On the weekend of May 3 to 5, a wonderful 40th anniversary of SunFest took place with two main stages in downtown West Palm Beach. Here’s just a sampling of the musical acts. On Friday, May 3rd, Shaggy engaged the crowd with his captivating performance. On Sunday, May 5th, home grown band Boys Like Girls gave an awesome performance. For more info about SunFest, go to SunFest.com and check out the 2024 Video Recap.
Shaggy
***
Boys Like Girls
***
Cassadee Pope from Wellington, Winner of The Voice (2012) and photographer Monica Kallas
Mini ponies join the charity’s animal team providing healing for children navigating grief
[Wellington, FL] – Wellington-based charity The Human-Animal Alliance is delighted to announce the sponsorship of two mini rescue ponies ‘Rocky’ and ‘River’ at Tomorrow’s Rainbow – a place for children, teens and families healing from the death of a loved one.
“Sponsorship such as this is vital for the care of our horses, such as River and Rocky. These ponies were recently rescued and are now taking part in therapeutic activities for children both on and offsite,” said Abby Mosher, Founder and Executive Director of Tomorrow’s Rainbow, based in Coconut Creek, Florida. “We are grateful to The Human-Animal Alliance, whose core mission aligns with ours in realizing the value of equine therapy in helping people to heal from grief and trauma.”
‘River’ and ‘Rocky’ are a bonded pair that were rescued to be a part of the mobile programs, Grief on the Go and Tomorrow’s Rainbow Coping Academy. The entire herd of equine, big and small, at Tomorrow’s Rainbow is rescued – an important part of the nonprofit’s values.
The sponsorship program at Tomorrow’s Rainbow provides funding for the care of the therapy horses plus Grief Support Groups, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and mobile programs supporting grief, loss and adversity.
“Tomorrow’s Rainbow is a safe place where children feel, often for the first time, understood,” said Mosher.
A team of EAGALA certified professionals at Tomorrow’s Rainbow’s mini ranch provide Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for those struggling with an array of mental health challenges including trauma, PTSD, anxiety and depression.
“Equine-assisted therapy is recognized globally for its profound impact on physical, emotional, and psychological well-being,” said The Human-Animal Alliance Founder and Wellington resident, Jackie Ducci, who recently visited Tomorrow’s Rainbow to meet ‘Rocky’ and ‘River’ and see them settled in their new home. “Horses are deeply intuitive and have a remarkable ability to help humans heal. Organizations like Tomorrow’s Rainbow epitomize the power of human-animal connection in the services they provide, and we are honored to support their program again this year.”
Ducci personally covers The Human-Animal Alliance’s overheads to ensure that every dollar donated goes directly to the charitable projects it selects for grants. Every project is researched and evaluated before being selected as a grant recipient.
***
About The Human-Animal Alliance
The Human-Animal Alliance provides grants to exceptional, yet often overlooked nonprofit organizations that support and enhance human-animal connection. Programs receiving funding are identified nationwide through an extensive sourcing and screening process. The Alliance also supports relevant legislative policy initiatives and educates the public on the importance of human animal connection. For more information visit www.h-aa.org or call (561) 485-0445.
About Tomorrow’s Rainbow
Tomorrow’s Rainbow is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation. It is a special place for children, teens, and families that are healing from grief, loss or trauma. Located in Coconut Creek, Florida, the Tomorrow’s Rainbow mini-ranch is a unique setting for equine-assisted grief and trauma support, offered FREE of charge to children, teens and their families. Tomorrow’s Rainbow is celebrating 18 years as our community’s premier resource for hope and resiliency. The vision of Tomorrow’s Rainbow is every child connected to joy. For further information, contact Leah Eauslin at 954.953.0847 or visit www.TomorrowsRainbow.org
***
Tomorrow’s Rainbow’s Abby Mosher and The Human-Animal Alliance’s Jackie Ducci pictured with Rocky and River at Tomorrow’s Rainbow’s small ranch in Coconut Creek, FL.
Wellington, Fl. (May 08, 2024)– Wellington Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the acquisition of innovative robotic-assisted technology, the Ion Endoluminal System. This system represents a significant breakthrough in minimally invasive bronchoscopy procedures, enabling doctors to diagnose and treat lung cancer at earlier stages than previously possible.
Developed by Intuitive, the maker of da Vinci, the Ion system empowers physicians to navigate deep into the peripheral lung with unparalleled stability and precision. By providing enhanced capabilities for biopsy procedures, the Ion system offers a critical advantage in detecting and addressing lung nodules, ultimately leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention for lung cancer patients.
Dr. Mark Meyer, Thoracic Surgeon at Wellington Regional Medical Center, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the Ion Endoluminal System, stating, “The acquisition of the Ion system marks a significant milestone in our ability to diagnose and treat lung cancer. With its advanced robotic-assisted technology, we can now reach and treat biopsy nodules in the peripheral lung with remarkable accuracy, allowing for earlier detection and intervention.”
CEO Pam Tahan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to advancing patient care through modern technology. “At Wellington Regional Medical Center, we are dedicated to investing in innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes. The addition of the Ion Endoluminal System underscores our commitment to early detection and treatment of lung cancer, ultimately saving lives and improving quality of life for our patients.”
The introduction of the Ion Endoluminal System at Wellington Regional Medical Center represents a significant leap forward in the fight against lung cancer. By offering minimally invasive bronchoscopy procedures with enhanced precision and efficiency, the hospital is poised to revolutionize the standard of care for lung cancer patients in the region.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.
First-ever season-long competition made its debut during the GreenMarket’s 29th Season
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 30, 2023) — West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James presented an award to Chef Manfred Schmidtke on behalf of Chef and owner of Palm Beach Catering, Joey Leuze, as the winner of the first-ever West Palm Beach GreenMarket Master Chef Showcase. The presentation happened during the City Commission Meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024. Chef Eddie Zapil, from Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen, competed against Leuze on Saturday, April 6, 2024. As the silver medal winner, he was also on-site to receive recognition for his skills. Leuze had to travel unexpectedly and was unable to attend.
The bracket-style competition was a new addition to the GreenMarket’s 2023-24 Season, with competitors consisting of local chefs and GreenMarket vendors, both current and past vendors. The competition began on the Market’s Opening Day on October 7, 2023, and was held the first Saturday of every month throughout the season. Chef Leuze’s preparation of duck in six unique ways for the final round delighted the judge’s taste buds, leading to a winning title.
“This competition was an incredible opportunity to highlight and support the chefs behind our GreenMarket vendors and local restaurants,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “We are grateful to our community events team for introducing this fun competition to the Market this season, our competitors for their participation, and marketgoers for cheering on their favorite chefs each month.”
Before coming to West Palm Beach in 2008, Chef Leuze got his start cooking at his mom’s French restaurant in Germany. He later worked as a chef on luxury yachts in the French Riviera. His cuisine is focused on fresh ingredients from local farms and is heavily inspired by his European background. As a previous GreenMarket vendor, Chef Leuze continues to source many of his ingredients from the GreenMarket, which are then enjoyed by attendees at Palm Beach-based galas and events.
“The first-ever, season-long Master Chef Showcase brought extra excitement to the Market this year,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “The event created an incredible sense of community among the chefs and fans who witnessed their culinary geniuses at work. We are thinking of ways to bring back an enhanced Master Chef Showcase next year.”
Before the finale, each Showcase round featured winning chefs from past rounds, challenging their skills across different cuisines to prepare a pre-selected protein choice — chicken, pork, beef, or fish — which was unbeknownst to the chefs until the day of the competition. For the finals, Chef Joey and Chef Eddie had free reign to prepare their dish of choice. Competitors chopped, sautéed, and served their dishes to a panel of judges comprised of community leaders. Judges picked the winning dish based on presentation, flavor, and originality, advancing the winning chefs to the Showcase finals.
For more information about the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @thecityofwpb. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
###
Sponsors for the 2023 – 2024 GreenMarket season included: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Land Rover Palm Beach, Paradise Exteriors, NextHome Real Estate Executives, Humana, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Nordic Tree Water, NW Mutual – McKernan Financial Group, WPB Magazine, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, WPB Food Tours, The Palm Beach Post, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1 and WPBF 25 News.
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, Twitter and/or Linked-in. To stay up-to-date on the City’s community events, please visit the events pages on Facebook and Instagram.
While I have tasted the wonderful varieties of Cugini Wine before, I didn’t know much about the Cugini Wine Club. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to talk with Chrissy Sauers, the very friendly and helpful president of the Club. If you love great wine and going to wine tastings, the Cugini Wine Club is right up your alley.
AW: First, tell us about Cugini’s vineyard and where it’s located. How many years has it been operating?
The Cugini Winery lies in the middle of Calabria surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves with plants that date back to the 1700’s. Long considered an area staple, the Cugini Winery, owned and operated by the Reyers and Sposato families, has been bottling wine and olive oil for the surrounding villages for hundreds of years.
Recently, the family successfully expanded their olive oil production for importing to the United States. Naturally, the international importing of their wine was the next logical step.
AW: How does the Cugini Wine Club work?
The Cugini Wine Club is the premier wine club of Wellington – we’re not like a typical wine club, where wine gets shipped to your house and there’s very little interaction between club members. Our club’s focus isn’t only about an incredible wine selection or expanding your palate, joining our wine club provides you the opportunity to make new friends who share a love for wine.
You can join with a monthly or bimonthly membership, signing up to buy a minimum of 6 bottles of wine and receiving a 25% discount on all the wines. Delivery is optional; however, most of our members enjoy the social interaction and new friendships that come along with the complimentary monthly wine tastings/ pick-up events that we hold at our wine tasting rooms.
AW: Tell us about your tasting room in Wellington. How does someone schedule a private wine tasting?
We are located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club. Our tasting room faces the golf course. We have three tastings rooms that host 2-6 guests each. Then we have our amazing Guild room; we can fit about 20 guests in this room. We host many of our events in this room such as our Italian Opera Dinner, Paint n Sip, Wick and Wine event. The Guild room is often referred to as our “speak easy” as it gives off those vibes and is tucked away. We even have a bookshelf that is actually a door. It really feels as though you are walking into something exclusive, and you are! We also have a large courtyard, adjacent to the golf course, in the evening it’s the perfect backdrop for all elegant events. We hosted an amazing black tie event there for over 40 people this past January. Wine tastings and events can be scheduled on our website. Cuginiwinery.com
AW: For a wine connoisseur, why does being a member make sense?
The benefits offered to our club members are plentiful, the main one being direct access to high quality, delicious wine from a family-operated winery in Italy. Our wines do not contain any added Nitrates or Sulfates. So our members enjoy wines that do not cause headaches, stuffy noses, flushed cheeks, etc. In brief, you’re getting real quality wine at a very reasonable price.
You also get two free wine tastings a year at our tasting rooms. You can arrange for your friends, family or business colleagues to come and enjoy an exclusive event like this. The wine tastings include Cugini wines, cheese, charcuterie boards and dessert. For a small fee, you can also add on cordials at the end of the wine tasting.
A basic wine tasting for 6 would cost around $300 or more and our members receive two complimentary tastings for 6 guests, twice a year. Additionally, members can use our cellar to host parties, events, and to conduct meetings.
AW: Do you have a favorite Cugini wine? Tell us about the different wines.
I do! I love all of our wines, but my favorite would have to be the Vulcan, made from Magliocco grape (a red Italian wine grape variety that is grown mostly in the Calabria region of southern Italy). It’s spicy scented, smooth, and an easy red wine with a warm and balanced flavor. Pairs well with spiced lamb, pork and braised short ribs.
We have a variety of wines; red, white, and rose varietals. We also have sparkling and bubbly wines. We have recently expanded to offering RTD’s to our members and in our tastings. These are wine-based mixed drinks, such as espresso martinis, Moscow mules, Mai Tai’s, Skinny Margaritas, etc.
A lot of people comment that they like our chardonnays because they are not oaky. In fact, they are made in stainless steel tanks, instead of wooden barrels, rendering a unique crisp flavor.
AW: You put on a monthly event for members to pick up their wine, right? What are those events like?
The wine club community is a welcoming and inclusive group of like-minded individuals who enjoy discussing and discovering new wines together—we’re a community of friends and family. The club provides our members with opportunities to meet new people, socialize, and network . . . all while enjoying amazing wine and company! We do this through many events, such as our monthly happy hour and wine pickup event for members. This complimentary monthly event is for members and a guest to sample wine and retrieve their order for that month.
The event feels very exclusive, and guests are often impressed with the speak easy type of Wine Guild room. Members and their guests have an opportunity to purchase additional wines and also our wonderful varieties of olive oil.
AW: What are some of the bonuses that come with being a Cugini Wine Club member?
Every member of the wine club is invited to attend exclusive events such as:
• VIP tailgating at the National Polo Center
• Exclusive Monthly Events, just for members! Such as Lobster Feasts!
The ability to stop by anytime and have a drink. All of the members have our phone numbers. Someone is always there on Friday and Saturday evenings. Other times can always be arranged too.
AW: What are some of the things members have said about Cugini wines that have stood out to you?
Most members really enjoy the quality of our wines, the fact that our wines do not cause headaches (no added nitrates/sulfates) and our prices are reasonable. But mostly, our members love to socialize! We provide so many opportunities to make new friends. Members love using their complimentary tastings to bring their friends and family to our cellar!
It’s really the quality of the wine for the low price that people comment on. And that exclusive feeling that you get from being a member…it’s a wonderful thing!
AW: What’s the best way for someone to be introduced to Cugini wines? Scheduling a tasting?
Yes! Come for a tasting or one of our amazing events!
***
Visit www.CuginiWinery.com for more information or to join the Cugini Wine Club.
(Delray Beach, FL – May 2, 2024) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today reminded culture fans that the nonprofit organization’s next theatre production is another thought-provoking, community driven, and socially relevant show from professional, cutting-edge playwrights.
“Arts Garage is thrilled to offer plays that are packed with timely themes and dynamic performances,” says Waldo. “DISSONANCE is a powerful production that will be followed by a thoughtful and revealing post-show talk-back session.”
June 14 (Friday) at 8 pm
DISSONANCE
Two Women. Twenty Years. One Difficult Conversation.
Written by and Starring Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell
Angela, a Black woman, and Lauren, a White woman, have been friends for 20 years. They met in graduate school, became godmothers to each other’s children, and most recently, started a new business, but they have never had a candid conversation about race…until now. As they open their cafe in a historically Black neighborhood, they uncover deeply held perceptions about race and must decide if being brutally honest and devastatingly vulnerable is worth the risk of their friendship’s potential end. On the heels of George Floyd’s murder and the summer of 2020, these women allow themselves to have the hard conversation and become closer than ever in result. Directed by James Webb, DISSONANCE has been described as “a roll up your sleeves, dig in for the long haul, and show the whole of your heart moment for both actors—and they deliver tenfold.” Tickets: $45
How to Purchase Tickets:
Tickets for DISSONANCE are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.
About Arts Garage:
Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful, and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.
Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.
On behalf of the Village of Wellington Council, staff, board and committee members, and residents, we extend this invitation to join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of Wellington’s new Aquatics Center.
Please note that the groundbreaking ceremony will take place outdoors. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, and applying sunscreen as needed.
We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.
Kindly RSVP to ensure we can make appropriate arrangements for your attendance.
Delray Beach, FL – This May, celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida.
The zen oasis will showcase a plethora of adult and family-friendly programming, as well as two new art exhibits including the doll-centric Musha-Ningyō: Avatars of the Samurai Spirit and hapa.me, which features powerful portraits of Americans who self-identify as being part Asian or Pacific Islander.
Throughout May, the museum is rolling out a list of cultural endeavours, from introspective garden walks to after-hours revelry and taiko drumming at Sunset Stroll. Ocha (green tea) lovers will enjoy The Way of Tea: Sado Demonstration on May 11, which showcases a luxurious tea ceremony from start to sip.
On Mother’s Day, treat your haha (“mom” in Japanese) to lunch at the Cornell Café. The museum’s Pan-Asian restaurant will showcase a spicy salmon poke bowl holiday feast ($22), along with breathtaking views of Morikami Lake and Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
Images courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
In 1977, Sukeji “George” Morikami (1886-1976) arranged to donate his land for use as a park for the enjoyment by citizens of his adopted country. Four decades later, a quarter of a million people a year, from all over the world, visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The legacy of George Morikami’s simple act of generosity and friendship continues to have a profound effect on the lives of those who experience the world of Japanese culture through the museum’s gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and Roji-en, the Garden of the Drops of Dew.
–Highlights will include musical performances by local talent, children’s entertainment/competitions, and a photography exhibit hosted in partnership with the Delray Beach Historical Society.–
DELRAY BEACH, FL—On May 18, Dada will host an honorary evening filled with history, music, art, and gastronomy in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Delray Beach’s Tarrimore House where the award-winning restaurant has been ensconced since 2000.
The fun begins at 5 p.m. when the public passes through a fenced-in area set up along the restaurant’s northern perimeter on NW 1st Street. Here, they will find a range of activities and dining options that cater to every taste. From chargrilled cuisines like steak and seafood to a full bar serving cocktails and the evening’s signature libation, the “This Old House,” there is something for everyone. Additional dining in a tented space on-premise will also be available. And let’s not forget the live performances on the outdoor stage by S.D. Spady Elementary Chorus, The State Of, and The No Name Ska Band that promise a night of stellar entertainment. From 6 to 7:30 p.m., parents with little ones in tow can head over to the parking lot across the street for interactive children’s activities like an obstacle course, a bounce house, face painting, plein-air painting moderated by The Peach, a West Palm Beach arts collective, and a sidewalk chalk art competition with creative prizes. Dada’s indoor and alfresco dining areas will be open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and reservations are required. Executive chef Daniel Dore will prepare past favorites along with dishes from the daily menu. Guests will enjoy more musical entertainment in the restaurant’s living room by Dada’s Raul Vallecillo, who will be dressed in Salvador Dali-inspired regalia followed by Zoo Peculiar, a South Florida-based rock trio that lives up to its eccentric stage name. The restaurant, in partnership with the Delray Beach Historical Society, will also host an exhibition of photography and other works from the 1920s depicting the dynamism of the era when Tarrimore House was built. Click HERE for indoor/outdoor images of Dada. “This Old House” cocktail photo and press release are attached separately. # # #ABOUT DADANamed after the farcical art movement of the early twentieth century, Dada is located in close proximity to Delray Beach’s bustling Pineapple Grove Arts District. Ensconced inside one of the city’s oldest residences, the historic Tarrimore House built in 1924, the award-winning restaurant hosts 140 seats (80 inside, 60 outside), an intimate cocktail bar that seats 6, and two en plein-air dining settings dotted with vintage playground toys—one anchored beneath a towering, 100-year-old banyan tree, the other nestled along the home’s mature vine-covered exterior overlooking a lush herb garden. The menu, authored by executive chef and Lantana native Daniel Dore, focuses on palate-pleasing dishes that reflect a reverence for fresh, wholesome ingredients and Dore’s adoration for travel. Dada opens daily for dinner at 5 p.m. Between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., the restaurant hosts a daily “sunset special” offering of one complimentary entrée for each entrée purchased (up to $18 value off; dine-in only). Sunday brunch, hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., features time-honored classics with some recognizing chef Dore’s Sunshine State roots. Crowd-pleasers include breakfast bread pudding on ciabatta bread ($11), braised short rib hash with sunny-side-up eggs and horseradish sauce ($17), and coffee-rubbed steak and eggs featuring the butcher’s cut of the day, Subculture Coffee, two eggs, and fried potatoes (MP). Dada is located at 52 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. For more information, call 561-330-3232 or visit sub-culture.org/dada/. Follow on social media at @dadadelray.
