Palmer Singers at Wellington
Come join this exciting group every Monday night at 7pm in
St. David’s in the pines Episcopal Church, 465 W. Forest Hill Blvd.
Dr. Edward Palmer is pleased to offer his years of professional
choral and vocal instruction free of charge. No audition required.
Choral directors are welcome. Call for Info. 659-3641
CCE MAKES MONUMENTAL IMPRESSION ON BENJAMIN SCHOOL EIGHTH GRADERS
Class takes part in arts-integration programming before heading to DC
(North Palm Beach, FL.) Who or what would you build a monument to if you had the chance? Before eighth-grader students at The Benjamin School took a recent class trip to the city famous for monuments, Washington DC, they worked with the Center for Creative Education to create their own. Benjamin teachers partnered with teaching artists from CCE to help the students define the subject of their monuments, engineer a prototype and build it. The students also had to defend why their subject deserved to have a monument and write a poem or sonnet about it.
Their projects ranged from a tribute to the children who were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary, a seeing-eye dog that saved several people’s lives on 9-11, and one of the most powerful women in the ancient world, Cleopatra. Others might be a little more surprising, a monument to Coco Chanel and one to M&Ms (actually the candy was created during World War II so they wouldn’t melt in a soldier’s knapsack.)
This civics and language arts lesson was the first collaboration between the Center for Creative Education and The Benjamin School and more arts integration projects are to follow with other students in the middle school.
“For some children a paint brush can be more powerful than a pencil, and that’s a lesson the Center for Creative Education has been teaching for 20 years now,” said Jerry Crank, CCE Director of Programming. “Arts integration is a way to even the playing field for disadvantaged children at risk of failure and it allows academically advanced students an opportunity to explore higher order thinking processes. Working with the students and administrators at The Benjamin School was an incredible experience and we look forward to a continued relationship with them.”
Parents, Board members and other students were treated to a walking tour of the “Monument Project.”
“This assignment added another exciting and resourceful component to our curriculum that is aligned with our 21st century philosophy,” said Head of Middle School Charles Hagy. “We look forward to our continued partnership throughout the year with the CCE teaching artists who will bring a similar learning experience into our 6th and 7th grade classes.”
Since its inception 20 years ago, approximately 150,000 children have experienced CCE’s method of merging art with academics to bring learning to life, engaging children in hands-on, project-based education. CCE teaching artists use the arts as a vehicle to help students gain greater understanding of science, math, literacy and other areas of learning.
Traditionally CCE works with disadvantaged students at school sites all over Palm Beach County, providing after-school and in school programming to many students considered “at risk.” In addition, they are hired by private and independent schools to provide arts integrated instruction.
For information on CCE’s in-school and after-school programming, classes in its Northwood Village headquarters, to participate in events or make a donation to benefit at-risk school programs, please visit www.cceflorida.org or call 561-805-9927.
December, 2014 – Toy and Bike Drive
Submitted by Deborah Clein
For the past 17 years Wellington Community High School Student Government Association has been collecting toys and bikes for underprivileged elementary students at the Rosenwald Elementary school in Belle Glade, FL. With the help of students, business leaders and the community WCHS has donated over 5,000 toys and 750 bikes to children many of which would not have received any Christmas presents if not for these generous donations.
“Children have asked us over the years to rewrap their presents so they have a gift to open on Christmas morning,” said Mrs. Varvarigos student government sponsor. “Each year we collect toys for every student in the elementary school as well as new bicycles for every 5th grader. In many cases we find the toys that we have collected are the only presents many of these children will receive.” This year Wellington High School SGA has set up drop off locations around Wellington to make it easier for the Wellington community to get involved. Along with 300 toy donations the SGA is looking for help from our community to raise $3,000 to purchase 56 bikes for the all of Rosenwald’s 5th graders. Wellington Highschool SGA with the help of Santa will be delivering the toys and bikes and celebrating the holiday with a celebration for the kids on December 11. Please mail checks to help purchase bikes to Wellington Community Highschool. Checks should be made out to Wellington Community Highschool on subject line write Rosenwald donation. The address of WCHS is: 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd, Wellington, Fl 33414.
For more information please contact Student Government Association at (561) 795-4901.
> Toy Drop off locations:
> Main office of Wellington Highschool addressed to room 3-104
> Wellington Florist on Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores McDonald’s
> on Greenview Shores Outback on Southern Blvd.
> Cups on 441
DESSERT FIRST FOR KRAVIS CENTER ANNUAL FRIENDS MEMBERS!
Donors indulge in sweet treats before Don McLean and Judy Collins show
(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) Nearly 300 Kravis Center Annual Friends Members raised their milkshake shots in support of the exciting 2014-2015 season at the Center’s annual dessert reception, held just prior to the evening’s performance of music legends Don McLean and Judy Collins. The event was sponsored by Bank of America and offered Kravis Center leadership an opportunity to thank Annual Friends level donors for their ongoing support of the Kravis Center.
“Tonight’s reception is the perfect way to kick off yet another star studded season,” said Diane Bergner, Senior Director of Development for the Kravis Center. “The scrumptious desserts are our way to thank you for your commitment to the Kravis Center. As a donor, one of your benefits is the luxury of ordering performance tickets prior to the general public, but more than that, you can take great pride in knowing that your contribution supports the Center’s nationally acclaimed arts education and outreach programs. In fact, more than 60,000 school age children attend live theater each year at the Center. So we applaud you for helping us fulfill our mission, and we thank you for your generosity.”
Kravis Center Annual Friends Members contribute a yearly gift of $100 or more and receive an opportunity for advance ticket ordering for Kravis Center presentations, priority access to Kravis On Broadway and Regional Arts Concert Series, subscriptions to Kravis Center publications, as well as a special memento of the upcoming season and an invitation to the Annual Friends Members Dessert Reception.
In addition to sponsoring the dessert reception, Bank of America also sponsored the evening’s performance of Don McLean and Judy Collins. “Bank of America has an outstanding tradition of giving to the Kravis Center dating back to before we opened our doors in 1992,” continued Bergner. “Since that time, their ongoing support of our Annual Campaign has helped us reach our goal each year. We deeply appreciate their continued commitment to art and culture in our community.”
Before moving on from sugary sweets to a “Starry, Starry Night,” Annual Friends Members heard from Bank of America’s Palm Beach president, Fabiola Brumley, who also thanked them for their commitment. She acknowledged the Kravis Center’s cultural richness, in addition to its ongoing economic impact, specifically highlighting and applauding the Center’s work with children.
Centrally located in West Palm Beach, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is one of the premier performing arts centers in the Southeast with a renowned national and international reputation. Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, its many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. To date, the Center has opened the door to the performing arts for approximately two million school children.
For more information on becoming a member of the Kravis Center contact, call 561-651-4320. For general information about Kravis Center performances, please visit the Center’s official website at www.kravis.org or call the box office at 561-832-7469 (561-832-SHOW).
KRETZER PIANO MUSIC FOUNDATION PRESENTS…..
THE KING’S ACADEMY
Tuesday, December 9, 2015 at 7:00 pm
Be sure not to miss this festive performance that is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit!
Kretzer Piano presents this concert as part of their ongoing Music for the Mind concert series to benefit music education and children’s charities.
“City Christmas” will feature TKA’s Award Winning Vocal Arts & Dance Programs. This upbeat and joyous Christmas celebration featuring music from the motion picture Polar Express, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and more will have you feeling as if you’re walking through a winter wonderland. Grab your hot chocolate and climb aboard!
This special holiday concert will be held on the SECOND Tuesday in December.
The Harriet Himmel Theater at CityPlace
700 S. Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may be purchased at the door or by calling CTS at 866-449-2489.
Tuesday, December 9 at 7:00 pm
CONTACT: For information call Kathi Kretzer, Kretzer Piano Music Foundation
561-748-0036 kkretzer@kretzerpiano.com
About Kretzer Piano Music Foundation: 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 9,600 young musicians the opportunity to perform while raising over $450,000 to help promote music in our schools and community. Learn more at www.kretzerpiano.com/kpmf.
Hometown Holiday Food Drive Provides Meals to Over 130 Families
This year, with generous donations provided by the community, the Hometown Holiday Food Drive was able to provide a traditional Thanksgiving meal to over 130 local families totaling more than 700 adults and children. Wellington would like to thank not only our residents, but also our partners that made this food drive a resounding success:
Thank you for all that you do to support the struggling families in our community each and every year; these events would not be successful without your help. In addition, we would like to extend a special thanks to the community members who volunteered during the sorting and distribution process.
With Thanksgiving behind us, the holiday season is upon us and Wellington would like to remind you that the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive is now under way. Please consider donating a new unwrapped toy at any Village location; together we can ensure a gift for every child.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Fourth Annual Wellington Kids Triathlon
Calling all young athletes! Get ready to swim, bike and run in the Fourth Annual Wellington Kids Triathlon! This exciting and challenging endurance event takes place on Sunday, March 1st, 2015 and begins at the Wellington Aquatics Complex located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. As of Monday, December 1st, you can register on-line at www.active.com!
The Wellington Kids Triathlon is limited to children born between 2001 and 2011 and is designed as an introduction to a multi-sport endurance event within a safe and positive environment. The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive a trophy and all participants will receive a medal. Registration is $35 and includes a t-shirt for each competitor.
| Age Division | Year Born | Swim Distance | Bike Distance | Run Distance |
| Super Seniors | 2001-2002 | 200 yards | 4.0 miles | 1.25 miles |
| Seniors | 2003-2004 | 150 yards | 4.0 miles | 1.25 miles |
| Super Juniors | 2005-2006 | 100 yards | 2.0 miles | 0.7 miles |
| Juniors | 2007-2008 | 50 yards | 2.0 miles | 0.7 miles |
| Trikes | 2009-2011 | 25 yards | 0.4 miles | 0.25 miles |
Participants can register online at www.active.com, and must do so no later than Monday, February 23rd, 2015. No race day registrations will be accepted. All competitors must be current USA Triathlon (USAT) members. Registration is limited to the first 250 entries, so register early to secure your spot!
We are accepting sponsors for this “Hometown” event at this time. The Title Sponsor for this year’s race is the Wellington Preservation Coalition and Palm Beach Skate Zone is one of our Silver sponsors. For additional details, visit
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Cultural Council of Palm Beach County to Host
SCIENCE CENTER CREATES NEW EDUCATIONAL CLUB, “HACK SHACK”
Curious minds have opportunity to explore computers and coding once monthly
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) “Hack Shack,” the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s newest education initiative, is just as the name implies – a technology getaway for curious minds to explore computers and coding. Open to students in 5th – 8th grade, the group meets once monthly on the first Thursday of the month from 5 – 7 p.m. Designed with fun in mind, the meetings include topics such as music and video games. The tech team is led by long-time Science Center educator, Chris Pait, who was recently promoted to Technical Programs Coordinator.
“After the successful launch of our GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) Club, which sells out monthly, we wanted to have a learning opportunity that included science minded girls AND boys,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “’Hack Shack’ expands our educational opportunities with a focus on technology. Along with our other programming, it keeps us ahead of the curve and instrumental in developing young talent!”
“Hack Shack” is a technology club that focuses on computer basics. The December theme, “Scratch Music,” experiments with digital sounds and music making within the Scratch environment. The January theme, “Intro to Coding,” explores the basics of computer coding, offering students the opportunity to write a few basic programs in several different coding languages. Due to the holiday, the January club will meet on Thursday, January 8.
Chris Pait is in newly in charge of the Science Center’s ever expanding technical programs, including “Hack Shack,” Lego League, Robotics and Maker Camps and robotics programming. Pait, a West Palm Beach native who has fond memories of the Science Center as a child, has a bachelor’s degree in music, with an outside field in zoology, from the University of Florida. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marine environmental science at Nova Southeastern University.
“It is important to have a space for young curious minds to explore the wonders of technology,” said Pait. “You never know what an introduction to science can do for a young child. I can attest to this myself, as I grew up coming to the Science Center, which I have now turned into a life-long passion and career. The first ‘Hack Shack’ meeting was a blast and we expect continued enthusiasm surrounding computers and coding.”
The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, recently named the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ nonprofit of the year, features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall and an interactive Everglades exhibit. Afterlife: Tombs & Treasures of Ancient Egypt, the Science Center’s newest traveling exhibit, features more than 200 ancient and authentic artifacts. All exhibits will be on display during Afterlife’s special showing. In true Science Center style, the highly anticipated blockbuster exhibition has interactive components, making it feel like guests have taken a trip to Egypt to explore ancient artifacts and tombs.
“Hack Shack” is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers and snacks are provided. Space is limited and reservations are required. To sign up, please visit www.sfsciencecenter.org, call 561-832-2026 or email programs@sfsciencecenter.org.
Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.
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