Five Fun Facts about the Event
An Interview with Holly Stewart, Executive Director of the Young Singers of The Palm Beaches
By Denise Marsh
Everyone knows my affinity for music – how it continues to be therapeutic and mandatory in my life. But, one thing that has always piqued my interest has been how singers get started. So, when I saw “Young Singers of the Palm Beaches” share their headline on Facebook for “20 years of singing” I knew that this would be my next article. We all have our favorite musical artists from various genres and backgrounds and they all have a story to tell. I think you will find this story to be very different than the rest and will have gained some great insight into the musical world that is geared to youth. I didn’t know this organization existed prior to my research and I hope it deepens your appreciation and support for young singers and their journey.
Hitting All the Notes
AW: Please tell me the very inspirational story you had shared previously on how you got started with the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.
HS: I had a daughter enrolled in Young Singers in elementary school. Unfortunately, she was not able to remain in the program because she was diagnosed with Scoliosis. It progressed very quickly as the result of an asymmetrical growth spurt which caused her to develop a severe S curvature of the spine; her rib cage was pressing on her lungs and heart, impacting breathing. She was not able to pass the initial pulmonary test which would have cleared her for surgery until she started using her belly breathing exercises from rehearsal. She went on to have a very successful surgery restoring her spine to a normal curvature. She was invited to be part of a commercial for the children’s hospital who performed the surgery and her case study was featured in a medical journal. She is now 25 and volunteers hemming singer uniforms.
AW: Can you provide an example of how your organization has helped children and teenagers? I read that you accept children from second to twelfth grade – is that accurate?
HS: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches provides high quality vocal education for youth in 2nd through 12th grade across Palm Beach County. We believe choral music education is a valuable resource in the development of productive participants in our society. We transform the lives of young singers in our community by: breaking down social barriers, developing life skills, providing an outlet for creativity, and fostering good citizenship. We provide children an atmosphere of artistic excellence in which they develop teamwork from supportive friendships and serve as ambassadors in our community. Programming is designed not only to teach vocal skills but support the whole child by focusing on three impact areas: artistic excellence, personal growth, and social development.
Over a period of months, I watched singers evolve from retiring, shy “wall flowers” to confident singers capable of performing a solo of the National Anthem or performing on the stage with the Palm Beach Opera. This confidence and discipline reaches far past the stage. One of our alumni, who is now finishing his doctorate in Astrophysics at Notre Dame, explained that he learned to solve 6-and 7-hour equations by rehearsing. It gave him focus and determination to accomplish great things if he just stuck to it. In addition, his brother, who is working to address food sustainability, perfectly described what it feels like to perform. “You’re standing on stage with your choir in the dark. All you hear is muffled applause and then everything goes silent. As the curtain rises, cool air from the house washes over you. You’re looking at 2000 people who came to see and hear you. In that moment, you know you have a voice.”
AW: I understand that you operate as a Nonprofit organization. How do you raise the funds necessary to cover expenses for the organization and the singers?
HS: Young Singers of the Palm Beaches receives funding from numerous supporters. Our afterschool outreach program which supports over 1,500 elementary school students, mostly from economically disadvantaged Title 1 schools, is supported by funding from Prime-Time Palm Beach County and Children’s Services Council. Our elementary choir in the Glades and Lakeshore Middle School Teen Choir receives support from various foundations including Community Beach Cultural Center. They are tuition-based, but that only covers one third of the cost of running the programming. We receive support from the Cultural Council Palm Beach County and the Tourism and Development Council as well as State of Florida’s Culture Builds Florida. As a 501-C3, we receive support from individuals, corporations and foundations in order to keep our tuition low, and no child is turned away for financial reasons. Families can apply for a scholarship on a sliding fee scale from the Mary Murray Scholarship fund and Jacobs Family Foundation Fund. About 50% of children receiving financial assistance live at or below the poverty level, but we also provide support to working families under ALICE (Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed) guidelines set forward by the United Way. Families are asked to assist us with fundraising in various ways: through volunteering, participating in the Annual Mary Murry 5-K Fun Run/Walk, donating to our silent auction, volunteering at the Honda Classic where we work a concession in exchange for tips and a percentage of the proceeds, etc. Our scholarship families are some of our most dedicated volunteers and contributors. With a full-time staff of only 4 employees, none of this would be possible without the support of over 200 volunteers, providing an estimated 1,000 hours of assistance each year.
AW: How would someone apply if they were interested? Is there a special audition or screening process?
HS: Information about auditions or our performance choirs are available at our website at https://www.yspb.org/auditions.
While we have closed enrollment for our Kravis-based Choirs until the Spring semester, we are accepting students in 2nd through 8th grade at our Boynton Beach location every Wednesday. Contact us at: information@yspb.org or by phone at 561-651-4429 for more information. We will be announcing new dates to audition for the Kravis Center program in December and January.
AW: what is your FAVORITE part of the job? The most CHALLENGING part?
HS:
Favorite- Everyone thinks it would be our concerts; after all, they are full productions utilizing the full resources and top talent of a world-renowned performing arts center to near sell out crowds. However, that is just the final show; the literal “icing” that people see. My favorite thing is the rehearsals: that is where all the work and the magic happen. You get to watch nervous candidates audition for music programs and professional performances and go off to college, most on scholarship. We are not just supporting artistic excellence; we support personal growth and emotional development. My daughters are both gone and out of the house, but I still have the honor of being just a little part of these children’s lives.
Challenge- Fundraising. We know that music education in promoting academic performance increases IQ, supports math and science, yet arts programming in schools continues to be cut from schools. Young Singers of the Palm Beaches was established to fill the gap, to provide a place for community-based choral activities unconstrained by school boundaries, religious affiliations, racial bias, socio-economic barriers, or funding cuts to arts education. Over the past 20 years we have grown from a grassroots organization with 79 singers to a 1 million nonprofit with 4 full-time team members, and 29 part-time team members. When Covid closed in-person performing arts in 2019, we rose to the challenge of providing virtual services and have since more than doubled our outreach into underserved afterschool programs to over 1,500 elementary students. Still, we do not have the funds to meet demand. Every year ,we need to raise more scholarship funds to meet demand. Over 30% of our students qualify for assistance and last year we provided almost $50,000 in scholarships. This year with the support from Impact 100 Palm Beach County, we were finally able to start a South County Choir for students in 2nd through 12th grade. Up until now, some of our students have been commuting over 25 miles one way for rehearsals. Many families simply do not have the time and resources to make that journey every week, no matter how dedicated. Even though we have been able to increase the number of afterschool programs, there is still a waitlist for programs requesting services. Just this week, I submitted a request to fund another 38 programs which serve over 1,500 children in under-resourced communities lacking arts education.
AW: Do you sing? Did you ever want to sing?
HS: Unfortunately, while I enjoy singing in private, I am not very talented. I wish I had the same opportunities that these children have. Singing is something that can be taught early on and carried throughout your adult life. Rarely do you still see Pee Wee Football and T-ball players still playing in their 50’s, but our children will still be singing in 40 years. Unfortunately, at my age, it is a lot harder to learn.
AW: Do the kids ever perform out of the country or globally?
HS: Annually, a group of our children travel the American Choral Directors Association conference to perform with children from across the country. The event can best be described as the Junior Olympics of the choral world. Last year, in addition to having a number of our singers selected to perform in the Honor Choir, we were also asked to perform as a “special” in the Festival Choir. Pre-Covid we also have taken our younger singers to perform at Disney and have participated in national tours. As things return to normal, we are not only planning to perform at the national ACDA Conference in Cincinnati and Disney – we will be the featured choir at Carnegie Hall in June 2024!
AW: What are some events that you are proud of?
HS: Wow, there are so many… I love our annual 5-K because you get to see the younger kids and the older kids interacting, families enjoying each other, even alumni come back. Community performances are also amazing. After all, who wouldn’t want to be backstage at the Palm Beach Opera listening to the maestro complementing your singers? I think I am most proud of our senior recognition events. Every year, in the Spring, we pay tribute to our graduating seniors who have gone on to post-secondary education, most with scholarships. The last one turned down a full scholarship at Palm Beach State College studying police work to serve his country as a Marine.
AW: Is there anything coming up or “on the horizon” for the organization?
HS: We have many exciting performances coming up this year. We are in the process of filming “Sounds of the Season,” a Palm Beach Symphony special which will air in December. On October 7th, a group of our singers will be backing up Pink Floyd Nation at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. We have ensembles scheduled to perform for the City of Boynton Beach Holiday Celebration, Lake Clarke Tree Lighting and Palm Beach Roundtable Holiday luncheon, Tickets for the 20th Anniversary, “Winter Tapestry 2022” Concert at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts go on sale October 1, 2022 at https://go.kravis.org/live/index.php. We are already working on our May 7, 2023 concert, “Hear the Future.”
AW: Congratulations on your 20 Year Anniversary of being in business! What are your future plans for YSPB?
HS: We will be releasing a 5-year strategic plan in the next couple of months which will outline our growth through the coming five years. Even as we continue with our very successful programming at the Kravis Center for Performing Arts, we will be expanding our choirs in Boynton Beach and North and Western Palm Beach County. With the return of in-person events and performances, our youth will be singing across Palm Beach County, including many events that are free to the public. We will return to touring both domestically to New York and Carnegie Hall and internationally in future years. Prime Time Palm Beach County and Children’s Services Council Palm Beach County continue to support our expansion plans to provide music education to under-serviced communities. We also continue to seek out community partners willing to support our mission to provide equitable access to high quality vocal education for all children in Palm Beach County while adding to the rich arts and culture of South Florida.
AW: What is the best way for someone to get in touch with you? Do you advertise anywhere besides Facebook?
HS: The best source of information regarding our programs, events, and fundraising initiatives is our webpage at https://www.yspb.org/. You can find links there which allow you to register for an audition, get tickets to a concert, book one of our choirs for your event, or contribute to our fundraising efforts. I recommend you also check us out on our Facebook page and Instagram. For a sample of our performance, please visit our YouTube page at https://www.youtube.com/c/YoungSingersofthePalmBeaches/videos. For more information email us at: information@yspb.org or call 561-651-4429.
Accoutrements
I I have not met Holly in Person as of yet, but I definitely will make this a goal in my life. Despite, “we were meant to be in each other’s lives being a cliché,” in my life it has been a mainstay with people and situations that have served my highest good. Holly Stewart has literally given a voice to many young children, eager teenagers and young adults. I would definitely label Holly as an “Apollo” to the youth of Palm Beach County and a hero for the overlooked, and underprivileged who have voices that deserve to be heard. As a school teacher, I know how vital music is to our youth and how many kids welcome this subject where they can feel liberated, expressive and take a break from all the formal subjects. Music is a magical force, a bridging factor and a therapeutic component in the lives of so many. Thank you, Holly, for letting me and so many be enlightened by your voice and your vision. I cannot wait to see some of the performances that you have mentioned. After all, the greatest singers all started off somewhere
+ Watercolor at the Garden – October 4, 11, 18, 25
+ Wednesday Walk & Talk – October 5, 12, 19, 26
+ Qi Gong Classes – October 5, 12, 19, 26
+ Beginning Watercolor with Carl Stoveland – October 6, 13, 20, 27
+ Eat Your Landscape – October 7
+ Tai Chi at Mounts – October 7, 14, 21, 28
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – October 8
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – October 9
+ Create a Butterfly & Pollinator Friendly Garden – October 13
+ Introduction to Bonsai & Saikei – October 15
+ Botanical Photography: Still Life Flower & Foliage – October 22, 29
+ Wildness & the Art of Seeing Things – October 26
+ South Florida Vegetable Garden Basics –October 28
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 13, 2022) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 29 happy, healthy, horticulture happenings in October.
“Early fall is the perfect time for flower lovers and nature enthusiasts of all ages to come out and enjoy some of our many safe, informative, and happy horticultural activities at our 20-acre paradise just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg.
October 4, 11, 18, 25
Watercolor at the Garden with Carl Stoveland
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 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 beginners should consider the Thursday beginners class. Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by your instructor, artist Carl Stoveland. The purpose of the walk is to inspire you and give you an opportunity to capture photos with your phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where Carl will start with a quick demo topic then assist you choosing a subject and getting started on your watercolor.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesday Walk and Talk
Wednesdays, 8:30 am to 9:30 am
$5 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; tour size is limited to 15 adults.
Come to the garden early to reconnect and recharge with nature. Led by April Krebs, walk for fitness and for fun, stopping along the way to enjoy the early morning quiet and for a few stretching exercises. Experience the beauty of the Garden and note the changes each week.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 5, 12, 19, 26
Qi Gong Classes
Wednesdays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
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—like Tai Chi. Classes will be led by Roxanne Cumberland.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 6,13, 20, 27
Beginner Watercolor with Carl Stoveland
Thursdays, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it this is the class for you. Start with 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. Begin each class with a Nature Walk through the Garden led by the artist. The purpose of the walk is to inspire and give participants an opportunity to capture photos with their phone or tablet along the way. The group will then move indoors, where the instructor will start with a quick demo topic then assist people in choosing a subject and getting started on his/her watercolors. 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).
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 7
Eat Your Landscape
Friday, 10:00 am to Noon
$15 members; $20 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults
Have you ever experienced the sheer delight of savoring a fruit that you picked directly from your own backyard? As food forests and edible landscapes are becoming more popular, there is a desire for those who live in urban environments to be able to convert a small green space into a place where they can grow healthy fruits and fresh veggies. This workshop led by Nada Vergili will give you the basics on how to transform your standard yard into a beautifully nutritious oasis that will give you delicious food, year after year.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 7, 14, 21, 28
Tai Chi at Mounts
Fridays, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Tai Chi features flowing and gentle, but profoundly powerful movements. The main objective of the practice of Tai Chi is to magnify, strengthen and encourage the flow of the internal energy, the “chi”. When the “chi” flows throughout the body, one experiences over-all health, rejuvenation, and internal joy. Led by Josefina McMahon, this Tai Chi class is based on Sun Style Tai Chi which combines Qi Gong and Tai Chi.
Note: Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
October 8
Palm Beach County Residents Day
Saturday, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission on the second Saturday of each month through December 2022.Visitors must show proof of residency for admission-free entry.
Note: Admission for non-residents is $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for ages 6-17. Purchase at the gate.
October 9
Dogs’ Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 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 and water treats for the puppies.
+ For all Dogs’ Day rules, please visit www.mounts.org/dogs-day.
October 13
Create a Butterfly and Pollinator Friendly Garden
Thursday, 10:00 am to Noon
$15 Members; $20 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults
Join us for this fun tour and learn some Florida-friendly, planting practices that will turn your backyard, patio, or balcony into a favorite hangout for butterflies, birds and bees. Learn which plants will attract butterflies to create a Zen retreat for yourself and nature. Led by Nada Vergili, a Mounts Botanical docent, holistic landscape designer and UF/IFAS Florida Friendly Landscape Award winner in the 2021 “Before and After” category.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 15
Introduction to Bonsai and Saikei
Saturday, 10:00 am to Noon
$35 Members; $40 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Bonsai or wanted to learn about the ancient art of Saikei? If so, this is the class for you. Perennial Mounts Volunteer Michael Spencer will discuss the difference between Bonsai and Saikei and how to begin the process of creating your own Bonsai or mini Saikei forest. Participants will be able to design their own starter plant to bring home and learn the basic tools needed for the maintenance of these miniature living treasures. Plant and Bonsai container will be provided. You may bring your own garden snips or small scissors, if you don’t have tools yet, small scissors will be provided.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 22 and 29
Botanical Photography:
Still Life – Flower and Foliage Workshop with Art Silverglate
Saturdays, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$45 for members; $60 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults.
Learn how to become a better flower photographer in this two-part workshop, led by Photographer Art Silverglate. Learnabout camera equipment and the key concepts of macro photography. Flower photography is becoming extremely popular for camera enthusiasts and learning how to choose your composition, your lens, and how to find the right light, makes this art even more fun!
++ Saturday October 22: 10 am to 11:30 am
Session I:
A short classroom presentation will give you basic concepts and tips on how to use macro photography to zoom in on your subjects and create stunning photos.
The remainder of Session I will be in the garden, practicing your techniques.
++ Saturday, October 29: 10 am to 11:30 am
Session II:
Please bring a flash drive or photo stick with your photos. This session of the workshop focuses on editing and Art will talk about ways to take your flower photo from drab to fab using Photoshop and light room techniques.
Note on Materials Needed: Participants are encouraged to bring pad, tablet, or preferred note-taking device; hat for sun protection; water bottle; camera, tripod, cable release or switch, zoom lens; Macro lens or close-up attachments.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 26
Wildness and the Art of Seeing Things:
A Nature Journal Workshop
Wednesday, 11:30 am to 1 pm
$20 Members $28 Nonmembers
Registration is required; class size is limited to 20 adults
Join artist/naturalist Autumn Kioti for this enlightening exploration of art and the environment. She will lead you to explore both outer and inner worlds and cultivate the art of truly “seeing things”. Nature journaling is: art, it’s science, it’s therapeutic, and most of all, it’s fun. There are no rules. Become more aware of the world around you, come unwind, unplug—learn how to relax into the present moment by recording your experiences on this planet; journaling captures your observations, perceptions and sparks curiosity. Refreshments will be served.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
October 28
South Florida Vegetable Garden Basics
Friday, 10:00 am to 11:30 am
$15 members; $20 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 35 adults
Join Master Gardener Phil Bilger and discover the essential ingredients needed to start a South Florida vegetable garden. Whether using seeds or transplants, he will discuss how to use the various garden types, e.g., in-ground, containers, and raised beds to create a productive garden.
Discover the role of climate and seasonal weather plays in planting vegetables. Troubleshoot common problems and find out what to do about pests and diseases seen in a vegetable garden.
To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/2022-10/mounts.org
Also available to visit in October 2022:
Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden
Located in the Tropical Forest Garden
Bringing the awe and wonder of Easter Island to West Palm Beach is this new permanent installation of three imposing moai statues, replicas of the iconic monolithic, human figures located on Rapa Nui, Chile. Designed by artist Dennis MacDonald with great attention to authenticity and detail, each of the statues is made of solid, reinforced, poured concrete and has been stained to create a weathered appearance. The larger moai stands 20 feet tall and wears a “hat” known as pukao, two additional pukao rest on the ground.
The Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden installation is included with Garden admission:
FREE for Mounts members and children under 6; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $5 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
+ Tickets available for purchase at the gate.
Garden hours are Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm.
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 6,000 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.
Wellington, Florida – U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in hospital rankings and consumer advice, has named Wellington Regional Medical Center as a 2022-2023 High Performing hospital for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Stroke. This is the highest award a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings.
The annual Procedures & Conditions ratings are designed to assist patients and their doctors in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.
Wellington Regional earned High Performing ratings for COPD and Stroke in recognition of care that was significantly better than the national average, as measured by factors such as patient outcomes.
“A recognition by U.S. News & World Report is an honor hospitals seek to achieve and patients consider when choosing where to seek healthcare for their self and their loved ones,” said Pam Tahan, chief executive officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center. “I’m proud of our team and their continued dedication to improving patient outcomes while providing safe, quality, compassionate care to our community.”
For the 2022-2023 Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions. Fewer than half of all hospitals received any High Performing rating, and only four earned this rating in all procedures and conditions. State and metro area rankings reflect the highest performing hospitals in the area across multiple areas of care.
“When patients are considering their options for care, the Best Hospitals ratings are designed to help them identify hospitals that excel in the kind of care they may need,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “A hospital that’s earned a High Performing rating in a service may be a good option for patients in need of that service and their medical professionals to consider.”
The U.S. News Procedures & Conditions methodology is based entirely on objective measures of quality such as survival rates, patient experience, and how successfully each hospital helps patients get back home.
For more information, visit Best Hospitals and use #BestHospitals on Facebook and Twitter.
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.
ABOUT U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives and communities. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Riviera Beach, Fla. (September 15, 2022) – The Arc of Palm Beach County is driving change through inclusion and innovation in the workplace to help people with disabilities live, learn, work, and thrive. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month in October, The Arc invites the community to their inaugural Breaking Barriers breakfast to learn about the vital role people with disabilities have in the nation’s workforce.
The Arc’s inaugural business breakfast will take place on Wednesday, October 19, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion in West Palm Beach. The breakfast aims to unite community leaders in promoting inclusive business practices and possibilities for all. Guests will discover how people with disabilities can achieve belonging in the workplace and attain independence in their communities. They will also explore how inclusion is driving innovation, how forward-thinking businesses are enjoying success as thought leaders, and how a diverse workforce leads to improved outcomes for businesses.
“At The Arc, we are dreaming big on behalf of children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with the families whom we are privileged to serve,” said Kimberly McCarten, CEO and president of The Arc. “We want to help the community explore a change in the way we see our workforce and find inspiration through diversity, and to join us in developing an inclusive environment in our businesses – one that celebrates the beauty and value in all of us.”
The Arc is hosting keynote speaker and professional development leader, Dr. Alonzo Kelly, to demonstrate how professional development platforms rooted in trust and diversity can help cultivate successful business cultures. Dr. Kelly is one of the nation’s top executive coaches who shapes the narrative on authentic relationships and creating a sense of belonging in the workforce and across our communities.
“Now is the time for humility,” said Kelly. “If your conversation centered on ‘belonging’ does not result in new ideas, new concepts, and new relationships, you are falling short of the opportunity to evolve.”
McCarten said, “By embracing our unique qualities, we can and will turn challenges into opportunities for all. If you ever considered leading a conversation on diversity of any kind, this event is where you need to be.”
For more information on the Breaking Barriers breakfast, and to RSVP, please visit arcpbc.org/events/breakingbarriers.
About The Arc of Palm Beach County
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.
Wellington Garden Club will hold its October meeting on Monday, October 3, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. at the
Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. The Meeting will feature a
presentation by Kent Anderson, award-winning filmmaker, pilot and Eagle Scout, who has traveled
the globe creating content that focuses on the world’s most environmentally sensitive areas. His
presentation will illustrate the importance of preserving Florida’s natural springs that are crucial to
Florida’s water supply, ecology and inhabitants.
Anderson has worked with numerous non-profits and conservation efforts, both locally in Florida and
abroad. He is a founding member of Project Paradise, a group of native Floridians who are passionate
about protecting Florida’s environment and telling Florida’s stories through the arts. The goal of
Project Paradise is to advocate for conservation efforts through impactful and inspired story telling as
evidenced by its newly-released documentary film, The Water State that will be screened at the
meeting. www.paradise.ngo
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: tcacad_registrar@yahoo.com.
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.
Juried Exhibition Running Through October 28
Best in Show – Linh M. Trinh of Palm Springs
1st Place – EJ Morales of West Palm Beach
2nd Place – Jeff Olson of Coral Springs
Honorable Mention – Alberto Sisso of Fort Lauderdale
(West Palm Beach, FL – September __, 2022) Fatima NeJame, president and chief executive officer of the world-renowned Palm Beach Photographic Centre (PBPC), today announced the prize winners of its current exhibition:
26th Annual MEMBERS’ SHOW
Juried Exhibition Running Through October 28
“This exhibit provides a glimpse into the diverse work and the unique perspectives of 36 different members of the Palm Beach Photographic Centre,” said NeJame. “This year’s winners were announced at the exhibition’s live opening reception on August 26. The exhibition is also featured on our website at www.workshop.org.”
The Best In Show Award went to Linh M. Trinh from Palm Springs, FL for her photograph Red Shouldered Hawk. He received a cash prize of $950.
The First Place winner was EJ Morales of West Palm Beach for the photograph Winter is Coming; while Second Place went to Jeff Olson of Coral Springs for his photo, The Hold Out. Honorable mention goes to Alberto Sisso of Fort Lauderdale for his photo, The Space Between.
The Juror for the 26th Annual MEMBERS’ SHOW was Craig Blacklock, one of the country’s premier nature photographers who has been featured in numerous television and magazine stories. He has published 18 books, dozens of calendars, and several videos. His books on the landscape and nude have garnered many awards including two gold IPPY’s and gold and silver Pub West Design awards. His photographs have been shown in over 30 museum and art center exhibitions. Craig Blacklock has inspired and instructed photographers through weeklong workshops and lectures since 1982.
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 5 pm. Monday through 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.
Winning Photos from MEMBERS’ SHOW 2022:
1. Best in Show: Red Shouldered Hawk ÓLinh M. Trinh
2. 1st Place: Winter is Coming ÓEJ Morales
3. 2nd Place: The Hold Out ÓJeff Olson
4. Honorable Mention: The Space Between ÓAlberto Sisso
On Tuesday November 29th, Grandma’s Place will hold its 7th Annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. We are thrilled to announce that Jodie Schmitz and Manda Galin are once again Co-Chairing this event. Herme De Wyman Miro is serving as the International Honorary Chair. Committee Members include: Diana Berman, Kristi Bomar, Kelly Brenner, Jane Bruno, Susy Burrowes, Leslie Byck, Margaret Donnelley, Danielle Glendye, Ali Govier, Patti Hadden, Barbara Hollender, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Toni O’Brien, Joan O’Connell, Kat Ogg, Dina Rubio, Eve Sauer, Lisa Shapiro, Marcie Singer and George Swan, Jr. Auction Committee Members include Missy Agnello, Darcy Alasia, Patty Cooke, and Pamela Pike.
The luncheon starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a small live auction by Neil Saffer while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes once again will graciously serve as the celebrity emcee.
The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes, and also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.
Tickets are $200 per person or tables can be purchased for $2,000 each. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org
By Kayla Roderman for Khanna Connections
Stepping up to care for your aging parents while still actively raising your own children can be a stressful and exhausting task. Adults in the “sandwich generation”, defined as a generation of people, usually in their thirties or forties, who are responsible for raising their own, growing children while simultaneously caring for their aging parents, are finding it harder and harder to balance the demands of properly caring for their kids while juggling the care needed by their aging parents.
There are several solutions for the “sandwich generation” to manage the stress caused by the high-pressure demands of caring for their children and elders. A few of the solutions include staying organized, being prepared financially, finding support groups and enlisting in caregiving support. Enlisting an aging parent into caregiving support can be the best way to make sure they receive all the care they need while still being comfortable and enjoying their independence.
Two popular options people turn to for their aging parents are independent or assisted living communities. Independent living allows you to live life independently and to the fullest without worrying about home maintenance, cleaning, planning for meals. Fitness, entertainment, transportation, activities and more are available to you right in your community. It’s the perfect way to keep your independence while having support and friendship available at any time. Assisted Living is the best choice when you have physical needs at various times of the day or night. You still enjoy all of the amenities described above with the ability to access care by pushing your pendant. In Assisted Living, nurses and CNAs (certified nurse assistants), will be there to monitor your needs and ensure they are being met. Thankfully, there is a local organization that helps to place your family members in an independent or assisted living community that is best suited to them.
The Next Chapter Florida Living is an organization that works with families to relieve the stress associated with moving an elderly family member to a senior community. They assist with touring and selecting the right Independent Living, Assisted Living or Memory Care facility. They handle everything from negotiating with vendors to helping with packing, unpacking and everything in between.
“If they do not have a preferred realtor, I can sell their home as well. I provide the TLC needed to make this a seamless and very positive transition. This is a free service to my clients. I become your concierge and you do not have to deal with all of the phone calls and emails from the communities until you are ready to make a choice to move in.” says Janna Zaidspiner, Owner of The Next Chapter Florida Living.
Having a local resource like this can save families from feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what the best decision is for their aging parents. The Next Chapter Florida Living handles all of the hassles of locating and communicating with senior living communities so you don’t have to. They are experienced and know all of the best care communities in the area. It is so important for many seniors to feel independent for as long as possible. Many seniors want to avoid feeling isolated and lonely and seek ways that they can get out and engage with friends and family. What the pandemic showed us is that social interaction and intellectual stimulation is so important to our mental and physical health. Living in a community makes it so much easier to connect with others, stay in shape physically and mentally, and even to attend a local outing.
“There are always choices and new people to meet. There is never another meal eaten alone. As much as family may try, you can’t be the only social outlet for your loved ones. They need to connect with their peers, find new hobbies and enjoy each day!” explained Janna when asked about the benefits of an independent or assisted living community.
If you are looking for help finding the perfect senior living situation for your aging parents, look no further than The Next Chapter Florida Living. They are looking forward to helping you navigate your options and help place your family members in their dream community. Visit https://thenextchapterfl.com/ or email Janna directly at Janna@thenextchapterfl.com for more information.
Hadassah Florida Atlantic and American Cancer Society Joins Hands
Breast Cancer Research Symposium for Men and Women
Learn about advances in breast cancer prevention, detection, treatments, caregiving and surviving from top-notch Speakers.
Join us on Sunday, October 9, 1:30pm-3:30pm (check-in 1:30pm, program 2:00pm-3:30pm) at the Bellaggio Community, Bellaggio Clubhouse, 6525 Bellaggio Lakes Blvd, Lake Worth. Participant fee is $18.00 per person.
Advance registration is required. Please click on this link to register:
Hadassah is hosting Breast Cancer Walks all over Florida. To find a Walk in your area please visit: https://www.hadassah.org/area/florida.
Questions – Contact: florida@hadassah.org or call 1-877-949-1818.
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