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Forgotten Soldier Outreach’s Memorial Day Service

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Forgotten Soldier Outreach’s Memorial Day Service

Photos by Carol Porter

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach held its 17th Annual “A Day to Remember” Memorial Day Service hosted by Palm Beach Memorial Park on Monday, May 30, 2022.  The Master of Ceremonies was Jim Sackett, a veteran and a local veteran newscaster, and respected media personality.

The theme of this years’ service was “Honoring Our Military & Service Dogs”, and will include our Keynote Speaker, Staff Sergeant James Pabey, United States Marine Corps (Ret.), with his Service Dog Gunner received from Paws 4 Liberty. 

The “Greetings from the Military” was provided by the United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant Nicholas J. Tock of the 4th ANGLICO.

Other participants of this family-friendly service included Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard, United States Marine Corp 4th ANGLICO Honor Guard, Boynton Beach Fire Department Honor Guard, Lake Worth High School Air Force JROTC, SantaLuces Community High School Army JROTC, Boy Scouts of America Troop 395, Cub Scouts of America Pack 241 and Girl Scouts Troops 20609 and 24501. Patriotic Music by Jessie Dez of The Victory Dolls & DJ – Andrew Poggis.  There also was the traditional Wreath presentations by local organizations and individuals, as well as a special presentation of the Wreath of Honor presented by Senior Chief Michael Forjan with his Service Dog Brixie and CPO(SW)USCG Retired Eric C.M. Lundberg with his Service Dog Belle (both recipients of Paws for Liberty).  There was also the very special DOVE RELEASE at the end of the ceremony. 

Tire Kingdom Partners with the American Heart Association to Recognize the Importance of CPR at a Local High School

Carly Cantor
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Tire Kingdom Partners with the American Heart Association to Recognize the Importance of CPR at a Local High School

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL – June 1, 2022 – Tire Kingdom® Service Centers, a leader in the automotive aftermarket space with over 200 stores throughout Florida, worked alongside the American Heart Association (AHA) to provide CPR equipment to Royal Palm Beach High School for National CPR and AED Awareness Week. This annual initiative, which takes place from June 1 through June 7, raises awareness regarding sudden cardiac arrest and stresses the importance of CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.

Tire Kingdom partnered with the AHA, an organization that has been fighting heart disease and stroke and helping families and communities thrive for nearly 100 years, to donate two CPR training kits. These kits will be used by educators, school nurses, and student leaders to not only train groups of 10 to 20 students at once, but can also be used to extend lifesaving training to parents, volunteers, and community members.

“CPR can double or triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest,” said Stacey Comerford, Vice President of Development for the American Heart Association Palm Beach County. “The majority of cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital, happen at home. That’s why we’re so passionate about training people of all ages to provide CPR, because it enables them to save lives out in the community but also to potentially save the lives of their family members in an emergency.”

The CPR in Schools Training Kit™ enables students to learn the lifesaving skills of hands-only CPR in as little as 30 minutes. Plus, it teaches AED use and choking relief, creating more qualified lifesavers in our communities and ultimately safer communities. The importance of CPR training has also been recognized across the country as 39 states now require student CPR training as a graduation requirement. The program is a wonderful enhancement to current health and physical education curriculum. 

“To have these CPR training kits is so important,” said Principal Michelle Flemming. “It’s really an honor to be able to train our students to save lives in an emergency situation.”

The School District of Palm Beach County is the tenth-largest in the nation and the fifth-largest in the State of Florida. As the largest employer in Palm Beach County, the School District has 22,600 employees, including more than 12,900 teachers. Royal Palm Beach Community High School, part of the School District of Palm Beach County, is dedicated to meeting the holistic needs of all students. In August, Tire Kingdom  also unveiled a wellness area at the school to improve mental and physical health for teachers, faculty, and staff enabling them to continue to provide the best support for students.

“We are honored to once again partner with the American Heart Association and Royal Palm Beach High School in our efforts to build a culture of health and wellness,” said Brian Maciak, EVP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer of TBC Corporation, the parent company of Tire Kingdom, who oversees social responsibility. “This relationship over the past year has allowed us the opportunity to provide essential tools to educate and engage students and faculty while inspiring them to make lasting changes for their heart health.”

For over 10 years, Tire Kingdom, a division of TBC Corporation, has been a proud supporter of the AHA. In 2016, Tire Kingdom led the Palm Beach County Heart Walk campaign which raised $1.1M for the mission of the American Heart Association, the most money raised in Palm Beach County Heart Walk history. An integral part of TBC and all business units spanning retail, franchise, wholesale, distribution, ecommerce, and corporate shared services is corporate social responsibility (CSR). The company has initiatives that are driven by the company as well as initiatives that are Associate-driven, all communicated to associates via a formalized program called TBC Driven To Give (#TBCDrivenToGive).

Father’s Day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

Carly Cantor
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Father’s Day at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens (Delray Beach)

Delray Beach, FL – Encapsulating love and a lifetime of affection for your #1 dad can be a daunting task. Thankfully, on June 19, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardensis brimming with Father’s Day programming and one-of-a-kind delights that your pop is sure to prize even if he’s already received the best gift ever — you.

Take your chichi‘s (“father” in Japanese) green thumb to the Land of the Rising Sun by way of Morikami’s Museum Store. Bonsai Seed Kits ($12) are perfect for amateurs and experts, and come stocked with seedlings, potting mix, and gardening instructions. Choose from Black Pine, Japanese Maple, Rocky Mountain Juniper, or Japanese Cherry Blossom seeds. 

Bump up pater’s sumi-e art game with a Buddha Board ($45). Simply dip the included brush into the tray of water and paint the world around you, then watch your mini masterpiece disappear as the board dries. Each kit includes a board, easel, water tray, and brush.

Raking was a common practice Buddhist monks used to achieve mindfulness and serenity. With a Tabletop Zen Garden ($36), dad, too, can enjoy the calming effects of raking and create delicate patterns using sand and rocks. Additional features include a wooden tray, mini garden rake, and meditation book.

Throughout Father’s Day weekend, June 18-19, receive a free tea mug when you spend $50 or more at the Museum Store. One per customer, while supplies last.

For the GQ guy, head over to the Kamiya Room, where, from 12-3 p.m., kids of all ages can design a colorful origami paper tie to showcase their dad’s fashionable side. 

Feeling noshy? Treat your gastronomic guy to $1 Sapporo beers (normally $5) and a Pan-Asian feast at the Cornell Café. Kanpai!

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

Chichi No Hi
(“Father’s Day” in Japanese)
 

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Helps 934 Graduating Seniors Register to Vote

Carly Cantor
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League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Helps 934 Graduating Seniors Register to Vote

(West Palm Beach, FL – June 2, 2022) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today announced that the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has helped nearly a thousand graduating high school seniors to register to vote right after picking up their caps and gowns prior to their graduation ceremonies.

The students were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers from the League who encouraged the future-focused young adults to  register to vote: 934 did—including a record-breaking 259 students from Palm Beach Central High. Due to COVID, this was the first time in three years that the League of Women Voters has been able to offer this service during senior check-out events.

Over a 10 day period, 47 LWVPBC activists—along with six volunteers from the Upsilon Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority—divided into teams that registered graduating seniors from 11 local public high schools, as well as South Tech Academy in Boynton Beach.

“This was our highest number of new voter registrations ever during these senior check-outs, but we’ll be aiming even higher next year,” says Pamela Maldonado of the League’s Voter Services Committee. She also offered special thanks to school administrators and staff who welcomed the volunteers on campus.

“We can always tell when teachers and staff have spoken to students about assuming their responsibility as adult citizens when they graduate,” says LWVPBC Team Leader Germaine Richards. “The students come looking for us, rather than our having to collar them.”

“Of course, now that they are registered, our next job is to get them to turn out and vote,” adds Maldonado. “By encouraging young voters to actually vote, we want to help establish a lifelong habit of voting in every election. 18-29 year-olds constitute the largest demographic group in the country. Low turnout has been the only thing preventing America’s youth from becoming the nation’s most influential voting bloc.” 

And now that this year’s graduation season is over, what is the League’s next project?

“We have begun a campaign to visit eldercare facilities around the county to update ID’s, signatures and addresses for their residents, as well as make sure they are registered for Vote by Mail, if that’s how they vote. We’ll be working on that all summer long,” Maldonado promises.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or 

www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County volunteer Nancy Ballen registers new voters at Olympic Heights Community High School in Boca Raton.
(Photo Credit: Melissa Selikoff)

YUM! Father’s Day feasting at City Oyster (Delray Beach)

Carly Cantor
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YUM! Father’s Day feasting at City Oyster (Delray Beach)

DELRAY BEACH, FL – Treat your favorite Superman to a celebratory Father’s Day feast at beloved Delray Beach hotspot, City Oyster. 

Executive chef Jordan Stilley will present a plethora of brunch specialties, including City Oyster’s decadent Belgian Waffle ($14.50); Petrossian Caviar Eggs Benedict ($30); Maine Lobster Roll ($21); Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Cake ($20); and Fresh Fish & Chips ($19) featuring Boston cod, tartar sauce, hand cut potato wedges, and mixed greens; and keep the party hopping with unlimited boozy mimosas and bloody Mary’s for $17 (with purchase of an entrée).

For dinner, seafood lovers will enjoy the Sweet Potato Crusted Mahi ($34) with Brussels sprouts and hazelnut chimichurri sauce; Braised Grouper Veracruzana ($42) with tomatoes, white wine, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, capers, lime, and cilantro; Shrimp & Crab Gumbo Bowl ($44) with Cajun sausage, rice, and filé gumbo; or Surf & Turf ($74) costaring an 8 oz. filet, Maine lobster tail, and warm butter.

Bring the sea to the table with a show stopping seafood tower like the Grand Plateau ($82), loaded with king crab legs, oysters, littlenecks, cocktail shrimp, and jumbo lump blue crab. 

Feeling extra special? Tuck into chef Stilley’s magnificent 16 oz. bone in ribeye ($56) accompanied with sautéed spinach, whipped potatoes, and a boatload of béarnaise sauce.

Cocktail enthusiasts can wax poetic with a Wild Turkey Smoked Old Fashioned ($16) or deep dive into one of City Oyster’s seven delectable desserts. 

So good, dear old dad might be tempted to kiss the chef. Don’t worry, we won’t tell mom.

City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272-0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.

Sea You Soon: Surf & Turf at City Oyster

Photography provided by InHouse Creative

Road Tripping in New York

Terri Marshall
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Road Tripping in New York

While New York City gets most of the attention, there’s a whole lot more to the state of New York including some gorgeous drives to fascinating places. Get to know the rest of the state with these fun road trips.

Sunset Sail on Seneca Lake

The Finger Lakes

Stretching 372 miles from the border with Massachusetts to the border of Pennsylvania, U.S. Route 20 serves as New York State’s longest road trip. Rolling hills peppered with generations-old farms dot the pastoral landscape. Once a primitive Native American path that ultimately helped the westward movement in the state, U.S. Route 20 is rich with historic sites.

In Seneca Falls, discover the bridge that inspired “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Visit the supposed birthplace of Memorial Day, Waterloo. Detour off the route for a day trip to explore the Finger Lakes region, including “gorge-ous” Watkins Glen. Best known for its wine trail along with ample breweries, the bounty of this fertile land attracts visitors from around the world.

Cow Cuddling at Sunset View Creamery


Embrace farm life with a visit to Sunset View Creamery in Odessa. Here you’ll find delicious cheeses and friendly cows available for cuddling. Yes, cow cuddling is a thing and an experience you won’t soon forget. Continue the adorable farm animal theme at Four Seasons Alpacas the lovable alpacas await along with cute New Zealand pigs and super furry bunnies. Pop into the shop for some uber-soft alpaca scarves, hats or gloves. If you’re road tripping in the fall, take advantage of apple season by picking your favorite varieties at Apples & Moore.

Where to Stay: Sleep under the stars at NaturLuxe & Stars. This luxury glamping experience adds a little adventure to your road trip. Choose from safari tents, bell tents or platform tents. All are stylish and impeccably decorated. www.naturluxeandstars.com

Glamping at NaturLuxe & Stars

Palisades Parkway

Spanning nearly 42 miles from New Jersey’s side of the George Washington Bridge north to Bear Mountain Bridge, the Palisades Parkway changes the perception of New York immediately. Rising with the elevation, this drive hugs the Hudson River. Arch stone bridges, forests dressed in autumn splendor, and traffic much more polite than any you’ll find on the city streets emerge. Since the city looks so peaceful and beautiful from the outside, be sure to stop at the overlooks for gorgeous vantage points of the skyline.

Views from Bear Mountain

At the northern end of the Palisades, spend a little time exploring Bear Mountain State Park. Rising from the west bank of the Hudson River, these rugged mountains beckon to city folk eager to get outside and explore. Hiking trails, picnic groves and a large playing field for sports are among the highlights. Take a spin on the Bear Mountain State Park Merry-Go-Round featuring hand-painted scenes of the park and 42 hand-carved seats of animals native to the area including black bear, wild turkey, Canadian geese and more.

Where to Stay: Check in to the historic Bear Mountain Inn. Opened in 1915, this historic property exudes a rustic-luxe vibe. www.visitbearmountain.com

Bear Mountain Inn

Delaware River to the Catskills

Carved into rock, New York Route 97 winds hundreds of feet above the Delaware River curving in harmony with the waterway below providing beautiful views of the Catskills. Arriving in Hancock, continue the exploration by following the East Branch of the Delaware River traveling through charming towns, villages and hamlets along NY 30 as you wind your way through the Catskills.

Historically known for the bluestone quarrying, logging and farming industries, sites on the route highlight the region’s past. In Delaware County, the route laces through 61 miles of picturesque hills, valleys and historical sites. Covered bridges, galleries, local family-owned restaurants, and numerous attractions along the way provide plenty of entertainment. For recreational enthusiasts, the Catskills region offers plenty of options including hiking, kayaking and fly-fishing.

Kaaterskill Falls

Further north in the Catskills, venture to Route 23A between Hunter and Palenville. Just 12 miles in length, this granddaddy of Catskill Mountain roads zigzags around hairpin turns as it navigates narrow passages. You’ll pass through the painted town of Tannersville. Be sure to stop in for lunch at Maggie’s Krooked Café and Juice Bar—a local favorite. This area boasts one of the tallest waterfalls in the state, Kaaterskill Falls. It’s definitely worth a hike.

Where to Stay: Check into the cozy Eastwind Hotel where views of Windham Mountain meet Scandinavian-designed interiors. www.eastwindny.com

Pet Cottage Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Carly Cantor
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Pet Cottage Celebrates 10th Anniversary

JUPITER, FL — JUNE 3, 2022  —Wendy Derhak began her unique journey to create The Pet Cottage by taking in 3 cats- Smokey, Jeremy and Shadow- that her friend Joan left to her when she became terminally ill with cancer. Since then, Wendy has made it her mission to give “furever homes” to pets whose owners either passed away, were disabled or left for military deployment. When she began, though, she had no idea where the path would lead. But, since that time- 10 years ago- the word about The Pet Cottage has spread.

A couple of weeks ago, Wendy and The Pet Cottage hosted a fundraising party at their facility in Jupiter Farms. Not only were they marking their 10-year anniversary but, Wendy said, “We were kicking off Phase I of our building campaign- to secure this as our forever home.” And they announced what Wendy called their “Pathway to Forever- where you can literally become a part of our foundation by purchasing a 4” x 8” brick and engrave and customize it to honor your favorite people and pets.”

The dozens of party attendees were treated to chicken salad croissant sandwiches and desserts included cupcakes and swirly lollipops but everyone seemed to agree the highlight of the day was the “green walk,” where pets paraded with a volunteer on the grass in front of all the guests. There was also a silent auction which featured a Sundeck 4-hour boat ride for 7, a professional headshot, and goodie baskets filled with Doggie delights and helped raise in excess of $1,000 more though, Wendy acknowledged, “This is just the beginning,” and much more is needed to help The Pet Cottage purchase their building and the land. Wendy said, “We have more events and announcements planned. Stay tuned!”

Mickey Schmitt with Lil, Suzanne Weinstein and Linda Del Prete (photo: Lisa Gendal)
Bryan and Ellen Daly (photo: Lisa Gendal)

Boca Raton Jewish Film Fest Winners Announced!

Carly Cantor
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Boca Raton Jewish Film Fest Winners Announced!

Boca Raton, Fla. – (June 6, 2022) – The Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (BRJFF), presented by the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Sandler Center (Levis JCC Sandler Center) from Feb. 20 through April 30, announces this year’s winners for best feature film, best documentary film and best short film. Viewed by over 3,000 people, audiences consider the hybrid film festival a premiere destination for Jewish and Israeli films and is now considered one of the country’s largest film festivals of its kind.

All 80 films were judged based on the overall quality of the film, effectiveness of the message, entertainment value and audience popularity, among other criteria.

“Over the past six years we have gained the trust and respect of our audiences by hand-selecting a wide variety of films that we believe best represent the unique perspectives of the Jewish experience,” said Lesley Rich, BRJFF Program Director. “We are grateful for our partnerships with filmmakers all over the world for sharing their experiences and vision with our community.”

Winners of the 2022 BRJFF include:

Best Feature Film – “Carol of the Bells”

The Ukrainian film directed by Olesya Morgunets-Isaenko and produced by Maksim Leshchanka tells the story of how the famed Christmas song, “Carol of the Bells,” adapted from a popular Ukrainian folk melody, came to represent the spirit of brotherhood and unity all over the world.

“It’s very important for us and the whole team in these hard times for Ukraine,” said Morgunets-Isaenko. “Our film was meant to remind the world about the tragedies caused by the war. Now we witness the same tragedies in our country. Thank you for this opportunity to communicate our message to the audience of the BRJFF.”

Best Documentary Film – “Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen”

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of “Fiddler on the Roof,” the film “Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen” captures the humor and drama of director Norman Jewison’s quest to recreate the lost world of Jewish life in Tsarist Russia and re-envision the beloved stage hit as a wide-screen epic.

Best Short Film – “Pops”
Director Lewis Rose and producers Chris Hees, François Morisset and Laura Jumel lead audiences on an adventure as siblingsRoz and Elli battle about who will determine their pop’s final journey.

“It is not without the community’s support that our Festival is able to come to life each year,” said Stephanie Owitz, Levis JCC Sandler Center Director of Arts, Culture and Learning. “We are thankful to our grand benefactor Judy Levis Krug for her steadfast commitment to this organization. Her dedication remains an integral part of presenting this Festival.”

For audiences that desire year-round film programming, the Levis JCC Billi & Bernie Marcus Year-Round Film Programs is proud to present its Summer Series which runs one Wednesday per month from June through Sept. Tickets are $10. Visit bocajff.org for the full schedule of films, synopses, screening locations and to purchase tickets.  

The 7th annual BRJFF is slated to run March 5 through March 26, 2023. 

For more information, contact Lisa Barash at lisab@bocafed.org or call 561-558-2514. The Levis JCC Sandler Center is located at 21050 95th Avenue S. in Boca Raton. 

About the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival 

The mission of the Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival is to provide the newest, most stimulating and thought-provoking films that encourage audiences to expand their awareness and understanding of the Jewish world and engage in dialogue to explore the many diverse perspectives portrayed by the films presented. Due to the generous support from donors Billi & Bernie Marcus, the Festival has been able to expand, offering year-round Jewish-themed film programming.

About the Levis JCC Sandler Center
The Levis JCC’s Phyllis & Harvey Sandler Center, which highlights renowned talent from artists and actors to authors and so much more, gives adults of all ages and faiths an opportunity to connect with others who share similar interests in continuing education, travel and social events. Learn more at levisjcc.org/culture.

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County announces local artist Michele Hundt as 2021-2022 Dina Baker Fund recipient

Carly Cantor
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Cultural Council for Palm Beach County announces local artist Michele Hundt as 2021-2022 Dina Baker Fund recipient

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. (June 1, 2022) — The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is pleased to announce that Wellington-based artist Michele Hundt has been named the recipient of the 2021-2022 Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists. 

Michele Hundt’s practice has straddled fine art, design, fashion and retail since the beginning. After graduating from the Cooper School of Art in Cleveland, Ohio, she quickly established herself as a successful designer and artistic director at various companies in the Midwest. Using color and shape, she captures fleeting moments in time that hint at emotions roiling under richly painted surfaces. Her specialties include original abstract paintings, figure paintings and equine artwork. Hundt’s paintings have appeared in group shows at the Mulry Fine Art Gallery in Palm Beach, Artists Haven Gallery in Fort Lauderdale and The Paint Store and Stephen Johnson Framing in West Palm Beach.  

Thanks to the generosity of local artist and longtime Cultural Council supporter Dina Baker, the Dina Baker Fund for Mature Female Artists was created to help stabilize and strengthen the careers of female artists ages 60 and up with financial need and recognizable merit. The artist may use the $10,000 grant for professional development, arts-related exhibitions, equipment and supplies, healthcare costs or basic living expenses.  

“It was a great surprise and an honor to receive this grant,” said Hundt. “To have Dina Baker recognize my work and my passion of fine art was an unbelievable honor, and it’s validation that I’m going in the right direction. When I got to [Palm Beach County], I decided to pursue my passion—what came from the heart. After doing commercial art for so long, I found myself again.” 

In addition to the funds, each award recipient receives an exhibition in the Council’s Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery.  

Hundt’s exhibition will run from June 10 to July 30, 2022 at the Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach (open Tuesdays through Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m.) Visit palmbeachculture.com/exhibitions for more information or to register for the artist reception. 

Past award recipients include: 

  • 2019: Glenda Green 
  • 2018: Hegina Rodrigues 
  • 2017: Debra Yates 
  • 2016: Batia Lowenberg 
  • 2015: Alyssa Di Edwardo 

Local nonprofit offers music therapy for adults with disabilities with pioneering handbell choir

Carly Cantor
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Exceptional Ensembell offers innovative free and low-cost music classes that are improving students’ skills and providing a fun-filled way to connect with peers  


June 2, 2022 (Palm Beach County, Fla.) — A local nonprofit is earning rave reviews for its innovative approach to using music as a way for adult students to connect with their peers and learn new life skills.

Palm Beach County-based Exceptional Ensembell offers adults with disabilities the chance to experience the joy of creating music together. Through classes led by professional music therapist Meghan Hanley of Creative Arts Therapies of the Palm Beaches, students learn the art of playing handbells, ringing specific notes on cue and making music as a group. Members of the community who see and hear the group also get to experience the performers’ special talents and ability to transcend challenges.

Serving adult students with a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities (including autism, cerebral palsy and other special needs), the nonprofit offers different levels of classes for students based on their skill level and comfort zone, including a Level 1 class for beginners and a Level 2 class for more advanced students who are more verbal and social. Ringers include transitioning high school students and out-of-school adults ages 22 and up.

Exceptional Ensembell is offering free in-person Level 1 summer classes at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach. With classes that run through August 31, in-person classes will take place on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Donations are welcomed, and online Level 1 and Level 2 classes are offered via Zoom on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for a nominal fee. Scholarships are also available to those in need.

Founded in 2018 by two local mothers of adults with autism, the opportunity to gather and make music together is important because many students with disabilities have limited options to participate in traditional music classes or choirs while growing up. Now that they’re adults, they can finally experience the joy of creating music with their peers.

“Many students with special needs have never been offered the chance to join a band or choir,” said Exceptional Ensembell co-founder Vicki Silver, of Jupiter. “These classes offer adult students a way to socialize and connect with each other while learning to play an instrument. It’s really amazing to see how music enhances all facets of our students’ lives.”

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of music education for young people who are neurotypical and for those on the autism spectrum. More recently, researchers have discovered that music therapy improves the ability of adults with special needs to focus, follow directions and process information. Parents of our participants have noticed firsthand that their family member is increasingly expressing themselves and engaging with the instructor and peers.

“Exceptional Ensembell’s classes have improved my son’s attention, focus and overall happiness level,” said Valerie Herskowitz of Palm Beach Gardens, whose 31-year-old son Blake has been involved since the organization’s founding.

Fellow Palm Beach Gardens resident Donna Maheady, who founded the organization with Silver, said she has noticed a remarkable difference in her 35-year-old daughter Lauren since she started the classes. 

“Our daughter’s speech, social skills and independence have all improved dramatically,” she said.

The addition of virtual classes has shown an unexpected benefit for students who prefer the comfort of connecting from home. An option that was added during the pandemic, many students have found their groove with the virtual classes. With some students benefitting more from the in-person classes and others preferring the virtual classes, the organization’s co-founders said they’re happy that so many students are benefitting from both class options. More than 35 students have participated in the program since its founding.

The group’s members have also delighted in gathering for social activities such as marching in holiday parades and performing at community events throughout the region.

“My son has found friendship and musical enrichment in Exceptional Ensembell. He loves being a part of the bell choir,” said Palm Beach Gardens resident Amy Burch, whose 22-year-old son Nickolas has taken classes for the past two years. “We’d recommend to anyone!”

Weekly online and in-person summer classes are currently being offered through August 31. For more information about Exceptional Ensembell and to register for classes, visit www.exceptionalensembell.org.

About Exceptional Ensembell
Exceptional Ensembell was founded in 2018 by Donna Maheady and Vicki Silver, mothers of adults with disabilities who sought opportunities for adults like their family members to be involved in group music activities. Facilitated by a professional music therapist who leads various skill levels of both in-person and online classes, the local nonprofit music program offers its students a way to improve life skills and connect with their peers while experiencing the joy of creating music together. The organization aims to build the self-esteem, independence and social skills of adults with disabilities and share their unique abilities with the community. For more information and to register for classes, visit www.exceptionalensembell.org.

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