My husband and I have been married for 12 years.He has always been a work-a-holic but it has gotten even worse recently.He frequently stays at the office late and often works many hours on the weekends.When he is finally home, he is often too tired to even want to spend time with me.All he wants to do is relax and watch TV.I feel totally neglected and sad.Do you think he could be having an affair?What should I do?
Signed-
Mrs. Lonely
Dear Mrs. Lonely,
I certainly understand why you are feeling sad and disconnected from your partner.It sounds as if he has not been devoting a lot of time to you and your marriage.I would not automatically assume, however, that your husband is having an affair just because he has been unavailable to you.What is clear is that your husband’s energy is being directed outside of the relationship and as a result there has been a “relational energy leak”.Your husband may be “exiting” due to real work demands or “exiting” as a means of acting out his feelings within the relationship, but either way, it is worth having a conversation.Approach your husband with empathy and understanding about how hard he works.Validate him and respect his need for “down-time “.Then explain to him, using “I” statements, how you have been feeling and how much you miss him.See if the two of you can schedule some special alone time each week to go out on a date and just have fun with one another.Setting this time aside for relational reconnection can go a long way in helping you and your partner feel close again.Keep in mind that closing exits and reconnecting with one another is a process and not an event.
I have an 8 year old son, Michael, who has been acting out a lot lately.His father and I have been separated since last summer and I find that since his father moved out, my son is very angry and disrespectful to me.In addition, Michael did quite poorly in school this past year and had a great deal of difficulty focusing in the classroom.The school has encouraged me to consider medication for Michael to help him focus.I am confused as to what to do.I am very concerned about Michael but his father, who shares custody and has our son 3 days a week at his house, thinks I am overreacting.What should I do?
Signed,
Concerned and confused
Dear Concerned and Confused,
Your son has experienced a major life transition since your separation.In addition to experiencing a range of emotions about his parents’ split, your son’s life has grown increasingly chaotic, having to shuttle back and forth from each of his parent’s homes.That being said, it is imperative that you are clear and consistent with Michael about your expectations and about consequences, and that you openly communicate with him to encourage the expression of his feelings.All of this will help to reassure him that he is safe and loved.
You and Michael’s father must quickly unite on how to best co-parent so that Michael gets consistent messages.If it is unrealistic that the two of you can navigate this on your own given your relationship dynamics, I strongly urge you to seek the expertise of a child/behavioral psychotherapist.A professional can work with you both on ways to set consistent limits and to help Michael adjust to his “new normal”.
As far as Michael’s school performance, research shows that children’s academic functioning is often negatively impacted by divorce and separation.To minimize this impact moving forward, I would encourage you and Michael’s father to work closely with the school to set up a home/ school communication system.This will enable you to monitor Michael’s day to day performance and make Michael part of his own behavior plan.Medication may be considered down the road should a behavior plan prove ineffective and should a school psychologist and/or a pediatric psychiatrist feel it is warranted.Lastly, Michael may benefit from a program such as “Banana Splits”, which offers group support for children experiencing parental divorce (see www.bananasplitsresourcecenter.org for more information).
Laura Zipris holds a doctorate in Psychology and is licensed to practice psychotherapy in New York, as well as in Florida. Laura is certified in Imago Relationship Therapy, a transformational approach that has been used successfully with couples around the world to help them to strengthen their partnerships, deepen their connection and reignite their passion for one another. Laura sees individuals of all ages and sexual orientations, couples, families, and groups in her offices located in Wellington and Delray Beach. In addition to her psychotherapy practice, Dr. Zipris works part time as a licensed school psychologist for the Palm Beach County School District.
For more information about Laura, please visit her website atwww.drlaurazipris.com or to set up an appointment, contact Laura directly at (561) 558-7815.
Date: Saturday 1/8/2011 Time: 7:00AM – 3:00PM Location: Okeeheelee Park (Micanopy Pavilian) City: West Palm Beach Contact(s): Kerry Friedman for booth participation; mistykissesxo@gmail.com 561-574-7756 Sponsor(s):
About the event:
Enjoy a day of fun at the 4th Annual Run for the Animals. You can participate in either the 5K Run, 5K Walk, or the 1 Mile Family/Dog Walk. There also will be dog agility contests, prizes, and raffles. Fun for the entire family. Click Here to register for one of these events.
GPA will have a booth set up so we will need volunteers to help show off our beautiful greyhounds. If interested please contact Kerry Friedman.
Also, if interested in being a Sponsor or Vendor for this event please complete an Application Form. For more information contact Barbara Masi at (561) 737-1941 or at animalkindness@pbso.org
HUGS AND KISSES, INC SELECTED AS CHARITY PARTICIPANT
IN BDO 100 GOOD DEEDS PROGRAM
West Palm Beach, FL – Hugs and Kisses, Inc, a local non-profit and charity organization, was selected by BDO USA as a participant in the firm’s nationwide 100 Good Deeds program. In recognition of its centennial year, BDO, a leading professional service organization, chose nonprofits across the country to help accomplish 100 Good Deeds to benefit a variety of causes.
BDO Reps with Hugs and Kisses Bracelets
Hugs and Kisses Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity that mentors students in business while raising funds for cancer patients in desperate financial need.They’ve gained popularity with their trademarked Hugs and Kisses bracelets and other eclectic gifts of fashion accessories that increase awareness of their campaign.
“I discovered Hugs and Kisses, Inc. through a friend who is battling cancer,” said Dave Mullen, BDO Assurance Director in West Palm Beach. “When we learned about their cause we thought they were a great fit for the 100 Good Deeds, A Century of Giving Back campaign.”
As part of the 100 Good Deeds campaign, BDO and Hugs and Kisses, Inc. focused on raising awareness and funds by hosting a fundraising happy hour event at Duffy’s Sports Grill (Villages).Funds raised were allocated to pay living expenses for families whose battle with cancer leaves them unable to afford basic needs. This West Palm Beach fundraiser was the 103rd nationwide event where BDO extended service to community organizations.
“BDO staff and clients personally sacrificed their time and money for the benefit of local families who are in a very grave situation,” said Hugs and Kisses, Inc. Founder Jean Morris. “The event raised $4,000 very quickly.We plan to use funds from this event to help three local families who each have a child battling cancer.”
Interested businesses and individuals can learn more about volunteer opportunities and other ways to help Hugs and Kisses, Inc at http://hugsandkissesinc.org/
About Hugs and Kisses, Inc.
Founded by a mother and her daughter in May 2009, Hugs and Kisses, Inc. began with and continues to receive volunteers as young as 7-years-old to design and manufacture their fashion accessories which are given as gifts for donations made in support of cancer patients in desperate financial need.
The general public can help Hugs and Kisses, Inc. in one of three ways, 1) by donating their unused, household buttons, 2) by volunteering for community service, and 3) by hosting fundraisers or making a financial donation.
Hugs and Kisses, Inc. operates at the Hugs and Kisses Center at 10131 Southern Boulevard in Royal Palm Beach – on the NW Corner of Southern Boulevard and State Road 7 / 441.
Once while driving on the backroads of Vermont in autumn, my friends and I passed a pasture filled with bales of hay wrapped in white plastic.The bales were lined up in a single row and each had a letter painted on it spelling out “cow marshmallows” – a sight you don’t see everyday – so we pulled off the road, climbed the fence to the pasture and went for a stroll on top of the cow marshmallows!On a California trip while driving the Pacific Coast Highway, I detoured onto a side road to see where it led and discovered one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen.Turns out it was Pfeiffer Beach, the location of the love scenes in the movie “From Here to Eternity”.A detour in Ireland in County Kerry led my boyfriend and me to a herd of cattle meandering down the road on their evening walk back to the barn and creating a most unusual traffic jam.In Alaska after spending a week standing in meadows and hiking through woods in search of a moose – and finding only moose droppings – my best friend and I turned onto a street in Anchorage for one last drive before heading to the airport to find a moose waiting for us in the road.Each of these trips was researched and scheduled, but it was the unexpected detours and discoveries that made each journey special. I believe life is a lot like traveling – the unexpected detours and experiences our lives take make the journey much more rewarding!
My life began in the Deep South and this Southern girl now calls New York City home.There are Civil War cannons at the entrance to the hospital where I was born in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and Grant’s Tomb is located just blocks from my apartment in Manhattan. In between these years I have experienced numerous detours from the planned journey.I have learned to accept and appreciate the discoveries along the way and I often feel as if I have lived more than one life!
Married to my high school sweetheart at 18 with two babies by the time I was 21, it seemed the plan for my life was set out like a carefully planned itinerary.But after 25 years of marriage I detoured into unfamiliar territory and began life as a single woman.I had no GPS and no guide book – and many of my closest friends and family members thought I had truly lost my mind – but through all the twists and turns, I found my way to a new life.
Although my life is much different now than I ever imagined, it is filled with a beautiful blend of the old and new. This year I celebrated (and mourned) my 50th birthday.One of my birthday celebrations was in Orlando, Florida where I lived for many years.Each person at the party was asked to tell the story of how they knew me and as I listened to these stories I realized how very lucky I am.The room was filled with friends and family representing at least seven locations and spanning all five decades of my life. Another birthday celebration was held in New York on my birthday eve and once again I was reminded of just how lucky I am to know so many wonderful people from so many places and times.
Despite the twists and turns and unexpected detours of our lives, I believe we have to have some constants in our journey.For me those constants are my family and my best friend of over 25 years.These are the people who have known me the longest and with whom I have experienced so much of my life.My children are in this category.They are my pride and joy and I poured my heart and soul into them working tirelessly to ensure they had the lives they deserved.
My son, Chris, was born when I was just nineteen.Chris proved to be a scholar and an athlete and I have had the privilege of seeing him grow into a man who would make any mother proud.A graduate of the University of Florida, Chris is now a builder in Houston, Texas.He has a beautiful wife and two absolutely gorgeous children.My first grandchild, Katherine, was born 3 years ago while I was on a cross-country road trip with my best friend, Nancy.At the exact moment she was born, Nancy and I were watching a herd of buffalo cross a snowy river in Yellowstone National Park – one of those unexpected experiences of my travels.Katherine is (of course) beautiful and when she calls me “Ter Bear” I melt.Her not-so-little brother, Marshall, was born last December.His huge blue eyes and constant smile would warm anyone’s heart.Seeing my son as a devoted dad fills me with indescribable joy and pride…and gratitude.
My daughter, Jennifer, can make me laugh like no one else.She has been a source of entertainment and joy in my life since her birth.She has a wonderful devoted husband and on November 18th – their fourth wedding anniversary – their first child, Benjamin, joined our family.I am just getting to know this beautiful baby boy but I am in love with him already.As I write this, I am on a plane returning to New York after visiting them to help them adjust to a newborn in their home.Watching my daughter in her first days as a mother has proven to be one of my life’s most precious experiences.Now she truly understands the unconditional love I have always felt for her.
I thought after my marriage ended that I would never truly love again until another unexpected detour led me to Greg.Nine years younger than me and a native New Yorker with a mixed race background, no planned itinerary could have ever brought this Southern girl to Greg but I am so happy I detoured down this road.We have spent the last two years getting to know each other and developing our relationship into something truly unique and special and I would not trade anything for this experience.
So my friends, I encourage you to turn off that GPS and travel down your life’s road embracing the detours that come your way.When one road ends, take another.You never know what unexpected sights and experiences are waiting for you.Happy trails to all!
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at terri.marshall60@gmail.com.
COLUMNIST/HUMORIST, JONATHAN RICHARD CRING AND MUSICIAN JANET CLAZZY AT ST. MICHAEL LUTHERAN CHURCH WELLINGTON WITH TWO PERFORMANCES ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5TH
Wellington (November 17, 2010)– On December 5, St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington will be hosting daily columnist/ humorist, Jonathan Richard Cring and master musician Janet Clazzy. The performances are at 8:30 and 10:45 am; a morning of music and monologue, including readings from Mr. Cring’s book Digging for Gold (in the rule) with original musical tunes performed by Ms. Clazzy on the oboe and WX-5 Wind Machine.
Mr. Cring is the author of eleven books, including I’M. . .the legend of the son of man, 20 Other Reasons to Kiss a Frog, Jesonian, and Living a Legendary Life, a winner of a Billboard Music Award, recent recipient of the Best Screenplay Award at the Top Ten Films in America, and has a daily column at www.jonathots.com.
“Thirty-nine minutes is all we have to give you music, humor, dialogue and some fresh insights about bringing creativity into our practical lives,” Mr. Cring shares from his home in Hendersonville,Tennessee.“The presentation is a delicate and delicious blending of spirit and humor that produces the wonderful by-product of good cheer.”
Ms. Clazzy has played oboe in orchestras for thirty years from coast to coast, including San Jose, Chicago, Shreveport and Houston.“I have this fabulous instrument called the WX-5 Wind Machine which gives me 250 sounds,” she says.“When you add some of the beautiful music and inspiring melodies, it just lends itself to an occasion to enrich the heart and exalt the spirit.”She is also the first female conductor in the State of Tennessee.
Marjorie Weiss, pastor of St. Michael, says that a free will offering will be taken and copies of books, CDs and DVDs of the movies will be available for purchase. For more information call the church at 561-793-4999.The church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive, on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard in Wellington, approx. ½ mile west of the Wellington Mall and just east of the PBC Library.
Three shining stars. Three shining stars of the utmost significance. That’s what I think about when it comes to describing The Naked Stage to anybody who has not heard of this truly magnificent award-winning theatre company. These three shining stars are the co-founders of the company – Artistic DirectorKatherine (Katie) Amadeo, Antonio Amadeo and John Manzelli.
Their most recent production is taking place right now and it’s not to be missed. NO EXIT, a 1944 existentialistFrenchplay by Jean-Paul Sartre, is co-directed by Antonio and John. It’s about three deceased characters who are led into their eternal chambers by a bell-boy portrayed by Mark Della Ventura. The other performers in this production include Andy Quiroga as Vincent Cradeau, a journalist who betrayed members of the resistance movement during WWII, Deborah L. Sherman as Inez Serrano, a lesbian postal clerk who seduced a married woman, and Katie Amadeo as Estelle DeLaunay, a social-climber who killed her son and drove her husband to suicide. Antonio’s scenic design certainly offers a stirring vision of the afterlife. One of Sartre’s most famous quotations, ‘Hell is other people’ comes from this play. “I’m pretty sure at one point or another, we have all related to the line ‘Hell is other people’. Although it was written in the 40s, it’s anything but a stuffy period piece; it’s an intense, thought-provoking, exhilarating night of theatre — for all ages,” Katie says.
This thought-provoking and stunning production is at the Pelican Theatre, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, Fl, 33161 until November 21st. Show times are Thurs – Sat @ 8pm, Sun @ 2pm & 7pm. Tickets are $25 single seat, $18 senior (60+), $12 student (w proper ID) and this company is now proud to offer the ‘sevenUP’ Theatre League and Actors’ Equity discount (pay what you can with a minimum of $7) for all Sunday evening performances. For reservations contact thenakedstage@mac.com or call 866.811.4111.
“NO EXIT is something that has been in the works for quite some time,” Katie explained. “Before Antonio, John and I even started the company, we’d sit around and discuss what each of our dream shows would be; mine was always NO EXIT. That’s the play that made me fall in love with theatre. In our company’s fourth year, we decided it was the right time to produce it. John’s like a brother to me and we’ve worked together so many times, there is a definite trust that has been built. And Antonio knows me better than anyone else; he can easily tell if I’m not being honest on stage or if I’m struggling with something.”
There’s no disputing that the casting of this play is truly one of pure genius.
John Manzelli, Katie Amadeo and Antonio Amadeo
“The show was actually cast by Katherine and myself,” John said. “It was awesome working alongside Antonio. We work very unselfishly together. Our priority was always “what was in the best interest of the show.” We used each other’s strengths and talked about everything (almost ad nauseam) from staging to script to visual aesthetics. We would direct sitting next to each other and when one of us was really rolling along, we would sit back and get out of the way. Antonio is the most unselfish artist I’ve ever worked with and a great friend.”
This marvelous production follows their most recent fundraisers, FLASHLIGHT TALES and THE 24-HOUR THEATRE PROJECT.
Flashlight Tales was held at Flavour in the Grovein Coconut Grove. It was an open mic story-telling night in which the general public was invited to tell ghost stories. The best story – chosen by audience participation in a clap-off, won a Naked Stage T-shirt and two tickets to NO EXIT. The winner was Deborah L. Sherman who told a personal story of friendship, love, loss and mediumship that left participants spellbound.
“I’d been brainstorming ideas for a fundraiser and I wanted to find something a bit out of the ordinary and something with a bit of a dark or spooky theme to play off of NO EXIT (which opened Halloween weekend) and really, my love of all things dark and spooky,” Katie explained.
This troupe’s other and now annual 24-Hour Theatre Festival fundraiser was recently hosted by the Caldwell Theatre Company (caldwelltheatre.com) in Boca Raton and co-sponsored by SouthFloridaTheatre.com. It has manifested itself into the place to be for local theatrical VIPs as they avail themselves to the project. The concept begins on a Sunday night when eight playwrights gather together and randomly choose a title, actors and directors. Overnight they write a play. The next morning rehearsals begin and that evening a professional production takes place.
“I can proudly say that the basic idea of doing it was mine. I was on vacation and I saw a sign for a 24-Hour Theatre Project being held in Seattle,” John explained. “I called Antonio and said, ‘hey, why don’t we do one of these in Miami.’ He talked it over with Katherine and the idea was born. I will say that from that seed, the project’s structure and growth has really been the energy and hard work of Antonio and now, Katherine. This year, I helped Katherine make the day run smoothly and I coordinated about ten interns that served as Stage managers.”
“Yes, it was John who brought up the idea. We thought it sounded like a lot of fun and a great challenge,” Katie said. “We knew that we wanted to have a performance based fundraiser that would bring together the community. The first year we donated proceeds to three other small companies: Mad Cat, Promethean and Ground Up and Rising.”
“My favorite part has always been the curtain call at the end of the show, when EVERYONE involved comes up on stage to take a group bow. It’s such an amazing feeling,” Katie said. “It’s like we’ve all gone through war together and come out victorious! There’s so much love on that stage.”
And because the playwrights, actors, directors, stage managers and interns all volunteer their time, lots of food and beverages are provided for everyone to enjoy. “The food on Sunday night and breakfast the next day was purchased with the money made from Flashlight Tales,” Katie said. “Andie Arthur took care of the dinner on Monday night.”
Andie was one of the playwrights involved in the festival and is also the Executive Director of SouthFloridaTheatre.com. “Actually, as a playwright, I’ve been involved all four years of The Naked Stage’s 24 Hour Theatre Project,” Andie said.
Andie’s play, A Rebel’s Guide to (Utter) Compliancewas directed by Hugh Murphy and performed by Andy Quiroga, Patti Gardner, Lisa Manuli and David Dearstyne. Patti portrayed a proud mamma of a Southern family whose goes on about her ancestral lineage to Stonewall Jackson. Patti’s acting chomps are a superlative combination of Julie Harris, Kim Hunter and Clarie Bloom all rolled into one.
Other playwrights included: Tony Finstrom’sHenry VIII’s Mail Order Bride, directed with aplumb by Avi Hoffman, who made a very funny cameo. Actors were: Amy McKenna, Julie Kleiner, Lindsey Forgey and Stephen G. Anthony. Michael McKeever’sOMG…ROTFLMAO, directed by Adalberto Acevedowith Adam Simpson, Carrie Santanna-Simpson, Karen Stephens and Nancy Barnett. David Sirois wrote Amputease, directed by Des Gallantwith Amy Miller Brennan, Shane Tanner, Mark Della Ventura and Sally Bondi.Chris Demos Brown wrote A Storybook Funeraldirected by Michael Leedswith Tracey Barrow-Schoenblatt, Terry Hardcastle, Lorenzo Gutierrez and Matthew William Chizever. Juan C. Sanchez wrote Armed & Hammereddirected by Amy Londonwith Dave Corey, Jeffrey Bruce, Jackie Rivera and Clive Cholerton (Artistic Director, Caldwell Theatre Company). Lucas Leyva wrote Fardle’s Bear, ingeniously directed by Shari Upbin, starring Ken Clement, Elizabeth Dimon, Irene Adjan and Ryan Didato.And Andrew Rosendorf’sDinner with Draculadirected by Barbara Bradshawwith Lela Elam, Christopher A. Kent, Laura Hodos and Andrea Conte literally brought the house down. This play was expertly directed by one of the areas preeminent actresses (Bradshaw) and all of the performances were thrilling, particularly those of Christopher as Dracula and Lela who in essence was actually playing a parody of herself, but only from the head up.
“I’m so thrilled that The Naked Stage includes me in this whirlwind experience. I get the chance to work with people that I’ve never worked with and make new friends,” Lela said. The process is the same as if we had a “regular” rehearsal schedule, only 100 times faster. Antonio, Katie, and John are great people. They work so hard to put this event together and it doesn’t surprise me that these three could unite almost the entire theatre community.”
In addition to checking out NO EXIT, you’ll find some of the aforementioned individuals on local stages soon:
Andrew Rosendorf: CANE, Florida Stageat theKravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse.Through Nov. 28. Call: (561) 585-3433 or (800) 514-3837.
Antonio Amadeo: A ROUND-HEELED WOMAN along with Sharon Gless, at GableStage. Dec. 30, 2010 – January 30, 2011. Call: 305-445-1119.
Patti Gardner: OLIVER at Actors’ Playhouse, November 17 – December 26,Call: (305) 444-9293 and SUPERIOR DONUTS at GableStage, February 26 – March 27, 2011.
Karen Stephens and Patti Gardner: CLYBOURNE PARKat the Caldwell, January 2 – February 6, 2011.Call 561-241-7432 or 877-245-7432.
Adam Simpson and Carrie Santanna-Simpson: South Florida Playwrights Festival: Part I. Monday, November 15, 2010 at 7:30 PM. Lynn University’s Wold Performing Arts Center,Schmidt Family Studio, 3601 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, FL 33431, (561) 237-9000, tickets@lynn.edu. Playwrights include: “BONEHEAD” and “LOVE STREET CAFE” by Todd Caster; “HOLD ONTO YOUR DREAMS” by Marla E. Schwartz; “DEAD ON” and “WEEKEND” by David Fleisher.
John Manzelli: The new Artistic Director at City Theatre. “I’m extremely excited about the opportunity to lead City Theatre forward into its sixteenth season. Sadly, it will require me to pull back from my position with The Naked Stage. I’ll remain a company member as long as they’ll have me but I’ll have to leave any official role.”
And don’t forget to follow The Naked Stage on Twitter@NakedStage.
***
A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of Kent State University, Marla E. Schwartz is a Senior Writer for Miami Living Magazine and is currently a freelance writer for AroundWellington.com and Lighthouse Point Magazine. Her photographs have appeared in numerous Ohio publications, as well as in Miami Living, The Miami Herald, The Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel and The Palm Beach Post. She has had numerous plays published and produced around the country. Her short play, America’s Working? was produced in Los Angeles at both the First Stage and the Lone Star Ensemble theater companies, in Florida at Lynn University and then at an off-Broadway playhouse in NYC. Her piece, The Lunch Time Café, was a finalist for the Heideman Award, Actors Theatre of Louisville. Please check out the re-prints of her interviews with authors Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson and Dexter novelist Jeff Lindsay in the upcoming October 2010 issue of Duff Brenna’sServingHouse: A Journal of Literary Arts at www.servinghousejournal.com. Please feel free to contact her at marlaschwartz@att.net.
At Playmobil FunPark, located on Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens, join in the fun with raffles and games from 12:00pm to 5:00pm!Admission price is always just $1 per person!!Enjoy special savings on great toys for the holidays too!!
Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com to sponsor Wellington Chamber
“Kick-Off the Equestrian and Polo Season”
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to once again announce our time honored tradition “Kick-Off to the Equestrian and Polo Season” themed luncheon. This exclusive fourth year event will be held on November 17th at the exclusive Wanderer’s Club.
Speaking on their respective venues and events will be Mr. John Wash of the International Polo Club as well as Mark Bellissimo and Michael Stone from Equestrian Sport Productions, LLC, Mason Phelps from Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com and Noreen O’ Sullivan from Wellington Classic Dressage!!
Sponsoring the event is Mason Phelps– Phelps Media Group and PhelpsSports.com.As a rider, trainer, event manager, governance leader and charity organizer, Mason Phelps Jr. has spent four decades helping to shape the equestrian industry. With the founding of Phelps Media Group Inc. in 2004, Phelps carved a niche into the world of public relations – equestrian promotions by people who understand the sport, the industry and the lifestyle
As founder of Phelps Media Group Inc. International, Mason Phelps has been innovative in promoting not only his clients but also the equestrian sport industry in general. PMG Inc. represents clients, including horse shows, farms and athletes throughout the country, and keeps a presence nationwide. Staff work from venues in California, New York, Kentucky and Texas as well as the headquarters in Wellington. With the creation of PhelpsSports.com, a subscription-based website, the equestrian world was given an exclusive “channel” for access and promotion.
With a 13,000-name database of equestrian contacts, farm owners, sponsors and media professionals, Phelps’ access to key stakeholders, equestrian industry leaders and potential patrons is unmatched. In 2008, Phelps facilitated the entry of a new equestrian unit into the Rose Bowl Parade – something that hadn’t happened in nearly a century. The new unit was the United State Olympic Equestrian Team. Through a lifetime of involvement at multiple levels, key industry leaders are not just contacts. They are often close personal friends
The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) is considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in America today. It is a 500-acre “Equestrian Lifestyle Destination” nestled in the heart of an 8,000-acre equestrian paradise in Wellington. During the winter season (December-April) Wellington becomes an equestrian mecca, home to more than 7,000 local and visiting horses of all breeds and sporting disciplines including show jumping, hunter, dressage, western/trail riding, driving and polo.
We are thrilled to announce our 2010-2011 season and can promise a first class experience for equestrian competitors and spectators alike.” “Our venue was created to bring together from around the world, the best riders and trainers, and with our team we are producing spectacular equestrian events and providing the highest levels of facilities and services to fulfill our goal of building the top equestrian showcase on Earth.”WEP’s founding partner, Mark Bellissimo.
International Polo Club Palm Beach is located in Wellington, Florida – South Florida’s famed equestrian sports destination. IPC is a private members club, and home to the Palm Beach Polo Season. Fans flock to IPC for the highest goal tournaments played in the United States, including such prestigious competitions as the USPA Piaget Gold Cup, and the U.S. Open Polo Championship TM. IPC is considered one of the most prominent and well equipped polo facility’s in the world, attracting the world’s top players, including Aldolfo Cambiaso and Nacho Figueras, and America‘s top rated players led by Julio Arellano, Mike Azzaro, and Nic Roldan. The 2011 Palm Beach Polo Season runs from January 2nd through April 17th, and offers a variety or ticket and hospitality options, including our luxe field side Sunday Brunch, in our newly built Nespresso Grande Pavilion, viewing options from our private boxes and grand stands, as well as a more casual field side experience in our Wellington Zone and popular tailgating spots. Sunday Polo Tickets start at $15.For tickets, and more information about International Polo Club Palm Beach, membership and sponsorship opportunities: (internationalpoloclub.com).
” Following our record breaking 2010 polo season, where we welcomed our largest crowds since our inception in 2004, IPC is proud and excited to be a major part of this growing winter equestrian capital of the world, and a driving force behind the equestrian industry’s impact on Palm BeachCounty.” John Wash, IPC Club President
Noreen O’Sullivan is the force behind Wellington Classic Dressage at The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center and International Horse Sport Palm Beach at the Equestrian Estates in White Fences. As manager of what has become Florida’s biggest and most popular dressage series, O’Sullivan brings more than 15 years of show management experience to Wellington Classic Dressage. A long-time member of the Gold Coast Dressage Association, and currently president, O’Sullivan helped launch GCDA’s first international CDI competition – the now annual Gold Coast Dressage Association Opener CDI/W. She brings to Wellington Classic Dressage her experience as both a competitor and a show manager, a combination that allows her to understand the needs of both riders and horses and show management. O’Sullivan and her team, including husband and managing partner John Flanagan, will oversee and manage 5 CDI’s including those for Gold Coast Dressage, Wellington Classic Dressage, the Palm Beach Dressage Derby and International Horse Sport Palm Beach, a new venture for the 2011 winter season.
O’Sullivan is working hard to support the growth of dressage in America. Don’t tell her that dressage shows can’t be successful, because she has already proven that statement wrong. “Even during tough economic times, our shows have grown,” O’Sullivan said. “That tells you something about the strength of the sport.” West Palm Beach and Wellington, she believes, are the prime locations for growing the sport of dressage. “We have a huge wealth of talent here, in terms of horses, riders and trainers. It truely is a unique place for equestrians.”
This will be an interactive, fun and educational event discussing our upcoming Equestrian and Polo seasons as well as new and exciting events! This is an event not to miss if you live, work and play in Wellington!
The Wellington Chamber Luncheon will be held on November 17th. The luncheon begins at 12:00Noon.
Cost for Chamber Members with an RSVP is $ 20.00$ 25.00 for Members with no RSVP and $ 30.00 for Non-Members.
VIP tables start at $ 250.00. Please call 561-792-6525 for reservations.
Comprehensive AIDS Program Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Palm Beach County
( West Palm Beach , Fl) More than 400 friends and supporters of the Comprehensive AIDS Program of Palm Beach County, Inc., (CAP) kicked up their Jimmy Choos at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in West Palm Beach to honor CAP’s milestone 25th Anniversary of serving Palm Beach County at CAPtivating Divas.The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by Diva-luscious entertainment.
International songstress Avery Sommers, courtesy of Rob Russell, Entertainment Director of the Colony Hotel on Palm Beach, kicked off her new CD and got the party started on Sunday night with rousing and joyful strains of Hair’s Age of Aquarius.The Diva of Palm Beach, Ms. Melissa St. John and her cast of Divas Galore lit up the stage in the high-energy drag show while dancing all night long to tunes from the past and today.
“Since its inception in 1985, CAP has grown into one of the most successful community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations in the nation,” said Larry Leed , deputy executive director of CAP. “We are grateful to have such fabulous supporters, some of which have supported the organization for 25 years. We went back to our roots and celebrated our milestone anniversary with a spectacular show like we used to do in the 1980s at The Danny Awards.People enjoyed reuniting with friends they hadn’t seen in years while being entertained by a fantastic cast of Divas.”
Guest had a chance to win an assortment of spectacular auction and drawing items, including a first row seats to see Sir Elton John in concert.To end the night, one lucky guest took home a stylish BMW bicycle valued at over $1,200 who will be donating the bicycle to a student at the Lake Worth High School.
Founder of Palm Beach Principal Players Vicki Halmos treated her entire cast to CAPtivating Divas as the closing night cast party of her recent run of Cabaret and CAP’s 25 Anniversary.
Honorary chairs of the event were Fred and Anjette Scheiman and Doug Randolph. Event chairs were Tony Jordan and Orlando Chiang Event Committee members included, Harold Atchison, Dan Hall, Scott Kent, Cal Miller, Rob Russell, Greg Savarese, Alan Salomon, Charles Capers, Taylor Stevens, Jim Sugarman and Justin Zenko with the support of the CAP Staff Committee.
The event committee unveiled a special tribute plaque designed and created by Orlando Chiang in memory of long time CAP supporter Palm Beacher Lydia Crozier.
Guests included, Bob and Harreen Bertisch, Danielle Cameron, Paul and Beth Clark, Laurie Crozier, Ken and Barnette Druskin , Dr. Leslie Diaz, Dr. David Dodson, ML Farrell, John Foley, Rand Hoch, Jackie Miller, Don and Patsy Mintmire, Tony Plakis, Mark Rutherford, Pam Saba, Judy Schrafft,Harry Action Striebel, Vera Swift, Maria Vazquez, Adm. Phil Whitacre
CAP provides and promotes education, advocacy and compassion to individuals and families infected and affected by HIV and AIDS through case management, education and prevention and other support services.CAP works throughout Palm Beach County to provide housing assistance, food, transportation, mental health counseling and emergency assistance to clients and families living with HIV/AIDS.
Since its inception in 1985, CAP has provided educational services to more than 250,000 people in a variety of settings, including prisons, county schools, on the streets in high-risk neighborhoods, in health settings, substance abuse treatment centers, methadone clinics, and others.The local organization has grown into one of the most successful community-based HIV/AIDS service organizations in the nation.
For more information on CAP programs, other locations and services please contact the Development Department at 561-472-3022 or visit their website at www.cappbc.org
Dear Dr. Z
Their most recent production is taking place right now and it’s not to be missed. NO EXIT, a 1944 
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A native of Toledo, OH and a graduate of 
