Saturday, October 25, 2025
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New Partnership Provides On-site Mental Health Care at The Foundations School

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CCE CEO Robert Hamon; Photo Credit: LILA PHOTO

WEST PALM BEACH — Students at The Foundations School (TFS) at The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education (CCE) now learn in an environment where academics and mental health care work side-by-side, thanks to a new partnership between the Center for Child Counseling (CFCC) and CCE that began in July 2025.

The collaboration embeds CFCC’s prevention, early intervention and treatment services at TFS on CCE’s campus. By co-locating CFCC’s skilled therapists and providing direct support, training and resources to TFS students and families, the partnership ensures that those connected to The Foundations School have immediate access to mental health care in the place children spend most of their time: school.

“As collaborative partners with The Foundations School, we are excited to work together to ensure the mental health care, safety and wellness of the school’s students and their families,” said Renée Layman, CEO of Center for Child Counseling. “This collaboration will promote a model of care that addresses the whole child, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development and the needs of their family.”

CFCC will also offer a broad range of onsite services designed to strengthen the school community at TFS. These include classroom observations to help identify student needs, psychoeducational groups that promote social-emotional skills and resilience, and evidence-based programs such as SNAP (Stop Now and Plan), which reinforce positive behaviors and problem-solving. Teachers and caregivers will also have access to workshops and consultations that provide practical strategies for managing stress and fostering healthy child development.

“This collaboration is a powerful step forward in ensuring every student at TFS has the opportunity to thrive academically and emotionally,” said Robert L. Hamon, President and CEO of CCE. “Integrating mental health services into our school model transforms how children learn, equipping them and their families with the skills and support needed to succeed in school, at home and in the world.”

CCE advances academic success through programs that support students, families and communities. The Foundations School, one of four programmatic pillars, is a K–5 independent school achieving transformative results for underserved students. Tuition is accessible thanks to critical philanthropic support and state scholarships. CCE’s research produces results that inform and impact the field of education.

Center for Child Counseling has been building the foundation for playful, healthful and hopeful living for children and families in Palm Beach County since 1999. Its services focus on preventing and healing the effects of adverse experiences and toxic stress on children, promoting resiliency and healthy family, school and community relationships.

For additional information on CFCC or to make a donation, visit centerforchildcounseling.org or call 561-244-9499.

For additional information on TFS or CCE, visit cceflorida.org. To make a donation toward a scholarship, please call Vivianne Hall at 561.805.9927; extension 118.

Wellington Garden Club Meeting Will Feature “Bromeliads: Orchids of the Tropics” Presentation on November 3rd

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Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, November 3rd, at 10:00AM, at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation by Tom Ramiccio on bromeliads. He estimates he has about 7,000 bromeliads in his vast and varied collection. When Ramiccio ran out of space for bromeliads in his Lake Worth yard, he planted them on trees, creating a vertical garden of these colorful water-holding “vase” plants.

Aside from his knowledge of how-to grow bromeliads, Ramiccio has a long list of community service accolades.  He brings with him more than forty years of professional marketing and public relations. He was the marketing director for Palm Beach County Visitors and Convention Bureau for over ten years. He served three terms as Mayor of the city of Lake Worth. He represented the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce as their President/CEO for ten years.  For thirty-seven years he was the Governor of the Florida District of Kiwanis International. He also served on the Salvation Army Board for thirty-five years.

The public is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30AM.  Visitors are asked to check in at the desk upon arrival. Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended.  Please contact the Wellington Garden Club membership chair, Anne Hlasnicek, via email: ideasmith@comcast.net

Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, and youth education.  For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

American Humane Society to Host Free Pet Wellness Clinic 

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Photo credit: American Humane Society

BELLE GLADE, FL – In a continued effort to serve under-resourced communities and help ensure pets receive the care they need, American Humane Society will host a free Pet Wellness Clinic on Thursday, October 30, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Belle Glade Public Library.

This important community event–held with generous support from MarsPEDIGREE FoundationBanfield Pet Hospitaland VCA Animal Hospitals–will offer free rabies vaccinations, combo vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and microchipping for local dogs and cats. On-site veterinarians will be available to serve 150+ pet parents, and while veterinary records are recommended, they are not required.

“We are proud to bring this vital service to the Belle Glade community,” said Georgia Boyer, Chief Communications Officer for American Humane Society. “Access to preventative veterinary care helps pets live longer, healthier lives and keeps families together, especially in areas where resources are limited, and disasters are a real threat.”

As Belle Glade is a region historically impacted by natural disasters, the event aims to help pet owners be better prepared for emergencies by ensuring their pets are vaccinated, microchipped, and protected.

All participating pets will receive a complimentary “treats, no tricks” goodie bag filled with healthy snacks, food, bowls, leashes, and other supplies.

Belle Glade Public Library is located at 725 NW 4th Street, Belle Glade.

To register, visit americanhumane.org/belleglade.

For more information or to RSVP, email Chloe Barr at chloeb@americanhumane.org.

About American Humane Society

American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been at the forefront of virtually every major advancement in the humane movement to rescue, care for and protect animals. For more information or to support our life-changing work, please visit  AmericanHumane.org, follow us on FacebookX  and  Instagram  and subscribe to our channel on  YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth. 

About PEDIGREE Foundation

We believe every dog deserves a loving, forever home. PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Nearly 3.1 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation was established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, maker of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, to help increase dog adoption rates. We’ve awarded more than 6,300 grants and over $14 million to U.S. shelters and rescues that help dogs in need. Since launching our Canadian grant program in 2022, we have provided $345k CAD to local shelters and rescues in need across Canada, as well as $20k CAD in Disaster Relief. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we’re working toward a day when all dogs are safe, secure, cared for, fed well, and loved. See how you can help at PedigreeFoundation.org. 

About Mars, Incorporated  

Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets, and the planet.  For more information about Mars, please visit mars.com. Join us on FacebookTwitterInstagramLinkedIn and YouTube

inSIGHT to Host 15th Annual Gala Honoring Gail Danto and Art Roffey

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WEST PALM BEACH, Fla – inSIGHT Through Education, a non-profit dedicated to promoting kindness, acceptance, and respect through lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides, will host its 15th annual Garden of Education Gala on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Cohen Pavilion at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. 

The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will celebrate the organization’s 15 years of impactful work in Palm Beach County and beyond. The evening will honor two pillars of the community, Gail Danto and Art Roffey, for their outstanding contributions and unwavering support. 

The gala is chaired by community leaders Ellen and Bernie Gottlieb and Debbie and Jeff Mann, with Tania Rogers, anchor and reporter for WPTV, serving as the evening’s host.

The event will also feature a special address from guest speaker Patricia Heaton, the celebrated Emmy-winning actress and co-founder of the October 7th Coalition. Most commonly known for her roles in “Carol’s Second Act” and “Everybody Loves Raymond,” Heaton will share her personal commitment to unite, promote, and encourage meaningful public and private action in the Christian community to strengthen relationships with the global Jewish community. 

Guests are invited to join an evening of reflection and celebration in a beautiful garden-themed setting. The dress code is cocktail attire.

Funds raised at the gala will directly support inSIGHT Through Education’s vital programs, which provide lessons on the Holocaust and global genocides to educate a new generation to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.insightthrougheducation.org/gardenofeducation, email info@insightthrougheducation.org, or call 561-570-2656.

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 other genocides, 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 

Partnering Up to Keep Little Red Schoolhouse Lessons Alive

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(Provided by the South Florida Fair) The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach’s fourth-grade Little Red Schoolhouse Living History Program is continuing, thanks to a partnership with Yesteryear Village and its schoolhouse, pictured here.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The South Florida Fair and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach are forming a partnership to keep the fourth-grade Little Red Schoolhouse Living History Program to continue without interruption.

The Little Red Schoolhouse is undergoing a temporary closure due to the ongoing Phipps Ocean Park restoration project and related construction and this partnership allows the Foundation’s Living History Program to kick off in October, as originally planned, for the 2025–2026 school year. The Foundation will be conducting resiliency and restoration improvements to the schoolhouse as part of the park restoration.

Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds is a unique living history park that showcases Florida life prior to 1940. Its schoolhouse will serve as the temporary home for the immersive, curriculum-aligned program. Students from across Palm Beach County will still experience a full day of engaging, hands-on history education — complete with period dress and lessons that bring the past to life.

“This partnership is the perfect collaboration as we have a shared interest in serving and educating local students about our area’s history,” said Matt Wallsmith, president and CEO of South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. “This will add to the programming that we already do with the schools, which includes annual tours.”

“This partnership is truly a win-win,” said Danielle Del Sol, president and CEO of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach. “Our program continues to serve the students and schools of Palm Beach County, and at the same time, we’re helping to activate one of the county’s most important historic resources.”

Learn more about Yesteryear Village at https://www.southfloridafair.com/p/yesteryear and the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach’s Living History program at palmbeachpreservation.org/education/little-red-schoolhouse.

The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2026 South Florida Fair will kick off with its Ride-A-Thon at 5 p.m. on January 15 and the full fair will be held January 16 through February 1. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.

The Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach advocates, educates, and invests in the community to protect the architectural, botanical, and cultural heritage of Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.palmbeachpreservation.org.

Boys Town Highlights Halloween Safety Tips to Help Families Prepare Kids for a Fun, Safe Night

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Costumes, candy, and community fun make Halloween a kid-favorite—but it can also present real safety risks if families aren’t prepared. Boys Town pediatric and behavioral health experts are encouraging parents to plan ahead so children of every age can enjoy a safe night out.

“The night’s excitement can lead to split-second decisions—darting across streets, masks that block vision, or unsafe candy swaps,” said Dr. Clara Brown, pediatrician at Boys Town National Research Hospital. “With a quick plan and a few basics such as visibility, supervision, and clear rules, families can reduce risks while keeping the fun.”

“In this generation, preparation isn’t just about flashlights,” added Dr. Christopher Blank, a Boys Town behavioral health expert. “It’s also about digital safety, group norms, and practicing how to handle tricky situations. A little role-play and a buddy plan go a long way.”

Boys Town Experts offer the following Halloween safety tips:

  • Match independence to age. Under 10: An adult should accompany children door-to-door. Keep routes short and familiar. Tweens (10–12): If going without an adult, require a buddy group (3 or more kids), a set route, check-in times, and a firm curfew. Teens: Agree in advance on neighborhoods, no entering homes/garages, and expectations for respectful behavior and social media use.
  • Be visible. Add reflective tape to costumes/bags and give each child a flashlight or glow stick. Choose face paint or makeup over full masks; if using a mask, make sure peripheral vision is clear.
  • Use street smarts. Stick to sidewalks, cross at corners/crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and keep phones down when crossing. Drivers: slowdown in neighborhoods and watch for kids in dark costumes.
  • Make a Buddy System Plan. Never go alone. Use the “two-up rule” (no one walks or leaves a house line alone). Designate a base adult or two who stay reachable and stationary along the route for quick help. Use simple scripts: “No thank you,” “I need to check with my adult,” and “We stay together.”
  • Keep costumes safe. Hem long hems, pick comfortable shoes, and choose flame-resistant fabrics. Keep props soft and non-realistic.
  • Check candy first. Inspect before eating and set aside choking hazards for younger kids. For allergies, carry meds, pre-pack safe swaps, and look for teal pumpkin homes (homes offering non-food treats).
  • Prep your home for trick-or-treaters. Turn on exterior lights, clear pathways, secure pets, and use battery candles in decorations.
  • Be smart online. For older kids, charge phones, enable location sharing with a parent, agree on check-ins, and avoid posting real-time locations. Remind kids they’re on camera (doorbell cameras)—no pranks, no porch running, and be respectful of property.
  • Scary Movies & Sleep: If your child wants to watch spooky content, keep it age-appropriate; co-view/preview and remind kids it’s make-believe. Stop if it’s too intense. Wrap up 60–90 minutes before bed and follow a screen-free calming routine. Teach a simple coping plan (deep breaths + quick grounding), use a nightlight, and if a nightmare happens, reassure and resettle—debrief in the morning. Ongoing distress? Check with your pediatrician or a behavioral health expert.

For alternatives and inclusiveness due to weather or younger children, consider trunk-or-treats or indoor community events; for kids with noise or light sensitivities, bring ear protection, build in quiet breaks, and choose earlier, less-crowded hours.

“Preparation builds confidence,” said Dr. Blank.  “When kids know the plan—who they’re with, where they’re going, and how to handle surprises—they enjoy the night more and make safer choices.”

For more pediatric and parenting advice, visit www.boystownpediatrics.org or www.boystown.org/parenting.

About Boys Town South Florida:

For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization’s research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.

Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge

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Photo provided by Boney James.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (October 16, 2025) — The City of West Palm Beach is excited to announce that the Sunset Lounge will once again open its doors for select cultural events, beginning with a special Soul in the City concert on Wednesday, Nov. 19.  Guests will be welcomed to the reimagined space with a performance by four-time Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist, producer, and composer Boney James. This milestone activation celebrates the venue’s role as a cherished cultural landmark and historic beacon of African American heritage in the Historic Northwest District. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Oct. 17 at noon at wpb.org/jazz

The completion of the two-story, 7,200-square-foot venue marks a milestone for the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), both of which are committed to significant revitalization projects across the downtown corridors. The Lounge will host select community and cultural programming, featuring live music, a full-service restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and other amenities. 

“We are pleased to announce that the historic Sunset Lounge will once again open its doors for special events,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “Its preservation connects us to our past while paving the way for a future filled with growth and opportunity. I appreciate everyone who remained dedicated to this important project. We look forward to carrying on the Lounge’s legacy as we welcome one of the most esteemed jazz performers of our time.” 

The reopening event, titled “Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge,” will revive the venue’s legacy as a center for world-class jazz and cultural celebration. Renowned saxophonist Boney James (no relation to Mayor James) will headline the evening at the Sunset Lounge as part of his Slow Burn tour, named for his acclaimed recent album that has cemented his place among the greats.

In addition to his Grammy Award nominations, James has secured three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album, and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named him one of the top three contemporary jazz artists of the decade. In 2024, he became the first artist to achieve 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.

“We are immensely proud to celebrate the completion of the Sunset Lounge revitalization,” said Chris Roog, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach CRA. “This transformation is a tribute to the legacy of those who paved the way before us, and a commitment to creating a dynamic space for generations to come. With heartfelt thanks to the residents and businesses of the Historic Northwest neighborhood—and to all who share a love for music—this project reflects the power of community collaboration. Together, we’ve preserved a cultural landmark where people can gather to celebrate, connect, and be inspired.”

Located in the heart of the Historic Northwest District, the Sunset Lounge has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural vibrancy of West Palm Beach. In the 1940s and 1950s, the venue welcomed legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. It was a vital space for the African American community during a time when Black artists were often excluded from mainstream venues. The Sunset Lounge became a hub for artistic expression for musicians throughout the years, offering a place for performers and audiences to celebrate culture and music.

“Accessible community events are essential to a thriving downtown community,” said Angela Poco, Marketing and Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “The reopening of Sunset Lounge marks an exciting opportunity for the City to host events, starting with our popular Soul in the City concert series, which will find a permanent home at the Sunset Lounge.” 

All future Soul in the City concerts will take place in the space, providing a more dynamic experience and accommodating a larger number of attendees. Parking is available via on-site valet. 

Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge sponsors-to-date include West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, and WPBF 25.

For more information on ticket prices and packages, along with all Soul in the City details, visit wpb.org/jazz. For more information about other City of West Palm Beach Events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on FacebookX, and Instagram

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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 an ideal 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 the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA): 

A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government to carry out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Learn more about the CRA on our official website, or follow us on social media: FacebookInstagram, and Linked-In.

Mounts Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale & Festival

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(West Palm Beach, FL – October 20, 2025) Mounts Botanical Garden is hosting its ever-popular and growing Fall Plant Sale & Festival on November 1 and 2, 2025, at the Garden.

Whether you’re an avid gardener, plant curious, or simply looking to spend a beautiful day outdoors with your family, Mounts Botanical Garden’s Fall Plant Sale & Festival offers a full weekend to discover, shop, and enjoy nature’s beauty.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Meet highly sought-after top plant growers and artisan vendors. For complete list of vendors, visit www.mounts.org.
  • Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more.
  • Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers.
  • Attend fun and informative presentations by speakers who are experts in their respective fields.
  • Find horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.
  • Plus, Family Fun Activities, including arts and crafts and games, live music, and food and beverage vendors.

FESTIVAL HOURS:

  • Sat., Nov. 1, 2025 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm with early admission at 8:00 am for Mounts Members only.
  • Sun., Nov. 2, 2025 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

ADMISSION:

  • FREE for Mounts Members and children under 6
  • $20 adults
  • $18 seniors 65+, college students, military with ID
  • $13 for ages 6 to 17
  • Annual Memberships start at $60 and include free daytime admission to the garden year-round – including Plant Sales.
  • To purchase tickets or membership, visit www.mounts.org.

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE:

Sat., Nov. 1

8:00 am – 11:00 am – Live Music by Pianist Barbara Gomulka

Ease into your morning with the soothing sounds of pianist Barbara Gomulka. A Florida-born artist known for her smooth and romantic instrumental style, Barbara’s music creates a serene atmosphere.

11:00 am – BUTTERFLIES IN OUR GARDEN with Teri Jabour, UF/IFAS Palm Beach County Master Gardener, President of the Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association.

Because butterflies are abundant in Mounts Botanical Garden, the Atala Chapter of the North American Butterfly Association (NABA) has been counting butterflies here since 1995. This presentation discusses the special butterflies we see at the Garden, and the simple ways we can enjoy and take care of our yards and natural landscapes to benefit people and butterflies. 

1:00 pm – 3:45 pm – Live Music by Marijah and the Reggae All-Stars

This powerhouse reggae band blends infectious rhythms with irresistible grooves. Fronted by Marijah on soulful vocals and percussion, their high-energy performance will have you dancing from start to finish.

Sun., Nov. 2

9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Live Music by Ashleigh and Connor

Start your Sunday with the uplifting sounds of Ashleigh and Connor, a South Florida duo known for their original songs and creative takes on classic rock, blues, and reggae. Sit back, relax, and enjoy their warm, laid-back vibe.

1:00 pm – 3:45 pm – Live Music Marijah and the Reggae All-Stars

Back for an encore performance! Don’t miss this dynamic band as they return to close out the weekend with rhythm, energy, and joy.

1:00 pm – GARDENING FOR NATIVE BEES with ChrisAnne Rivers, Beach County UF/IFAS Florida Master Gardener Volunteer

Learn how to design beautiful, bee-friendly gardens that support vital pollinators facing threats from pesticides and environmental change. Discover which native plants attract Florida’s native bees, explore their fascinating lifestyles, and pick up practical tips to turn your yard into a buzzing paradise. You’re sure to leave this presentation a true bee-liever!

To purchase a Mounts Membership or tickets to Mounts Fall Plant Sale & Festival, visit www.mounts.org.

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. Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

CREEPIN’ IT REAL | Halloween Happy Hour for Founders, Funders & Facilitators

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Let’s be real – the life of a startup founder can be TERRIFYING. 😱

From funding frights to scaling scares, every twist in the journey feels like a haunted house. But fear not! Creepin’ It Real , presented by Studio Solian and the SBDC @ FAU(opens in a new tab), is your safe haven to network, connect, and survive the horrors of entrepreneurship – all while enjoying a wickedly fun night of Halloween festivities.

Basic Information:

📅 Date: Thursday, October 30th, 2025

Time: 6:00 – 10:00 pm

📍 Location: Talkin Tacos Wellington

🤝 Who: Founders, Funders and Facilitators

This isn’t just another happy hour – it’s a haunted hub of connections, guidance, and opportunity. Come for the scares, stay for the networking, and leave with the tools and relationships to keep your startup alive! 😈


The Night Awaits:

👻 Scary Yummy Food: Thanks to Talkin Tacos (founded in South Florida), we are going to have some tasty treats to devour.

🧛 Spooky Good Drinks: Talkin Tacos specialty drinks are to DIE for! From the Bloody Mango to the Horror-chata, these wicked mocktails will tease your taste buds.

👹 Frightfully Fun Costume Contest: Come dressed to impress (or scare) and compete for a chance to win fun (and some needed) products and services.

⚰️ Monstrous Mixer: Network with a purpose as you weave through the full graveyard of founders, investors, mentors, and essential startup resources that could save your venture from certain doom.

🧟 Surprise Frights & Delights: Your bound to come face-to-face with ghoulishly good games, contests, connections and well. . . we have to keep some things a mystery – you never know what other tricks and treats we have in store!


SPACE IS LIMITED!! 😨

Don’t let your startup DIE 💀 – Register now and join us for a creepy great night of fright, fun, and fearless founders!


THANK YOU to our Presenting Sponsor, SBDC @ FAU!

The Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Florida Atlantic University (FAU)(opens in a new tab) offers high-level consulting and training to small and medium-sized businesses in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The Florida SBDC at FAU has access to robust databases, business research resources and knowledgeable expert consultants who can help business owners and entrepreneurs successfully navigate the obstacles that come with the stages of the business life cycle, providing no-cost specialized services to fit their needs. From pre-venture businesses (exploring business feasibility) to established businesses (in business over three years), the SBDC at FAU can help. Consultations are confidential, one-on-one, either virtual or in-person.