The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) annually supports the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award program to recognize well-designed and maintained landscapes in the public or private sector in each District of the state. The meaning behind the “unsolicited” title is that the nominees are not applying for the award themselves, but someone else recognizes it is a landscape of merit, and worthy of consideration.
This year, the residential landscape of Harold and Dinorah Williams was nominated by Wellington Garden Club to receive the Unsolicited Landscape Award in the Private Residence category for District X.
Candidates for this award are submitted each fall by Garden Club members, especially graduates of the National Garden Clubs(NGC) Landscape Design School. Applications are sent to the District Chairman for eligibility and consideration. Judges who have completed the NGC Landscape Design School visit and evaluate the sites nominated. The highest scoring nominee in each category is the winner.
The selection of the Dinorah home, located in Saratoga Pines Division, Royal Palm Beach, as the 2023 winner in the Private Residence category was announced on April 27 at the FFGC District X Spring meeting. The award was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Williams by WGC Club President Carol Ralph and 1st Vice-President Petra Russell.
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.
Free activities and experiences inspire visitors to discover and learn about Florida manatees
RIVIERA BEACH, Fla. (June 26, 2023) — Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is now offering a mix of indoor and outdoor summer activities that celebrate Florida’s favorite marine mammal and encourage fun family time. This summer, visitors can enjoy educational programming, arts & crafts, interactive simulations, outdoor games and new exhibits.
“At Manatee Lagoon, our goal is to create an interactive, entertaining and educational environment to inspire people to preserve and protect Florida’s ecosystems,” said Zack Greenberg, leader at Manatee Lagoon. “There’s something for everyone, and rain or shine, visitors can expect to have fun while learning about manatees in the wild and what they can do to help protect them.”
This summer, the facility offers visitors a variety of exhibits and programs that are either brand new or back by popular demand, including:
PLAY, STRETCH & ENJOY THE FRESH AIR: Upon arrival at Manatee Lagoon, visitors will discover new outdoor games like Cornhole, Tic-Tac-Toe and Connect 4 for the entire family. Adults can work on the mind, body and spirit every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday at 8 a.m. with yoga classes led by certified instructors, taking place outside against the calming backdrop of Lake Worth Lagoon for a low cost of $5 per person, per class.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Manatee Tales Story Time returns this summer to immerse our youngest minds in learning all about the Florida manatee. Every Saturday at 11:30 a.m., a Manatee Master will read a marine-themed book in Manatee Lagoon’s classroom. After story time, children can play with giant puzzles and enjoy a free popsicle. For an interactive experience, the all-new Manatee Rescue Adventure is ahigh-definition, self-guided simulation that gives visitors of all ages a look into the exciting process of rescuing a distressed manatee. After spending some time outside playing games or enjoying the views of Lake Worth Lagoon, these are great ways to cool off and learn.
LOG ON FOR INFO-TAINMENT AT HOME: Manatee Lagoon’s “Wild About Wildlife” Virtual Summer Camp creates a virtual adventure for children to hear stories of amazing animals and learn how they can help conserve wildlife in their own lives. The program is filled with animal observations, experiments, games, crafts and educational lessons hosted by educators from Manatee Lagoon, Loggerhead Marinelife Center and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. The next free virtual summer camp will take place July 10-14 and is geared toward children ages 6-9; however, other ages are welcome to register and participate. To register, visit visitmanateelagoon.com/virtual-summer-camp.
Next month, new and returning Manatee Lagoon visitors will find two new sustainably made sculptures in honor of Plastic Free July. The sculptures are made from trash collected during the Harbor Branch and Boys and Girls Club’s beach cleanups. Plastic Free July is a one-month challenge for all of us to reduce single-use plastics in our everyday lives. It is completely free and voluntary to participate. Register at plasticfree.ecochallenge.org/.
Now in its seventh year of manatee education and environmental conservation, Manatee Lagoon is a popular community destination, making it the ideal place for people to learn about these beloved marine mammals. To learn more about Manatee Lagoon’s summer programming, please visit visitmanateelagoon.com.
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About Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center®
Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center® is a free Palm Beach County educational attraction with a dedicated area to view manatees up close. The 16,000-square-foot center features engaging, hands-on exhibits for visitors to learn all about the unique creatures as well as the natural wonders of the surrounding Lake Worth Lagoon. During the colder winter months, the facility’s observation deck is the ideal spot to view manatees basking in the clean, warm-water outflows from Florida Power & Light Company’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Manatee Lagoon also offers digital resources and educational virtual content for manatee fans near and far on its website: VisitManateeLagoon.com.
The center is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for major holidays, until March 31, 2023, which marks the end of manatee season. April 1 through Nov. 14, 2023, the center will observe the same hours, with the exception of Mondays, when the center will be closed.
About Florida Power & Light Company
As America’s largest electric utility, Florida Power & Light Company serves more customers and sells more power than any other utility, providing clean, affordable, reliable electricity to more than 5.8 million accounts, or more than 12 million people. FPL operates one of the cleanest power generation fleets in the U.S and in 2022 won the ReliabilityOne® National Reliability Award for the seventh time in the last eight years. The company received the top ranking in the southern U.S. among large electric providers, according to J.D. Power’s 2021 Electric Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM and 2021 Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction StudySM. The company was also recognized in 2020 as one of the most trusted U.S. electric utilities by Escalent for the seventh consecutive year. FPL is a subsidiary of Juno Beach, Florida-based NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE), a clean energy company widely recognized for its efforts in sustainability, corporate responsibility, ethics and compliance, and diversity. NextEra Energy is ranked No. 1 in the electric and gas utilities industry in Fortune’s 2022 list of “World’s Most Admired Companies” and recognized on Fortune’s 2021 list of companies that “Change the World.” NextEra Energy is also the parent company of NextEra Energy Resources, LLC, which, together with its affiliated entities, is the world’s largest generator of renewable energy from the wind and sun and a world leader in battery storage. For more information about NextEra Energy companies, visit these websites: www.NextEraEnergy.com, www.FPL.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com.
(photo credit: Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc., 2023)
(l-r) Kae Jonsons, Danny Hansen, Charlotte Pelton, Vicki Pugh, Elizabeth Houlihan, Alissa Dhawan, Cindy Pollack, Katie Newitt, and Jackie Halderman
West Palm Beach, Fla. – June 23, 2023 — The Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. is excited to announce its incoming Board of Directors for the 2023-2024 season.
Installed on June 20, 2023, the new slate of officers includes both long-standing and recently joined members.The Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. (EWPBF) welcomed the following leaders to serve on its board:
– Katie Newitt, President
– Kae Jonsons, VP of Resource, Development and Membership
– Charlotte Pelton, VP of Resource Development and Fundraising (’23 WILA recipient)
– Elizabeth Houlihan, VP, Programs & Education
– Virginia Spencer, VP, Community Outreach (EWPBF Past President)
– Vicki Pugh, Secretary
– Alissa Dhawan, Treasurer
– Sheril Jalm, Treasurer-Elect
– Cynthia Jackson, General Counsel
Continuing their service on the EWPBF Board are Cecilia Hudnet, Elizabeth Hamma, Jackie Halderman, Danny Hansen, and Cindy Pollack.
In recognition of its 40th anniversary, EWPBF also announced a new conversation series, geared toward addressing professional women’s challenges. This summer, the organization is hosting moderated, small-group discussions, where they plan to explore executives’ most pressing issues and share how EWPBF can help shape solutions to those issues.
“EWPBF has empowered women to level up and lead for 40 years. Heading into the future, EWPBF will continue to address the important challenges faced by women leaders,” said Newitt.
Sessions are open to all women business professionals in Palm Beach County, but space is limited. Guests are invited to one of the following sessions:
Tuesday, July 18, 2023
9 – 11:30 a.m.
Delray Beach Library
100 W. Atlantic Ave, 2nd Floor, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Thursday, August 17, 2023
6 – 7:30 p.m.
Hubbard Radio Offices
701 Northpoint Parkway, Suite 500, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
RSVP REQUIRED – Email info@ewpb.org or call 561-868-7070.
Empowering women to succeed and lead, the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit professional association that inspires integrity, equality, and leadership in the workplace and community. To learn more, visit www.ewpb.org.
Delray Beach, Fla.– Kids who are passionate about music and enjoy cultural pursuits will march to the beat of their own drum this summer at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.
Starting Monday, June 26 through Friday, June 30, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will transform into an educational playground of incredible sights and sounds upon the return of its Youth Music and Culture Summer Camp. The immersive, five-day camp is open to students in grades 3 through 12. The curriculum features a rotating mélange of musical theory, history, culture, instrumental instruction, and an introduction to Japanese traditional arts.
Classes will include memorizing basic Japanese phrases, kanji numbers to read sheet music, and learning to play traditional musical instruments like the taiko (drum) and koto (13-string zither).
Feeling crafty? Students will get to build their very own paper versions of koto instruments to practice their finger techniques and lyrical compositions at home. On Day 5, camp will conclude with a recital concert by the campers alongside their instructors for their families.
Koto classes will be taught by renowned music instructor Shirley Kazuyo Muramoto, and taiko classes will be led by one of the nation’s top taiko drumming groups, Fushu Daiko.
Camp programs also include introduction to Japanese language and culture, Japanese dance, arts and crafts, and more.
All materials and instruments will be provided.
Cost is $275 per person. Advance registration is required. Limited to only 20 spaces.
When The Concrete Meets The Sun is a Collection of Original Poetry and Photography Portraying Love and Loss
Palm Beach, FL – Chantal Celeste, a Palm Beach resident and recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University, became a first-time author with the publishing of her poetry book Where The Concrete Meets The Sun. The poetry book details an emotional journey through moving stories and photography on love, empathy, encouragement, and friendship. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
“”The words of my favorite authors allowed me to escape my reality and created a safe haven for me,” said Chantal Celeste, author. “I often found peace in writing in my favorite places – Okeeheelee Park, the Palm Beach County library system, and in the open air on my FAU campus. This book is a reflection of the people and place that watched me grow up into the person I am today. I hope it will give hope, strength and inspiration to people no matter what stage of life they currently find themselves in.”
Published by Deerfield Beach’s TriMark Press, Where The Concrete Meets The Sun is broken up into four chapters, each featuring a variety of poetry that starts and ends with a beautiful array of photography shot by Celeste along with engaging captions that also serve as additional poems. Photographs were captured across South Florida, New York City, and Spain.
Chantal Celeste is a first generation Dominican-American who currently resides in South Florida. She is a recent graduate of Florida Atlantic University, where she studied Psychology with an interest in women’s issues. When Celeste immigrated to the United States from Santo Domingo, at ten years old, instead of trying to conform to the cultural norms, she found her refuge in reading and writing. Celeste hopes that her vehement poetry provides words of encouragement and helps people heal from their trauma.
American College of Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award recognizes sustained, high level performance in quality of care
Wellington, FL, June 20, 2023 – Wellington Regional Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2023. Wellington Regional Medical Center is one of only 262 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.
The award recognizes Wellington Regional Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Wellington Regional Medical Center has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.
To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Wellington Regional Medical Center demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2021 and 2022), and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.
“It is an honor to award Wellington Regional Medical Center with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “The receipt of this award indicates thatWellington Regional Medical Center remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”
The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.
Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.
The American College of Cardiology envisions a world where innovation and knowledge optimize cardiovascular care and outcomes. As the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team, the mission of the College and its more than 56,000 members is to transform cardiovascular care and to improve heart health. The ACC bestows credentials upon cardiovascular professionals who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. The College also provides professional medical education, disseminates cardiovascular research through its world-renowned JACC Journals, operates national registries to measure and improve care, and offers cardiovascular accreditation to hospitals and institutions. For more, visit acc.org.
+ Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop – July 1
+ Qi Gong – July 5, 12, 19, 26
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – July 8
+ The Sweet Life of Honey Bees & Honey Tasting – July 8
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – July 9
+ Beginning Watercolor – July 10, 17, 24, 31
+ Watercolor at the Garden – July 10, 17, 24, 31
+ Garden Explorers Summer Camp – July 10-14, 17-21, 24-28
+ Orchid Trilogy – July 15, 22, 29
(West Palm Beach, FL – June 12, 2023) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 19 sizzling workshops, classes, and special events throughout the month of July, plus three fun and informative sessions of Garden Explorers Summer Camp for nature and science curious youngsters ages 7 to 11.
“July is the perfect month for people of all ages to come out and enjoy many of the happy and healthy horticultural events at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Curator-Director RochelleWolberg. “And be sure to check out our new life-size giraffe family of sculptures, made from recycled oil drums, wandering to different spots throughout the Garden. By the way, the baby giraffe now has a name, Zahara, which means to shine and flower—as beautiful as Mounts in full bloom and as radiant as the shining sun.”
July 1, August 5
Year of the Orchid Event:
Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society Present Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshops
With Mike Sands
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
FREE for members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society Members with proof of membership; $10 for Mounts members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; class size is limited 30 adults.
Mike Sands, president of the Tropical Orchid Society, will instruct these monthly Orchid Potting Workshops will be held in the Mounts Botanical Garden Pavilion located just inside the main gate next to the new Welcome Center, the first Saturday of every month throughout the summer. Topics will include Mounting and Dividing (June 3), Pests and Diseases (July 1), and Native orchids of Florida (August 5). Students may bring one plant from home to repot during the workshop. Potting media, plastic pots, and orchids will be available for purchase.
$10 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; size of “inside” classes is limited to 20 adults.
Relieve stress and increase metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi but less structured.
Palm Beach County residents receive reduced admission of $5 per person (children 17 and under FREE) on the second Saturday of each month. Visitors must show proof of residency for reduced-fee entry. The $5 admission will go directly to support children’s programming at Mounts Botanical Garden.
Note: Admission for non-residents is$15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17.
July 8
The Sweet Life of Honey Bees and Honey Tasting
with Joanna Diamond
Saturday, 10:00 am to Noon
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; all classes are non-refundable; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Enter the enchanting and fascinating world of honey bees, discover little known but intriguing facts about them, and learn how you can help our tiny, humble, hardworking friends to help us. Find out what challenges they face, dispel myths, and find out why beekeeping is so mesmerizing. Under the direction of Beekeeper Joanna Diamond, delve into the incredible edible world of honey and explore other magical bee products. Meet charming little Orchid Bees and enjoy an in-depth honey tasting session. Organic honey will be available for purchase after class, as well as a few orchid bee feeders.
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $15 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite pooch and enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.
Guidelines:
+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.
+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.
+ Rabies vaccination must be current.
+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
Mondays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints sketchpad or watercolor pad, (or journal) and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginners class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by the instructor with assistance from the class.
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, focusing on a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints sketchpad or watercolor pad, (or journal) and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by the instructor with assistance from the class.
$250 for members; $290 for nonmembers(includes full Garden admission).
(An extra $50 per camper will cover extended care, 8 to 9 am and 3 to 4 pm).
Registration is required; each session is limited to 20 campers.
Eco-conscious and green-leaning kids can register for one, two, or all three weeklong camps because each one will offer something new and different. Activities will take place both outside and indoor, so campers will have access to a cool, dry space in the event of excessive heat or rain. Fun and informative experiences will include:
Become a junior wetlands water quality and conservation specialist by taking part in hands-on lab activities.
Become a budding soil scientist by getting a close-up, “dirty hands” look at the properties of mud.
Become a blooming horticulturist by discovering the wicked, dangerous, sticky, deceptive and downright incredible adaptations plants have developed to help them survive.
Become a botanist-to-be by attending a dissection lab for an inside look at the fascinating structures of seeds and flowers.
Become an aspiring agriculturalist by touring the edible gardens at Mounts and learning how to grow and nurture tasty fruits and vegetables.
Become an edible gardener by making healthy garden snacks.
Notes:
+ For each session of the Garden Explorers Summer Camp, young participants should bring a refillable water bottle, a healthy lunch, a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellant.
+ For each camper, Mounts will provide materials for all activities, snacks, and water for refilling bottles.
10:30 am to 12:30 pm + Trilogy Series: $120 for members; $135 for nonmembers
+ Individual Class: $45 for members; $50 for nonmembers
(includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults.
Designed for orchid enthusiasts, from beginners to the more experienced, this 3-part series will share best practices for growing healthy, beautiful orchids. Participants can register for the full Orchid Trilogy or for an individual class. Plants and potting supplies will be available for sale from Broward Orchid Supply before and after each class.
July 15 – Orchid Basics
Newcomers to orchids will learn how to choose the correct plants for their growing area and what orchids need to grow and flower. The perfect start for an orchid journey.
July 22 – Orchid Repotting & Orchid Mounting Techniques
Learn how to repot an orchid and how often it should be repotted, learn about different kinds of potting media to use, and the proper pot or basket to use. Also learn how orchids can be mounted on items such as cork, a tree fern, or a branch.
July 29 – Training Your Eye: Orchid Pests, Diseases & Cures
Learn about pests and diseases that can affect orchids, such as bacteria, fungus, and insects. Discover how to spot them early and what to do if you find them. Learn how to identify the culprits, what products to use to get rid of them, and how to avoid them in the future. Orchids and orchid leaves can be brought in for diagnosis but must be placed inside a sealed plastic bag to prevent contamination of other plants.
Tuesdays through Sundays, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Internationally acclaimed environmental artist Patrick Dougherty recently returned to Mounts to construct the final large-scale Stickwork installation of his illustrious art career using 30,000 pounds of live willow branches.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Recently launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [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. 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.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – As the 2023 hurricane kicks off in South Florida, the animal rescue experts at American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization, are issuing key tips to help you keep yourself, your family, and your animals safe – before, during, and after a storm.
Before the storm
Microchip pets or put a tag on their collar with your name, address, and cellphone number so they may be returned quickly in case you are separated from your pets.
Tie down or anchor outside objects that might fly about and injure someone.
Evacuate your family and pets as early as you can and remember to take your disaster preparedness kit for your pets (First Aid kit, leashes, and pet carrying cases, bowls, sanitation materials, chew toys, and a minimum 3 days, ideally 7-10 days of food, medications, and water).
Bring pets inside; bring outdoor animals inside with a carrier ready large enough to turn around and lie down comfortably.
Review your evacuation plan and double-check emergency supplies, bowls, water, food.
Have a carrier at the ready.
If your family must evacuate, take your pets with you.
During the storm (if you cannot evacuate)
Choose a safe room for riding out the storm—an interior room without windows – and take your entire family there, including your pets.
Stay with pets. If crated, they depend on you for food and water.
Keep your emergency kit in that room with you (food, water, litter, meds).
Know your pet’s hiding places. That’s where they may run; keep them with you.
Secure exits and cat doors so pets can’t escape into the storm.
Do not tranquilize your pets. They’ll need their survival instincts should the storm require that.
After the storm
Make sure the storm has fully passed before going outside and assess damages before allowing animals out.
Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a carrier. Displaced objects and fallen trees can disorient pets and sharp debris could harm them.
Give pets time to become re-oriented. Familiar scents and landmarks may be altered and cause a pet to become confused or lost.
Keep animals away from downed power lines and water that may be contaminated.
Uncertainty and change in the environment affect animals, too, presenting new stresses and dangers. Your pet’s behavior may change after a crisis, becoming more aggressive or self-protective. Be sensitive to these changes and keep more room between them, other animals, children, or strangers. Animals need comforting, too. Comfort your pet with kind words and lots of pats or hugs. If possible, provide a safe and quiet environment, even if it is not their own home.
“Hurricanes are among the deadliest of storms,” says Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “Fortunately, American Humane Rescue has worked in disaster relief for more than 100 years and has amassed a lot of practical knowledge on how families can prepare and, if there is no way to avoid the storms, weather them as well as possible and keep loved ones safe afterwards.”
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877, and the first to serve animals in disasters and cruelty cases. For more information, visit American Humane at AmericanHumane.org.
About the American Humane Rescue program
The American Humane Rescue program was created in 1916 and began rescuing and aiding some 68,000 war horses wounded on the battlefields of World War I Europe each month. Since then, they have been helping animals of every kind and have been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, Maria, Florence and Michael, and the California wildfires. The American Humane Rescue team saved, sheltered, and fed more than 700,000 animals in the past two years alone. To support their lifesaving work, visit AmericanHumane.org.
Wednesday, June 14, 2023– West Palm Beach, Fla. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently held their annual Big and Little Awards on Thursday, May 25, at the Manatee Lagoon. New this year, scholarships were awarded powered by FP&L.
Amidst trophies, plaques, videos, grilled-cheese bar, and dessert, friends, family, and supporters gathered on May 25 to cheer the bonds between ‘bigs’ and ‘littles’ that steadfastly represents the nonprofit Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. The awards dinner was held to honor the successes of the BBBS Littles and those who defend their potential.
The event was held at the Manatee Lagoon in Riviera Beach and set the stage for smiles, laughter, hugs, sentiment, and recognition for the Big & Little of the Year honorees and scholarship award recipients.
“These awards celebrate critical relationships between mentors and youth. This year, FPL has provided these amazing opportunities for Littles to continue their path to success after high school. “said Yvette Flores Acevedo, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
The newly founded Florida Prepaid College Foundation Path to Prosperity Scholarship Program powered by Florida Power & Light offers high school students the opportunity to receive a two-year Florida College Plan Scholarship. Eligible students must meet all the criteria, including being an active member in the mentoring program through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties.
After a short program, the honorees gave personal, heartfelt accounts about the difference the program has meant to their lives because of the ‘matches’ and the life-mentor experiences enjoyed throughout the past year. Following the Big and Little awards, Juliet Murphy Roulhac from FP&L and Jeanni Hawkins from Florida Prepaid College proudly announced the 16 scholarship winners and presented them with an award.
Among the top awards for service and commitment to Big Brothers, Big Sisters Palm Beach, and Martin Counties in 2023 are:
Big Brother of the Year- Hank Henderson Little Brother of the Year- Damarius Green and laWanda Green*
Big Sister of the Year- Kelly Logan Little Sister of the Year- Kahmoras Hendrix
Teen Big of the Year- Madeleine Simoneaux Teen Little of the Year- Messiah Jefferson and Shantrell Thomas
Partner in Potential- Naywona Burnett-Graham, Partner in Potential- Connections Education Center
Scholarship winners include Tanvir Ahmed, Breyana Brown, Janevea Clayton, Rhianna Ennis, Andree Francis, Karen Garcia, Jennifer Geffrard, Mikayla Gibson, Suzely Jayseus, Jessica Laroche, Dina Medelus, Malachi Nelson, Tatiana Ronelus, Kirley Ross, Miyocha Simeon, and Guerlandy Villanoix. (Schools Represented: Forest Hill High School, Florida Virtual School, The Open Doorway School, Lake Worth High School, Santaluces High School, Suncoast High School, and Inlet Grove High School).
Photo: Malachi Nelson and mentor Terry Tate, Photo by Coastal Click Photography. About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties:
BBBS provides children facing adversity aged 6-17 with volunteer mentors who serve as positive role models. Since 1986 the organization has provided mentors to children in Martin County and, since July 2010, in Palm Beach County. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recognized the Martin County organization in 2007 as one of the 35 best-performing agencies nationwide. Visit www.mentorbig.org to learn more.
