Jupiter Racing Venue Earns Prestigious Prize

Palm Beach International Raceway

Palm Beach International Raceway

Palm Beach International Raceway received big honors in the Big Easy during the 88th-annual International Association of Venue Managers trade show and networking conference.

The raceway in Jupiter was named one of three finalists in the Stadiums category on July 29 in New Orleans, and its chief executive officer was there to pick up the prize.

“On behalf of my entire staff in South Florida, I am truly honored to have Palm Beach International Raceway named among the best venues in the country, and I congratulate all the finalists and winners,” said Jason Rittenberry, of Abacoa.

The other two finalists included BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, and the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Stadiums category recognizes excellence in four criteria: community service; professional development; safety; and operations. The annual conference is one of the largest of its kind in the country, and upward of 1,600 professionals and exhibitors attend.

For information about Palm Beach International Raceway, call 561-622-1400.

Children To Cast off at July 27 Fishing Clinic

Sailfish underwater in blue waterThe nonprofit River Center has partnered with Jupiter business Fishing Headquarters to offer a Saturday of fun for local children.

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., they will offer a Kids’ Fishing Clinic at DuBois Park near Jupiter Dunes. Children ages 5 through 15 will learn the fundamentals of fishing, different species of fish, rules and regulations as to quantity and length, rod-and-reel safety and an opportunity to cast off with the clinic’s instructors from the seawall overlooking Jupiter Cove.

The River Center’s Nicole Sciandra will lead the clinic, whose goal is to introduce children to fishing culture and foster an appreciation for the natural environment.
Parents are welcome to attend. The cost is $10 per child, which includes all equipment, courtesy of Fishing Headquarters.

For information, call 561-743-7123.

Earth-Shaking News: Dinosaurs Close in on Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse

0724131205cThe two dinosaurs that descended on Downtown at the Gardens last week have made their way north, pounding the pavement to reach the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse.

“This is definitely fun for us, and the visitors enjoy it,” said Kathleen Glover, assistant director of the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, as members of a group tour stopped to snap cell-phone pictures of the prehistoric creatures.

The dinosaurs, a brontosaurus and a triceratops, can be found grazing on the grass on the west side of the 105-step red structure. They will enjoy the plants and trees on the grounds of the lighthouse – as well as the spectacular view – until July 31. Then, they will ship off to their final destination: Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach.

The dinosaurs were created by Ashem, a Delray Beach landscape-design firm, as part of the planned dinosaur garden on the hospital campus. Glover issued both beasts an “I Survived the Climb” certificate.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is operated by the nonprofit Loxahatchee River Historical Society. Its next big fundraiser, “Rock the Light,” will take place Nov. 23 at the national landmark that dates back to 1860. For information, call 747-8380.

Art Sale To Support DuBois Park’s Pineapple Packing House

A Unique Art Gallery

A Unique Art Gallery

The August 2013 benefit by the Artists Association of Jupiter and A Unique Art Gallery will help raise funds for the restoration of the historic Pineapple Packing House in Jupiter.

The benefit, titled “Our Jupiter,” will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 14 and will feature an art sale, raffles and a wine-and-cheese reception. The special open house will include works by members of the association that are symbolic of “Our Jupiter.” Onhand will be Christian Davenport, a local archeologist, and Jed Kindt, a grandson of the DuBois family, on whose Jupiter waterfront property the Pineapple Packing House sits. They will share stories of the house and other history facts.

The Pineapple Packing House was moved down the Loxahatchee River via barge in the late 1800s by Harry DuBois, according to local historians. It is believed to be the oldest wood structure in the county. When restored, the building will showcase information about the DuBois Pioneer Homestead and the Jupiter Inlet Colony Indian midden.
For information about the restoration project, call Jean Matthews at 561-966-6602.

For information about the Artists Association of Jupiter, call 561-529-2748.

Lighthouse ArtCenter Honors Volunteers at Tea

Shirley Kent, Evelyne Bates, Kate Lennard and Teresa Wood

Shirley Kent, Evelyne Bates, Kate Lennard and Teresa Wood

The Lighthouse ArtCenter in Tequesta recently had a day of thanks to honor its volunteers, throwing the annual appreciation tea in high-society style.

On the menu: little sandwiches, yummy sweets and, of course, tea served with gratitude. The center is home to a team of more than 60 volunteers, led by Volunteer Coordinator Evelyne Bates, of Jupiter, who gave the Volunteer of the Year award to Kate Lennard for Lennard’s 600-plus hours of service. Shirley Kent and Theresa Wood each was honored for 300-plus volunteer hours, and Pam Ayres took home the Most Creative Hat award.

This year’s special Shine Award, reserved for an outstanding Lighthouse ArtCenter member, went to Scott Simmons and received a handmade silver pendant by jewelry artist Tracey Roedl.

In all, volunteers have donated more than 3,200 hours to the Lighthouse ArtCenter depends on the generous and dedicated help of dozens of community volunteers, who have logged more than 3,200 hours of service this year.

For information, call 561-746-3101.