Who: Fright Nights, the largest haunted house event in West Palm Beach, will celebrate 20 years of fear starting in October. For the fourth time, Fright Nights has been named as a “Top Haunted Attraction” by the Haunted Attraction Association (HAA), the official association in the haunt industry. To be designated, attractions across the country must be recognized as a member of HAA while also satisfying a list of 10 criteria related to the mission of HAA: to protect customers, promote haunted attractions, and educate industry experts.
What: Organizers of Fright Nights are inviting the public to come and celebrate its 20th anniversary, which marks an era of terror! For two decades, Fright Nights has been the scariest haunted event in South Florida featuring three haunts filled with creepy characters, scare zones, carnival rides, live entertainment and food. This year’s frights include three haunted houses: Country Bill’s Meat, Dead of Winter and Sirens’ Revenge, each with their own maze of scares.
When: Opens with a Behind the Scenes look on Thursday, Oct. 6 (reservations required; limited attendance). Opening night is Friday, Oct. 7, and will continue to be held on October 7-8,13-15, 20-22, 27 and 29. Gates open at 6 p.m. The haunted houses will open at 7 p.m. Please note: Fright Nights will be closed on October 28 due to the sold-out Stevie Nicks concert at iThink Amphitheatre, which is located on the fairgrounds.
Where: South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd., West Palm Beach
Tickets: Advance discount general admission is $35 per person. After October 6, the gate ticket is $40. Each ticket includes admission and 30 fright tickets. Each haunt requires 10 tickets. Tickets also may be used on carnival rides (two-five tickets each). Parking: $10 per car.
Wellington invites the community to attend a FREE “Public Safety Night” being offered in conjunction with the popular Wellington Food Truck & Music Series at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Saturday, October 8, 2022. Get to know your local first responders while enjoying live music, food trucks, vendors, and more.
The Public Safety Night event will run from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and provides an opportunity for attendees to interact with representatives from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), including the PBSO Mounted and Marine Units. Guests may also visit a variety of vendors offering information and resources on mental, physical, and behavioral health. Families and children will also enjoy touch-a-truck with PBCFR and PBSO vehicles, along with special character meet and greets. Characters will be on-site between 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM
The Food Truck & Music Series event features live music by Hall & Oates Tribute Band, H2O, performing on stage at 7:30 PM Approximately 15 food trucks will be in attendance from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Guests are invited to bring their own blankets and chairs for seating. Please note that dogs and pets are not allowed in Village Park, with the exception of service animals.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
Boca Raton, FL (September 7, 2022)— The Symphonia’s most popular, interactive program for kids will return for the chamber orchestra’s 2022-23 concert season, after a two-year hiatus. Meet the Orchestra, a hands-on, education program for children ages 6-12, will be held the day of rehearsals for three of The Symphonia’s four concerts. The program will take place on Saturdays – November 12, March 25, and April 29, between 11AM and 12:30PM. Families and their children are invited to attend the orchestra’s Saturday rehearsal to meet musicians and play various instruments at the Instrument Petting Zoo. Children attend free of charge, and adults are $5 each. Meet the Orchestra is held at Roberts Theater at St. Andrew’s School, 3900 Jog Road, Boca Raton.
The theme of The Symphonia’s upcoming season is ‘Inspired Naturally,’ based on Terra Nostra, an award-winning multimedia symphony by Christophe Chagnard and produced by Earth Creative that combines mind-blowing visuals with the power of symphonic music and explores the impact and challenges of climate change. The December concert will feature the film, by Charlie Spears, as a backdrop to the live performance in a powerful, sensory experience. It will be the world premiere of Terra Nostra, re-written for a chamber orchestra. For additional information on Meet the Orchestra or for season tickets, flex passes, or individual tickets, visit thesymphonia.org, or call 561.376.3848. About The SYMPHONIA The mission of The Symphonia is to inspire, educate and engage the lives of our diverse South Florida community through extraordinary musical experiences. Founded in 2004 and recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, The Symphonia’s annual concert series features a repertoire blending classic and contemporary works, showcasing compositions from diverse composers that can best be brought to life by a chamber-size ensemble.
The Symphonia takes great pride in its longstanding community partnerships, including its ‘Building a String Orchestra and Self-Esteem’ children’s program at the Boys & Girls Club in Delray Beach, and with the City of Boca Raton. Additional outreach programs include ‘Meet the Orchestra’ for kids 12 and under, and ‘Box Lunch It,’ a program that allows adult patrons to meet and learn from The Symphonia’s featured soloists and conductors in an intimate, casual environment. This past year, The Symphonia also launched a program to provide complimentary tickets to service organizations such as Boca Helping Hands, Lighthouse for the Blind, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, and Schwedelson Special Need Department of the Jewish Community Center. For more information, visit thesymphonia.org; follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca.
Riviera Beach, Fla. (September 6, 2022) – On this year’s September 11th Day of Service and Remembrance, The Arc of Palm Beach County is joining United Way of Palm Beach County and the city of Greenacres, Fla., in turning a day of tragedy into a day of service. The Community Disaster Preparedness Fair will focus on emergency preparation, along with developing and implementing solutions that ensure all people will receive the help they need should adversity strike.
Trained experts will give instruction and demonstrate generator safety, CPR training, drowning prevention, fire rescue, and more. Volunteers will assemble disaster kits for participants to take home for themselves, a family member, neighbor, or co-worker.
What: 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance Community Disaster Preparedness Fair
When: Sunday, September 11, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
Where: Greenacres Community Center at 501 Swain Blvd., Greenacres, FL 33463
More: Media visuals will include volunteers packing disaster kits, local emergency preparedness organizations conducting demonstrations, and interactions with Fire Rescue Touch-a-Truck and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Horses Unit. Representatives from United Way and The Arc will be on-site and available for interviews. The best time for photos and video will be between 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
People with disabilities are often disproportionately affected by disaster, and their needs can be overlooked in organizational emergency plans. At the fair, volunteers with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities will work alongside volunteers without disabilities to inform others about the need for disaster preparedness that addresses and includes all community members. Completed disaster kits will be distributed throughout Palm Beach County to families who may lack adequate disaster plans and supplies.
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.
About United Way of Palm Beach County
For 93 years, United Way of Palm Beach County has been the local leader dedicated to identifying and addressing critical community issues to improve the lives of our residents. We champion community change by strategically uniting key stakeholders and community leaders, and investing in successful, sustainable nonprofits. United Way funds 110 local programs and initiatives that provide lasting solutions and measurable results – from increasing graduation rates and supporting literacy, to ensuring financial independence, promoting healthy lifestyles, and ending hunger. When you support United Way of Palm Beach County, you are strengthening your community. To learn more, please call (561) 375-6600 or visit unitedwaypbc.org
WELLINGTON, FL – Four new retail and culinary destinations are joining the more than 160 stores at The Mall at Wellington Green. Jewelry Box, Laced, Q’Bola Café, and Pici Nutrition add to the robust offerings in apparel, health and beauty, and more, at this lifestyle destination in Wellington. Jewelry Box Jewelry Box has become Wellington’s destination for fine costume jewelry since opening on July 16. Not only do shoppers love owners Jan and Maria Levine’s personalized guest experience, their designer-depicting baubles sell for less than $200, which means you can buy whatever you like without breaking the bank. For more information, call (561) 323- 2116 or visit instagram.com/jewelryboxatwellington. Laced At Laced, don’t expect average, run-of-the-mill footgear. This Boston, Massachusetts-based chain, which opened August 2, features hard-to-find sneakers from Jordan, Nike, and Yeezy, luxe street wear by Bape and Supreme, and cool, urban accessories. Owner Joamil Rodriguez even offers consignment opportunities for brand new footwear, apparel, and more. For more information, call (671) 777-8322 or visit shop.lacedboston.com. Q’Bola Café Q’Bola Cafe, a busy Cuban bakery and café with counter service that opened in early-July, prepares fresh and authentic Cuban coffee and pastries, hearty sandwiches, and savorous, Latin-style indulgences, including salchipapas, a street food-style dish from South America prepared with thinly sliced, pan-fried beef sausage mixed with French fries and savory coleslaw. For more information, call (561) 444-7162 or visit Instagram.com/qbolacafe.
Pici Nutrition Pici Nutrition is a health and wellness retailer that is deeply committed to its customer’s nutritional needs and overall wellbeing. Opened since March 1, Pici Nutrition products range from whey protein to probiotics. Each contains rigorously tested, transgenic ingredients that have been authenticated by the FDA and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). For more information, call (561) 800-4563 or visit piciusa.com. Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 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, Ford’s Garage, 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.
Wellington Garden Club kicks off its 2022-2023 club year on Tuesday, September 12, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. The Meeting will feature a unique presentation by Sammy Hadi, meteorologist at the NOAA National Weather Service forecast office in Miami. His goal is to help attendees learn more about the process of forecasting the weather in South Florida, understand how the forecasters do it and describe other important skills required to be a Meteorologist and weather forecaster. Sammy Hadi, has been passionate about meteorology since the age of four. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science Meteorology from Florida International University and a Master of Science in Applied Meteorology from Mississippi State University. He also completed a graduate Certificate in Disaster Management and Emergency Services from the University of Florida and a Graduate Certificate in Climate Change and Sustainability from the University of South Florida. The community is invited to join club members for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30, followed by the presentation at 10:00. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, contact Maria Wolfe at: [email protected]. 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, landscape design, conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org. The National Weather Service (NWS) is part of the federal government’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and is responsible for providing weather, water and climate data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.
On Saturday, September 10, activists against gun violence gathered together and greeted the Gabby Giffords bus. The event was held at the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach. Congresswoman Lois Frankel and former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell spoke.
WEST PALM BEACH FL, September 12, 2022– Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people 15-24. Suicide rates have steadily increased for people ages 15-34 since 2015. Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative has a variety of programs to reduce the number of suicides in Florida. The Initiative trains college students, college professors and other members of the community to recognize the signs of someone contemplating suicide. Thus far, the Hanley Foundation has trained almost 60 resident advisors at Palm Beach Atlantic University and 20 faculty members at The Academy for Nursing, as college campuses are often where students meet someone who may be experiencing a mental health crisis.
During National Suicide Prevention Month, which is in September, the Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative has placed billboards across Palm Beach County and has wrapped 10 Palm Tran bus stop shelters with information on how to get help during a mental health crisis. They have also produced a video with people who have attempted suicide and survived who tell their story of hope.
“We’re changing systems that are in place to ensure that fewer people die by suicide. We’re training organizations on how to watch for the warning signs that an employee or client is in a mental health crisis. We also are working to ensure that agencies assess people properly for suicide risk and provide appropriate, patient-centered care,” said Alli Jimenez, who is leading the Hanley Foundation’s Zero Suicide Initiative.
Hanley Foundation also plans to launch a support group for people who have attempted suicide and for people who have lost someone to suicide. For help, people can email [email protected].
The Wellington Family AutoFest rides back into Village Park on Pierson Road Sunday morning October 2nd from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. in the scenic Village Park at 11700 Pierson Road marking the beginning of a monthly charitable event.
The family friendly event combines a traditional car show showcasing all types and models of vehicles with a Sunday morning outing for family, friends, and groups including activities, music, and food trucks.
The October event features a judged vehicle competition boasting over 20 trophies and an exhibit of first responder vehicles with proceeds benefitting veterans causes including Unified Dream, a local veteran’s group.
Unified Dream Founder, CEO and former Marine Jacob Hampu said: “Our partnership on the AutoFest is a great opportunity for our veterans and their families. We will be there with an interactive disc golf exhibit which was very successful in the June AutoFest. We appreciate the partnership with the Rotary Club in building awareness and providing personal, as well as financial support to our members.”
Unified Dream is hosting its own fundraiser, a Disc Golf Tournament on November 12th in Royal Palm Beach where anyone can participate. See their website www.unifieddream.org for further information.
Rotary Club President Tiffany Rodriguez noted: “The AutoFest is a project of the Rotary Club of Wellington. We call it “a better connection than WIFI”. The AutoFest is a way for car enthusiasts, family, friends and neighbors to enjoy the outdoors on a Sunday morning…and you don’t need a show vehicle to participate.”
“Within the event, we will have the AutoFest Village with food trucks from Gourmet Truck Expo plus exhibitions by Cox Science Museum, the disc golf station by Unified Dream and more” said committee member Randy Pfeiffer.
For Wellington residents, the AutoFest can be accessed by golf cart under new Village regulations.
Entry for vehicles participating in a judged contest will be $20; all other show vehicles will be $10. Non-show vehicles can participate too with a VIP area for families and groups with an $10 entry fee per vehicle. Free parking also available.
Sponsorships, questions, and support welcome. Contact [email protected]
or visit the Wellington Family AutoFest Facebook page or website www.familyautofest.com for updates and further information.
About the Rotary Club of Wellington
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends and leaders who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Our local club promotes positive change in the community partnering with charities, businesses, government, residents, and community leaders. Wellingtonrotary.org
The Rotary Club of Wellington Foundation is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit corporation that raises money to help fund local scholarships and a variety of causes chosen by its volunteer Board of Trustees. The funds raised are not distributed to the Rotary Club of Wellington.
About Unified Dream
Centering around its mission “Helping veterans navigate the obstacles of reintegration” Unified Dream is a veteran run 501(c)3 not-for-corporation that provides the resources to guide veterans on the road to recovery and get reconnected with their community. They assist other community programs with their veteran teams. Unified Dream also organizes outings from fishing, hiking, kayaking, cook outs and more. Veterans are provided with a “battle buddy” friend, mentor and accountability buddy. They also provide veterans the chance to tell their story on film. Sharing their journey inspires others and educates our community.
Unified Dream is hosting its first Unified Veterans Disc Golf Tournament on November 12th honoring a Veteran from every branch for their incredible service to the community. The event takes place at Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach and offers cash, Disc Golf Prizes, Food, Raffle Items, and more! Go to unfieddream.org for more information.
With the busy summer season behind us, now’s a good time to consider an autumn road trip. From taking in vistas of golden, red and orange foliage in the east to exploring the Native American history and rugged landscapes of the west, the options are plentiful. As always there are plenty of new discoveries to unearth along the way. Here are a few ideas to get your road-tripping planning underway.
Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: North Carolina to Virginia
Blue Ridge Parkway Photo: Shutterstock
Winding 469 miles from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina to Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway stands out among American road trips. The history of the land is revealed in its split rail fences, weathered structures and old farmsteads. Overlooks offer magical views of majestic mountains and deep ravines.
Located at Milepost 316, Linville Falls is a lovely spot for a hike and a picnic. The Linville River cascades from its headwaters on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain nearly 2,000 feet into a spectacular rugged gorge and the mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge offers an exhilarating—if somewhat terrifying—walk across the sky. Plan to end your driving day close to sunset and you will be treated to a multichromatic sky hovering above the peaks.
Bed down in luxury at Primland—an eco-conscious resort in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Southern comfort meets refinement with 51 rustically elegant suites, cottages and storybook tree houses. Be sure to work in some stargazing before bedtime at the resort’s Observatory Dome where a powerful telescope will unveil millions of stars easily viewed from the prime mountaintop setting.
Coastal Maine: From Cape Neddick to Acadia National Park
Coastal Maine Road Trip Photo: Shutterstock
Kick off your coastal drive with an overnight stay at the Cliff House in Cape Neddick. Perched atop Bald Head Cliff overlooking the ocean and stretching across 70 acres, the Cliff House has welcomed travelers since 1872. Newly re-designed guest rooms, suites and a classic New England Cottage entice escape-seeking travelers.
Meander up the coast along U.S.1 taking in the views of iconic lighthouses, fishing villages, bays dotted with sailboats, offshore islands and rock-strewn beaches. Along the way feast on lobster (what else?), meaty oysters, yummy New England Clam Chowder and sweet blueberries.
In Portland’s historic Old Port district boutiques filled with distinctive gifts, clothing and souvenirs dot the cobbled streets. Be sure to drive out to the Portland Head Light. Built in 1791, the country’s oldest lighthouse is also the most photographed.
Home to the famed Farnsworth Art Museum, housing 15,000 works of art including many by the Wyeth family, Rockland makes an ideal mid-coast stop. Nearby, Camden attracts numerous windjammers often anchored in the harbor providing postcard-perfect photo ops.
At the northern end of the coast, the glacier-scoured granite peaks, woodlands and rocky beaches of Acadia National Park offer ample opportunities for adventure. Keep an eye out for the locals: moose, bear, whales and seabirds.
Utah: Meandering through Five National Parks
National Scenic Byway in Utah Photo: Shutterstock
With five national parks scattered across the state, a road trip through Utah yields unsurpassed scenic views. Located in the state’s southwest corner, Zion National Park’s road leads through tunnels carved into the mountains and around the rim of dramatic plunging canyons. Stretch your legs in Bryce Canyon National Park with a hike through its trademark orange-hued hoodoos. Continue your explorations in Utah’s south-central desert at Capitol Reef National Park. Known for its white sandstone domes, the park also surrounds a geological wrinkle in the earth.
Scenic Byway 12 uncovers more magnificent landscapes as you make your way to Arches National Park. Here you’ll find delicate archways joined by fields of spires, pinnacles, domes and gravity-defying balanced rocks await. Nearby, Canyonlands National Park boasts 527 square miles of colorful landscape carved by the Colorado River. Drive the 34-mile loop drive through Island in the Sky for a sampling of the park’s wonders.
Overnight in Moab at the Sorrel River Ranch—an exclusive 240-acre riverside oasis. Rustic-chic accommodations range from studios to a private Ranch House Estate. With farm-to-table dining, horseback riding and revitalizing spa treatments on hand, Sorrel River Ranch offers an ideal road trip break.
New Mexico Scenic Byways: Santa Fe to Taos
Charming Santa Fe Photo: Shutterstock
Centered around a historic plaza and dotted with adobe dwellings, the eclectic town of Santa Fe attracts artists, foodies and anyone seeking an enriched relaxing escape from the ordinary. The home of American artist, Georgia O’Keeffe, in her final years of life, a namesake museum houses many of her extraordinary works. Nearby, the historic 19th-century Loretto Chapel’s legendary staircase continues to mystify the masses who visit.
An ideal place to begin and end your northern New Mexico explorations, The Inn and Spa at Loretto effortlessly blends old-world charm with luxe splendor. Situated in the spectacular Sangre de Cristo Mountains at the end of the historic Old Santa Fe Trail, the inn boasts 136 guest rooms decorated in an elegant New Mexico style that’s based on the traditional patterns, textures, and colors of the region’s Pueblo Indians.
