On a perfect night for spectators, 6,000+ showed up at the final “Saturday Night Lights” competition of the 2024 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
The event had 39 pairs of riders and horses ready to compete in the $500,000 Rolex CSI5* Grand Prix.
16 of the top 25 ranked riders in the world, including #1, 2 and 5, were in the field. It turns out that the #20 rider Christian Kukuk took home the top prize.
Nine of the 39 had clear jumps (no knockdowns and/or time penalties) in the first go round.
During the jump-off 5 of the nine went clear with German’s Christian Kukuk riding Checker 47 leading the way with the fastest time to take home the largest payout of the season $165,000.
Ilex ridden by McLain Ward of the USA finished in second place and received a check for $100,000.
Karl Cook also of the USA riding Kalinka Van’t Zorgvliet collected $75,000 for this third place finish.
Delray Beach, FL – This Spring, unleash your inner warrior god/dess during Full Moon Yoga and Morning Yoga at The Seagate Beach Club in Delray Beach. The intimate oceanfront destination offers weekly and monthly yoga classes on its private golden beach along with postcard views of the Atlantic Ocean and bottomless inner peace.
Full Moon Yoga
April 23, 7-8pm
May 22, 7-8pm
$20pp
Open to the Public
Unplug, relax, and unwind during The Seagate’s full moon yoga class in Delray Beach. Held monthly on The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, the 60-minute nocturnal Vinyasa yoga flow class taught by Cocoyogi’s Corey Heyman will help build strength, stamina, flexibility, and concentration. Classes feature a lunar meditation, moon salutations and yoga poses, followed by a moonlight cool down. Guests should bring a mat. Towels and Fiji water are provided. Open to all levels. For more information, visit seagatedelray.com/events. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/full-moon-yoga-tickets-328825194007.
Morning Beach Yoga
Every Saturday
8-9am
$20pp
Open to the Public
Get your weekend dose of Vitamin Sea at The Seagate’s sunrise beach yoga class in Delray Beach. Held weekly on The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, the 60-minute morning Vinyasa yoga flow class taught by Cocoyogi’s Corey Heyman will help build strength, stamina, flexibility, and concentration. Classes feature creative postures, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork). Guests should bring a mat. Towels and Fiji water are provided. Open to all levels. For more information, visit seagatedelray.com/events. To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/e/sunrise-beach-yoga-tickets-336433921917.
The Seagate Beach Club is located at 401 South Ocean Blvd, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 330-3775 or visit seagatedelray.com.
Boca Raton, Fla. – (April 3, 2024) – The Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (BRJFF), proudly presented by the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC (Levis JCC), announces this year’s top winners for Best Narrative, Best Documentary, Best Short and overall “Best of the Fest.” Attracting over 3,000 attendees, Boca Raton’s original film festival is heralded as a premiere destination for Jewish and Israeli films by filmmakers and audiences alike. Films were screened at Cinemark Bistro Boca Raton and XD, Movies of Delray and the Levis JCC.
This year, more than 40 diverse feature-length films, documentaries and shorts were judged based on the overall quality, message effectiveness, entertainment value and audience popularity, among other criteria.
“Our festival thrives on the depth and diversity of Jewish storytelling, bringing to light the stories that resonate with our shared history and today’s challenges,” said Nina Rosenzweig, JLKBRJFF Screening Committee Chair. “Each film selected is a testament to the universal themes that connect us.”
Top winners in each category include:
Best Narrative Films:
1.Bau: Artist at War – Based on the true story of Joseph and Rebecca Bau, whose wedding took place in the Plaszow concentration camp during World War II. This film is a war drama/love story/espionage tale, even more relevant at a time when survivors are dwindling, and the Holocaust is slipping from memory.
2.Irena’s Vow – 19-year-old Irena Gut, promoted to housekeeper in the home of a highly respected Nazi officer in Poland, discovers the imminent liquidation of the Jewish ghetto. Determined to help, she shelters 12 Jewish workers in the safest place she can think of – the basement of the German Major’s house. Irena uses her wit, humor and courage to hide her friends as long as possible.
Best Documentary Films:
1. Supernova: The Music Festival Massacre – This documentary unravels the dramatic and traumatic events at the Nova music festival in Israel on October 7th, featuring footage from multiple sources and intimate first-hand accounts from survivors, first responders and parents. This film was also awarded overall “Best of the Fest” winner.
2. Between The Stone and the Flower – This film covers the incredible journey of Genie Milgrom and her decades-long quest for her Jewish lineage, from a traditional Catholic family in Spain to an Orthodox Jewish life.
3. J’Accuse – A brutally honest expose about the ongoing systemic antisemitism in Lithuania and a passionate demand for justice.
Best Short Films:
1.Merv – After a romantic setback, Simon meets his grandmother’s new boyfriend, Merv, whose presence transforms his understanding of love, loss and even Chinese takeout.
2. Jack and Sam – Chronicles the reunion of two Holocaust survivors after 80 years, sharing their time to rekindle their friendship and teaching others about the dangers of hatred.
3. I See You – A poignant portrait of Danny Layani, who regains his sight after 25 years of blindness, only to face new challenges that test his resilience and alter his perspective on life.
“Supporting this film festival and our year-round programming is a privilege for me, as it allows our community to celebrate the richness of Jewish culture,” said Judy Levis Krug, Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Grand Benefactor. “Each year, we’re reminded of both the power and importance of bridging gaps and connecting us more deeply to our roots and each other.”
The 9th annual BRJFF is slated to run February 8, 2025 – March 1, 2025.
The Levis JCC is committed to fostering continuous engagement with culture, education and community through film by offering year-round programming. The ongoing schedule can be found at https://levisjcc.org/filmfestival/events/. Films are screened at the Levis JCC unless otherwise noted. Tickets are $12. Programming for its Summer of Culture to be updated onhttps://levisjcc.org/culture as programs are confirmed.
For more information, contact Lisa Barash at lisab@bocafed.org or call 561-558-2514. The Levis JCC is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton.
About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival
The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented. Due to generous donor support, the Festival has been able to expand, offering year-round Jewish-themed film programming.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Freshly harvested corn, grown locally and prepared hot and buttery, is what the Sweet Corn Fiesta is all about. Now it its 24th year, the one day only event will be held from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.
Palm Beach County grows more sweet corn than any other county in the U.S. Local farmers cultivate more than 27,000 acres annually. That’s cause for celebration, the impetus behind the fiesta, letting residents know the importance of this crop.
The event will feature live music by two bands — Andrew Morris Band and Krystal River Band — along with a green market, children’s games, and corn shucking and corn eating contests.
“This year we have a surprise for the kids but they’ll have to attend the event to see what that is,” said Ann Holt, who founded the Sweet Corn Fiesta.
The event culminates with the National Sweet Corn Eating Championship presented and sanctioned by the International Federation of Competitive Eaters, Inc. During this grueling yet quick competition, Major League Eaters from across the country challenge themselves by consuming Florida sweet corn ears for 12 minutes. The total prize purse is $6,100 broken down as follows: 1st – $2,500, 2nd – $1,500, 3rd – $1000, 4th – $600, 5th – $300, 6th – $200.
Last year marked the rise of a new corn queen, Miki Sudo, consuming a jaw-dropping total of 52 ears of corn in just 12 minutes. She dethroned the 2022 champion, Gideon Oji, by just half an ear of corn. Carmen Cincotti holds the world record of 61.75 ears.
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12, and free to kids 5 years old and younger. Parking is free. Proceeds benefit agriculture education/advocacy programs and Glades area food banks.
For those who can’t attend the Sweet Corn Fiesta, boxes of sweet corn will be available just outside of the entry gates for $25. One box holds about 48 ears. Attendees may purchase the same size box for $20.
About Yesteryear Village
Yesteryear Village is a living history park nestled on 10 acres at the South Florida Fairgrounds,9067 Southern Boulevard, in West Palm Beach. The park showcases early, original and replicated buildings and artifacts from days gone by. There also is the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum — the only big band museum in the United States. Group and school guided tours are available by request. Call 561-795-3110 to schedule a tour. Special events, photo shoots, weddings, and corporate events also are available. Call 561-790-4908 for additional information and to reserve the facility.
Delray Beach, FL – Kids who are passionate about music and enjoy cultural pursuits will march to the beat of their own drum this summer at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Starting Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28, from 9am to 4pm, Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will transform into an educational playground of incredible sights and sounds during its Youth Music and Culture Summer Camp. The immersive, five-day camp is open to students in grades 3 through 12. The curriculum features a rotating mélange of musical theory, history, culture, instrumental instruction, and an introduction to Japanese traditional arts. Classes will include memorizing basic Japanese phrases, kanji (Chinesenumbers) to read sheet music, and learning to play traditional musical instruments like the taiko (drum) and koto (13-string zither). Camp will conclude with a recital concert by the campers alongside their instructors for their families. Cost is $295 per person. For more information, visit morikami.org/event/youth-summer-music-and-culture-camp.
The Morikami will also present Traditional Japanese Music Workshops for children and adults on Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, June 30, from 9:30am to 12:30pm (Youth Grades 6 – 12 and Adult Beginners); and 1:30pm to 4:30pm (Intermediate). The two-day intensive workshops will focus on the 13-string koto and are taught by renowned music instructor Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto. Cost is $200 per person. For more information, visit morikami.org/event/japanese-traditional-music-workshops.
Photo credit: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
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.
Congress has averted another government shutdown. But often lost in the shuffle during these multi-trillion-dollar budget battles are appropriations for lifesaving veteran programs that employ wagging tails to heal invisible wounds of war. Policymakers should consider throwing these types of initiatives a bigger financial bone. Current funding for veteran service dog initiatives is scant.
For example, the 2021 Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers (PAWS) for Veterans Therapy Act created a five-year pilot program in select cities where service dogs would be implemented into veteran treatment programs. However, the initiative has been plagued with funding hiccups, and eligibility remains extremely limited. Although good in theory, the program has so far fallen short.
More veterans need help now — not years down the line. Veterans are navigating a crisis of epic proportions. Untreated or undertreated mental health conditions are leading former service members to an early grave. In a particularly sobering statistic, more veterans have died of suicide than from combat since the September 11 terror attacks. Meanwhile, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 24 former military members take their lives daily.
A growing body of research confirms what former service members have anecdotally said for years: specially trained service dogs can act as a lifeline in these cases. A wagging tail can play a significant role in helping veterans recover and readjust to a more normal life after returning from the battlefield.
A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that veterans — as well as first responders — suffering from post-traumatic stress demonstrated fewer symptoms when accompanied by service dogs. In addition to companionship and emotional support, these animals can help detect and then interrupt flashback episodes — stopping panic attacks, intense shaking, and heart palpitations early on.
At American Humane, we’ve seen firsthand how service dogs can benefit former men and women in uniform.
Through the Pups4Patriots program, dogs in search of forever homes are trained to be lifesaving service animals for veterans suffering from the mental wounds of war — all free to the veterans. Success stories are plentiful. Last year, for example, an Army veteran who participated in the program graduated from college after being paired with a lifesaving service dog.
Unfortunately, the current level of government resources committed to programs like these — even when combined with the generous support of private donors — is not cutting it. The problem is just too big. Fortunately, a path forward has already been introduced. The Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Act is legislation establishing an annual $10 million grant program to support nonprofit organizations that train and pair service dogs with veterans.
It is through private-public partnerships like these that we can truly make a difference in the lives of veterans struggling with mental health.
Lawmakers in Washington continuously butt heads about funding the federal government. Amid the debate, Congress should consider appropriating a small fraction of that money to provide veterans with a healing leash. In the grand scheme of a $6 trillion federal budget, it is a small price to pay to save heroes in uniform.
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Dr. Robin Ganzert, a West Palm Beach resident, is president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization.
Wellington, FL – April 3, 2024 – The Wellington Community Foundation is thrilled to invite you to an unforgettable Derby celebration at the stunning Diamante Farms Dressage on Saturday, May 4th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the legendary race as you don your finest hats and dapper derby attire for an evening of elegance and excitement.
This event is more than just a party; it’s a fundraiser for a cause close to our hearts – The Wellington Community Foundation. Your ticket purchase will directly support our efforts to uplift and empower the local community, particularly benefiting Wellington Seniors, Children, and Veterans in need, as we strive to improve their quality of life.
Doors will open and guests will be welcomed from 4:00 PM onwards for pre-party Mint Juleps, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Tickets are priced at $200 per person and can be purchased through our website at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.
Highlights of the event include:
Live Viewing: Catch all the action of the Derby on our big screen.
Mint Juleps: Sip on the traditional Derby drink, crafted to perfection.
Delectable Delights: Indulge in full culinary delights prepared by Chef Gardo Vincken. Photo Opportunity: Capture memories with our themed photo booth.
Horse Race: Choose the winners and get a chance for your raffle to be chosen for one of our grand prizes. Don’t miss out on the most talked-about Derby party in Wellington!
Reserve your spot now and be part of the “Run for the Roses” excitement while supporting the Wellington Community Foundation.
Event Details: Date: Saturday, May 4th, 2024 Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM (Doors open at 4:00 PM)
The Wellington Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the Wellington community. Through various initiatives and partnerships, we strive to support education, healthcare, arts, and culture, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community for all residents. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for Wellington.
Mission: The Wellington Community Foundation, Inc. is a charitable 501(c)3 organization committed to benefiting Wellington Seniors, Children, and Veterans in need by supporting and improving their quality of life, so that together we can help “Build A Stronger Community”.
Enjoy a spectacular twilight procession through the Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, and explore the peaceful Yamato-kan, the Morikami’s original museum, during the annual after-hours event series.
There will also be live taiko drumming performances by Fushu Daiko and a “Harajuku meets Otaku” fashion show presented by OtakuFest in the museum’s theater. The colorful world of Harajuku Fashion, born on the streets of Tokyo, is an artistic movement of self-expression that intersects with sub-trends like otaku fashion, celebrating a passion for anime (Japanese cartoons), manga (Japanese comic books), and all things pop culture.
Additional Sunset Stroll dates include May 23, June 13, and September 12. Each event will have its own theme.
Cost is $5 for members, and $10 for the general public. Tickets will be available for purchase online starting April 1, 2024.
Space is limited. Rain or shine. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
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.
About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida since opening in 1977. Morikami invites guests to discover its South Florida history, connection with Japan, and explore a series of six diverse gardens, each inspired by a different historical period and style of Japanese gardening. Visitors experience traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through revolving exhibits, distinctive educational programs and seasonal events, a world-class bonsai display, Pan-Asian cuisine, and an eclectic museum store. Morikami Museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
WELLINGTON, FL – This April, The Mall at Wellington Green will kick off the Spring season with a plethora of exciting, family-friendly programming. From dinosaur-themed Kid’s Club parties and baby fitness classes to nautical adventures in the Florida Keys, there is something for everyone at Wellington’s favorite mall.
Wrecking in the Florida Keys Lecture
Friday, April 5
6:30–8pm
The District at Wellington Green
Free
The South Florida Chapter of the Archaeological Institute of America and The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History are pleased to present “Wrecking in the Florida Keys.” Hosted by Robert Feeney, Curator of Material Culture & Technology at The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, this special lecture will illustrate how the wrecking industry in the 1800s made Key West one of the wealthiest cities in the US. Guests will also have an opportunity to view the navigational tools and artifacts related to wrecking, the intrepid practice of saving the crew and cargo from shipwrecks along the Florida Reef. Refreshments served. For more information, visit pbmnh.org or call (561) 729-4246.
Kids Club Dino Roars
Saturday, April 13
11am-1pm
Grand Court
Free
Dinosaur loving kiddos should join the Kids Club for this exciting event, hosted in partnership with the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History. Children will become archeologists for a day as they search for fossils in the museum’s dig pits, plus enjoy a dinosaur puppet show, balloon art, and face painting. Kids can also get their photos taken with a 14-foot dinosaur and take home a real fossil of their own!
Mommy & Me Spring Fling
Wednesday, April 24
10:30-11:30am
Grand Court
Free
Kids five and under are invited to The Mall at Wellington Green for a morning full of engaging, spring fun! The Mommy & Me Spring Fling will include themed crafts, musical entertainment, and refreshments.
Zumbini with Regina Rossi
Every Wednesday
11–11:45am
The District at Wellington Green
$135 for 6 classes (includes music app to download songs)
Shake and shimmy with your baby at Zumbini! This fun, early childhood education program uses the power of music and movement to promote cognitive, social, and motor skill development for children ages 0-4. Register at zumbini.com/instructor/Regina-Rossi/806. For more information, email Zumbini instructor Regina Rossi at RME411@gmail.com or call (561) 244-0282.
Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
Every Saturday
10:30–11:30am
The District at Wellington Green
Free
Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance.
OneBlood Blood Drive
April 12, 13, and 24
11am-6pm
East Parking Lot
The Big Red Bus will be parked in the East Parking Lot and will be accepting blood donations. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives, and donors will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card. For more information, visit oneblood.org.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
