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47th Annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony

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47th Annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony

47th Annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony at the

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, November 11

Online Tickets on Sale Now at

https://www.showpass.com/47th-annual-carbonell-awards

(South Florida – October 21, 2024) Tickets are on sale now for the 47th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida’s Theater & Arts Honors, which will be held on Monday, November 11, at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311. They are only $40 each (including facility fee) and are available for purchase online at

https://www.showpass.com/47th-annual-carbonell-awards/.

At this upcoming ceremony—which is South Florida’s glittery version of the Tony Awards—Carbonell Awards will be presented in 20 competitive categories along with six Special Awards. During the 2023-2024 theater seasons, nearly 90 productions at 30 different theatres were evaluated by a diverse group of more than 40 judges representing all three participating counties (Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach).

Last month, the Carbonell Awards announced 120 talented finalists. For participating theaters, Slow Burn Theatre Company topped the list with 28 nominations, followed by Maltz Jupiter Theater with 22, 15 for Zoetic Stage, 14 for Miami New Drama, 13 for The Wick Theatre, nine for GableStage, and five for Actors’ Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre. Collectively, 120 nominations were given to 13 different theaters.

Las Aventuras de Juan Planchard at Miami New Drama is the production that garnered the most individual nominations (12), followed by Slow Burn Theatre Company picking up 11 for The SpongeBob Musical and 10 for The Little Mermaid. 

Maltz Jupiter Theater netted eight nominations for 42nd Street, seven for Murder on the Orient Express, and six for A Christmas Carol. Also getting six nominations each are The Lehman Trilogy at GableStage, and two plays at Zoetic Stage: Clyde’s and Wicked Child.

Carbonell finalists with multiple nominations include Patrick Fitzwater (4), Laura Turnbull (3), and (2) each for Jeni Hacker, Bruce Linser, Rick Pena, Reynel Reynaldo, Heather Jane Rolff, Clifford Spulock, and Michael Ursua.

In addition to the 20 competitive award categories, the 47th annual Carbonell Awards will also present six Special Awards selected by the nonprofit organization’s board of directors, including:

+ The George Abbott Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts to Nilo Cruz, the Cuban American playwright who gained national prominence in 2003 when he won the Pulitzer Prize for drama for Anna in the Tropics.

+ The Vinnette Carroll Award for significant achievement in advancing the cause of diversity, equality, and inclusion in South Florida theater to Director and Actor John Pryor, who has been a valued theater professor at Miami-Dade Community College and Florida Memorial College

+  The Ruth Foreman Award, which recognizes contributions to South Florida theater development by an individual or group, to Marilynn Wick, Founder and CEO of The Wick Theatre & Museum Club and Costume World, Inc.

+  The Bill Hindman Award, which honors significant, long-term contributions to the region’s cultural life and onstage career achievement, to Carl Waisanen, who served as Production Stage Manager for more than 120 shows at Actors’ Playhouse in Coral Gables.

+  The Howard Kleinberg Award, which honors an individual or organization for contributions to the health and development of the arts in South Florida, to Kermit Christman, Founder & Artistic Producing Director of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival.

+  The Bill von Maurer Award for Theatrical Excellence, which honors a theater company that exemplifies excellence for the totality of its programming: productions, educational outreach, developmental programs, and audiences served, to Area Stage, founded by John & Maria Rodaz and now celebrating its 35th anniversary offering world-class professional productions and a vibrant conservatory program. 

As part of the 2024 Carbonell Awards, $2,000 Jack Zink Memorial Student Scholarships will be presented to Alexandra Dreszer (Miami-Dade County), Lillian Jones (Palm Beach County), and Morgan Brooke Wilder (Broward County).

The Carbonell Awards Ceremonyon November 11 is once again being produced by celebrated playwright, actor, and designer Michael McKeever with Stuart Meltzer, the founding artistic director of Zoetic Stage, serving as writer and director, and Caryl Fantel is returning as Music Director.

Sponsors of the 47th Annual Carbonell Awards include the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Broward Cultural Division, Carbonell Sculptures Ltd., Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, Donald M. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival presented by MorseLife Health System, John Knox Village, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Miami-Dade County Auditorium, The Dennis C. Moss Center (formerly The South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center), OutClique Magazine, South Florida Theater Magazine, South Florida Theatre League, Mark Traverso & Conor Walton, and Donald R. Walters, P.A.

About The Carbonell Awards

The Carbonell Awards fosters the artistic growth of professional theater in South Florida by celebrating the excellence and diversity of our theater artists, providing scholarships, and building audience appreciation and civic pride by highlighting achievements of our theater community. More than 20 professional theater companies in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties participate in the awards process every year. The Carbonell Awards also celebrate the accomplishments of local artistic leaders by presenting various Special Awards.

Along with New York’s Drama Desk and Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Awards, the Carbonell Awards are among the nation’s oldest regional arts awards and predate others, including Washington, D.C.’s Helen Hayes Awards. The Carbonell Awards are named after the internationally renowned sculptor Manuel Carbonell, who designed the signature solid bronze and marble award given annually to Carbonell Award winners. Over the last 45 years, the Carbonell family has donated more than $250,000 in awards. For more information, please visit www.carbonellawards.org.

Wellington’s Strength in Recovery and Community Spirit

Michael Napoleone
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Wellington’s Strength in Recovery and Community Spirit

By Mayor Michael Napoleone

As we continue to recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Milton and the tornado that touched down in our community on October 9th, I am reminded of how resilient and compassionate our Village is. The storm and tornado brought severe damage to neighborhoods, including Rustic Ranches, Meadow Wood, Aero Club, Lakefield West and the Binks Forest communities. Homes were damaged (some severely), personal property was destroyed, trees were uprooted and snapped, and power lines were knocked downed. Despite this, we are fortunate that there were no fatalities, and miraculously only a few residents sustained injuries.

Our recovery efforts began swiftly, with the Wellington Public Works team leaping into action immediately after the tornado passed to clear roadways and remove debris from impacted areas. Our partners at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire Rescue were also on the scene right away to assist in these efforts. I want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Public Works crews, PBSO officers, and Fire Rescue teams who have worked tirelessly day and night to restore normalcy and help keep our neighborhoods secure. Their commitment and dedication have been extraordinary.

From tragedy, we saw unity.  One of the most inspiring aspects of this recovery has been the way our community came together and helped those in need. Not only were neighbors out to assist neighbors right after the tornado and while many were still preparing for what impacts Hurricane Milton might bring, that same evening the Village was inundated with calls and emails from residents eager to help. Volunteers from organizations like the Wellington Rotary Club, Christ Fellowship Church, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, and the Crowned Pearls of Wellington stepped forward, offering their time and energy to assist with cleanup efforts. It’s moments like these that showcase the true spirit of Wellington – a community that rallies together in times of need.

Our debris collection efforts are ongoing and we’re doing everything we can to expedite the process. With more resources and equipment deployed daily, we’ve already collected many thousands of cubic yards of vegetation and building debris. We know it’s a big job, and we appreciate your continued patience as we work through each neighborhood. Our teams can pick up and remove debris more quickly if you are able to separate your vegetative waste from any other materials.

In addition to physical recovery, we know that emotional recovery may take longer. We are committed to helping our residents heal, and part of that commitment includes making the rebuilding process as smooth as possible. To assist residents with post-disaster rebuilding, we’ve set up a dedicated station at our Building Department for permit processing. We are expediting permit issuance for repairs that don’t require technical review and waiving permit fees for reroofs and other necessary repairs. There’s minimal wait time for these services, and we have staff on hand to answer any questions you might have.

We’ve also partnered with the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management and the Florida Division of Emergency Management to establish a Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) at Village Park. The MARC is open daily and offers storm recovery services, including assistance with FEMA applications, nonprofit aid, and even help with replacing lost identification. More information is available on the Village website.

While recovery efforts continue, we encourage our residents to also take part in the many fun, family-friendly events happening in Wellington this fall. The Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center has moved to its new location near the Amphitheater, and we’ll continue to host our popular music and food truck series there each week. The Murder Mystery Dinner Theater is back again, promising an evening of mystery and entertainment, and we’re excited for the Wellington Ruck March & Food Drive coming up soon. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/events for a full list of upcoming activities. I invite everyone to join us for these events as we celebrate the fall season and the sense of community that makes Wellington such a special place to call home.

As always, thank you for your support, your resilience, and your unwavering commitment to making Wellington a wonderful place to live. Together, we will continue to rebuild and recover – stronger than ever.

Stay safe and see you around the Village!

GBDCEI Experiential Learning Center to Recognize Roshini Singh

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GBDCEI Experiential Learning Center to Recognize Roshini Singh

GBDCEI Experiential Learning Center to Recognize Roshini Singh, Board Certified

Family Nurse Practitioner and CEO of 365 Wellness, at Annual Young Entrepreneurs Awards and Fundraising Gala 2024

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach (October 22, 2024) – The GBDC Entrepreneur Institute (GBDCEI)

Experiential Learning Center has announced Roshini Singh, Board Certified Family Nurse

Practitioner and CEO of 365 Wellness, a mobile Direct Primary Care Practice, as the recipient of

its Young Entrepreneur Rising Star of 2024 award. In recognition of the GBDCEI Experiential

Learning Center’s 10-year anniversary, the Annual Young Entrepreneurs Awards and

Fundraising Gala will be held on Saturday, November 9 at the Delray Beach Golf Club, 2200

Highland Ave unit a, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Young Entrepreneur Rising Stars Under 40 Award is given by the GBDC Entrepreneur

Institute to recognize young entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their community.

Being under 40, and extremely involved in the community, Roshini Singh has well-earned this

recognition. Her remarkable dedication to her community not only highlights her commitment to

service but also complements her professional expertise.

Roshini Singh is a national Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 10 years of

experience. With a passion for optimal patient care, she founded 365 Wellness, a mobile-direct

primary care practice, in 2021 to provide a more personal and accessible healthcare experience.

Her innovative approach ensures patients get the time and attention they deserve, at times where

they need it most. Since 2021, 365 Wellness has grown tremendously through Roshini’s active

involvement in various philanthropic efforts. Focused on community health initiatives, Roshini

has provided health education and resources to populations in the community who were in need.

Additionally, she has organized health fairs, wellness workshops, and outreach programs

targeted at promoting preventative care and healthy lifestyles.

This year, Roshini Singh, has been honored with receiving the GBDCEI Rising Stars Under 40

Award as a result of her demonstration of exceptional innovation, ambition, and leadership. She

is shaping the future of mobile-direct primary healthcare through her commitment to patient care

and mission to keep the patient connected to care.

“I believe we need to take the time to get to really know the patient and not just treat the

complaint. There’s so many non pharmacological interventions and complementary medical

therapies we can offer before jumping to medicine, but we must be committed to learning about

the patient first,” said Roshini Singh, Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and CEO of 365 Wellness. “That’s really what I set out to do when I opened my mobile practice, and it’s an

honor to be recognized for doing what I love.”

The GBDCEI will hold its annual Young Entrepreneurs Awards and Fundraising Gala, a black-

tie and red-carpet event, where well-deserving honorees will be recognized at the Delray Beach

Golf Club. Roshini Singh will be awarded for her outstanding contributions to business

leadership, innovation, and social entrepreneurship. Learn more about GBDCEI by visiting

https://gbdcei.org/. To learn more about Roshini Singh, Board Certified Family Nurse

Practitioner and CEO of 365 Wellness, visit https://365healthwellness.com/. To purchase tickets

to GBDCEI’s Young Entrepreneur Awards and Fundraising Gala, visit

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gbdcei-annual-young-entrepreneurs-awards-fundraising-gala-tickets-989095620627?aff=oddtdtcreator.

KURBAN HOSPITALITY GROUP ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER 1ST OPENING FOR AMAR KITCHEN & BAR

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KURBAN HOSPITALITY GROUP ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER 1ST OPENING FOR AMAR KITCHEN & BAR

Gesto artisanal pizza to debut winter 2025 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Downtown Delray Beach’s beloved Amar Mediterranean Bistro will open in its new location on November 1, 2024. Moving to 25 SE 6th Ave, just steps from its current location, the new 4,500-square-foot space will offer additional seating for large parties, covered outdoor dining and a full bar with daily happy hour specials. Amar will also launch their first Sunday brunch before the holiday season. 

In its new iteration as Amar Mediterranean Kitchen & Bar, the restaurant will continue serving its renowned dishes, including cold and hot mezze such as hummus, baba ghanouj, muhammara, kibbeh and falafel, as well as grilled meats, kebabs, fresh fish and homemade desserts. The larger kitchen will enable an expanded menu featuring additional plates that pay homage to owner Nicolas Kurban’s Lebanese heritage.

Opened in 2021 during the pandemic, Amar Bistro has become a favored dining spot for modern adaptations of traditional Lebanese dishes. Presenting a crossroad of flavors and cultures, Amar takes guests on a culinary journey through the Mediterranean and Middle East. Nicolas (pictured above) runs a true family-owned restaurant with the assistance of his daughter Nicole and son-in-law Michael McKenna.

“The way the community has embraced us is nothing short of spectacular. We have loved our first home here on the Avenue, but we’ve outgrown the space for Amar, and we’ve always dreamed of having a bar where people can come for happy hour or a solo dinner while enjoying a great cocktail,” said owner Nicolas Kurban. “With the expertise of our beverage consultant, Eric Hammer, we’ve curated an exceptional cocktail menu and an eclectic wine list featuring outstanding Lebanese wines and other gems. The new space will also allow us to host semi-private events and eventually expand our hours to lunch and brunch,” he continued.

Amar Kitchen & Bar will feature a complete bar program offering a tempting array of innovative cocktails with seasonal fruits, house-made syrups and premium spirits. Guests can expect twists on classic cocktails and signature drinks that highlight the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. The program aims to create a memorable drinking experience that complements the restaurant’s culinary offerings.

In place of Amar Bistro, Kurban Hospitality Group will introduce a new concept called Gesto, an artisanal pizza shop. “At the centerpiece of Amar is a wood-burning oven where we baked our handmade pita bread,” said Kurban. “It makes perfect sense to transition the space into an intimate pizza shop where we’ll focus on the best ingredients, providing a unique and authentic pizza experience.” Gesto is anticipated to open in winter 2025. 

Nicolas’s palpable passion for his work comes from his father, who owned one of Lebanon’s most famous and long-standing restaurants. As a seasoned hospitality veteran, Nicolas has worked in operational roles with celebrated chefs such as Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck and in executive positions with luxury properties and casinos around the world, including Wynn Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Four Seasons Hotels Asia Pacific and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants. 

More Information: 

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

Gesto: 522 East Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 – coming soon 

amardelray.com | @amardelray | Facebook

MASALA MANTRA’S INAUGURAL BOLLYWOOD LADIES NIGHT A DAZZLING HIT

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MASALA MANTRA’S INAUGURAL BOLLYWOOD LADIES NIGHT A DAZZLING HIT

It was a night of glitz, glamour, and fun as Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine hosted its Inaugural Bollywood Ladies Night on September 27, 2024. The Royal Palm Beach restaurant was transformed into a venue fit for royalty.

Women from Jacksonville to Miami gathered at Masala for a women-only event. The evening featured food, drinks, dancing, prizes, and networking.

Palm Beach County Commissioner for District 6, Sarah Baxter, and women from the Wellington Chamber of Commerce were also present. Television Personality Kitty Lunden, host of What’s Poppin PBC, was the host for the evening.  More than $2,000  in prizes were given away to guests.

Guests were dazzled by Salsa and Belly Dancing.  Purnima Patel, co-owner of Masala Mantra, says, “It was an amazing evening. Just being able to celebrate with so many women was nothing short of incredible.”

Jenice Stalling of Styles By Stallings coordinated and designed the colorful decor for the evening. Luxury event floral designer Leah T. Williams sponsored the elegant floral arrangements inside and outside the restaurant. Other event sponsors were Liz Does My Hair, Oh, So Fabulous Vacations, Hey, Sandy! PR & Communications, 4 Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions in Wellington, Kofi Not So Wine and Wifi Bar, Forever Digital Prints, Toad Busters, Sharp Elite, Fred Astaire Dancing School, Wellington, and The Hair Doctor.   

Plans for next year’s Bollywood Celebration, scheduled for November 16, 2025, are already underway.

Bollywood took shape in the 1970s after the Indian film industry surpassed Hollywood in terms of production.

Evoto

Photo Credit: Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine

About Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine: Masala Mantra takes pride in redefining the experience of Indian Cuisine. Their journey is rooted in a rich tapestry of flavors, combining the time-honored traditions of Indian street foods with a modern twist that sets them apart.

WPB Library Foundation Hosts Food for Thought Pre-Event

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WPB Library Foundation Hosts Food for Thought Pre-Event

WEST PALM BEACH, FLA. (October 16, 2024) – On Saturday, October 5th, the West Palm Beach Library Foundation hosted a cocktail reception at the Mandel Public Library for the sponsors of the Foundation’s upcoming premier fundraising event, Food for Thought.

Board Chair Steven Mayans welcomed the sponsors and table hosts during a brief program in the Florida Room, before introducing and thanking Melissa Sullivan for reprising her successful role as Food for Thought chair for a second year. CEO Dean Dimke introduced Board Members and Table Hosts that were also in attendance.

The Food for Thought Dinner is the West Palm Beach Library Foundation’s premier fundraiser to benefit the programs and services of the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach. It will be held at The Beach Club in Palm Beach on Saturday, November 2, with special guest speaker Brad Meltzer, a New York Times best-selling author of thrillers, including his most recent, The Lightning Rod, and non-fiction books including The First Conspiracy, The Lincoln Conspiracy, and The Nazi Conspiracy: The Plot to Kill Roosevelt.

Attending the reception, in addition to Platinum Benefactor Melissa Sullivan, were Benefactor Sponsors Levenger and Raptis Rare Books; Author-Level Sponsors Key Private Bank and the Brain & Spine Center of South Florida; Head Librarian-Level Sponsors FPL, Mayans Mediation & Arbitration, Adrienne Coffin, Dr. Mary Ann DuPont & Wallace DuPont, Nancy Marshall, and Drs. John & Daisy Merey; and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated editor-in-chief Daphne Nikolopoulos. Table Hosts in attendance included Kyle Lucks, Dr. John Merey, Daphne Nikolopoulos, and Rob Russell.

Guests enjoyed cocktails in addition to passed hors d’oeuvres that included Creekstone Farms Black Angus Tenderloin of Beef with White Truffle Oil and Capers on Garlic Crostini, Asian Fusion Tuna Tacos, Lemon Artichoke Chicken, Summer Rolls, Palm Beach Cheese Puffs, and a dessert buffet.

Food for Thought brings Foundation patrons and friends together with Table Hosts who lead lively conversations. Guests select their table based on their favorite topics discussed by hosts ranging from authors, entertainers, and community notables, while enjoying an evening of delicious dining and stimulating banter.

Tickets are still available for the November 2nd dinner by calling 561-868-7717.   

About the West Palm Beach Library Foundation

The West Palm Beach Library Foundation raises funds for the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach to provide free quality programs, services, and resources that enrich and strengthen its diverse community. The Foundation hopes to create an inspired community where children excel, and adults thrive. Gifts to the Foundation support popular library programs including afterschool homework centers, summer learning programs, reading programs, teen college prep, job readiness, and adult programs in art, technology, education, culture, and entertainment.

Spookyville opens this week at the South Florida Fairgrounds

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Spookyville opens this week at the South Florida Fairgrounds

Who: South Florida Fair

What: Spookyville, an old-fashioned Halloween event ideally suited for families and children ages 10 and younger. It’s a throwback to the traditional days of family Halloweens in a fun, secure and family-friendly environment. Activities include trick-or-treating at the various dwellings in Yesteryear Village, a petting zoo, magic tricks, balloon twisters, dance groups, rides and a pumpkin patch. A costume parade will be held on both Sundays starting at 1 p.m.

When: Friday, Oct. 18 – 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 19 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 20 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 25 – 5-9 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 26 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 31 – 5 – 9 p.m.

Admission gates close one half hour before the event’s closing time.

Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach

Admission: Advance admission: $10 (purchased before October 18 online at https://www.southfloridafair.com/spookyville)
Admission on or after October 18: $13
Free for children ages 2 and under

Public information: Call 561-793-0333.

CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION TO HOST FALL LUNCHEON WITH TOMMY HILFIGER

madison mangoni
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CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION TO HOST FALL LUNCHEON WITH TOMMY HILFIGER

Renowned Fashion Designer to Speak at December 5 Event in West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach, FL— Renowned fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger will headline the Center for Creative Education’s highly anticipated “Thanks for Giving” Fall Luncheon as chairman, delivering an unforgettable experience on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at 11 a.m. at The Foundations School in West Palm Beach.

“We’re excited to showcase the incredible work being done at The Foundations School,” said Robert Hamon, President and CEO of CCE. “Our students are thriving because of our approach and model of teaching and learning using creativity and the arts to engage and inspire their natural curiosity. We are honored to have Tommy Hilfiger join us in celebrating the power of creativity in transforming lives.”

The luncheon will begin with an open house, allowing guests to tour The Foundations School and observe its unique approach to integrating the arts into the educational curriculum. As a model of CCE’s mission to transform teaching and learning through creativity, the K-5 program focuses on significantly improving literacy for underserved students. Tuition is kept low to no cost thanks to fundraising efforts and state scholarships. Following the tour, guests will gather in the cafeteria for an exclusive Q&A session with Tommy Hilfiger and students from CCE’s Foundations School.

“Creativity has always been at the core of everything I do—it’s about shaping ideas, pushing boundaries, and inspiring others to see the world differently,” said Tommy Hilfiger. “I’m thrilled to support CCE’s mission in nurturing the next generation of innovators and bold thinkers. By embracing the arts in education, we are empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow.”

For additional information on The Foundations School or Center for Creative Education, visit cceflorida.org. Tickets for the event are $400 per person, with all proceeds directly supporting CCE’s initiatives. To make a donation toward a student scholarship or to purchase a ticket to the Luncheon, please call Jonathon Ortiz-Smykla at 561.805.9927 or email him at jonathono@cceflorida.org.

Saving Endangered Florida Panthers, Hosted by Wellington and Oleander Garden Clubs

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Saving Endangered Florida Panthers, Hosted by Wellington and Oleander Garden Clubs
Florida Panther
Dr. Rizkalla

Wellington Garden Club and Oleander Garden Club invite the community to join them at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., on Thursday, October 24 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM for a presentation on saving the critically endangered Florida panther by Carol Rizkalla, PhD, Florida Panther Management Program Coordinator for Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.  

Dr. Rizkalla will elaborate on the history of the Florida panther as well as the loss of habitat and other factors that have caused its population to plummet. She will also discuss the importance of conservation of this unique species, the efforts underway that are crucial to ensure its survival, and review ways we can help with these efforts. Once found throughout Florida and other southern states, the Florida panther has been federally listed as endangered since 1967. Only 120 to 230 Florida panthers survive today, according to recent Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission estimates. Clearly, these magnificent big cats are facing an uncertain future and need our help to overcome the decline of their population.

Carol Rizkalla, PhD, first came to Florida in 1999 for an internship at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  She left to pursue a PhD in Wildlife Ecology at Purdue University then returned to Disney for a few years. She has been moving further south ever since. Her post-doctoral research investigated sand skink population estimation at Archbold Biological Station, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to ecological research, conservation, and education located in Venus, FL.  She joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in West Palm Beach in 2012 and served in a variety of roles in species and land management.  In 2022, she became the Panther Management Program Coordinator and is currently based in Naples. She is honored to be part of the dedicated team working towards the recovery of an iconic species which belongs across the landscape! 


The event will include refreshments and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $25 and are available at www.wellingtongardenclub.org. Tickets at the door are $30. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Florida Panther Management Program. The balance will help fund the youth programs, scholarships and community outreach initiatives of Wellington Garden Club and Oleander Garden Club of the Palm Beaches. The clubs are members of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs www.ffgc.org and National Garden Clubs www.gardenclub.org.

The 12th Annual Wellington Jingle Bell Run 5K

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The 12th Annual Wellington Jingle Bell Run 5K

Sign up today! Wellington Jingle Bell 5K.

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