Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, October 7, 2024, at the Wellington Community Center located at: 12150 West Forest Hill Boulevard. The meeting will feature a presentation at 10:00 AM by Tom Ramiccio on Bromeliads and how to propagate them.
When Tom Ramiccio ran out of space for bromeliads in his Lake Worth yard, he planted them on trees, creating a vertical garden of the colorful, water-holding “vase” plants. He estimates he has about 7,000 bromeliads in his collection. He brings with him more than 40 years of professional marketing and Public Relations experience. He served 3 terms as mayor of the City of Lake Worth. He was the President/CEO of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce (10 years). As the marketing manager for Banyan Printing, he oversaw all major marketing campaigns for large corporate clients and several sports franchises. He served as the Marketing Director for the Palm Beach County Visitors and Convention Bureau (over 10 years), Governor of the Florida District of Kiwanis International (37 years), and was a Salvation Army board member (35 years). There is much more but, needless to say, we are lucky to have him.
The community is invited to join the club for coffee, snack items, and to partake in our amazing plant raffle at 9:30. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, please contact Carol Ralph at: caroltaylorralph@gmail.com.
Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of: gardening, horticulture, floral design, landscape and landscape design. We also work to promote conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, and youth education. For more information please visit: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.
PALM BEACH, FL — With Tropical Storm Helene on the horizon, the animal rescue experts at American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, are issuing key tips to help you keep yourself, your family and your animals safe – before, during and after a storm.
Before the storm
Microchip pets or put a tag on their collar with your name, address and cellphone number so they may be returned quickly in case you are separated from your pets.
Tie down or anchor outside objects that might fly about and injure someone.
Evacuate your family and pets as early as you can and remember to take your disaster preparedness kit for your pets (i.e. First Aid kit, leashes, and pets’ carrying cases, bowls, sanitation materials, chew toy, minimum 3 days, ideally 7-10 days of food, meds, water).
Bring pets inside; bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier ready large enough to turn around and lie down comfortably.
Review your evacuation plan and double-check emergency supplies, bowls, water, food.
Have a carrier at the ready.
If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you.
During the storm – if you cannot evacuate
Choose a safe room for riding out the storm—an interior room without windows – and take your entire family there, including your pets.
Stay with pets. If crated, they depend on you for food and water.
Keep your emergency kit in that room with you (food, water, litter, meds).
Know your pet’s hiding places. That’s where they may run; keep them with you.
Secure exits and cat doors so pets can’t escape into the storm.
Do not tranquilize your pets. They’ll need their survival instincts should the storm require that.
After the storm
Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damages before allowing animals out.
Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them.
Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.
Keep animals away from downed power lines and water that may be contaminated.
Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.
“Hurricanes are among the deadliest of storms,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Fortunately, American Humane Rescue has worked in disaster relief for more than 100 years and has amassed a lot of practical knowledge on how families can prepare and, if there is no way to avoid the storms, weather them as well as possible and keep loved ones safe afterwards.”
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877, and the first to serve animals in disasters and cruelty cases. Visit American Humane at www.AmericanHumane.org today.
About the American Humane Rescue program
The American Humane Rescue program was created in 1916 and began rescuing and aiding some 68,000 war horses wounded on the battlefields of World War I Europe each month. Since then, they have been helping animals of every kind and have been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Maria, Florence and Michael, and the California wildfires. The American Humane Rescue team saved, sheltered and fed more than 700,000 animals in the past two years alone. To support their lifesaving work, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.
West Palm Beach, FL – Palm Beach County based non-profit organization Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) worked with new homeowner Teneisha Cavanaugh to purchase a three bedroom, two and a half bathroom home in the historical neighborhood of Northwood.
A CPSFL client for three years, Cavanaugh engaged in counseling services which included budgeting and increasing her income and worked closely with Ana Lopez (NMLS#340649), the organization’s Community Development Lending Manager.
“I put the package together and shared it with several lenders. One of our partners at Capital Federal Credit Union from Lubbock, Texas agreed to do the loan. The loan originator and I worked together to make sure Ms. Cavanaugh gets the best home loan program,” Lopez said.
As a comprehensive community development organization, Community Partners of South Florida’s Homeownership Program includes lending services as well as pre-purchase and post-purchase counseling services.
“We are truly a one-stop shop from financial coaching to pre-purchase counseling and lending services,” said VP of Housing Services, Lynda Charles. “The goal is not to do every loan internally but assist the buyers in getting the best deal or obtaining a loan with the best terms.”
This mentality drives home CPSFL’s vision of investing in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive.
“As a nonprofit lender, Community Partners of South Florida offers more than just financial support. We provide competitive fixed-interest rates, flexible terms, and accessible loan options to underserved communities,” said CEO Kelly Powell. “Our mission-driven approach focuses on community impact, making us a trusted partner for those seeking both financial assistance and meaningful social change.”
For more information on Community Partners of South Florida’s housing services programs – homeownership, lending, supportive housing and financial counseling – visit their website at http://www.cpsfl.org or call 561.841.3500
Clematis by Night to transform for Oktoberfest and a Halloween-themed event
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The City of West Palm Beach is planning two fall-themed events that will take center stage at Clematis by Night in October. The first event is an Oktoberfest-themed event taking place on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024; and the second is the return of the always-popular Clematis by Fright, taking place on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Clematis by Night takes place weekly on the Great Lawn from 6 – 9 p.m. (100 N. Clematis Street). PLEASE NOTE: There will be no extra Halloween-themed celebrations at Clematis by Night on Oct. 31.
“Clematis by Night remains a weekly highlight for our West Palm Beach residents,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “We are excited to gather the community for family-friendly entertainment and special fall activities that they can enjoy for free right here in Downtown.”
The Oktoberfest-themed Clematis by Night on Oct. 3 will feature the DeLeon Oktoberfest Band, performing Bavarian heritage music. The band offers an authentic Oktoberfest experience with three generations of accordion players, performing both traditional Polka and more contemporary tunes from today’s Oktoberfest. The night will also include food and drinks for purchase, including authentic German cuisine and a selection of specialty German beers to choose from with the option to purchase a 16oz limited-edition Oktoberfest and Clematis by Night beer mug.
Clematis by Fright, one of the largest FREE Halloween celebrations in Palm Beach County, will return on Thursday, Oct. 24. The frightful twist on the weekly Clematis by Night series will feature live music by Nerd Ranger, an ’80s cover band, roving entertainment, hayrides, face painting, inflatable games, a balloon artist, and more. The City’s annual “Trick or Truck” is also a big hit during the Halloween season. Families can safely trick-or-treat, collecting candy from public works vehicles, including police and fire.
In place of a formal costume contest, which often features long lines, all attendees can enter a raffle to win exciting prizes, including restaurant gift cards, a sailing happy hour for 40 people aboard Visit Palm Beach’s Hakuna Matata, a family-four pack to a Florida Panthers game, and more. To enter, attendees must fill out a raffle ticket at the Spooktacular Raffle Tent. Winners will be selected in three categories — adults, children, and pets — with only one prize winner per category.
“We like to say that Clematis by Night is where memories and music are made,” said Mary Pinak, community events manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “Whether you’d like to raise a beer mug to prost the coming weekend or celebrate the holidays, our community events team has you covered with the best free and fun entertainment.”
Clematis by Night was recently honored as one of the top three “Best Outdoor Concert Series” for 2024, according to the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice poll. The weekly series started in 1995 and has served as the backdrop for generations of great music and memories. The concert features live performances across various music genres by popular local, regional, and national bands and is complemented by on-site food and drink vendors. Admission is always free.
Clematis by Fright sponsors to date include West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, WPB Magazine, Visit Palm Beach, The Florida Panthers, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, PARTY 96.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, and WPBF 25 News.
For more information about Clematis by Night or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/Events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
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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.
The Wellington Rotary Club and the Village of Wellington presented a World Peace Ceremony on Sept. 22nd at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park. Carly Cantor sang the National Anthem and “What a Wonderful World.” Elementary, Middle School and High School students were awarded for their creative efforts, all on the subject of peace. The Rotary Club Community Peace Award went to Diana Stanley of the Lord’s Place. As always, doves were released into the air at the conclusion of the ceremony.
Wellington’s Annual Fall Festival will be held on Saturday, October 19th, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road). Extended hours provide families with younger children an opportunity to enjoy plenty of fun and activities earlier in the day, while still getting their little ghouls and goblins home in time for bed.
Enter the Haunted Hallways (opening at 5:00 p.m.), if you dare, or enjoy one of our many spooktacular attractions including bounce houses, hay rides, laser tag, a petting zoo, pie-eating contest, trick-or-treating in the vendor area, and more! Approximately 20 food trucks will be on-site with sweet and savory food and beverage items for purchase.
Attendees can also enjoy live performances on the sound stage, or participate in costume contests for prizes, with 1st through 3rd place awards for each of the following age groups: under 3; ages 4 to 6; ages 7 to 10; ages 11 to 14; and 15 and older. Costume contests will be held at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Unlimited all-access bracelets are required for activities. Bracelets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), and Village Park (11700 Pierson Road).
Existing CivicRec account holders may opt to purchase “tickets” online to reserve their all-access bracelets. Tickets (one ticket = one all-access bracelet) can then be redeemed in advance at the community center or Village Park, or on the day of the event at the “Will Call” tent.
Bracelets purchased by October 18th are $7 for children and $5 for adults. On the day of the event, bracelets are $10 for children and $5 for adults. Children ages 2 and under are free. Adult bracelets are only needed if the adult will accompany the child on the hay ride, play laser tag, or go through the haunted hallways. Bracelet purchases are non-refundable.
Free shuttle service, sponsored by The Mall at Wellington Green, will be available from the Palm Tran bus stop located near Macy’s, beginning at 2:30 p.m.
Special thanks to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, our Fall Festival featured sponsor, for their generous support of this event.
Wellington would also like to thank the following sponsors:
Elan Polo Gardens – Laser Tag
Everglades Equipment Group – Hay Rides
Humana – Haunted Hallways & Trick-or-Treat Candy
JupiterBounce.com – Inclusive Inflatable
Next LVL Mobile Infusion – Costume Contests
Premier Orthodontic & Pediatric Dentistry (POP Wellington) – Petting Zoo
Seven Axes – Axe Throwing
Southern Septic – Crazy Games
Sugar Sugar – Face Painting
The Mall at Wellington Green – Character Entertainment & Shuttles
Wellington Regional Medical Center – Bounce Houses
Please note that some attraction start and end times will vary from the event time frame. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/FallFestival for more information or call 561-791-4005.
For sponsorship and vendor opportunities contact Assistant Community Events Director, Michelle Garvey, at 561-791-4082 or mgarvey@wellingtonfl.gov.
Stay up to date on events and activities coming up in Wellington by signing up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter at www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington.
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/Newsletter.
On Tuesday, November 19th, Grandma’s Place will hold its 9th Annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. We are thrilled to announce Joan O’Connell and Toni O’Brien as the Co-Chairs of this event. Committee Members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Ciminella, Amy Considine, Margaret Donnelley, Manda Galin, Hilda Gonzalez, Patti Hadden, Barbara Hollender, Ryan Hollihan, Jourdan Isasi, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Elizabeth Nunez, Brendita Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Michele Roth, Dina Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Holly Tabernilla, and Jaime Taylor.
The luncheon starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a special speaker and a small live auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes once again serves as the celebrity emcee. The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes, and also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.
Tickets are $225 per person or tables at $2,250 each. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488,or e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org .
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL– (September 4, 2024) Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (HFHGPBC) has announced its annual Veterans Build event, presented by Vertical Bridge, will be held on November 1, 2024, with multiple job sites across Palm Beach County. This annual fundraiser and community build/repair effort supports veterans and active service members in our community.
With nearly 76,000 veterans living in Palm Beach County, Habitat is committed to honoring those who have served our nation through initiatives like Veterans Build. This program ensures that veterans can achieve or maintain the American dream of homeownership, providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home. The community can support Veterans Build in three impactful ways: by becoming a sponsor, fundraising and building, or by donating to the American Dream Fund—a dedicated fund for Veterans Build 2024. Immediately after the build, participants will gather for the American Dream BBQ, a reception at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center where guests will celebrate the impact of Veterans Build and honor the veterans and active service members in attendance.
This year’s event is once again presented by Vertical Bridge, a dedicated annual partner and champion for veterans in Palm Beach County. “Vertical Bridge is proud to sponsor the Veterans Build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, marking our seventh consecutive year of support,” said Ron Bizick, CEO of Vertical Bridge. “Giving back and making a difference in our communities is deeply important to us. Seeing the stability this housing provides to those who have devoted themselves to defending our nation’s freedom is especially fulfilling.”
Veterans Build 2024 co-chairs are Clint Lowe, Director of Engineering Transformation & Footprint Strategy at Carrier and U.S. Army Veteran; and Michael Maglio, Vice President of Industrial Sales at NuStar Building Materials and U.S. Marine Veteran. Both chairs are honored to lead this year’s event, dedicated to ensuring that veterans in our community feel supported and connected as they transition from military to civilian life. By helping provide a stable foundation of affordable homeownership, they are committed to giving veterans a sense of security and belonging.
Anyone wishing to learn more and get involved is invited to attend the Kick-off Party on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., hosted by the Maglio Family at a private residence in Jupiter Farms. Guests will enjoy an award-winning pig roast, tableside paella, red, white, and brews, live music by the Steel Pony Band, and a silent auction while learning how they can support Veterans Build 2024. RSVP is required, visit https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/33470-veterans-build-kick-off-party
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County welcomes corporate partners, volunteers, and service members to help build and improve homes for veterans in our community. Committed Sponsors include Vertical Bridge (Presenting Sponsor); Carrier (Challenge Coin Sponsor); MISSION UNITED (Grant Funder); Hubbard Radio/WFTL 50 (Exclusive Radio Sponsor); Art Roffey & Gail Danto, and BallenIsles Country Club and Seacoast Bank (Community Builder Sponsors); Clear Touch, Document Storage Systems, Inc, Grimes Events and Party Tents, Gunster, Humana, FPL, Pratt & Whitney, and Grimes, Mariza Brussolo, Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center and Restore Construction Group, Inc (Hope Builder Sponsors); Magen Protective Services (Security Sponsor); and Starbucks (Coffee Sponsor); and Baptist Health (Hospitality Tent).
Committee Members include Co-Chairs Clint Lowe and Michael Maglio; Honorary Co-Chairs: Anne Desormier-Cartwright & Ryan Paton; Committee Reserves: Julia Dattolo & Charles (Chuck) Millar; Committee Members: Brandon Albers, Nicholas Cannon, Carey Clarke, Andrew Filauro, Amy Kemp, Donna Kerner, Debbie Meyers, Anthony Nastase, Jonathan Oakley, Anta Plowden, Jon Raybuck, Art Roffey, Ivan Rosa, and Melissa Royal.
Wellington, FL (September 11, 2024)—On Thursday, August 29, The Mall at Wellington Green and The Village of Wellington hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for new retailer, BH2.0. Mall leadership and staff, Village of Wellington officials, and local leaders joined together to officially welcome the new tenants to the Wellington community.
Canada-based brand, Boathouse, known as BH2.0 in the U.S., recently opened their first four U.S. locations, each in Florida. Their location at The Mall at Wellington Green is their most recent and marks their first location on the East Coast of the state. Headquartered in Saint Catharines, Ontario, the fast-growing brand is thrilled to enter the Southeast Florida market. BH2.0 offers lifestyle apparel for women and men as well as designer streetwear, beachwear, athleisure, footwear, and accessories. The store houses dozens of niche and exclusive brands, including Princess Polly, Municipal by Mark Wahlberg, Island Haze, and more.
“We are honored that BH2.0 chose Wellington as they expand into the Florida market,” said Vice Mayor John McGovern. “Unique stores like this one will continue to draw people to the area, and more specifically, our mall.”
Additional notable attendees included Councilwoman Maria Antuña and Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri.
“We are happy to add such an established brand to complement our robust portfolio of retailers,” said Asad Sadiq, General Manager of the mall. “We are confident BH2.0 will enjoy much success in this market.”
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Pandora, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, and The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About Spinoso Real Estate Group
The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.
