Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Wellington
Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in Wellington
Wellington and the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 will honor all veterans with a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday, May 29th. Veterans are invited to walk in a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 8:15 am at Wellington’s Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Boulevard). The parade ends at Wellington’s Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and South Shore Boulevard, and will be followed at 8:30 am by the Memorial Day Ceremony.
If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, you will have an opportunity to register the morning of the event at the Wellington tent to be recognized during the ceremony. To become a part of this event or to walk in the parade, please contact Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082.
The American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390 will be holding their annual Veterans Open House on Wednesday, June 7th from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). This event will feature guest speakers to raise awareness about the American Legion and the services offered to veterans. For more information about the American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Wellington Post 390, please contact wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com.
To learn more about upcoming events in Wellington visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Events.
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 Accepting Grant Applications for Limited Time
Wellington Accepting Grant Applications for Limited Time
Wellington is excited to announce the return of its Beautiful Wellington Grant Tier IV. Back for its third year, this grant offers homeowners up to $1,500 per address in matching funds for exterior painting and pressure washing, aesthetic-based landscaping, installation of irrigation to maintain vegetation, minor facade repairs, and driveway/parking pad and walkway repair or replacement.
Applications for the second round will be accepted through Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. All applications will be independently evaluated by an Evaluation/Selection Committee on May 11, 2017 beginning at 10:00 AM local time.
The application is currently available online on our Wellington Grants webpage, which includes a checklist of documentation required to apply. Please review this list carefully and note the items that may take additional time to collect (estimates, proposals, etc.) as we will only accept completed applications between May 1, 2017 and May 11, 2017.
Please note that this will be the final round of the Beautiful Wellington Grant Tier IV. This grant will be revised and replaced with the Great Neighborhoods Grant in FY 2018. For more information, please contact the Community Services Office at 561-791-4796.
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.
Science Center Celebrates Latest Expansion
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM CELEBRATES LATEST EXPANSION
Ribbon Cutting Opens New Discovery Playground and Multi-purpose Center
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is growing. A recent ribbon cutting ceremony opened the newest expansions, the Discovery Playground and Multipurpose Center. Representatives from community organizations such as the Cultural Council and the Junior League of the Palm Beaches along with board members of the nearly 60-year-old organization attended the April 19th openings at the Science Center. Children were on hand to play on the equipment to show off their enjoyment of the new addition.
Children enjoying the new Discovery Playground at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium.
The Science Center has worked with PNC and other funders to provide the opportunity for all children to access to a unique space for fun. “Our support of the Discovery Center’s new playground and multipurpose center is a strategic investment in the future of South Florida,” said Cressman Bronson, PNC regional president for Florida east. “By helping ‘children of all ages’ to learn about science in a fun and interactive way, we support a solid foundation for the well-being of local children, their families and ultimately, our economy.”
Disadvantaged and at-risk youth can be exposed to this uplifting opportunity. “An estimated 100,000 children a year will be able to play on the new equipment, 80 percent of which are from Title I schools,” said Lew Crampton, president and CEO of the Science Center. “We are grateful for the opportunity to pair up with PNC to be able to open every mind to science and provide additional space for kids to learn, especially those that might not otherwise have this opportunity.”
Additionally, the Science Center has taken the Multipurpose Center, a gift from the City of West Palm Beach, and has converted the building into a classroom environment suitable for workshops and creative spaces with 3D printers, robotics labs and computer programming spaces. During the ribbon cutting ceremonies, educators were on hand with demonstrations in every classroom to foster excitement and display how the new equipment will be used.
The new Multipurpose Center project is sponsored part by the department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Council of Arts and Culture and the State of Florida. Additional partners include The Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Gast Construction Group and the City of West Palm Beach.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. For more information on these new offerings or SFSCA general information, call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
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Heroes In Medicine: Two Local Nonprofit Employees Recognized For Outstanding Service
Two FoundCare, Inc. Employees Winners Of
Palm Beach County Medical Society’s Prestigious “Heroes in Medicine” Award
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Two employees of FoundCare, Inc., a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center, are winners of the prestigious “Heroes in Medicine” award. The honors, presented by Palm Beach County Medical Society, will be presented April 21, 2017 to individuals and organizations throughout Palm Beach County that use their skills and resources in the field of health care to provide outstanding services for the people of local, national and global communities.
Pascal Gedeon, PA was named a “Hero” in the “Health Care Provider (non Physician)” category as a physician assistant for his tireless work to provide services to the underserved. “As an infectious disease specialist, his dedication to his clients is so strong, many will wait longer just to see him rather than get care from another provider who is available sooner,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare, Inc. “Because Mr. Gedeon’s dedication to his service extends beyond the direct medical care he provides to his patients, he also collaborates closely with FoundCare’s staff nurses and medical assistants, as well as each patient’s case manager and peer mentor, in order to ensure the highest quality and most comprehensive level of care coordination possible. As a result, he has helped to maintain the health and extend the lives of hundreds of low-income, HIV-positive individuals.”
Mr. Gedeon is a hero to many of the patients he serves because his care does not end when they leave the examination room. “They become part of my life,” he explained. “When I go home, I think about how to help them and how to minimize their side effects using the medications that are available.”
“In addition to the patient care he provides, he is currently mentoring a FoundCare employee who is interested in becoming a physician assistant, and is considering teaching health sciences or HIV care to students studying to become physician assistants,” Bonnet explained.
Dr. Rik Pavlescak, Ph.D., has been named a Hero in the “Bruce Rendina Professional Hero” category, which focuses on an individual whose profession is an integral part of the healthcare system, but is not a direct provider of patient care. Dr. Pavlescak, FoundCare’s Chief Operating Officer, joined the operation in 1989 as a volunteer and rose through the ranks thanks to his talent and dedication. In his current role, he oversees FoundCare’s social services functions, administration, procurement and facilities management, communications and events departments.
“He is committed to ensuring the highest degree of quality throughout the agency, remaining hands-on in each department,” said Bonnet. “He has even sat in the waiting room to observe staff interaction and monitor patient wait times, engaging in conversations with patients to gauge their satisfaction level. That shows unmatched devotion.”
Dr. Pavlescak recently began mentoring younger employees to help enhance their professional skills and create a stronger foundation for a productive career in public health. For six years, Dr. Pavlescak participated in the Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride (SMART Ride), a 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West. “I want to make a real and significant difference in the lives of those infected, affected and at risk for HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Pavlescak said. “I am humbled to have been considered for this prestigious award, and so honored to be an honoree in this distinguished category.”
“We couldn’t be more proud of having not one, but two Heroes,” Bonnet continued. “It’s truly a testament to the quality of work FoundCare is doing and our dedication to greatness. We are grateful to Palm Beach County Medical Society Services for recognizing the talent at FoundCare.”
FoundCare, Inc., located at 2330 S. Congress Ave in Palm Springs, is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center that offers pediatric and adult primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, laboratory services and X-rays, and an on-site pharmacy, all in one location. FoundCare accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay on a sliding fee scale that is based on income and family size. For more information about FoundCare, please call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849) or visit www.foundcare.org.
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5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Cruise
Travel with Terri
Story and Photos by Terri Marshall
Every year millions of people choose to cruise for their vacation. And why not? You unpack once, someone else does the “driving” and you get to explore fascinating ports of call along the way. But with so many options available, how do you choose the best cruise for you? It’s all about preference—which explains why there are so many varieties of cruise companies and ships competing for your attention. Here are five things to consider when choosing your cruise experience.
Where in the world do you want to go?
Just like any other vacation, choosing the destination is the first step. Are you looking for an escape with a relaxing itinerary that includes nothing more than sunning by the pool, dancing the night away and indulging in a spa treatment or two? Then a Caribbean destination cruise aboard one of the mega-ships like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian or Celebrity may be your best bet.
Do you dream of fairytale castles, ancient ruins and UNESCO world heritage sites? A European destination might be the ticket for you. Consider smaller luxury cruise ships like Seabourn which has a partnership with UNESCO to offer in depth insight into UNESCO world heritage sites.
And then there’s the allure of natural wonders like the fjords of Norway. Chase the midnight sun aboard a cruise with Hurtigruten, Norwegian Cruise, Viking, Windstar and others offering itineraries in Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
Breathtaking calving glaciers, snow-capped mountains and fascinating wildlife await on a cruise to Alaska. Princess Cruises leads the pack in Alaskan cruise itineraries, but there are more than two-dozen mainstream lines to choose from. You might not return with a golden tan, but you’ll certainly return with memories to last a lifetime.
Do you think bigger is better?
For some cruisers the bigger the ship the better. If that sounds like you, check out the big boys. Royal Caribbean tops the list with its ship, Harmony of the Seas which holds 5,479 passengers (based on double occupancy). But they’re not finished, with the launch of its newest ship, Symphony of the Seas, in April 2018, Royal Caribbean will break its own record for mega-ship stats. These ships are like floating theme parks with favorite attractions that include a robot bartender, waterslides, rock climbing wall, surf simulator, an Aqua Theater, numerous casinos and much more.
But, if the sound of casino slot machines gets on your last nerve, consider a smaller more intimate ship. Viking’s ocean liners are limited to 930 passengers providing more personalized attention and a more luxurious experience all around. With a focus on food, culture, people and customs Viking ships spend more time in each port of call and less time aboard the ship. Cruise itineraries are inclusive allowing for more exploration to discover each destination.
Know your audience: Singles, Families or Seniors?
If you’re a mom or dad planning the ultimate family getaway you probably don’t want to spend your cruise vacation covering the eyes and ears of your little mini-me to shield them from the antics of avid partiers. You’ll want to find a family friendly cruise like Disney. Of course if you’re planning to party ‘til the sun comes up and sleep your days away by the pool, you don’t want a Disney family cruise with toddlers running around the deck chairs. And while some seniors like to pretend they can still party like they did in college, their grandkids probably wish they wouldn’t. Find out what the atmosphere is on board the ship you’re considering before you go, that way everyone is happy.
Ready to work on your cruise booking?
Once you have an idea of where you want to go and what kind of ship you prefer, it’s a good idea to speak with a cruise agent. You want someone with real-world experience who’s been on the specific ship you’re considering. This will give you a better idea about the ship’s atmosphere, food and entertainment. You’ll also want to ask what’s included in the ticket price.
Another consideration is whether or not to book your own flight. Some cruise lines roll the flight cost into the ticket price. And if the cruise line covers the flight, the ship has to wait for you if there’s a flight delay. If you choose to book your own flights, plan to arrive the day before you set sail just in case the airline doesn’t get you there on time.
What if sailing the open seas makes your green?
Let’s face it, some people just can’t handle the motion of the ocean. If you turn green at the thought of rolling waves, consider a river cruise. Your home for the duration of the cruise is a floating boutique hotel and with a maximum capacity of 150 to 175 passengers, your experience is significantly more intimate. Scenic USA even offers butler service on its luxurious fleet of “spaceships” and its all-inclusive cruise pricing really is all-inclusive: excursions, tips for guides and staff and even unlimited alcoholic beverages. Itineraries range from the rivers of Europe to the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. You’ll spend more time exploring on land and less on board the ship. And you’ll barely know you’re moving as you smoothly cruise along.
Whatever ship and destination you choose, I wish you smooth sailing. Bon Voyage!
Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s presents Music for the Mind Concert Series
Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s
MUSIC FOR THE MIND Concert Series to Present
Faith’s Place Center for Education in Concert
In the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace
Tuesday, May 16, at 7 pm
(West Palm Beach, FL – May 3, 2017) The Kretzer Piano Music Foundation’s popular MUSIC FOR THE MIND concert series will return this month with Faith’s Place Center for Education in concert on Tuesday, May 16 at 7 pm, in the Harriet Himmel Theatre at CityPlace in West Palm Beach.
Located in Pleasant City (West Palm Beach,) Faith’s Place is an after-school arts enrichment program for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, and number just under a hundred children.
With classes in piano, violin, music theory, brass and woodwind, steel drums, dance, musical theater, choir and drum line (all taught by certified music teachers and artists in residence) these youngsters blossom into performers who will astound you.
Faith’s Place provides rich exposure to the arts for students, enabling them to experience different cultures through music. With a motto of “Preparing Young Minds for the Future,” these students are sure to grab any listener’s attention with an eclectic approach to express music in a variety of ways with smooth calypso sounds and rhythmic patterns that’ll have the audience clapping their hands and tapping their feet.
100% of the money raised at this concert will go toward purchasing brass and woodwind instruments for the band. For information on Faith’s Place, please visit: www.FaithsPlaceCenter.org.
This concert will feature piano, violin, brass & woodwind, dance, steel drums and drum line.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. They may be purchased at the door or by calling866.449.2489.
About MUSIC FOR THE MIND:
Held on the third Tuesday of every month in the Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace, MUSIC FOR THE MIND concerts feature musical groups from Palm Beach County. Beginning in 2002, MUSIC FOR THE MIND has provided 11,000 young musicians with an opportunity to perform, while generating more than $630,000 to help promote music in our schools and community. For more information, please visitwww.kretzerpiano.com/kpmf.
About the Kretzer Piano Music Foundation:
KPMF is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the gift of music to children and seniors. “We are passionate about music being a part of every child’s life and the Foundation provides performance opportunities so young artists can share their talents with others,” says founder Kathi Kretzer.
In addition to awarding scholarships for music lessons and donating pianos to disadvantaged children and local children’s charities, KPMF’s popular programs include:
+ The Kretzer Kids, gifted young people who perform over 50 concerts every year in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and children’s hospitals.
+ The Keyboards for Kids group piano classes are held weekly for 60 inner-city school children at the Center for Creative Education in Pleasant City.
+ The headline-grabbing Keys to the Cities campaign that placed 18 whimsically painted pianos in public spots from Jupiter to Delray Beach (and winner of the 2014 Bernays Award for Best Special Event from the Gold Coast PR Council).
+ The PHYSICIANS TALENT SHOWCASE concerts held for five years featured a group of talented medical doctors and raised funds for local children’s charities and music education.
For more information about KPMF, please visit www.kretzerpiano.com/KPMF.
Kravis Center To Present Three Summer Sizzling Performances
KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
To Present Three Summer Sizzling Performances
- Trevor Noah – June 3
- The Gipsy Kings – June 11
- Diana Ross – June 24
(West Palm Beach, FL – May 4, 2017) The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts continues its star-packed 25th anniversary season with three summer sizzling, soul-stirring, headline-grabbing super shows next month:
JUNE
June 3 at 8 pm (Saturday)
Trevor Noah
Trevor Noah is the most successful comedian in Africa and is the host of the Emmy® and Peabody® Award-winning The Daily Show on Comedy Central. This year The Daily Show has been nominated for a Writers Guild Award (Comedy/Variety Series). Noah joined The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2014 as a contributor. He debuted his ninth new comedy special Afraid of the Dark last February on Netflix. The special was shot before a packed house in New York City at the Beacon Theatre. Last year, Noah debuted his one-hour stand-up special, Trevor Noah: Lost in Translation, on Comedy Central. Noah was the subject of David Paul Meyer’s award-winning documentary filmYou Laugh But It’s True, which tells the story of his remarkable career in post-apartheidSouth Africa. His Showtime comedy special, Trevor Noah: African American, premiered in 2013. He was nominated for “Personality of the Year” at the 2014 and 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards and won the award in 2015. Trevor’s success has also spanned to sold out shows over five continents.
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
Tickets start at $39.50 (LIMITED SEATING)
June 11 at 8 pm (Sunday)
The Gipsy Kings featuring
Nicolas Reyes & Tonino Baliardo
Melding deep-heated flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop to the tune of 20 million albums sold, the Grammy Award-winning hit-makers behind “Bamboléo” continue to celebrate in their very own, blistering tradition. Uniting the family Reyes and the family Baliardo, The Gipsy Kings continue a tradition that has drawn famous fans such as Picasso, Cocteau, Dali and Chaplin. From playing on the streets of Cannes and the hedonistic heights of St. Tropez, breaking world music barriers as one of the rare groups to climb the US and World music charts. Now bringing the party back to the United States, The Gipsy Kings will raise the roof with dance-ready furor, returning to their groundbreaking eponymous album and the nomadic spirit that has led them to their latest, Savor Flamenco – giving audiences the “deep shout at the heart of our community.”
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
Tickets start at $29
June 24 at 8 pm (Saturday)
Diana Ross
In the Name of Love Tour
With Special Guest Rhonda Ross
Beginning in the 60s as lead singer of the world-renowned group, The Supremes, Diana Ross achieved the unprecedented feat of 12 #1 singles in the U.S. becoming the most successful American group in history. She then went on to achieve six #1 singles as a solo artist. In the U.S. alone, Diana has tallied 31 Top Ten singles and 14 Top Ten Albums, selling over 100 million units around the globe, to date. When Endless Love hit #1 in 1981, Diana became the first female artist in music history to place six singles at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Other chart-topping hits include Stop! In The Name of Love, You Can’t Hurry Love, You Keep Me Hangin’ On, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and many more. As lead singer of The Supremes, Diana helped shape the sound of popular music, changing the landscape and paved way for contemporary music. Her love of life, never-ending wonder, the appreciation of goals and achievements and sheer human spirit define the artist that is Diana Ross and continue to make her one of the most identifiable, unique, beloved and influential singers of successive pop generations. Singer-songwriter Rhonda Ross is an international Social-Artist, who explores the social environment around her and her relationship to it – questioning constructions of race, gender, sexuality and spirituality through her lyrics.
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall
Tickets start at $49
About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:
Celebrating 25 Seasons of Success, Thanks To The Community:
This season, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts celebrates a Quarter-Century on Stage. And while we celebrate our silver anniversary, we renew our commitment to the community to present the gold standard of excellence in the performing arts.
Today, the Kravis Center is a thriving cultural complex, serving as the gateway to downtown West Palm Beach. Thanks to so many who have and continue to support the Center; it has become one of the premier performing arts centers with a renowned national and international reputation.
The Kravis Center 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 at701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, please call 561-832-7469 or visit the official website at http://www.kravis.org/.
Wellington Offers a Variety of Camps this Summer
Wellington Offers a Variety of Camps this Summer
Does the idea of trying to find ways to occupy your child’s time with positive and healthy activities this Summer seem like a daunting task? Look no further—Wellington has a solution!
The Wellington Parks and Recreation department is offering a variety of Summer Camps and Academies to keep your kids happy, healthy, and active.
Along with a number of class and program offerings, The Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard) will be hosting FAME Camp, a high energy dance and acting camp for children ages 4 to 18. Young anglers will also enjoy the SummerFishing Academy, for ages 6 to 14, located behind the Community Center, at the Lake Wellington Pavilion. For more information call (561) 753-2484, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Camps
In addition to its all day Summer Camp for ages 5 to 15, Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) will host a number of Athletic camps including: Aerial Trapeze Academy Circus Camp, for ages 5 to 13; Basketball Academy for Boys and Girls, for ages 7+; Cheer, Hip-Hop, and Gymnastics, for ages 5 to 15; Soccer Academy for Boys and Girls, ages 5 to 14; World Cup Soccer Camp, for ages 6 to 18; Speed and Agility Camp, for ages 9 to 18; Tumble, Stretch, and Stunt Camp, for ages 5 to 15; and a Coed Volleyball Camp for ages 10 to 16.
Younger children, ages 3 to 6, can attend TumbleKid Camp, where they will participate in gymnastics, sports, music, arts n’ crafts, and more! For more information call (561) 791-4005 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Camps
The Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Road) will be offering a Summer Tennis Camp for all levels, for ages 6 to 13, and aTennis Performance Summer Academy for intermediate to advanced players under 18. For more information call the Tennis Pro Shop at (561) 791-4775, or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Tennis
At the Wellington Aquatics Complex (12072 Forest Hill Boulevard), children can learn what it takes to become a Lifeguard. The Junior Lifeguard program, teaches children ages 10 to 14 the basics of lifeguarding, surveillance, and assisting at the pool. Participants can even earn volunteer hours! The American Red Cross Lifeguard class, for ages 15 and over, will also be offered. Registration is done in-person at the Wellington Aquatics Complex. For information, call (561) 791-4770 or visitwww.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 Wellingtoninformation 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.