On a sunny Saturday afternoon on the Derby grass field in Wellington 43 pairs of riders and horses participated in the $215,000 MARS Equestrian CSI4* Grand Prix competition.
Only three pairs went through the first round of this most difficult course clear (within the time limit and no knockdowns).
Two of the three went clear during the jump-off.
Ireland’s Paul O’Shea riding Imerald Van’T Voorhof had another perfect ride and finished in first place. The winner’s share was $70,950.
Mimi Gochman of the USA aboard Celina BH finished a close second and received $43,000
David O’Brian also of Ireland had one knockdown, finished third on El Balou Old and took home a check for $32,250.
Valentine’s Day is everyone’s holiday. We all deserve a little love whether it stems from a romance, arrives as a welcome hug from a friend, or just reminds us to love ourselves. Sometimes the best way to demonstrate your love for those you care about most — including yourself — is to travel to places you love. In my travels I’ve fallen in love with places all over the world. So for this Valentine’s Day, I’m sharing highlights from a few of my favorites. Perhaps you’ll be inspired to discover some new places to love this Valentine’s Day.
Germany’s Fairy Tale Route
Germany’s Fairy Tale Route stretches 375 miles winding through a landscape of picturesque villages, fortified castles, and sinister forests. Following the the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm, the road begins at the university town of Marburg where Jacob and Wilheim Grimm studied in the early 19th century. Marburg served as the inspiration for the brothers’ idea to collect the fairy tales that ultimately became one of the world’s most famous books from German cultural history.
Walking through the narrow alleys of Marburg’s medieval center, you’ll discover fairy tale statues and sculptures on houses, steps, and walls. Among them are a Frog-King, Red Riding Hood’s basket and cape, and the wicked stepmother’s mirror from Snow White. Perched high above the town on the climb up to the imposing Landgrave Palace you can’t miss an oversized version of Cinderella’s slipper.
Along the fairy tale route, you’ll also find Snow White’s cozy house in the tiny hilltop village of Bergfreiheit. Inside, seven little beds, seven little hats hanging on a rack, tiny place settings for seven, and seven little chairs await the return of Snow White’s elves. Don’t miss out on a visit to the copper mine where the dwarfs went when they set off each day singing “Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to work we go.” And be sure to stop in the meadow between the village and the mine where the statues of the seven little guys make an ideal selfie backdrop!
Fall In Love With Trains in Switzerland
Every day in Switzerland locals board trains for routine commutes. But even then, it’s Switzerland, and no train ride is routine. In the land filled with lush landscapes crowned by snow-capped mountains, epic views appear everywhere. Here bell-wearing cows graze outside charming Alpine villages. Blue-green lakes shimmer in the sunlight. And those snow-capped mountains above it all add to Switzerland’s feast for the eyes.
Fortunately for travelers, Switzerland has a grand tour showcasing the country’s bounty of beauty. On the Grand Tour of Switzerland’s train journey, the stunning panoramic vistas are just outside your window. The jaw-dropping experience covers 795 miles and takes the “hop on hop off” concept to new heights…literally. Simply buy a Swiss Travel Pass, choose a route, and experience the romance of train travel.
Cross Through the Portal of Happiness in Norway
With deep narrow fjords flanked by majestic mountains displaying ribbons of cascading waterfalls—there’s no question Norway’s landscapes are spectacular. Beyond the landscapes, Norway’s cities offer a blend of culture, luxury, and culinary excellence.
Once the Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, the country’s third-largest city, exemplifies this. The cultural center of the Trøndelag region, this picturesque city with its timber warehouses of red, gold, brown, and green flanking the Nidelva River provides a fascinating contrast of old and new. Home to the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and a lively music scene, there’s plenty to see and do here. Whether you want to immerse yourself in a winter wonderland or chase the midnight sun, Trondheim could be the answer.
For a touch of romance, be sure to cross the Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge). Built in 1691, the bridge is also known as the “Portal of Happiness.” It’s a popular spot for marriage proposals, but even if you’re not tying the knot, this portal of happiness leads to Trondheim’s “Old Town” known as Bakklandet, a true treasure. Here, cobblestone streets flanked by carefully preserved small 17th-century houses set the scene. Strolling through the cafes, galleries and shops inside these treasures is a treat. Be careful, you may become as smitten with Trondheim as I am!
(West Palm Beach, FL – February 6, 2024) The Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will welcome nationally acclaimed landscape designer Pamela Crawford on Saturday, March 2, from 10:30 am to noon. The award-winning author of Butterfly Gardening for Containers and Landscapes, she is widely considered one of America’s leading experts on container gardening.
During her presentation at Mounts Botanical Garden, Crawford—who has personally tested over 2,500 plant species and has designed and installed butterfly gardens in Palm Beach County since 1990—will cover such topics as:
+ Selecting the best butterfly plants for this area.
+ Maximizing butterfly environments in both patio containers and the landscape.
+ Locating local sources for plants and containers and knowledgeable design/installation specialists.
+ Factors that attract butterflies.
“Pamela Crawford will lead a tour to see a special new butterfly display at Mounts created by Display Garden Horticulturist Joel Crippen and volunteers that was inspired by her book,” says Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “The display features the Kinsman Company’s ‘Border Column System,’ based on Crawford’s specific recommendations for attracting butterflies into a garden or patio. The Mounts Butterfly Garden will also be accessible for viewing nectar, larval, and roosting plants for a comprehensive butterfly gardening experience.”
“The butterfly population has been dwindling in Palm Beach County since the 1920s because of habitat loss. Experts say that home gardens are the hope to increase their population and homeowners can really make a difference in maintaining and increasing the butterfly population by feeding them and their young. Planting a few plants that butterflies like can make a big difference. My talk covers everything you need to begin, my butterfly book, and my book Easy Gardens for South Florida, will give homeowners all the training they need to succeed,” promises Crawford, who has been featured in Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, and in over 2,500 newspapers. An 11-time guest host on GardenSmart TV, she has also appeared on Fine Living Network, Gardenloverstv.com, and numerous local television stations.
Mounts Botanical Garden will have a selection of Crawford’s books for sale, including her newest book, Container Gardens for Butterflies, and she will be available for book signing after the presentation.
The cost to attend Butterfly Gardening for Containers and Landscapes with Pamela Crawford is $15 for Mounts members, $35 for nonmembers (including full Garden admission). Class size is limited, nonrefundable, and advance registration is required at https://www.mounts.org/events/2024-3/mounts.org
Also Available at Mounts Botanical Garden
ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN
Created by Santa Fe artists Jennifer and Kevin Box, 20 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the ancient Japanese art of origami will emerge skyward throughout Mounts—each one a stunning merger of art and nature enhancing and celebrating the verdant environment, including 25-foot sculpture representing 1,000 stainless steel origami peace cranes. ORIGAMI IN THE GARDEN opensat Mounts January 7 and runs through May 12, 2024. Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors (65+), college students, and military with ID; $13 for ages 6-17; and free for children under 6.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
Jupiter, FL — (February 5, 2024) — The Jupiter Police Foundation is excited to announce the 3rd Annual Jupiter Police Officers’ Ball: An Evening at Casino Royale. The James Bond-inspired evening is on Friday, March 29, 2024, at 6 pm at The Club at Admiral’s Cove, 200 Admirals Cove Blvd, Jupiter, FL 33477.
Attendees will experience a night of glamour and excitement in James Bond style. During cocktail hour, guests will enjoy playing casino games and participating in the silent auction. As the evening continues, guests will have a gourmet dinner while dancing the night away to the sensational sounds of music from Wonderama. The event will also feature a live auction showcasing exclusive items and experiences.
Proceeds will directly benefit the Jupiter Police Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2017. The foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the Jupiter Police Department, supporting the men and women who tirelessly work to make our community safe. This year, the Jupiter Police Foundation aims to address critical needs, including acquiring a SWAT Vehicle. Your attendance and support will enhance the capabilities of our local law enforcement and ensure our community’s safety.
Distinguished honorary chairs for the evening feature professional golfer Dustin Johnson, his wife Paulina Gretzky—an accomplished actress, model, and lifestyle influencer—and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric L. Bradshaw. Taking on the role of emcee for the event is WPBF 25 News Anchor Felicia Rodriguez. Jupiter Police Foundation President Jay Alpert and Vice President Jerry Somma will co-chair the event (pictured below).
Tickets for this exclusive event are priced at $500 per person. Various sponsorship opportunities are available for those eager to support this noble cause. Options include the prestigious Diamonds Are Forever sponsorship at $25,000, the Goldfinger sponsorship at $15,000, The Spy Who Loved Me sponsorship at $10,000, the Golden Eye Valet sponsorship at $7,500, and the Shaken Not Stirred sponsorship at $1,500. Each sponsorship tier includes event tickets and offers different levels of advertising and benefits. To discover more about the event and how you can get involved, please visit jupiterpolicefoundation.org.
About the Jupiter Police Foundation:
The Jupiter Police Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2017. Dedicated to supporting the Jupiter Police Department, the foundation raises funds to address critical needs and enhance the department’s capabilities, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. For more information, visit jupiterpolicefoundation.org.
WELLINGTON, FL. – One of Wellington’s most anticipated events of the Spring season is one that welcomes individuals from around the world for a weekend of vibrant fun! The annual fete, the International Gay Polo Tournament (GPL), inspires awareness for inclusiveness and equality, is one of the most colorful events to take over Wellington, and plans for the 2024 event are already off to an incredible start!
Back again as title sponsor is Lexus, known for its commitment to luxury, innovation, amazing experiences and supporting organizations that are making impactful change for diverse communities around the world. Lexus is known for its commitment to luxury, innovation and engagement.
The 2024 event will take place from April 4-6 at the Patagones Polo Club and will again create a culture of togetherness, equality, and high fashion, to inspire and empower lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in sports and beyond.
The robust itinerary for the weekend will feature new and exciting components to be announced very soon, but will follow tradition by hosting the annual Players Welcome Reception (by invitation) on Thursday, April 4, the wildly popular GPL Polotini Wigstock party on Friday, April 5 featuring cocktails, light bites, a themed wig contest (wigs always highly encouraged for this event!) and a fabulous drag show that will captivate audiences. Saturday, April 6 is reserved for the “main event” tournament and tailgate competition where players from around the world will compete during both The Senator’s Cup and The Founders Cup. Spectators and friends are invited to participate in the always popular tailgate competition. Tailgaters are already dreaming up their whimsical tablescapes and decor in preparation for the fun-spirited competitiveness that lines the polo field, with each tailgate becoming its own experience that collectively contributes to the overall flare and exhilaration of the day. Coveted awards for Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate, and Best Multiple Tailgate are up for grabs. All in attendance are anxiously waiting to see what themes tailgaters will bring to this years’ competition.
“While this event is a fun and competitive one, it is the desire for equality that pushes us to do more each year,” shared founder of The Gay Polo League, Chip McKenney. “We are excited about the new components this year that we will be announcing soon and are forever grateful for the unwavering commitment of Lexus for doing all they can do enact change.”
The Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament is open to all. To experience the excitement, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.gaypolo.com. Custom sponsorship packages to elevate and advance brands can be curated. For additional info, please contact [email protected].
About Lexus:
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its customers. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 245 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers nine F SPORT models, two F performance model and one F model. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.
WELLINGTON, FL – Equestrians from around the world gathered on Friday, January 26, at the beautiful Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington, Florida, for JustWorld International’s most successful fundraiser in its history. The community came together to share their passion for educating children, raise funds for further work, and celebrate their achievements toward building a better humanity. In its 21st year, the JustWorld Gala, the premier social event of the Wellington Equestrian Festival (WEF) season, raised record-breaking proceeds to serve children at JustWorld Global Projects in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and United States, thanks to the generosity of sponsors like Caryl Philips and Frank Zeiss, the Rein family, Belle Herbe Farm, Voltaire, and hundreds of other equestrians.
The “Night In Paris” theme paid tribute to this year’s upcoming Olympic Games, where JustWorld Ambassadors from dozens of countries will be vying to compete. Guests enjoyed dazzling Parisian dancers, exquisite French culinary delights catered by Palm Beach’s Laura Ashley, and live music transporting them to an enchanting evening among the sparkling avenues of the “City of Light.”
JustWorld Founder Jessica Newman kicked off the evening on stage, honoring Gala Co-Chairs Maria Newman and Denise Fraile, welcoming guests and thanking them for supporting the charity she created in 2003 “to help fracture the cycle of poverty through education, nutrition, vocational and leadership training in all the countries where we have our projects.”
Newman presented the 2024 Gala Honorees, Michael Lawrence, of Campbellville, Ontario, a member of the JustWorld Board of Directors and manager of the Ottawa International CSI; Matt Morrissey, of Wellington, Florida, a member of JustWorld’s Advisory Committee and manager of Traverse City Horse Shows and Major League Show Jumping; Pedro Cebulka, of Invermere, British Columbia, a JustWorld Ambassador and international ringmaster; and Corinne Sweeney, of Oyster Bay, New York, a JustWorld Ambassador and University of Virginia student.
Newman then turned the stage over to equestrian sports commentator, longtime JustWorld supporter and beloved Gala emcee Steven Wilde, who introduced Mark Samuel, Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Vice President, member of JustWorld’s Advisory Committee and an Ambassador.
Samuel was proud to describe the FEI’s partnership with JustWorld, the Honduras Equestrian Federation, and the international equestrian community on a successful matching campaign in 2023 to expand the Education On Wheels program in Honduras, now reaching 20 new communities and more than 5,600 children “to help break the cycle of poverty and allow the children and community to aspire to a better future,” Samuel said.
Samuel shared indelible impressions from his three trips to Guatemala with JustWorld. “It’s amazing to witness firsthand the dire need that’s present there but also the transformative impact of JustWorld on the community, not only on the children themselves but on their entire families and in some cases the entire community,” he said, adding that JustWorld helps the children “not only to survive but to thrive and become leaders in their countries.”
Samuel went on to praise the “community of caring” Newman has created and nurtured. “Great innovation and impacts do not happen without a champion, and Jessica has been exactly that champion, fighting for justice, visibility, and opportunity for so many forgotten children and communities,” he said. “Along the way she has helped to educate a couple of generations of equestrian children to understand the disparities of opportunity in this world and the moral obligation to become educated and to try to make a difference.”
Young Professionals of JustWorld Chair Brianne Link was one of those equestrian children, becoming an Ambassador at the age of 10 and now exemplifying the lasting impact of JustWorld youth philanthropy and leadership programming. Link told the crowd how, at the age of 12, she raised funds for a roof on the school, Los Patojos, JustWorld launched in Guatemala with CNN Hero Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes. Link remains an Ambassador, hosting benefit trunk shows, promoting JustWorld in podcasts and magazine articles, and donating items to the auction. “Ambassadors range in age, level and discipline, but one thing we do all have in common is that together, we all ride for the cause,” she said.
Videos highlighted the work being done on site at the JustWorld Global Projects and the equestrians who make it all possible before the action moved to the amazing experiences and unique items in the live auction. Justin Paul presided over the bidding for one-of-a-kind items like a lesson and lunch with Olympians Laura Kraut and Nick Skelton, a Costa Rica eco-adventure getaway, a luxury experience in France, and a custom jump, depicting a mosaic Eiffel Tower on the standards.
In the middle of the auction, attention shifted to Kevin Babington, one of JustWorld’s original Ambassadors since 2003, who spoke about his visit years ago to JustWorld’s project in Guatemala. “It takes so little to make a change in these kids’ lives,” he said.
Babington said he’s drawn to JustWorld’s effective model of offering opportunity—teaching rather than simply providing. “Education is the key to everything,” he concluded and then announced that he was donating four lessons to the live auction, to great applause. “This is not about the lessons but the big picture of what we can do for these kids,” he said.
The unforgettable evening concluded with dancing, as supporters celebrated the generosity of the equestrian community, uniting to make a difference, raising funds to ensure that children at JustWorld’s Global Projects have the healthcare, shelter and nourishment they need to learn and grow.
Palm Beach County Homeless to Have Access to Food, Medical Services, and More During February 22nd Project Homeless Connect in West Palm Beach
Downtown West Palm Beach – The Homeless Coalition of Palm BeachCounty, in partnership with several Palm Beach County service organizations, invites members of the community who are homeless, or in crisis, to attend Project Homeless Connect from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Salvation Army, 600 N. Rosemary Ave, West Palm Beach.
Project Homeless Connect, a community-wide, collaborative event, brings together a host of supportive programs, services and counseling all under one roof. The event takes place throughout the year in various segments of Palm Beach County to make it easy for people to overcome their current situations and move toward stability.
Doors are open from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Food will be served and those who attend will have a chance to visit tables with resources and interactive displays; shop for clothes and toiletries; receive haircuts, medical screenings and HIV testing. Services from local provider agencies will be on-site throughout the day to share information about programs and resources in place to help those affected by homelessness and support those at-risk.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers needed for various shifts to load, set-up and breakdown the event. To volunteer, please email [email protected].
For additional information, please contact (561) 355 – HOME or visit www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org. This event is sponsored by AMR, a global medical response solution.
The Homeless Coalition
For over 30 years, the Homeless Coalition’s purpose has been to generate awareness through advocacy, education and community outreach and to motivate a community-wide response to raise funding, resources, partners and involved citizens to end homelessness in Palm Beach County.
Feb. 6, 2024 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) —The Armory Art Center’s latest exhibition will highlight artworks by faculty members and students of the West Palm Beach-based arts education organization.
The annual “Armory Artist & Faculty Show” will open to the public with a free reception on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 from 5-7 p.m. The exhibition will be on display through March 1.
“The Armory Art Center is a premier organization to learn or hone skills in the visual arts—from photography to ceramics; illustrations to jewelry-making,” said Lianna Slater, exhibition and events coordinator. “Students learn these valuable, enriching skills from some of the country’s best working artists—right here in West Palm Beach. We are honored to showcase the remarkable talents of our students and faculty members through this exhibition.”
(Above: Dancing Women by Nancy Tilles)
If You Go:
Armory Artist & Faculty Show
Reception: Thursday, Feb. 8 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Location: Armory Art Center (Montgomery Hall, Greenfield Gallery, East Gallery) 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401
For more information about the Armory Art Center, including upcoming events, classes and more, visit www.armoryart.org.
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About the Armory Art Center:
Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from pre-school to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics and sculpture are held in twelve state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures and special events are open to the public.
The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.
For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.
The Wellington Art Society (WAS) is pleased to announce their latest art exhibition- “Harmony” currently on display through April 19, 2024. The exhibition, made possible through the generous support of Dr. Vincent Apicella, CEO of Premier Family Health, is located in the beautiful medical center of Premier Family Health, at 1037 S State Rd 7, Suite 211, Wellington, FL. Original artworks featuring many mediums and techniques focused on well-being may be seen daily by the public in the common areas from 9am -5 pm; additional exhibition artworks are featured in offices and exam rooms. All artworks are for sale with a portion of proceeds benefitting the WAS Scholarship and Outreach Programs. Please email your request to purchase or for more info to: [email protected]
Featured Wellington Art Society Member Artists are:
Heather Bergstrom ⋅ Lisa Campbell ⋅ Kimberly Clark ⋅ Kim DiGiacomo ⋅
Cynthia George ⋅ Jan Gmitter ⋅ Marcia Greene ⋅ Lou Ann LaBohn ⋅
Joe Marcou ⋅ Ali Mendoza ⋅ Charles Moses ⋅ Sue Oakes ⋅ Leslie Pfeiffer
Marion Roberts ⋅ Raymonde Talleyrand ⋅ Eve Troncone ⋅ Andrea Vossen ⋅ Elaine Weber ⋅
The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to visual artists of all mediums and art enthusiasts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries and venues, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or email [email protected].
