This Mother’s Day, I want to thank all the powerful Wellington women who have been inspirations to their sons. Highlighting recent headlines featuring females changing the world, I want to express gratitude to my mom, Jacqueline Miller, for setting an example for me to become a lawyer, just like her in a time before women had the voice they have today.
I grew up in Wellington and now live here with my family. For more than 15 years, my mother has practiced law at the Florida-renowned Broad and Cassel law firm. Growing up, I spent many hours in my parents’ offices, always admiring how both of them were professionals and aspiring to follow suit. Currently, I am an attorney at Palm Beach Gardens-based Mathison Whittles, practicing, among other things, construction litigation, just like my mom.
My mother got her law license in 1979 at a time when the male-dominated profession included very few female practicing attorneys. Not only was she a practicing attorney, but she was able to take a tough situation and make the most out of it, getting a highly desired, powerful job right after school. She worked hard to make a good name for herself, following her own mantra she shared with my brother and me: “Be good and be good at it.”
My parents taught us humility and respect and they didn’t let opportunities go to our heads. During the summers, I went to work for my mom’s law firm and was enthralled by all the smart people dressed in suits, arguing on behalf of a client with millions of dollars and lives on the line, with my mom leading the team. That’s what got me set on my current career path.
Being a litigator requires a thick skin, and it’s necessary to be a tough cookie. My mom can be entrenched in a nasty legal battle, but then take off that armor and be a caring and loving mother, grandmother, wife and friend. I have tremendous respect for that skill and have tried to emulate it in my own home.
I now have two sons of my own, and my mom is such an amazing grandma. I see her interact with them, and it’s so special to watch her teach them the same lessons that I have valued my whole life. She always told us, “don’t mess with mom,” and has been a living example to those around her.
David’s brother Jake, his wife Michele, David, his mom Jacqueline and his dad David at David’s wedding on November 1, 2014.
I still call my mom with questions I have about work, family, and everything in between. She was always a rock, not only to our family, but to my friends and cousins. She’s been my confidant, friend and example, helping me achieve my goals and be the person I am today. Thanks mom. I love you!
Playground & Pavilions at Village Park to Close for Renovations in May
The playground and adjacent pavilions located at Wellington’s Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) will be closed beginning Monday, May 14th for maintenance and renovations and will remain closed through Friday, May 25th. They will reopen, weather permitting, on Saturday, May 26th.
During the closure, the mulch surface of the playground will be replaced with a more durable, safer, rubber surfacing. Renovations on pavilions 2 and 3 will include the addition of new column fascia.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Travel with Legos This Summer at the Science Center!
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is hosting their summer exhibit, “Travel Adventure” featuring LEGO Bricks! The fun starts May 5 and will continue to build through September 23.
The interactive exhibit will take visitors on an extraordinary adventure to exotic locations through all kinds of terrain. Guests of all ages will use their creative-thinking skills to plan and build vehicles to move through mountains, jungles, oceans, deserts and more while learning about the history of travel and imagining the future of transportation. Families are invited to dress up as pilots, sailors, racers and world explorers as they take the wheel of life-sized toy LEGO vehicles and engage in dynamic play.
“We are definitely excited to host this exhibit over the summer,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “We want to ‘open every mind to science,’ and this is the perfect opportunity to build a curiosity for travel and adventure for families of all ages. This exhibit will help families work together to solve problems, create a custom vehicle and explore their imaginations.”
Visitors will be able to share their creations through a photography booth set up against a destination backdrop. Visit San Francisco, Paris, Hawaii and more real-life destinations, all while learning about travel history. Guests will answer three important questions: “Where will you go,” “How will you get there” and “What will you build?” Duplo bricks will be on hand for younger guests.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, 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 the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium during “Travel Adventure” is $16.95 for adults, $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12 and $14.95 for seniors aged 60 and older. Science Center members and children under 3 are free. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing. 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.
SUNDAY ON THE WATERFRONT
Sunday, May 20, 2018
4 – 7 p.m. FREE | Meyer Amphitheatre, 105 Evernia St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
California Gwen (Tribute to Katy Perry/Gwen Stefani, No Doubt)
“Hollaback Girl” and “California Gurl” will converge when the band California Gwen takes over the Meyer Amphitheater’s stage. This Palm Beach Post Sunday on the Waterfront will feature music from both Katy Perry and Gwen Stefani. The hybrid tribute show comes complete with signature costumes and replica performances of some of the Katy Perry’s and Gwen Stefani’s (when she was in her band No Doubt) most memorable shows. The concert will surely delight both Stefani and Perry fans. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy all the superstars’ massive hits like “Just A Girl,” “Spiderwebs,” “I Kissed a Girl,” “This Is How We Do,” and many more.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to this outdoor event. 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.
SCREEN ON THE GREEN
Friday, May 11, 2018
7 p.m.: FREE activities begin
Sunset: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (PG-13)
FREE
7:00 PM: Kids Activities on the Great Lawn
This month’s Screen on the Green will transport guests right into the world of Jumanji! Safari explorers are encouraged to arrive early for a wild time on the great lawn. Sponsored by Rhythm & Hues, kids and families can make a themed make-and-take creative craft before the feature film.
Sunset: “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” (PG-13)
In a brand new Jumanji adventure, four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji – you must survive it.
Outdoor movie watching has never been more inviting than on the West Palm Beach Waterfront. Monthly, on the second Friday of the month, the City of West Palm Beach turns the Great Lawn into an open-air theater – movie and included views of the stars and sea are both FREE. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair and snuggle up for featured films – including newly released hits and throwback favorites. After hours, please call 561-822-2222 for information on event cancellations.
Clematis by Night
Free Weekly Concert Series
Every Thursday; 6-9 p.m. FREE
West Palm Beach Waterfront
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.
⦁ Thursday, May 3: SunFest
⦁ Thursday, May 10: Eli Mosley (Country) | www.elimosley.com
Singer, songwriter and musician Eli Mosley continues to pave the way for himself in the country music scene. A native of Florida, Eli not only writes and sings his own original work, but also covers country favorites such as “Check Yes or No” by George Strait and “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” by Brooks and Dunn. His twangy tunes are supported by three talented musicians, who provide background vocals and guitar melodies.
⦁ Thursday, May 17: Wonderama (Top 40/Pop) | http://wonderamaband.com
A five-member group from South Florida, Wonderama is a high energy, current Top 40, and dance music party band. In each of their shows, the group performs a “one-of-a-kind” sound by fusing the most popular songs with current, live DJ dance music production. Waterfront guests will enjoy their energetic show, featuring today’s chart-topping songs from the Billboard Hot 100 playlist.
⦁ Thursday, May 24: Paul Anthony & The Reggae Souljahs (Reggae/Pop) | www.reggaesouljahs.com
A big name in the local South Florida music scene, Paul Anthony & The Reggae Souljahs are true to their Jamaican and Caribbean heritage, capturing the true soul of reggae and dancehall with every performance. As the sun sets on the Waterfront, their island flavor will make the audience fall in love with reggae and dancehall all over again. By the end of the night, they’ll have Clematis by Night guests saying, “I’m a Reggae Souljah!”
⦁ Thursday, May 31: The Goodnicks (Top 40) | www.thegoodnicks.com
With influence from Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Kiss and the Eagles, The Goodnicks’ songwriting and musicianship has earned them the opportunity to open for such acts as John Fogerty, Gavin DeGraw, Avril Lavigne, Butch Walker & Joss Stone. The band is a 3-part melodic pop/rock ensemble, who perform all genres of music – from classic rock to Top 40, as well as original tunes. Live music enthusiasts looking for toe-tapping tunes are encouraged to come to the Waterfront to see what is so good about The Goodnicks!
The Flufendorfs of New Jersey had been happily married for twenty-four years. To be precise it was twenty-four years, three days, eleven minutes and six seconds. Mrs. Margaret Flufendorf had been counting down the moments.
The problem wasn’t unique to a marital breakdown: she and her husband Fred had given their careers, parenting and complaining priority.
So here they were on their lunch breaks, both driving separate SUV’s, en route to their first appointment with a divorce attorney. They both felt down-hearted and hungry.
Margaret intended to have her assistant order her a pastrami sandwich when she got back to the office, and Fred was going to run into Toojays for a bowl of chicken soup. He pulled into their Wellington, Florida location and headed inside.
As luck would have it, Margaret, who had been waiting for a full five minutes at a stoplight adjacent to that Toojay locale, (which now brought their marriage to twenty-four years, sixteen minutes and six seconds) realized that the light was stuck. As the police arrived to help wave the traffic through, her stomach seemed to make a decision for her and she found herself turning into the Toojays parking lot.
Let’s fast-forward past their tearful conversation next to the deli counter to when they were sitting across from each other sharing one plate which contained a slice of key lime pie as well as a strawberry cheesecake. It was a risk. If the dessert had been crappy, they wouldn’t have considered cancelling their appointment with the divorce attorney. But as their blood sugar rose and their hearts warmed, they texted the barrister “sorry but we won’t be coming”.
“I’ve missed you my morsel of yumminess!” coo’d Fred.
Margaret gurgled happily, reaching for his hand.
And so, Toojays two-cake-one-plate option has become their naughty weekly lunchtime secret. Not only has their marriage blossomed, but the two-plate practice eliminated a concern they’d had to replace the worn cushions on their sofa since courtesy of their new indulgence, the Flufendorf’s have attained a little natural extra bottom-padding of their own.
The 2-cake option has helped strengthen many people, married and otherwise. There was the case of Mary-Ann-Peter-Sara-Attila who was born with MPD(multiple personality disorder). Having five distinct personalities, she/she/he/she/he often enjoyed two plates of the one-plate-two-cake option at Toojays, as an effort to feed four of her personalities. Her fifth personality was horrendous. That was Attila who believed he was actually Attila The Hun. He was not a sweet guy so it follows that he was not fond of cake. However, after her four other upbeat personalities delighted in the two-cake per plate option they always left Toojays feeling perky, as did the waiter who was thrilled to be allotted a quadruple tip from only one patron.
Toojays has 30 locations and 2 nearby locales—one on Palm Beach island and one in Wellington: https://www.toojays.com/
We are pleased to have Real-Life married sweethearts Frannie and Dani, who are also Dessert Critics appropriately called ‘The Sweethearts’, add a little sweetness to Around Wellington with their playful, yummy weekly 3-5 minute dessert video reviews.
Their online dessert critiques have been transformed into a Reality Food Show/Sitcom called ‘SWEETHEARTS’, now in development with 2-A-Listers attached. More info viewable at https://www.franniesheridan.com/
Donna and Steve Willey of Village Music Wellington. Photo by Monica Kallas.
Recently I checked in with Donna and Steve Willey of Village Music in Wellington to find out more about their nightly events. Ever since moving into a bigger space (right near Barnes & Noble in Wellington), they offer a café, more practice rooms, bigger lesson rooms, a stage and an outdoor space. One of the most recent developments is that they offer an adult rock camp, bringing together adults who may or may not have played a musical instrument before. “This is a group of people who always wanted to rock out and now they’re doing it and loving it,” says Steve Willey.
The most recent adult rock band at Village Music, who performed at their quarterly block party to a receptive audience.
On Saturday, April 14th, the adult rock band took the stage at the outdoor block party that Village Music put on for the community. “The main point of the block party is to bring the community together to enjoy music,” says Donna Willey. The event featured live music from about 4pm to 10pm, Emma J’s Barbecue, food from the Village Music café, outdoor games for kids and a well-attended gathering of people. “This is our vision,” Donna continues, “to have a regional music center where people can learn about music, listen to music, enjoy music. I want everyone in here!”
You can always check the website (VillageMusicWellington.com) or call Village Music to find out who’s performing. They have a group of artists who perform regularly, including Steve Willey (guitar and voice), John Tutino (sax and electric guitar with a jazz rock fusion show), Rob Arenth (virtuoso guitarist with jazz blues fusion), Victoria Cardona (guitar and percussion), Rick Seguso (acoustic guitarist and folk Americana storytelling) and Doreen Daniels (guitar, uke, trumpet and piano with 60’s and 70’s music).
Once a month at Village Music, they present Master Chef Chris Paul, one of only seven Fusion Master chefs in the world. His events are the 4th Saturday of each month. “It’s an experience of different flavors, each course is unique,” says Donna. He fuses together different flavors and does unusual things like infusing a pear with a particular flavor. Or he will fuse together Asian and Italian flavors. For just $35, you can sample the four-course meal that he creates. There’s also wine pairing at an additional charge. It’s an interactive dining experience with the backdrop of live music. “I’ve lived in Europe for a long time. This is some of the best food I’ve ever tasted,” says Donna.
Meanwhile, Chef Paul overhauled the Village Music Café menu. He kept their concept of café/bistro food and brought it up to a gourmet level. He personally trained the staff on how to make these dishes and how to present them. He makes his own mozzarella and his own pesto. In addition to a great menu, Village Music offers a nice selection of beer and wine. This is geared toward the night-time audience.
Master Fusion Chef Chris Paul at work at Village Music on the 4th Saturday of every month. Photo by Monica Kallas.
Now that Village Music has expanded, they teach approximately 350 students. They teach on all different instruments. If in doubt, just ask them at Village Music. They probably have an instructor who can teach your instrument of choice.
Coming up is Summer Camp, an interactive musical exploration experience. Children explore all different instrument groups – listening to, learning about and playing the instruments. By the end of the week, they know which instrument they connect with. There are 3 different weeks of Village Music Summer Camp. Check the website for the schedule.
The next Adult Rock Camp begins in June. Students practice once a week for two hours. The band includes seven or eight students of all different abilities. The Adult Rock Camp is led by musician John Tutino, who has a knack for bringing people together and bringing people up to speed. There’s also a Kid Rock Camp which starts in June. These students are taught by a team of different teachers from Village Music. It’s the same idea – students are brought together to practice and plan to perform their songs.
They also do kids’ birthday parties and toddler music classes at Village Music. Their café is available for events and meetings. Live music can be provided upon request.
On Monday nights, the Literary Club of the Palm Beaches meets in the Village Music Café from 7pm to 9pm. On Wednesday nights, Village Music offers free ukulele circles for all ages, all skills levels. On Thursday nights, it’s open mic night, a chance for anyone in the community to perform anything (“within reason,” jokes Donna). On Friday nights, there is live music, which changes weekly.
There’s always something happening at Village Music & Café. Stop by, have a glass of wine, enjoy the music! This is not something you find in every town. You’ll find that Village Music is a gem, inside of our great Village of Wellington.
SCIENCE CENTER ANNOUNCES SEAMLESS LEADERSHIP TRANSITION Kate Arrizza promoted to CEO while Lew Crampton maintains role as SFSCA president
(WEST PALM BEACH) The Board of Trustees of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has promoted Kate Arrizza to CEO, according to Matt Lorentzen, chairman of the SFSCA board. Lew Crampton will maintain his leadership role as president of the West Palm Beach venue.
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“Kate’s promotion to CEO and Lew’s continued participation as president will make this a seamless transition,” said Lorentzen. “The Science Center is poised for even more great things under their continued leadership and we remain grateful for their dedication and commitment to our success.”
Crampton was sworn in last month as the newest Palm Beach Town Council member. While he served on several government boards and committees during his tenure at the SFSCA, he says he expects his time commitment to public service will increase in his unpaid position on the Town Council.
“The Science Center has come a long way, but our best years are still ahead of us,” Crampton said. “Kate has proven herself as a visionary and a leader. All of the pieces are in place, and I am completely confident our Science Center team will continue to lead the way in providing mind-blowing science experiences for this community in the months and years to come.”
Crampton started his time at the SFSCA in 2010 as interim CEO. Under his direction, the Science Center has undergone a remarkable transformation — raising $15 million in five years to double the size of its facility to 42,000 square feet; and tripling its operating revenue, attendance and programming, according to Lorentzen.
Crampton’s right hand during each of those milestones and fiscal/programming successes has been Arrizza, who started her connection with the Science Center as a volunteer in the late 1990s. A Naval Academy graduate and former U.S. Navy officer who specialized in education and training, Arrizza holds a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.
As Science Center COO, she was responsible for all budgeting, scheduling and grant review, with a focus on staff development and program implementation. Her work at the Science Center has earned her such recognition and awards as South Florida Business Journal’s “40 Under 40,” Sun Sentinel’s Top Workplace Professional Award, ATHENA award finalist and Women in Leadership Award Finalist. In her new CEO role, Arrizza will take part in all strategic initiatives and work with major donors – continuing to elevate the profile of the Science Center locally, regionally and nationally.
“Growing up in Palm Beach County, the Science Center changed my life as early as I can remember,” said Arrizza. “Having the chance to directly impact other children as I was impacted gives me goosebumps. I feel exceedingly fortunate to be doing my dream job and serving my community even more in this new role.”
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. The indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and salt water aquarium, 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. 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.
St. Jude Announces Give to Live Society at Palm Beach Dinner All funds raised to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®
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PALM BEACH, Fla. – More than 100 loyal supporters gathered at the ninth annual St. Jude Palm Beach Dinner for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® on Wednesday, April 11, at Club Colette in Palm Beach. The event supported St. Jude’s pioneering research and lifesaving treatment of kids who are battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. For the ninth year in a row, Palm Beach Dinner co-chairs were Lourdes Fanjul, Talbott Maxey and Thomas C. Quick.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children from all 50 states, including Florida, and around the world. Because St. Jude freely shares the discoveries it makes, every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists can use that knowledge to save thousands more children.
Each year, the hospital treats about 8,500 children. Pediatric cancer treatments can last up to three years or more and cost an average of $425,000, including housing, travel and food. St. Jude relies heavily on donors to raise the $1 billion each year to run the operation. About half of the families are under- or uninsured.
“We are honored to have been chairs of this event since the beginning,” Maxey said. “Unlike any other hospital, families from St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, housing, or food because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. We are so grateful to the supporters helping further the mission, especially because the average cost to treat one child with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of childhood cancer, is about $300,000, and more than 75 percent of the funding comes from individual contributions.
This year’s event spotlighted the daily No More Chemo parties held at St. Jude. Each patient who completes their treatments will gather with friends, family and care team to celebrate everything they have overcome and look forward to everything that lies ahead. Patients even get to sing the “No More Chemo” song to the tune of the Oscar Mayer bologna song, and no one seems to complain about the daily pile of confetti in the hallways, representing the aftermath of a No More Chemo party.
A young former St. Jude patient, Beckett, shared his journey through childhood cancer. After being treated by St. Jude physicians, Beckett announced the incredible news that he is now cancer-free. The audience listened intently to his story full of hope and optimism.
Dinner guests also received the opportunity to be a part of the “St. Jude Give to Live Society,” a yearlong exclusive membership that recognizes the generosity donors provide to fund groundbreaking research. The money raised will cover such expenses as toiletries for families on up to the price of a major surgical procedure.
Hope and presenting sponsors included Paula and Bob Butler; Star sponsors included the Telesco Family Foundation and the Fanjul Family; Dinner sponsors included David Yurman; Dream sponsors included Janet and Mark Levy; Promise sponsors included The Kessler Family Foundation, Sugar Cane Growers Cooperative of Florida, Susan Lloyd, Valentino and Club Colette; Table Sponsors included Carole Coleman Manning, Connie Frankino and A. Scott Johnson. St. Jude Benefactors included Florida Crystals Corporation, The Fortin Foundation of Florida, Anthony & Linda Lomangino and Amanda Schumacher.
Philanthropic opportunities to help St. Jude’s mission throughout the year are still available. For more information, contact Barbara Mari at (305) 537-1429 or visit stjude.org/palmbeachdinner.
Support the hospital’s mission by visiting stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook (facebook.com/stjude) and following St. Jude on Twitter (@stjude).