Wellington Art Society to Feature The Palm Beach Artist, Sandra Thompson, for their September Meeting “Portraits of Palm Beach”
The Wellington Art Society is pleased to host Sandra Thompson as featured Artist and Speaker at their next meeting, 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414. The evening will also include a Meet & Greet, Member Spotlight, and fabulous Raffle. For more information, please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.
Better known as The Palm Beach Artist, Sandra Thompson is a living legend who has for the rest of time preserved the history of Palm Beach’s European architecture in her over 400 lovingly crafted and detailed portraits of some of the most beautiful homes on Palm Beach, Florida.
Born in NY, she grew up on the North Shore of Long Island and studied art and design at Cooper Union before working with Grey Advertising and Redbook Magazine. She moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and was the first editorial artist for the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun Sentinel. In 1999 she moved to Palm Beach, where she fell in love with the architecture and started painting some of the most well-known locations and buildings. More than 160 of her paintings have been featured on covers of The Palm Beach Real Estate Guide.
Ms. Thompson is the founding owner of the Hangen Thompson Gallery on Palm Beach in Via DeMario off Worth Ave. She won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Palm Beach, A Retrospective, The Art of Sandra Thompson. Private tours of her paintings may be arranged upon request. To learn more about our featured guest please visit the following links:
###The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
A night in support of Kids Cancer Foundation! Hosted by the artists of ZES.
Zero Empty Spaces Hosts “Paint the World Gold” Art Receptionto Benefit Kids’ Cancer Foundation
The “Paint the World Gold” art reception at Zero Empty Spaces (Palm Beach Gardens) will feature artworks from 22 resident artists to raise funds and awareness for the Kids’ Cancer Foundation during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL — September 3, 2024 — Zero Empty Spaces is proud to announce its upcoming art reception titled “Paint the World Gold” in support of the Kids’ Cancer Foundation (KCF). The event will be held at Zero Empty Spaces’ Legacy Place location, located at 11300 Legacy Ave, Unit 140, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. The public is warmly invited to attend this FREE group art show, with festivities kicking off on September 12, 2024.
As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, “Paint the World Gold” will spotlight the work of 22 talented resident artists whose art features the gold ribbon symbolizing Childhood Cancer. This group art show not only aims to foster a vibrant cultural experience but also to support a vital cause.
Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore all 22 artist studios, showcasing a diverse range of artworks in various mediums and styles. The evening will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, as well as $5 raffle tickets with exciting prizes donated by participating artists. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Kids’ Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local children and families battling childhood cancer.
Participating Artists:
Andrew Holliman, Anthony Burks, Arielle Charris, Astrid Mora, Bonnie Bruner, Carol Moon,
Lupe Lawrence, Nancy Blaschke, Patrick Williams, Sue Carlson, and Victor DiPilato.
The “Paint the World Gold” art show will be open to the public from September 6 through the end of the month, with gallery hours from 12 PM to 5 PM daily. This is a perfect opportunity to engage with the artistic community, support a worthy cause, and contribute to raising awareness for childhood cancer.
Join us for an evening of culture and community at Zero Empty Spaces and help us make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. For more information about the event, please contact Heather Bergstrom, Event Coordinator, at HeatherBergstromArt@gmail.com.
About Kids’ Cancer Foundation:
The Kids Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2001, dedicated to providing hope and support to children battling cancer and their families. The foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life for these children through various programs and services that address their emotional, educational, and financial needs. For more information visit: www.kidscancersf.org
About Zero Empty Spaces: Zero Empty Spaces is a rapidly growing affordable artist studio/vacancy management company that creates affordable artist studios in vacant spaces around the country where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price. The concept expands the appreciation of all genres of art and helps to create a thriving cultural community in the cities surrounding each location. Current Florida locations include Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Jensen Beach Fort Myers, Palm Beach Gardens and St. Petersburg, with out-of-state locations in Natick, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia. For more information visit www.zeroemptyspaces.com
+ New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – September 1
+ Watercolor at the Garden – September 3, 10, 17, 24
+ Beginning Watercolor – September 3, 10, 17, 24
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – September 4
+ Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop – September 7
+ Tai Chi – September 7, 14, 28
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – September 8
+ Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – September 8
+ For the Love of Bees Honey Tasting – September 14
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath –September 15
+ Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale – September 21 & 22
+ Introduction to Bonsai – September 28
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 7, 2024) September is always a very busy time for plant lovers, and this year Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is planning multiple horticultural classes and events to celebrate both National Honey Month and Self-Care Awareness Month—including the always popular, 2-day Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale.
“As summer fades and fall arrives in all of its verdant glory, we continue to offer exciting and elevated programming of both new and traditional events—all at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “September is also the perfect time to check out our new family of seven life-sized metal animals, including three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion.”
Mounts Botanical Garden is now open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm), and the daily admission rate has been lowered to $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $7 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6. The traditional rates at Mounts will resume on October 1.
September 1
New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden’s cacao tree. Upon your arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens. Following this, you’ll be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon’s energies to set an intention for opening the heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock the heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, visitors will gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, they will become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints. Sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginners class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by instructor with assistance from class.
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, including a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints, sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants.
Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission to the Garden on the first Wednesday of every month. Visitors must show proof of residency for entry. Admission for non-residents: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6.
September 7
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop: Encyclia Orchids
Presented by Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
$10 Members $25 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
FREE for Members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society with proof of membership
Registration is required for everyone attending; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Held in the Mounts Garden Pavilion next to the Welcome Center, the interactive workshop will be conducted by board members of the Tropical Orchid Society. This month’s topic: Encyclia Orchids. There will be a brief review of the orchid’s characteristics with specific growing advice, followed by hands-on repotting demonstrations and Q&A. Attendees may bring one orchid in need of repotting, plus their preferred media and pot or mount.
$25 members; $30 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Tai Chi offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking a gentle yet impactful exercise routine. Tailored for newcomers and the curious alike, this class introduces foundational principles and movements, known as Forms, of Tai Chi. With a focus on enhancing overall health and well-being, Tai Chi emphasizes mindfulness and balance. Engaging in the Forms is believed to pave the way to improved health and inner peace. Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite pooch and enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.
Guidelines:
+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.
+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.
+ Rabies vaccination must be current.
+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Under the guidance of instructors Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing upon arrival to release the burdens of day-to-day life and will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This will be followed by a Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which everyone will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, and do not drink alcohol on the day of the ceremony or consume caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Enter the world of the hard-working yet least rewarded humble honey bee and find out what makes these tiny but critical insects so special. Learn fascinating facts, dispel myths and misconceptions, and find out why instead of us being afraid of them, they should be scared of us. Go behind the scenes of live bee removals (including Africanized bees) and have a frank discussion about what WE can do for THEM, instead of the other way around. Participants will delve into honey’s incredible, edible world, learn how bees make honey, discuss different honey varietals, and enjoy a honey-tasting session. Local raw honey will be available for sale.
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao and Sound Bath
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited. 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden’s cacao tree. Upon arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens that weigh upon you. Following this, attendees will be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon’s energies to set an intention for opening your heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock your heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
+ Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm (Members Only preview 8 am to 9 am; last entry 3:30 pm)
+ Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry 2:30 pm)
FREE for members, $15 for nonmembers (adults); $12 (seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID); $7 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6 and AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Note: Admission is by credit/debit card ONLY; no cash.
Mounts Botanical Garden’s Exotics and Orchids Sale features the finest plant growers, artisans, and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors have an opportunity to fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what’s trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical’s tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time. They can shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more, from 50 highly sought-after top growers and artisan vendors. Visitors can also learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers. In addition, speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields will conduct fun and informative presentations and answer visitors’ questions. Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop. Food and dessert trucks will also be at the Garden throughout both days.
SPECIAL PLANT-A-PALOOZA PRESENTATIONS
FREE with Plant Sale Admission.
No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
** Saturday, September 21 at 11 am
Amorphophilia: Growing Amorphophallus in South Florida
with David Hernandez from LeafGardens
This presentation brings attendees into the fantastical phallic world of this aroid where they’ll discover there’s more than meets the nose. This talk will formally introduce them to the genus, the part they play in the ecosystem as a whole, and how easily one can become a grower in his/her own garden. David Hernandez had an appreciation of the natural world for years which transformed into a passion sparked after experiencing a Titan Arum bloom in 2003. While dabbling in the tech industry after high school he maintained an active connection to nature in the form of a small collection of strange plants. Years later, LeafGardens was created to combine his interests in certain aspects of nature and technology under one umbrella, teaching visitors at various events about his unusual band of plants and enlightening guests about our world.
** Sunday, September 22 at 11:00 am
Growing Food at Home: The South Florida Edible Landscape
with Abraham Jantz from Palm Beach Farmyards
October marks the beginning of the main growing season in South Florida. Learn everything you need to know to grow like a pro this year. Abraham Jantz of Jantz Tropical Design works alongside Mike Kane of The Garden Shoppe at their sister company, Palm Beach Farmyards, a nonprofit urban farming and edible landscaping company. Jantz is also a certified beekeeper and has been a Florida Master Gardener for over 10 years. He has a passion for helping people to grow food at home.
** Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 pm
Common Orchids
with Mike Sands from Tangles Roots Orchid Nursery
Common orchids you find at big box stores and understanding their care. Mike Sands will discuss growing conditions and understanding light care, as well as some uncommon orchids you will find. A certified horticulturist and Master Naturalist who works for the City of Wellington as the head horticulturalist and head spray tech, Sands holds four different spray licenses through the state of Florida that include ornamental and turf, right away, aquatic and natural area. He has been with the city for the last 12 years after serving nine years in the army. At Tangled Roots they specialize in bifoliate cattleyas, the misunderstood cattleya. Mike is also a past president of a local orchid society and is being voted in on the board of the local Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). He started making their own 3D printed pots that are biodegradable after about five years. He has also developed their own fertilizer line that will be released in August. Their fertilizer line has three different types: a 20-20-20 with a built in bacterial fungicide, which is a mix of copper and zinc (don’t worry it’s safe for Dendrobiums!); a 0-52-34 which focuses on roots and buds as well a preventive bacterial fungicide; and a 35-20-20 which has cal/mag built right into it, as well as a bacterial fungicide. Sands lives in Florida with our rainy season, wants to make plants as strong as possible, and has been using all three of these products in the nursery for the last two years.
September 28
Introduction to Bonsai
with Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Bonsai? If so, this is the class for you. Michael Spencer, Mounts Volunteer of the Year 2024, will discuss how to begin the process of creating a Bonsai. Participants will be able to design their starter plant to bring home and learn the basic tools needed for the maintenance of these miniature living treasures. Plant and Bonsai containers will be provided. Participants may bring their own garden snips or small scissors, if they don’t have tools yet, small scissors will be provided for use in class.
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
Service has been the cornerstone of Kelly Powell’s professional life for over two decades and as CEO of Community Partners of South Florida, she remains a passionate advocate of improving health and socio-economic outcomes for Palm Beach County’s children and families.
A proud Hokie with a B.S. in Education from Virginia Tech University, Kelly started her career as an early interventionist for children with developmental disabilities and soon moved on to working in the field of childhood safety and injury prevention, at first with Florida Atlantic University and then with Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit dedicated to protecting children from preventable injury with partners in more than 30 countries and 400 coalitions in the United States including Community Partners of South Florida.
Starting at Community Partners of South Florida in 2009 as the organization’s Safe Kids director for Palm Beach County, Kelly coordinated local Safe Kids Coalitions representing over 50 community organizations, secured over $800,000 in grant funding for safety programs and obtained $100,000 in corporate funding for local comprehensive safety programs.
In addition to raising funds, Kelly excels at raising awareness, both at home and abroad. She traveled the world extensively both as a Safe Kids Worldwide Ambassador and a subject matter expert in decreasing motor vehicle injuries through training, technical assistance, resource development and communication outreach.
With 39 different districts and municipalities, Palm Beach County is representative of a myriad of different races, cultures, gender identitiesKelly translated globally as she has worked with populations as distinctive as the residents of the Arabian state of Qatar and numerous Indigenous tribal communities across North America.
Her tireless work in the community led to a promotion to Vice President of Community Services in 2019 and Kelly served in this role for three years, advancing relationships with funders and managing numerous programs with a total budget of $4 million.
In 2022, Kelly was promoted again to Chief Operating Officer where she provided oversight of a team of 230 people spread across over 40 programs and continued to work on strengthening community connections, developing strategic partnerships and managing contracts.
A little over a year later, Kelly stepped into the role she occupies today – CEO.
Celebrating her 15th anniversary at Community Partners of South Florida this summer, Kelly Powell is proud to lead a team of over 200 passionate advocates and experts in the fields of mental health, housing and community services.
She is committed to bold, visionary leadership, continuing to build trusted relationships with private and public entities to better facilitate solutions and investing in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive.
“I have believed in the strength of community since I started my career,” said Kelly. “We need to elevate the voices and needs of residents and work with them to facilitate lasting and meaningful positive change in their neighborhoods and I am honored to work alongside those who believe in building a stronger, safer Palm Beach County for us all.”
WHAT: The PBCFB is returning with its “One Can, Two Can, Who Can? You Can!” Back-to-School Food Drive and calling for protein-rich donations.
The Food Bank and local partners will gather nonperishable foods to reduce childhood hunger.
The most wanted items include canned beans, fish, chicken, beef, peanut butter, vegetables and fruit.
It is requested that items are shelf-stable and don’t contain glass packaging.
WHERE:
25 locations including
First Horizon locations from Jupiter to Boca Raton
Club Pilates Wellington
Palm Beach County Food Bank
Velocity Community Credit Union locations from Jupiter to Royal Palm Beach
RE/MAX Select Group locations from Delray Beach to Parkland
Palm Beach County Library Systems
WHEN: Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 31, 2024
WHY:
Currently, 1 in 5 children in Palm Beach County will go to bed hungry.
Protein is a great source of “brain food” that helps promote concentration, immunity and more for classroom performance.
Palm Beach County operates the 10th largest school district in the U.S., with over 164,000 school-age children eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
With more participating locations, PBCFB’s goal this year is to surpass last year’s 2,804 pounds of food collected, equal to 2,337 meals.
“We’re finding more families are struggling to keep food on the table. That said, it’s our duty to ensure that children are receiving the right nutrients to start the school year strong,” said Jamie Kendall, PBCFB CEO. “It’s critical that they receive protein-rich foods that help growth, concentration, immunity and more for classroom performance.”
DRIFTWOOD ANNOUNCES FAMILY MEALS FOR AUGUST: MAKE BACK TO SCHOOL EASIER WITH HEALTHY READY-TO-SERVE MEALS
WHAT: School nights can be hectic and Driftwood, one of South Florida’s best-kept dining secrets, is here to take the stress out of dinner time. Imagine coming home after a long day of work, school and extracurricular activities to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that the whole family will love. Driftwood’s family meals are designed to be both convenient and mouthwateringly delicious, making your evenings a little smoother and a lot tastier.
All dinners include milk bread and a house salad, with a choice of entrees for $85, and are designed to feed 4-6 people.
Rigatoni Bolognese: Housemade rigatoni, succulent pork and beef ragu, whipped ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano. This comforting classic is packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that will satisfy any pasta lover.
Chicken N’ Dumplings: Fluffy ricotta dumplings and tender free-range chicken in a savory, heartwarming broth. A comforting dish for kids of all ages.
Shrimp N’ Grits: Fresh Key West pink shrimp, creamy Marsh Hen Mill grits, spicy n’duja and scallion. This vibrant and flavorful Southern classic adds a touch of heat to your weeknight dinners
ABOUT DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood was opened in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing lcoal ingredients and forming partnerships with artisans and farmers who share their vision of quality and sustainability. Chef de Cuisine Tommy Coombs rounds out the team, bringing his passion for flavors and technique to the table. At Driftwood, every dish serves as a testament to their unified vision. Working closely with local fisheries, they offer daily fresh catches, along with free-range chicken, heritage pork, Florida-raised beef, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.
As we breeze into August, let’s pause for a moment to look back at some of the noteworthy moments discovered around Wellington this July.
The month began by writing wishes on colorful papers called Tanzaku and attaching them to bamboo branches on display from July 1st through 7th, at Village Hall, Village Park, and Wellington Community Center during Tanabata, the Star Festival, meaning “evening of the seventh.” This Japanese holiday originates from a legend of “star-crossed lovers” represented by the stars Altair and Vega which meet only one time each year on the seventh day of the seventh month, or the “midsummer night.”
If you missed your chance to make a wish at the beginning of July, the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival was happy to oblige you with their Wishing Well, by accepting donations during free productions of King Lear at the Seabreaze Amphitheatre in Jupiter and Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach. This stellar performance blended a timeless presentation of archetypal antagonists with twists of modernity and unexpected brightness at the most harrowing moments. Lear had finally succumbed to a visceral dark madness into which he pulled the entire audience from lawn chairs and picnic blankets, when the house lights suddenly undimmed and fanciful music echoing the theme of the scene piped over the speakers, queuing a welcome intermission. As the play resumed, this extraordinary ensemble magnificently compelled the crowd through every carefully choreographed moment of the show. Did you miss it this year and wish for a chance to experience Shakespeare in the park or by the sea? This is the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s thirty-fourth year in our community, so be sure to keep a lookout this time next year! Details are on their website at https://pbshakespeare.org.
Can’t wait until next summer for a little culture in your life? Take a look at what’s happening in August around town and maybe just a little south if you’re up for a day trip or weekend adventure.
Wish you had some local theatre shows to enjoy outdoors right here in Wellington? Theatre Arts Productions (TAPs) presents Mean Girls Jr. at the Wellington Amphitheater Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18 at 7:30 PM each night. Tickets are on sale through their website at https://www.tapstars.org/mean-girls-dates. The Wellington Amphitheater event calendar dates can be found here https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2304.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) displays art all month at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. Local artists feature works for sale in overlapping exhibits open to the public. Calling all artists! Join WAS at this month’s meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 5:30 – 7:45 PM. Discover membership in this inclusive community art society. The WAS full calendar of events is available online at https://www.wellingtonartsociety.org/calendar.html.
If your Tanzaku wish last month was to visit Japan, but that’s a bit out of the way, you’re in luck because a day trip or weekend in Miami might be in the stars for you instead. The Spirit of Japan festival is happening August 16 to 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Find event details at https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/spirit-of-japan/295
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Melanie Kafka has been a Wellington resident since 2011, which she decided was the perfect place to raise her two daughters after returning to Florida from serving in the United States Navy. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Palm Beach Atlantic University while developing her career as a Senior Project Engineer in the aerospace industry. She is also co-founder of the Wellington Ladies Golf Club, which serves to welcome women and girls into the sport of golf while promoting an atmosphere of inclusion on and off the course.
PALM BEACH, FL – American Humane is pleased to announce that their “No Animals Were Harmed®” (NAWH) program is growing. With offices in Palm Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, American Humane works in association with the American film and TV industries to help ensure and protect the well-being of animal actors and promote the human-animal bond.
For the first time, all SAG-AFTRA productions shooting overseas will be exempt from animal monitoring fees and associated costs, enabling American Humane to keep more animals safe around the world, regardless of where a film is shot. The no-charge program monitoring animals to ensure they are safe on set will be expanded thanks to the generous support of the SAG-AFTRA Producers Industry Advancement Fund (IACF).
American Humane works with production personnel and trainers in the pre-production planning stage, monitors the animals on set during production, and enforces its guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. They award the NAWH certification recognized by audiences around the world to productions that meet their rigorous standards and investigate allegations of mistreatment and cruelty.
American Humane’s “No Animals Were Harmed” program has been a trusted partner for the entertainment industry for more than 80 years, collaborating with thousands of productions to ensure the safety of millions of animals. When animal welfare is a priority, it raises the bar on safety throughout production.
To learn more about the “No Animals Were Harmed” program, visit humanehollywood.org.
Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on August 10th
Proceeds benefit Homeless Youth in Palm Beach County
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 31, 2024) Join Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter on Saturday, August 10, 2024, and experience the fun of America’s favorite pastime while helping support Vita Nova’s mission to eliminate homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years old in Palm Beach County.
Gates open at 5:00 pm, and at 6:00 pm, one of Vita Nova’s youth will throw out the first pitch to start the Mighty Mussels at Hammerheads baseball game!
All tickets purchased include a donation back to Vita Nova to support their mission. During the game, they will also auction off custom Vita Nova Jerseys worn by the Hammerheads to support Vita Nova’s youth.
Come early! The first 500 fans will receive a Noble Meyer Mini Bobblehead. Tickets are limited, so get yours today for $10. Visit https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Vitanova2
About Vita Nova:
Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Vita Nova, Inc., located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is comprised of three components: the Spot, Housing (The Village), and Independent Living.
Vita Nova means “new life” in Latin and was founded by Father Leo Armbrust, a man who believed that foster youth deserved a better quality of care. Through the efforts of the Vita Nova team members, its volunteers, and its benefactors, older foster and homeless youth are allowed to lead lives characterized by independence, self-determination, and personal responsibility.
To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit vitanovainc.org or call 561.689.0035.
