(West Palm Beach, FL – October 14, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting a super-fun and very special Dogs’ Day Howl-O-Ween & Costume Contest on October 27. Mounts Botanical Garden is now open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm).
October 27
Special Dogs’ Day Howl-O-Ween & Costume Contest
Costume Contest 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $20 for nonmember adults; $18 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $13 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
Mounts Botanical Garden will host a special Halloween-themed Dogs’ Day on October 27, 2024. This event will feature a dog costume contest and parade through the garden. Event Highlights:
Halloween Costume Contest: Dogs will compete in a fun costume contest, where they will walk a runway on the Great Lawn as a runway. Judges will award prizes based on creativity, originality, and overall presentation. Prizes will be a combination of Dog vendor-donated goods presented in a gift basket.
Dog Parade: After the contest, all participating dogs will parade through the garden, showcasing their costumes to other visitors.
Safety and Conduct Policies:
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, we will strictly adhere to the existing Dogs’ Days policies, including:
Dogs must be on non-retractable leashes no longer than six feet.
Only one dog per adult.
Dogs must be socialized, vaccinated, and wearing a well-fitted collar with tags.
Owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior and must clean up after their pets.
Dogs must be removed from the garden if they show signs of aggression.
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.
Visit Five Private Gardens and One Botanical Garden Landscaped with Florida Native Plants in Lake Worth, Palm Beach, Wellington, and West Palm Beach
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 15, 2024)The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society (PBCC FNPS), today announced that it would be hosting its Annual Native Plant Garden Tour on November 17, 2024, from 9 am to 3 pm.
Garden Tour participants can visit five unique private gardens and one botanical garden in central Palm Beach County—each one landscaped with Florida native plants. Docents will be at each property to answer questions, plants throughout the gardens will be labeled with their names, and native plant literature will be available at the welcome tables at each location.
The cost for the day is $10 for non-members and free for FNPS members and children under 13. Tickets will be available for advanced purchase at the October 15 chapter meeting of the Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society and online at https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML0X58QJMNJKR/checkout/AIC5YXDN6JU7LODL4LVZ2O4W.
Tickets can be purchased day of the tour at all garden locations with cash or check. For more information, please call 561.285.7213 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.
The six gardens on this year’s Native Plant Garden Tour include:
+ Pan’s Garden,386 Hibiscus Ave in Palm Beach
Florida’s first, all-native botanical garden, Pan’s Garden was created by the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach in 1994. The half-acre garden includes wetland and upland areas and is currently planted with over 270 species of native plants, almost sixty percent of which are indigenous to the barrier island.
+ Eden’s Place Healing Arts, 1423 N. Federal Hwy. in Lake Worth
The Eden’s Place Garden was created to enhance the healing benefits of their work while supporting native birds and pollinators. Since 2015, this garden has grown from a residential property to a sustainable and low-maintenance native healing garden. Nature heals the soul!
+ Julia’s Pollinator Haven, 1629 North N St, in Lake Worth Beach
Over the last two decades, this property evolved from a vacant lot filled with weeds to a pollinator’s buffet. It started with a small butterfly garden and grew into a yard full of native wildflowers, shrubs, and trees. Thanks to inspiration from the North American Butterfly Association, this property is now a certified butterfly habitat that helps support local pollinators.
+ Denise’s Native Wildlife Backyard Sanctuary, 13519 Jonquil Place in Wellington
This property was reinvented from typically HOA landscaping to a real sanctuary for birds, bees, insects, reptiles, and small animals—beautifully ensconced amidst the ever-increasing strip malls, golf courses, and grass lawns of South Florida. The property owners learned from local experts and the Florida Native Plant Society and acquired plants from local native nurseries to create their own natural area. It is a great example of how much wildlife habitat one can create within a quarter acre lot, while still meeting HOA landscaping expectations.
+ Fatima’s Native Butterfly & Pollinator Oasis, 11291 Cowen Court in Lake Worth
This five-acre property features a stunning cypress swamp and is surrounded by water on three sides, with resident alligators adding to the wild charm. What started as a goal of growing fruits and veggies, soon grew into passion for growing nectar and host plants for butterflies. Fatima’s mission now is to contribute to the preservation of native habitats and provide food for the local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, bees, deer, rabbits, armadillos, and even bobcats.
+ Helen’s Cypress Wonderland & Garden, 11668 Piping Plover Road in Lake Worth
The owner chose this land because of its remnant pond cypress hammock and different ecosystems and created gardens that correspond to the variety of habitats. In addition to the original cypress hammock and pine flatwoods, it now has pollinator gardens, seasonal wetlands, pond gardens, and wildflower meadows. Keeping the invasive species out is an ongoing effort, but it is worth it to share the environment with the many native critters that also call the property home.
Note:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society—in partnership with Audubon Everglades and Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association—will be giving away two native plants at one of the gardens while supplies last.
About The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society:
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the preservation, conservation, and restoration of native plants and native plant communities of Florida.
Educational meetings are on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 pm at Mounts Botanical Garden. Each meeting has an educational program related to Florida native plants, a native plant raffle and refreshments For more information, call 561-285-7213 or visit http://www.palmbeach.fnpschapters.org.
Boca Raton, Fla. (October 8, 2024) – The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center (Levis JCC) announces the Alicia & Jeff Spero 33rd Annual Book & Author Luncheon featuring presentations by four best-selling authors. Presented by the Levis JCC’s Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, the event will take place on Tuesday, November 12 at 9am at Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Dr. A well-established cultural hub in South Palm Beach County offering enriching and engaging programming throughout the year, the Levis JCC Sandler Center proudly welcomes respected authors Lauren Aliza Green, Adelle Waldman, Samantha Greene Woodruff and Elizabeth Silver during this year’s program.
“We love beginning the season with one of our most eagerly anticipated events,” said Stephanie Owitz, Director of Arts, Culture, and Learning at the Sandler Center. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to this year’s distinguished guest authors and our vibrant literary community, whose ongoing support heightens our commitment to nurturing lifelong learning.”
A few words from the authors:
Lauren Aliza Green, author of “The World After Alice” says, “Now more than ever, the power of literature to broaden our perspectives and deepen our empathy is crucial. The chance to explore this in a room of such thoughtful and passionate readers is a gift I deeply cherish.”
“My novel deals with the problems working-class Americans face,” said Adelle Waldman, author of “Help Wanted.” “Participating in the Book & Author Luncheon is particularly meaningful to me, as it shows that Levis JCC members are engaged with issues that address larger questions of fairness and economic justice throughout the country.”
“The engaged and vibrant community at the Levis JCC made it one of my favorite stops on my last book tour,” said Samantha Greene Woodruff, author of “The Trade Off.” “I am honored to be back to discuss my book about a young Jewish woman fighting for her place on Wall Street in the 1920s, in spite of her gender and religion.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to be a part of this event,” said Elizabeth Silver, author of “The Majority.” “I’m thrilled to be able to come to Florida and speak about my novel about a fictional first female Supreme Court Justice in America, at the same time as our country is learning of similar themes explored in the novel about firsts, judicial changes, and the private lives of some of the most powerful people in the land.”
In addition to author presentations, guests will enjoy coffee, pastries, lunch and valet parking. Tickets are $140 per person and are available for purchase at levisjcc.org/culture or by calling the Box Office at 561-558-2520.
About the Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center
The Adolph & Rose Levis Jewish Community Center promotes and enhances Jewish culture, heritage, and values through educational, spiritual, social, wellness and recreational programs for individuals of all ages. With a preschool, summer camp, family activities, athletics, cultural arts, adult enrichment, and special needs programming, as well as a Resale Boutique, the Levis JCC offers something for everyone.
Over 100 guests, including Holocaust survivors and local students gathered for an afternoon of chesed (kindness) and challah-making.
BOCA RATON, Fla. (October 10, 2024)– On Thursday, September 26, PJ Our Way™ and From March to Miriam hosted Challah for Chesed, an intergenerational event in partnership with the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. With over 100 attendees, the event fostered meaningful connections between Holocaust survivors, PJ Our Way™ tweens and participants in the From March to Miriam program through the mitzvah of challah-making.
The event featured special guests, the Challah Back Girls®, a sibling-founded small business on a mission to promote justice and compassion through the Jewish tradition of baking challah. The Challah Back Girls led a hands-on challah-baking session that brought participants together to share in the joy of this age-old tradition.
Holocaust survivor Zelda Fuksman was a highlight of the event, sharing how baking challah provided comfort and connection during her childhood. Her heartfelt words offered a reminder of the importance of memory and tradition, and L’dor v’dor (creating a bridge between generations.) “Looking back is looking forward. It is a gift when young people are open to learn from our shared history and traditions. I believe this will bring them great satisfaction in their future.”
In addition to baking, the event emphasized the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repairing the world) through a mitzvah (good deed) opportunity, where guests brought non-perishable food items to donate to the Jacobson Family Food Pantry. The overwhelming generosity of the community was felt as donations poured in, filling boxes with vital supplies for local families in need.
From March to Miriam participants and PJ Our Way tweens, had the invaluable opportunity to meet and learn firsthand from survivors and share in this special experience with the local community.
“Usually, March of the Living participants are the ones sharing Holocaust survivors’ testimonies, but this time, we wanted to involve the younger generation,” said Elana Ostroff, Director of PJ Library. “Our tweens learned that they, too, play a crucial role in keeping these testimonies alive and carrying on the legacy of kindness and community.”
“Challah for Chesed was truly an opportunity for our community to come together. Watching the joy on the faces of the survivors and participants as they got to know each other and create connections while ‘baking’ a difference was priceless,” said Stephanie Nichol, March of the Living Director.
The success of Challah for Chesed reinforced the importance of creating spaces where younger generations can learn from their elders while engaging in traditions that promote compassion and togetherness.
About PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County: PJ Library® in South Palm Beach County is made possible by generous support from the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, Leon and Toby Cooperman Family Foundation, Jewish Women’s Foundation, and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation. To learn more, visit www.jewishboca.org/pjlibrary.
About From March to Miriam: From March to Miriam is sponsored by a generous grant from the Jewish Women’s Foundation in cooperation with the March of the Living, Ruth & Norman Rales Family Services and the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County.
About the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County
Established in 1979, the JFSPBC is made up of Jewish and social service organizations, synagogues, and schools that provide valued services and programs to recipients in South Palm Beach County, in Israel and around the world. The JFSPBC is also comprised of local residents, including lay leadership, volunteer, donors, professional staff, rabbis, educators, event participants and students. Situated on a 100-acre campus in west Boca Raton – the largest in the nation – the JFSPBC supports more than 70 beneficiaries, engages with more than 5,000 donors, and connects more than 130,000 residents. To learn more about how we contribute to a shared vision for the Jewish community, visit https://jfspbc.org or call 561.852.3100.
Sandi, Ferris, and Happy Herd of Llamas to bring message of harmony for the holidays
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — The City of West Palm Beach is preparing for a harmonious holiday season. This year’s Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL theme is “Sandi Shares Harmony.” Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, will debut at the Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting with a dynamic light and music show on Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. While traveling during the off-season, Sandi met Harmony, the leader of a Happy Herd of Llamas, who inspired this year’s theme.
This destination is designed to be “Your Holiday Happy Place” — a favorite local spot to leave behind your worries and all of life’s potential stressors, whether that be personal, political, or beyond. Sandi’s magical shows will run nightly through New Year’s Eve, so there will be lots of opportunity to soak up some holiday cheer. Ferris, our 50-foot Ferris wheel, will also return this year to the delight of all those who enjoy seeing Sandi’s shows from a sky-high view. The annual celebration also features 100-tons worth of accompanying sand sculptures, the Be Good Ship Lollipop, featuring a giant pirate ship and a 50-ton sand bar where kids can play, daily things to do and see, and lots of free and affordable entertainment.
“Downtown West Palm Beach is a destination for holiday magic, with Holiday in Paradise’s Sandi taking center stage as one of the most unique holiday offerings in the world,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “It is truly a ‘must see’ celebration. I encourage locals and visitors alike to make Sandiland ‘Your Holiday Happy Place’ this year!”
Harmony, Sandi’s newest friend, will be joined by a Happy Herd of eight Llamas aptly named: NOdrama Llama, NOprob Llama, Llamaste, Fa-la-la-la-Llama, LlAmour, LlAmazing, Llama Mia, and Dolly Llama. The harmonious crew will be sculpted at the base of Sandi and along the Waterfront, where the four 25-ton smaller sand sculptures are displayed. Sandi’s usual cast of characters will also return, including Hope, Merry the Mermaid and Duke.
“Holiday in Paradise is all about having fun and coming together as a community,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “When people visit our beautiful Waterfront and enjoy Sandi, Ferris and all our other activities, we want them to be in the moment, making memories with their friends and family. Holiday in Paradise this year is a NOdrama Llama zone — come one, come all to enjoy a harmonious holiday season!”
Starting on the night of the tree lighting, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 – 10 p.m. (shows will be extended on New Year’s Eve through midnight). Shows start on the quarter hour except during special events. Rides on Ferris will be available during the same time for $5 per person per ride plus taxes and fees, and rules and restrictions apply (see wpb.org/events for more info).
Sandi fans should save the date for the following special events:
Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 5, from 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
The celebration will feature music by Uncle Morty’s Rhythm Cream (R&B/Soul/Rock/Cover)and include FREE and special entertainment, including strolling entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping bazaar featuring local artisans will occur in the Lake Pavilion. Of note: music, activities, and the bazaar take place until 9 p.m.; Sandi shows and rides on Ferris continue until 10 p.m.
Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, Dec. 8 | Two seatings will be available at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. | Tickets will soon be available at wpb.org/events. Tickets are $17 per person, plus taxes and fees. The event includes private access to Santa and Mrs. Claus and the only daytime ride on Ferris.
Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring The Bobby Rodriguez Orchestra (18-piece Jazz Big Band) | Thursday, Dec. 12, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
In 1981, Bobby Rodriguez formed an 18-piece all-star Jazz Big Band and has performed across South Florida ever since. This versatile Big Band plays various music, including swing, bebop, Latin, and pop. Bobby loves to sing songs from the Great American Song Book.
Screen on the Green | Friday, Dec. 13, from 7 – 9 p.m. | Double feature | FREE on the Great Lawn
The Emperor’s New Groove (G)Arrogant young Emperor Kuzco is transformed into a llama by his power-hungry advisor — the devious diva Yzma. Stranded in the jungle, Kuzco’s only chance to get back home and reclaim the high life rests with a good-hearted peasant named Pacha. Together, they must return Kuzco to the throne before Yzma tracks them down and finishes him off.
Kronk’s New Groove (G) In this sequel to “The Emperor’s New Groove,” former meddler Kronk has turned over a new leaf and now runs a bustling pizza parlor in an Incan village. When Kronk hears that his judgmental father, Papi, plans to visit, he scrambles to raise money to impress him. And, just when it seems he might succeed, Kronk’s evil former employer, Yzm, appears, intending to draw him back into her crooked ways.
Sunday on the Waterfront on the NewDay USA Stage featuring the Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular| Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4 – 7 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
The annual vibrant, high-energy, and authentic Polynesian show is popular with guests of all ages and is consistently the most popular Sunday on the Waterfront show annually. The Islanders take the audience on a journey through Polynesia using pulsating drums, beautiful hula dancers, and exciting Samoan fire knife dancers to make guests feel truly transported. The event will also feature the annual conch-blowing contest.
Soul in the City Jazz Experience | Wednesday, Dec. 18, from 7 – 9 p.m. The Lady Ella Show | General admission tickets start at $30 at the Lake Pavilion | For info, visit hereor wpb.org/jazz
A native of Charleston, West Virginia, Nicci Canada, was destined to sing. Born into a family of vocalists, she has been surrounded by music her entire life. She uniquely connects with listeners, using her voice as a canvas to showcase the truths of the heart and soul. Her warm, sultry vocals are reminiscent of artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Nina Simone.
Clematis by Night on the NewDay USA Stage featuring KRUSH Party Band (Motown/R&B/Dance) | Thursday, Dec. 19, from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
KRUSH Party Band is a professional entertainment powerhouse. KRUSH Band performs top hits in various genres, including Motown, R&B, classic dance, disco hits, classic dance rock, and much more!
NOTE: NO CLEMATIS BY NIGHT ON THURSDAY, DEC. 26
Sandi and Ferris will still operate on the normal schedule.
New Year’s Eve | Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 p.m. – midnight
Ring in the New Year in style with Sandi, Ferris, and friends with extra music and light shows.
Sand for Holiday in Paradise will start arriving by the truckload on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The days-long delivery will disperse 850 tons of sand on the Great Lawn. Sandi will take the bulk of the sand, and 100 tons will be used to construct other sand sculptures along the waterfront. Sand sculpting will start on Monday, Nov. 18. It takes about one month to ensure Sandi is ready for her big debut.
Holiday in Paradise sponsors and partners to date include: Florida Power & Light, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, NewDay USA, Discover the Palm Beaches, Florida Blue, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, WPBF 25 News, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Visit Palm Beach, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Garden Inn WPB I95 Outlets, The Palm Beach Post, and Lion Country Safari.
Parking is available in the City of West Palm Beach’s public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla, and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the events. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City’s free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the nearest dock to the events.
For more information about Holiday in Paradise or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/Events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
(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
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 Planchardat 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 & MariaRodaz 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.
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.
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
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
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.
