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Enjoy the Spookiness

AW Stories of the Month

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September 2, 2025

By Savannah Hess

Hi everyone. It’s been a while, huh? I hope you all are doing well, and enjoying the fall season. A lot has happened in the last few months when I wrote an article, but to keep it short: I’ve been swamped with college and college life. But it feels good to be back.

Anyways, enough about me. Onto what I’m here to talk about today.

Haunted places in Florida. I’m a huge history buff as many people know, and it’s so fascinating hearing about all of these old stories which happened so long ago. So let’s get into it. Here are just a few haunted places in and around South Florida.

The first one I’ll be mentioning is near and dear to my heart, since I’m a big theatre fanatic. It’s the Lake Worth Playhouse. This playhouse has been for over a hundred years-since 1924! Originally named the Oakley theatre, the structure was built by Lucien and Clarence Oakley who came to Florida in the early twenties. The theatre first opened on November 3rd, 1924 at a shocking cost of $150,000 (before you ask, yes I did the math..that would be almost 3 million today. Wowzers.) The theatre ran for about four years. September of 1928, a hurricane came through and destroyed much of the theatre. Lucien and Clarence were able to repair it, and then by early 1929, the theatre reopened.

However, consider the timing here. This was about 9 months before the Wall Street stock market crash, which would lead to The Great Depression. This depression would be one of the worst economic crashes in history. Many people lost all of their money because of the banks, and the Oakley brothers lost ownership of the theatre. It’s said both of them committed suicide in the theatre. Many investigators have reported seeing apparitions as well as heard footsteps in the theatre. Could they still be in the building to this day?

Next up is another famous museum. Yes, we’re talking about Whitehall, aka the Henry Morrison Flagler museum. Flagler built the mansion for his wife, Mary Lily Kenan. They would move in 1902, and would travel to Palm Beach via a railcar (sometimes I wish we still had those, they’re so neat). The mansion was praised and revered by many, and still puts people in awe today. Flagler died in 1913 at 83, and Mary Lily would die 4 years later. Many say they still reside in the mansion, as unexplainable things often occur, such as pottery breaking and a cleaning lady claiming that someone slapped her on the butt, according to www.ghostsofpalmbeach.com.

One final place, and then I promise we’re done. The Gulfstream Hotel on Lake Worth Beach. This hotel was built in the mid 20s, but now remains closed and under renovation. The hotel has been closed and reopened multiple times, and has survived the Great Depression, World War II, and the 90s (just kidding, the 90s weren’t that bad). Not a lot of information about the hotel has hit the public sphere when it comes to ghosts in the hotel. But there have been rumors of a ghost of a six year old girl haunting the building. I wonder what happened? I guess we’ll never know.

Anyway, that’s all I have for you today. I hope you have a great September. And enjoy the spookiness! Boo.

International Literacy Day

Future is Bright

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September 1, 2025

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By Litzi Aguilar

Since 1967, International Literacy Day has been a day for those all around the globe to recognize and celebrate the importance of literacy in individuals and societies. This day is also meant to address the obstacles that prevent people from developing literacy skills and contributing to their societies. Despite its popularity in academic settings, it is not just a day when only teachers and students can celebrate. It is meant to be inclusive to everyone from any country, race, background, and culture to uplift and empower.

International Literacy Day (September 8) can be traced back to the World Conference of Ministers of Education held in Tehran, Iran, where leaders worldwide came together to combat illiteracy and promote its education for all as a fundamental human right. It was September 8th that was declared as the official literacy day by UNESCO, or the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Every year, UNESCO has a theme to celebrate, and this year, the theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era.” This year’s global conference will be held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

In this current age, technology has completely changed our societies. It has changed how we learn and work, both positively and negatively. It has allowed people to access reading and writing to understand and create communities where they can engage with others safely and appropriately. However, the rise of technology also presents issues like misinformation and cybercrime. This presents the opportunity to reflect on what literacy means and how it can be managed in this age of technology to be safer, especially for those who are vulnerable.

There are several ways to celebrate this day, at home and locally in your area!
– You can visit your local library! Sign up for a library card and pick out books to read. You can explore the different types of books and expand your horizons beyond the fiction section! Libraries also often hold special events and reading programs for kids.
– Participate in a challenge! These challenges range from book swapping to dressing up as your favorite character. You can also have the whole family participate in a literacy scavenger hunt to instill positive outlooks on learning how to read and write in the younger and older generations.
– You can also volunteer in programs that tutor students in reading and writing lessons! Check out your local and online programs that offer these learning opportunities and get involved. These programs provide learning styles personalized for every student to improve their reading and writing comprehension and skills. These programs are open to all ages, regardless of one’s literacy levels.

Show Up, Speak Out, Stay In: A Real Guide to Child Advocacy

AW Stories of the Month

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September 1, 2025

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Show Up, Speak Out, Stay In: A Real Guide to Child Advocacy

By Jessica Brody

There’s no switch that flips kids from “at risk” to “protected.” No single policy, no one-time donation, no one-size-fits-all fix. Advocacy is not about sweeping gestures—it’s about showing up, over and over, in small, human ways that stack into something larger. If you care about vulnerable children—those in unstable homes, underserved schools, or invisible to policy—there are powerful things you can do. Right where you are. The question is not can you help, but where you’ll begin.

Start With What You Can Offer

Advocacy doesn’t always begin in a courtroom or on Capitol Hill. Often, it begins with you—deciding to become a steady presence in a child’s life. Many community leaders emphasize the impact of stepping into mentoring roles to build trust and open doors that systems can’t. Vulnerable kids don’t just need programs; they need people. By volunteering time as a tutor, mentor, or trusted adult, you become part of the web that catches kids before they fall through. What seems small to you may be life-changing to a child who’s never had someone show up just because they care.

Learn What Shapes Behavior

To advocate well, you need to understand what’s beneath the surface. Formal study in child development, trauma psychology, or behavioral systems can sharpen how you act. Flexible options like online programs are built for caregivers, career-pivoters, and folks already doing the work. These degrees don’t just inform—they reframe. You begin to see how choices echo through systems. If this sounds like your next step, learn more here.

Prevention Starts With Connection

Supporting vulnerable children means supporting the people raising them—especially before things break. Across the country, voluntary in-home programs are being used to help families access resources without stigma. One example comes from efforts to engage families before crises through services that offer support without judgment or red tape. That could mean joining networks that help parents access housing, childcare, or respite services before they’re in survival mode. Prevention meets people upstream—when the problems are real, but not yet irreversible. You can change a child’s trajectory by showing up early.

Strengthen What Already Exists

Advocacy isn’t just about stepping in—it’s about stepping back and looking at the systems we’ve normalized. One emerging path is collective food access initiatives like those co‑creating food support locally, where clinics, pantries, and parents work together to restore dignity. How does your town treat hunger? Who decides what counts as “safe” space? Whether it’s a back-to-school clothing drive or a community fridge, your presence matters. You become part of the structure that says: no child in this ZIP code gets left behind.

Show Up Where It’s Hard

Some of the most effective advocacy happens inside the very systems we criticize. Organizations have long emphasized partnering to uphold justice by training community members to walk with children through complex legal situations. These aren’t just lawyers or social workers. They’re volunteers who ensure a child’s needs and experiences aren’t erased by court schedules or bureaucracy. Whether it’s a custody dispute or a foster care hearing, your steady presence can shift the outcome. Real advocacy often looks like patience in uncomfortable places.

Address the Whole Child

It’s not just about paperwork—it’s about presence. Programs that address hunger, stability, and routine are vital in keeping kids grounded. Some communities have started standardizing after‑school nourishment to ensure kids don’t go from cafeteria to chaos. That includes snacks, emotional safety, and a place to land between school and home. These programs thrive when everyday people organize, donate, or simply show up. You don’t need to reinvent anything—just join what already works and help it grow.

Multiply Your Voice

When policies change, it’s often because people wouldn’t shut up. Many wins for vulnerable children—whether in foster policy, education funding, or healthcare—have come from campaigns channeling collective voices for policy. Signing petitions matters. So does calling your rep. Submitting public comments. Attending local hearings. Real policy doesn’t move unless regular people push it—consistently and loudly. If you’ve ever felt like “they” should do something, you might be “they.”

Advocacy isn’t a campaign. It’s a commitment. Not every day will feel powerful, and not every effort will land. But every child you make room for in your day, every caregiver you support, every meal you help serve or system you choose to question—that all adds up. The truth is, vulnerable children aren’t waiting for saviors. They’re waiting for neighbors. And those neighbors? They look a lot like you.

Discover the community of Wellington and beyond with Around Wellington – your go-to source for uplifting news, local events, and inspiring stories!

Strong Starts, Safe Seasons: Injury Prevention Tips from Local Orthopaedic Experts Dr. Hinson & Dr. Shaw with Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

Health & Fitness

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September 1, 2025

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Strong Starts, Safe Seasons: Injury Prevention Tips from Local Orthopaedic Experts Dr. Hinson & Dr. Shaw with Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

By Gianna Picard

With school sports ramping up across Palm Beach County, student-athletes are returning to the field, court, and basketball–often with more enthusiasm than preparation. This surge of activity, while exciting, also brings a sharp rise in preventable injuries at the start of each season. Orthopedic surgeons, Dr. John Hinson and Dr. Jonathan Shaw, with the Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, are emphasizing the importance of smart conditioning, stretching, and practical injury prevention tips to keep young athletes in top form.

Being aware of the most common injuries in student-athletes–and how to prevent overuse–is key to a strong and injury-free season. Dr. Hinson and Dr. Shaw emphasize that many sports injuries can be prevented with proper preparation, which includes suitable conditioning and recognizing potential early warning signs. By focusing on targeted muscle groups and sport-specific movements, athletes can reduce their risk of injury and improve overall performance.

Shoulder Overuse Injuries: Common injuries in Baseball, Tennis, and Volleyball

Repetitive overhead movements—common in baseball, tennis, volleyball, and many other sports and fitness activities—can place significant stress on the shoulder joint, particularly if the young athlete neglects proper warm-up routines. Failing to stretch before or after activity increases the risk of overuse injuries, including rotator cuff strains and labral injures. Ignoring early signs of discomfort and continuing to train or play through may worsen the condition and prolong recovery. It is crucial to seek medical evaluation at the first sign of persistent pain, rather than risking a more serious injury.

Dr. Hinson’s Prevention Tip: Make sure to stretch before and after activity and incorporate safe shoulder-strengthening exercises with proper warm-up routines. It’s important to limit overuse by rotating positions or reducing high-intensity reps during practice.

Knee Ligament Injuries (ACL Tears): Common injury in Football, Soccer, and Basketball

Quick stops, sharp pivots, and hard landings—like those in sports such as football, soccer, and basketball—can put a lot of pressure on the knees. Without proper strength, balance, and technique, these movements can increase the risk of injuries such as ACL tears, meniscus injuries, or inflammation in the tendons.

Dr. Shaw’s Prevention Tip: Work on improving coordination and body control through balance exercises, while also strengthening the muscles that support the knee, particularly the hamstrings and quadriceps. Taking the time to build knee strength and learn safe movement patterns is key to preventing long-term damage.

Recognizing early warning signs, like pain, is just as important as prevention. Aches and pains can worsen if neglected. This is why Dr. Shaw urges parents, caregivers, and coaches to watch for the following red flags to take action early:

Persistent pain and/or swelling after practice or games
Limited range of motion or stiffness in joints
Limping or favoring one side during movement
Instability of the knee, like not being able to pivot or shift
A sudden decrease in performance or reluctance to participate

If any of these signs appear, or if pain occurs and doesn’t go away, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. As the school sports season gets underway, a proactive approach to injury prevention and early intervention can make all the difference. With expert guidance from orthopedic specialists like Dr. Hinson and Dr. Shaw, student-athletes can stay healthy, perform at their best, and keep the focus where it belongs: on the game. To learn more about Dr. Hinson and Dr. Shaw and Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit www.pboi.com.

It All Starts with Trains

Mommy Moments

Heidi Hess

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September 1, 2025

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By Heidi Hess

It starts with Thomas. You know the Thomas I’m talking about, Thomas the Train. Perhaps I am older, perhaps your kids don’t know who Thomas the Train is but trust me when I say, if you show them, they will understand… and so will you.

Trains. If you lived in Palm Beach County you know the value of having a car. This isn’t NYC here kids. Things are spread out. I’m here to tell you that trains are real and they are fun. My kids make fun of me… they say “Mom, you think everything is fun.” That is a true and accurate statement. I think everything is fun. I look at everything with a sense of optimism. Over the years, it has exhausted the kids. This is who I am. I don’t know what to say.

But if I am addressing public transportation, IT IS FUN! Miami – train, Fort Lauderdale – train, Orlando – Train! My question is where do you want to go? And… do you have kids? Kids are obsessed with trains. Amtrak and Brightline fulfill those things. You can get to all those destinations (and lots of places in between) but also your kids will marvel at the train coming in, watching the train pull up and stop, getting on and finding your seat, talking to the attendant and then (my personal favorite) watching the world pass by as you travel to your destination. Does it take a bit longer? Sure. But, darling, do you have to drive, nope.

In fact, when you get off then train, you can call an Uber or Lyft and you – Never. Have. To. Drive. A. Car. Never. Did you hear me? From your front door, kids in hand, to the hotel or your destination, you never have to drive a car. I’m not sure what your experience is like driving kids but, you never have to drive a car. Why not make this a vacation for you too? Amtrak is inexpensive ($25 per person/per way) and Brightline, if you reserve the VIP section, provides you with snacks and beverages for your trip – including adult beverages. I’m not encouraging people to drink but if its free and you aren’t driving…

Have I mentioned the prices of fare? While Brightline is a bit more expensive, Amtrak runs 30sih dollars for adult and for kids ages two – twelve years old, it’s 50% off the adult fare. So book your get away now. Theres no time like the present and your kids will love you for it.

Grandma’s Place Honorary Chair

Press Releases

Litzi Aguilar

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August 31, 2025

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Danielle McDonald announced as Honorary Chair!
Amy Considine and Manda Galin, Co-Chairs of the 10th Annual Grandma’s Angels
Holiday Luncheon, are thrilled to announce Danielle McDonald as the Honorary Chair.
Danielle has graciously been a Major Sponsor of the luncheon and has been a loyal
supporter of Grandma’s Place since 2019. There is no one more deserving of this honor
and recognition!

The luncheon committee is already hard at work planning this event. Committee
Members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Cimminella, Margaret Donnelley, Sunny
Hawkins, Barbara Hollender, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis
Moews, Rossanna Mora, Elizabeth Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Dina
Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Kim Proenza Smith and Lindsay Welch.

The luncheon on Tuesday, November 18 th at the Sailfish Club starts at 11:30 am with a
wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a small live
auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes has once again graciously
agreed to serve as the celebrity emcee.

The auction proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides housing,
compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support to the most
vulnerable children and families in our community – including emergency shelter for
foster children and respite care to the caregivers of children with special needs.

Tickets are $225 per person or tables for $2,250. To receive an invitation, donate an
auction item, purchase a ticket, place an ad in the event program, or sponsor the event,
please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org
or you can pay on-line at www.grandmasplacepb.org/grandmas-angels-holiday-
luncheon

Wellington 2nd Annual Ruck March on Sunday, Nov. 9th

Press Releases

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August 31, 2025

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Wellington 2nd Annual Ruck March on Sunday, Nov. 9th

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Fall Exhibitions at the Armory Art Center

Press Releases

Litzi Aguilar

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August 30, 2025

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Fall Exhibitions at the Armory Art Center Celebrate Color, Mindfulness, and Nature

Aug. 29, 2025 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center is preparing for two new exhibitions this fall, celebrating colors and shapes, nature, and true transformation.

The exhibitions run Sept. 2–Oct. 25, 2025 and are free and open to the public.

“Between Form and Feeling” features works by Heather Couch, Renée Rey, and Terre Rybovich. These Florida-based artists explore the instinctive pull of body, material, and myth through tactile sculpture, ethereal painting, and embodied drawing.

“colorforms” is a retrospective of West Palm Beach visual artist Susan Currie’s abstract edge color expressions. Works on panel, stretched cotton canvas, and diamond polished acrylic blocks channel the cheer Currie experiences while communing with the natural world and the coastline of South Florida.

“These exhibitions are the perfect way to celebrate the start of a strong 2025-2026 arts season in Palm Beach County,” said Jill Brown, Armory Art Center CEO. “The diverse skills and big ideas embodied in these works are inspiring. We invite the public to join us this fall as we celebrate this talented group of professional artists.”

The Armory will host an opening reception for the exhibitions on Sept. 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Exhibition-Inspired Events

The Armory Art Center will also host a series of free events that invites the public to further engage with the two exhibitions, including an immersive meditation session, a panel discussion, and an artist demo:

Exhale: The Power of Meditation in the Creative Life

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Led by Elaine Pomfrey, a senior teacher and co-director of the Transcendental Meditation Center of Palm Beach and Susan Currie, the artist behind “colorforms,” participants will enjoy a relaxing conversation that weaves together the impact of meditation on creativity, and the science and mechanics of meditative practice. The discussion will be followed by an introductory meditation and Q&A. This event offers a fresh perspective on how mindfulness can enhance engagement with art and unlock greater creative potential.

Space is limited to 30 people. Please bring comfortable clothing and a cushion or mat.Registration is required at armoryart.org.

Artist Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Oct. 14 (6:30-8 p.m.)

Learn about the works on view with “Between Form and Feeling” artists Heather Couch, Renée Rey, and Terre Rybovich and “colorforms” artist Susan Currie. The artists will share the creative practices, themes, and concepts that inspire their artworks, and the process used to develop a fully conceived and curated exhibition.

Artist Demo

Saturday, Oct.18 (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Exhibiting artist Heather Couch will guide guests through a demonstration of her artistic process, techniques, and skills. This workshop allows attendees to observe her mixed media and ceramics methods, allowing guests to potentially learn new skills and gain insights into the creative practice.

For more information about these exhibitions and upcoming events, visit armoryart.org.

If You Go (Calendar Items)

Between Form and Feeling

September 2–October 25, 2025

Reception: September 18, 2025 (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

Armory Art Center