More than 200 guests gathered at the Orchid Outreach Cocktail Party on February 2 at Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club. Orchid Outreach, an organization started in 2002 to provide scholarship assistance to Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club employees and their families, first responders and their families, and Indian River County students in need, named 22 new scholarship recipients for the 2024-25 academic year, five of whom have ties to Orchid Island.
Hosted this year at the home of Orchid Island’s Gerri and Bob Ripp, the annual cocktail reception showcased delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages prepared and served by Orchid Outreach Committee members. Special guests included Camila Wainwright of the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County along with Indian River State College representatives’ Dr. Terri Graham, Sherri Mounds, and Annabel Robertson. 11 of the 22 scholars attended.
“We are thrilled to help these deserving scholarship recipients fulfill their goals and build their future,” said Maureen Baus, chairwoman of Orchid Outreach. “The giving spirit of Orchid members is why it’s such a special place and I’m so happy to report we surpassed this year’s fundraising goal.”
Indian River State College recipients receiving full scholarships are:
Melissa Quickel
Jurie Fontanilla
Joanna Fontanilla
Tess Paterson
Krystal Escalante-Nelson
Anthony Dekker
Cari Dekker
Parker Smith
Donavyn Holiday
Skyler Almand
Casey Dean
Jenna Simmons
Laysha Magana
Adrianna Larkey
Hailey Holland
Emma Grunzweig
Matthew Macdonald
Dorian Trammell
Rossie Jenkins
Ellen Kalogris
Orchid Outreach also awarded two partial scholarships to:
Caleigh Presley, Florida State University
Jasmine Delgado, University of Central Florida
Scholarships are administered on Orchid Outreach’s behalf by the Scholarship Foundation of Indian River County and the Indian River State College Foundation.
The scholarships are designed to enable deserving students to further their education in a way that best helps them achieve their goals, including:
– Full-time students working toward a bachelor’s degree attending four-year institutions throughout the country
– Full-time or part-time students at Indian River State College pursuing bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas through a two-year degree, a four-year degree, or certificate programs
Since Orchid Outreach’s inception in 2002, the Orchid membership has contributed in excess of $1.4 million and 178 scholarships have been awarded to worthy, qualified high school graduates and college students.
The Orchid Outreach Committee includes Maureen Baus (Chair), Donna Bleck, Alysia Bowsher, Sylvia Brown, Pat Chartrand, Jacki Chernoff, Keena Clifford, Gerry Collins, Joan Crosby, Olivia Delacruz, Barbara Eager, Sherrerd Steele Flasinski, Anne Golensky, Judy Gow, Jan Gowski, Mary Grandy, Pat Heanue, Irene Hill, Susan Johnson, Colette Kennedy, Tracy Lamport, Ann Loeffler, Adrienne Lower, Mary Lownes, Peggy Marino, Jennifer McGreenery, Ruthie McNally, Janet Ramer, Lucy Reinhardt, Gerri Ripp, Carol St. John, Pat Scott, Laura Shucart, Grace Skrzypczak, Annamelia Smith, Jacquie Storch, Donna Thrailkill, Margaret Walsh, and Janet Younker.
Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is located at One Beachside Drive, Vero Beach. For information or real estate inquiries, call (772) 388-3888 or visit OrchidIslandFL.com.
About Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club
Spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indian River, Orchid Island Golf and Beach Club is highly sought-after for its laidback waterfront lifestyle. The Beach Club serves as the heart of the community, with a resort-style pool, world-class fitness center, salon and spa, and multiple dining venues – all overlooking the azure Atlantic Ocean. Residents also enjoy nearly a mile of a secluded beach, an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course, and an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary. Located along Florida’s Treasure Coast, Orchid Island is home to a wide variety of premier riverfront and oceanfront estates, courtyard homes, cottages, and mid-rise condominiums.
In celebration of Lunar New Year, Le Colonial, the acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant located at 601 East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, will host a Lion Dance Show on Saturday, February 1 at 6 p.m. and will highlight dishes that are reminiscent of the holiday.
Lunar New Year, also known as Tết in Vietnamese, begins on January 29 and lasts for 23 days. Lunar New Year is commonly regarded as one of the most important holidays in Vietnamese culture: it signifies the arrival of spring and involves a multitude of traditions, celebrations, and cuisine. One of the holiday’s most celebrated traditions are Lion and Dragon dances.
On the evening of Saturday February 1, Le Colonial will host a Lion Dance show, featuring two lions and a drum team from Lee Koon Hung Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu Association. The 15-minute show will take place throughout the restaurant and will be free for diners.
Throughout Lunar New Year, Le Colonial will offer its standard dinner menu, which features several dishes reminiscent of the holiday, such as Goi Cuon ($15) the Chilled Shrimp Roll; Ca Chien Saigon ($95), a whole crispy red snapper for two; and Mi Xao He ($14), Garlic Noodles, for those looking to celebrate with authentic cuisine.
“Visitors will get an authentic experience,” said Nicole Routhier, Partner and Culinary Director at Le Colonial. “The soul of Le Colonial’s food is Vietnamese, and our servers are trained and well versed in Vietnamese cuisine to guide the dining experience.”
About Le Colonial
Le Colonial is a celebration of the seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Delray Beach, Naples, Lake Forest, IL, and Denver, the famed Vietnamese restaurant launched over three decades ago by celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King and has been raved about by countless American critics, celebrities, and tastemakers in New York. Under the direction of acclaimed Vietnamese chef and cookbook author, Nicole Routhier, along with culinary director Hassan Obaye, the culinary team balances classic Vietnamese recipes and today’s health-conscious preferences, bringing the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and premium seafood and meats to life through an artful use of herbs and spices.
For more information, visit www.lecolonial.com, follow lecolonial_restaurants or call 561-566-1800.
Novecento, the Argentinian-influenced concept which recently opened a new location in downtown Delray Beach will offer a special prix fixe menu for Valentine’s Day.
Novecento’s special “For 2” menu will be available from February 14th through February 16th, and includes two appetizers, two entrees, and one dessert for $95+ per couple.
Starter options include Burrata, with pistachio herb oil, Maldon salt, heirloom tomatoes, and sourdough bread; Arancini featuring Arborio rice, mozzarella, and spicy pomodoro; and Shrimp Cocktail served with cocktail sauce and lemon zest.
Main course selections include Fiochetti pasta purses with gorgonzola sauce and charred pears; pan-seared chicken, an all-natural half-chicken with wine and herb reduction, grilled vegetables, and mashed potatoes; Salmon, crusted with pistachios and served with quinoa and heirloom cherry tomatoes; and Wagyu Denver Steak (+$10), a Snake River Farm American wagyu, served with mashed potatoes and charred asparagus.
Finally, each pair can choose from two decadent desserts: Tiramisu Brûlée, with mascarpone mousse, lady fingers, and espresso, or Todo Chocolate, a warm chocolate truffle cake served with whipped cream and chocolate ice cream.
Beverages from Novecento’s extensive wine, beer, and cocktail lists will also be available for additional cost. Diners can toast the night with unique cocktails such as the Matador ($15) featuring Monkey Shoulder Scotch Whiskey, honey, lime, basil, and fresh strawberry or the Lychee Gin & Tonic with Martin Miller’s Gin, JF Haden’s Lychee Liqueur, and Fever Tree Mediterranean tonic, served with a floral garnish.
Novecento Delray is located at 116 NE 6th Avenue. For more information, visit novecento.com or call (561) 450-6101.
About Novecento
Novecento is an Argentinian-influenced restaurant concept serving premium steaks and signature pastas. Novecento first opened its doors in 1991 in SoHo, New York and then expanded internationally with spots in Cañitas, Argentina; Punta del Este, Uruguay; Cordoba, Argentina; and finally, South Florida. Owned by SuViche Hospitality Group, Novecento is dedicated to offering fresh and high-quality food for brunch, lunch, and dinner and has welcomed guests for more than three decades. Its five restaurant locations in Miami are located in Aventura, Brickell, Doral, Delray, and Key Biscayne, plus one non-traditional location at Hard Rock Stadium and participating at The Miami Open and F1.
About SuViche Hospitality Group
SuViche Hospitality Group is a South Florida-based hospitality brand which owns SuViche and Novecento restaurants and Panamericano, an exclusive speakeasy-style bar. Launched in 2010, SuViche Hospitality Group focuses on brand growth for the groups’ nine restaurants, and one non-traditional location, while providing fresh and authentic food with high-quality ingredients. The company is committed to ensuring team member and guest satisfaction across its restaurant portfolio.
Le Colonial, the acclaimed French-Vietnamese restaurant located at 601 East Atlantic Avenue in downtown Delray Beach, will feature a prix fixe menu on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14.
This Valentine’s Day, customers will enjoy the romantic and elegant ambiance of Le Colonial, along with a curated selection of delicious dishes. Le Colonial’s prix fixe menu will include three courses: one small plate or raw bar selection, one large plate and one dessert for $125.
Appetizer choices include Chao Gio, a crispy shrimp and pork roll; Sui Cao Chien, pan seared chicken dumplings; and Goi Cu Cai Do, beet salad, among other options. Raw Bar selections, such as Ca Song, spicy yellowfin tuna tartare, will also be available.
Featured entrées include favorites like Bo Luc Lac, a flavorful shaking beef dish that has been featured on Le Colonial’s menu since 1993. Other choices include Tom Xao Sate, spicy shrimp stir fry; Ga Nuong Xa, roasted lemongrass chicken and more
Finally, customers will top off a romantic dinner with Le Colonial’s featured Valentine’s Day dessert: Noire at Blanc Trio, with Valrhona chocolate cremeux, raspberry almond frangipane, tartelette, chocolate covered long stem strawberry, Yuzu lemon curd and almond streusel.
Exotic cocktails like the Lychee Martini ($18), Signature Cocktails like the Smoked Old Fashioned ($25), along with wine and champagne options, will also be available for additional cost.
Le Colonial Delray will be open for dinner on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14 from 5 to 10 p.m. The lounge will open at 4 p.m.
About Le Colonial
Le Colonial is a celebration of the seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s. With locations in Chicago, Houston, Atlanta, Delray Beach, Naples, Lake Forest, IL, and Denver, the famed Vietnamese restaurant launched over three decades ago by celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King and has been raved about by countless American critics, celebrities, and tastemakers in New York. Under the direction of acclaimed Vietnamese chef and cookbook author, Nicole Routhier, along with culinary director Hassan Obaye, the culinary team balances classic Vietnamese recipes and today’s health-conscious preferences, bringing the freshest, locally sourced vegetables and premium seafood and meats to life through an artful use of herbs and spices.
For more information, visit www.lecolonial.com, follow lecolonial_restaurants or call 561-566-1800.
Josie’s Ristorante, the family-owned Italian favorite located in East Boynton Beach, has unveiled a reimagined brunch menu, curated by renown Chef Mark Militello. Josie’s new brunch menu is available Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Chef Militello’s brunch menu includes a list of inviting starters, such as House Made Granola ($12), with Greek yogurt and mixed berry jam; and Maple and Black Pepper Bacon Steaks, served with a Cipollini onion sauce ($12).
Brunch entrees include several egg and omelet options, including Eggs Benedict ($16), complete with an English muffin, old bay hollandaise and a side of crispy potatoes, with an option to add crab or lobster (additional $5). The new menu also offers an assortment of waffles and toasts, such as the Waffle Your Way ($14), a choice of a blueberry or plain waffle, served with a side of two freshly scrambled eggs and bacon; and the Avocado Toast ($14), with Artisan bread, poached eggs, cheddar cheese, spinach, charcoaled tomato and corn relish. Salads and sandwiches, like The Brown Derby Cobb Salad ($18), complete with grilled chicken, tomatoes, avocado, smoked bacon, blue cheese, olives and cherry tomatoes; or the Toasted Maine Lobster Croissant Sandwich ($24), loaded with egg, cheese, lettuce, tomato, celery, and mayonnaise and served with a side of fruit, are also available.
During brunch hours, Josie’s will offer its signature Bottomless Mimosas ($12) and Bottomless Bloody Mary’s ($12).
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.
Love is in the air this month at The Mall at Wellington Green! This February, the mall will host a treasure trove of Valentine’s Day festivities, complimentary Kids Club events, workout classes, and more.
Valentine’s Photo Booth
February 1- February 13
Free
Grand Court
Snap a picture at this Valentine’s photo booth for a chance to win big! To enter, post your Valentine’s Day photo to your Instagram feed and tag @wellingtongreen, and make sure you are following the mall. The winner will be selected on Monday, February 17 and will win $250 shopping spree!
Kids Club Action Arena
Saturday, February 8
11am-1pm
Free
The District
The Mall at Wellington Green is thrilled to partner with Hado USA for Kids Club Action Arena! The inaugural event will feature innovative and virtual reality dodgeball games, indoor bounce houses, and more family-friendly activities.
Galentine’s Day Sip & Paint
Thursday, February 13
5-7:30pm
$20 per person
The District
Girls just want to have fun getting crafty! Guests will enjoy a performance from a live guitarist, light bites, champagne, and get to take home swag. Registration is required. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
Hearts & Soul Weekend
February 13-16
Free
The District
All weekend, the mall will collaborate with Wellington Art Society to hold a pop-up art exhibit, featuring beautiful artworks made by members of the local community. Plus, on Saturday, February 15 from 5-8pm, there will be a reception with a live art demonstration and artwork for purchase. The reception is free to attend.
Couple’s Sip & Paint
Friday, February 14
5-7:30pm
$20 per person
The District
Grab your favorite plus one and unleash your inner artist at Couple’s Sip & Paint class, co-hosted by the mall and Wellington Art Society. The romance-filled evening of painting will feature a live guitarist, light bites, champagne, and swag for guests to take home. Registration is required. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
Mommy & Me Valentine’s Day
Wednesday, February 19
10:30am-12pm
Free
Grand Court
Parents and children under five are invited to celebrate Valentine's Day at the mall. The morning will feature a Zumbini class taught by Regina Rossi, a Valentine's Day craft party, tasty treats, and more.
“Love Is In the Air…” Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
Saturday, February 15
10:30-11:30am
Free
The District
Love the one you’re with! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s Zumba dance party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.
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.
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. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.