Wednesday, May 7, 2025
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Hop on a Train and Enjoy the Journey

While I love a good road trip, I also appreciate the simplicity of a train journey. If you’ve never experienced an epic train trip through jaw-dropping landscapes, consider one of these.

Train Travel
Travel Cross Country with Amtrak

Amtrak Across America

The diverse landscapes of the United States offer numerous opportunities for exploration by train. Amtrak provides ample options for exploring the country by train. The Lakeshore Limited route spans from New York City to Chicago, following the Hudson River in New York state before heading into the Midwest.

The Empire Builder route extends from Chicago to Seattle, traversing the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. This route includes a passage through the Cascade Mountains via the Cascade Tunnel, which measures 7.9 miles in length and is the longest railroad tunnel in the country.

Prefer some California sunshine? The Southwest Chief route connects Chicago with Los Angeles, passing through Albuquerque and offering views of the rugged Southwest terrain, dotted with red rocks and towering mountains.

Amtrak offers several additional routes including the Pacific Coast Starlight, proclaimed one of the most scenic rides anywhere from Seattle through Portland and down the California coast to Los Angeles.

No matter which route you choose, you’re certain to find magnificent vistas, good food, interesting people, and the sleep-inducing rhythm of the train. www.amtrak.com

Train Travel
Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland

The Belmond Royal Scotsman

Picture yourself in a 5-star country house hotel. Now picture that country house rolling past spectacular deep green lochs and fog-shrouded mountains in the Scottish Highlands. Throw in a castle or two, whitewashed villages, and whisky distilleries and you’ve discovered an epic train trip aboard the Royal Scotsman.

Managed by Belmond (formerly known as the Orient-Express Group), the Royal Scotsman exudes luxury at every turn. An intimate nine coaches carry just 36 passengers, and the staff ratio is 3 to 1. Yes, you will be pampered. Sleeper cars feature plush beds dressed in soft Scottish wools and tartans. And for the ultimate indulgence, book a session at the onboard spa…luxury not typically found on trains.

Unique excursions include visits to country estates like Rothiemurchus for traditional country activities such as archery and shooting, or a whisky distillery tour, this being Scotland after all. Whisky is also plentiful in the bar onboard, which is stocked with more than 50 different Scottish brands. www.belmond.com/scotland

Train Travel
Glacier Express in Switzerland

Switzerland’s Grand Train Tour

Every day, locals board trains for routine commutes in Switzerland. But it is Switzerland, so no train ride is routine. In a land filled with surreal landscapes crowned by snow-capped mountains, every vista is epic. From bell-wearing cows grazing outside charming Alpine villages to blue-green lakes shimmering in the sunlight, Switzerland provides a feast for the eyes.

Fortunately, Switzerland offers a grand tour showcasing the country’s bounty of beauty, merging stunning panoramic vistas into one unique route. The jaw-dropping experience covers 795 miles and takes the “hop on hop off” concept to new heights … literally. Buy a Swiss Travel Pass and choose a route.

A combination 5-hour route by both train and boat, the Gotthard Panorama Express between Ticino and Lucerne, showcases the diversity of the country’s landscapes. It’s all here, from palm trees in the Ticino to mountain waterfalls to glistening Lake Lucerne. Another favorite, the Glacier Express, traverses the Alps connecting glitzy St. Moritz with the car-free village of Zermatt at the foot of the Matterhorn. On the 8-hour trip, the train crosses 291 bridges and rumbles through 91 tunnels!

While in Zermatt, don’t miss a ride on the Gornergrat Bahn, the highest-altitude open-cog railway in Europe. The 35-minute, 5.6-mile journey to the top takes you to the summit at 10,134 feet. Step outside and you’re surrounded by 29 peaks higher than 13,000 feet—an experience that’s difficult to top. www.myswitzerland.com

All Aboard!

Happy May 2025 and Happy Mother’s Day!

Hope you’re having a wonderful May!  Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo, and we have a special article by our new writer Litzi Aguilar.  We’ve changed the name of the article “Teen Talk” to “Future is Bright” by the way.  See Litzi’s “About Cinco de Mayo.”  And welcome to the team, Litzi!

Litzi Aguilar, new writer

Also, Happy Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 11th to all of the Moms and Grandmas around Wellington!  Coming up soon.

Speaking of Moms, check out this month’s “Mommy Moments” by Heidi Hess.  She writes about the importance of reading and writing in front of your kids.  And also, Heidi talks about the 4th Annual Read It Write It book festival happening at the Mall at Wellington Green on June 14th this year.  Mark your calendars for this free festival featuring 40 authors that Heidi Hess organizes. 

And as we approach the summer here in South Florida, it’s a good idea to be mindful of your pets and whether they are overheating.  Writer Hannah Deadman-Arnst brings us “5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Cool This Summer” in Paws-itive Press. 

Have you done any spring cleaning yet?  Well, our Living Green writer and Arden’s Farm Director Charmaine Peters writes “House Cleaning without the Guilt.”  Great ideas about prioritizing your house cleaning tasks and making them more attainable. 

Meanwhile, we have Wellington-based writer Mike May, who happens to travel a lot, thus the name of his column “On the Move with Mike.”  He explores a little history of Atlanta with the help of some visuals found in the Atlanta airport.

Don’t forget to check out our “Photo Galleries.”  Lots of great recent events like Gay Polo, the 8th Annual AWE Scholarship Awards dinner and the USPA Open Championship Finals (polo).  Photos by Alan Fabricant and Krista Martinelli.

Have a wonderful month and enjoy exploring our AW content!

Cheers,

Krista Martinelli

Founder/Editor

Aroundwellington.com

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County

Hosting Hot Topic Luncheon on May 21 in Lake Worth ‘What’s Going on with LWV Florida & US?’ With Debbie Chandler, Esq., Co-President LWV Florida Luncheon will be Held at the Fountains Country Club

(West Palm Beach, FL – April 29, 2025) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC) is inviting interested members and supporters to another information-filled event.

Wednesday, May 21 / 11 am to 1 pm Hot Topic Luncheon. What’s Going on with the State & National LWV? With Florida Co-President Debbie Chandler, Esq.

Debbie Chandler will speak about the current actions of the Florida legislature, the ongoing lawsuits brought by the League of Women Voters of Florida, and the strategies and plans at LWVFL. She will also share her insights based on visits with the local leagues throughout Florida.

Ms. Chandler has been the Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Florida for almost two years. She is actively involved in all aspects of leadership at the state level and has traveled throughout Florida to visit each League, to learn what they are doing, and to explain key strategies of LWVFL.

Prior to becoming Co-President, she served on the board of the LWV of Palm Beach County as both first and second Vice President. She also organized and ran “Legislative Previews” and “Legislative Wrap-ups”, hosting Palm Beach County’s state legislators in a forum setting. 

A lawyer by trade, Ms. Chandler’s career included 25 years as an Assistant Public Defender in the 15th Judicial Circuit of Florida (Palm Beach County). Her practice of criminal law included all divisions of court, as well as running the Intake Division and several divisions within the Circuit Court. 

Ms. Chandler taught Criminal and Constitutional Law as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University for more than ten years. She is a proud member of the 2018 Class of Leadership Palm Beach County.

This Hot Topic Luncheon will also honor LWVPBC’s Outgoing President Kathi Gundlach and Outgoing Membership Chair Darlene Kostrub.

Where:

Fountains Country Club, 4476 Fountains Drive in Lake Worth 33467  (South of Lake Worth Road, West of Jog Road)

Registration Fee:

$40

Notes:

+ Doors open at 11:00 am. The 3-course, sit-down lunch begins at 11:30 am, the program starts at noon.

+ Advance registrations and payment must be made online at www.lwvpbc.org.

+ Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Fee is nonrefundable.

+ Deadline to register is May 15, 2025.

Parking:
+  Show your driver’s license at the gatehouse and tell them you are “from the League of Women Voters attending a luncheon at the Clubhouse”.
+ Entering from Lake Worth Rd: Clubhouse is less than 1/4 mile on your right.
+ Entering from Jog Rd: follow signs to Clubhouse, 1.5 miles.
   (Gate at Melaleuca and Jog Rd is for Residents Only.)
+ Enter clubhouse parking area at large sign “Fountains Country Club“.
+ Selfpark where available. There is plenty of parking.
+ Enter through main doors under portico.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit lwvpbc.org or facebook.com/lwvpbc.

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)

 Heritage Month at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Delray Beach, FL – This May, celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida. 

The zen oasis will showcase a plethora of adult and family-friendly programming, as well as two new art exhibits, including The Art of Peace: Jizai Okimono and Japanese War Brides: Across A Wide Divide, which features powerful portraits of some of the 45,000 Japanese women who bravely immigrated to the United States in the aftermath of World War II.

Throughout May, the museum is rolling out a list of cultural endeavors, from introspective garden walks to after-hours revelry and taiko drumming at Sunset Stroll on May 22. Ocha (green tea) lovers will enjoy The Way of Tea: Sado Demonstration on May 17, which showcases a luxurious tea ceremony from start to sip. 

On Mother’s Day, treat your haha (“mom” in Japanese) to lunch at the Cornell Café. The museum’s Pan-Asian restaurant and executive chef will showcase purple sweet potato croquettes ($8) and a delicious strawberry roll cake ($8), complemented by breathtaking views of the museum’s private lake and verdant gardens.  

For more information on May events, visit morikami.org/event-calendar.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

In 1977, Sukeji “George” Morikami (1886-1976) arranged to donate his land for use as a park for the enjoyment by citizens of his adopted country. Four decades later, a quarter of a million people a year, from all over the world, visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The legacy of George Morikami’s simple act of generosity and friendship continues to have a profound effect on the lives of those who experience the world of Japanese culture through the museum’s gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and Roji-en, the Garden of the Drops of Dew.

Join Mounts Botanical Garden

Celebrating American Wetlands Month and Mother’s Day in May FREE Admission for Moms on Mother’s Day Plus, Mindful Moments, Workshops, and Vibrant Garden Experiences

(West Palm Beach, FL – April 23, 2025) Mounts Botanical Garden is celebrating American Wetlands Month and Mother’s Day in May by offering a variety of mindful moments, workshops, and vibrant garden experiences.

Special Events

Sunday, May 4, 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

& Saturday, May 31, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

Living Beyond the Box: Gather, Create & Vision Practice

With Visionary Susan Rubin

Join us for a short wander through the Garden to collect petals, leaves, and other treasures. Create a simple mandala to reflect on Earth what we see and feel during the present moment. Then cut, paste, and map out a Vision Board of what you would like to experience in the rest of 2025. Light refreshments will be served.

May 10

Prescribed Fire, Reigniting the Spark

With Harper Carroll, Palm Beach County’s Environmental Program Supervisor Fuels and Prescribed Fire

Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am

This presentation is designed for adults and youth aged 9 and older; FREE for young people 9-17

Discover the fascinating history of prescribed fire and its critical role in ecosystem health and biodiversity. This presentation will explore how controlled burns have been used for centuries as a tool to maintain the balance of natural landscapes. Gain insights into modern techniques for safely reintroducing fire to restore and manage our natural areas, ensuring the survival of native plants and animals. Learn about the science, benefits, and challenges of prescribed fire, and why it is an essential practice for conserving the beauty and resilience of our environment.

May 11

Mother’s Day at the Garden

FREE Admission for Moms

Celebrating Mother’s Day at Mounts Botanical Garden is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your mom surrounded by nature, creating unforgettable memories taking a stroll, enjoying the vibrant topical oasis, and relaxing in nature’s beauty. Enjoy this special day with free admission for moms. You can also give your mom the gift of membership to Mounts Botanical so she can enjoy the Garden year-round.

May 16

Petals & Paradise: A Plumeria Tour & Presentation

With Expert Horticulturist Joel Crippen

Friday, 10:00 am to Noon

Step into a world of vibrant colors and captivating scents on our Plumeria Garden Tour, led by expert horticulturist Joel Crippen. This guided tour and presentation will immerse participants in the beauty and history of plumeria plants—known for their stunning, fragrant blooms that evoke the essence of tropical landscapes. Explore a variety of plumeria, each showcasing its unique color palette, from soft pastels to bold, rich hues. Learn about the hybridization and cultivation of this beloved flowering plant and the tips and tricks for growing and caring for plumeria in your own garden. Many of the varieties were created and named by Mr. Crippen.

This unforgettable floral experience is geared for both seasoned gardeners and casual plant lovers.

May 16

Terrarium Art

with Mindfulness & Art Therapist Omar Ananais

Saturday, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (includes refreshments)

Become the artist of your mind! This inspiring workshop will blend art and nature to craft stunning terrariums—personal oases filled with reflection and wisdom. Participants should bring their favorite clear glass vessels, up to 10 inches in diameter, to create two custom terrariums. Mounts will provide all essential materials, including mosses, soil, a selection of plants, and decorative elements. Learn the skills to care for a terrarium, including maintenance tips and guidance on choosing the best grow lights and bulbs to ensure your creation thrives. This class will be led by Omar Ananais, whose workshops are celebrated for being engaging and transformative. This experience is designed to promote mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Explore your artistic side and create living works of art that reflect your inner world.

Note: Terrariums will be available to purchase at the class

Recurring Events & Programs in May

·        Yoga Meditation – May 2, 16, 24

·        Orchids Are For Everyone Potting Workshop: Growing Oncidiums – May 3

·        Beginning & Intermediate Tai Chi – May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

·        Casa Rituals – May 4, 11, 25

·        Beginner & Intermediate Watercolor Painting – May 6, 13, 20, 27

·        Palm Beach County Residents Day – May 7

·        Forest Bathing – May 10, 18, 25

·        Dogs’ Day in the Garden – May 11

·        Mother’s Day – FREE Admission for Moms – May 11

·        Breaking the Barriers to Orchid Growing: Orchids for Sunny Gardens – May 17

To register in advance for any of the following events and activities at Mounts, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/month/2025-05/.

RIBBIT THE EXHIBIT II

The collection of 18 larger-than-life, whimsical frog sculptures are on exhibit throughout the Garden thru May 26, 2025, offering a playful and imaginative exploration of amphibians. Each piece is handcrafted and colored with natural patina by artist Andy Cobb.

Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND GRANTEES ANNOUNCED

PHILANTHROPY TANK PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH ON YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FUND GRANT PROGRAM

WEST PALM BEACH, FL, April 22, 2025 – On the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, Philanthropy Tank (PT), a non-profit organization committed to empowering young CHANGEmakers and a proud partner with the City of West Palm Beach on the Youth Climate Action Fund grant program, wants to highlight the youth-led climate projects that have been selected for the Youth Climate Action Fund (YCAF) sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies.  The projects emphasize the importance of this year’s theme: “Our Power, Our Planet.” Through this initiative, Philanthropy Tank has been working cooperatively with the City of West Palm Beach and The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin County to distribute microgrants ($1,000 – $5,00) to youth-led initiatives in West Palm Beach. The purpose of YCAF is to empower local youths (ages 15-24) to create innovative climate solutions and lead the way for youth innovators to lead the charge in West Palm Beach’s fight against climate change.

All the projects selected focus on an area that aligns with the City of West Palm Beach’s Sustainability Action Plan.

Some of the Youth-led Initiatives participating in the program include:

  • Circuit Cycle: A student-led organization with a mission to reduce the environmental impact of electronic waste. Circuit Cycle has collected 217 pounds of e-waste and collected 700+ signatures through a petition campaign. Through their participation in the YCAF, they intend to build partnerships with businesses to forge community awareness and create accessible recycling opportunities throughout West Palm Beach.
  • Surface 71: A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization run solely by students with the mission to raise awareness about plastic pollution, keeping cities and oceans cleaner and more beautiful. Their most recent project goes further than just hosting community cleanup events; it aims to target summer camps and back-to-school events to educate students on waste reduction.
  • Kids for Climate Change: The Color the World Green Coloring Book Project has set out to educate and engage children ages 5-10 years old about critical environmental and climate change issues that affect West Palm Beach. Each page will depict a key climate impact identified in the WPB Climate Sustainability Action Plan such as sea level rise, waste reduction, and extreme heat, along with a solution.

“We are proud to partner with the City of West Palm Beach and the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties to foster youth leaders,” said Amy Brand, Philanthropy Tank CEO. “Our youth will play a large role in raising awareness and providing education about climate issues.”

Mayor James: “The creativity and leadership coming out of our youth is inspiring. By working across sectors and taking the initiative, West Palm Beach students are taking their future into their own hands. I look forward to seeing these projects come to life.”

Learn more about the Youth Climate Action Fund Initiative at www.wpb.org/ycaf.

About Philanthropy Tank:

Founded in 2015, the nonprofit Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers, and equips student “CHANGEmakers” to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities. Philanthropist Investors fund student initiatives, investing in their own community projects. Through one-to-one mentoring, philanthropist investors fuel students’ desire, helping them execute initiatives while increasing their ability to make meaningful changes. For more information, visit www.philanthropytank.org.

About the City of West Palm Beach: 

The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website or follow us on our social media: FacebookInstagramX (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies:

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting changes in five key areas: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporation, and personal philanthropy, as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2023, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $3 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on InstagramLinkedInYouTube, ThreadsFacebook, and X.

About the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties 

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties is a nonprofit organization that leads philanthropy locally. The foundation provides charitable expertise and vehicles to increase the investment options on behalf of individuals, family foundations, and corporations. Since 1972, the foundation has distributed nearly $250 million in grants and scholarships aimed at closing the area’s opportunity gaps. With its vast network of donors and nonprofit partners, the foundation supports initiatives that improve youth and education, economic opportunity, thriving communities, and crisis preparation and response. Learn more at yourcommunityfoundation.org.   

inSIGHT Through Education

Honoring Holocaust educators, Survivors and JFR Goldsmith Scholars for their Dedication to Preserving History and Inspiring Future Generations

(Delray Beach, FL) . A Palm Beach County school teacher will be recognized with the Naftaly Award of Excellence for exceptional instruction in Holocaust education and an individual will be awarded the inSIGHT Through Education Volunteer of the Year award. Three hundred Palm Beach County students who completed the pilot Goldsmith Scholars program of the Jewish Federation for the Righteous will also be recognized.

WHAT: “A Celebration of Impact: honoring the past, inspiring the future “is a brunch for more than 400 guests to recognize exemplary Holocaust educators, outstanding inSIGHT Through Education volunteers, and the 300 students who completed the Goldsmith Scholars program this year.

WHEN: Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 11:30 am to 1 pm at Mizner Country Club, 16104 Mizner Club Drive, Delray Beach, FL  33446

WHO: Attendees will include Holocaust Survivors, Palm Beach County School District leadership, school board members and teachers, representatives from prominent local Jewish organizations, and students.

WHY: This special brunch will honor all of these constituencies for their dedication to preserving history and inspiring future generations.

About inSIGHT Through Education

inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and genocides worldwide to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org.

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Launch 2025 Summer Camp at Camp Welaka

April 21, 2025 – The countdown to summer fun is on! Registration is now open for the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s 2025 summer camp session at Camp Welaka in Tequesta, Florida, a 640-acre of preserved woodland where girls can explore nature, develop new skills and foster lasting friendships.

Open to all girls, not just current Girl Scouts, three summer programs at Camp Welaka offer a variety of outdoor adventures and leadership-building opportunities for girls from kindergarten through 12th grade. The three signature programs are:

Resident Camp is designed to build confidence and independence in an environment where the girls are empowered by their peers and camp staff to try something new. Campers will enjoy swimming, archery, canoeing, hiking, themed events and more. There are three sessions of Resident Camp running from June 13 through July 17 for girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade.

Day Camp offers all the excitement of camp without the overnight stay. Perfect for younger campers, this experience gives girls the chance to explore the outdoors while developing key life skills including communication, responsibility and independence. Activities include archery, slingshots, paddling, hiking, pool time and arts and crafts. Day Camp is offered June 23 through June 27 and July 21 through July 25 for girls in kindergarten through 5th grade.

Camp 2gether allows girls and a trusted adult to experience camp life together. Featuring overnight stays and traditional camp activities, Camp 2gether helps families bond and create shared memories in a fun, natural setting. Camp 2gether runs from June 6 through June 8 and is open to girls entering kindergarten through 12th grade and their accompanying adults.

“Our summer camps at Camp Welaka are designed to give every girl a safe, supportive space where she can unplug, build confidence, and connect with others,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “As evidenced in our recent State Florida Girl Report, more than half of high school girls regularly feel sad or hopeless and screen time is at an all-time high, camp offers something different — real friendships, outdoor adventures, and the chance to discover their strengths. You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to attend, but after a week at camp, most girls are excited to become one.”

Space is limited. To register or for more information visit https://www.gssef.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/camp-and-outdoors/summer-camp.html.

About Girl Scouts 

We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org

Celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week at Hilton West Palm Beach

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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Hilton West Palm Beach is rolling out the scholastic red carpet to honor hard-working educators. It’s time to relax, recharge, and receive some A+ pampering!

In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5-9, Hilton West Palm Beach is offering a special treat for educators with a Summer Educator Pass. The $20 pass gives teachers a chance to unwind and appreciate a well-deserved day off in a relaxing oasis.

The Summer Educator Pass includes:

·      Access to the Hotel’s palm-lined resort pool

·      Lounge chairs (first come, first served)

·      Towel service

·      10% off food and drinks from La Playa Poolside Bar & Grill

·      Complimentary access for 1 accompanying guest

·      Free Wi-Fi throughout the property

·      Complimentary valet parking

The Summer Educator Pass is available May–August (Monday–Thursday).

To purchase a Summer Educator Pass, click here. Must show Educator’s ID at check-in.

Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.

Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival Returns to Wellington for Year 4!

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Wellington, FL – Book lovers, aspiring writers, and literary fans of all ages are invited to the highly anticipated Fourth Annual Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival, taking place Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm at Wellington Green Mall (10300 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414).

Admission is completely free, making it an ideal summer kickoff event for families, educators, and anyone passionate about storytelling and creativity.

This year’s festival will showcase 40 award-winning and best-selling authors, offering an exciting lineup of events including:

  • Engaging Genre Panels and Poetry Readings
  • Interactive Writing Workshops and Book Signings
  • Fun Reader Activities for all ages
  • A unique Author Scavenger Hunt for prizes

From curious readers to seasoned writers, Read It Write It promises inspiration, education, and entertainment. Meet your favorite authors, discover new books, and connect with a vibrant literary community in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

For more details, visit heidicreates.net or scan the QR code on event flyers.