Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Is Recruiting Volunteers for Sensational 2017-2018 Season
Volunteer Orientation Will Be September 26 at 10 am
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 14, 2017) In preparation for its star-packed 17/18 Season starting in October, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is seeking interested Volunteers.
“With over 400 volunteers, the Kravis Center knows that the show would not go on without the dedicated corps of people who donate their valuable time to the Center,” says Usher Coordinator Karole Cooney. “While many volunteers have been with us since opening night, we are now seeking applicants to join the ranks and become an integral part of this vibrant theater.”
There are volunteer opportunities as ushers, tour guides, and to work in hospitality, gift shop, data entry, the education department and the administrative offices.
To become an usher, applicants must complete a training course about Kravis Center operations. The course includes information about emergency evacuations, seating, show procedures and customer service skills.
The next New Volunteer Orientation will be held at the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse on Tuesday, September 26, at 10 am.
Anyone interested in becoming a Volunteer is encouraged to download a printable Volunteer Application from the website, fill it out and bring it to the orientation program. If unable to attend the orientation, please mail the application to Beth Foster, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
The application is available online by going to kravis.org/volunteer.
About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Kravis Center for is a not-for-profit performing arts center whose mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality; by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home in which local and regional arts organizations can showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. The Kravis Center is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit the official website at kravis.org.
League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Invites the Public to Two Thought-Provoking Events This Month
Nancy Abudu
· Why Courts Matter – September 20 in Atlantis
· Constitutional Crises (de jour) – September 27 in WPB
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 15, 2017) Hurricane Irma has passed, and the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County confirms that these two issues-oriented, thought-provoking events are still going on – and the public is invited!
Hot Topics Luncheon
Wednesday, September 20 in Atlantis
WHY COURTS MATTER
‘The Impact Federal Court Decisions Have on Daily Lives’
The main speaker is Nancy Abudu, Director of Legal Operation for ACLU of Florida. This luncheon event will be held from 11 am to 1 pm at the Atlantis Country Club, 190 Atlantis Boulevard in Lake Worth. The cost to attend is only $25. Register online today at http://lwvpbc.org or call Estelle Friedman at 561.968.4123.
Cool Topics Discussion
Wednesday, September 27 in West Palm Beach
CONSTITUTIONAL CRISES (de jour)
Guaranteed to Keep You ‘Up at Night’
· Is Emolument Clause on the Menu?
· Is Treason Only Eaten Rare?
· What’s the Difference Between Collusion and Conspiracy?
· Is the Mythical Shangri-la the Only True ‘Sanctuary City?’
· At What Constitutional Temperature Does One Bake a High Crime or Misdemeanor?
· Is Gerrymandering Still a Delectable Political Dish
· Is There a Recipe for ‘Cooking the Goose’ of the Special Counsel?
The main speaker is Irving Labovitz, J.D., Adjunct Professor Business Law at Florida Atlantic University. This important and informative presentation followed by Q&A will be held at 6 pm at the Palm Beach Post Auditorium, 2751 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach (the southwest corner of Dixie and Belvedere Road). While there is no cost to attend this event, interested people are encouraged to register in advance online at www.lwvpbc.org.
About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.
Palm Beach Zoo Begins Cleanup and Recovery Following Hurricane Irma
Recovery efforts are underway at the Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society, following Hurricane Irma. While all animals are accounted for, the Zoo sustained massive damage to many of its Ficus and Banyan trees across its 23-acre campus; fortunately, all of the Zoo’s main buildings and the majority of its fences appear to be intact.
“We are fortunate that no people or animals were injured,” explained Dave Ruhl, the Zoo’s facilities director who served as Incident Commander during the storm. “The amount of tree damage inside the Zoo is a bit overwhelming.”
Zoo officials are now working around the clock to assess the scope of damage around their campus and return animals to their homes.
“Some of the trees that suffered damage are at least 50-years-old; there’s a lot of history there,” explained Ruhl.
Zoo officials are strategizing with an arborist to restore several of the large trees that have fallen or toppled over inside the Zoo. They are using a 60-ton crane to remove and restore smaller trees and a 300-ton crane for bigger trees.
“We expect to have crews and cranes on campus for the next few days,” explained Ruhl. “We are asking the public to refrain from walking their dogs and entering the main parking lot until we can repair broken limbs and tree canopies.”
In a sad twist, Hurricane Irma is also being blamed for three animal deaths at the Zoo. They were discovered during morning checks immediately following the storm. Rudder, an older otter with a heart condition, passed away, likely from the stress of the storm. The storm also claimed the life of a tree frog and an Aracari (a bird, similar to a Toucan).
“We knew there was a strong possibility some geriatric animals would not make it through the storm,” explained Jan Steele, the Zoo’s director of wildlife care and conservation. “Losing animals remains one of the most difficult parts of our lives.”
Community support has always been strong for Palm Beach Zoo. Neighbors, members, and friends were reaching out to volunteer even before the storm hit.
“We are going to need volunteers to help with cleanup efforts around the Zoo; right now we are still assessing the situation,” explained Ruhl. “We do know that volunteers will need to be at least 18-years-old.”
The Zoo is asking that those interested in volunteering monitor its Facebook page for volunteer updates.
About the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society
As a home to over 550 animals, the Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches exists to inspire people to act on behalf of wildlife and the natural world. We advance our conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education and support of conservation initiatives in the field. An unwavering commitment to sustainable business practices elevates our capacity to inspire others. The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is located at 1301 Summit Boulevard in West Palm Beach, Florida. The Zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.
Dream Sponsors, Inc. and The Essence of Africa, Connecting the Dots between Wellington, FL and Kenya
By Krista Martinelli
L to R: Lynne Mesmer, Lexy Sanguinetti, Sirua Emmanuel and Carla Neumann.
Each day in Kenya, 700 children join over two million others as orphans. This issue sparked something in Carla Neumann, after a 2006 trip to Kenya on a photo safari. “While working for grants for Catholic Charities, I fell in love with the people,” says Neumann who lives in Wellington, Florida. “As a therapist, most of my training is with foster kids.” She started helping out by doing long-distance counseling online. She became attached to the kids. Then she read an article in the Palm Beach Post about Fiston Kahindo, who came from the Congo and spent time in a refugee camp in Kenya. She connected with him; they joined forces and started up Dream Sponsors, Inc. – bringing supplies and support to orphans and vulnerable youth in need in Kenya.
Neumann has made several trips to Kenya, visiting the sponsored orphans and vulnerable youth support by the organization.In about a month, she will visit Kenya again, this time meeting up with a couple of women from a small business, The Essence of Africa, based out of Wellington. “We specialize in bringing Africa to you,” explains Lexy Sanguinetti, Co-Founder, who originates from Kenya herself. Sanguinetti is also a Board Member of Dream Sponsors, Inc. “We visit and partner with very remote tribes and villages,” says Lynne Mesmer, Co-Founder of The Essence of Africa. The company, based in Wellington, produces Africa-themed events and programs in South Florida where they also sell beautiful hand-crafted tribal jewelry and collectibles made by their village partners. For example, they will visit a senior living center, a country club or a school for a day, bringing a taste of Africa to Americans. The proceeds from the goods sold go directly back to the craftspeople in Kenya.
AW: What progress have you seen in Kenya so far?
CN: We’ve seen a change in the kids. We regularly receive their grades and their health information. Both have been improving. Many times a child will get attached to a key volunteer and develop a special bond. The education they are getting, now that some of their basic needs are met, affords them better opportunities in life. Also the kids write beautiful letters of thanks to our USA-based volunteer team and their sponsors. We can see the progress.
LS: Dream Sponsors connects children in Kenya with sponsors here in the U.S. The sponsors give them care packages including letters, photos, socks and underwear. Children without any family feel like they are part of a family now. We provide the support they need.
CN: Sometimes amazing things happen, just by connections and sharing a story. We were working with one of our Dream Sponsors, Inc. sponsored youth named Ryan, an eleven and a half year-old boy living in a slum in Nairobi. He had a congenital heart issue and was given only six months left to live. You could see he was degenerating. He was fainting frequently at school. We shared his story over and over again with everyone we knew. Thanks to a few fortunate connections, Ryan’s hospital costs, echocardiogram and medications and major heart surgery were paid for. Best of all, he went on to live and become one of our brightest youth.
AW: Tell us about your upcoming trip to Kenya in October of 2017.
LM: The Essence of Africa has several volunteers who will be going to Kenya. A former Palm Beach County educator and philanthropist will be creating a book about American wildlife, using real photos. They will be sharing this with the children in Kenya. We have a planned fundraiser to raise money for supplies. There will be lots of donations, including necessities like toothbrushes and underwear.
CN: Since Dream Sponsors, Inc. is a non-profit, we can provide a receipt for donations toward our trip. Over 90% of the proceeds go directly to the people in need. We are also raising funds for a poultry project, where the beneficiary school and sponsored students will be able to have eggs and market the eggs. They will learn marketing basics. We are also working on getting advanced technology to the remotely located school. Right now they don’t have reliable WiFi. We’d like to get Chrome books to the students. We did a pilot experiment, pairing a Masai school with a Delray Beach, FL school. The schools sang their national anthems for each other via Skype. It was so much fun! Even with Sirua Aulo Academy being a top performing school in Kenya, the needs are tremendous.
AW: What’s your biggest challenge with this organization?
CN: Fundraising is always a challenge. It’s hard for us in the United States to understand the dire needs of a third world struggle. These children are vulnerable and can become targets of terrorist groups or human trafficking early on. The groups lure them in. In Kenya, there are 2.3 million orphans. We always emphasize that people need to think globally and act locally to make a difference. Even adults in this country just don’t always seem to understand. The poorest of the poor here in the United States are still better off than the poor in Africa.
LS: What we do to help with the fundraising is to sell beautiful hand-made products through The Essence of Africa. We teach people to see the value in supporting other people, including people all the way over in Kenya.
AW: What’s your fondest memory so far?
LM: In 2011, my husband and I took two friends to Kenya. We arrived at a Maasai village to meet with the local people. There were 35 of them, who stood in a line, all waiting to give us individual hugs. I’ll never forget that. What a welcoming.
CN: About seven years ago, I remember a particular performance. The kids that we work with love to perform. They put on a show and one little girl who was the “Shirley Temple of the group” stole the show. We realized that we didn’t know where she came from and she didn’t have a sponsor. We visited her home and found that she was also an orphan, sharing (with her brother) a dirty piece of foam to sleep on and living in filth. There were flies everywhere. A former Wellington High School teacher decided to become her sponsor. Now she’s living a better life.
Another memory was a rainstorm that we got caught in. We visited the slums, where the little children were playing in the mud. Instead of being upset about the absolute rain and feces-soaked squalor they were living in, they were happily playing in the mud and rain.
AW: How can others get involved or donate?
CN: Dream Sponsors, Inc. accepts checks and credit card donations. We have a website DreamSponsorsInc.com, as well as a Facebook page. We need volunteers. We always need help. Even if it’s just help with social media or grant writing.
LM: The Essence of Africa has a GoFundMe page. Our website is TEOAfrica.com. We have a Facebook page too. You can buy things online from The Essence of Africa. One of our sayings is, “Buy a necklace, support a village.”
CN: We have been very fortunate. Dream Sponsors, Inc. has had children sponsored by the Wellington Rotary Club, local businesses and individuals and the Palm Beach Central High School Interact Club (which is the Rotary Club at the high school level).
AW: How long have you been sponsoring and fundraising for children in the U.S.?
CN: Just recently we began raising funds for children in impoverished neighborhoods here in the U.S. as well. Here the dollar doesn’t go as far. In Africa, you can sponsor a child for $1300 per year and that covers all costs – uniforms, toiletries, school fees, basic needs. Here in the U.S., we’ve been able to help children with affording summer camp and getting access to advanced skills and technology that they otherwise would not have. See the website for more details.
AW: What’s the difference between Dream Sponsors, Inc. and The Essence of Africa? How do these organizations work together?
LM: The Essence of Africa is a for profit organization. Dream Sponsors, Inc. is a non-profit organization. I originally went on a photo safari in the Maasai Mara (the land of the Maasai). The trip re-generated my soul. The people had nothing, but were so kind and unassuming. Meanwhile, it’s very often that kids don’t go to school. If they do, they might walk as far as three miles one way to school. Although The Essence of Africa is for profit, we were able to raise $10,000 through connections. These funds went toward a bore hole, providing clean water to those in Kenya.
LS: Our purpose at The Essence of Africa is to share cultural information, share the needs of the people and share their products. We also work with Sirua Aulo, a sustainable school, which literally means “beautiful lawn.” Our goal is to exchange resources and by doing so, help those in need in Kenya.
Carla Neumann of Dream Sponsors, Inc, Lexy Sanguinetti of The Essence of Africa and Lynne Mesmer of The Essence of Africa
Wellington to Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
at Patriot Memorial
The community is invited to join Wellington’s Council at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11th, 2017 to honor the victims of September 11, 2001 at a remembrance ceremony. The ceremony will be held at the Patriot Memorial, located at 12198 Forest Hill Boulevard, next to Village Hall. The Village Council will make remarks and lay a wreath for those lost and affected by the attacks.
Wellington dedicated its Patriot Memorial six years ago on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. The memorial includes one of the largest steel beams salvaged from the World Trade Center as well as an eternal flame, fountain, and etched glass panels inscribed with the names of the victims.
Patriot Memorial sponsorships, including personalized brick pavers, are still available through the Wellington Community Foundation. For more information, contact Susan Trzepacz at (561) 791-4000 or strzepacz@wellingtonfl.gov.
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.
Wellington Earns Top Honors for CAFR, 21 Years Running!
The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) is awarding the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for its comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR) to the Village of Wellington’s Office of Financial Management & Budget for the Fiscal Year 2016 CAFR. This certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. The CAFR has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the highest standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the CAFR.
This year’s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting is the 21st continuously earned. This accolade reflects the commitment the Village staff has for meeting the highest principles and best practices in governmental accounting and reporting.
The Government Finance Officers Association is a major professional association serving nearly 19,000 appointed and elected local, state and other finance practitioners. It provides top quality publications, training programs, services, and products designed to enhance the skills and performance of those responsible for governmentfinance policy and management.
For more information on the Wellington Aquatics Complex, or Fall swim lessons and programs, 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.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL- (August 31, 2017) Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League will host the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, October 21, 2017, 9:30 am at Peggy Adams’ Berman Gardens located at 3200 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. The ceremony will begin at 10:00 am. This event is officiated by Father Frank and Rabbi Frank, who will bless all pets and also address pet parents gathering together to celebrate the animals that bring joy to our lives. With a suggested $10 donation, guests receive refreshments, a professional photo download and a certificate of blessing.
Father Frank was ordained a priest in 1996 and soon after was asked to co-officiate at his first Inter-Faith wedding with Rabbi Frank. Since then, the two are known as “The Dynamic Duo.” They have appeared on TV shows including Four Weddings on the TLC network.
For more information about the Blessing of the Animals at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League visit www.PeggyAdams.org.
About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League
The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League of the Palm Beaches, Incorporated is to provide shelter to lost, homeless and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement and education to further the bond between people and animals. For more information, visit www.PeggyAdams.org.
The League is an independent nonprofit animal rescue organization operating continuously since 1925.
Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League’s adoption center is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For additional information, visit PeggyAdams.org or call 561.686.3663.
Tis the season for celebration! Celebrate the Holiday Season and celebrate their 15th Anniversary Season with the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches. This highly acclaimed children’s choir continually dazzles audiences with their experienced voices and high level of choral performance. This year’s holiday concert, Winter Tapestry 2017, will envelop you in the spirit of the season. The music selected weaves together many cultures and traditions to form one tapestry. Both familiar favorites and sacred Christmas songs combine with Hanukkah and global holiday music in this concert of unity. You will be delighted as you join in the holiday sing-along, be amazed as you hear the powerful George W. Mergens Memorial Organ, and spend the evening filled with joy thanks to the Young Singers’ vibrant song. Bring the whole family, there will be something familiar and something special for every age.
For further information, contact Young Singers at 561-659-2332 or email information@yspb.org.
This picture represents the first person I met at this school. Her name is Thias and she is a very sweet person. Now, what makes me like her so much is her personality. Not only is she kind, but she also accompanied me in opening up and talking to others. And I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who has been touched by her kind and uplifting spirit. There are other new people that I know who have been influenced by her cheerful and loving spirit. Even though I’ve spent much of a time talking about Thias’ kind spirit, there are MUCH more impressive things about her that I love. She is EXTREMELY and I mean EXTREMELY smart. You can spit out any question, and she will have the answer prepared for you right away. I noticed that the first time and gave her the nickname “Google.” She hates the name, but I love it. Well as you repeatedly heard me say, I really love Thias for her spirit and everything else. She is probably one of the greatest people that I’ve met all week, and I hope we begin a friendship that lasts for the rest of the year and maybe even longer.
SMART AWARD WINNER (Student Mediator). Jayme DeRamus. Palm Beach Central High. President “Together Against Genocide” club. Organized PB Central “International Day of Tolerance” and made PB Central a “No Place to Hate” school.
Community Peace Award. Kathy Foster. 1st Mayor of Wellington. Founder. Wellington Cares.
Traditions Choir. (Palm Beach Central High) Director Scott Houchins.
May Peace Prevail on Earth. (read in 8 languages) Co-ord. Ravi Culbertson.
Peace Proclamation. Mayor Anne Gerwig.
Rotary Volunteers. Larry Kemp (Chair) Don Gross. Susan Odell. Amber Owen. Debbie Sanacore. Tom Carreras. Randy Pfeiffer. Jay Broder. Tom Eastwood.
