Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site! For recent videos, click on our “Videos” link.
October, 2011 – AW in Pictures
November, 2011 – Midtown in PBG Hosts FREE Children’s Festival
Midtown in Palm Beach Gardens to Host FREE Children’s Festival Sunday, November 20 – 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Midtown to Launch MOMMY MONEY™ Reward Card During Fun-Filled Afternoon of Imagination & Play
Funds Raised from Food Sales Will Support R.O.C.K. Camp for Kids with Cancer
(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – September 23, 2011) Midtown, a cosmopolitan community in the heart of Palm Beach Gardens, is hosting an Afternoon of Imagination & Play, a free, hands-on Children’s Festival on Sunday, November 20, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. The family-friendly activities will take place along Mainstreet at Midtown, located at 4801 PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens (just west of Military Trail).
Midtown is inviting children of all ages and their families to enjoy music demonstrations, art activities and stimulating play and dance, including:
+ Watching performances from The Wizard of Oz by the Atlantic Arts Academy
+ Building clay figures with the Armory Art Center
+ Mixing ooey-gooey “slime” with Mad Science
+ Playing with bubbles and Gymbo the clown at Gymboree Play & Music
+ Making music during Tracie’s Music Together classes
+ Tumbling on a 30-foot trampoline with Gymnastics Revolution
+ Dancing to DJ Mike with contests and games.
During this fun-filled event, Midtown will be launching MOMMY MONEY™, an exclusive discount card rewarding mommies (and daddies) with special offers.
In addition, Macaroni Kid of Jupiter/Palm Beach Gardens is celebrating its first Birthday Party with cake served twice during the event, carnival games, carnival-themed photo opportunities with cutout characters, and a face painter. MacaroniKid.com is a website dedicated to keeping families in touch with local activities and deals.
Other highlights from this Afternoon of Imagination & Play at Midtown will include:
+ Visits from Cinderella for a pretty princess photo shoot and Magic Elves with a chance for children to mail letters to Santa
+ A high end imagination-filled fashion show at 3 p.m., where all children dressed-up in character will be invited to take the stage
+ Get In Shape for Women will let kids develop their own healthy trail mix and Marble Slab Creamery will let them create their own designer ice cream sundaes
+ Train rides with Thomas the Trackless Train
+ The Jewish Community Center will sell children’s books and provide free face painting and street painting
Parent and child participation activities will include Gymboree Play & Music’s “free sample” Play & Learn classes happening on the hour, and Tracie’s Music Together classes that include dancing, singing, chanting, instrument playing and more, at 12:45, 1:15, 2:30 and 3 p.m.
A goodie bag will be given to the first 300 guests with such items as a free kids meal card from Chipotle, the free MOMMY MONEY™ rewards card and more.
Funds raised from food sales at booths by Chuck Burger Joint, Cantina Laredo and III Forks will be donated to the R.O.C.K. Camp. Reaching Out to Cancer Kids, or R.O.C.K. Camp, is the first camp in the United States for children with cancer. The American Cancer Society offers kids with cancer this wonderful opportunity to experience the fun and adventure of summer camp without having to feel different from other kids.
This Afternoon of Imagination & Play is sponsored by Bricks 4 Kidz, Macaroni Kid, Chipotle, A Public Affair PR and Mainstreet at Midtown. Free parking is available in the Midtown garage and on site.
Festival sponsorships and vendor opportunities are still available. For more information, please visit: http://midtownpga.com/events/upcoming-events/midtown-childrens-festival.
About Midtown:
Midtown in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida is a cosmopolitan community with sophisticated boutiques, global dining and cultural programming all within walking distance of its chic condominium homes. Midtown is located on PGA Boulevard between I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, in the heart of Palm Beach Garden’s shopping corridor. For more information, please visit www.midtownpga.com.
AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
Belle Forino, Marketing Coordinator
Mainstreet at Midtown
Ram Realty Services
561.282.4623
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gary Schweikhart
PR-BS, Inc.
561.756.4298
October, 2011 – Mounts Botanical Garden Hosts Seven Events
Mounts Botanical Garden to Host Seven Fun & Informative Public Events in October & November:
* Gourmet Food Truck Garden Party
* Fall Family Festival
* Workshops on Landscape Design & Orchid Care * Fall Plant Sale & Hibiscus Show
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 26, 2011) The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden today announced seven fun and informative public events in October and November 2011:
Designing, Creating & Maintaining Your Home Landscape
Saturdays, October 1, 8 & 15 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Exhibit Hall A
Members $50, Non-members $60
This three-session workshop will take participants through all the steps needed to improve a home landscape.
+ Session One (October 1) includes an evaluation of site conditions, how to avoid common landscape mistakes and a review of good design principles.
+ Session Two (October 8) will begin with a tour of Mounts Botanical Garden to see and discuss a large number of plants suitable for South Florida. Attendees will also learn about purchasing, planting and establishing the plants.
+ Session Three (October 15): Master Gardeners will work closely with participants to address individual landscape problem areas, evaluate ideas and discuss options. Tips and techniques to conserve water, reduce pesticide use and minimize maintenance will finish the program.
Registration deadline is September 28.
Orchid Care 101
Saturday, October 1 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mounts Auditorium
Members $30, Non-members $40
This workshop with instructors Tom Wells and Sandi Jones of Broward Orchid Supply, will explain what orchids need – water, light, fertilizer, temperature. Attendees are encouraged to bring an orchid (up to 6 inches) to be repotted or mounted. Several methods will be demonstrated such as potting and mounting on tree fern, cork bark or grapevine. Orchid supplies will be available for purchase.
Gourmet Food Truck Garden Party
Sunday, October 2 – Noon to 7 p.m.
In the Garden
$5 Suggested Donation – Food & Beverages Additional
The food truck frenzy is coming to Mounts. With authentic, innovative, gourmet cuisine rumbling into the Garden from all over South Florida, Mounts Botanical Garden will be packed with hungry mobile gourmands chomping at the bit to try the latest meals on wheels from many of the most popular gourmet food trucks in South Florida, including 4Alarm Pizza, Right on Q (BBQ), Curbside Gourmet, Cheese Steak Gourmet, Kona Ice, Latin Burger, PS561 (hot dogs), Stocked ‘N’ Loaded, plus innovative local cuisine from the Slow Food truck and more. Beer and wine will be available, plus live music. While many food truck expos are held in cement-covered parking lots, this delicious Gourmet Food Truck Garden Party will actually be held inside the gorgeous and plant-filled Mounts Botanical Garden, making it the perfect spot for a family picnic.
Fall Family Festival
Sunday, October 16 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the Garden
Members & Children under 10 FREE, Non-members $3
Co-sponsored by the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, this annual family festival will feature games, hands-on activities, music, refreshments, and prizes for all. Popular activities include pony rides, face painting, seedling giveaways, bounce house, kiddie train rides and more. Eye-popping booths featuring ladybugs, butterflies, herbs and plants will be a fun & educational experience for children and adults alike. Children and adults are encouraged to come in Halloween costume. Some activities will be free, while others will have a nominal charge.
More Than a… Fall Plant Sale / Hibiscus Show & Sale
Saturday, November 5 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Members breakfast starts at 8 a.m.)
Sunday, November 6 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In the Garden
Members free; Non-members $10
This annual Fall Plant Sale features over 80 vendors with an amazing assortment of quality plants and goods. This is a great opportunity to learn about the plants that grow well in South Florida and find something new for the garden. The American Hibiscus Sunrise-Conrad Chapter will be having their annual hibiscus show featuring many of the state’s best blooms. Hibiscus plants will be available for purchase at their booth. The PBC Woodturners will be selling a large selection of beautiful woodturnings. Palms, orchids, bamboo, begonias, bromeliads, fruit trees, and many other types of plants will be for sale.
About Mounts Botanical Garden:
Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden. Mounts displays tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit, herbs, citrus, palms and more. As a component of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service, and through its affiliation with the University of Florida IFAS, Mounts is the place to connect with Extension Horticulturists, Master Gardeners, the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Program, and professional horticultural advisors. Mounts also offers a variety of horticultural classes, and garden-related events and workshops.
Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The suggested donation for entry to the Garden is $5 per person. For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit www.mounts.org.
Available for Interview:
Allen Sistrunk, Garden Director
561.233.1757
Media Contact:
Gary Schweikhart
PR-BS, Inc.
561.756.4298
September, 2011 – World Peace Ceremony in Wellington
World Peace Ceremony Attracts Record Crowd
The Sheriff’s Department Drill Team came to the general present arms. The Wellington Flag followed by the American Flag were raised by the boy and girl scouts. Then a lone bugler standing on the grassy rise in front of the Peace Pole played a beautiful and mournful Taps.
So commenced the annual UN Peace Day ceremony presented by The Rotary Club of Wellington.
After the singing of the National Anthem by local artist Taylor Renee and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by a boy scout the ceremony moved ahead with Mayor Darell Bowen reading the United Nations Peace Proclamation, then Dr. Wes Boughner Co-Chair for the Rotary Club Peace Initiative welcomed every one and gave the opening remarks including the history of the Wellington Peace Initiative. Local Wellington Village Council members added their comments regarding the meaning of the Peace Ceremony to the people of Wellington.
The approximately 300 people in attendance heard the Peace Pole wording “May Peace Prevail on Earth” read aloud in eight different languages, to be followed by the Palm Beach Central High School choral group The Traditions lead by Scott Houchins singing “We are the World”.
As part of the Wellington Rotary Clubs annual Peace Initiative, which runs throughout the year, the club sells the flags of various nations to the general public. The new flags are then flown all along the International Peace Board Walk, which is part of the Rotary Clubs Peace Park where the ceremony is held each year on September 21st.
The club also sponsors competitions within all of the local schools. The Elementary Schools submit posters on the theme of Conflict Resolution, Multicultural Understanding and World Peace. The Middle Schools have poetry competitions and the High Schools enter essays. A photographic competition rounds out the school competitions. The Rotary Club presents cash prizes to all winners and also to the teachers of the elementary school poster competition winners at the ceremony.
Poster Competition Winners-
Panther Run. Sophia Lorello. Teacher. Mrs. Culp.
Binks Forest. Julia Wortman. Teacher. Mrs. Carney.
Elbridge Gale. Shannon Sawyyer. Teacher. Dr. Gale Crane.
Equestrian Trails. Kaleb Martinez. Teacher. Ms. Manzello.
New Horizons. (Grand Prize) Veronica Garcia- Parra. Teacher. Mrs. Mc.Cloud.
Poetry Competition-
Emerald Cove. Judy Yang. Teacher. Kerry Emery
Wellington Landings. Natalie Gomes. Teacher. Amy Yuzenas
Essay Competition-
Palm Beach Central. Kayla Goldstein. Teacher. Ms. Ostaffe
Wellington High. Tyler Bergman. Teacher. Mrs. Cooperman.
Photographic Competition-
Wellington High. 1st Place. Alison Parssi. Teacher. Ms. Bobbie Brubaker.
Wellington High. 2nd Place. Taylor Podder Teacher. Ms. Bobbie Brubaker.
Wellington High. 3rd Place. Brianna Erickson. Teacher. Ms Bobbie Brubaker.
A large contingent of boy and girl scouts was on hand to receive Rotary Club Merit Badges for completing a series of tasks associated with the theme of the Peace Initiative.
Larry Kemp Rotary Co-Chair presented all of the prizes and thanked the students and teachers for all of their efforts.
Each year the Rotary Club also presents a Community Peace Award to a Wellington resident who in their opinion has exemplary service in the area of World Peace and Understanding. This year’s prize went to Carla Neumann who founded Dream Sponsors in 2006 with the aim of providing for the basic needs including medical and emotional support plus money for school fees for slum children in Kenya.
After the singing of “Let there be Peace on Earth’ by The Traditions and a moment of silence the ceremony culminated with the release of Peace Doves, who circled the Peace Park marking the end of a most wonderful ceremony.
The Rotary Club of Wellington and its President Ms Karen Hardin wish to thank the Village of Wellington, plus all of the Rotary volunteers and especially the hundreds of students and teachers, boy and girl scouts who made the Peace Initiative and UN Peace Day so successful.
“May Peace Prevail on Earth!”
September, 2011 – Photo Contest Winners at Peace Ceremony
WHS Students Take Top Honors in Photo Contest in Conjunction With
“Wellington United Nations World Peace Celebration”
Wellington, FL – (September 22, 2011) – Three students from Wellington High School took top honors in a photo contest, which was part of the annual international World Peace Celebration, sponsored locally by the Rotary Club and Village of Wellington. September 21 is the day declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the “International Day of Peace,” a day devoted to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations and peoples.
In a ceremony at Wellington’s Peace Park on September 21, Allison Parssi, senior (1st place), Taylor Podder, junior (2nd place) and Briana Erickson, junior (3rd place) were honored to see their photographs on display. They were further honored when each was presented with a check for their efforts. The contest was open to all high school students in Wellington.
Also honored at the event were students and teachers from schools in the area who produced poems, essays and posters. Taking top honors in the poetry contest were Natalie Gomez, a student at Wellington Landings Middle School and Emerald Cove student Judy Yang. The high school essay contest winners were Kayla Goldstein from Palm Beach Central and Tyler Bergman from Wellington High School. The winning poster was submitted by Veronica Garcia-Para, a student at New Horizons Elementary. Her poster became the “official” poster of the celebration.
The evening’s events included a flag presentation by the PBSO Color Guard; songs by “The Traditions” choral group from Palm Beach Central; the reading of “”may peace prevail on earth” in 8 native languages; a proclamation, delivered by Wellington mayor Darell Bowen, designating September 21 as “World Peace Day in Wellington;” the presentation of an award to Wellington High School student Jake Romano, who received the “SMART” award (Student Mediator Award for Resolution Tactics); and the release of a dozen white doves by Eternal Doves of Florida.
October, 2011 – Create It! Ceramics for Seniors
For further information contact:
Howard Trager, Senior Services Advocate
Phone: 561-791-4785
Date: September 26, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington Hosts Pottery Painting Classes for Seniors
Seniors can get in touch with their artistic side at Wellington’s new Create It! Ceramics classes at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. The first session, consisting of two classes, is Thursday, October 6th and Thursday, October 20th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. The cost is $50 for Wellington residents and $62.50 for non-residents. Fees include all materials and supplies. A second session will be held on Thursday, November 3rd and Thursday, November 17th, also from 9:00 am to 11:30 am. These classes are only available to seniors ages 55 and older.
At each class, instructor Heidi Caravetta will bring ceramic pottery for seniors to paint. Painted pieces will then be taken to be fired. Participants will enjoy a new finished product each week, transforming a plain piece of pottery into a one-of-a-kind treasure that is perfect to keep or give as a gift.
Participants must preregister by visiting the Wellington Community Center or Village Park. Online registration is also available by visiting
www.wellingtonfl.gov, clicking the Parks & Recreation icon and selecting Online Registration in the left-hand pane. For additional information about the Create It! Ceramics classes or other senior programs, contact Howard Trager, Senior Services Advocate, at (561) 791-4785.
www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
October, 2011 – Handyman Workshops for Seniors in Wellington
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington Hosts Handyman’s Seminars for Seniors
Seniors can learn how to save money by making household repairs themselves at Wellington’s free Senior Handyman’s Seminars. Sessions begin on Tuesday, October 4th and will be held each Tuesday in October from 9:30 am to 11:30 am at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard.
Participants must preregister by visiting the Wellington Community Center or Village Park. Online registration is also available by visiting
www.wellingtonfl.gov, clicking the Parks & Recreation icon and selecting Online Registration in the left-hand pane. For additional information about the Handyman’s Seminars for Seniors or other senior programs, contact Howard Trager, Senior Services Advocate, at (561) 791-4785.
www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
October, 2011 – Wellington’s Free Lunch and Learns for Seniors
For further information contact:
Howard Trager, Senior Services Advocate
Phone: 561-791-4785
Date: September 26, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wellington Hosts Free Lunch and Learn Seminars for Seniors throughout October
Seniors can enjoy a free lunch while learning about health and leisure topics throughout the month of October during Wellington’s Senior Wellness Month. Sessions are scheduled from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. The following sessions are available for adult residents ages 55 years and older:
* On Thursday, October 6th, join us for our Hip and Knee Replacement session hosted by Dr. Elvis Grandic of the Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach.
* On Thursday, October 13th, recharge your mind, body and spirit with ‘Take a Break, Take a Cruise,’ hosted by AAA Travel, Royal Caribbean Cruises and Celebrity Cruises.
* On Thursday, October 20th, don’t miss the life-saving session ‘Cardiac Disease Risk Factors and Prevention’ hosted by Cardiologist Dr. Michael Lakow of Palms West Hospital in Loxahatchee.
* Finally, join us on Tuesday, October 25th for ‘Hearing is Believing: Improve Your Quality of Life’ hosted by Jim Karrh of Professional Hearing Aid Centers in Lake Worth.
Residents must preregister for these Lunch and Learn Seminars by visiting the Wellington Community Center or Village Park. Online registration is also available by visiting
www.wellingtonfl.gov, clicking the Parks & Recreation icon and selecting Online Registration in the left-hand pane. For additional information about these or other senior programs, contact Howard Trager, Senior Services Advocate, at (561) 791-4785.For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit
or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.
September, 2011 – A Great Day of Service at St. Peter’s
A Great Day of Service at St. Peter’s Church
On Saturday, September 17, over 200 church members of St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington participated in a variety of service projects in the community and at the church. Projects in the community ranged from landscaping to painting to cleaning windows, etc. at various agencies around Palm Beach County. Members also sang and visited at four nursing/assisted living homes in the area. Projects at the church supported CROS Ministries food pantry, the after school program and the homeless. They also baked cookies for twelve fire and sheriff stations in the area, along with collecting books for Elbridge Gale Elementary School and made blankets for the ill and traumatized children in Palm Beach County. The day began with a great breakfast for all participants. Church members were demonstrating God’s love to the community through practical expressions of kindness. St. Peters United Methodist Church is located at 12200 West Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington. Contact them at (561) 793-5712 or email them at rrichter@stpeters-umc.org. The church’s website is http://www.stpeters-umc.org/.
September, 2011 – CAP at the Cottage
Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County (CAP)
Vogue, vetements de travesti
September 28th, 2011
WHO: Local drag divas – Nicole Sapphire, T.P. Lords, Valerie Dior, Rianna Petrone, Erika Novell and many more will strut their stuff to benefit Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County (CAP)
WHAT: The Cottage cordially invites you to an evening of fun and fashion modeled by local drag celebrities as a benefit for CAP.
WHEN:
September 28th, 2011
8:00 p.m. and Fashion Show 9:30 p.m.
WHERE:
The Cottage
522 Lucerne Avenue
Lake Worth, FL
WHY: Your donation to the event benefits CAP’s participation in the Smart Ride, the 2011 Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride Twenty-Eleven, a 165 mile bike journey from Miami to Key West. CAP received $75,627.76 for its participation in SMART Ride 7 last year.
The Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County provides and promotes education, advocacy, and compassion to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS in Palm Beach County.
HOW MUCH: $10 event donation
GENERAL INFO: For reservations please call 561-586-0080.