Lake Worth, FL – Come and enjoy the best that Lake Worth has to offer on April 12-14, 2013 at the 15th Annual Reggae Fest. The event, which closes down Bryant Park, features some of the best national and regional talent in the world! This year’s lineup includes DIRTY HEADS and the international reggae superstars THIRD WORLD! The 15th Annual Lake Worth Reggae Fest continues to grow adding a third day of music on Friday evening. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.lwReggaeFest.com., for this three day event that has some of the best reggae music in South Florida. “This event is truly a collaboration of many individuals,” stated Jaene Miranda, CEO of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. “It is only with the support of the City of Lake Worth, our Board of Directors and staff along with our presenting sponsors Royal Palm Mazda and Propaganda-venue bar lounge that we can bring such a dynamic event to the Community“
Hours of the festival are Friday, 5pm-10pm, Saturday, 12:30pm-10pm and Sunday 12:30pm-6pm. Admission is $10 on Friday, $10 on Saturday up until 5pm than increases $15 after 5pm, Sunday is $10 all day.
Bryant Park is located on the corner of Lake Avenue and Golfview- on the intracoastal – in the City of Lake Worth. The Bryant Park Boat ramp will be closed during the festival.
For more information or a schedule of the artists for Reggae Fest, log onto www.lwReggaeFest.com or call the Central Palm Beach County Chamber at 561-790-6200.
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Wellington Celebrating VIVA Florida Program with Essay Contest
The Viva Florida 500 campaign, launched by the State of Florida focuses on commemorating the 500th anniversary of Ponce de Leon’s arrival on Florida’s east coast. In addition to honoring shared state history, the Florida League of Cities is encouraging local communities to honor their own history. As a part of the eighteen month campaign that kicked off in January 2013, we are offering an essay contest to high school students and the topic will be Wellington’s past, present and future. Below is the information for the contest which will begin taking submissions on Monday, March 11, 2013.
Viva Florida Essay Contest Rules
Students entering the essay contest must be in grades 9-12 and attend a Wellington high school or be a Wellington resident.
Essays submitted should not exceed 1500 words, and should not deviate from the theme “Wellington: Past, Present and Future”.
All essay entries must be typed or neatly written, double-spaced, and must include the students name, address, phone number, school attended and year of school in the upper right hand corner.
Essays will be judged on the following criteria: content, originality, grammar, organization and style.
The essay contest will be judged by Wellington’s Education Committee. The winner of the essay contest will be announced on April 30, 2013 and the winning essay will be displayed on the Viva Florida section of the Wellington website on May 1, 2013.
The essay contest winner will be awarded a $250 Scholarship from the Wellington Rotary Club.
Essay submission deadline is Friday, April 12th at 6pm.
Essays can be submitted to Wellington’s Community Services Department, 12300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414 or email to .
For information on other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit our website at or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Murder Mystery Dinner Returns to Wellington May 18th
Murder mystery dinner theater is back by popular demand in Wellington, so put on your spurs, grab your ten gallon hat and head out to our Wild West themed shoot out at the Wellington Saloon and Corral on Saturday, May 18th from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event will be held at Village Park located at 11700 Pierson Road. The evening begins with a social hour and dinner but quickly escalates into a battle of quick draws in the Wellington Saloon and Corral. Sit back as the posse of professional actors portrays a “murder in the Wild, Wild, West” scenario. Audience members will then be asked to solve the crime and identify the killer.
Tickets cost $45 per person and are on sale now at Village Park and the Wellington Community Center. A table of eight can also be reserved for a discounted price of $315. The ticket price includes dinner, beer, and wine. Because this is an adult themed event, Wellington will provide free on-site child care for children ages 5 to 12 only, including pizza and plenty of fun activities. The child care room will be separate from the event.
All of Wellington’s murder mystery dinner theater events have sold out, so “Pony Up” and reserve your seats today!
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce 10th ANNIVERSAY FLAVORS 2013 was once again a smashing Success. Our event attracted over 1000 + attendees! We wish to thank our host venue, our chairmen and host committee, our vendors, our sponsors, our members, our volunteers and our residents for this success!
FLAVORS of Wellington brings together the best of the best Wellington Chamber Members Restaurants/Catering Venues/Wholesale and Gourmet Markets as well as Country Clubs who showcase their businesses, products, menus and exceptional service staff. This event could hot happen without their participation and we are so grateful to each of them for joining us on Friday evening!
Each year our attendees enjoy an evening of dining and dancing to Music Masters International 20- Piece Stage Band – we literally receive calls 5 months in advance each year with people hoping to see the Music Masters International Band. Their unique music makes this event unlike any other! THANK YOU to Roxanne Stein and WPTV NEWSCHANNEL 5 for live pre event broadcasts as well as the INTERTAINMENT NETWORK and DEAN PIPER for live coverage of this event!
Congratulations to our “winners” of the Evening- Carrabbas Italian Grill -“Best Taste”, The Cookin’ Yogi-“Best Plate Presentation”, Breakers West Country Club -“Best Display” and Johnson’s Custom Cakes –“Best Dessert” and all our fantastic showcase vendors ; Anthony Paul, BIBA NY, Breakers West Country Club, Buca Di Beppo, Carrabbas Italian Grill, Chick-Fil- A, Dunkin Donuts, Field of Greens, Fresh Wear, The Fresh Market, Hurricane Grill and Wings, India Grill and Bar, Johnson’s Custom Cakes, Joseph’s Classic Market, McDonalds, Napolitano Cucina, PRP Wine International, Short Stacks, Starbucks, TCBY, The Cookin Yogi, The Diner of Palm Beach, Universal Living Sprouts, WelliDeli, White Horse Catering, Whole Foods Market and WineHooch and all of her delicious winery partners! If you have not visited any of these establishments in the past- PLEASE make it a point to stop in and try them out! Each can be found in our NEW DINING GUIDE . Each one offers a unique flair and why go anywhere else when we have so many exceptional choices right here! Plus you will be supporting our local economy!
The Event Staff at Equestrian Sport Productions are nothing less than superb. Without the exceptional generosity of the Bellissimo’s and the logistical expertise of Vaneli Bojkova and the exemplary event staff at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, this event could not be possible. This group of consummate professionals allowed this evening to happen without fail and our gratitude to them is beyond measure.
We could not be a success without our sponsors and host committee. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Mark and Katherine Bellissimo and Michael Stone of Equestrian Sport Productions, Max Macon of FPL, Dr. Randy Laurich and the Wellness Experience and Des Romm from IBERIABANK. Our Valet Sponsors- Joanne Dee, Floridian Community Bank and Bob Salerno of Ultra Cleaners!
Our Host Committee and Volunteer Team included, Chamber Ambassadors; Bob Salerno, Mark and Joy Bozicevic, Denise Carpenter, Joanne Dee, Carmine Marino, Kathleen Birmingham and Rosie Gekas. Special thanks to our incredible board of directors who supported the outstanding sales for this event; Victor Connor, Alec Domb, Esq. Michael Stone, Dr. Randy Laurich, Bill Tavernise, Mike Nelson, Dale Grimm, Cheri Pavlik,, Laura Hanson and Darell Bowen.
Thank you to our VIP table sponsors; Frank Suess and Prescriptions Plus and Diabetic Support, Erin Downey and Amore/Peace, Connor Financial, Dignity Home Health Care, Laura Jaffe and Dinner Group Friends of Flavors, Distinctive Title, Equestrian Sport Productions, Estate Properties of Palm Beach, Experimar, Floridian Community Bank, Footway, Florida Power and Light, , The Herman Law Firm, IBERIABANK, The Intertainment Network, The Law Offices of Alec Domb, Esq., Lake Wellington Professional Center, Marilyn Smith, Mike Nelson, Nieves Family, Palm Coast Pest Control, Roofing Systems of Florida, South Florida Dines, Spectrum Speech, The Wellness Experience, Ultra Cleaners and WineHooch.
Celebrating his 10 years as founder of Flavors was John Mercer. He and his wife Saundra chaired the judging portion boasting our fantastic celebrity judges, Victor Connor, Alec Domb, Esq., Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Former Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, Roxanne Stein, Kris Kampsen, Max Macon, Michael Stone, Peter Robinson, Jan Norris and Leslie Gray Streeter. VIP guest Councilman Howard Coates was also in attendance.
The Wellington Chamber also wishes to thank WPTV Newschannel 5, Experimar, The Palm Beach Post, The Intertainment Network, Around Wellington Magazine, Scott Shulman, South Florida Dines, The Town Crier, Wellington the Magazine, WineHooch and South Florida Savings Guy, LLC in their support in the promotion of Flavors. With their consideration, many many residents learned of our event and attended as a result of their efforts.
A very special thank you to Kim Henghold from the Village of Wellington and her phenomenal volunteers, my fantastic membership Director Rona Klein and all the fantastic young ladies and gentlemen from Wellington High School, Palm Beach Central and Wellington Christian School and The Dreyfoos School of the Arts and The Kings Academy for all their hard work on the event! Last but not least we want to thank the Wellington Residents and Wellington Chamber of Commerce Members who support this event each year! You make it a pleasure hosting Flavors and with your participation, we can only grow this event each year and make it the “Signature Tasting Event” in Wellington!
For more information on the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and upcoming Chamber Events, please contact the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at 561-792-6525 for further information.
JUNIOR LEAGUE OF THE PALM BEACHES AND THE SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM HOST “KIDS IN THE KITCHEN” APRIL 20, 2013
A Free, Fun-Filled Morning of Fitness and Health Activities for Children Ages 4-8
West Palm Beach – On April 20, 2013, parents and children ages 4-8 are invited to participate in “Kids in the Kitchen,” an annual free, family-friendly event at the South Florida Science Museum hosted in partnership with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches. Held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., “Kids in the Kitchen” presents fun activities, nutrition and exercise demonstrations for children to learn how to live a healthy lifestyle. This free event is open to the public for the first 100 children who register.
Among the food activity stations, children will learn how to make simple healthy snacks and taste health foods they’ve never tried before. They’ll also have fun cooking with Chef Atkins, graduate of Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts. Kids will visit fitness booths to learn easy-to-do exercises, watch a karate demonstration by Palm Beach Chikubu-Kai Dojo, and get “Boost Fit” tips from the Boosterthon Team, a school-based initiative that challenges students to choose fitness on a daily basis. The SouthFloridaScienceMuseum is also hosting a class on anatomy and healthy eating. The event will feature Hometown Bridges, providing educational resources and programming to the community. “Kids in the Kitchen” will be providing free giveaways and favors for every child who attends.
To register for the event, parents & guardians may enter the child’s name and age (4-8) online at JLPBKITK.EVENTBRITE.COM. For every child who attends, one complimentary adult ticket to the museum will be provided. Extra tickets will be discounted at $3.00 per additional adult. The SouthFloridaScienceMuseum, located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm Beach, features more than 50 hands-on exhibits, a digital planetarium, fresh and salt water aquariums, and natural history exhibits.
Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. For more information, please visit www.jlpb.org, https://www.facebook.com/#!/JuniorLeaguePB, and twitter@JLPalmBeaches, #KidsintheKitchen, #JLKITK.
$2.00 buys a raffle ticket and a chance to win gift certificates to some of your favorite places here in Wellington or a Joey’s Outback gift basket.
For a limited time we have partnered with Nanny Popinz and Revitese MedSpa to give you some time to yourself. Details are below.
New School Hours:
Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday 11-6, Friday & Saturday 11-8. Closed Mondays And Tuesdays Except For School Holidays, Breaks And Vacations.
Spread the Word!
Like and Share Joey’s Outback Adventures Face Book page in April for a chance to win a $100 Gift Certificate!
For a Limited Time
Every Friday in April
You can drop off the kids on any Friday in April at Joey’s Outback for only $39 ($5 sibling discount) for up to 3 hours of supervised play time. While the kids are having fun, You can relax and enjoy some time to yourself.Call Joey’s Outback at 561-204-4554 to reserve and prepay.
Partnered with Nanny Popinz and Revitese Med Spa.
Special Needs Night (New Night)
Every Wednesday 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Special pricing $9 per child includes hotdog or nuggets, chips and drink or $7 for admission only. Adults receive 10% off cafe items.
Wednesdays Outback Scavenger Hunt with Prizes
Every Wednesday at 4:30 pm
Join us for an adventure with our “Outback Scavenger Hunt to win prizes! (Regular admission plus $3 to join the hunt.)
WEDNESDAY DISCOUNTED ADMISSIONS FOR ALL DAY PLAY Under 3 – $7.95, Ages 3-12 – $9.95. Home school children all ages up to 12 – $6.50.
Family Fun Night Fridays
Every Friday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
10% off admission and cafe items!
Art Classes
Starting April 5th, 2013
Kid’s and Parents Favorite Art Program “Artistic Pursuits” art classes starting on April 5th. Register now, space is limited! Contact Joey’s Outback Adventures (561) 204-4554 or visit JoeysOutback.com for more info.
Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “” on this site! For recent videos, click on our “” link.
The judges table at Flavors 2013, which was held on April 5th at the Palm Beach Intl. Equestrian Center, a Wellington Chamber event. Photo: Carol Porter.
The Village of Wellington Egg Hunt at Pierson Park. Photo: Carol Porter.
Jathy Garcia of Hi-Tech Plumbing presents a check to Your Bosom Buddies, II Inc. of Wellington, as Lorna Johnson (right) accepts the check.
Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening of the new Jordan’s Steak Bistro, located just outside of the Mall at Wellington Green (near L.A. Fitness).
WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – Minx Boren, Master Certified Coach, Julie Reiser, President and Co-Founder of Made in USA Certified and Siobhan Helene Shea, Appellate Attorney were the winners of the Women’s Chamber of Commerce 18th Annual Giraffe Awards in honor of Women’s History Month. Boren, Reiser and Shea were chosen from thirteen finalists who exemplify women in Palm Beach County who make a significant impact on their community.
Award judges included Lawrence Weinstein MD, Chairman of the Department of Cardiology and Cardiothoracic Surgery at Bethesda Hospital, Fred Meltzer, President/CEO of Hoffman’s Chocolate, Sarah Alsofrom,Director of Development and Community Relations for the Hanley Center Foundation in West Palm Beach, Jane Bloom, Owner of Ink & Toner USA and Honorable Anne Gannon, Constitutional Tax Collector servicing Palm Beach County.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County selects extraordinary women from our community who have made a credible impact on the lives of others, women who have “Stuck their Neck Out” selflessly and contributed to the business and social fabric of our community.
The 18th Annual Giraffe Awards took place on March 20, 2013, at The Borland Center for Performing Arts in Palm Beach Gardens. Our audience consisted of businesswomen and decision makers within the Palm Beach County area.
British Swim School Teaches ‘Survival of the Littlest’
Water survival skills save children’s lives.
Wellington, FL – Water overflowed from the giant jet tub, sending toys, soaps and washcloths onto the bathroom floor.
“I dove in expecting to find my little boy Jack at the bottom,” said Wellington father Howie Berkowitz. “It was the longest, most terrifying moment of my life.”
Parents Howie and Sarah Berkowitz realized in that instant – when they saw
British Swim School
then 18-month-old Jack trapped and terrified but alive between the wall and the tub – swimming lessons could mean life or death. And that’s how Jack became one of thousands of local children who graduated from water survival skills class at the British Swim School in Wellington. The program so impressed the couple that they became owners of the 11-year-old swim school.
“We now have the confidence and peace of mind to know Jack can survive if he falls in the water,” Sarah Berkowitz said. “Every day another child learns to float alone and survive, we feel as though we have made a difference.”
‘It happened so fast.’
Berkowitz and his wife were enjoying a typical gathering of parents and friends. The clamor of children running through the house filled the air.
“We were in the kitchen talking to the other parents when everyone realized it was a little too quiet,” Sarah Berkowitz said. “Right then, one of the other children came running in and said, ‘Jack in the water! Jack in the water!'”
Hearts sank and two terrified parents ran for the bathroom. This was every parent’s nightmare scenario.
In the swelling panic of jumping in the tub, no one noticed the soaked little boy had managed to perch himself on a ledge between a wall and the tub, trapped from escaping.
When Jack spoke up, relief and tears flowed like water from the tub.
“You hear about kids at the bottom of a swimming pool. This was a bathroom tub,” the father said. “We just couldn’t believe something like this could happen to us.”
In fact:
•Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates, according to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
•Young children can drown in less than two inches of water.
•Deaths from drowning for children under five in Florida have been more than double the national average, according to the Florida Department of Health.
Like many of their friends, they had thought about swimming lessons for their child – especially living in South Florida. But Jack didn’t really take to the backyard pool, and there just never seemed to be time.
After Jack nearly drowned – now was the time.
Survival is more important than swimming
Water survival skills decrease the risk of drowning by 88 percent, according to the CDC.
One of the first lessons the instructor at the British Swim School taught Jack – and his parents – is that knowing how to do the freestyle stroke is not enough. Children must know how to survive in the water long enough to be rescued or save themselves.
The back float is the most important survival skill because it enables all swimmers to rest, breathe and call for help. Babies as young as 3 months can learn to roll over on their backs.
“As instructors, we teach survival skills before swimming. We ensure our students are water safe,” said Stephanie Bachar, the aquatic manager at the British Swim School in Wellington. “Teaching this way encourages confidence in the water and helps students develop into safe swimmers.”
For more than 30 years, British Swim School instructors say they have refined the method of a gradual, gentle and fun learning process. Repetition – and a few songs and games – is also key to this training. Lessons are conducted in an indoor, heated saltwater pool,
In a few months, Jack could jump in, roll on his back and float. He moved up to the Turtle 1 class, which focuses on introductory swimming skills for children who have mastered survival skills.
“It was so amazing to see his progress,” said Howie Berkowitz. “Watching all the children learn how to save themselves had such a powerful impact on the both of us that we had to become part of it all.”
British Swim School offers a host of programs
After taking over the British Swim School Wellington location, tucked into an office park by the popular Village Park, the Berkowitz’s put all their energy into spreading the word about the importance of water survival skills for children.
The school’s premier class is the Swimboree, for ages 3 to 36 months with a parent. There is a maximum of6 children per class. Focusing on water survival, babies and toddlers are taught through a structured program of songs, games and fun. This class introduces the baby to the water and teaches them to float independently on their back for the first time.
Once this critical skill is mastered, the school offers a host of classes to help with a child’s development, including:
•Young Minnows: (18 months to 3 years without parent) The instructor works one-on-one with each child following the same structure and emphasis on water survival as the Swimboree class.
•Minnow: (Over 3 years old introductory skills) Children participate in this small group class concentrating on fun, safety and independence in the water.
•Turtle One: (Introductory skills) In this small group, children focus on preparing for swim stroke classes by learning the basics of “face-in” breathing, and being able to demonstrate basic “freestyle,” and “backstroke,” propulsion techniques.
•Turtle Two: (Swimming skills) Swimmers focus on the correct arm, leg and breathing coordination for three stokes: Freestyle, Breaststroke, and Backstroke. Swimmers also get an introduction to the butterfly.
•Shark One: (Advanced swimming skills) Swimmers refine their stroke and breathing techniques as well as increasing stamina in all four strokes.
The school also offers adult swim classes, along with private, semi-private and group lessons. Apart from the safety aspect, swimming is also a great form of exercise with overall heart healthy benefits. The school also sends graduates to the local swim team.
And for fun, the Berkowitz’s added birthday party packages, including lifeguards.
Spa and Salon at PGA National host Broadway Divas under the Stars to benefit AIDS Wellness Advocacy
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Florida — PGA National Resort & Spa announces Broadway Divas under the Stars benefitting Compass of Palm Beach County’s HIV and AIDS Wellness Advocacy program. The event will take place Saturday, April 20th from 6pm to 9pm at the Spa at PGA National.
Guests will enjoy a live musical theatrical presentation by a variety of “female divas” with Salon at PGA National Stylist Scott Boyce in a starring role. Scott along with spa employees led by Spa Director, Cecilia Tate, banded together to produce the event in order to raise money for a charity near and dear to the employees’ hearts. In addition to live entertainment, this Spa after hours event features cocktails and broadway bites, spa tours, tarot card readings, vendor shopping, a silent auction, goodie bags and giveaways.
The talented group of female impersonators is donating their time and talents to the show to benefit a great cause, Compass’s HIV and AID’s Wellness Advocacy Program.Some may recognize some of the divas for their past sold out performances at the Lake Worth Playhouse for the past six years. During this upscale show, the dazzling divas will channel some of the most popular Broadway show tunes of our time, honoring the legendary performers with several songand dance numbers.
Cecilia Tate, Spa Director, says “I am so excited to be able to support our staff and Compass on this joint initiative.The event will benefit AIDS/HIV, a still very present disease that affects many women, men and children here in Palm Beach County.I am proud to support Compass’ mission to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions.“
Broadway Divas Under the Stars is open to the public. Tickets are $25 and should be purchased in advance by visiting www.broadwaydivas.eventbrite.com or by calling 561-627-3111.Your ticket includes the show, one complimentary cocktail or refreshment, diva bites, and one goody bag to each attendee.
About the Spa at PGA National
Consistently rated as the “Best Spa in Palm Beach County,” our 40,000 square foot European spa blends stunning surroundings, lavish amenities, impeccable service and a host of over 100 transforming treatments. Our “Waters of the World” mineral pools have healing properties. Enjoy an outdoor café style lunch poolside at the Waters of the World Café post treatment. Massages are invigorating, body wraps rejuvenating, and our skin treatments can turn back the hands of time. The European spa also features a full-service beauty salon, where guests can arrange for haircuts, shampoos, styling, hair and color treatments, and a full menu of nail services. Recently the spa underwent a renovation with all new furnishings out by the Waters of the Worlds mineral healing pools.
About Compass Group
Compass Group provides a safe space for HIV testing and case management services. The community will find a safe, comfortable, confidential, non-clinical setting in which they will get accurate, non-judgmental services through volunteer based counseling, testing and linkage program. Our rapid HIV testing program utilizes testing technology that is proven to be the most accurate and yields the fastest results. And, in collaboration with the Palm Beach County Health Department, Compass hosts monthly vaccinations and STD testing services in their center.
Compass remains amongst the leaders in the state of Florida for helping the highest number of people with HIV find out their status and link them to medical care. Compass Group Understanding education and awareness is the foundation of successful HIV prevention. In the past two years, we have provided 3,022 HIV tests and educated more than 15,000 people through our efforts and dedication. We partner with college campuses, churches, local bars, substance abuse treatment facilities and other community centers to spread the knowledge and create advocates of healthier life practices and choices.
