds by Sarah with the goal of making amazing fashion available in an intimate boutique setting in 2004. When she visited the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in 2011 for the Winter Equestrian Festival for the first time, she was immediately enamored by the atmosphere, the horses and the people.
“I just knew this is where I wanted to be,” Rowen said. “There was something so special about Wellington, and it has been amazing watching it grow.”
Rowen started with one store at the festival and quickly grew to having two stores at PBIEC during WEF, with one in Vendor Village and one on Hunter Hill. Her store at Vendor Village is currently open, and the Hunter Hill location will open on January 9.
In 2018, Rowen introduced S Row Designs, a luxurious diamond and
gold/silver jewelry line with an equestrian slant that she developed.
At Fab Finds by Sarah, clients have access to a collection of uniquely exclusive in-demand luxury brands such as 360 Cashmere, Skull Cashmere, Brodie Fine Cashmere, Zadig & Voltaire, Golden Goose and LolaCruz.
“I only choose products that have a special flair to them,”Rowen said. “Fashion is my passion, and helping people find the best items, those items that truly make them happy and feel special, is my pursuit.”
Rowen carries a vast variety of products to fit any budget. Whether a client chooses a Cruciani four-leaf clover bracelet, a 27 Miles cashmere sweater or J Brand leather pants, there is something for everyone, and all items make great gifts.
So instead of a traditional Letter from the Editor this month I have a poem for you. And a video. I’ve been thinking about bucket lists. So I wrote this poem about my own quest to check things off. This is followed by a video of my interview with Kayla McDonnell of iFly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where you can do indoor skydiving. And this is followed by own experience with indoor skydiving (within the same video).
Meanwhile, we have a bunch of terrific articles, photos and videos for you this month. Check them out!
Bucket List
By Krista Martinelli
Death & taxes
Of these two things we are certain
All other details are only known
By the man behind the curtain.
How do you make sure
It’s the life you want to live?
To forget how to take
And learn how to give.
Play like you mean it.
Don’t sit it out.
Why keep to a whisper
When you’d rather shout?
Go and get it, girl!
Make sure there’s nothing missed.
Cross every single thing off
Your bucket list.
***
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and your family!
Every Saturday; 9 A.M. – 1P.M. FREE (GreenMarket will take place weekly on Saturday through April 20, 2018, with the exception of March 30, due to the Palm Beach Boat Show)
West Palm Beach Great Lawn on the West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 (N. Clematis St., just west of Flagler Drive)
The 2018 – 2019 season includes more than 90 vendors selling locally-grown food, fresh flowers, decadent baked goods, vegan offerings, coffees, teas, spices, handmade items, homey finds, and much more. The Saturday staple is the premier place to bring the family – pets included.
This year’s GreenMarket theme is “We PRODUCE Fun for Everyone,” which is apparent in the beyond-the-produce fun that is available for visitors of all ages. In addition to the local vendors, the GreenMarket also features live music, unlimited mimosas for $10, free activities for kids, monthly historical walking tours and plentiful green space and seating, which creates a morning full of fun and relaxation.
Parking is available in two City garages, both just blocks from the waterfront. Parking is free in the Evernia/Olive garage during market hours and a flat fee of $5 in the Banyan/Olive garage before 1 p.m. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City’s free public docks. In addition, as part of its plan to go greener, the City is encouraging visitors to arrive by way of the City’s popular, free and fun trolley. Hop on the Yellow Line and save those CO2s.
Special dates during January include:
January 19: Salsa Saturday and “By the Banyan Tour” Historical Walking Tour
The 90-minute guided tour starts at 10 A.M. and is led by architect and historian Rick Gonzalez. The tour will highlight the evolution of downtown West Palm Beach buildings and landmarks.
Tours begin “by the Banyan tree” on the east end of Clematis Street, 101 N. Clematis St., and end at the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, at 300 N. Dixie Hwy.
Tickets are $10 per person. Tours are rain or shine. Call 561.832.4164 ext. 2 for more information or reservations.
And, although you may have the best intentions to keep your holiday season, festive and joyful…the holiday season also has a special way of turning us into a hot mess.
Scrooge won’t approve of these tips, but maybe you will:
Delegate Tasks During Big Events Create a chore sign-up sheet for close family members and friends. Let them choose the task they are going to be responsible for. Include tasks like: pre-party set-up, food prep, washing dishes, packing up and storing left-overs, trash pick-up and post-party clean-up. Be careful how you ask or you will sound like Scrooge. Keep a team spirit.
Manage Your Party Schedule Don’t say “yes” to every party invitation. Consider your work, family, spiritual, and self-care commitments FIRST and then choose the parties that fit within your schedule. Scrooge would say NO to all of them, but when you say YES wisely, you will be able to fully enjoy.
Stretch Your Dollar Look for ways to reduce the gifting. Sorry Scrooge, we will still be gifting, only using a Family Gift Exchange instead of all the buying. In your immediate family, draw the name of just one family member and purchase a gift with a preset amount. Also, keep in mind, family members are happy to have less “stuff” or may rather one more significant gift versus several smaller ones. Another option is volunteering or performing acts of kindness as a family, in lieu of gifts. Be Scrooge free and exempt family members under a certain age.
Honor Your Time The holidays are all about the impact you are creating, not perfection. Plan ahead, but keep it simple. List what you need to do each week (and then each day) to stay on track. Make a list of the supplies you need, including gifts and groceries. Plan trips to the store during non-peak hours. Also, do not be afraid to ask for help. Use delivery services, even Amazon has food these days.
Stay Centered and Calm A cluttered mind leads to a chaotic life. Start your day journaling for twenty minutes. This allows you to set your intentions for the day, count your blessings, create your game plan for the day, and get perspective on your emotions. This practice is good for any time of the year…not just the holidays 🙂
Have any tips to add? Reach out and let me know how you stay Scrooge Free during this busy time.
Wishing you blessings and joy during this holiday season and always.
This is one of my favorite times of the year. As we prepare for the holiday season, I look forward to the many family and community events ahead.
One of the best parts of living in Wellington is enjoying our family focused holiday events. Start your December festivities off with a holiday tree lighting and concert on Saturday, December 1st at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The tree lighting is set to occur at 6:30 p.m. followed by a concert by King Guys – The Cool Yule Band, playing a mix of all of your favorite holiday music. Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases. A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
Bring out the family for a free showing of The Star (PG) on Friday, December 7th at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 9th. Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a holiday park at the Wellington Amphitheater from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and will wind its way down Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way. Vendors will be on-site with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and join us for this fantastic holiday event. Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.
The Wellington Holiday Parade. Photo by Carol Porter.
The next event in Wellington’s Lakeside Family Fun Days series is set to occur on Saturday, December 15th on Lake Wellington, located behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The event will feature a variety of FREE activities for the entire family to enjoy between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., including kayaking, paddle boarding, a bounce house, a rock wall, glitter tattoos, lawn games, fishing, Plaster Time Crafts, and more. Try Goat Yoga between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (pre-register at www.downwardgoat.com) and take photos with Santa between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (bring a camera). Guests can also visit with Courtyard Animal Hospital and are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the Wellington Community Services tent for the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. Tickets for Wellington’s Annual Father Daughter Dance, returning on Saturday, January 26th, will also be available for purchase. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Lakeside for more information. Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts light up the Lake with Wellington’s Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington. Visible from behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), boats will launch from the Meadowland Cove boat launch at 6:20 p.m. and are expected to pass behind the Wellington Community Center around 6:25 p.m. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.
Attend a holiday spectacular you won’t soon forget. Join N2 Nation on Saturday, December 15th, at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard), for a special Motown Magic Holiday Show. Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases. A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
The 7th Annual Wellington Holiday Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 16th. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring out an unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear prior to the start of the race. For more details and registration information, visit www.active.com.
On December 17th, join Wellington in sharing your input on the Town Center project during a meeting at the Wellington Community Center. The meeting will consist of a facilitated session to encourage residents to voice their thoughts and ideas about Wellington’s proposed Town Center project. The Town Center project is comprised of improvements being considered for the Town Center property located at Forest Hill Boulevard and Ken Adams Way. Throughout the last few years, the Village has discussed various property improvements ranging from infrastructure and public facilities, programs, and associated site requirements, to mixed-use facilities coordinated with adjacent property owners. These components and others, together with existing improvements, will be considered through a public input process and ultimately used in developing the first phase of the Town Center project.
It is easy to see why Wellington is named “The Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” The holiday season heralds the return of our winter residents, both people and horses. There are more cars on our roads and more horses everywhere. It is a time for increased caution, especially as we get closer to the Holidays, and the beginning of the winter equestrian season.
Winter break for our schools begins Friday, December 21st. That means more children out enjoying our Great Hometown. Remember to watch out for our youngest residents and take a little extra time to be aware of your surroundings on the road. Councilwoman Tanya Siskind shares important consideration for sharing the road in and around our village. Watch the video here: https://bit.ly/2U9z1n1
Safety doesn’t stop at your driveway. Christmas tree fires are responsible for untold damages, injuries and even deaths every year. If you’re using a live tree water it daily to keep it moist and remember to keep it away from open flames and heat sources. The greatest gift you can give our local firefighters is a day off.
Let’s not forget that the Holidays are a time of giving as well as receiving. By all means, visit Wellington’s fine shops and find that perfect gift for your loved ones. But remember to take some time to help our neighbors in need. This year, you can make a child’s holiday brighter by participating in the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive. Drop off your unwrapped toys by Tuesday, December 18th at Village Hall, Community Services Office, the Wellington Community Center, Village Park, the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, Ultima Fitness, and any Fire Rescue station.
Writing this column and sharing a few of the ways that we can gather and give as a community this holiday season is one more blessing I can count in my own life. I am very grateful for the privilege of serving as your Mayor. The past year has been filled with many accomplishments. I want to personally thank the volunteers, members of our boards and commissions, Village staff, and Council members for their dedication.
I want to wish you and yours a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and many blessings in the year to come.
Free Weekly Concert Series
Every Thursday;
6-9 p.m. FREE | West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
West Palm’s favorite Thursday night tradition proves why it has been the “hot spot to chill” for more than 20 years. During Clematis by Night, guests will enjoy live music, food and drink specials and the hottest local social scene, creating an unmatched seaside happy hour setting. For more information, please visit Wpb.org/events or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB, on Twitter @westpalmbch or on Instagram @westpalmbch.
January 31: The Holidazed (Reggae, Rock) | www.theholidazed.com
With very diverse styles, The Holidazed’s five-piece reggae/rock/funk band will create a great ambiance, and in turn, make the audience feel carried away – just like they are on holiday! The band creates progressive, heart-pounding music with modern technological inspiration. Their live show on the Great Lawn will help guests relax and in the famous words of Marley, “don’t worry.”
Free Weekly Concert Series
Every Thursday;
6-9 p.m. FREE | West Palm Beach Waterfront, 100 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
West Palm’s favorite Thursday night tradition proves why it has been the “hot spot to chill” for more than 20 years. During Clematis by Night, guests will enjoy live music, food and drink specials and the hottest local social scene, creating an unmatched seaside happy hour setting. For more information, please visit Wpb.org/events or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB, on Twitter @westpalmbch or on Instagram @westpalmbch.
January 24: Spider Cherry (Soul/Funk/Rock) https://www.spidercherry.com
Nathan Mercado composes music that connects the genres of rock, soul, country and funk. Born in Shepherd’s Bush, London, Nathan started playing piano at the age of six and began composing his own songs at seven. On stage, Nathan commands the attention of the audience with his easy-going personality and incomparable talent. As both front man and lead pianist, Nathan combines a powerful soul/rock voice with an effortlessly slick playing style. The songs – and the show – are both not-to-be-missed.
