The Homeless Coalition of Palm BeachCounty, in partnership with several Palm Beach County service organizations, invites members of the community who are homeless, or in crisis, to attend Project Homeless Connect from 10 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Wells Recreation Center, 2409 Avenue H, Riviera Beach.
Project Homeless Connect, a community-wide, collaborative event, brings together a host of supportive programs, services and counseling all under one roof. The event takes place throughout the year in various segments of Palm Beach County to make it easy for people to overcome their current situations and move toward stability.
“Accessing resources is very difficult when you are faced with the challenges of homelessness; our responsibility as a community is to work together and offer help in any way possible,” said Pamela Payne, CEO of the Homeless Coalition.
Doors open at 10 a.m. with food served. Those who attend will have a chance to visit tables with resources and interactive displays; shop for clothes and toiletries; haircuts as well as medical screenings and HIV testing. Helpful professionals, from host provider agencies, will be on-site throughout the day to share news about programs and resources in place to help those affected byhomelessness and support those at-risk.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Volunteers needed for various shifts to load, set-up and breakdown the event. To volunteer, please email volunteer@homelesscoalitionpbc.org.
For additional information, please contact (561) 355 – HOME or visit www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org. This event is sponsored by AmeriHealth Caritas Florida.
The Homeless Coalition
For over 30 years, the Homeless Coalition’s purpose has been to generate awareness through advocacy, education and community outreach and to motivate a community-wide response to raise funding, resources, partners and involved citizens to end homelessness in Palm Beach County.
WELLINGTON, FL – From kid’s carnivals and children’s dance parties to find-the-perfect-job hiring events, there’s plenty to enjoy, see, and do at The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington.
April programming:
OneBlood Blood Drive
April 14, 15, and 16 | 11am – 6pm daily
Free
East Parking Lot
The Big Red Bus will be at The Mall at Wellington Green accepting donations. Every pint donated has the potential to save three lives. Donors will receive a complimentary Chick-fil-A gift card. To schedule an appointment, visit oneblood.org.
Kids Club Indoor Festival
April 15 | 11am – 1pm
Free
Grand Court
It’s The Mall at Wellington Green’s Kids Club festival, and we’re bringing the fun indoors! The Grand Court will transform into a picturesque paradise featuring a two-lane inflatable slide, a sports zone, axe throwing station, Beach Party obstacle course, giant Legos, and more. Airbrush artists and balloon twisters will also thrill the kiddos. Plus, the first 250 kids will receive a special gift to commemorate Earth Day.
Mommy & Me Dance Party
April 26 | 10:30am – 12pm
Free
Grand Court
Mommy & Me events are perfectly designed for children 5 and under. Gather the little ones and come to the Mall’s Grand Court for a Mommy & Me Dance Party featuring the popular arts and music center Rhythm & Hues. Spring crafts, light bites, and lots of fun are guaranteed.
Wellington Regional Medical Center Hiring Event
April 29 | 10am – 12pm
Free
The District @ Wellington Green
Wellington Regional prides itself on their commitment to ensure they are meeting the needs of the growing community it serves. To achieve this mission, they are looking for exceptional people who share their values to join their team. If you’re interested in starting a career, or building on your present career, join their representatives for a unique hiring event. Meet and learn more about positions available across all departments and disciplines while enjoying lite bites and conversation. Bring your resume and be prepared for on the spot interviews. For more information or to RSVP, call WRMC’s Human Resources at (561) 798-8544.
The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About The Mall at Wellington Green
The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Cask + Shaker, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.
About Spinoso Real Estate Group
The Mall at Wellington Green is managed by Spinoso Real Estate Group. Since 2009, Spinoso has taken a creative, entrepreneurial approach to real estate development and management, delivering and sustaining successful projects across a wide range of property types and across the country. Spinoso’s robust portfolio includes work on hundreds of enclosed shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and large-scale retail projects from coast to coast. For more information, visit spinosoreg.com.
West Palm Beach, FL – April 10, 2023)Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world-renownedPalm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), today announces its next stellar show:
The BIG Picture: It’s Been a Minute!
Exhibition by Award-Winning ZUMA Press Photojournalists
Opening May 18 and Running Through July 30
Culled mostly from the 2023 edition of The Year in Pictures 2022: ‘May You Always Live in Interesting Times,’ the acclaimed annual movie produced by the founder of ZUMA Wire Service, Scott Mc Kiernan, who curated this exhibition of award-winning photography by ZUMA Press photojournalists from around the world—winning the prestigious Lucie Award for Photography Content of the Year, Print or Online.
This new exhibition will present “Pictures That Need to be Seen” and “Stories That Need to be Told” over a 12-month period capturing the Good, Bad, and Hopeful:
GOOD: The BIG wave family spirit, honoring ‘Eddie Would Go!’ aka ‘The Eddie‘—widely considered to be “the Super Bowl of Surfing.” The legend of Eddie Aikau is an important part of Hawaiian Culture. He was a championship athlete, a waterman, and a family man who truly cared for others. Eddie was not just the first lifeguard for the entire North Shore, he saved over 500 people throughout his career, occasionally braving waves that reached 30 feet or higher when no one else would go out. “Spectacular images from the most recent event will open this exhibition because it’s important to keep Eddie’s legacy alive and inspire the next generation to live like he did,” says Mc Kiernan.
BAD: Mother Nature’s power was unleashed on Turkey and Syria through “the earthquake of the century,” while Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine was riddled with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The impact of both events—natural and man-made—can still be felt globally, economically, and emotionally.
HOPE: What the victims of both earthquakes and war share is eternal hope, rising from miracle rescue stories and inspirational tales of human resilience—stunning, soul-searing images captured by ZUMA Press photographers.
“As the world’s dreaded pandemic continues to wane, people need to come out and experience images that need to be seen, spanning the planet,” invites NeJame. “These are moments in time that will stop you in your tracks and stay with you forever, as the photographers’ unique talent and skills bring you to the heart of the matter at hand, with grace, respect and chilling honesty.”
“This new exhibition captures humanity at its darkest hours and witnesses others rise above and beyond, showing that hope never dies,” adds Mc Kiernan. “Thanks to these courageous photographers on the frontlines of history, we can see and share the good, bad and beautiful of it all at the Palm Beach Photographic Centre—with a very special thank you to those who trusted ZUMA Press photojournalists to tell their stories.”
The BIG Picture: It’s Been a Minute! will feature award-winning images by photojournalists worldwide, including this year’s White House News Photographers Association’s Still Photographer of the YearCarol Guzy. WHNPA is a century-old non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of Washington’s professional photojournalists. Also on display is the beauty in nature as only seen by Robin Loznak, as well as stellar portraits and moments from the historical 95th Oscars by Kevin Sullivan. The exhibition also includes winners of such leading photojournalist contests as POYi, BoP, WHNPA, plus award-winning images fromCommunication Arts Magazine Photography Competition 2022 and 2023.
Free Guest Lecture – Thursday, May 18, 5 to 7 pm
Education Evening at the Photo Centre will be a “Ted Talk”-style presentation by photographers featured in the exhibition, moderated by Mc Kiernan, ZUMA’s Director of Photography.
Free Opening Reception – Friday, May 19, 6 to 8 pm
This is the perfect opportunity for photo fans to experience the exhibition and mingle with some of the featured photojournalists.
Free Closing Reception – Saturday, July 30, 6 to 8 pm
Education Evening at the Photo Centre will be a “Ted Talk”-style presentation by photographers featured in the exhibition, moderated by Mc Kiernan. Another outstanding opportunity for photo fans to experience the exhibition and mingle with featured photojournalists.
Notes:
+ The BIG Picture exhibition and lecture will be available on the Photo Centre’s virtual platform: www.workshop.org.
About the Communication Arts Magazine Photography Competition:
This is one of the most prestigious competitions for creativity in photography. Winning entries are distributed worldwide in the Communication Arts Photography Annual, in print and digital editions, and online at www.commarts.com.
About WHNPA 2023 ‘Eyes of History® Competition:
This is a program of The White House News Photographers Association, an annual visual journalism competition. For more information, please visit https://whnpa.org/the-eyes-of-history/.
About ZUMA Press Wire Service:
World Wide Web pioneering has its’ first digital news service. Started in the early 1990s by photojournalists for photojournalists—not shareholders or billionaires—ZUMA Press is now the world’s largest independent press agency and wire service.
About the Palm Beach Photographic Centre:
The Photo Centre is located at the downtown City Center municipal complex at 415 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach. Hours are 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Thursday, and 10 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday. For more information, please call 561.253.2600 or visit www.workshop.org or www.fotofusion.org.
The Palm Beach Photographic Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching life through the photographic arts. All donations are greatly appreciated at www.workshop.org/contrib.
April 11, 2023 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center’s Summer Art Camp is back this year by popular demand. The youth camps give students ages 6-18 the chance to enjoy fun, educational art workshops in the heart of West Palm Beach.
The Summer Art Camp fosters a safe environment with dedicated faculty and staff members who help participants hone artistic skills and think big. Most instructors have a master’s degree in art or education. All have cleared a background check.
“Our camps offer young artists a unique way to explore their creativity,” said Derek Sober, the Armory Art Center’s director of education. “We provide an encouraging, stress-free atmosphere so participants can learn, grow, and have fun this summer.”
Camps run from June 5 through July 28, 2023 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday). Weekly tuition starts at $295. Extended care hours are offered at an additional fee. Prices start at $10 per day.
Registrants can purchase a Family Membership ($250 annually) for 20% off of camp, plus other classes, for one year. Scholarships are also available.
If You Go (camp details)
Junior Camp (ages 6-8; 9-12) Themed classes with a focus on drawing, hands-on crafts, painting, sculpture, and much more.
Week 1, June 5-9: Jungle Voyage
Week 2, June 12-16: Pop Art Kapow!
Week 3, June 19-23: Mythical Creatures
Week 4, June 26-30: Ocean Adventures
Week 5, July 3-7: Reptiles & Bugs, oh my! *no camp on July 4
Week 6, July 10-14: Architects and Builders Week 7, July 17-21: Super Cartoons! Week 8, July 24-28: Run Away with the CIRCUS
Teen Camp (ages 13-18)
Week 1, June 5-9: Printmaking / The Art of Character Design
Week 2, June 12-16:Street Art and Comic Strips & Graphic Novels: The Art of the Narrative
Week 3, June 19-23: Jewelry Making / Printmaking
Week 4, June 26-30: Jewelry Making / Printmaking / Mixed Media
Week 5, July 3-7: Mixed Media Sculpture / Digital & Drone Photography
*no camp on July 4
Week 6, July 10-14:Ceramic Sculpture / Self Expression: Exploring Your Self Portrait in Many Forms and Faces
Week 7, July 17-21:Digital Photo and Graphic Design / Color Theory: The Magic of Color
Week 8, July 24-28: Mixed Media Explorations / Ceramics
For more information about the Armory Art Center’s camps or to register, visit armoryart.org/sac.
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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.
Riviera Beach, Fla. (April 10, 2023) – Take a walk on the wild side! On Friday, April 28, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., join The Arc of Palm Beach County for their annual Wild Pants “fun-raiser” at Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
Bold prints and even bolder personalities will hit the catwalk in a colorful fashion show to raise money for the nonprofit, which improves the lives of people with disabilities, and their families. The Arc will be joined by Palm Beach County’s top community and business leaders in showing off their style to celebrate differences, innovation, and community spirit.
“This year, we are making a splash to support the incredible programs we provide in the community that help everyone thrive,” said Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County. “Our clients rely on us every day, and we need the community’s support to keep living out our mission of defying definitions and changing the conversation around disabilities.”
Participants of all ages can join The Arc in this crazy combination of creativity and community service. Motivated teams and individuals have been raising money for months and will let their personalities shine through their custom-designed trousers. The top fundraiser will win the highly coveted Wild Pants Championship Belt, along with major bragging rights, and the love and admiration of The Arc and its clients.
Tickets are $75 for general admission, $125 for a VIP ticket with complimentary champagne, and $850 for a VIP high-top table next to the stage. To purchase tickets, please visit arcpbc.org.
Unbuckle your creativity and have a wild time!
Please click the link below for a Word version of this release and high-res photos:
The Arc is changing the conversation around disabilities by defying definitions, inspiring possibilities, and improving the lives of the people we serve, their families, and our community. Since 1958, The Arc has envisioned a community where every person feels welcome, connected, and accepted.
Thursday, March 16, 2023 – (Jupiter, Fla.) – The 5thAnnual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival sponsored by Good Greek Moving & Storage returns to Abacoa on Saturday from 10 am – 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am-8 pm. This premier Cajun Crawfish and Music Festival will celebrate the culture and traditions of Louisiana through food, music, and dance! Virginia Sinicki from The KVJ Show will serve as the Master of Ceremonies throughout the weekend and will bring her personal flair as a local who grew up in New Orleans.
The streets of Abacoa will be filled with Mardi Gras-themed decorations, and banners, with lots of purple, green, and gold. You will be transported to Bourbon Street when you arrive as the aroma of the Cajun food will be in the air. Come get a taste of “N’awlins” with authentic Cajun food featuring a crawfish boil, jambalaya, gumbo, po’boys, Crawfish Monica, muffulettas, red beans and rice, and the famous beignets, and more. There will be a crawfish eating contest again this year on Saturday, at 1 pm.
Experience free cooking demonstrations featuring local chefs as they create their personal Cajun food and specialty drinks sponsored by Sailfish Sands. Virginia from The KVJ Show on 979WRMF and Franny from Real Radio 92.1fm will be cooking up a Cajun and Bloody Mary challenges at 11:30 am on both days, Jay Cashmere from WPTV will be cooking at 1:30 pm on Saturday, WPBF’s Tiffany Kenney will be cooking at 3:30 pm, and Anthony Acampa from “Fat’s Where the Flavors At” will cook at 5:30 pm. On Sunday, chef and restauranteur Stephen Asprinio of Aqua Grille and Josco Gardens will be cooking at 1:00 pm, and Executive Chef Ronald Williams of Sailfish Sands will cook at 3 pm. Enjoy the Bourbon Street atmosphere with all the classic cocktails such as Hurricanes, Grenades, and champagne hurricanes. Atoll Vodka will be giving away samples throughout the festival.
Headlining the two-day festival on the Louisiana Travel Stage is 2022 winner- Jazz Fest a New Orleans Story Grammy Winner for Best Music Film 2022, and 2018 two-time Grammy nominee, Dwayne Dopsie & the Zydeco Hellraisers. Dwayne Dopsie grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana and he will be performing on Saturday at 8 pm. Dwayne taught himself how to play the accordion by watching videos of his father and Clifton Chenier. The knowledge of Dwayne’s musical ability along with his Zydeco Hellraisers band members have over 100 years of combined experience playing Zydeco music and it shows in every performance. The energy, and true talent that Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers emit from the stage makes it obvious that there is no competition for this band.
Adding to the lineup: Performing Saturday: MRKIII at 2 pm, Snack Pack (from KVJ Show) at 4 pm, and The Rockin’ Jake Band at 6 pm. Performing Sunday: new this year, Black Water Sound- a local Southern Rock Band at noon, folk rock band, Hot Sauce Moon at 1 pm, the return of The Porch Dogs at 3:30 pm, and local favorite, Making Faces with a Mardi Gras themed show to end the fun weekend.
Two amazing charities will be on site all weekend at The Cajun Crawfish and Music Festival. First, we have Maddie’s Fight Foundation. They are incredible at helping families dealing with childhood cancer. Second, we have our beloved Little Smiles, which helps children going through personal or medical crises. Visit their booths to learn more about these children’s charities. They will be on-site creating awareness of their cause and raising money.
“This festival is the best of what New Orleans is famous for. Amazing food, incredible live music, and the most delicious party libations on earth. I love helping Jerry Somma host this party every year! (Nobody knows how to host a party like a crazy girl from New Orleans!) Jerry and I both love that we can give back to amazing charities like Little Smiles and Maddie‘s fight foundation. There’s no party like a party with a purpose!” said Virginia Sinicki, Master of Ceremonies.
Experience Louisiana in style, reserve a stage pod with four seats and a table, or a private VIP Chalets with eight seats and a table under a tent, including waiter/waitress service. These are available for purchase on Eventbrite. Children ages twelve and younger get in for free. General lawn seating will also be available for those who would like to bring their own chair/blanket to enjoy the all-day entertainment.
About Little Smiles:
This fun-filled, cultural event benefits Little Smiles. Little Smiles is a volunteer-driven, non-profit 501(c)3 children’s charity. Their mission is to help heal hearts and create little smiles by providing gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness, or tragedy. With the guidance of local professionals such as doctors, nurses, child life specialists, and social workers, they strive to help kids escape their unfortunate circumstances, even if only for a brief period of time. For more information visit: www.littlesmilesfl.org.
About Maddie’s Fight Foundation:
Founded in 2017, Maddie’s Fight Foundation is a fully licensed 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing financial assistance to families of children with cancer and to supporting research for Osteosarcoma treatment. Visit www.maddiesfight.org.
Calendar Listing:
The 5th Annual Cajun Crawfish & Music Festival (benefiting Little Smiles, and Maddie’s Fight Foundation) is Saturday, April 22 from 10 am – 10 pm, and Sunday, April 23 from 10 am – 8 pm at Abacoa Amphitheater in Jupiter. The event is $5, and children 12 and under are free. VIP stage pod seating and Creole Cottages are available. The event will be filled with authentic Cajun food featuring a crawfish boil, jambalaya, gumbo, shrimp po’boys, and live New Orleans and Cajun zydeco music. For more information visit cajuncrawfishmusicfestival.com.
Annual Benefit will Raise Money and Awareness for Hanley’s Lifesaver Scholarship Program
West Palm Beach, FL (April 13, 2023) Hanley Foundation’s 24th Annual Golf Classic will tee off on Monday, April 17, 2023, at Bear Lakes Country Club, 1901 Village Boulevard, in West Palm Beach. More than 100 Hanley Foundation supporters are expected to come together for this year’s tournament to raise money and awareness for the Lifesaver Scholarship Program, which provides financial scholarships for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
Registration opens at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The tournament is a shamble format with 18 holes of competitive play. Refreshments and activities will be offered on the course, and a luncheon, silent auction and awards presentation will follow tournament play.
Photo: Tracey Benson Photography.
Event co-chairpersons are Ira Fenton and Sherrye Sammons-Fenton, and Rob Thomson.
“With community support of our Lifesaver Scholarship Program, hope will be restored, families will be reunited, and lives will be saved,” Rachel Pappert Docekal, MBA, Ed.D., Hanley Foundation’s CEO said.
In 2022, Hanley Foundation provided more than 400 individuals in need with scholarships for quality treatment and care.
“We hope the community will come out for a day of golf in support of Hanley Foundation and our mission to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support,” said Turner Benoit, Hanley Foundation’s Chief Philanthropy Officer. “We all know someone that has struggled with addiction – whether it be a spouse, parent, friend, or colleague. There are so many people that need assistance obtaining quality treatment. That is why the event proceeds will go towards our Lifesaver Scholarship Program.”
There will be prizes for “Lowest Gross” score and “Lowest Net” score, along with other raffles and contests on the course.
“I know firsthand how important treatment scholarships are for those struggling with addiction,” said Amy, a Lifesaver Scholarship Program recipient. “I have been sober for three years now. I can honestly say my life was saved because of Hanley Foundation and their Lifesaver Scholarship Program!”
Sponsors include Addison House, Berkshire Charitable Foundation, Family First Adolescent Services, Gary Harris, Guardian Recovery Network, Hanley Family Foundation, Motorcars of Palm Beach, Origins Behavioral HealthCare, LLC, Palm Beach Kennel Club, Suzanne Holmes, and Waterfront Properties. The exclusive magazine sponsor is Jupiter Magazine.
Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. In addition to offering recovery scholarships to those in need and facilitating trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse, the Foundation works to reduce stigma and inform policy through its advocacy efforts. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives with its evidence-based programs proven through research to prevent and delay the use of alcohol and other drugs. For more information about Hanley Foundation, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355. Follow on Instagram and LinkedIn @HanleyFDN, and on Facebook and Twitter @HanleyFoundation.
26-year-old Zachary Pike shares his personal story about having Asperger’s Syndrome and the challenges and triumphs he achieved on the road to normalcy
Zachary Pike with actor William Zabka
BOYNTON BEACH, FL – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 36 children in the United States are identified with having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, despite its prevalence, the majority of books written about the neurological disorder that impacts communication and social interaction are by non-autistic authors. Zachary S. Pike, a 26-year-old Boynton Beach native diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger’s Syndrome, decided to change that.
Released in February 2023 by AuthorHouse, Regular: A Young Man with Autism and His Journey to Be “Ordinary” Which Took Him to “Extraordinary” the book documents Pike’s triumph in achieving personal empowerment and a sense of normalcy despite living with a neurodevelopment disorder since childhood.
As the book opens, Pike, then a high school senior, prepares for his graduation commencement ceremony at Palm Beach Central High School.
“I finally achieved one thing that every parent should be proud of, and that is seeing their child graduate from high school,” Pike reflects. It’s not until after graduating that he unexpectedly learns his special diploma option 1 – an option for high school students with developmental disabilities – has diminished his college course choices considerably and his only opportunity is to earn a high school equivalency diploma.
Spanning the four years following his graduation, Regular recounts Pike’s unremitting pursuit for personal and professional normality. In his book, Pike shines a light on the mental and psychological challenges he experiences as a young adult with autism, like juggling a career in the food service industry while taking GED® classes at night. “Getting a job was one of the main achievements I have ever gotten,” he noted. “It made me feel regular.”
One of the narrative’s most enduring qualities is the young writer’s frank refusal to become mired in defeatism. Pike excitedly shares small yet empowering milestones he achieved through determination, grit, and a strong support team of family and friends. These include advancing from a hardworking busboy to gregarious host, earning his driver’s license, and publicly petitioning the School District of Palm Beach County for a reissued high school diploma.
And while readers will be delighted to know the author ultimately receives his official diploma, the takeaway is even more important. Pike’s autobiography provides a fascinating glimpse into the autistic mind that will fascinate both neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike.
Regular: A Young Man with Autism and His Journey to be Ordinary Which Took Him to Extraordinary can be purchased online at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.
Zachary will also make an author appearance at the Els for Autism Foundation’s Awe in Autism event on April 23 from 8 a.m.–1 p.m. at The Gardens GreenMarket in Palm Beach Gardens. Zach will have a table there to greet people and sign his book, Regular.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Zachary S. Pike divides his professional life between the kitchen at Lake Worth’s Hidden Oaks Elementary School and Texas Roadhouse in Boynton Beach where he serves as a part-time host trainer. The 26-year-old is currently studying cinematography at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth, Florida and hopes to become a news cameraman after graduation. As a die-hard fan of Marvel and DC Comics, he enjoys attending comic conventions where he commiserates with popular superheroes.
Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group Invites the Public to Special Earth Day Presentation
TIPS & TRICKS TO HELP MOTHER EARTH
Saturday, April 22 at Mandel Public Library in WPB
Eco-Experts will Offer ‘Think Global But Act Local’ Solutions to Address Climate Crisis
(Palm Beach County, FL – April 12, 2023) The Loxahatchee Group of the Sierra Club Florida Chapter is inviting the public to a special Earth Day presentation TIPS & TRICKS TO HELP MOTHER EARTH on Saturday, April 22, 1 to 2 pm. The FREE event will be held in the Mandel Library Auditorium, 411 Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach (33401).
The forward-thinking topics to be covered include:
The industrial and commercial use of Hemp as a sustainable and environmentally desirable alternative to petroleum-based products.
Initiatives to curtail single use plastics in the marketplace.
The integration, concerns, and tricks of integrating Solar Energy into the Power Grid.
Moderator & Speaker:
Sam Cintron
Samuel Cintrón has served nonprofit organizations as accountant, consultant, treasurer, and controller; was a community college adjunct professor; an executive consultant through API (Accountants for Public Interest); a local environmental journalist; and an award-winning activist with the Sierra Club.
The other Earth Day speakers will be:
+ Drew Martin, Conservation Chair of the Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group who was elected countywide as a Supervisor of the Palm Beach County Soil and Water Conservation District (2008-2016) and has served on the Palm Beach County Solid Waste Advisory Board, Lake Worth Tree Board, and the Lake Worth Climate Change Task Force. In addition, he has served on the Palm Beach County Land Advisory Board and was Co-Chair of the Everglades Coalition, consisting of 60 environmental groups nationwide dedicated to restoring and preserving the Everglades.
+ Mike Fitzpatrick, an environmental activist since the 1970s, has served in various leadership capacities within the Sierra Club including on the Forests and Public Lands Committee. Among his many awards, he received the Florida Chapter Panther Award for conservation efforts in saving what is now the 97-acre Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area. In 2013 he was elected Boynton Beach City Commissioner, District 3. In 2020 he successfully organized activists to prevent the City of Boynton Beach from selling 14 acres of “surplus land” which contains threatened gopher tortoises, and an important forested area. In addition, he has served as president of a nonprofit Sustainable Cities Initiative PAC.
About the Sierra Club Florida Chapter Loxahatchee Group:
One of 17 local Sierra Club groups in Florida, it serves members in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee counties in Southeast Florida. Our group offers members and prospective members opportunities to explore, enjoy, and protect the environment by volunteering, going on outings and becoming environmental activists.
Sierra Club mission statement is “to practice and promote the responsible use of the earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment, and to use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.”
The primary duty of the Sierra Club is to maintain the stability of the environment by combating all elements of destruction. This organization has been championing such issues through its advocates, community of volunteers, and other supporters. Sierra Club understands the essentiality of nature to the survival of humanity. It, therefore, commits all its resources to rally like-minded individuals to join its course and create a world where people can flourish and achieve their potential.
Locals, Military, First Responders, Seniors and Kids have Discounted Ticket Options
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – What are you waiting for? SunFest, Florida’s favorite waterfront music festival, is celebrating its community with ways to save. This year the festival offers generous ticket promotions to accommodate every corner of the community. Tickets are on sale now, and prices will gradually increase as the countdown begins for SunFest 2023 on May 5-7. Organizers say the time is now for fans to get their band back together for this year’s celebration of music and friendship.
“A little bit of planning and some early action will give festival goers more to celebrate at SunFest 2023,” said Paul Jamieson, SunFest Executive Director. “Thanks to SunFest partners like The Palm Beaches and Bank of America, locals and visitors alike are getting lots of love in advance of this year’s SunFestivities.”
Love Our Locals presented by The Palm Beaches – special pricing ends April 26.
Soak up the sunshine, savings and love for The Palm Beaches with SunFest’s ‘Love our Locals’ ticket sale – because it’s not the same without you there! At The Palm Beaches, we Love Our Locals and welcome you to SunFest 2023 with exclusive offers. Fans can save $15 on a one-day pass, and the three-day pass will offer savings of $35 – Pricing is offered through April 26, 2023, at www.sunfest.com/ticket-promotions.
Military Discount presented by Bank of America – special pricing ends April 29
SunFest is honoring military members, first responders, and law enforcement with discounted admission as part of the Military Discount. Qualified personnel can purchase a one-day pass for $70 and a three-day pass for $130, saving up to 30% off. This promotion runs through April 29, 2023, and is available by verifying military service through GovX. Valid for Military members, first responders, and law enforcement. This promotion is sponsored by Bank of America and guests may purchase tickets online at www.sunfest.com/ticket-promotions.
Kids 5 and under are FREE with an adult.
Youth Pricing for ages 6-12. Is $50 for one-day and $95 for a three-day pass.
Senior Discount
Seniors 65 and older can purchase one-day passes for $60, which will only be sold onsite at the gate.
2023 TICKET INFORMATION
This year, tickets for SunFest are going to be day specific. The best savings option is to purchase a three-day pass. When fans purchase a one-day pass, they must select the day they plan to attend. Since tickets are day-specific, whichever day is selected is the only day for which the tickets will be good. Ticket prices are set to increase closer to the event, so purchase tickets sooner rather than later! Advance discount prices all end on April 29. At this time, the price will go to the gate price of $100 for a one-day pass and $190 for a three-day pass.
SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 19-member board of directors; 25 committees; nearly 2,400 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 5; and approximately 75 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
