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First Serve- Changing Lives

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First Serve- Changing Lives

First Serve- Changing Lives

By Anya Millard, 6th Grade, Eagle Arts Academy

Everyone deserves a chance to be happy. There are many kids out there who live in bad communities or kids whose parents cannot afford much. That is not all, but kids deserve a chance to try new things most other kids can do. First Serve is an organization that teaches underprivileged kids sports and life skills. They teach kids right and wrong and let them have fun by playing sports. They take kids from bad neighborhoods, so they can be happy and play sports such as basketball, soccer and tennis. They also teach kids life skills such as science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Not only that, but they feed the kids too.

 We talked to the CEO of the organization Sonny Maken and the president of the Board of Directors Paul Van der Grift. They are both an inspiration and told us many things about First Serve. Sonny is not only the CEO but a father, to an 11-year-old daughter Abigail Maken. One important thing he said was, “You need to understand the language of power.” This organization is an afterschool program. For other kids they also started a peer program and are given scholarships. This is a terrific opportunity for older kids and not just underprivileged ones. First Serve also loves the help of other volunteers and volunteers love to help them too. That is why 70% of the organization is composed of volunteers. Only 30% are staff. You can volunteer too! They have 10 sites in Florida and are going to expand and get at least 3 more sites this year. They already have 450 kids enrolled in First Serve. They are going to expand and soon there will be around 600 kids.

CEO of First Serve USA Sonny Maken

 Of course, this is not cheap. First Serve raises money in many ways. They raise money from donations, events and company sponsorships. They collect about $700,000 per year. First Serve does not care about profits; they care about the kids. Kids are their inspiration. Sonny Maken also said, “The main premise [of First Serve] is that you are not poor for lack of opportunity, you are poor because of a lack of awareness.” First Serve has been around for 20 years. Here is a fun fact: First Serve was named “Tennis Pals” before it was called First Serve.

 Sonny Maken also gave us some advice on running a company. He told us to get ready to work hard, find people who believe what you believe and to build relationships with people.

 Do you want to help change someone’s life and make a kid happy? You can donate money, shoes, clothes and equipment for the sports, like basketball, soccer and tennis that they need. Or for the activities that they do. You can help kids in your community and give them a chance to be happy. You can give kids the opportunity to be someone and maybe one day they will be saving lives, too. Do a good thing and make a difference in someone’s life. Like the old Jewish saying “if you save a life, you save the world.”

 

Website: www.firstserveusa.org

Social media:

Instagram: @firstserveusa

Twitter: @FirstServePBC

Facebook: @firstserveusa

Dream Sponsors, Inc. – Helping Kids in Kenya

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Dream Sponsors, Inc. – Helping Kids in Kenya

Dream Sponsors, Inc. – Helping Kids in Kenya

By Amanda Teixeira, 7th Grade, Eagle Arts Academy

   Helping kids is something everyone should do – whether you’re providing them education or if you’re giving them a place to stay for a while. To serve those in need in Western Kenya, there is an organization called Dream Sponsors. They help many kids whose parents are in prison or have passed away. By reading on you can see how they help the kids, some problems they have faced, and how these kids are living. 
   At Dream Sponsors, they help the kids by giving them a place to stay, an education, clothing, and food. The kids attend a school named Sirua Aulo Academy, meaning Beautiful View in Swahili, (the language the kids speak in Kenya). The kids are very dedicated to school, they work very hard. For a kid to be able to be a part of the organization, they must fill out a form saying why they should be there and what they want to be when they grow up. For example, some kids want to be a pilot or nurse. However for them to reach those goals they know they have to be in school, so they work their best. The school they attend is great because it accepts kids with disabilities, which the organization helps with. If a person wants to sponsor a child the price is $1300, this includes clothing, limited food, and boarding school. Dream Sponsors is also great for kids because there are bad guys out there. These kids can be vulnerable and some people out there can promise them stuff for example money, for something bad in return. So let’s be thankful for having Dream Sponsors help these kids in Kenya.


   As good as they can be, Dream Sponsors, Inc. has faced many problems. Carla Neumann said, “I’d have to write a book on how many problems we’ve faced.” Carla Neumann is the founder of Dream Sponsors, she founded this organization in 2012. Her inspiration was the kids in Kenya. She had a trip to Kenya and she said that when she was there. many kids she met said they wished they could go back to the USA with her. So she came up with the organization that helps kids follow their dreams. One of many problems was food. They don’t have as much food in Kenya. However, kids are very thankful for the help they have been given. Because they know they don’t have to go to the bad side. Some of the goals they have in the future are to help more kids. Also since Kenya is not provided with technology, they want in the future for the kids to be provided with computers. They also want to have a cultural exchange with the United States.  (We are going to start a penpals program with some of the students here at Eagle Arts Academy and some of the students in Kenya). 
   In Kenya, kids live a hard life. Girls often get married at the age of 14 or 15. Also, “the kids have to bathe in the river,” said Carla. Someday I hope these kids have everything they need because they are good kids. The kids have to go to school, walking without shoes – that is when they are not provided transportation. But that’s how much they want to go to school. As you can see it is very important to help children – it can make a difference in their lives.

Founder of Dream Sponsors Inc. Carla Neumann with two Kenyan students

PALM BEACH OPERA Celebrates Upcoming Season in New York City

Mikayla Carroll
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PALM BEACH OPERA Celebrates Upcoming Season in New York City

PALM BEACH OPERA Celebrates Upcoming Season in New York City

Peter and Linda Hoffman with Ari Rifkin.

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 17, 2017) As part of celebrations for its upcoming 2017-2018 season, Palm Beach Opera held a private dinner at The Lotos Club, New York, hosted by Mrs. Florence Kaufman, Palm Beach Opera Board Member.

The evening was attended by 60 Palm Beach Opera supporters. The celebration began in the ballroom with a cocktail reception featuring passed hors d’oeuvres. Before an exclusive recital featuring two of Palm Beach Opera’s Benenson Young Artists, Kasia Borowiec, soprano, and Derrek Stark, tenor, General Director Daniel Biaggi welcomed the evening’s artistic guest of honor, Metropolitan Opera star and internationally beloved soprano, Sondra Radvanovsky. Many in attendance had enjoyed her Metropolitan Opera performance the prior evening, in the title role of Bellini’s NORMA. Mr. Biaggi toasted Ms. Radvanovsky’s extraordinary performance, as well as shared with guests her upcoming February performance at Palm Beach Opera’s 2018 Gala.

Following the performance, guests were then escorted to the library for a gourmet, seated dinner. Between meal courses, Mr. Biaggi toasted the evening’s hostess, Lotos Club Member Mrs. Florence Kaufman, who then greeted and celebrated all in attendance.

The Lotos Club evening was the highlight of a series of events that took place during Palm Beach Opera’s three-day stay in New York City. In addition to attending the Metropolitan Opera’s performance of NORMA, other events included a Board of Directors meeting at Opera America’s National Opera Center, and a Palm Beach Opera Benenson Young Artist performance at the National Opera Center, as part of Opera America’s Emerging Artist Recital Series. The performance began this season’s Recital Series, and live-broadcast.

Among those in attendance for the celebration at The Lotos Club were General Director Daniel Biaggi, Board Chairman Dennis Williams and his wife Roseanne, Board President Nathan Leventhal, Gladys Benenson, William Brown, Dan Cochran and Greg Sutphin, John Domenico, Paul and Sue Efron, Annette Friedland, Robert and Ann Fromer, Roy Furman, David and Joan Genser, Allan and Muriel Greenblatt, Peter and Linda Hoffman, Florence Kaufman, Steven and Angela Kumble, Scott and Monica Laurans, Roger and Claude Lourie, J. D. McClatchy and Chip Kidd, Anka Palitz, Miguel Perrotti, Jack and Linda Purdy, Ari Rifkin, James and Jennifer Takats, Suzanne Von Liebig, and David Walker, Palm Beach Opera Managing Director.

About Palm Beach Opera:
Palm Beach Opera’s 2018 mainstage opera season, will include performances of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca January 26-28, Leonard Bernstein’s Candide February 23-25, and Le nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart March 23-25. All mainstage opera performances will take place at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach.

Palm Beach Opera is dedicated to producing live opera at an international standard of excellence and to enriching the life of the communities it serves with a diverse offering of educational programs. Founded in 1961, the fully professional Palm Beach Opera presents main stage performances at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach and is a proud member of OPERA America and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Johns Hopkins Medicine Hosts A Woman’s Journey

Jennifer Cope
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Johns Hopkins Medicine Hosts A Woman’s Journey

Calendar Listing

Johns Hopkins Medicine

A Woman’s Journey

Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 9 a.m.

WHO: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Chairs: Erin McGould and Debra Vasilopoulos

Honorary Chairs: Lee Callahan, Betsy Meany, Susan Telesco, Norma Tiefel and Susan Keenan Wright

Sponsors: Palm Beach Daily News, Palm Beach Illustrated

WHAT: The premier women’s health conference will provide information about critical issues affecting women. From the microbiome to cancer warning signs, this one-day event will offer classes led by Johns Hopkins physicians with breakfast and luncheon keynotes.

WHEN: Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 9 a.m.

TICKETS: $165/person, $2500/table

WHERE: The Palm Beach County Convention Center; 650 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

WHY: Johns Hopkins Medicine educates medical students, scientists, health care professionals and the public; conducts research; and provides patient- and family-centered care to prevent, diagnose, and treat human illness. The organization operates six hospitals, surgery centers, and specialty care sites. The Johns Hopkins Hospital opened in 1889 and has been ranked No. 1 by U.S. News & World Report for 22 years of the survey’s 26 year history.

FOR MORE INFO: 410-955-8660 or http://hopkinsmedicine.org/awomansjourney

Contact person: Melinda Thomas

Contact telephone number: 410-955-8660

Website: http://hopkinsmedicine.org/awomansjourney

PHOTO: A Woman’s Journey Chairs Erin McGould and Debra Vasilopoulos

PHOTOGRAPHER’S NAME: CAPEHART

The Science of Invisibility: An Evening with Kevin Mitnick, The World’s Best-Known Hacker

Jennifer Cope
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The Science of Invisibility: An Evening with Kevin Mitnick, The World’s Best-Known Hacker

Calendar Listing:
South Florida Science Center and Aquarium
“The Science of Invisibility: An Evening with Kevin Mitnick, the World’s Best Known Hacker”
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7 p.m.

WHO: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium

CHAIRS: Mary Freitas, Elizabeth Gordon, Caroline Rafferty, chairwomen

SPONSORS: Palm Beach Illustrated

WHAT: Kevin Mitnick, the world’s most famous hacker, will host an informal presentation about his journey from criminal to consultant. In the 1990s, Mitnick breached large companies’ cyber security, but has since redeemed himself.

WHEN: Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at 7 p.m.

TICKETS: $500

WHERE: The Circle Dining Room at The Breakers, Palm Beach; 1 S County Rd, Palm Beach, FL 33480

WHY: The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium fulfills its mission to open every mind to science by offering immersive activities for all ages. Every year, 300,000 visitors explore, discover, and are inspired by the aquariums, the digital planetarium, an interactive Everglades exhibit, and the 18-hole environmentally themed Conservation Course, a putting course among a butterfly haven. The blockbuster exhibit “Astronaut” runs through April 15.

Contact person: Marcy Hoffman

Contact telephone number: 561-370-7738

Website: http://sfsciencecenter.org

Photo Caption: Chairwomen Mary Freitas, Caroline Rafferty, Elizabeth Gordon

Photo Credit: CAPEHART

Wellington Garden Club’s 4th Annual Tree Planting

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Wellington Garden Club’s 4th Annual Tree Planting

WGC 4th Annual Tree Planting

National Public Lands Day (NPLD) Saturday, September 30, 2017

By Kathy Siena, Event Planner and Organizer

Cub Scout Pack 125

Wellington Garden Club volunteers Kathy Siena and Lisa Ferrano organized and planned the 4th annual tree planting community event which took place last Saturday, September 30, 2017 on National Public Lands Day (NPLD).  More than 65 volunteers from Wellington Garden Club, local packs from Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Troops, Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School planted 750 native Florida Slash Pine seedlings and about 100 native Cardinal shrubs in the Wellington Environmental Preserve on Flying Cow Road. Village of Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind joined in on the volunteer efforts as well. Village of Wellington Landscape/Forestry Operations Supervisor Brian Hopper and his staff, gave tremendous support by preparing the seedlings that were planted and pre-drilling holes where the seedlings were placed.  The thunderstorms held off for the morning and there was plenty of sunshine and cold water to go around as the volunteers moved along the pathway and through the grounds planting the trees.

WGC Member and event organizer, Kathy Siena, Souct parent, Michelle De Arma, and VOW Councilwoman Tanya Siskind

 

Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help on this important nationally-recognized day when the Village of Wellington community volunteers helped our environment by being earth stewards on that special day.  We look forward to planning another big day at the Preserve on Saturday, September 22, 2018 on NPLD day. 

Volunteers hard at work planting the pine seedlings.
VOW landscape/forestry operations supervisor Brian Hopper explaining to the volunteers how to plant the young pine seedlings

Wellington Aquatics Complex to Host District Championships

Mikayla Carroll
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Wellington Aquatics Complex to Host District Championships

Wellington Aquatics Complex to Host District Championships

The Wellington Aquatics Complex will host High School District Diving and Swimming Championships on Monday, October 23rd, and Tuesday, October 24th.

Approximately 50 athletes will compete in Monday’s District Dive Championship, which will run from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During this time, the complex will remain closed to the public.

The Aquatics Complex will be closed for the day on Tuesday, October 24th to host the District Swim Championship. Approximately 300 athletes are expected and the competition will run from 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. Swim lessons occurring during the closure will be conducted at their previously scheduled times.

The Aquatics Complex is located at 12072 Forest Hill Boulevard and features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, diving boards, water slides, an aquatic spray ground, baby pool, concession stand and locker rooms.

The facility is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through May 28, 2018. Daily admission is free for children ages 2 and under, $3 for children ages 3 to 17, $5 for adults ages 18 to 54, and $2 for seniors ages 55 and older. Wellington also offers discounted Splash Passes, Annual Passes, and Water Aerobics Passes.

For more information about the aquatics classes and programs, contact the Wellington Aquatics Complex, at (561) 791-4770, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Aquatics.

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.

Join us for the WAS Artist Reception to Celebrate Local Artists

Mikayla Carroll
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Join us for the WAS Artist Reception to Celebrate Local Artists

Join us for the WAS Artist Reception to Celebrate Local Artists

The Wellington Art Society will host an artist reception on Tuesday, October 24th from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm inside the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Blvd) and on the 1st floor of Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Blvd).

This combined reception will recognize local artists for their artwork that will be displayed both at the Wellington Community Center and Wellington’s Village Hall. Artists selected to participate in the rotating gallery exhibit will be recognized at the informal reception.

The Wellington Art Society will have original works of art and books on display as well as offering door prizes and prints for sale. The public is invited to attend and enjoy the local art on display.

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.

MNM Productions & the Cast of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES to Host Post-Show Talk-Back with Original Broadway Producer Kenneth Greenblatt

Mikayla Carroll
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MNM Productions & the Cast of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES to Host Post-Show Talk-Back with Original Broadway Producer Kenneth Greenblatt

MNM Productions & the Cast of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES to Host Post-Show Talk-Back with Original Broadway Producer Kenneth Greenblatt at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse on October 17

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 10, 2017) Marcie Gorman-Althof and Michael Lifshitz, the producing partners behind MNM Productions, one of South Florida’s hottest, award-winning theatre companies, today announced a special bonus for the audience at an upcoming performance of the gender-bending musical LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, which is running through October 22 at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse.

“We are excited to announced that Kenneth Greenblatt, who produced both the 1983 original Broadway production and the 2004 revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES – and won Tony Awards for both – will do a quick post-show talk-back with the audience on Tuesday, October 17,” says Lifshitz.

Ken Greenblatt is Chairman / President of GFour Productions, where he now works full time from South Florida. His recent productions include MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL, which has played to over 11 million people worldwide and has now become the longest running book musical in the history of Las Vegas. His newest comedy, THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG, has now become the longest-running (and funniest) play on Broadway. He began producing in 1981 with NINE THE MUSICAL, which won him the 1982 Tony Award for Best Musical. He followed up his producing breakthrough with the original production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES in 1983, winning him his 2nd Tony Award for Best Musical. The show has always had a special place in his heart and 20 years later, he produced the revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, which went on to win the Tony Award for Best Revival in 2004.

Since starting his producing career, Greenblatt’s collective shows have been nominated for 76 Tony Awards winning 30, and 53 Drama Desk Awards, winning 23. Among his favorite productions are MY ONE AND ONLY starring Tommy Tune, ZORBA THE GREEK starring Anthony Quinn, GRIND starring Ben Vereen, THE RINK starring Liza Minnelli and Chita Rivera, BABY, GRAND HOTEL, BIG, TRUE WEST, CATSKILLS ON BROADWAY, RING OF FIRE -The Johnny Cash Musical Show, 9 to 5 THE MUSICAL with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, and the romantic comedies I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, and I LOVE YOU YOU’RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE.

Tickets to see LA CAGE AUX FOLLES are $45 each and can be purchased online through the Kravis Center’s official website at kravis.org; by phone at 561.832.7469; or at the Kravis Center box office, 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

About LA CAGE AUX FOLLES:
A multiple Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Best Score, Best Revival and more, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES features a cast of more than 20 stellar performers, many of whom are veterans of previous shows from MNM Productions.

Albin and Georges, the two lead characters in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES are played by Michael Ursua and Larry Alexander. Also appearing in the show are Aaron Bower, Clay Cartland, AJ Cola, JR Coley, Jinon Deeb, Rebecca Diaz, Patti Gardner, Kimmi Johnson, Alex Jorth, Peter Librach, Rio Peterson, Christie Rohr, Ashley Rubin, Troy Stanley, Keagan Tanner, Pierre Tannous, Frank Vomero and Elijah Word.

Kimberly Dawn Smith, who directed and choreographed MNM’s productions of A Chorus Line, Hair and Monty Python’s Spamalot, and the choreographer of The World Goes ‘Round and Company, helmed LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, with the award-winning Paul Reekie returning as musical director, as he has done for all previous MNM productions. Legends Radio 100.3FM is the official broadcast partner for LA CAGE AUX FOLLES.

The final show this year from MNM Productions will be LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, which is being co-presented by the Kravis Center (December 1-17).

About MNM Productions:
This production company is the latest venture by two experienced theatrical producers and arts consultants: Marcie Gorman-Althof and Michael Lifshitz. The rising theatrical company has so far produced six major musical productions (A Chorus Line, Side by Side by Sondheim, Hair, The World Goes ‘Round, Monty Python’s Spamalot and Company), five of which received “recommended” status for Carbonell Awards; two (Side by Side by Sondheim and The World Goes ‘Round) received nominations for Best Ensemble, with the latter show recently winning the prestigious award. In addition, MNM Productions received The Silver Palm Awards for Outstanding New Theatre Company and Outstanding Ensemble for The World Goes ‘Round, while Paul Reekie was named Outstanding Musical Director for The World Goes ‘Round and Hair.

Trunk or Treat Event: A Safe Alternative to Trick or Treating

Mikayla Carroll
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Trunk or Treat Event: A Safe Alternative to Trick or Treating

Trunk or Treat Event: A Safe Alternative to Trick or Treating

Join the Village’s Community Services Department and Wellington High School’s DECA Club on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. for a free Trunk or Treat event in the student parking lot at Wellington Community High School located at 2101 Greenview Shores Boulevard.

This annual event is a safe, family-friendly twist on trick or treating. Volunteers will decorate their vehicles and distribute Halloween treats out of their trunks for children ages 10 and under. Families can also enjoy music, refreshments, craft tables, food trucks, a costume contest for children, and more.

If you’re interested in decorating your car and passing out candy, contact Wellington Community High School’s DECA club at (561)795-4919 or Cheryl.lueke@palmbeachschools.org.

Trunk or Treat is made possible through Wellington’s partnership with Wellington Community High School’s DECA program, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, and Texas Roadhouse.

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.

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