Author: Julie Mullen

The Junior League of Boca Raton has appointed Nicole Stelzer as its new president for the 2024-2025 season, as well as a new board of directors.

 

The new leadership team was introduced at the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Annual May Dinner Meeting, which was held at the Delray Beach Club on May 14.  The new term started on June 1.

Nicole Stelzer was preceded by Meghan Shea who served as president for the last year. Nicole has been a member of the Junior League of Boca Raton for 15 years. In her time, she has led several committees including Chairwoman of its signature fundraiser, Woman Volunteer of the Year, and has served four terms on the JLBR’s Board of Directors.

Nicole received her Bachelor of Arts in finance from Florida Atlantic University and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. She has been working as an Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager for 15 years and resides in Boca Raton with her husband and three children.

 

Board members for 2024-25 are Pattie Goldenberg, Sustaining Advisor; Samantha Vassallo, Advisor to the Board; Barbara Sageman, Assistant to the Board; Michelle Coggiola, VP of Finance; Valentina Moretti, VP of Community; Gwenn Feliciano, VP of Communications; Debbie Abrams, VP of Fundraising; Alex Welsh, VP of Membership; Paige Gantt, VP of Strategy and Planning; Amanda O’Brien, Secretary; and Victoria Matthews, President Elect.

About the Junior League of Boca Raton

Throughout the year, JLBR members will contribute more than 35,000 volunteer hours and provide more than $250,000 to support our mission of training volunteers, developing the potential of women and improving the South Florida community through impact areas: child welfare, hunger, and nonprofit support. To learn more about the JLBR, please contact the JLBR office at 561-620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org. Connect with us on facebook.com/JuniorLeagueBocaRaton or Instagram

Today, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—is officially kicking off the 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards. The nationwide competition searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs. Winners are often ordinary four-legged companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives on the battlefield, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall contributing to the wellbeing of people.    “Through the Hero Dog Awards, we honor and celebrate the immense hope, courage, and quality of life that dogs bring to our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We look forward to sharing inspiring stories of these canines with the voting public so we can give our hero dogs the recognition they truly deserve.”   People across the United States can nominate their four-legged champions starting today at HeroDogAwards.org.   This year’s five categories include: Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs Therapy Dogs Military Dogs Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs   Nominations are open now through August 1, 2024. Every year, American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards honor the exceptional working dogs from around the country. After votes are cast, Hero Dogs concludes with a star-studded gala awards show that will air on national television. Celebrities who have participated in the past include Carson Kressley, Christie Brinkley, Kristen Chenoweth, among many others.   American Humane thanks its sponsors, including PetsBest and Lulu’s Fund. Without them, the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards would not be possible. For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, visit HeroDogAwards.org. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.     For more information, visit americanhumane.org.   About American Humane American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information, visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow on FacebookXInstagram, and YouTube.

On Wednesday, June 19, at 6pm, enjoy an oenophilic tour of celebrated vintages beneath a blanket of stars at Galley located at Hilton West Palm Beach.

Inspired by the world’s most illustrious terroirs, guests will savor a five-course feast presented by Galley’s chef Nicco Salanitro. Each course will be complemented by live music and fine wine from PlumpJack Estate Winery. The evening’s special guest is Scot Gaffney who will present tasting notes on each tantalizing pour.

The evening’s menu:

 

FIRST COURSE

Foie Gras

Grilled Cold Poached Apple | Citrus Honeydew Crema |

Balsamic Caviar | Crisp Guanciale

Featured wine: Cade Sauvignon Blanc

 

SECOND COURSE

Beet Carpaccio

Frise | Blackberry & Raspberry Whipped Goat Cheese | Oregano | Fresh Citrus | Toasted Pistachio | Ardoino Olive Oil

Featured wine: PlumpJack Merlot

THIRD COURSE

Pork Belly

Blueberry Bourbon BBQ Glaze | Torched Peaches |

Peach Nectar

Featured wines: PlumpJack Cabernet Sauvignon &

Cade Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

 

FOURTH COURSE

Smoke Rub NY Strip

Wood Fired Grilled | Charred Asparagus |

Porcini Mushroom & Green Peppercorn Velouté

Featured wine: PlumpJack Syrah

FIFTH COURSE

Blueberry Cobbler

Vanilla Whipped Cream | Fresh Mint

Featured wine: Adaptation Petite Syrah

 

Cost is $199 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. To purchase tickets, click here.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Photography HERE

Photo credit: Hilton West Palm Beach

On Wednesday, May 22, The Mall at Wellington Green and The Village of Wellington hosted ribbon cutting ceremonies for Lifetime Kitchen and Daniel’s Jewelers. Mall leadership and staff, Village officials, and local leaders joined together to officially welcome the new tenants to the Wellington community.

Lifetime Kitchen opened a temporary location in the Mall in March 2021 and became a full-time tenant in August 2023 when it vastly expanded into its current 5,500 square foot store. The locally-owned retailer offers luxury kitchen and culinary items, from fashionable Italian coffee makers to chef-quality steak knives. The store is located on the second floor above the Grand Court. For more information, visit lifetimekitchen.com or call (561) 370-3891.

In November 2023, Daniel’s Jewelers opened its third Florida location at The Mall at Wellington Green. With over 75 years’ experience in the diamond and jewelry industry, the family-owned store offers an expansive collection of sought after items, including watches, engagement rings, and customizable pieces. The 1,044-square-foot store is located on the first floor, adjacent to the Grand Court. For more information, visit danielsjewelers.com or call (561) 944-6042.

“These are exactly the kind of businesses we want to celebrate,” said Vice Mayor John McGovern. “Stores like Daniel’s Jewelers and Lifetime Kitchen add to the vibrancy of not only the Mall, but the Wellington community as a whole.”

Notable attendees included Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Councilwoman Maria S. Antuña, and Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri.

“These unique, family-owned stores are the heart and soul of The Mall at Wellington Green,” said Asad Sadiq, General Manager of the Mall. “We’re so grateful they have chosen our community in Wellington as their home.”

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.

 

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, and The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History. 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. 

 

Photography:

Daniel’s Jewelers

Lifetime Kitchen

More than 100 local business owners from the Building Us Network and throughout Palm Beach County gathered in The District at The Mall at Wellington Green to learn more about a lifesaving drug and how it can potentially save lives in the workplace.

On May 24, the Community Recovery HUB of Palm Beach County hosted a special opioid awareness breakfast and Naloxone (Narcan) training workshop. Executive Director Micah Robbins led the Narcan seminar which included how to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid emergency and how to properly administer the nasal spray to reverse the effects of an overdose.

The seminar’s special guest was community activist and Pastor Rae Whitely of Trinity Counseling Center. “Community involvement is the key to overcoming this disease,” he said. “It’s the future generation, our youth, that we need to protect.”

Community Recovery HUB of Palm Beach County is located at 2120 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (866) 472-2482 or visit pbchub.org.

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

La Playa at Hilton West Palm Beach will celebrate Memorial Day Weekend Pool Party featuring BBQ specials by chef Oscar Rave, poolside Patron cocktails, dancing, and a live DJ on May 25–27.

Memorial Day Weekend Menu:

FOOD SPECIALS

Baby Back Ribs

$19

Guava BBQ sauce (4 ribs)

Smoked Brisket Sandwich

$22

Grilled onions, aged white cheddar, brioche bun, and fries

Grilled Mahi Mahi Sandwich

$20

Citrus coleslaw and fries

Yuca Fries Poutine

$18

Pulled pork, Alabama white BBQ sauce, and crispy onions

DRINK SPECIALS

$16 each

Grey Goose Peach Spritz

Grey Goose Frozen Strawberry Lemonade

Patron Reposado Paloma

Patron Reposado Margarita

Patron Cocktail Tree

Silver Patron

$60

Reposado Patron

$75

La Playa hours are Friday–Saturday, 11am–7pm, and Sunday, 11am–6pm.

Purchase a holiday party ResortPass at resortpass.com/hotels/hilton-west-palm-beach.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Photography HERE

Photo credit: Hilton West Palm Beach

Independence Day may be relaxing and fun for us, but it can be frightening and even dangerous for pets.

July 5 is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters as they are housing companion animals that fled in fright the night before. They are often found miles from their homes, disoriented and exhausted. Anxious families can find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break from her leash.

If your pet is upset by thunder, a door slamming, or other loud noises, Fourth of July fireworks will be utterly terrifying, so take these precautions:

Your pets won’t enjoy the fireworks display, so leave them at home! Keep them inside, and if possible, shielded from loud noises. Keep windows closed and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light. If loud noises upset your pets, do not leave them alone; ensure someone can stay with them. If you’re the one staying with them, act calm and give them reassuring pets and hugs; animals look to you to see how you’re reacting. If you think your pets should be given medication to help ease their stress, consult your veterinarian well in advance. Contact an animal behaviorist to work with your pets on their fears. With some positive reinforcement and behavior modification training, by next Independence Day, you all may be worry-free! Be sure that all ID tags are properly affixed to your pet’s collar and that they have your current contact information, including cell number(s). Update your microchip registrations and pet license information to ensure they are current.

“It’s with these tips and tricks we can keep our furry companions relaxed throughout the holiday,” says American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert, Ph.D. “We can make sure that the Fourth of July is a joyful occasion for everyone, including our beloved animals.”

For more information on American Humane, visit americanhumane.org.

 

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, with offices in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, visit AmericanHumane.orgFacebookTwitterInstagram, and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

Boynton Beach, FL (May 22, 2024) — Beat the summer heat with savory specials from Josie’s Ristorante in Boynton Beach. The family-owned Italian favorite has unveiled weekly specials starting May 24 through August 31.  The summer specials are offered throughout the bar and dining areas, when applicable.

Meatball & Martini Mondays feature $3 meatballs and $3.50 sliders, along with $4 off full priced martinis. Choices include watermelon, limoncello, and espresso.

Take-Out Tuesday’s special is perfect for those looking to stay in the comfort of their own home. Receive 25% off all entrees for take-out and delivery. Use code: 25OFF.

Wine and Warrior Wednesday features 40% off all bottles of wine under $80. For veterans or active-duty military, receive 25% off one entree.

BOGO 50% Thursday offers buy one entree, get one 50% off for take-out and delivery. Use code: BOGO.

Enjoy a complimentary bottle of French Rose All Day with the purchase of two full priced lunch entrees, available from open to 4 p.m.  Rosé All Day is harvested and bottled in the South of France.

About Josie’s Ristorante

Josie’s Ristorante uses only the freshest and highest quality ingredients in every dish, from succulent seafood and prime steaks, to locally sourced produce. Family owned since 1993, Josie’s has recently renovated its interior and exterior including new booths, tables and chairs, as well as its scenic patio. Josie’s Ristorante is located at 650 E. Woolbright Rd., Boynton Beach. For more information, call (561) 364-9601 or visit https://www.josiesristorante.com.

In honor of Memorial Day on May 27, Josie’s Ristorante, an award-winning Italian restaurant in Boynton Beach, will offer specials throughout lunch and dinner. To pay tribute to those who have served, active-duty military and veterans will receive 25% off their checks. Craving classic Italian cuisine...