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Wellington Garden Club Presents a Private Tour of Wellington’s Exclusive Equestrian Estates

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On Saturday April 6, 2024, from 10 AM to 4 PM, Wellington Garden Club will offer a private self-guided tour of five of Wellington’s most exclusive and spectacular equestrian stables and grounds.  These properties are home to world-renown champion horses that reside in the lap of luxury in unique stables with elegant architectural style and details. Some of the stables feature chandeliers, decorative ceiling panels, gleaming brass finials, imported tile, and brick walkways surrounded by emerald green fields, lush tropical landscaping, lakes and even a koi pond.  These stables can truly be called horse heaven! 

A variety of equestrian disciplines are represented on the tour. Specialties at the various farms include dressage at Eagle Tree Farm; dressage and show jumpers at Helgstrand Dressage USA,  hunters at River Run Farm LLC;  polo at Santa Rita Polo Farm; and international champion Clydesdales at Mida Farm where the specialty is carriage driving. Since these are working farms, visitors may be able to view riders exercising their horses in the fields or in the covered arenas. They may even be lucky enough to see a polo match in progress.

The properties will be open to the public for one day only. Come see these spectacular and exclusive stables, elegant horses, expansive surroundings and more. Garden Club members and staff of the farms will be present at all sites with information and interesting tidbits about the residents of the stables. 

Advance tickets for the tour are $75.00 and can be purchased at www.wellingtongardenclub.org. Day-of-tour tickets are $90.00 and may be purchased at Wellington Town Hall, 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard. Adults only; no children under 15. Properties are not handicap accessible. Closed-toe shoes recommended. Proceeds from the tour will support the Club’s scholarships for college and summer environmental camps, civic beautification, youth garden clubs and community projects.

Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education.

Rockwell Green Short Mat Bowls

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Submitted by David Dainton

A combined Green &  Hemyock Short Mat Bowls players travelled  to Torquay, England  for a week-long  competition,  which was a new experience for them.  After getting settled into their rooms  they went to the arena and were surprised at the size , with 12 mats laid out , practice  was aloud  before competition started on Monday.

32 teams were taking part from as far afield as Swansea, Kent , & Cornwell.

The competitions  comprised of four sections   Singles  . Pairs , Triples & Fours  The party was split into groups as to who would play in which . From start to finish they found it hard work  meeting some  England players which proved to be to good for our party.    As the week progressed, a few wins came our way but not enough to qualify for the Friday finals day . The only team to win any thing  were Joy ,Barbra Doreen, Christen & Mick.   

Who were given the booby prize  for gaining the least amount of points during the week but came home with a bottle of wine each .   It also came as a big surprise when John Stephens was given a certificate  for his  vocal  accompaniment.

Short Mat bowls is played indoors at Rockwell Green village hall, the club has been running for 20 + years. Most of the members are over 70 years.

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County to Host Jazzy Conversation

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Cultural Council for Palm Beach County to Host Jazzy Conversation with Music about WPB’s Legendary Sunset Lounge at Season’s Final

CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben

(Lake Worth Beach, FL – February 29, 2024) Dave Lawrence, President & CEO of the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, is inviting fans of cool conversation and hot music to this season’s final CULTURE & COCKTAILS on Monday, April 1, in the beautiful rooftop ballroom of The Ben, located at 251 N. Narcissus Avenue in West Palm Beach. Free valet parking will be provided.

April 1 

STAGES

A Conversation with Music on the Jazzy Past & Future of the Legendary Sunset Lounge

Participants will include:

+ Alisha R. Winn, Ph.D., is an applied cultural anthropologist, historian, and consultant for community and heritage education projects who lives in the neighborhood around the Sunset Lounge, the Historic Northwest. An adjunct professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University’s School of Ministry, she is the founder of Consider the Culture, was director for the Palm Beach County African American Virtual Oral History Project and served as a board member for the City of West Palm Beach Mayor’s Taskforce for Racial and Ethnic Equality.

+ Avery Sommers is a South Florida treasure and Broadway veteran with a “powerhouse” voice (The New York Times) and charismatic stage presence. She appeared on Broadway in Ain’t Misbehavin’ replacing Nell Carter, Chicago, Showboat, and Broadway, and was in the first national tours of both The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (starring Ann-Margret) and Chicago, for which she won a Los Angles Ovation Award for Best Supporting Actress. Locally Sommers has headlined concerts at the Kravis Center, Café Centro, Arts Garage, Palm Beach Institute for the Entertainment Arts, and the much-missed Royal Room Cabaret at The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach.

+ Copeland Davis (pictured below) is an Emmy-nominated pianist who has appeared on the Tonight Show, was inducted into the Las Vegas Entertainers Hall of Fame, and has wowed audiences at the Kravis Center, Arts Garage, Cafe Centro, Duncan Theatre, and at The Dream Awards, Las Vegas last October.

Moderator: Barbara Cheives, is the President and CEO of Converge & Associates Consulting, specializing in race and ethnic relations consulting, employee relations, and community engagement.

The 2024 season of CULTURE & COCKTAILS is generously sponsored by The Roe Green Foundation, Roe Green, Founder; Donald M. Ephraim Family Foundation; Milton and Tamar Maltz; Jean Sharf; Bonnie Lautenberg; Lesser Lesser Landy & Smith, PLLC; Scott Teich, Senior Vice President, Teich Wealth Management of Raymond James; The Gardens Mall; CIBC Private Wealth; Palm Beach Media Group; Palm Beach Daily News; Legends Radio; and PR-BS, a Boca-based public relations firm.

Please Note:

Admission to this season’s final CULTURE & COCKTAILS At The Ben is $125 per person, and $165 for VIP Seating. For tickets, please visit https://www.palmbeachculture.com/event/culture-cocktails-pages/.

All proceeds from CULTURE & COCKTAILS go to support the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s mission to champion, engage, and grow the arts in Palm Beach County.

Also:

Topics and speakers are subject to change depending upon the availability of scheduled participants.

About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artists in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is currently open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from Noon to 5 pm. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.

The Mall at Wellington Green Announces 2 New Store Openings

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Daniel’s Jewelers and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

WELLINGTON, FL – Two new retail and restaurant destinations have joined the more than 160 stores at The Mall at Wellington Green. Daniel’s Jewelers and Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen add to the growing and robust offerings in apparel, health, and beauty, and more at this lifestyle destination in Wellington. 

Daniel’s Jewelers

Boasting more than 100 stores across seven states, family-owned Daniel’s Jewelers opened its third Florida location on November 10. Showcasing 1,044 square feet of prime retail space, the 75-year-old jeweler sells engagement and wedding rings, fine jewelry, and timepieces at every price point as well as specialty items and other gifts for as low as $7. Services include credit financing, jewelry trade-ins, and more. For more information, visit danielsjewelers.com or call (561) 944-6042.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

On December 22, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen expanded its national footprint with its first location in Wellington. The fast-food chain chicken titan is leasing a 774-square-foot location in the bustling food court where it serves bone-in chicken meals, chicken wings in five flavors, and transcendentally delicious chicken sandwiches. For more information, visit popeyes.com or call (561) 783-9983.

MORE TENANT NEWS…

Through April 15, One Call Financial is rewarding individuals and small businesses for utilizing the company’s tax preparation services with a $50 cash rebate.

This limited-time promotion covers in-person appointments with a tax pro, drop-off options, and online tax filing.

For more information, visit onecallfinancial.org or call (561) 762-9955.

CMX Cinemas Wellington is giving cinephiles more reasons to watch exciting motion picture releases in their personalized, home theatre-inspired setting.

Movie-goers who purchase tickets before 5:00 p.m. will receive the Super Saver rate and the Saver rate after 5:00 p.m. Discounts apply Monday through Thursday only. Tax and a convenience fee will be added separately.

On Tuesdays, tickets cost $6.49 all day. Tax and a convenience fee will be added. A surcharge may apply to Blockbuster features and premium formats like 3D.

On Wednesdays, CMX Rewards members can take advantage of $7 tickets all day with no convenience fee when purchased online. Tax will be added separately. A surcharge may apply to Blockbuster features and premium formats like 3D.

For more information, visit cmxcinemas.com or call (561) 440-1727.

RECENT TEMP-TO-PERM STORE SIGNINGS…

·       Lifetime Kitchen originally opened as a temporary tenant in March 2021. They became a permanent tenant in August 2023. For more information, visit lifetime-kitchen.com or call (561) 370-3891.

·       Inspire Me Bracelets (The Inspiration Co.) originally opened as a temporary tenant in November 2019. They became a permanent tenant in August 2023. For more information, visit inspirationco.com or call (954) 257-8944.

·       Scoops & Beyond originally opened as a temporary tenant in November 2022.  They became a permanent tenant in November 2023. For more information, call (201) 914-2530.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.  

About The Mall at Wellington Green

The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Pandora, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Pizza Cucinova, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

About Spinoso Real Estate Group

The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering, and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.

$385,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* Grand Prix

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Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

On a clear Saturday evening on February 24th, 39 pairs of riders and horses took to the main stadium field at Wellington Internation for the “Saturday Night Lights” $385,000 Lugano Diamonds CSI5* Grand Prix.

In front of a full house with standing room only, just four went through the first round clear (within the time limit and no knockdowns).

During the jump-off all four went clear.

Richard Vogel of Germany riding United Touch S had the fastest times in both rounds, captured first place and received $127,050 for his efforts.

Riding Callas was McLain Ward of the USA came in a close second and went home with a check for $77,000.

Shane Sweetnam from Ireland aboard James Kahn Cruz finished in third place and a check for $57,750.

$140,000 Kask CSI3* Grand Prix

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Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

On an overcast Saturday afternoon 42 pairs of riders and horses took to the Derby Field at the Equestrian Village in Wellington for the $140,000 Kask CSI3* Grand Prix competition. 

Course Designer Ana Catalina Cruz Harris prepared an extremely difficult layout.

Only one person, Ansgar Holtgers Jr. of the USA riding Chanyon went clear (within the time limit and no knockdowns).

Since only one person went through clear there was no need for a jump-off.

For his first-place finish, Holtgers Jr. received a check for $46,000.

Nine pairs of riders and horses finished with only one knockdown.

The fastest of those horses with one knockdown to claim second place was Germany’s Richard Vogel aboard 00 Seven De L’Equipe collected $28,000.

Third place went to Nicola Philippaerts of Belgium and his horse Derby DE Riverland received a check for $21,000.

Rounded Shoulder Syndrome

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By Jaime Joshi Elder

Innovations in technology have caused a boom in sedentary jobs. Teaching was a profession where you stood for hours a day but now, thanks to video conferencing, a teacher can sit down, log on and educate children a world away. 

The American Heart Association states that sedentary jobs have increased 83% since 1950 and while this might have opened up worlds of opportunity, it also comes with health risks.

In addition to sedentary workers being at a greater risk for obesity and heart disease, they are also at risk for developing rounded shoulder posture – poor posture which can lead to diminished lung capacity, chronic pain and mental health issues such as depression and anxiety stemming from the chronic pain. 

“Rounded shoulders occur as the shoulder blades move forward on the rib cage relative to their normal position,” said board-certified orthopedic surgeon, John Hinson, M.D of the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “This typically occurs as the middle and upper spine move forward relative to the rest of the body into a hunched position.”

Rounded shoulder posture is a result of numerous factors including genetics and scoliosis but medical practitioners are seeing it more and more as a result of people slouched over their computers and phones.

“A significant cause of this condition is the use of modern technology, including cell phones, tablets, and computers, leading to the patient holding the head in a forward position to view the object,” he said. 

Fellowship trained in shoulder and elbow surgery and a specialist in arthroscopy as well as total shoulder replacement, Dr. Hinson says that other factors such as psychological stress, respiratory conditions and even activities viewed as healthy such as cycling, spin classes and gardening can lead to issues with rounded shoulders and precipitate symptoms. 

“Fortunately, this condition can be treated with a combination of activity modifications and therapy programs,” Dr. Hinson said. “Therapy will focus on stretching the structures and muscles on the front of the body, such as the pectoralis muscles, and strengthening of the muscles around the shoulder blades.”

He advises using online resources to help people get started. A simple search for a “doorway pectoral stretch” can help stretch the pectoralis major and pectoralis minor muscles and promote greater chest mobility.

  • Simply stand in an open doorway with your feet together. 
  • Bend your elbows at a 90-degree angle and rest your forearms on the doorframe, keeping your elbows at shoulder height.
  • Maintaining a neutral spine, take a small step forward with one foot and lean gently into the doorway until you feel a comfortable stretch in your chest.
  • Repeat the stretch on the other side, stepping forward with the other foot.

“Both self-directed and formal therapy programs have been shown to be safe and effective and tools to help with this condition,” Dr. Hinson said. However, he does advise seeking medical expertise if a patient does not see improvements.

“The patient should seek an evaluation by a specialist to rule out a significant structural issue or other cause of the rounded shoulder deformity,” he said. 

Saint Patrick Was An Alien

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By Heidi Hess

Well, March marched in much like my daughter does when she wants something or has some burning question that needs an answer. I was sitting at the dining room table racking my brain, trying to figure out what I was going to write about for my monthly column for the good people at AroundWellington (It’s all for you…really) when Savannah marched in asking about our ancestry. How is it that she doesn’t know? Haven’t we talked about it? Humm…we are German/Irish.

It was interesting timing because St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and I was thinking about writing about the festive events surrounding a holiday that celebrates our ancestors, but aren’t we all Irish on St Patty’s Day? The Delray Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Saturday, March 16, 2024, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm and is not to be missed. The West Palm Beach Shamrock Stroll on March 16, 2024, is from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm and sounds like it could be a lot of fun. And then I saw this… the St. Patrick’s Day Alien Green Out. What the..? Unlike the other events, this happens on March 17, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Astro Skate of Palm Beach County. If you wear a green T-shirt you get a free slice of green pizza (I hope it’s green from dye…) and the best part is that it’s family-friendly. Everyone can have good old-fashioned St. Patty’s Day. I mean what celebrates our Irish heritage better than dressing as an alien? Stay with me. This is a stretch. 

If you think about it, we are all aliens, unless we are Native American. One or two of our distant relatives got on a boat and braved the Atlantic to make a better life for future generations.  They risked everything for us. And now, here we are living the American dream, dressing up as an alien, roller skating with our family, and eating green pizza. Perhaps St. Patty’s Day is less about being Irish and more of a celebration of the ones who came before. So, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, to you and everyone. Now go put on your green T-shirt. I want to make sure you get a slice of that green pizza. Your great, great, great grandma would want it that way. 

Everybody Loves Huskies

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Story and Photos by Hannah Deadman-Arnst

It’s no secret: everybody loves Siberian huskies. This northern breed appears on countless viral videos on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram—often showcasing the dog’s larger-than-life personality, big attitude, and escape-artist tendencies. 

Huskies are extremely popular. They made the American Kennel Club’s 2022 list of most popular dog breedsranking 21 out of 199. But despite their stunning looks and big personalities, huskies may not be right for everyone. These working dogs require more attention and exercise than most. 

The amount of Siberian huskies in shelters, particularly in South Florida, remains a major issue. With most shelters at (or over) capacity, prospective owners need to do careful research on whatever breed they’re interested in before making that 10+ year commitment. 

In 2019, my husband and I rescued our first husky, Buddy. In 2022, we adopted Sapphire. We adopted both of them through GTS Husky Rescue, a nonprofit foster-based organization in South Florida. I’m so glad we did our homework beforehand. Having two huskies is incredibly rewarding. With our active lifestyle and love for dogs, every day is a fun, new challenge. It works for us, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Despite the breed’s popularity, many folks are misinformed about the Siberian husky’s temperament and characteristics. In this article, I’ll shed (get it?!) light on and bust myths about these amazing dogs.

Myth: Huskies are troublemakers

People often think huskies are mischievous dogs that destroy furniture. While this can happen, it’s because of an underlying culprit: boredom. These high-energy dogs were bred to work. The earliest known sled dog was bred in Siberia by the Indigenous Chukchi people. In the early 20th century, the breed was brought to Alaska for sled dog races. In the 1920s, the breed (including a couple of famous individuals, Togo and Balto) gained notoriety for participating in the life-saving sled dog relay to Nome, Alaska, carrying diphtheria antitoxin serum across 600+ miles of blizzard-battered terrain. Today’s Siberians still need to run. We try to walk ours at least three miles per day, along with hikes and dog park outings. Giving them proper exercise helps keep them healthy, happy, and out of trouble!

Myth: Huskies are hard to train

There are different types of dog intelligence. Canine psychologist and researcher Stanley Coren wrote a book called “The Intelligence of Dogs”, which explores three types: instinctive, adaptive, and working or obedience intelligence. In the book’s list of 138 breeds, Siberians rank #74 in working/obedience intelligence (or how quickly they learn new commands). However, they’re amazing when it comes to adaptive intelligence (a dog’s ability to learn on their own) and instinctive intelligence (doing what they were bred to do). Independent dogs like huskies can solve more complex problems than other breeds. That’s also why they can be stubborn—and great escape artists! Like any working breed, huskies can be successfully trained with positive reinforcement, consistency, and patience. 

Myth: Huskies are more closely related to wolves

All domesticated dogs are descendants of wolves. Despite their “wild” appearance and affinity for howling, huskies are no more closely related to wolves than a Chihuahua. All domesticated dogs—from bloodhounds to Bichon Frisés—are the same species (Canis familiaris). Sadly, in recent years, there’s been an uptick in surrendered and abandoned huskies, due in part to the popular TV series, Game of Thrones. People want a dog resembling the fictional “direwolf”, but don’t realize the amount of patience, exercise, and resources it takes to care for one. One of the GOT actors, Jerome Flynn, even created a special video announcement with PETA urging the public to think carefully before getting a husky.

Myth: Huskies are vocal

OK, you got me. This is true! Huskies are very vocal, though some more than others. They love to howl and woo—whether it’s time for dinner or time to play. Sometimes, dog howls are used as a way to communicate location with others. Our Buddy is a big “woo-er”. He also howls when a fire truck, ambulance, or squad car goes by. Sapphire won’t make many “woo” sounds—unless she’s joining Buddy in a howling session or really wants to play. The good thing about a vocal dog? You’ll usually know when they want something!

Myth: Huskies can’t do warm climates

While it’s true that Siberian huskies were bred to withstand the freezing temperatures of the Arctic Circle, their double coat acts as an insulator, keeping them comfortable in both warm and cool temperatures. In the warmer months, they stay cool more easily than shorthaired dogs like Labradors or pitties! Husky owners must never shave their Siberian’s coat, because the dog will be more prone to burns and overheating. Plus, the double coat may not grow back properly. Another thing to note is that Sibes shed a lot. They also “blow” their coat once or twice a year. It’s important to clean up after your husky and invest in a great vacuum!

Myth: Huskies aren’t good with kids or other animals

While every dog is different, most huskies are amazing family dogs and good with kids. They are loyal, pack-oriented, and have a sociable, friendly temperament. For this same reason, they do not make good guard dogs! So if you’re looking for a “guard dog”, do not get a husky! Typically, Sibes are great with other dogs. Some are even cat-friendly—while others have a higher prey drive when it comes to smaller animals like cats, squirrels, mice, or birds. Just like any breed, it depends on the dog and their upbringing, personality, and past experiences.

Want to learn more about Siberian huskies? Visit akc.org. You can also follow GTS Husky Rescue on Instagram to support the organization’s efforts in rescuing huskies and malamutes across South Florida from death row.

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A creative thinker with a passion for storytelling, Hannah Deadman-Arnst is a full-time writer, communications professional and traveler. While she calls South Florida home, Hannah travels and works remotely in her camper with her husband, Ryan, and huskies, Buddy and Sapphire. She has explored 42 states, visited 36 national parks and, since 2021, has driven 20,000 miles with her RV. Born and raised in Chicagoland, her love for travel and the outdoors began at a young age—boating Lake Huron, exploring the woods, taking road trips, and having fun outside. She left her full time communications job in 2022 to pursue a freelance career and life on the road. With a background in journalism, arts & sciences communications, and tourism marketing, Hannah loves using stories to drive impact for people and organizations that enrich their communities. She is also a trained dancer and singer. When she’s not creating, she loves to photograph her travels, hike with her dogs, find really good coffee, and read. Follow her adventures at @hannaharnst!

I Live in Hope

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By J.M. Millien. ©2014

I live in hope, in hope of being able to love

Loving you dear beyond imagined time

I live in hope that our hearts will forgive

Voids when our song has missed rhythm or rhyme

Each passing minute you dwell in my soul

I live in hope to love you beyond all time

Now and then when the new day dawns I smile

Harvesting the good times we left behind

Offering love beyond what our hearts can pour

Perhaps tears will leave lines as a sign

Embracing that I live in hope’s design