The Tutoring Club
In the below videos, co-owners Roger and Denice Thomas talk about The Tutoring Club of Wellington and illustrate how they help students. They guarantee better academic performance in less time and at a lower cost than any other program. For the related article, see “Archives” and then “AW Spotlight.” For more information about The Tutoring Club, call them at (561) 784-4434 or visit their website.
A Pill for Poverty
Local musical artist Robert Bidney speaks to the experience of millions of Americans who’ve also gone through economic hardship, after following all the rules, and doing all the “right” things in his original song “Pill for Poverty.” To contact Rob Bidney, email: rodabi@aol.com
The First-Ever Wellington Idol Competition
By Danny Smith
On Saturday, February 11th, the “first-ever” Wellington Idol talent competition was held at the Wellington Amphitheater. Twelve contestants competed for the title of Wellington Idol after having been narrowed down from a Semi-Finalist performance that took place the previous evening.
Contestants ranged in ages from age eleven to adult. The competition was divided into three divisions based on the ages of the contestants. The Grand Prize winner of Wellington Idol received a $750 cash prize as well as a full scholarship sponsored by Talent Inc. to attend the Talent Inc. National Talent Conference & Showcase at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort in March – a prize valued at $1,950! This conference will afford the Wellington Idol winner the ability to perform in front of 25 top talent agencies. Three Runners-Up were awarded $250 in cash.
The Finals can be seen on Comcast Channel 18.
The Semi-Finalists for Wellington Idol were:
Lexi Graves
Johanna and Elaina
Marcedes Mathis
Tammy Smith
Andrew Spinelli
D’Anthony and Bobby
Ashley Goodman
Lexi Luca
Morgan Parker
Alissa Sanchez
Cara Young
Chelsea Jean-Micheal
After an amazing performance by each contestant, the judges, Rocky Duvall, John Stevens and Earleen Carey Marlow, awarded the winners.
The Grand Prize Winner: Cara Young
The Runners-Up: Lexi Graves, Lexi Luca and Drew Spinelli
I had the opportunity to interview the winners.
Cara Young (Age 14):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Cara: I started singing in chorus in third grade. My teacher told me I had a gift so I joined the Spotlight for Young Musicians program.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Cara: My sister Shelby. She chased after her dreams as an actress.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Cara: Everyone is really talented. Everyone’s a threat.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Cara: I’ve just been trying to have fun and enjoy the experience.
(View Cara Young’s final performance on YouTube: http://youtu.be/4Or7KBG_xBk).
Lexi Graves (Age 12):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Lexi: I started singing in 2nd grade in the Christmas shows, but one year our school decided to do a play and I got the lead part.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Lexi: Taylor Swift because she chased her dreams and because she plays guitar while she’s singing.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Lexi: This is my 2nd competition and I’m having fun. It’s like the actual American Idol.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Lexi: I think this is a great way for the community to dance and sing and get exposure.
Lexi Luca (Age 15):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Lexi: I started singing at a wedding when I was 2. Professionally, I started performing when I was 11.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Lexi: Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, my family, and my fans.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Lexi: There’s so much talent, and everyone should be reminded of that.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Lexi: Good luck to everyone.
(View Lexi Luca’s finals performance on YouTube: http://youtu.be/2wSx3DqCb1E).
Andrew Spinelli (Age 20):
Danny: When did you start your musical career?
Andrew: I started singing at a young age, but I really pursued it starting 4 years ago.
Danny: Who inspires you?
Andrew: My Mom and Dad.
Danny: What would you say about the competition so far?
Andrew: I’m so nervous but I’m also really excited.
Danny: Anything you’d like to add on a personal note?
Andrew: I would do this again for sure.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
Danny Smith is a member of the Journalism and Literary Class “Lit Mag” at Wellington High School where he is a junior. He is a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta the national math honor society. He has diverse interests, including being a cartoonist and an experienced guitarist.
LOCAL ARTIST IS AWARDED FIRST PLACE IN MIXED MEDIA AT THE ARTIGRAS ART FESTIVAL
Gilder recognized for his use of unconventional medium to create art
Royal Palm Beach FL, Feb. 19, 2012 – B. Corey Johnson was recognized as the leader in the mixed media category when he was awarded first place at the ArtiGras Art Festival at Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter this past weekend. He was listed in this category because his medium is so avant-garde that it was difficult to classify.
Most people are surprised to learn that there is no use of any paints, pigments, stains, dyes, toners, inks, tints or glazes on any of the artwork. Corey has pioneered a technique of creating images using metal leaf, ranging from pure 24 karat gold to copper and aluminum, which is then layered over wood using traditional oil gilding techniques. He then applies various acid washes to chemically oxidize these metals, resulting in a patina that produces a broad range of the colors and textures.
His first series, which was on display at ArtiGras, depicts the various breeds of Koi that are so realistic you feel as though you could reach in and pick them up out of the water. It definitely caught the eyes and interest of all the judges at the event. A couple of the judges even came back to the check on Corey the next day hoping that the combined scores from all the judges garnered him the award.
Artist Statement:
As an artist, my medium of choice is gilding, although gilding is typically thought of as a craft. It is usually seen as the embellishment that accentuates some other work that has been deemed “art”, whether it’s the magnificent gilding on the altar at the Notre Dame cathedral or the gold leaf that adorns a Gustav Klimt painting. Rarely is gilding perceived as a viable art medium that can stand by itself as the finished product. With this in mind, I set out to challenge public perception of gilding with a series of images using nothing but gilding materials and techniques.
The combination of the layered metal leaf and the application of various acid washes to create a realistic image results in a visual experience that cannot be replicated by any other painting or printing process. I complete each piece with a contemporary water gilded frame. This harmonious union of gilded image and frame transcends the idea of gilding as a craft, and creates a truly unique work of art.
HANLEY CENTER LUNCHEON FOCUSES ON FAMILIES
(WELLINGTON, Fla.) – Hanley Center’s 17th Annual Family Luncheon was held at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington on February 12, at the start of National Children of Alcoholics Week. Former Miss USA 2006 Tara Conner was the featured guest for the benefit luncheon. Proceeds from the Family Luncheon support Hanley Center’s Education and Prevention Programs, offering training to professionals worldwide on how to identify and treat the chronic, yet treatable disease of addiction.
Showcasing the prestigious Artisan Farm Grand Prix show jumping competition, the equestrian themed afternoon also featured fun children’s activities including animal encounters, a magic show, face painting and a children’s silent auction. Hanley Center Foundation’s Dr. Rachel Docekal presented the former Miss USA with a signature Alex and Ani bangle, in celebration of Conner’s five years of sobriety.
“The disease of addiction affects everyone in some way,” said Dr. Docekal. “Today’s event gives us a unique opportunity to gather families for a fun afternoon celebrating hope through recovery. We are so grateful for the support from our chairmen, committee members and sponsors, as well as all the guests attending the today’s luncheon. Together, they make it possible for us to continue to provide programs to educate people and bring awareness of addiction treatment to the community.”
During the Luncheon, Dr. Docekal announced Hanley’s partnership with Alex and Ani’s Charity by Design to create a butterfly charm bracelet. Butterflies symbolize renewal, strength and rebirth and 20 percent of the bracelet sales will go to Hanley and Caron Treatment Centers.
Leadership for the Family Luncheon included Honorary Chairmen Danielle and Kelly Moore and Chairman Nancy Hooker.
Grand Benefactor for the Family Luncheon was Neil Hirsch. Corporate Sponsors were Danielle and Kelly Moore. Platinum Sponsor was The Hanley Family Foundation. Gold Medal Sponsors were Florida Crystals Corporation & the Azqueta Family, Barbara and Doyle Rogers, Leslie C. Quick, Jr. and Regina A. Quick Charitable Trust Foundation, and Patricia and Douglas A. Warner III. Silver Medal Sponsors were Barbara and Robert Ammarell, Agneta and Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., Nancy Hooker, Anita Hamilton-Michaels and Sam Michaels, and Caroline Moran. Bronze Medal Sponsors were Judith Morrell, Orchid Recovery Center and Ms. Jenny Wren Sutton, Wrenwood Farms.
Headquartered in West Palm Beach, FL. Hanley Center is a non-profit organization that offers a broad spectrum of programs based on the most advanced research in the disease of addiction. From detoxification and medical stabilization to individualized treatment and continuing-care planning, Hanley Center prides itself on offering the most innovative and effective treatment programs designed by professional experts in their respective fields. Unique to the Center is the “Hanley Model of Care,” which includes age and gender-specific treatment programs. These tailored programs ensure patients leave equipped with the necessary tools to move forward on their journey of recovery. Hanley Center is part of Caron Treatment Centers.
For more information on Hanley Center Foundation events or Hanley Center services offered, please visit: www.hanleycenter.org or call at 866-4HANLEY.
The Young Professionals Celebrate Three Years
Getting to Know the Palms West Chamber’s Young Professionals
By Krista Martinelli
In January of 2012, the Young Professionals of the Palms West Chamber celebrated their third anniversary. To hear more about this dynamic group, I met with Jessica Clasby of the Palms West Chamber and three of the founding members – Maritza Clark (of Lion Country Safari), Ronnie DeManna (of Bank Atlantic) and Michelle Haines (of BB & T bank). Their shared enthusiasm for the group was definitely contagious.
Jessica says that the key to their successful networking events is the “casual, light-hearted safe zone” that they create. “We find our commonalities and then the networking is a slow, natural process,” she says.
“It’s networking light,” says Michelle. “It’s like regular networking, but always with a fun, little twist.”
Ronnie explains that networking with a younger crowd means that people are going to be a little more aggressive in their networking style…in a good way. “It gives you the opportunity to network with people who are just like you. You’ll find that we are still trying to prove something…we’re still ‘hungry’ because we are at the beginnings of our careers.” They all seem to find it a bit easier to mix with their fellow young professionals, perhaps because of these reasons.
Just over three years ago, Michelle remembers approaching Jaene Miranda, Executive Director of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, and asking for a Young Professionals group. She had enjoyed a similar group in Abacoa and wanted to see if it could happen here too. When Jessica Clasby was hired as a staff member at the Palms West Chamber, she was assigned the roles of Member Services and starting up the YP group. Jessica was happy to take on the challenge, and they put on a very successful first event at Nicole’s Tavern.
They handed out pairs of drink cards to each new member. “So if
you had a Budweiser card, you had to eventually find the other person carrying a Budweiser card,” says Michelle. It was a great kick-off event in January of 2009.
The group members says that they enjoy the networking they do in the YP group because it’s more than just handing out business cards. “We’re making real connections first and then moving forward with business,” says Maritza.
“It’s nice because the relationships are not yet set in stone,” says Ronnie. “The YPs don’t yet have that old buddy that they will always go to, so everyone seems more approachable.”
“What people sometimes do not realize is that the Young Professionals are the future leaders in our organizations,” says Jessica.
When asked about what they have personally benefited from as YP members, this small group had a lot to say. “Because of my connections in this group, my father-in-law got a job,” says Ronnie. He adds that he has learned to be “more of a host” in his role on the board of YPs, always welcoming new people at the events.
“I feel like I have more of a sense of leadership,” says Michelle. “I’m more involved in my Chamber and in my community.” She adds that her daughter’s first birthday party was held at Lion Country Safari, thanks to her connection with Maritza Clark, the Event Manager at Lion Country.
“Because of my involvement in the YP group, I feel like I’m in more of an ambassador role,” says Maritza. “And yes, it’s great to get direct business out of it too.”
People who do not get involved in networking groups, according to these YP members, are missing out. “You’re just doing reactive selling and marketing, if you don’t take the time to network – instead of being proactive,” says Ronnie. It’s so much better than cold calling and puts a face on the business for your new prospects, they all agree.
Some of the past fun events and projects that the YPs have done together are…
· The Kayak Races, which happen at the Royal Palm Art & Music Festival. This event is coming up on March 10 and 11.
· SalsaFest – the YPs run a beer tent every year.
· The Roger Dean stadium baseball games.
· Hockey games.
· Lion Country Safari outings.
· Poker Tournament at the Kennel Club.
They also enjoy pooling their resources for a good cause. Last year the YPs did a “packing party” for the Forgotten Soldiers with Wellington Christian Elementary School. They collected different coins each day, leading up to dollars on Friday of the same week. They raised approximately $3,500 for the organization. It was an extra special effort, since one of their members is a teacher at Wellington Christian and her son was in Afghanistan at the time of the fundraiser. Every holiday season they have a get together at Carrabba’s in Royal Palm Beach and have a Toys for Tots drive too.
The YPs enjoyed their third anniversary at Rooney’s Sports Bar in
Royal Palm Beach. They had a lot of new faces that evening, as well as founding members. They celebrated with an anniversary cake, as well as singing “Happy Birthday” to one of their members. See the photos on our website (AroundWellington.com).
If you are a young professional between 21 – 39 years old and would like to become a member, contact Jessica Clasby at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce at (561) 790-6200. Or you can email her at Jessica@palmswest.com.
About Maritza Clark
Maritza is the Event Manager at Lion Country Safari and part of their Marketing team. She enjoys making “wild parties” for a living.
About Jessica Clasby
Jessica is the Membership Services & Young Professional Manager for the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. She enjoys helping the young professionals develop leadership skills and giving back to the community.
About Ronnie DeManna
Ronnie is a Market Manager for the Ibis and PGA locations of Bank Atlantic. He enjoys taking care of the bank’s bigger customers and overseeing the staff at both branches.
About Michelle Haines
Michelle is a Financial Center Leader at BB&T. She enjoys helping her clients to achieve financial success and economic security.
Caldwell Theatre Company Starts Working
Caldwell Theatre Company is set to launch the revamped, updated, and contemporized musical Working, featuring the music of Tony winners, Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell), Lin Manuel Miranda (In the Heights) and Grammy winner James Taylor. The original source material for this unabashedly American musical is based on the original novel Working by Studs Terkel.
“What drew me to the piece was the extent to which the material really celebrates the American worker,” said Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company and director for the show. “In this period of high unemployment, it is so refreshing to hear this music which is so emotionally engaging and I think even further hints at the rebirth that we seem to be on the verge of.”
An all-Florida cast embodies this eclectic mix of monologues and songs featuring Broadway vets Melissa Minyard (Les Miserables), Barry Tarallo (Grease), South Florida favorites, Jim Ballard (All My Sons, Urinetown, Adding Machine), Laura Hodos (She Loves Me), Kareema Khouri (Motherhood the Musical) and Michael Focas (Lend Me a Tenor). Musical Direction will be in the capable hands of Caryl Fantel whose previous work at Caldwell included the powerhouse show Vices: A Love Story and the Broadway Concert, A Secret Garden.
Caldwell’s design team for the piece includes the always inventive scenic designer Tim Bennett, Joseph P. Oshrey will provide lighting design, Linda C. Shorrock assumes costume design, Thomas M. Shorrock sound design, and Sean Lawson will work his magic with projection design.
This will mark the second production of this updated version of Working with the original production in Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse. Critical acclaim there lead to an extended run and further talks, which still continue, to move the show to New York.
“Working has a structure similar to A Chorus Line in that we really dive inside the mindset of these characters,” continued Cholerton. “What we also see is just how interconnected we all are and how shared all of our experiences are. Its themes are possibly the most universal of any show we’ve recently done at Caldwell Theatre Company.”
Writing for the Chicago Tribune, Chris Jones would say, “Working…packs more of an emotional punch that you’d expect…”
John Olson of Broadway World would state, “…Beyond its timeliness, though, Working remains a moving piece of musical theater, with one of the best scores of the latter 20th century.”
Working
A Musical
From the book by STUDS TERKEL
Adapted by STEPHEN SCHWARTZ and NINA FASO
Songs by: CRAIG CARNELIA, MICKI GRANT, LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, MARY RODGERS, SUSAN BIRKENHEAD, STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND JAMES TAYLOR.
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com
Media Contact:
Clive Cholerton, Artistic Director of Caldwell Theatre Company
561-995-2326 or clive@caldwelltheatre.com
Cast List: (in alphabetical order)
JIM BALLARD
MICHAEL FOCAS
LAURA HODOS
KAREEMA KHOURI
MELISSA MINYARD
BARRY TARALLO
Director: CLIVE CHOLERTON
Musical Director: CARYL FANTEL
Stage Manager: ROBERT HERRLE
Scenic Designer: TIM BENNETT
Sound Designer: THOMAS M. SHORROCK
Lighting Designer: JOSEPH P. OSHREY
Costume Designer: LINDA C. SHORROCK
Projection Designer: SEAN LAWSON
Performances:
February 26 – April 1, 2012
Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 p.m.
Select Tuesdays 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 2:00 p.m.
Tickets:
$27 to $50 depending on performance and seat location. $10 Students with ID.
Box Office:
Box Office 561-241-7432
Group Sales:
Group pricing of $25 for all performances are available. Groups must consist of at least 15. Groups receive one comp for every 20 tickets purchased. Contact Group Sales at (561) 995-2333 or groupsales@caldwelltheatre.com.
About Caldwell Theatre Company:
Caldwell Theatre Company is the longest running regional theater in South Florida. The 2011-2012 Mainstage Season celebrates our 37th Season. The theater has 333 seats with no obstructions and no seat is over 60 feet from the stage. You’ll feel as if you’re watching a performance from your living room. Accessible seating is available upon request. All donations are 100% tax deductable. Caldwell Theatre Company is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
Students from Nine PBC High Schools Compete in Local Environmental Competition
WHO: Students from nine Palm Beach County high schools and numerous local environmental professionals will come together for the 2012 Palm Beach County Envirothon, sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Boca Raton and Wellington stores. The event is part of North America’s largest national environmental competition sponsored by the Canon Corporation. The regional Envirothon is coordinated by Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District and is one of the largest in the state. Annually over 100 top students participate in the one-day event vying for the opportunity to represent Palm Beach County at the Florida State Envirothon.
WHAT: Envirothon is a field-oriented learning experience where students study Forestry, Aquatics, Wildlife, and Soils. Each year, a Current Issue is added to the mix, which for 2012 is Non-Point Source Pollution / Low Impact Development: Going Green with LID Technology. A new Lake Worth Lagoon topic has been added this year and is exclusive to Palm Beach County’s event.
Study and resource materials are assembled by a committee of local environmental scientists from agencies including PBC Environmental Resources Management, Palm Beach Soil and Water Conservation District, USDA/Natural Resource Conservation Services, US Fish and Wildlife Services, University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, South Florida Water Management District and Lake Worth Lagoon Outreach Working Group. Study materials and test questions are designed to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills. During the competition, teams of five students rotate between stations where they complete written and oral test questions and solve hands-on investigations about environmental issues.
In 2011, Team Shrub Patrol from Jupiter High School took first place at the Florida Envirothon and went on to place ninth out of 54 teams at the National Canon Envirothon.
WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2012 from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(Best time for media coverage is from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. VIP tour is at 11 a.m. and Awards Ceremony is at 1:30 p.m.)
WHERE: Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Boynton Beach
10216 Lee Road
Boynton Beach, FL 33473-4797
(561) 734-8303
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do Coming to The Plaza Theatre
Light-hearted musical sure to be a great time for guests!
PALMBEACH COUNTY, FL. – (February 22, 2012) The Plaza Theatre in Manalapan, Florida is proud to announce that Breaking Up Is Hard to Do, the fabulous musical comedy featuring the songs of Neil Sedaka will be coming to the theater beginning on March 8, 2012.
The comic story set in the 1960’s of Lois and Marge, two friends who are searching for romance and fun, showcases 18 NeilSedaka classics, including “Where The Boys Are”, “Sweet Sixteen”, “Calendar Girl”, and the chart topping “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” and is sure to have the audience singing along to the hits. Guests will be in for laughs as they follow the twosome on their adventures to create a memorable Labor Day weekend.
The show will run Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through March 25, 2012. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows will begin nightly at 7:30 p.m. A matinee performance is also available at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets for all shows are $42. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call (561) 588-1820 or visit www.theplazatheatre.net.
ABOUT THE PLAZA THEATRE:
The Plaza Theatre, a not-for-profit 250-seat theatre, is home to a variety of light-hearted shows that will please every show-goer. Opened in early 2012 by Alan Jacobson, a Palm Beach Gardens resident who ran the Florida Jewish Theatre for five seasons in the 1990s and then became an independent producer of cabaret shows, musical revues and comedies such as If You Ever Leave Me … I’m Going With You and Down the Garden Path, which played at the Royal Poinciana Playhouse, The Plaza Theatre promises lower-than-average ticket prices and plans to bring entertainment to all. For more information, please call (561) 588-1820 or visit theplazatheatre.net.
THE PALMS WEST CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ANNOUNCES WELLINGTON CANDIDATES’ FORUM – THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012
The Government Affairs Committee of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host Wellington’s candidate forum on Thursday, March 1, 2012 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Council Chambers, 12300 West Forest Hill Boulevard.
Members of the public are invited to attend and will have an opportunity to meet with the candidates prior to the forum . Former WPTV news anchor, Jim Sackett, is the moderator and an editorial panel made up of local media will ask questions of the candidates. Time permitting, members of the audience will be able to pose questions to the candidates through previously
submitted comment cards. The forum will be televised on Channel 18 and on Wellington’s website.
For further information call Palms West Chamber of Commerce: 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com.
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