Donated Photos Have Come to City Hall

Back in December, Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Jacobs donated three beautiful photos that were taken by Peggy right here in Wellington. I'm pleased to announce that they are now hanging in the Wellington City Hall. You can see them on the second floor, right side. They are across from large windows that provide beautiful natural lighting.

Peggy Jacobs took these photos at the Big Blue Preserve right in the heart of Wellington. You can see at least seven species of birds, including the elusive roseate spoonbill. As you can see, Peggy is a natural artist with the camera.

A few of our Board members met at the City Hall so pictures could be taken for an upcoming article in The Palm Beach Post. As we were gathering downstairs waiting for the photographer, we got an unexpected surprise. It seems Jeremy Jacobs is the owner of the Boston Bruins hockey team. Since May of last year, they have been the proud owners of the Stanley Cup. While we waited, suddenly a firetruck arrived, with full lights and siren, escorting the Cup! It was brought in to the lobby of the City Hall, and we all took turns getting our picture taken with the Cup. We even got to try on Mr. Jacobs championship ring! Here we are surrounding the cup.

Left to right: Linda Rovolis (1st Vice President), Tony Baker (Director), Ilene Adams (Director), Leslie Pfeiffer (Director), Suzanne Redmond (President), Sandy Axelrod (Recording Secretary), Jean Talbott (Treasurer), Peggy Jacobs, and Adrianne Hetherington (Corresponding Secretary).

Wildlife Photos Donated to the Wellington Art Society

On December 15, 2011, Jeremy and Peggy Jacobs presented the Wellington Art Society with three photographs that were taken by Peggy in a preserve area near their home in Wellington. I was pleased to accept these photographs on the Art Society's behalf. They are now displayed at the Wellington City Hall. Here is the press release:

Wellington, FL - December 16, 2011 - The home of Peggy and Jeremy Jacobs was filled with guests on the evening of December 15, 2011. The reception honored their special gift to the Wellington Art Society, three stunning photographs representing the natural beauty of Wellington, and showcased other photographic images included in Mrs. Jacob's unique and personal collection.

The Jacobs are well known for their preservation efforts including those in Wellington and around the world. Mrs. Jacobs' collection of photos features the beauty of nature with local photographs as well as those from across the nation. It is obvious that she has a natural talent and a photographer's eye; her photographs capture the essence of the nature.

"My wife has a strong background and passion for preservation," Mr. Jacobs said. "The photographs that we are giving to the Wellington Art Society were taken at Big Blue. Peggy and I were supposed to be going out to dinner, and as we were headed out the door, she excused herself and drove off. When she came back, she exclaimed, 'I got it, the light was perfect!' And this is where the photos came from. When I saw them, I knew that these were something that needed to be shared."

The Jacobs are honored to be able to share the photographs with the Wellington Art Society. "I hope these pictures will remind us all what we need to protect in our community," Mrs. Jacobs explained.

The Jacobs continue to restore and preserve on a daily basis, including within the city of Wellington. Special guest Thomas Herrera-Mishler, CEO of Olmsted Parks Conservancy, acknowledged his awe at the foresight seen to preserve the green space in the city.

"There are many cities that have become post-industrial and never preserved the green space for today and for the future, but I am so impressed by the community and the area that has been intentionally preserved in Wellington. The community has richness and a feeling to it that is really special. By taking steps to preserve the open space and what is special about Wellington, you are saving future generations from coming back and having to spend tons of millions of dollars to recapture what you are enjoying today," Herrera-Mishler said.

The Wellington Art Society will showcase the three photos at Wellington City Hall. The organization was founded in 1981 by Johanna Secor, a world-renowned artist from Connecticut. In the recent years, the Wellington Art Society has grown and become more visible within the Wellington community. The Mrs. Jacobs' photographs will provide an excellent opportunity to support the artistic and cultural endeavors in the Western Communities.