Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Help The Children's Art Project Complete - Buy A Brick

You can help Wilton Manors Main Street complete the Children's Art Project installation. If you would like to purchase an engraved brick to be installed at the plaza, the link is on our web page, http://www.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org

Wilton Manors Main Street’s Children’s Art Project is to create a mini plaza within the southern tip of Jaycee Park. Three Island Plaza was envisioned to display the past present and future of Wilton Manors in three mosaic tiles sculptures.

The design for the Postcard sculpture is to replicate the original 1925 poster used to sell land in Wilton Manors in a large scale format on a concrete block wall, seven feet long by five and a half feet high. The concrete block will be covered with the tile mosaic.

The Benches are designed to be canvases for mosaics depicting animals, plants and sea life of the area representing our present. The lower riser or leg of the benches will be layered with the tile works.

The “Clasped Hands” is a retaining wall around an oasis of palm trees and native plantings. The front face is the canvas for tile mosaics of natural colored stones. This element of the design is the future, how we work together to build a community.

The final element of the plaza will be a brick pavers floor approx. 410 sq ft. connecting the three sculptures. The center square of the floor will be patterned with the words of our sponsors. Lighting will be added to up light the Postcard and Clasped Hands mosaic.

Won't you please consider helping us complete the Children's Art Project with your generous donation? Contact us at Wilton Manors Main Street and help us beautify OUR city!

4x8 Bricks are $100, and a limited number of 8x8 Bricks can be purchased for only $175.

Bricks will be inscribed with the message of your choice. Messages are limited to three lines, 18 characters each line for the 4x8 Bricks. 8x8 Bricks give you up to 6 lines of 18 characters for your message.

You may also purchase Donor Bricks as gift items which are available that include a felt backing with a stand.

Prices are $50 for a smaller replica of your 4x8 Brick and $75 for a smaller replica of your 8x8 Brick. These may be selected at the same time as your order.

You may order your brick and your donor brick on our web page 

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Hosting Photographers Strauss and Adams at the Next Island City Art Walk

On Friday December 17, 2011, Wilton Manors Main Street is proud to announce our participation in the next Island City Art Walk by hosting the landscape photography of Roy Adams and Scott Strauss.

Roy and Scott are local photographers who we are fortunate enough to call neighbors here in Wilton Manors.  Their love of landscapes and scenery is evident in their choice of subjects both of the local scene and such places as the Rocky Mountains, Canadian Rockies and the French Alps.

You will have a chance to visit with the Artists, and with us at Wilton Manors Main Street on Friday from 7PM until 10PM and find out more about their art.  For now, you can read more about them in the Press Release, Below.

Roy Adams and Scott Strauss

Roy Adams has enjoyed taking photographs for as long as he can remember. He realized a life-long dream when he graduated from the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. He has photographed weddings and parties under his own name, Roy Adams Photography. He loves travel photography as well and enjoys seeing other's reaction to his work. He has won several awards in the juried art show held each year by the Allied Artists of Schuylkill County, Pottsville, PA, including honorable mention in the 2008 show.

Scott Strauss fell in love with photography at an early age. He remembers that his first camera was a Kodak Mickey Mouse film camera which required flash cubes. He used to play with nature photography in college and really developed a love for it once he moved to Florida. Scott loves the vast amount of flowers available in south Florida and enjoys taking macro pictures of them to capture the detail close up. In 2006, he entered the Arts United - United & Proud Exhibit and won “Best In Show” for a group of floral photos, each a different color of the rainbow. Scott also enjoys traveling and taking nature photography all around the world. His favorite places to photograph include the Rocky Mountains, Canadian Rockies, and French Alps.

This year, for the Island City Art Walk season, Roy and Scott are featuring their photography printed on canvas.  www.rassphotography.com



Thursday, November 10, 2011

Fort Lauderdale Comedy Club Opening November 11 2011

Who doesn't like a new neighbor, especially those who will make us laugh?

Opening on November 11, 2011, will be the Fort Lauderdale Comedy Club.  This will be opening two blocks West of Dixie Highway at 840 East Oakland Park Boulevard, Unit 106 and brings a welcome cheer to the area. 

Stand-Up Comedy tickets will go on sale with the first show to begin on November 11th.  This is in response to a needed comedy venue in this market.  Adding an opportunity for more entertainment here in the area, and tie-ins with major yearly gatherings like the Comic Retreat will help this become a showcase for emerging comics.

Quoting from their press release:

“With the bad economy people really need to laugh,” says Sebastian’s marketing manager Marion Bernard.  “Fort Lauderdale Comedy Club will be hosting several live stand-up comedy shows each week appealing to everyone. We will be hosting a weekly senior show, a weekly late night “Blue” show featuring some of South Florida’s new comics.” said Bernard.

Stand-Up comedy fans can ensure discounts on tickets & drinks to upcoming shows by joining the new club’s Charter VIP Membership giving local fans more opportunities to experience live comedy. 

VIP Memberships make a great holiday gift can be purchased at: http://chartervipmember.eventbrite.com/ or by going to the club’s website: www.FortLauderdaleComedyClub.com                        

Charter memberships will be limited so comedy fans are encouraged to purchase them while supplies last.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Island City Art Walk is on for 2011

The season begins soon!  The official press release has been sent out, and you will have a chance to experience the Island City Art Walk for another season.

Like their web page says:

Island City, Inc. is pleased to announce our 6th season of the Island City Art Walk. The art walk will resume on November 18, 2011. The public is invited!

Artwalk
The Island City Art Walk is held on the 3rd Friday of each month, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., November through April, along the 1.1 mile Wilton Drive, in the Wilton Manors Art and Entertainment District. The official participants include galleries, eclectic stores, cafes, boutiques and upscale restaurants, which will host over 40 local artists. This is a grassroots collaboration bringing culture and business together for the public to enjoy.

The Island City Art Walk press release with all the good news follows:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact: Mary Ellen Charapko, 954.547.9014
info@islandcityartwalk.com  /  www.islandcityartwalk.com

Wilton Manors, Florida_____________November 8, 2011
 
Announcing our 6th Island City Art Walk Season!
A Collaboration of Fine Art and Business
Friday, November 18th, 7 – 10 pm
 
Wilton Drive, in Wilton Manors is the place to be on the evening of Friday, November 18, 2011. The Drive will be bustling with people. Local artists will offer a variety of original works: paintings, photography and sculpture. Stroll along The Drive or ride the free trolley along and discover the eclectic businesses of one of the coolest towns in South Florida: Wilton Manors. Plan to have dinner in one of Wilton Manor’s fine restaurants before, or after the Art Walk. Meet over 40 local artists and consider purchasing a special piece of fine art.
  
Mary Ellen Charapko, of the Ellen Charapko Gallery, is the founder and organizer of the grassroots, mile long, Island City Art Walk. This “private party function” began in December 2006. The Island City Art Walk business sponsors continue to raise cultural awareness in Broward County and have contributed to economic growth in Wilton Manors. Charapko and the sponsoring businesses on Wilton Drive are solid “supporters of the arts.” Please join us for an easy-going, fun evening on The Drive.

The Island City Art Walk is a 3rd Friday night of the month free, art function, which runs November through April. The public is invited.

This is the first Island City Art Walk for the 2011-2012 Season! Please join us.

For more information go to www.islandcityartwalk.com, or call 954.547.9014.
 
Wilton Manors is situated between Sunrise Blvd. and Oakland Park Blvd. East of I-95 and West of Federal Highway. Please see Directions/Map Page for further information: http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/directions.html

Island City, Inc . Ellen Charapko Gallery . Mangum Gallery

Gallery XO . IberiaBank . Bona Italian Restaurant . The Manor

Art Frenzie . Naked Grape Wine Bar . Wilton’s Bier Garden & More

To The Moon Marketplace . Shades of The Past . Chic Optique

Wilton Manors Main Street . Mo Jo’s Barber Shop . Atlantic Properties

Rodeo Restaurant . Georgie’s Alibi . Island City Traders . Sozo Sushi Bar

Island City Eyecare . DaVinci Realty Group . World Treasures

White Glove Antiques . Pinché Taqueria Mexican Restaurant

Eastside Management . Joe Pallant Insurance . Copy This

                                                                     ###

Monday, September 19, 2011

Broward County is Launching a New Appliance Rebate Program

Information sessions will be going on this week at four locations for the New Appliance Rebate Program.  The Program will allow Broward County Residents and Small Businesses to get a Rebate back from the County when you purchase an eligible Energy Star appliance.

This program requires you to pre-register for the rebate, and the deadline is coming up.  All applications must be postmarked by November 4, 2011.  As with any of these programs, it is a First Come, First Served basis so get yours soon.

Remember this is for Businesses as well as Residents who purchase qualifying appliances.

The information session nearest to Wilton Manors will be held in Oakland Park Blvd. in Lauderdale Lakes at their library, on Saturday September 24th but there are other locations and times.

The information for the program can be found at this link.

Times and locations for all four meetings are:

Monday, September 19, 2011
6:30 p.m.-7:30p.m.
Weston Branch Library
4205 Bonaventure Blvd,

Wednesday, September 21, 2011
6:30 p.m.-7:30p.m.
Carver Ranches Library .
4735 S.W. 18 Street, West Park, 33023
(954) 985-1945

Thursday, September 22, 2011
6:30 p.m.-7:30p.m.
Riverland Branch Library
2710 W. Davie Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, 33312
(954) 791-1085

Saturday, September 24, 2011
11:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
Lauderdale Lakes Library
3580 W. Oakland Park Blvd, Lauderdale Lakes, 33311
(954) 357-8650

Friday, September 16, 2011

News from the City of Wilton Manors

The City of Wilton Manors would like you to know about these events

News from City Hall 

Kiwanis Kids Day
The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors will host its annual Kids Day at Wilton Manors Elementary School this Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m.  This free community event will feature games, music, and arts activities.

Fiscal Year 2012 Annual Budget
The City Commission will meet on Monday, September 26th at 7PM in the Commission Chambers to hold a Public Hearing and vote on the Fiscal Year 2012 millage rate and budget. The City welcomes any comments that you might have concerning the upcoming budget.  Click here for a summary of the 2012 budget. 



Wilton Drive Outdoor Dining Regulations
As part of the Commission's continuing commitment to encourage business growth, they will review and vote on revised regulations that will make it easier for restaurants to provide outdoor ding in the Arts and Entertainment District.  The vote and public hearing on this item is scheduled for their upcoming meeting on September 24th at 7:00p.m.

FREE Shred-A-Thon 
The Wilton Manors Police Department is holding a shred-a-thon on Saturday, September 24th from 9:00a.m. to 12:00p.m.  Click here for more information.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
·         Green Market at Hagen Park, every Saturday from 9:00am-2:00pm
·         Kiwanis Kids Day at Wilton Manors Elementary School, September 17th 10:00-2:00
·         Shred-a-thon at City Hall, September 24th
·         Special City Commission Meeting to adopt the millage rate and budget, September 26th at 7PM
·         Regular City Commission Meeting September 27th at 7PM

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Wilton Manors Doggy Day Care opens on Dixie Highway


Wilton’s  Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming Grand Opening

July  25, 2011
(Wilton Manors, FL.)  Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming announced today that it will be opening its doors for business on August 3, 2011.  The ribbon cutting by Mayor Gary Resnick and grand opening party begins at 6:00pm, at 2155 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. 

“Alan and I are very excited to bring our 12 years of experience in the pet service industry to Wilton Manors.  It’s great to introduce the concept of cage-free grooming and doggie day care to South Florida.  We cater to a level of professionalism and hospitality that our furry four-legged friends deserve,” said Josh Meneses, who owns the business with partner Alan Aghazadian.

With both of their experience, talents and love for animals, Meneses and Aghazadian are bringing a fresh approach to animal care.  Safety and cleanliness are their primary focus at the 3000 square foot indoor dog park they have created. 

“We offer Hypoallergenic synthetic turf designed especially for animals and recycled materials make Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming a fun, safe and responsible environment for pets to socialize and play,” says partner, Alan Aghazadian.

Paul Mitchell pet products are used exclusively in the bathing and grooming rooms.  Additionally, unique pet supplies will be sold from displays more reminiscent of a high-end department store than your standard pet groomer.

It seems every dog does have its day – at least in Wilton Manors.

Josh Meneses and Alan Aghazadian are available for interviews and to provide more information about the services provided at Wilton’s Manor Doggie Daycare & Grooming.  

Monday, July 11, 2011

City of Wilton Manors Permitting Walk-Through Tuesdays

This is for everyone who lives and works in Wilton Manors.

Did you know that the City of Wilton Manors has a permitting walk through program on Tuesdays?

If you are doing some work around your property, whether it is a business or the house, you can go to the City of Wilton Manors and get expedited Permitting so that your work can proceed.   If you have ever done some work and realized you needed a Permit, you know how difficult this can be.  Wilton Manors has decided to help us out and cut through the bureaucratic red tape. 

From the City's own website:

The Community Development Services Department is pleased to announce a “Walk-Through Tuesday” program for residents and contractors wishing to apply for many types of building permits.  Subject to the submission of all required, properly completed paperwork, a permit application may be dropped off on a Tuesday morning (between 8am and 10am only) and the approved permit picked up that afternoon.

If you are proceeding with a rather complex project Wilton Manors Main Street can also assist Members with the Walk-Through.  We can help guide you to the right contacts to make sure that things happen smoothly.   If you feel you need our help you can email us or stop by the offices for a visit.   We're at 2164 Wilton Drive in the Gables Wilton Park building.

Further information is on the City of Wilton Manors Website at these links:
For complete details and restrictions, and for all the forms you will need for this project.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Join our Mailing List for Main Street Matters

We here at Wilton Manors Main Street are just about ready to put out our Monthly Newsletter, Main Street Matters. 

It is our intention to include any civic minded group or event that services Wilton Manors in the Newsletter.  All of the postings are sent out by way of Constant Contact directly to your email box.  If you would like to be included, you can click this link and you'll get to hear announcements from our partner groups. 

For this month, so far, we have information from:

Wilton Manors Main Street
Wilton Manors Eastside Neighbor's Association
Wilton Manors Green Market
Kiwanis of Wilton Manors
West Side Association of Wilton Manors
Wilton Manors Business Association

...and a guest posting from a concerned neighbor about some ideas on how to improve our quality of life here in Wilton Manors.

We also maintain an archive of our old newsletter content at http://newsletters.wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org in case you're curious of looking back in time.

Friday, May 27, 2011

How to get in touch with us

Wilton Manors is known to be a place where people deeply care about their future, and how things can be made better.  We all moved here for a reason, after all, we could have moved somewhere less exciting and lived a quiet life.  We've been asked a number of times "how can I volunteer?" or "how can I get involved?" or simply "what's going on?" with Wilton Manors Main Street.

We keep the Blog up at Wiltonmanorsmainstreet.blogspot.com for special events and happenings that we think you might want to be able to refer back to, and we have our Facebook Group and Newsletters that you can sign up for as well. 

If you have a quick question that you'd like to ask us, you can always write to us at info@wiltonmanorsmainstreet.org and someone on the Board will get back to you.

We're your neighbors and we're here to help.  We're glad you're interested!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

20th Annual Canoe Race Pictures

On last Sunday, this crew and friends piloted their canoes for a race around Wilton Manors on the New River.

Here, the Oars Power team was joined by Vice Mayor Tom Green and Commissioner Carson at the event.


Every year, the event has folks who compete in a race around the Island, and this year was the 20th.

The (Jolly) Green Giants of Wilton Station were there in force.  They were returning this year for another stab at the win.










The racers lined up at the starting line at Colohatchee Park. 
Ready,
Set,
Go!

Former Wilton Manors Mayor and current seated Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler was a competitor at the race on one of the teams.

And the winners this year were the team of

Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes, and Weihe!

Congratulations to them and all the participants!

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Congratulations to Burger Battle Winner The Alibi

Wilton Manors Main Street heartily offers its congratulations to the Alibi for its second year running win of the Riverwalk Trust Burger Battle 2011.

Wilton Manors own Alibi won the contest last year with their amazing Black Angus Burgers and had a repeat this year as the Judges' Favorite.   This is no small feat since the competition were once again some of the most notable restaurants in the Fort Lauderdale area including some famous names on trendy Las Olas Boulevard and on the 17th Street Causeway. 

The Alibi has long been a center for exciting entertainment drawing people from all over the world, and we locals have known that it is an excellent choice for a meal.  Now, the rest of the region is paying attention to the high quality of service, food and fun that Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete have built here at the entertainment hub of Wilton Manors.

It goes to show that Wilton Manors and the Wilton Drive is a destination unlike any other and we're all fortunate to be able to call it home and cherish it as do the visitors.

You can see the official online slideshow at the South Florida Food and Wine blog at this link.

Our heartfelt congratulations, once again, go to The Alibi Staff and Jackson Padgett and Mark Negrete.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Business of the Quarter Award presented to Courtyard Cafe

Last night at the City Commission meeting, Wilton Manors Main Street President Krishan Manners was proud to present Shawn Bombard and Nick Berry of Shawn and Nick's Courtyard Cafe with the Business of the Quarter award.

The Courtyard Cafe has generously supported many local charitable efforts with donations of time, food and fun for years while building a restaurant with a strong local following.   Over the years, the Courtyard Cafe has expanded from their original indoor location into the courtyard behind the indoor seating to allow locals and snowbirds alike to take in the food in one of the best outdoor locations South Florida has to offer.

A Partial List of the charities that Shawn and Nick have donated time and effort to as well as running Dine-In events at the restaurant includes some very worthy causes.  These include:

Hospice of Gold Coast
CANA
Wilton Manors Historical Society
Poverello
Broward House
Fort Lauderdale Prime Timers
Pet Project
Kids in Distress
Wellness Center
Lambda Men's Brotherhood
Florida Aids Walk
Smart Ride
Richardson Park
GLCC
Women in Network
Florida Gay Rodeo Association
Ryan White Foundation

Wilton Manors Main Street humbly thanks Shawn and Nick's Courtyard Cafe for all they have done for the continuing rebirth of Wilton Manors, and the community here.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Wilton Manors Main Street Hosts Thom Cassotta At the next Island City Art Walk

This Friday, April 15th (have you got your taxes done?), Wilton Manors Main Street will be hosting a third artist.

Thom Cassotta will join us from 7pm until 10pm at our office with his characteristic works of texture.  These works are in mixed media and can be creations of art of whatever catches his eye.  

In the artist's own words:


Texture Works

These original works began with a combination of acrylic paint and textured papers, most of which I have made myself. Using stipple brush, sponge, tissue paper, rages, crackle paint, burlap, metallic paint, rice paper and miscellaneous findings, I cut and arrange the papers before applying an acrylic gel.

Some work is totally original from start to finish.

Some work has a photographic base with additional paper cuttings applied over it.  Because this 2nd step is always different, no two pieces are exactly the same.

Some work has been reproduced into Art Prints.

My inspiration harks back to the 2nd grade of school, where the teacher encouraged me to just have fun with crayons. Next she passed out watercolors and instructed me to apply them over the crayon sketch.  The wax-crayons resisted the watercolors and produced vibrant textural results which were amazing.  This visual stimulation never left….and put me ion a lifelong search for new color and texture combinations.

A few decades later….

I graduated from Paier College of Art, did a summer semester at the Palazzo Gallenga, Perugia, Italy and did a “Sketching Tour” of Brazil through Pratt Institute.

Now in my late 50’s, I’ve lived my entire adult life supported by the sales of my artwork.  And with this newer textural work, it feels like I’ve made some departure back to the 2nd grade…..and loving it.

Thom Cassotta

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Last Island City Art Walk Before the Rainy Season Friday April 15th

This Friday Night is your last official Island City Art Walk before the Rainy Season.  We have a press release from the Island City Art Walk, Inc for you with all of the details.







Contact: Mary Ellen Charapko
954.547.9014 phone
info@islandcityartwalk.com
www.islandcityartwalk.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Last Island City Art Walk Before the Rainy Season

Wilton Manors, (Ft Lauderdale), Florida, April 9, 2011________The Island City Art Walk has captured the attention of the entire surrounding tri-county art community. Start your weekend with great art, great energy and an easy-going atmosphere. The Island City Art Walk begins at 7 pm until 10 pm on Friday, April 15th. This will be the last art walk for this season.      
Five years ago (2006), gallery owner and director, Mary Ellen Charapko developed a fresh concept, something that had not been tried before in Broward County, a collaboration of local art and business in the form of an “art walk,” bringing fine art, pop-up galleries, music, and even theatre, into a one-evening function. Island City Art walk was introduced to Wilton Manors and it became an overnight success on the third Friday of the month. The Island City Art Walk was founded before the recession, but, before and during this recession, it has been an invaluable means to drive business into town. Just recently, surrounding towns, including adjacent town, Fort Lauderdale (Las Olas Boulevard), have taken note and are now beginning to start their own art walks, collaborating business and local fine art. 

The Island City Art Walk is a stress-free function meant to enrich the general public and encourage the creation of art in Broward County. There will be over 30 business sponsors along the drive sponsoring over 40 artists. The Island City Art Walk is free to the artists and free to the attendees. Many of the businesses along the drive serve refreshments. A free trolley is also provided for the public.

The featured local artist for the April, Island City Art Walk, is Barbara J. Lloyd who will be exhibiting her paintings at Island City Eye Care. Lynn Dolan and Claudia Castillo will present fine art at Wilton Manors Main Street. IberiaBank, White Glove Antiques, Shades of the Past Antiques, The Manor, Gallery XO, To The Moon Marketplace, Pink Submarine and Art Frenzie are some of the businesses collaborating with local artists. Mangum Gallery will be featuring ceramist, Ken Butler. Island City Traders will be featuring the photography of Mitchell Bloch. The contemporary works of Julio Green will be shown at the Naked Grape Wine Bar. Golding-Savino will present a variety of art in collaboration with Galerie Lausberg (Toronto & Germany), curated by Mariavelia Savino and will be located at Gables Wilton Park. Directly next–door, a solo exhibition by Florida nature photographer, Peter J. Nolan, The Florida Series, will be featured in Ellen Charapko Gallery, Alternative Space. Ellen Charapko Gallery will feature a solo, Flawed Perfection by Madrid artist, Alberto Murillo.

Mary Ellen Charapko, Owner/Director of Ellen Charapko Gallery and owner of Island City, Inc., is the producer and organizer of the grassroots, Island City Art Walk, a mile long, “private party function” which began in December 2006. The Island City Art Walk sponsors and artists continue to promote cultural awareness in Broward County and contributed to the economic growth in Wilton Manors. Charapko and the sponsor businesses on Wilton Drive are solid “supporters of the arts.” Come and join us for an artful evening on The Drive!

Please see Directions/Map Page for further information: http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/directions.html

A Glance From the Catwalk, 2009, Barbara J. Lloyd, 48 x 36 in, Acrylic on Canvas