Mango Fest 2018

Some people collected Mangos, I collect smiles from everyone who had a great time today at the 3rd Annual International Lake Worth Mango Festival not a drop of rain.  What say ye about making it an evening event? a 1 to 9 p.m. perhaps” or you have other suggestions?

made me smile

photo Bombed

my best photo of the day

let me entertain you

you remember me? goes back 30 years

coming along with those smiles

it was frozen delicious by Rosa

“gets me smiles where I can “think Popeye said that

artist appreciation

and hello to you too, soon to become an artist resident in LW

smile is a smile

Guess we better think hats at all our events and in March we will

that is a smile

Mango Grovites

capturing the silliness

skipping rope a la the LW Ladies Kitchen Band

A blue ticket and so they won mangoes

it was hot and i got thirsty,

Digital Camerait was on automatic ;p;

It was her idea and she has so many that benefit Lake Worth

Boys also want to have fun

thank you for supporting a local artist

happy smiles and good company

portrait i’m working on

thats how it ended at CWS with Mango drinks

 

Mango Season

the most popular fruit in the world grows right here in our backyard. It’s time to celebrate  Mangos.  We eat them over the sink sliced up in cereal,  chop them up for salsa, chutney.  Mango Grove once an actual orchard and extended over most of the Lake Worth area.

 What to do with such abundance.  Well, 3 years ago a small committee still committed to waste not, want not, started this International Mango Festival on our Cultural Plaza downtown Lake Worth. 

Mission is: We want to stop as many mangos as possible from falling on Lake Worth sidewalks, streets, and yards. It helps the city stay clean, and keeps the raccoons and other wild animals at bay.

They ask all residents who have an abundance not to let them go to waste but to share. What better way to introduce our visitors and neighbors without trees to this delicacy.  If you have a tree and want to share bring them to the AWE flower shop before Saturday or call and we will have volunteers come pick them for you.

fearless climber Pedro, don’t try this on your own

Sunday morning 8 a.m.,  AnnaMaria, Patti Pedro and Roland, started picking and finished at Barbara Tortorici’s home at noon, Babara is allergic to Mango9s and has graciously allowed us to pick her tree each year.  

 When ripe they just fall down from the weight of the critters getting their share.   

At this festival now the 3rd Annual, come taste chutneys and preserves and you can even dry them out for snacks.  40 some vendors will be participating including some artists. This year is the year of the Brazilian Mango   

3rd Annual Lake Worth International Mango Festival will be held at the Cultural Plaza from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This Saturday June 16

Our prices are very reasonable  FREE come to this event and get yourself a mango.  

au naturel: sliced in two lengthwise halves, avoiding the pit, flesh scored into diamonds, then turned inside out to expose the juicy cubes. There’s no summer treat better than that.”

Never just pick them without permission, you’d be trespassing.  

FUNdraiser for BryaNT PARK

Before we forget the great time we had Saturday during the Derby Day event here is Throwback Thursday to This Event started years ago by the wonderful person who also started the Raft Race.  Now, it happened also to be  Cinco de Mayo, first people I saw were wearing large sombreros so was I at the right party?Quite a few things changed from what we used to experience. Formerly  A more casual level with children taking part. Also missing were our commissioners who judged the hilarity of the participants.

feeling kinda lucky!

The Prize value total was enormous $ 2.750 so the winner’s possibility endless, but not so this year it was split 5 ways. Obviously, the promotion of the wonderful gifts were not noted as in previous years.

the generous sponsors

Here i took a snapshot so you all know who provided so generously. My friend Lucky Richard Guercio was one of the big winners often seen in our local establishments. He wins a lot how do you do it.?  lol  Then there is always a 50/50 that paid out $300.  Would love to know who all the other 4 Lucky winners were.  I was table hopping and capturing the fabulous hats.  I totally agreed with the 1st place winner she was awesome.

opps wrong picture

absolutely exquisite and deservedly First Place Winner

Admired the hat the moment I saw it.  What an artist!   Jessica Teutsch’s usually has a spectacular creation, a little birdie told me she had started making it back in January. ?? The event was a class act event as I tooled around and saw so many friends and kept nursing my $7 Cranberry juice.

2014

2014

2013

2013 Winner and moi

Worthy of note the complete outfit with Magnolia written + painted horse by Artist Leslie Smith

Parisian Chic, not able to compete as she was on the committee. selling 50/50 tickets

would not draw any attention in  Little Havana. Won the loudest shirt. hahaha

The actual race, 2 min. 4 seconds winner Justify and has a chance to be a Triple Crown winner as was Secretariat who made this race in 2 min. 24 sec.  (I was in the infield that year, won $270 ) now American Pharoah’s  timing 2 min and 26 sec.   Not a spot of mud thrown on Justify or jockey this was a clean race on a muddy track ck those times again.  Now back to the party which i always said was one of the top Fundraiser in our town.  Seen working hard was Tabitha, Jon Faust the consummate Lake Worth mc, The awards were unisex (so sad)

definitely had the Audrey Hepburn feel

two more local artists

If you’re looking for more great photos  Judge Sami Makela has some, always Tom Johnson, and of course Leonard Bryant never disappoints. Darin Engle also was seen taking photos.   If you didn’t see your friends here they made it to the other Derby Party which had 250 plus guests and some even attended from KY.   Anyone want to share photos from there just send them to moi.  My camera battery was exhausted.

2015

2015

Now about the Royal Wedding,  keep those beautiful hats handy and stroll Lake Worth in honor of the nuptials on May 19, as we will have our 2nd American Princess.  I’ll be sporting a Fascinator.

 

Just a Sat. in Lake Worth

Three (3) Cultural offerings on one day and the car never left the driveway that is what Lake Worth Fl. can offer. That is not counting the morning at the beach before it got too hot.  The Lake Worth Historical Museum was open on Sat. from 1 – 4 p.m.  They have a wonderful marketing message created by Walter Harper that speaks to how young 100-year town is. So most of what is in the collection are relatable to a not so distant past.

 

 

 

 

The next stop was at the Cultural Council which just opened a new exhibit by YES local artist Deborah Yates another one of our gems.  Who has found herself in our burgeoning artist-friendly town, following the steps of  several other artists from Key West and Coconut Grove/Miami.  It is one stunning exhibit in the small gallery space sponsored by Chase Bank.  I have to admit I was taken with this work. It is abstract, not my personal taste, however, I recognize it’s power as you turn the corner and are confronted with OMG this is good. Deborah also does environmental art on a large scale.  Definitely, go see. 

Debra Yates left with friend Susan Guyoux at the opening reception

Then a stop for good Mexican food at Lupitas.  It was packed with people just returning from the beach Laplaya, with a party in full swing in the private room.

never had seen this room. looks like fun

Last wonderful experience of the day was Oliver at the Lake Worth Playhouse downtown Lake Worth.  It was well-produced everyone was on cue and the casting was flawless. (Call  for Flashdance is now open) The music memorable and the performances on track there was just one person who appeared to be out of sync at the very end and that was an adult.  The young theatre troupe was flawless. What wonderful future thespians talent we have here in our area.  Soon they can be inducted into the International Thespian Society  wish you all well.    Thank You Tabitha for the ticket.

Throw back Thursday Peddlers

Thursday is when Thursday Night Peddlers meet up at the Gulfstream Hotel for a ride through our fair city, with  Throw Back Thursday photos or tonight you may want to meet at the Casino for the Historic Preservation Design Guidelines to help shape our future both meet at  7 p.m.  one at Historic Gulfstream and other not so historic Casino Ballroom.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Mockingbird Earth Day

A charming gesture for a well-done performance (last photo in blog the reveal)

Earth Day Celebration at Mockingbird Gardens was a wonderful event yesterday.  So here are some of the photos of its participants.  For me the musical performances were the joy,  but before anything got started Mother Earth had two subliminal messages.  Not to be ignored.  Like, welcome to Florida and sugar sand, also a good sign was the Charette. If you have google click on their daily logo image and listen to Jane Goodall.

Earth Day recognition had been read at City Hall and here repeated for all in attendance by our Commissioners
Scott Maxwell and Herman Robinson

Enjoy the photos with minimum commentary.  This event was sponsored by Kiwanis with lots of participants known in our community.

The event was perfectly orchestrated with the help of Mother Nature

Just about everything showcased was handcrafted, recycled and earth-friendly organizations were there to raise our consciousness. The event was from noon to 5 one of the highlights this year was a  Adopt a Tree, which came with a certificate.  Neighbors and friends were visible and if you recognize them you realize they care about being earth-friendly in how they deport themselves.  Recycling, picking up trash when not asked or organized. 

repurposed and handcrafted side by side

 

Arts Loft Artist with his creations (in the buy and sell section)

On hand were artists who actually make their own creations with their own hands.    Speaking of artists these performers were outstanding true artists nurtured in our community.

Barton Elementary grades 2 – 5 just awesome

the youngest at Downtown Dance

wonderful performance

and seeing the future of our earth, of course, all the kids that had the opportunity to experience and be part of this Earth Day event. 

our own Childre’s Librarian with the LWL “you pick em books”

While this was going on there was a charette also dealing with our desire to see improvements in our community and don’t think it’s not about our earth as it impacts all humans in our community, not just the me me mes  in the attendance but something for the greater good .

possible options depicted

friends

neighbors

now what happened with mother nature at the gardens, she did not bring rain to save this motor bike nor make it easier despite ALL the manpower.  

unidentified hero, however, it required our Firefighters. Thank You all.

Grounded with Tai Chi was demonstrated

great place to let kids explore while catching up

this is the young woman who got the posy she performed in the choir

 

Letter Writing month just around the corner

Well, it’s almost here “letter writing month”  and I’m all in so not only will friends and angels in disguise get something from me.   I also participate in mail Art.  Now what would that be or how does that look? Both activities are endorsed by the National Association of Letter Carriers.  The deadline for the Graceful Envelope contest I am sorry to say is in just a few days.  However, our Local Mail Art Project has another two weeks till it’s over and we display all our entries at a local venue.   No one is denied or censored. Someone will absolutely love your letter regardless of coffee stains, and not so perfect cursive.  Historically it binds families and we have a connection to the loved ones from the past.  No ordinary card produced by the hundreds but something priceless from the heart.  A very special surprise when it arrives at its destination.

found this when I googled mail art Lake Worth and many more. lol

We in Lake Worth were gifted with envelopes from around the world when we turned 100 and also received many from locals who participated.  AnnaMaria Windisch-Hunt gave free lessons impromptu at the Towers,  senior living at the LWAL , in summer camp,  now she is scheduled to do the same once more. The schedule *below where you can sit a spell and do some art all supplies provided. There is a silver mailbox at Common Ground Coffee above the piano, for those who do not have a forever stamp or lol envelope plus some pens and crayons.  It will be posted properly through the U.S. Postal system each afternoon and hand-canceled to boot by Patti and arrive at  ART Project  P. O. Box 46  Lake Worth Fl. 33460  (this is where your creative envelope should be addressed to. Unless it’s addressed to Grandma. Still not sure what is expected have a look at this link it’s from the reception we held during our centennial. Have some fun with friends gather around a table or join her at the mentioned venues.  It’s your turn to make someone else’s day.  Feel like writing a letter instead of decorating an envelope.  It’s all good.

*Tomorrow Friday 6 – 9 p.m.   At Common Ground Coffee House  14 S J street.              Walk-in, sit a spell and enjoy the comradery of like minded people. share ideas and create an envelope.  All supplies are provided.  Work on your own or do one together.  Nice night out  Evening on the Ave.   It might be a bit chilly.  Visit adjoining art galleries and come in inspired.  Extend your intimate evening in downtown Lake Worth’s hottest street.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monday blog March 19.2018

Good Morning to you, this time from Fort Lauderdale Airport 

Chris Gostling
Monday Blogge are waiting for our flight home from our wonderful month in Lake Worth. And what a month it has been, gone too quickly of course!

Last week started with a visit to The Cultural Council exhibition which was very interesting. Interior designers meet artists and put whole rooms together which are then depicted in collage style, an unusual combination and you could buy any single item in any of the roomsWhat fun they must have had completing this work, it’s worth a visit if you have not been already. And the Annette Rawlings exhibition on the other side was equally as interesting, beautiful shapes of bright primary colours that popped out if the canvas…..beautiful!

If you were down at the beach at all last week you would have seen those amazing waves and the surf was high and powerful, perfect for a surfing school practising and riding high on the waves. It is so perfect down there at the moment, the breeze is just right and keeps the weather from being too hot. And if you forget to take a book, there is  always people watching to occupy you. I love to watch the children, they are so happy to be by the water and spend hours trying to outrun the surf as it comes in, and the teenagers playing Frisbee or surfing or just chatting…..perfect.

On Wednesday a group of got together at The Leisure Services Building to decorate hats for the children at the Easter Event in Bryant Park. This is, without doubt, one of my favourite things to do, get together with these wonderful women all chattering and laughing as we decorated the hats, it was such fun and before long we had 50 hits completed. I had made English scones with jam and cream and English Tea with milk and in  gorgeous bone china tea cups  and saucers which I had borrowed from a friend.

Ben, who works at Leisure Services is Scottish and enjoyed it very much, a taste of home. He wore a tail coat and top hat to the tea to mark the occasion, it was all very proper and huge fun. Look out for other events involving volunteering, you will enjoy it.

The St.Patricks Parade was fun and very well attended by so may people all wearing at least one green item of clothing. Children clamoured for the candy that was thrown from the cars and floats and cheered and clapped. There were Irish dancers, huge trucks and tiny cars dwarfed by enormous vehicles covered in shamrock. There were motorbikes and sports cars and of course that fabulous huge Little Free Library, being transported by Mary Lindsay and Judy Easton. A great aspect for us was that we saw lots of people that we had missed. I absolutely love the ladies kitchen band, they are such fun and joyfully danced and banged saucepans and kitchen implements…..

On Saturday the new Gallery and bar Sugar Plum and Grumbling Growler opened with a huge flourish. Jill Karlin and Rosemary Otto have art work exhibited and it all looked fabulous. Jill was painting live, one of her signature paintings with a central image of the SPGG surrounded by smaller pictures of other aspects of the gallery. The bar was looking very plush, craft beers and specially blended wines were on offer to make the experience different.

We ended our stay on Saturday morning with a breakfast at Mulligans with assorted and very dear friends.

Next week the blog will come from what I have been told is a very chilly England. That remains to be seen and I will let you know…..have a fabulous Lake Worth week.

Show us your GREEN

I was trying to be off the computer and had it unplugged for two days and the phone is kaput.  No one missed me and the combativeness going into the election I did not have to deal with.  Isn’t that why they have private booths so you can vote your way and not hurt anyone’s feelings.  Did I miss a throwback Thursday?  All who ran for office took time to learn our community so let us give them something special as the pay that was not the reward, but the contribution, they wanted to make to our community.

wearing green

So let’s see the green happy spirit.  Who is seen in green?  I’ll be biking so you take the photos.  All these photos came from 2013 and 2014  Enjoy!

wearing green

Volunteer recognition

This morning was a special day for many Lake Worthians.  They gathered in the Casino Ballroom which was brightly decorated for them, leaving the chill outside.  The City of Lake Worth recognized the efforts of the many volunteers, with this volunteer appreciation breakfast.  April is the month for the usual recognition, however, we have in our midst snowbirds who also share a vested interest in the well-being of our community. 

oh, baby, it’s cold outside

The value of these Lake Worthians and they are worthy is important for a  small community as ours.  Giving hundreds of hours of their busy time, they make that time as each realizes their input is important and today were recognized in such a lovely way with this breakfast.   During the State of the City Address by our Honorable Mayor Pam, she had put a dollar value on their contribution and it was enormous.   Today once more to a full room of volunteers she again gave her heartfelt thanks to everyone present. It was a lovely program with the presentation of the Colors by the ROTC Honor Guard,  Vice Mayor Pro Tem Andy Amoroso, Commissioner Herman, Maxwell were in attendance. (Omari was mentioned, however, was not able to attend as he did last year.) The executive assistant Silvina Donaldson, called out all the boards and departments individually.   These volunteers are experts in their respected fields, such as attorneys, financiers. artists. grant writers,  tourism,  administrators, giving from the heart to a community they embraced when they made quirky Lake Worth their home.

the 3 women sharing the podium have power are creative and resourceful