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Environmentally Friendly Toilet Paper:  What’s the Issue with Toilet Tissue? 

By Ana Cristina Maldonado

Toilet Tissue?  What’s the Issue?

Much of the TP in the U.S. is:

·         Made from “virgin pulp” – meaning that trees are cut down just to make TP. 

·         Bleached white with chlorine – which releases cancer-causing dioxins into the environment.

What’s the solution?

·         Use your power as a consumer to switch to brands that don’t cause deforestation and pollution.

·         Check out the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Toilet Paper Scorecard:

https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/issue-with-tissue-2022-scorecard.pdf

Top Three Most Affordable AND Environmentally-Friendly Brands:

1.       Marcal (Great online bulk deals) https://www.amazon.com/Marcal-Toilet-Paper-100-Recycled/dp/B004NG8Z1S?th=1 

2.       Publix Greenwise

3.       7th Generation

These three brands use 100% recycled paper, with 50% or over post-consumer material and bleach the paper with oxygen instead of chlorine.  Some package TP rolls with paper instead of plastic. 

Other alternatives include products that are bamboo-based or made from materials certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). But the recycled and post-consumer components of the “A” grade brands make them the most environmentally friendly.  

During the great TP shortage of 2020, we realized how we take for granted the most mundane things.  Our environment is another thing we take for granted.  We often don’t make the connection between our consumption habits and our impact.  

So go ahead – switch to more sustainable TP as a consumer and help prevent deforestation and cancer.  You can make a difference! 

Did you know:  The average person uses one roll every 3-4 days.  That is over 100 rolls per person per year!  https://www.omnicalculator.com/everyday-life/toilet-paper  

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Ana Cristina Maldonado is Nico’s proud mama. She is an attorney mediator with Upchurch Watson White and Max. 

Natural Movers Foundation to present first-ever dance concert at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach

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Natural Movers Foundation announced that the nonprofit will present its inaugural Natural Movers Dance Concert in the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

This year, the concert will reflect themes of connectivity, dreams, hope, reality and liberation. This mixed bill will feature new and premiered contemporary works by local and national dance artists, including: 

  • “Discotheque” by Libby Faber (Libby Faber in collaboration with friends, Libby shown above)
  • “In the Mirror” by Christopher Huggins (Ballet Palm Beach)
  • “Whisper” by Jacqueline Lopez (independent artist)
  • “Moving Layers” by Ericka Squire (Ericka Squire//The Dance Company) 
  • “The Optimist” by Kristen Vencel (Demetrius Klein Dance Company)

“We can’t wait to present the Natural Movers Dance Concert this summer,” said Ericka Squire, Natural Movers Foundation artistic director & founder. “This performance will unite tradition and innovation, giving attendees the chance to see a world-class performance in an intimate space. By presenting a concert that pairs accomplished dance artists with transformative choreography, we further our mission to enrich the cultural landscape and artistic progression of Palm Beach County.”  

Tickets are $20* and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Center’s official website kravis.org or call 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471. 

If You Go:

Who: Natural Movers Foundation

What: Natural Movers Dance Concert

When: Friday, June 16 at 7 p.m.

Where: Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
(701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach, 33401)

This performance was partially funded and made possible by the State of Florida, Division of Art and Culture.

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About Natural Movers Foundation:

Natural Movers Foundation is the only organization dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape and artistic progression of Palm Beach County through dance. We offer masterclasses to dance enthusiasts & professionals and transformative dance events & performances for the community to enjoy. We also put artists to work by connecting local choreographers and teaching artists to performance and teaching opportunities. Natural Movers offers free arts education programs throughout Palm Beach County. For more information about upcoming events, visit naturalmovers.org.

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:

The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County. For information, please visit kravis.org.

*All programs, artists, ticket prices, availability, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Visit kravis.org for up-to-date information.

GULFSTREAM GOODWILL’S CAREER ACADEMY OF THE PALM BEACHES CELEBRATES 10 GRADUATING SENIORS WITH SUPERPOWERS

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(West Palm Beach, FL.) – On Friday, May 19, 2023, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) proudly celebrated the Commencement Ceremony for 10 graduates of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches. The event occurred at the Turner Building on the Keiser University Flagship Campus in West Palm Beach.

Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a public charter school of The School District of Palm Beach County and is managed by Gulfstream Goodwill Industries. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, the Career Academy provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence, serving students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who have deferred their diplomas.

“The Commencement Ceremony of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a testament to the dedication and resilience of our students,” said GGI President and CEO Keith Kennedy. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness their continued growth as they embark on meaningful careers in our community. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, and this ceremony exemplifies the transformative impact of education and training.”

Graduates will be joining teams at an Embassy Suites in West Palm Beach, a Publix in Boynton Beach and Goodwill stores in Royal Palm Beach and Boynton Beach. Others are being considered for employment at Gulfstream Goodwill’s newest microenterprise Good Grub, Ken’s Krew at Home Depot and All Tag Securities, Inc.

The Knights of St. Andrew Color Guard were in attendance at the event to honor the graduates with their signature “Presentation of Colors and Arch of Steel.” Graduates were inspired by distinguished guest speaker and Palm Beach Vocational Coordinator for Ken’s Krew, Ilana Soloman.

The Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and become active members of the South Florida community. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading provider of health and human services in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties for over 50 years. The organization continues to make a difference by offering employment, training, and housing opportunities while assisting individuals in overcoming employment barriers and improving their lives.

For more information about Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, please visit www.goggi.org.

ARMORY ART CENTER LAUNCHES PROJECT TO RESTORE HISTORIC ART DECO BUILDING

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May 23, 2023 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center has begun restoring the historic Old Armory building. Over the next few months, portions of the Art Deco building will be closed to the public as repairs move throughout the building. The brief interruptions will not impact summer classes.

Before it was put to use by an arts organization, the Old Armory building served as a training center for soldiers and National Guardsmen. The building was designed by William Manley King and built in 1939 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) under Franklin D. Roosevelt. 

The building served as an Armory until the 1980s and doubled as a community-focused hall for high school dances and other public events. Over the years, notables such as opera star Luciano Pavarotti and actor Burt Reynolds used the building for art exhibitions and fundraisers. 

In the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair before local activists saved it from demolition in 1987. The founding members of the Armory Art Center restored the building for use as an art center. The building was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 1992.

“The Armory Art Center has a longstanding history right here in Palm Beach County,” said John Suau, CEO. “By investing in this iconic building with support from the Florida Department of State Division of Historic Resources and the Armory Art Center’s board of directors, we’re investing in the next chapter of our rich legacy.”

The building’s exterior, which is being restored by West Palm Beach-based architect Rick Gonzalez (REG Architects), is the focus of the initial phase of the project.

Phase one of the exterior restoration will include a new roof, windows, and doors. Following the exterior restoration, the Armory Art Center will renovate interior spaces with updates to the administrative offices, the jewelry and metalworking studios, the galleries, and a new Armory Art Center Shop. There will be brief interruptions to access the facilities during the year-long process, but the project will not impact classes.

For more updates on the restoration, visit armoryart.org.

This project is sponsored in part by the Department of State, Division of Historical Resources, and the State of Florida. (Architectural rendering below)

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About the Armory Art Center:

Having served the community for over 30 years, the Armory Art Center’s art school and galleries provide creative opportunities to enhance your life. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and the Armory Art Center’s vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students ranging in age from preschool to retiree. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, and sculpture are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. Twelve exhibitions are hosted annually in three galleries. The Armory’s exhibitions, lectures, and special events are open to the public. 

The Armory is proud to have been the recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit www.armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

Summer Events at Cox Science Center and Aquarium

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Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibit; Coral Carnaval; Hometown Hero Appreciation Day; 4th of July Science on Tap; Shark Preservation Week

WHO:Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA)

WHAT: Ongoing summer events for guests to enjoy at CSCA include:

  • Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibit: Science Fiction Science Future transports guests into the future, enabling visitors to develop a deeper understanding of how science fiction ideas and concepts might become the science reality of tomorrow. Engaging visitors with mesmerizing hands-on and full-body experiences, Science Fiction Science Future incorporates robots, invisibility, mind control, holograms and augmented reality. This exhibittouches upon many scientific principles including science fiction stories, curiosity, innovation and imagination to bring to life innovations and inventions that were once considered possible only in film and literature. A stunning visual environment, featuring exhibits that challenge both the mind and body, Science Fiction Science Future sets the stage for a unique journey of science exploration, curiosity and discovery. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/Science-Fiction.
  • Coral Carnaval: Visitors can dive into the world of corals during the Center’s colorful Coral Carnaval conservation event! In partnership with The Reef Institute, guests can participate in presentations from coral experts, get hands-on with coral-themed crafts and enjoy various vendors, food trucks and live musical entertainment A schedule of shows will also be offered in the planetarium including Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef, Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure and Dyanmic Earth to name a few. Vendors and sponsors are still being accepted for this event at coxsciencecenter.org/Coral-Carnaval.
  • Hometown Hero Appreciation Day: Show some local love by participating in Hometown Hero Appreciation Day. The public can join between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, Gold Star Families and up to four guests can receive free admission at the Center between 9 and 10 a.m. before doors open to general visitors. Heroes, their families and the public can enjoy special activities such as military vehicle demonstrations, meet and greet with local armed forces as well as live science demonstrations and military ceremonies. To redeem your tickets, register online at coxsciencecenter.org/heroes and kindly bring your military or employee ID.
  • Science on Tap:Modelled after “Science Cafes”, Science on Tap is the only place in Palm Beach County where for the price of a cup of coffee, a quality craft beer, or a smooth glass of wine, anyone can come to discuss the latest trends in science and technology with a world-class scientist. With the motto to ‘drink up – get smart,’ you know you are in for a casual-education session, as the goal of the program is for guests to have fun while learning a little bit more about everyday curiosities. This upcoming ‘Science on Tap’ topic is “Brewed to Perfection: The Science Behind the Suds!” at Matthews Brewing Company in Lake Worth.
  • 4th of July at the Center: Celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium! All ages can show their patriotism with 3D paper firework crafts, fire and ice science demonstrations, alligator petting, liquid nitrogen demonstrations and more! Mini golf is included with admission and guests can check out the latest summer exhibit – Science Fiction, Science Future. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/event/4th-july-celebration.
  • Shark Preservation Week: Join in for a jaw-dropping week dedicated to Shark Preservation! Throughout the week, guests can be a part of touch tank presentations, aquarium feedings, planetarium shows, alligator petting and ocean-themed activities. Strengthen your shark knowledge with fun activities and vendors come July! More information can be found at coxsciencecenter.org/event/shark-preservation-week-1. 

WHEN:

  • Science Fiction, Summer Future Exhibit: Sunday, May 14 to September 24, 2023
  • Coral Carnaval: Saturday, June 3 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Hometown Hero Appreciation Day: Saturday, June 17 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Science on Tap: Thursday, June 22 starting at 7 p.m.
  • 4th of July: Tuesday, July 4 between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Shark Preservation Week: Monday, July 10 to Friday, July 16

WHERE: Cox Science Center and Aquarium at 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405

HOW MUCH: General admission for adults is $20.95, $16.95 for kids ages 3-12 and $18.95 for seniors ages 60+ and older. 

Please Note: Admission varies for Hometown Heroes Appreciation Day and Science on Tap.

  • For Hometown Heroes Appreciation Day, veterans, active-duty military, first responders, Gold Star Families and up to four guests can receive free admission at the Center.
  • Science on Tap is free admission. However, drink purchases come at separate costs.

Historical Society of Palm Beach County Hosts Expanded Exhibition by Artist Serge Strosberg

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Reimagining Palm Beach

Only One More Week to See Before Closing on May 30

(West Palm Beach, FL – May 22, 2023) As an extension and expansion of the popular exhibit Veni, Vidi, Vici by international portrait artist Serge Strosberg held at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County early this year, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County is now offering an even larger version: Reimagining Palm Beach, now on display for one more week—closing May 30, 2023.

The exhibition is an artistic exploration and “pop”-style recreation of some of the more vibrant and colorful characters from the Island’s vibrant Gilded Age, such as Addison Mizner, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Henry Flagler, and The Vanderbilts.

“Henry Flagler” by Serge Strosberg – reimagined from a historic portrait hanging in The Breakers and a mugshot photograph.

Strosberg takes portraits and vintage black-and-white photographs of colorful characters and reimagines them in a modern context, costumed in contemporary vibrant patterns and colors by Lilly Pulitzer or Maus and Hoffman. Descriptions of the historical figures were written by popular Worth Avenue tour guide Rick Rose, author of Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town.

“The Historical Society is honored to welcome Serge Strosberg and this special exhibition to the Richard and Pat Johnson History Museum. History and art are integral parts of how we experience and showcase our community’s culture,” said Jeremy Johnson, Historical Society of Palm Beach County President, and CEO.

The exhibition Reimagining Palm Beach by Serge Strosberg is available for viewing one more week (through May 30) at the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, 300 North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. The museum is open for visitors Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm.

About Serge Strosberg:

Influenced by artists Alice Neel, Christian Schad and Lucien Freud, Serge Strosberg was raised in the U.S. and Europe, and received classical training at Paris Académie Julian, where he learned the beautiful and difficult technique of oil and egg tempera painting from German expressionist painter Joerg Hermle. He has exhibited his work internationally: The Orangerie of the French Senate, Espace Saint-Honoré (Paris), The Lighthouse Art Center (Florida), The Zendai Art Museum in Zhu Jia Jio (Shanghai). In 2008, Strosberg participated in major group exhibition “The hidden truth” at the Felix Nussbaum Museum (Germany) in the company of artists Rothko, Lucian Freud, Philip Pearlstein, Rebecca Horn, Alex Katz, Modigliani, etc. Works by Serge Strosberg are in the permanent collections of The Musée of Pontoise, Shanghai Himalayas Art Museum,  Jewish Museum of Belgium, Mercersburg Academy, the Daniel Hurley Federal Courthouse of West Palm Beach, and more. Veni, Vidi, Vici is Strosberg’s third conceptual show, following Agalmatophilia about the cult of mannequins in NYC, and GirlsGirlsGirls about 4th wave feminism exhibited at Manhattan’s Studio 26 gallery. Strosberg’s portraits have been commissioned by many prominent families and institutions in the Palm Beaches and elsewhere.

About the Historical Society of Palm Beach County

The Historical Society of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit organization founded in 1937 to collect, preserve, and share the history of Palm Beach County and the larger context of Florida. The HSPBC operates and maintains the Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum, an admission-free institution featuring high quality, interactive exhibits. To learn more, call 561.832.4164 ext. 100 or visit pbchistory.org.

My Teacher My Hero Awards Gala

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Photos by Carol Porter

The 16th Annual My Teacher My Hero Awards Gala was held on Saturday, May 6, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. The annual event recognizes numerous teachers and students from across Palm Beach County and including Inlet Grove Community High School. WPBF 25 Reporter Angela Rozier was the emcee. This year’s keynote speaker was Emmy-award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph, who plays Barbara Howard in the ABC hit series Abbott Elementary. A portion of the proceeds from the event benefitted The Inlet Grove High School Scholarship Fund. 

CENTER FOR CREATIVE EDUCATION FOSTERING GLOBAL CLASSROOM COLLABORATIONS

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Integration with Blue Planet Global Education brings international learning to underserved youth

(West Palm Beach, FL) – The Center for Creative Education (CCE) has merged with Blue Planet Global Education (BPGE) to enhance international education through virtual classroom-to-classroom projects. Dr. Susan Gay Wemette, who joined CCE 18 months ago as the Director of Arts Integration and Creativity at CCE will also serve as the Executive Director at BPGE and will oversee the partnership’s implementation with students at CCE’s The Foundation School in West Palm Beach and schools in India, Turkey, Morocco, Spain, Vietnam, and more.

For nearly 30 years, CCE has been serving Palm Beach County students with a mission to transform teaching and learning through creativity and the arts. CCE also operates The Foundations School, a K-5 independent school that focuses on improving literacy and breaking the barriers of traditional education through the arts for students from underserved communities. The school uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Wemette working with us on integrating BPGE into our curriculum and engaging our students not only through global literacy but also by weaving the arts into the experience,” said Robert Hamon, President and CEO of CCE. “Her expertise in global collaborations paired with our hands-on, arts-focused curriculum is invaluable in helping us provide more students with the opportunity to learn about different cultures and perspectives.”

CCE’s integration with Blue Planet Global Education provides teachers at The Foundations School with the resources and support necessary to bring global literacy into their classrooms. Under Dr. Wemette’s leadership, The Foundations School teachers use international classroom-to-classroom projects to teach core curriculum and global competence. These projects facilitate authentic connections between classrooms worldwide, promoting fundamental understanding and breaking harmful stereotypes.

“Connecting children with other students across the globe has a prominent impact on a young mind,” said Dr. Wemette. “Some of these kids have never been outside West Palm Beach, let alone the country. Crossing borders through digital connections changes how these students view the world; with a country that feels as foreign as India, CCE students were shocked to learn that kids in India have the same candy and video games as them.”

This spring, Dr. Wemette traveled to the Center for Creative Education’s sister school in India, Saint Bachanpuri International School, where she stayed for 10 days to focus on creating BPGE’s international collaborations, presenting different strategies in arts integration to that school’s educators, and looking at opportunities to apply new modes of communication in a way that supports global partnerships.

“Creative thinking is one of the most important 21st century skills,” continued Hamon. “Providing global opportunities like the ones Dr. Wemette is introducing to our students allows them to practice creative thinking strategies. Our students are learning how to generate new ideas, design solutions and solve problems. When skillfully integrated, academic content comes alive for students through the animation provided by the arts.”

Families are invited to visit CCE on Friday, May 19 at 10 a.m. to join the Kindergarten Round-Up at The Foundations School. Students in grades K-5 are invited to tour the new campus followed by an information session. The Center for Creative Education’s creativity-infused curriculum emphasizes arts integration while providing a whole-child focus, fostering a safe and loving environment with intimate class sizes of 15 students or less. Future Kindergarteners looking to attend The Foundations School must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2023, to enroll.

For more information about CCE and to support The Foundations School, please visit cceflorida.org. To register for Kindergarten Round-Up, email Jerry Crank at jerryc@cceflorida.org.

FL Law Enforcement Appreciation Event

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Photos by Carol Porter

The second annual Florida Law Enforcement Appreciation event was held on May 6, noon-10 p.m., at 13 Fifty Apparel HQ, 2724 Shawnee Ave., West Palm Beach. The event was free to attend and open to all members of the community, including families. It was a day of celebration and honoring those who have been lost in the law enforcement community. The event included raffles, music, a candle light vigil and other activities.

CCE’s FREE Kindergarten Round Up

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Center for Creative Education

FREE Kindergarten Round Up at The Foundations School

Friday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m.

  • WHAT: Kindergarten Round Up at The Foundations School

○     Families are invited to tour The Foundations School at Center for Creative Education’s new campus followed by an information session. The Foundations School’s creativity-infused curriculum emphasizes arts integration while providing a whole-child focus, fostering a safe and loving environment with intimate class sizes of 15 students or less.

  • WHO: Future Kindergarteners looking to attend The Foundations School must be age 5 on or before September 1, 2023, to enroll. The event is open to families and children of all ages. The Foundations School offers classes for students in grades K-5.
  • WHEN: Friday, May 19 at 10:00 a.m.
  • WHERE: The Foundations School; 2400 Metrocentre Blvd.; West Palm Beach, FL 33407
  • WHY: CCE’s mission is to transform teaching and learning through creativity and the arts. In addition to providing extended learning opportunities across Palm Beach County, CCE also operates The Foundations School, a K-5 independent school that focuses on improving literacy and breaking the barriers of traditional education through the arts for students from underserved communities. The school uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. Those who cannot afford to pay the full tuition will not be turned away.
  • HOW MUCH: The Kindergarten Round Up is free to attend. For enrollment, The Foundations School uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. Those who cannot afford to pay the full tuition will not be turned away.
  • CONTACT: To register, email Jerry Crank at jerryc@cceflorida.org.