Photos by Alan Fabricant
On June 29th at The Venue (aka Common Grounds Church) in Lake Worth, the band Canvas put on a special concert to benefit veterans. Friends and supporters enjoyed classic rock, as well as a food truck outdoors.
YMCA of the Palm Beaches Awarded $500K in Federal Funding for Capital Project at Lake Lytal Park
Palm Beach County, FL (July 2, 2024)— In December 2023, YMCA of the Palm Beaches held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the first phase of a new community center that will dramatically expand its impact in the area by allowing the organization to serve four times the number of community members than it did in its previous facility. The project aligns the YMCA of the Palm Beaches with Palm Beach County and its Parks & Recreation Department, in a unique and historic public-private partnership.
In support of the Community Center project, a gift of $500,000 was recently awarded to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches through the U.S. Federal Government’s Community Grants program. The funds were secured with the help of U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, who recently presented the grant to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches at a press conference.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Frankel for helping to secure this generous grant,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “This is an investment not only in the future of the Y, but in the futures of those who we serve in the community, particularly our children.”
The funds will be used for the development of the Y’s new 55,000 sq. ft. Community Center at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach and scheduled for completion in late 2025. A key hallmark feature of the new center will be its Youth Engagement and Resource Center, designed to reach and mentor young people aged 12-22 with workforce skills, job training, mentorship, and more. Additional amenities for youth will include a music recording studio, STEM Lab and Robotics Center, a teaching kitchen, visual arts studio, and much more.
Additional components of the overall project include an Olympic-style Skate Park and an expansive new aquatics facility, which is being developed by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
About YMCA of the Palm Beaches
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. The Y’s mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of the ability to pay. For more information, call 561.968.9622 or visit ymcapalmbeaches.org. and follow on social media @ymcapalmbeaches.
Local Nonprofit EXPANDS TO SERVE MORE AND Has NEW NAME
Wellington Cares is Now Our Community Cares and Is Serving More Seniors
Board members: (left to right – Bill Maher, Petra Pitkonen, Kathy Foster, Cheryl Anders, Marion
Frank, Marge Sullivan)
Wellington, FL, July 2, 2024 – Wellington Cares officially changed its name to Our
Community Cares. Since 2010 Wellington Cares has been coordinating volunteers of all ages
to assist in enabling persons 65 and over to remain in their homes with the help of volunteers.
In 2020, service was expanded to the Royal Palm Beach senior community. As the
organization continues to look for expansion opportunities, the new name and image further
supports their mission of providing no cost services to the senior community.
“The rebranding of Wellington Cares to Our Community Cares represents an exciting time of
growth for our organization,” said Bill Maher, board member and marketing chair. “Our
mission is already proving successful in helping seniors age in the comfort and familiarity of
their own homes. Representing ourselves as Our Community Cares reminds us that as we
grow our efforts to spread awareness to those in need and find volunteers to help in the
delivery of our services. Identifying those with the ability to aid our efforts financially comes
directly from within the communities we serve.”
Our Community Cares free services include: transportation (door-through-door) to medical
appointments, food shopping, and places of worship. Other services include pick-up and
delivery of prescriptions; socialization through home visits and phone calls; advocacy in
scheduling appointments and written communication; and coordinating services available to
participants within the community.
The official announcement of the new name and desire for expansion came at a packed
reception at Village Music in Wellington. Guests included community leaders, volunteers from
the organization, and supporters from over the years. The evening began with a welcome from
board chair Cheryl Anders who gave a brief history of the organization and announced since
its inception, the organization has provided more than $1M of free support. Director of
Operations, Diane Gutman followed with information including a record 660 participant
engagements and a new high of 840 volunteer hours in Q1 2024. She also shared that over
16,000 volunteer miles are driven annually in support of program participants. The launch
event and support to aid recent growth trends, has largely been made possible through a
capacity building grant from Palm Health Foundation.
Although participants must be residents of Wellington or Royal Palm Beach to receive
services, volunteers may be from anywhere and pass a level 2 background check. For more
information on services, volunteering, or being a participant, please contact Our Community
Cares at 561-568-8818.
Wellington Cares dba Our Community Cares is a community-based, not-for-profit organization
committed to coordinating volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling persons 65 and over to
remain in their home with the support of volunteers and local organizations. Please visit
www.OurCommunityCaresFL.org for more information.
Exciting Expansion Ahead: Enhancing the Wellington Environmental Preserve
By Mayor Michael J. Napoleone
We are now well into the summer season, and there is no shortage of great things to do outdoors in our Great Hometown. I am excited to share an update on a project that, while still in its early stages, promises to add another fantastic outdoor space to our community: the expansion of the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat.
The 365-acre Wellington Environmental Preserve is already a beloved part of our community, recognized as a “Great Place in Florida” by the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2023. This prestigious award acknowledges exceptional places that embody a true sense of community, cultural and historical significance, forward-thinking vision, and community involvement.
The Preserve was designed and created to serve as a rainwater storage area, but is so much more. Interior uplands and native landscaping provide an exhibition of natural Florida from the paved pedestrian path and boardwalk to seven designated Learning Areas. There is a large decorative Trellis and six story Observation Tower located at two of these Learning Areas. The preserve also includes a 3.6 mile perimeter Equestrian Trail that is an extension of the approximately 65-mile Wellington bridle trail system.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the 45-acre expansion took place on May 15, 2024, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to preserve the Everglades ecosystem. This is a Resiliency Infrastructure Project funded in part by a $1.7 million Resilient Florida Program Grant matched equally by the Village. Wellington has also been awarded a USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Grant of $747,500 for planting 700 native trees in this Preserve Expansion. This funding will catalyze resilient landscaping, stormwater quality management, and invasive species removal, ultimately fostering a healthier, more sustainable and vibrant community for generations to come.
The project, currently in the first phases of construction, is expected to be completed by mid-to late 2025. This expansion will further enhance our remarkable preserve with significant improvements such as landscaping, planting, construction of additional hiking and equestrian trails, wildlife observation areas, picnic structures, and an educational kiosk. These additions will not only protect the natural characteristics of the site but also provide valuable recreational and educational opportunities for our residents.
Our preserves work in partnership with the South Florida Water Management District to comply with the 1994 Everglades Forever Act, ensuring that we filter phosphorus and other nutrients from stormwater before it discharges into the Everglades. This project will continue this vital work, contributing to the health of our ecosystem and the well-being of our community.
This project is a crucial step towards preserving the Everglades ecosystem. The expansion reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and will enhance our community’s natural spaces, providing recreational and educational opportunities while protecting our precious natural resources.
We are grateful to our Village staff, from our Finance Department to Engineering and Public Works, for their countless contributions and for making this project a reality. Their dedication ensures that this natural gem remains a pristine and welcoming space for all who visit.
As we embark on this expansion project, we remain committed to preserving and protecting this precious resource for future generations. Together, we are ensuring that the Wellington Environmental Preserve continues to be a beloved and vital part of our community.
To our Environmental Preserve visitors, from families and casual walkers to our equestrian riders, thank you for your continued support. I look forward to celebrating this important environmental preservation project and enhancement with you soon.
***
Michael J. Napoleone was elected as Mayor of the Village of Wellington Council in April 2024. He first joined the Council in March 2016 for a four-year term, when he was the first non-sitting council member elected without opposition in the Village’s history. Michael is an attorney at Day Pitney LLP practicing business, probate and real estate litigation. He is a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and currently represents Wellington as an elected member of the executive board of the Palm Beach County League of Cities and the executive board of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency.
Clinics Can Help Returns to Wellington this Fall for 11th Annual Golf Classic
The Salute to Superheroes Raises Much Needed Funding for
Customized Medical Equipment for Children with Special Needs.
Wellington, Florida – Coming off a record fundraising and attendance year, Clinics Can Help (CCH) is thrilled to announce plans for its 11th Annual Golf Classic. Once again, the event will be presented by The Gil Martinez Agency – State Farm, and will return to The Wanderer’s Club in Wellington, FL, on Friday, October 11th. The 2024 Salute to Superheroes theme and will recognize and honor the superheroes in the community as well as the superhero clients CCH serves while fundraising for the organization’s KINDER Project.
Resuming in the role of event chair is CBS 12’s morning anchor, Matt Lincoln with PGA Tour Champion Dana Quigley, whose personal experience after a tragic accident involving his son brought him to Clinics Can Help, returning as Honorary Chair. In 2023, the Quigley family sadly lost Devon and this year the organization will be honoring the family for the tireless dedication they have given to Clinics Can Help over the years.
The event, which tees off at 8:45 a.m, will be a scramble format with both mixed and men’s and women’s divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed team (sun-and-fun golf attire), closest to the pin (men and women), and longest drive (men and women). A hole-in-one contest will also add to the excitement.
Event proceeds will support families of children with special needs through Clinics Can Help’s KINDER Project (Kids In Need of Durable Equipment Right Now). Many of the children served by CCH are affected by serious medical conditions. The KINDER Project directly helps families that struggle to afford this equipment and enables their children to lead more independent lives.
Tickets for the tournament range from $325 – $1,300 for golf. Lunch-only tickets are available this year for guests who are not golfing for $100. The Wanderer’s Club is located at 1900 Aero Club Drive, Wellington, Fl. For additional information on this event, or Clinics Can Help, please visit clinicscanhelp.org/golf24. Sponsorship opportunities can be customized with information available from Angie Niehoff at (305) 582-7450 or golfinfo@clinicscanhelp.org.
About Clinics Can Help
A vital resource in Palm Beach County and throughout Southeast Florida for families in search of medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers, and more, CCH provides access to critical equipment for thousands of children and adults who cannot afford it. The only organization of its kind in Florida and one of only four in the U.S. that provide a vast and diverse array of equipment, CCH makes a difference through a simple process of organized recycling. Please visit www.clinicscanhelp.org or call 561.640.2995.
Disability Pride Month:
The Arc of Palm Beach County Celebrates Renowned Artisan,
Margie Lee Rodriquez
Jupiter, Fla. (July 1, 2024) – July is Disability Pride Month, an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. The Arc of Palm Beach County celebrates Disability Pride Month by spotlighting renowned artisan, Margie Lee Rodriquez, a participant in The Arc’s Artisan Program.
The Arc’s Artisan Program empowers talented individuals with developmental disabilities to use their imaginations and create one-of-a-kind art pieces. Through collaborative efforts with staff members and volunteers, the artisans produce mosaics, paintings, greeting cards, and other various forms of art. The back of each piece of artwork proudly showcases the name of the artisan. Members of the program can sell their creations at local markets, art shows, festivals, online, and by special order to earn an income and gain valuable life experiences.
Rodriquez is best known for her folk art style of painting, which includes vibrant motifs and custom stencil designs. She has debuted her artwork at many festivals and events. Rodriquez’s work is also available to purchase through The Arc’s online shop.
The Arc of Palm Beach County is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
To schedule an interview with a representative of The Arc of Palm Beach County and Margie Lee Rodriquez, please contact:
Chelsea Casagrande
Venue Marketing Group
(561) 844-1778, ext. 120
Happy July, 2024!
Here’s wishing you and your families a Happy July and a great celebration of July 4th!
Fins – but not Jimmy Buffet
By Heidi Hess
Cue the music… duunnn dunnn… duuuunnnn duun… duuunnnnnnnn dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dunnnnnnnnnnn dunnnn!
I wait every year for this one week in July – SHARK WEEK on Discovery Channel. We live year round with the ocean, so technically every week is shark week but this is special. For seven days we can, I mean the kids can, live, sleep, eat, breathe, all things shark related. We are lucky to have several places here locally that have some fantastic shark events.
One of those places is The Sandoway Discovery Center, at 142 South Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach, FL At first glance it looks like a house across the street from the ocean but I can assure you this is one of the best science/discovery centers we have here in Palm Beach County. Everything ocean is here: touch tanks, shark and sting ray feedings out back and a large collection of sea shells. The aquariums are beautiful and the staff is very friendly. They have dubbed July Shark Month (now we’re talking) and have several shark related classes:
July 7th at 1:30 will have your little ones become “Shark Trackers.”
July 13th at 10:00am the kids go full scientist mode with “The Science of Sharks”.
July 20th at 10:00am it’s time to get messy and make Shark Pudding Slime.
And to wrap up the month, July 28th 1:30 will make us all Shark Researchers while exploring the anatomy and habits of sharks.
Admission is $10 and free for children under three. If you are a member, it’s free! They also have picnic tables outside so bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the ocean breeze. You could make it a whole day.
Tips for the Most Flavorful Infused Water
By Charmaine Peters
South Florida summers can feel intense, and staying hydrated is more important than ever. While plain water is great, infused water takes your hydration game to a whole new level. Adding delightful flavors to your water will encourage you to drink more, making it easier to stay hydrated and refreshed on hot summer days.
Adding fruits and herbs to your water is another opportunity to embrace a farm-to-table lifestyle. By choosing locally sourced, seasonal produce, you ensure that your ingredients are fresher, more flavorful, and more sustainable. This not only supports local farmers and reduces your carbon footprint but also enhances the overall enjoyment and health benefits of your infused water.
Here are some tips to create the most flavorful infused water:
Choose Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients
Fruits like mangoes, watermelons, pineapples, lemons, limes, and more are primarily seasonal in South Florida in summer. When fruits are in season, they are naturally sweeter, juicier, more aromatic, and often more affordable because of the abundant supply. Don’t forget to add fresh herbs to add a burst of flavor and aroma. Mint, basil, rosemary, and thyme blend well with fruits. You can easily grow them at home to ensure you get the freshest produce for your hydration regimen.
Combine the Best Flavors
Creating the perfect infused water involves combining the best flavors. Try these winning combinations or create your own to keep your hydration routine exciting and delicious.
- Lemon, Mint, Ginger, and Cucumber: Energizing and detoxifying.
- Cucumber, Mint, and Lemon: Perfectly refreshing and cooling.
- Cucumber, Thyme, and Lime: Soothing and minty.
- Lemon, Basil, and Ginger: Bright and spicy.
- Pineapple and Mint: Tropical and invigorating.
- Watermelon and Rosemary: Sweet with a hint of savory.
- Watermelon and Basil: Refreshingly sweet and herbaceous.
- Mango and Lime: Exotic and zesty.
Time Your Infusion Right
The length of time you leave the fruits and herbs in your water defines the success of your infusion. Softer fruits such as mangoes, watermelons, and cucumbers only need one to two hours to infuse due to their high-water content and porous nature, allowing them to release flavors quickly. For harder fruits like apples and pears, they can take 12 to 18 hours to fully extract the flavor. Citrus fruits take two to three hours; if squeezed, they can add flavor within minutes. Do a taste test along the way to keep track of the results.
Keep It Simple and Fresh
Less is more. A few well-chosen ingredients can create a beautifully balanced flavor profile. Also, make only as much infused water as you’ll drink in a day or two to ensure it stays fresh. If the water sits for too long, the fruits can start to decompose, affecting the taste and quality of the drink. Keep it in the fridge or icy cold so that it stays crisp, refreshing, and safe to consume.
Drinking water is essential, especially in summer, but the truth is that not everyone enjoys it. Infusing flavors transforms every sip into a delightful experience that everyone can enjoy. Keep it simple, keep it fresh, and choose locally sourced ingredients to embrace a farm-to-table living. Cheers to staying refreshed and hydrated this season, one flavorful sip at a time!