Sign up today! Wellington Jingle Bell 5K.
Soul in the City to Continue on the West Palm Beach Waterfront for Another Season
Popular concert series will take place every third Wednesday from October through December
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (Oct. 14, 2024) — The West Palm Beach holiday season is getting extra soulful with the continuation of its popular Soul in the City Jazz Experience. After a successful summer, the City of West Palm Beach has extended the concert series into the fall. The concert series will continue to feature a lineup of top local, regional and national musicians. Soul in the City will be held on the third Wednesday of October through December from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion (101 South Flagler Drive). General admission tickets start at $30 per person, and table reservations are available for $45 per person. Fans of the concert series can now purchase a series pack to attend all three shows. Tickets can be purchased at wpb.org/jazz.
“We continue to receive rave reviews about our Soul in the City Jazz Experience,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “This is why we are thrilled to share that we will extend the intimate concert series for another season. Bringing the best jazz performers in the nation to our beautiful Waterfront has made Soul in the City a great success, so be sure to get your tickets early before they sell out!”
The Soul in the City Jazz Experience lineup includes:
- October 16 – Lao Tizer Band
For over two decades, Colorado-born, LA-based keyboardist and bandleader, Lao Tizer, has been bringing his unique musical worldview to jazz and beyond. With seven albums and numerous tours, The Lao Tizer Band has attracted a host of A-list musicians to its ranks. Joining keyboardist, bandleader and former “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee Lao Tizer for the evening are; American Idol star, Elliott Yamin, drum phenom Tony Austin (Kamasi Washington) and Senegalese bassist, producer and composer, Cheikh N’Doye (Baaba Maal, Weedie Braimah). The evening will be a high-energy musical ride through a variety of flavors and styles with an all-star cast of musicians.
- November 20 – Tap Into Soul with Solomon Jaye
Tap Into Soul with Solomon Jaye blends multi-octave vocals and world-class tap dancing to a soulful setlist, featuring classic and contemporary chart-topping hits. Solomon Jaye’s Tap Into Soul offers an exciting new take on a timeless genre of music, such as — “I Feel Good” by James Brown; “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green; “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder; “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire and more. The audience can expect a high-energy show accompanied by Jaye’s frenzy of fast footwork and even some surprise instrumental solos. Listeners are sure to travel to the 1950s in the blink of an eye.
- December 18 – The Lady Ella Show
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.
All ticket purchases include complimentary popcorn, and food and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and tickets must be purchased in advance.
“Jazz lovers are in for an extra festive holiday season with the extension of Soul in the City,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “These concerts are an opportunity to experience some of the best jazz artists in the nation while enjoying the view of our beautiful Intracoastal Waterway. We are excited for them to return.”
Soul in the City Jazz Experience sponsors to date include 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, WPB Magazine, and the Community Redevelopment Agency.
For more information about the Soul in the City Jazz Experience 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 Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @thecityofwpb. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
Petal It Forward
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, and
Wellington Florist Join Nationwide Effort to ‘Petal It Forward’
Team will Spread Smiles and Stress Relief, Two Bouquets at a Time
WELLINGTON, FL (October 14, 2024)— On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County and Wellington Florist will join dozens of floral industry businesses nationwide to surprise unsuspecting passersby in Wellington and West Palm Beach with two free flower bouquets each — one to keep and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague, or even a stranger. The random-acts-of-kindness effort — called Petal It Forward and organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Wellington Florist is a member — is designed to help people start their day with more smiles and less stress. The effort illustrates research from the University of North Florida (UNF) that shows living with flowers reduces stress.
“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Elizabeth Daly, SAF’s manager of marketing and communications, citing the effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help the mid-week slump. J.P. Varvarigos, owner of Wellington Florist, wanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort and make a difference in the community. He also wanted to be a part of this effort with a local nonprofit- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County- to assist in this random-acts-of-kindness effort.
“We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” said J.P. Varvarigos FSMD, Owner of Wellington Florist. “People love to get flowers ‘just because’ so we wanted to create random smiles today and give people a chance to do the same for someone else.”
“Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter, and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life,” he added.
The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures, seem timely: A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68 percent of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32 percent report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25 percent reporting feeling stress multiple times a day.
Varvarigos says the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s ‘keep one, share one’ concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80 percent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88 percent) said that giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,” said Varvarigos.
Julia Murphy, Chief Development Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, shares, “We are excited to be a part of this nationwide event to help brighten the day of people in our community. Our Habitat team will hand out 2,000 flowers donated by Wellington Florist throughout the day all over our county.”
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will also give away 300 roses from Wellington Florist in front of the Palm Beach County Courthouse, and the Wellington Rotary Club will pass out 500 flowers in the Wellington area. A total of 3,000 flowers will be given away by Wellington Florist during Petal It Forward.
If you do receive flowers from the Habitat team, take pictures and videos of your arrangements and event day happenings to post on your social media channels. Use #PetalItForward and tag @SocietyofAmericanFlorists<https://www.facebook.com/SocietyofAmericanFlorists> on Instagram and Facebook so SAF can help maximize reach.
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About Wellington Florist:
Wellington Florist has been proudly serving Wellington and the Palm Beaches since 1991. A local family-owned business, it was voted BEST FLORIST in Palm Beach County four years in a row, 2021-2024. Third-generation owner and operator J.P. Varvarigos and their 25-person crew are committed to offering only the finest floral, plant, and orchid arrangements, backed by detail-oriented and dependable service. They deliver same-day throughout Palm Beach County, and all of their arrangements come with our seven-day guarantee. To learn more visit wellingtonflorist.com/
About Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County:
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County is a 501©(3) organization and an affiliate of a global nonprofit, Habitat for Humanity International. Our mission is to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope. Since 1986, we have built 431 new homes, revitalized 757 existing homes, and partnered with over 1,180 families and individuals in need of safe, decent, and affordable housing in Palm Beach County. Habitat homeowners apply to qualify for the program, then help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering, and shopping or donating to any of our five ReStore-Thrift Store & Donation centers, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To discover more, visit www.habitatgreaterpbc.org and follow us online at @HabitatGPBC.
About the Society of American Florists
The Society of American Florists is the national trade association to the floral industry, representing growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations.
Paris Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Eissey Campus Theatre this November
Celebrate the holidays with a beloved ballet classic—featuring two full-length, magical performances
Oct. 14, 2024 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Just in time for the holidays, Paris Ballet and Dance will once again bring the spellbinding magic of The Nutcracker to The Palm Beaches.
Two magical performances at the 750-seat Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens are slated for Saturday, November 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now—starting at $25—and are selling fast.
Set to the enchanting score by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the full-length production will feature thrilling choreography by the school’s founder and director Jean-Hugues Feray.It will showcase the talents of Paris Ballet dancers ages 3 to 18.
Despite their age, these advanced and pre-professional dancers bring a level of talent that seasoned professionals envy—demonstrating high-caliber ballet skills at each performance.
“We present The Nutcracker each year to ring in the holidays and showcase our exceptional dancers,” said Feray, a former international principal dancer. “For some of our high schoolers, it will be among their final performances before they launch their professional dance careers or continue training in college. I am proud of all Paris Ballet students for their hard work and dedication—and I can’t wait for everyone to see the show.”
The annual production has become a beloved family holiday tradition. With dazzling costumes, extraordinary sets (including a growing Christmas tree that doubles in height onstage), and phenomenal special effects, audiences are transported to a winter wonderland of glittering snowfall, vibrant flowers, and splendid sweets.
Based on the Alexandre Dumas adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the timeless ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara, who is given a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After encountering and defeating the Rat King, her beloved Nutcracker comes to life—as a real, handsome prince who guides her on an astounding journey through the incredibly bright and fantastic Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Since the 1940s, the ballet has grown in popularity as a global holiday tradition.
Tickets start at $25. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit parisballetdance.com, call (561) 207-5900, or visit the Eissey Campus Theatre Box Office.
Calendar item
The Nutcracker presented by Paris Ballet
Dates/Times: Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Location: Eissey Campus Theatre (11051 Campus Dr, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410)
Tickets start at $25. Call (561) 207-5900, click here, or visit the Eissey Campus Theatre Box Office.
About Paris Ballet
Paris Ballet & Dance was founded in 2009 by Jean-Hugues Feray, a native of France and former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and the French National Ballet. A few years later, Paris Ballet America was founded. This prestigious not-for-profit is an elite accelerated training program for students preparing for professional dance careers. Located in Jupiter, Fla., the school offers world-class dance training for students starting at age three. With a stellar reputation for quality, exceptional master classes and top-notch training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern, the school draws 100 students per year from as far as Vero Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Wellington. For more information, call (561) 308-8377 or visit www.parisballetdance.com.
RESIDENTS INVITED TO JOIN TOGETHER ON OCT. 26
FOR WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S PALM BEACH
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is World’s Largest Event Dedicated
to Alzheimer’s Care, Support and Research
PALM BEACH, Fla, Oct. 11, 2024 – Herb Suss of Wellington was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s more than 10 years ago. Now he is planning to join hundreds of others impacted by the progressive brain disease to share in the hope to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, the mission of the Alzheimer’s Association.
Join Suss and other residents on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Palm Beach at Dreher Park, 5701 Dreher Trail S., in West Palm Beach. Registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by a ceremony at 9 a.m. The Walk will immediately follow. The short route is 1.2 miles and the long route is 2.4 miles.
Nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Additionally, more than 11 million family members and friends provide care to people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Palm Beach County was ranked in the top 10 counties in the U.S. for the number of people living with Alzheimer’s at an estimated 51,600 people or 13.8 percent of residents over the age of 65. In Florida, there are more than 580,000 people living with the disease and 840,000 unpaid dementia caregivers.
New treatments to help slow down the progression of the disease have been approved as recently as July and are giving families hope for the first time.
Over the last 8 years, Suss has taken the treatment Leqembi to slow the progression of the disease. The drug was approved by the FDA in 2023 and is covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The rapid pace of advancements and treatments has given him hope.
“I want people to know that if they get it, that there’s a life they can still live like I did with getting the proper care, the proper medicine and guidance,” Suss said.
On Walk day, participants honor those affected by Alzheimer’s with the poignant Promise Garden ceremony — a mission-focused experience that signifies our solidarity in the fight against the disease. During the ceremony, walkers will carry flowers of various colors, each color representing their personal connection to the disease.
The event is locally sponsored by Lisbet Assisted Living and Memory Care at Wellington Bay, Author Health and AvMed. Edward Jones is the national presenting sponsor.
To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, visit Alz.org/PalmBeachWalk or contact David Chaves Lopez at dclopez@alz.org or 561.453.0858 for more information.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
BOUJEE SIPS:
Lifetime Kitchen Hosts
Interactive Wine Tasting Class at
The Mall at Wellington Green
Wellington, FL – Salud! Fine kitchen supplies purveyor, Lifetime Kitchen at The Mall at Wellington Green will host The Riedel Wine Tasting Experience on October 29, from 7-8:30pm.
Riedel‘s brand ambassador will take guests on an oenophilic journey, where they’ll sniff, swirl, and sip four varietal wines, enjoy light bites, and learn how crystal glassware can affect a grape’s aroma and flavor.
Featured wines include:
Cabernet Sauvignon
Pinot Noir
Oaked Chardonnay
Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc
Participants will receive 10% off all in-store purchases and take home a complimentary Riedel Veloce Tasting Set featuring Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay wine glasses (valued at $180).
Cost is $109.99 per person.
To register, click HERE.
For more information, call (561) 370-3891 or visit lifetime-kitchen.com.
The 47th Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala
Photos by Carol Porter
The 47th Annual Hispanic Heritage Gala, presented by Florida Crystals, was held on Friday Sept. 20 at the Hilton Palm Beach, in the International Ballroom. The event was emceed by Tania Rogers, anchor with WPB News Channel Five. Entertainment was provided by Jaime Cuadra, a well known Peruvian singer, musician and composer. Co Chairs of the event were Theresa LePore and Susy Diaz Piesco. Special presentations were made by Fabiana DesRosiers CEO of HHRC and Caroline Villanueva, of the presenting sponsor Florida Crystals. The event benefits the Hispanic Human Resources Council. For more information about HHRC, check out their website at hhrcinc.org.
33rd Annual Athena Awards
Photos by Carol Porter
The 33rd Annual Chamber of Commerce’s of the Palm Beaches’ Athena Awards was held on Wednesday, Sept 18 at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. The event was inspired by the goddess of Greek mythology known as Athena for her strength, courage and enlightenment. The event annually recognizes brave and devoted women for their dedication to the community and for helping other people, including women. For more information about the Chamber and their events, check out their website at www.palmbeaches.org.
Wellington Desi Association Hosts 4th Annual Diwali Festival
Community invited to attend the Indian Festival of Lights celebration
Palm Beach County– Indians and non-Indians alike will gather on October 26, 2024, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Beach Majestic Ballroom located at 150 Australian Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida, for the 4th Annual Diwali Celebration hosted by the Wellington Desi Association. The event promises an exciting array of Bollywood-style performances, Bingo, raffles, and prizes. Ticket holders will enjoy a night of dancing with a DJ and indulge in diverse, flavorful Indian cuisine, and an evening of togetherness in celebration of the popular holiday.
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an important festival celebrated worldwide to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. During Diwali, homes are traditionally illuminated with vibrant lights and candles, creating a warm and symbolic atmosphere—a feeling that will be mirrored at the 4th Annual Diwali Celebration. Last year’s festivities attracted around 350 guests from all backgrounds and cultures, a testament to the original vision set forth by the Wellington Desi Association.
“We started our nonprofit, Wellington Desi Association (We-Desi), to raise awareness about Indian culture and connect Indians and non-Indians alike to some of our dynamic traditions and customs,” said Minal Doshi, treasurer. “We are incredibly grateful to have supportive sponsors who share our vision and help make these events possible.”
This year’s sponsors committed to honoring cultural enrichment include Hilton Palm Beach PBI, Integrity Dental, Khanna House Studios, Masala Mantra, Sapneil Tutoring, Shree MRI, and Sonia’s Realty. Supporting an event that celebrates diversity and inclusion underscores a commitment to fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It presents an opportunity to learn from different perspectives, which can lead to innovative solutions and stronger community bonds.
The community is encouraged to get their tickets early as no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $50 per person, including appetizers, dinner, and entrance. Kids under 18 are free with a paying adult. Additional children are $25 per person. Guests should bring cash for Bingo and the raffle. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or tickets, please contact Minal Doshi at wellingtondesiassoc@gmail.com
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Wellington Desi Association Corp (We-Desi) is a Florida registered nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Indian culture among both Indians and non-Indians. Although based in Wellington, Palm Beach County, FL, We-Desi aims to extend its cultural reach beyond the local community.
Officially registered in August 2022, the association is renowned for hosting two major events each year—Holi in the spring and Diwali in the fall—each attracting nearly 300-400 attendees.
Leading the organization are Vikram Doshi, President, and Minal Doshi, Treasurer, both of whom are prominent figures in Wellington’s Indian community. They reside with their family in the Olympia residential community, contributing significantly to the association’s activities. Neeraj Mendiratta further supports the organization as Secretary, who also calls Olympia home with his family.
Local Belle Glade Graduates Giving Back to Their Community
Their journey from students to mentors is a testament to the profound influence of Student ACES, a 501c3 with the mission to Create Champions, through character and leadership programs for high school student athletes.
Trey Green’s words resonate with gratitude and purpose: “Student ACES and The SAC are by far the best programs I could be a part of, and it has changed my life significantly.” This sentiment is echoed by Tajelia “Peaches” Green, who affirms, “Student ACES is truly transformative, and I would not be the young woman I am now without this program.” DeJuan Miller adds depth to their shared experience, stating, “Looking back, the amount of appreciation I have for this program can’t be put into words.”
Since inception in 2013, Student ACES (ACE: Athletics, Community, Education) has shaped the leaders of tomorrow by creating a pathway for young men and women to achieve the highest standards of leadership. Through customized character education programs, incorporating the 9 ACES core values – Command Respect, Honor Your Word, Aspire to Greatness, Maintain Courage, Possess a Work Ethic Second to None, Inspire Others, Own a Winning Attitude, Never Settle, Sacrifice for Self and Team – student-athletes have the opportunity to engage with one another and learn through the application of case studies in an interactive environment. Student ACES has one physical location in Belle Glade – The Student ACES Center, better known as The SAC.
The organization was founded in 2013 by father-daughter team Buck Martinez, who today is the president of the board, and Krissy Webb who oversees the organization as executive director. The inspiration for Student ACES stemmed from their desire to see every student achieve a foundation of leadership that would generate positive outcomes and tremendous success in the students’ lives.
Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan serve as living examples of the program’s success, inspiring current students to envision a future where they too can make a significant difference. Their presence as staff members creates a powerful connection between past and present, fostering a sense of continuity and community within The SAC.
The impact of their involvement extends far beyond personal growth. These three individuals were instrumental in shaping the programs and concepts that define The SAC today. Their unique perspective as former students have allowed them to create initiatives that make sense to the current generation of participants. By infusing their own experiences into the fabric of The SAC’s mission, they’ve ensured that the programs remain relevant, engaging, and truly transformative.
The ripple effect of their dedication is evident in the evolving landscape of Belle Glade. As they pour their energy and insights into guiding the next generation, they’re not just changing individual lives – they’re transforming the entire community. Their work at The SAC is creating a cycle of positive change, where today’s students are inspired to become tomorrow’s leaders and mentors.
Their journey from students to staff members is a powerful reminder of the long-lasting impact of mentorship and community investment. As they continue to shape the future of The SAC and influence the lives of students, Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan stand as beacons of hope and inspiration for Belle Glade and beyond.
The success of these three individuals is not just a personal triumph but a victory for the entire community. It showcases the transformative power of programs like Student ACES and The SAC, highlighting how investing in leadership education and character development can create a brighter future for all. As Peaches, Trey, and DeJuan continue to lead by example, they pave the way for a new generation of leaders who will undoubtedly continue this cycle of positivity in Belle Glade and beyond.