September, 2012 – Frannie Sheridan’s One-Woman Hit…
“I Tried to Be Normal…But it was Taken!”
Friday, Sept. 28th at 8:30pm
October, 2012 – “The Door in the Sky” by Sandy Klein Bernstein, a Book Review
“The Door in the Sky” by Sandy Klein Bernstein
A Book Review by Wendell Abern
Reviewers undertake first novels with trepidation, and emotions that
range from guarded expectation to dour skepticism. But even the most seasoned literati are never too jaded to react with excitement when discovering a genuine new writing talent.
Such is the case with the debut Young Adult novel, “The Door in the Sky,” penned by fledgling author Sandy Klein Bernstein.
This delightful adventure tale takes on the daunting task of carving out fresh territory in a genre that already includes Oz, Wonderland, Hogwarts and a host of others.
Welcome to a fresh new imaginaryscape: Galdoren By The Sea.
All “new world” journeys have one thing in common: a struggle between good and evil. “Door in the Sky” also takes on this task, and admirably. But one dominant element – found only sporadically in such adventures – separates Bernstein’s book from all others.
Humor.
Bernstein handles her storytelling with a wry wit that permeates every chapter. With each encounter, smiles. With each description, chuckles. Rarely have readers of fantasy had so much fun.
Sister and brother protagonists Allie and Ricky Austin, transported to this wondrous universe unexpectedly (where some have been known to grumble, “I never trust anyone from the Milky Way Galaxy”), find themselves in the middle of a mounting conflict between the good King Shevre and the icy Queen Glacidia.
Their encounters take them through a series of joyous, scary and exciting adventures and misadventures, with characters both charming and chilling. Yet even in the middle of a frightening shiver, readers will find themselves chuckling.
One example: King Shevre’s castle is threatened by fearsome goblins. All is chaos! Lives are at stake! Many may not survive! Ugly gargoyles, who dominate an upper wall, come alive:
“Goblins. Vile creatures!”
“They have such bad breath!”
“They really should brush their fangs more often.”
This is typical of the humor that comes naturally, unforced and frequently takes the reader by surprise.
Bernstein’s strong descriptive powers paint memorable pictures of this beautiful new domain. But her forte, clearly, is dialog. When brother and sister spat, you can hear the words crackle. When royalty ushers commands, you can hear authority. And of course, humor peppers the dialog landscape frequently, often when least expected.
Allie and Ricky have a grand old time on their adventure, rife with real danger and eye-opening surprises. How (and if) they ever return home will keep the reader guessing.
For those looking for attention-grabbing teen-age literature that transcends the vampire/werewolf scene, one cannot do better than “The Door in the Sky.”
And for those who look forward to finding a new superb writing talent, one need look no further than Sandy Klein Bernstein.
* * *
September, 2012 – Murder Mystery Dinner Returns to Wellington November 3rd
Murder Mystery Dinner Returns to Wellington November 3rd
Murder mystery dinner theater is back by popular demand in Wellington, and this time, it’s all hands on deck for swashbuckling, pirate-themed entertainment! Dress in your buccaneer best for this deadly adult dinner show on Saturday, November 3rd from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Village Park located at 11700 Pierson Road. The evening begins with a social hour and dinner but steers into deadly waters as a shipload of professional actors portray a “murder on the high seas” scenario. Audience members will then be asked to solve the crime and identify the killer.
Tickets cost $40 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 $280. 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 don’t be marooned – reserve your seats early!
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
October, 2012 – Lake Worth Downtown Cultural Alliance presents “Season” Starts with October in Lake Worth
Lake Worth Downtown Cultural Alliance presents “Season” Starts with October in Lake Worth
Downtown Lake Worth will be shaking off the heat of the summer with some really cool days and nights. Favorite restaurants will be hopping and new restaurants opening. Local shoppers and tourists are beginning to appear in greater numbers. Evenings on the Avenue will continue to entice with spruced up shops and world class galleries. Bands and vendors fill the Cultural Plaza. Many businesses in the downtown have begun to extend their hours as the cooler weather approaches.
Evenings on the Avenue are celebrated every First and Third Friday of the month. Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales will continue throughout the year. The Cultural Plaza is booked with bands, entertainment and vendors. Parties in the Plaza are crowded with fun events the entire season.
Second Saturday Sidewalk Sales continue. As the weather cools the number of vendors and the variety of their wares grow. All local shops and restaurants treat this day with specials for all of their customers. Local tour groups target Lake Worth on this day with tours to restaurants and galleries.
The Blues and Jazz Festival in coming to Lake Worth in October. Blues Week Lake Worth will begin Monday October 15 with live performances throughout town for the entire week. On Friday, October 19th the streets will be filled with performers, and many of the shops and restaurants will host special events. Clay Glass Metal Stone Gallery will feature an Invitational to Palm Beach County Artists titled Artists Do the Blues. On Saturday and Sunday thousands of blues aficionados will converge upon Bryant Park for the largest Blues Festival the region has ever seen.
Flash Mobs in Downtown Lake Worth: If you have ever dreamed of being part of a Flash Mob that suddenly appears on street corners and at events, Michael Puccio of Studio Dance, 8 South Dixie Highway, will hold classes to choreograph and train you in the art. He will work with groups of 30 or more. Call 561-249-5105. Dancing with the Stars will not hold a candle to what Michael will train you to do.
Halloween Weekend in Lake Worth is a Family Affair. Although Halloween falls on a Wednesday, Lake Worth never lets a good holiday go to waste. Local restaurants will hold rotating costume contests beginning at 8:00 PM on Saturday, October 27. A town full of festivities from pie contests to pumpkin carving will be taking place over the weekend. Prize winning shop and restaurant windows will be on display. A full list of events will follow. Paws on the Avenue will be featuring a pet photographer who will take professional pictures of your costumed pets. Lake Worth Theatrics will costume you in style.
Halloween continues on Wednesday, October 31 with the traditional trick or treat for local school children throughout the town.
November 1 is the start of Holiday Window decorating in the Downtown. Shopkeepers and restaurants compete for the best windows and the biggest prizes. Mayor Pam Triolo will be judging the windows this year. Prizes will be awarded at the Tree Lighting Ceremony in the Cultural Plaza.
The Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale on Saturday, November 10th will feature a Veterans Day Parade. Lori Durant will host the Taste of Lake Worth Culinary and Arts tour, a regular feature of Lake Worth weekends.
Black Friday, November 23rd, is always celebrated in a Big Way in Downtown Lake Worth. This is a support your local merchant day and Lake Worth goes all out for it. Each of our 100 shops and restaurants will feature one of one hundred reasons you should shop in Lake Worth rather than in the big department stores and malls. One of a Kind gifts and personal service top the list.
Saturday, December 1st is an invitation to join us as the Windows of the Town will be judged. Join Mayor Pam Triolo and put in your own two cents as we tour the windows and she makes her choices. The Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place in the Cultural Plaza at 6PM.
Friday, December 7th celebrates the holidays during Evening on the Avenue. The month-long celebration is well under way. Lake Worth, the Greenwich Village of the south, will have musicians and artists scattered everywhere. The streets and shops will be filled with holiday cheer. The Cultural Plaza will be lit up with lights, vendors and music. We expect to see some dancing in the streets as well.
Saturday, December 8th is our big Second Saturday Sidewalk Sale. As part of this day Lake Worth hold its big Holiday Parade with costumes and floats and lots of sidewalk space from which to enjoy it all.
Saturday, December 15 will ring with the Sounds of the Season. Choirs will be performing all over the down town. Bring your best tuned vocal chords and join in on the choruses.
Friday, December 21st is the last Evening on the Avenue of the year. Merchants, Galleries and Restaurants will be going all out to make this a memorable Friday for all. This Friday and Saturday, December 22nd are the biggest last minute shopping events of the year. Bargains are planned for all of the specialty and one-of-a-kind items that can only be found in Lake Worth.
Saturday, December 29: New Year’s Eve begins in Lake Worth. Lake Worth will start the New Year off with a Champagne stroll starting at midnight on Saturday and then again on Sunday evening. The festivities will end with the final chime of the clock at midnight on December 31. Plan for a heavy weekend of big celebration.
Detailed press releases will be going out for each of these evening and events. Please contact us if you have any questions.
The DCA (Downtown Cultural Alliance) of Lake Worth, the City of Lake Worth, LULA (The Lake Worth Arts Corridor, and Lake Worth work together to bring family events to Downtown Lake Worth on a weekly basis. All events are free.
The Downtown Cultural Alliance (DCA) is a non-profit association of Downtown merchants and residents working together to keep Downtown Lake Worth vibrant and welcoming.
For additional information contact DCA: Joyce Brown – 605 Lake Avenue – 215-205-9441
September, 2012 – Exactly 3 Weeks Until the Voter Registration Deadline
Tuesday Marks Exactly 3 Weeks Until the Voter Registration Deadline
Tuesday marks exactly three weeks until the voter registration deadline on Oct. 9th. High school student Charlotte Kaye and her mom, Sandra, of West Palm Beach, are volunteering with Organizing for America-Florida helping to register voters and make sure everyone has a chance to make their voice heard on November 6. Charlotte, a first-time voter this November, also started a club at her high school this year called “Promote the Vote” that encourages young people to register and vote.
Charlotte is available for interviews this week to talk about her work registering voters and the “Promote the Vote” club she started at her school.
September, 2012 – Wellington Announces Business Analysis as Third Major Project of the Florida Atlantic University “Living Laboratory” Partnership
Wellington Announces Business Analysis as Third Major Project of the Florida Atlantic University “Living Laboratory” Partnership
The FAU/Wellington “Living Lab” began the third, of five, major project consisting of an in-depth business analysis of Wellington. FAU, through a graduate-level course, will focus on Wellington’s business community and examine trends and characteristics with emphasis on the local economy. Additionally, the study will analyze current economic conditions, conduct competitive comparisons with other local governments and research seasonal business patterns.
The first component of the Business Analysis will be an on-line survey intended for local business owners. The survey will consist of 30 questions and take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to fill out and will be available from September 12th through November 2nd. The results of the survey will be incorporated into the business analysis in a final draft report anticipated to be complete in December. The report, along with other related information, will be posted on the Wellington website (www.wellingtonfl.gov).
The Living Lab is an important partnership with FAU that demonstrates Wellington’s commitment to investing in the future to maintain Wellington as A Great Hometown.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
October, 2012 – Wellington Garden Club Meeting
Wellington Garden Club – October 1, 2012 Meeting Announcement
The Wellington Garden Club, www.wellingtongardenclub.org, will meet on Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. with a business meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 and at 12:30 a “Gardening in South Florida” program presented by Mr. Clarence R. “Cash” Cashion.
Mr. Cashion is an expert on South Florida gardening and has been writing a column for the Palm Beach Post for more than 14 years and a newspaper, The Jupiter Farmer, since 1992. His website, www.theswampgardenerchronicles.com advocates growing green and offers suggestions for living green. In 2010, he published the book, “Swamp Gardener Chronicles.” Mr. Cashion’s program will include information about backyard gardening of vegetables and how to integrate some landscaping ideas with edible plants. He will also share his thoughts on what big government is doing to our seeds via systemic insecticides that are detrimental to those who ingest that product. After his talk, there will be an “ask the expert session” for your gardening questions.
Guests are welcome and there is no admission fee, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please RSVP to Jayne at 561-791-0273.
September, 2012 – Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Recruiting Team Challenge Participants
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Recruiting Team Challenge Participants – Are You Up For the Challenge?
SOUTH FLORIDA – Are you ready to give yourself the ultimate challenge? Well, now is your chance! The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America is recruiting individuals to participate in their bi-annual Team Challenge program, anendurance training and fundraising program. Through Team Challenge, you can run, or walk, 13.1 miles, or train for a triathlon or cycling event while helping to find a cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, two chronic and often debilitating digestive diseases that impact more than 1.4 millionAmericans.
“We are excited to expand our team of athletes accepting a challenge to find a cure,” said Amy Gray, executive director of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America ’s Florida Chapter. “For 5 years, we have provided participants an unparalleled level of training. In return, they have helped us to raise more than $32 million to support the research that is bringing us closer to finding a cure. It is an honor to see them in action and we cannot wait to meet our newest team members.”
Those who are ready to make a difference in their lives, and the lives of the millions ofindividuals living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, will begin training and fundraising with their local team.. The South Florida Team Challenge team has training locations in Miami-Dade County , Broward County and Palm Beach County and will conclude with the Miami ING Half Marathon on January 27, 2013. In addition to training together, participants will work together to reach a team goal of $160,000 that will support research for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Individuals interested in learning more about the Team Challenge program are encouraged to attend a commitment free, informational meeting taking place in October at the following locations:
Saturday, October 6, 2012 -Total Wine 8851 SW 136th Street , Miami , FL 33176 – 10:30am
Wednesday, October 10, 2012 – Duffy’s Sports Grill 3969 Sunny Isles Boulevard , North Miami Beach , FL 33160 – 6:30 pm
Thursday, October 11, 2012 – Whole Foods (inside the Lifestyle Center ) 1400 Glades Road , Boca Raton , FL 33431 – 6:30pm
For more information, visit www.ccteamchallenge.org today or contact RachelKramer at rkramer@ccfa.org or 561-218-2929.
About Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. Crohn’s disease may attackanywhere from the mouth to the anus, while ulcerative colitis inflames only the large intestine (colon). Symptoms may include abdominal pain, persistent diarrhea, rectal bleeding, fever and weight loss. Many patients require hospitalization and surgery. These illnesses can cause severe complications, including colon cancer in patients with long-term disease. Some 1.4 million American adults and children suffer from Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, with as many as 150,000 under the age of 18. Most people develop the diseases between the ages of 15 and 35.
About the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America
The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s mission is to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The Foundation ranks third among leading health non-profits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 79 cents of every dollar the Foundation spends goes tomission-critical programs. The Foundation consistently meets the standards of organizations that monitor charities, including the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and the American Institute of Philanthropy (charitywatch.org). For more information, contact the Foundation at 800-932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org.
October, 2012 – Pasta with Gorgonzola Sauce
Yummy Treats
Pasta with Gorgonzola sauce
From Alessandra’s kitchen
This is my daughter’s favorite pasta sauce and requested many times in our household (both by daughter and dad).
Although an easy recipe, adult supervision is strongly recommended (dependent on the child’s age), as the dish is prepared on a warm-to-hot stove.
Ingredients:
- (Deli-) Ham (cut in small pieces) (about 4-6 oz)
- One package of gorgonzola crumbled cheese (4 oz)
- Milk (about 3 – 4 cups)
- Pasta
Mix ham and gorgonzola in sauce pan and heat the pan till gorgonzola is slightly melted and not yet sticky to the saucepan.
Add the milk and warm the sauce (avoid boiling the sauce).
Stir occasionally.
Meanwhile prepare the pasta as per directions on the box.
The best pasta to use is the green (spinach pasta) for this dish,
but any pasta of your choice will do.
Serve pasta in a deeper plate and pour sauce directly over it.
Serve with salad or brocolli on the side.
Bon appetit.
September, 2012 – A New Chick-fil-A in Wellington
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Celebrates A New Location For Chick-fil-A
Photo Left – Right: Fred Pinto, Rona Klein and Julie, Dale Grimm, Rob Rabenecker, Hank Klein, Victor Connor, Chandra Bill, Maggie Zeller, Bob Salerno, Chritian Lopez, Coco Liza, Joanne Dee, Laura L. Hanson, Seminole Ridge ROTC.
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Chick-fil- A opened up in their new location on Thursday, September 20th, at 206 South S.R. 7, Royal Palm Beach, Florida in front of Home Depot. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony that morning brought together many people from different organizations in support of the chain’s new location. Many people camped out in the parking lot the night before in order to be part of the first 100 people through the door the next morning. Those people won a free Chick-fil-A meal every week for a year. Chick-fil-A is a current member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and they have another location at the Wellington Greens Mall.
Rob Rabenecker is the owner of the Wellington and Royal Palm Beach restaurant locations. He is well known for his involvement and support in the community. Visit the internet for complete information. He is also very active with several Chambers in Palm Beach County as well as The Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Many know Rob as the General Manager of Roger Dean Stadium. Sports management was his passion for ten years.
Rob Rabenecker was born in Louisville, Kentucky. As a child, he loved to play baseball and he joined little league teams. As a junior in high school, he happened to read about a new program called “Sports Management” which caught his interest. So, after graduating high school, he attended Eastern Kentucky University and earned an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Management. He then attended Ohio State University and received a M.A. in Sports Management. By 1998, Rob became the General Manager of Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida and opened up the doors to the new baseball facility. Two major league teams, Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, did their spring training under his watchful eyes. They continue to play there today.
In 2006, after all the excitement of baseball, Rob decided it was time to make a change in his life. He decided he wanted to own a fast food franchise. He researched different companies on the internet but finally realized he should look into Chick-fil-A since he enjoyed eating there – often at the Palm Beach Gardens Mall. After a careful study of the company’s policies, practices, and costs to operate a franchise, Rob decided he wanted in. A location in Wellington happened to become available and he became the owner soon after.
I asked Rob about his company and its product. He noted that Chick-fil-A serves high quality 100% white meat chicken breasts that have no additives or fillers. Only fresh products come in the back door. He added that his stores do a lot of lemon squeezing. Each morning, the lemonade is made fresh using water, lemons, sugar or Splenda. In addition, their produce comes in fresh and not pre-packaged. Therefore, salads and fruit cups are put together by hand each day.
Rob stated that by 2013, “We are going to surpass our #1 competitor in sales in the United States. We are going to be #1 in chicken sales by 2013. So that says a lot because the customers are speaking.” Then he added, “But the thing you are going to remember most is our service. We try to WOW people. We encourage our team to smile, to make eye contact, to stay engaged in conversation. We try to teach them how to read people. If a guy comes in and he’s having a bad day and he just wants his food, we respect that. It’s about relationships. We want it to be a relationship so when you come in to order, we already know your name and your order before you even come in.” It appears that Chick-fil-A wants to bridge the gap between a large corporate food chain and a small business that offers personalized service.
Regarding good customer service, Rob said, “We want to be America’s number one quick service restaurant and in doing so treat everyone that comes in the door with honor, dignity and respect and that includes the people in the back.”
“Working here should be a good experience. When people work with us, I want them to grow. When I say grow, I mean developing themselves.” Rob strives for good team work and he goes out of his way to know why every team member works for him. Is it college, supporting their family, etc. He believes good relationships with corporate and with his team members allows the company to service their customers well. He added with a smile, “We have great food but it’s all about the people. That’s our secret sauce, the people and the relationships we have.”
During his free time, Rob likes to “veg out”, read history (he’s currently reading a book about Ulysses S. Grant), and he added, “Believe it or not, I love to cut my grass.” His wife, TV Anchorwoman Chandra Bill, likes to work on the trimming, planting flowers, and grooming the beds. So, they make a good team.
As for his favorite thing on the menu, he loves to eat the chicken sandwich with tomato American cheese, and a little mayo. It appears Rob is done with eating hot dogs at the ball park every day for the past 10 years.
For more information about Chick-fil-A, contact Angela Bloom, Marketing Director, at 561.271.0940 or email her at cfa_angelab@yahoo.com. You can also visit www.chickfila.com and visit The Wellington Chamber of Commerce at http://WellingtonChamber.com for all types of community information.
Press Release From: The Wellington Chamber of Commerce
Regarding: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Chick-fil- A
Date: September 21, 2012
Written By: Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group
Photograph By: Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group