(PRESS RELEASE)_(West Palm Beach, FL – January 30, 2019) The Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden welcomed more than 100 volunteers, staff, board members school partners, and sponsors last weekend to a sneak preview of the just completed, family-friendly attraction, TWISTED: Patrick Dougherty Entwined at Mounts Botanical Garden. This awe-inspiring new eco-exhibition is part of the Garden’s 40th Anniversary RUBY JUBILEE celebration, and officially opened to the public on Sunday, January 27.

Located in the Great Lawn area of the Garden, this interactive, environmental exhibit features an original, massive, stickwork sculpture designed by internationally acclaimed artist Patrick Dougherty and created on site through a “community build”  by 106 volunteers utilizing 30,000 pounds of willow.  It invites visitors to wander through, admire, and become part of a living art experience.

The sculpture was officially named “Cutting Corners” by the artist as an ode to the five structures that intersect, creating a maze-like experience for visitors to walk through and a look reminiscent of a fortress that encourages awe and wonder.

“Cutting Corners is the type of magic that results when you bring together imagination, a community of friends, and the simplest of materials,” says Rochelle Wolberg, Garden Curator-Director.  “Mounts Botanical Garden is very privileged to be showcasing a Stickwork composition by Patrick Dougherty that truly took a community of friends and volunteers to bring to fruition.”

“A very special thanks to all of our Community Build volunteers, including Mounts Botanical friends, members and staff; master gardeners; Palm Beach County Extension staff members; representatives from the Junior League of the Palm Beaches; and individuals who travelled from as far as Orlando and Miami to be part of our Stickwork construction,” Wolberg adds.

Note: A time-lapse video of the community build of Cutting Corners will soon be available for viewing on www.mounts.org.

 (PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, FL – City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill and executive chef Andris Salmanis will celebrate the art of romance with a convivial Valentine’s Day dining menu that would even make a lothario swoon.

Menu selections for surf and turf lovers include a pan-roasted Atlantic black sea bass with rock shrimp, hearts of palm and saffron cream, the prime barrel cut ribeye with black truffle potato gratin, sautéed white asparagus, and bone marrow compound butter, or housemade seafood cannelloni with lobster, shrimp, blue crab, and artisan ricotta. End the night on a perfectly sweet note with the floral bouquet cake accompanied by rose mousse, shaved white chocolate, and wildflower honey tuille. So good, you might be tempted to kiss the chef. 

Don’t worry, our lips are sealed. 

City Cellar Wine Bar and Grill is located in CityPlace at 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. For more information or to make a reservation, call (561) 366-0071 or visit citycellarwpb.com.

(PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, FL — Hey Cupid! This Valentine's Day, take your favorite plus-one out for a night they'll never forget at South Florida’s celebrated food hall, Grandview Public Market.

On Thursday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m., Louis Grayson and Elizabeth Thephithack of Poké Lab Eatery and Ramen Lab Eatery will present a romance-infused, chef-driven Omakase dinner (Japanese for "I leave it to you!"), featuring an eight-course feast with optional sake pairings, complimentary photography, and live music.

The three-hour culinary seduction will include organic salmon with orange supreme, yuzu ponzu sauce, orange oil, and micro greens; seared bluefin tuna with edamame, wasabi purée, ginger, and white truffle oil; 10-hour braised Korean short rib with housemade kimchi; miso-marinated Chilean sea bass with mushroom risotto; and decadent matcha mousse with black sesame ice cream for dessert.

Cost is $65 per person for food only; $80 for food and sake pairings. Pricing excludes tax and gratuity. Seating is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit https://bit.ly/2CLyu2L.

Grandview Public Market is located at 1401 Clare Avenue, West Palm Beach. Complimentary valet parking is available. For more information, call (561) 323-4103 or visit grandviewpublic.com.

(NORTH PALM BEACH NEWS)_From Ed Cunningham, Communications Manager: "​Checkout the patio dining area. That's it in the 1st photo coming out of the ground above the cart barn. The 2nd photo shows a view looking down onto the supports that will hold the second floor and restaurant. The 3rd photo is the side of the building that will open toward the pool. It all looks raw, but will be a source of community pride for Village residents once complete."

 (PRESS RELEASE)_(Palm Beach, FL – January 28, 2019) The Actors Fund, a national human services organization that has served all professionals in the performing arts and entertainment industry since 1882, today announced that Tony and Emmy Award winning actress/singer/dancer Bebe Neuwirth will serve as Celebrity Host/Emcee at the 10th anniversary Heart & Soul Gala that will be held on Thursday, March 14, at 7 pm, at The Breakers in Palm Beach.

A benefit for Career Transition For Dancers, a program of The Actors Fund, the glamorous Heart & Soul Gala will honor Palm Beach cultural philanthropist Anka Palitz, along with Ethan Stiefel, principal guest instructor at American Ballet Theatre, and ABT principal dancer Gillian Murphy. Not only was Ethan Stiefel the first individual dancer supported by Mrs. Palitz, he and fellow honoree Gillian Murphy are married and expecting their first child.

As Vice Chair of The Actors Fund Board of Trustees, Bebe Neuwirth is the founder of The Dancers’ Resource, a program of The Actors Fund that addresses the unique challenges of dancers’ physical and emotional health. Ms. Neuwirth is a two-time Tony Award winner (Sweet Charity in 1986, Chicago in 1997) and won two Emmys for her role as Lilith in Cheers. Additional Broadway credits include A Chorus Line, Dancin’, Little Me, Damn Yankees, Fosse and The Addams Family; and she has appeared in such major motion pictures as Say Anything, Bugsy, Malice, Jumanji and Tadpole. Her TV career includes roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Blue Bloods, Frasier, Law & Order: Trial By Jury, The Good Wife and 71 episodes of Madam Secretary.

The 10th anniversary Heart & Soul Gala in Palm Beach will include celebratory cocktails, gourmet dinner, a live auction by Neil Saffer, and extraordinary performances by Ballet Palm Beach, Boca Ballet Theatre, and Dance Town USA. Music will be provided by the incredible Alex Donner Orchestra.

Tickets are $650 per person and sponsorship opportunities are available. To RSVP or for more information, please call 561.502.3486.

(PRESS RELEASE)_(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – January 28, 2019) Colleen Smith, Artistic Director of Ballet Palm Beach today announced that the highly acclaimed professional ballet company will present the perfect pre-Valentine’s Day love story, translated by dance and guided by Prokofiev’s passionate score.

February 8-10
+ Friday at 7 pm
+ Saturday at 1 pm & 7 pm
+ Sunday at 4 pm
ROMEO & JULIET

In Renaissance Italy, two noble families, the Montagues and the Capulets, are embroiled in a long-standing feud. All matters become tragically complicated when a young Romeo Montague and a beautiful Juliet Capulet fall in love at a masquerade ball. This romantic and yet tragic ballet features exciting sword fights, dramatic pas de deux, and vivid ensemble scenes. Prokofiev’s powerful score guides the Shakespearean tale of family feuds, young love, and tragic irony. Aaron Melendrez dances the part of Romeo and Lily Ojea Loveland reprises her role as Juliet. (For ages 6 and up.)

The King’s Academy
Page Family Center for the Performing Arts
8401 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach
Tickets: $30-$45

This is the fourth time that Ballet Palm Beach has presented ROMEO & JULIET, choreographed and set by Colleen Smith, Claudia Cravey, and Marshall Levin.

"The chemistry on stage is incredible,” says Cravey, Artistic Associate of Ballet Palm Beach. “The performance will leave audience members with a deeper understanding of Shakespeare’s greatest love story.”

How to Purchase Tickets to ROMEO & JULIET:

Please call the box office at 888.718.4253 or visit http://www.balletpalmbeach.org/romeo-and-juliet-feb2019/.

(PRESS RELEASE)_​On Friday, February 1, set your entertainment GPS for Grandview Public Market in West Palm Beach and throw it down on the dance floor at Callejón!

Hosted by Celis and Zipitios, the epic dance party kicks off at 8 p.m. on the outdoor Loading Dock. Enjoy complimentary Bacardi cocktails from 8-9 p.m. and sway under the stars while a DJ spins old school reggaeton, hip hop beats, and more until 12 a.m. Ages 21 and up. Free.

Grandview Public Market is located at 1401 Clare Avenue, West Palm Beach. Complimentary valet parking is available. For more information, call (561) 771-6100 or visit grandviewpublic.com.

Looking for that special Valentine's Day gift? How about the gift of wellness? The Naples Grande Beach Resort, as well as the Cheeca Lodge and Spa in the Florida Keys, are offering these spa treatments:

The Spa at Naples Grande Beach Resort is a freestanding facility with four Japanese-style pavilions featuring 12 treatment rooms, a floating hair and nail salon, plus a couples villa for romantic treatments for two.

Romantic Chardonnay Ritual. 110- min $495 ( For Couples)
The first part of this 100-minute romantic ritual will be performed by just you and your partner in our private couple’s villa using a scrub featuring French Chardonnay grape seed oil, one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature.  This truly blissful experience begins with a couple’s shower and a delicious, aromatic, mutual scrub exfoliation. Then you will apply a silky hydrating treatment to one another while acting as skilled therapists. Next you will enjoy a relaxing 50-minute Chardonnay couples massage performed by two of our intuitive therapists who will utilize Swedish techniques to increase circulation, reduce tension and induce deep relaxation with Chardonnay grape seed oil as well. This romantic experience will relieve stress and bring an overall sensation of well-being. End your journey with a glass of Chardonnay wine and chocolate covered strawberries served in the spa sundeck area.

Chardonnay Massage 50- min $ 160  (Individual Service)
Our Chardonnay massage utilizes Swedish techniques to increase circulation, reduce tension and induce deep relaxation. Featuring French Chardonnay grape seed oil, one of the most powerful antioxidants found in nature, this truly blissful experience will relieve stress and bring an overall sensation of well-being. End your journey with a glass of Chardonnay wine and chocolate covered strawberries served in the spa sundeck area.

​Cheeca Lodge & Spa, in Islamorada:

January 2019:  Spa Specials “New Year, New You”
Renew for the new year! Get Signature Cheeca Welly Bottle with our bestselling treatment.
Therapeutic Blend Massage – a combination of deep and light pressured massage to relax & renew
60 Minutes - $174 (With 12oz Welly Bottle) Spa experience includes access co-ed relaxation lounge, men’s & women’s steam room, coffee, specialty teas, snacks, and infused water.

February 2019: Spa Specials “The Perfect Two”
Indulge with, or without your better half. You will be welcomed into the Spa with a glass of Champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. Choose just one, or two treatments.

Therapeutic Blend Massage (In the couple’s room or separate rooms) – A combination of deep and light pressure
60 Minutes - $170 Each (Includes Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries)

Gentleman’s Hot Towel Facial OR Signature Organic Facial – Our two favorite facials for your favorite person this special time of year
60 Minutes - $170 Each (Includes Champagne & Chocolate Covered Strawberries)

Gift Cards are available for these specials as well! Just stop by or call us directly at (305) 517-4485. Spa experience includes access co-ed relaxation lounge, men’s & women’s steam room, coffee, specialty teas, snacks, and infused water.

(BRIGHTLINE NEWS)_This Sunday, January 27, the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon will be taking over the streets of Downtown Miami. For competitors and support teams traveling from West Palm Beach or Fort Lauderdale, Brightline is introducing a special train schedule that allows runners to get to downtown Miami with ease.

The train will depart from the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale stations at 3:45am and 4:15am, respectively, arriving in Miami at 5am. The MiamiCentral station is less than a 10-minute walk to the start line*, making the additional train a stress free start to the morning.

*Start line access begins at 4:45am, with a 5:50 am start for athletes with disabilities and 6:00 a.m. start for all other runners. Fans who wish to sleep in but still cheer their loved ones on at the finish line can choose from a range of regularly scheduled trains starting at 8am.