“Yeah, she’s right. You can’t say that.” Ryan repeated, driving home their point.
“Umm…really? Oh wow.” I replied. I paused. They were looking at me. “Well,” I scratched my head. “When the story first came out back in the late 80’s-early 90’s this was how it was reported. This is how people, at the time spoke of it. Clearly, I need to rethink some things.”
I was on autopilot when I was conveying the details of the event. What was the event? It doesn’t matter. The point is, when we know better, we do better. How many times have I said that? To my kids, my spouse, and my friends. I have corrected my speech over the years but what about how I look at the past?
I was thinking about another conversation I had with my sister a few days prior. Our brains are like untouched fields of snow in a snow globe. Over time we create worn paths through the snow. Some work, while other paths need to be course corrected. And there I was, retelling the event the way it was told back then but now, my kids turned me around and asked me to look at the worn path I had just gone down. Oh dear.
One of the nice things about snow globes (and brains) is that if you don’t like where the snow lands or how the path looks, just pick it up, give it a good hard shake, and start over. So there I was, realizing the error of my ways. My kids picked up my snow globe and helped me give it a good hard shake. They were looking at me. “Wait. Let me retell the story so it’s right.” I said. And that’s exactly what I did. I created a new path. Now when I revisit this event it will be told according to the new path.
Can old dogs learn new tricks? Yes. We owe it to our kids to adjust our thinking especially if it’s going to encourage a gentle world. They will inherit the future. Don’t we want the best for them? Even if, especially if, it makes us uncomfortable? My kids showed me how to be better that day, so now I do better. We all can.
U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family
Palm Beach County, Fla. (July 26, 2022) – U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family, who have been living out of their RV, were surprised last week with a life-changing gift: the news that they were selected by Operation Finally Home to receive a brand-new Lennar home at Arden, South Florida’s first agrihood community.
“There are no words for what this means for me and my family, and how this will change our lives,” Jimenez said. “We are grateful to Operation Finally Home and Lennar, as well as the Arden community for such a warm welcome. I am shocked and in awe.”
Sergeant Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Jose suffered a traumatic brain injury, temporarily losing his sight and the ability to use his legs. Still, he remained dedicated to his platoon and returned to duty one month after the incident.
Jose met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. Drawn together by their service and shared friends, they got to know each other better while salmon fishing after they had returned to the U.S. They married in 2012 and have a young son. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities, building helicopter and plane models, visiting beaches and parks, and playing miniature golf, among other activities.
Jose was honorably discharged in 2013 having served nearly eight years, including two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received countless other military awards, including a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and a Combat Action Medal.
Now, Lennar Palm Atlantic Division and nonprofit Operation Finally Home have partnered to build hope and a stable future for Jose and his family.
“It was an honor to join with Lennar in surprising U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jose Jimenez and his family with the news they had been selected to receive a new home,” said Rusty Carroll, Operation Finally Home President. “It is such a blessing for us to continue to honor America’s heroes in this way.
Lennar Palm Atlantic Division President Michael Meyers added: “It is an honor to be able to give back to such a deserving family like the Jimenez’s for all of the sacrifices they have made to keep our communities safe. We look forward to continuing to work with Operation Finally Home and the Jimenez family to make sure this is a home they can call their own.”
For photos and videos of the surprise groundbreaking ceremony, click here.
ABOUT LENNAR
Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation’s leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up, and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar’s Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title, and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar’s homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar’s Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar’s technology, innovation and strategic investments. For more information about Lennar, please visit www.lennar.com.
ABOUT OPERATION FINALLY HOME
Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing, and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 380 home projects in more than 32 states. Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors, and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs – a safe place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
ABOUT ARDEN
Arden’s scenic landscape includes 175 acres of magnificent lakes, including a mile-long central lake, 20 miles of trails, and 500 acres of parks, playgrounds, and green space. Arden is also home to one of the first agrihoods in Florida. Arden’s 5-acre farm and event barn are central components of community life here, offering fruits, vegetables, and herbs shared among the residents. Wellington’s world-famous equestrian centers are just 12 minutes from Arden. Arden is also close to major employment centers. A-rated Wellington schools, top-rated medical centers, white sand beaches, shopping, dining destinations, world-class golf, and direct access to sophisticated Palm Beach, Palm Beach International Airport, and South Florida’s major cities makes Arden’s location second to none.
Here’s a letter from our newest sponsor about his tech offerings for your large or small business.
My name is Nick Khan. I am President and CEO of Innovative Technologies Solutions , an HP, XEROX and Lenovo Platinum Dealers that has been in experience for over 25 years in South Florida. We carry full line of Xerox Multifunctional copiers/printers, VOIP Phones, Lenovo desktop computer, laptops and many other states of the art office technology software products and services. In addition, we are helping clients all over the Country to offer cost saving solutions to them as well. Recently we helped customers in Houston, California and New Jersey to reduce their operating cost by 25-30 %.
In the past, we have helped many organizations to reduce costs and improve productivity and efficiency by 30% to 40%. If you’re currently in a lease, or your equipment lease might be expiring soon, I would like to take this opportunity to come out to meet with you and offer a Free of Charge Evaluation and Printing Assessment to your present costs associated with copiers, including convenience standalone network laser printers and fax machines.
I understand that your time is extremely valuable and would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a 15-minute meeting to introduce myself and drop off some exciting information to review the many ways that Innovative Technology Solutions can help.
We Provide your company with a total print and copy solution that will maximize your network infrastructure while increasing productivity and controlling costs.
Control copying, printing, and faxing expenses by implementing programs that fix the cost of equipment, maintenance, and supplies.
Please take a look of 5 minute You tube video of advantage of Xerox Health Care MFP solution.
Develop a plan to increase productivity by directing prints to the most effective devices inside your network infrastructure.
Buyouts and upgrade options for existing Equipment Lease Agreements.
Integrating color copying/printing, scanning in your office.
Performance reviews of your current equipment and workflow.
Cost analysis to uncover saving opportunities
Equipment Lease along with all-inclusive service Program.
VOIP Phones
Internet (Fiber or Coax)
Comcast or AT&T wholesale Pricing.
Cloud Base IT, 24/7 monitoring, help Desk, office 365 migrations and much m
24/7 monitor
Cyber security
Caballing
Competitive pricing on HP, Xerox, Lexmark, Brother and Samsung toners and Cartridges
I understand that your time is extremely valuable and would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a 15-minute meeting to introduce myself and drop off some exciting information to review the many ways that Innovative Technology Solutions can help.
WELLINGTON, FL – Join us for a day of fabulous curb-to-classroom fashion at The Mall at Wellington Green! On Saturday, July 30, 2-4 p.m., scoop up fashionable finds and tax-free deals for the entire family. Kids can stock up on Instagram-able trends while parents’ cash in on wallet-friendly retail savings during the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday (July 25 through August 7). Fun family pursuits will include a high-octane fashion show, dance and musical performances, music by electric violinist DJ Lexey, and more. Plus, enjoy a chance to win exciting prizes, including gift cards and a $500 back to school shopping spree. Upcoming mall events: Back to School Sales Tax Holiday at The Mall at Wellington Green Starting July 25 through August 7, stock up on learning aids selling for $30 or less; school supplies selling for $50 or less; clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less; and computers and accessories (when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) selling for $1,500 or less. Kids Club “Fun In The District” Calling all Kids Club members and children who love to have fun! On Saturday, August 6, from 1–3PM, visit the mall’s new event space, The District, and partake in a variety of family-friendly programming, including kids’ yoga and Zumbini classes, and painting workshops (artwork will later be displayed around The District). The “littles” will also enjoy face painting, fun games, and a chance to meet their favorite costume characters. 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.
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Thursday, July 21, 2022-Nonprofits First announces the Sixth Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards will be in the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Cohen Pavilion on Tuesday, October 11 from 5:30 pm-7:30 pm.
The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrates and honors nonprofit organizations, professionals and volunteers in the Palm Beach County nonprofit sector who contribute to strengthening and serving our community. The event is chaired by Dr. Peter Cruise, Executive Director of the LeRoy Collins Public Ethics Academy at Florida Atlantic University.
The call for nominations opened July 11 and will close on August 22 at 5 pm. Nominations can be submitted by visiting www.hatsoffawards.org .
“We are so thrilled to be honoring our amazing, talented, and dedicated nonprofit organizations for their work during yet another challenging year! They deserve to be recognized now more than ever! Reuniting the nonprofit sector and celebrating the fortitude of our community leaders and volunteers is something we should all be excited about. Please nominate as many worthy nonprofit organizations, professionals, and volunteers as possible in any one or more of the categories, we will look forward to celebrating the nonprofit sector together and “in-person” said Jessica Cecere, Chief Executive Officer of Nonprofits First.
Nominations will be accepted in 10 categories: Nonprofit of the Year (small, medium, and large); Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year; Nonprofit MVP, Nonprofit Professional of the Year; Nonprofit Executive of the Year; and Lifetime Achievement; Community Collaborators Award, and Innovation Award. There will also be two “Live” awards for attendees to vote for that evening, “People’s Choice” and for “Best Hat.”
The Hats Off Nonprofit Awards will take place in the Kravis Center Cohen Pavilion and will feature a premium open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres. Tickets for the Hats Off Nonprofit Awards are on sale now at www.hatsoffawards.org for $125 per person for early-bird pricing, ticket prices increase to $150 on September 10th, tables of ten are $1,500 and sponsorships are available at all levels. Parking is complimentary in the covered garage. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.
Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Calendar Listing: Tuesday, October 11, 2022, Nonprofits First Sixth Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards 5:30 pm-7:30 pm at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion. This fundraising event will celebrate and honor the nonprofit sector, professionals, and volunteers in Palm Beach County.
About Nonprofits First, Inc.: Since 2005, Nonprofits First, Inc. has been the leading resource for strengthening the administrative and operational capacity of nonprofit organizations in the community. Comprised of experienced professionals, consultants, and volunteers, the vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which all nonprofits achieve their highest level of desired impact. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org.
Photos by Capehart Photography: Photos from 2021 Hats Off Nonprofit Awards
Life’s a cocktail party on National Tequila Day at
City Cellar, City Oyster, Josie’s Ristorante, and Ford’s Garage
SOUTH FLORIDA – Hustle up your happy hour-loving amigos for blue agave-drenched libations on National Tequila Day, July 24.
Here are four day-to-night holiday drinking destinations you can celebrate at in Palm Beach County.
City Cellar in The Square will be presenting its spirited Mezcalita ($13), loaded with Espolon blanco tequila, Recuerdo mezcal joven, lime, and fresh agave. Snag a seat at the inside bar and enjoy happy hour from 4-7 p.m. featuring $2 off drinks, and select half-priced appetizers and pizza.
City Cellar is located at 700 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach. Visit citycellarwpb.com or call (561) 366-0071.
Enjoy en plein air cocktails and a conga line of people watching at City Oyster in Delray Beach. The Atlantic Avenue hotspot will be serving its Tequila Basil Smash($13), the perfect sip to enjoy after an afternoon of Olympic power shopping. Happy hour aficionados can toss back 2-for-1 cocktails along with beer, select wines, and $1 off oysters from 4-7 p.m.
City Oyster is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. Visit cityoysterdelray.com or call (561) 272-0220.
Happy Hour is the perfect time to toast a national drink holiday with convivial sips at Josie’s Ristorante. The family-owned Italian hotspot caters to a loyal craft cocktail crowd and its La Paloma ($8.50) is a popular, reached-for favorite. Make a b-line for the bar and tuck into happy hour bites and drinks from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close.
Josie’s Ristorante is located at 1602 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach. Visit josiesristorante.com or call (561) 364-9601.
Tucked inside The Mall at Wellington Green, Ford’s Garage
will be pouring a trio of potions from its Ford Fusion menu, including the Backseat Driver ($12.99), fully loaded with Patrón tequila, Cointreau, honey syrup, and citrus juices. Pucker up with the Pedal Down Paloma ($9.99), featuring el Jimador tequila, Cointreau, and sparkling grapefruit soda. Or, opt for the delightful Don’s Mom ($12.99), constructed with blackberry purée, Don Julio blanco tequila, and Grand Marnier.
Ford’s Garage is located at The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. Visit fordsgarageusa.com or call (561) 805-3673.
Orlando, Fla. (July 21, 2022) – Brightline, the only provider of modern, eco-friendly intercity rail welcomes two more trains to Orlando, “Bright Green 2” and “Bright Pink 2.” Brightline’s two trains arrived together at Brightline’s Vehicle Maintenance Facility located south of Orlando International Airport, adding to the fleet of trains that will carry passengers between Orlando and South Florida.
Bright Green 2 and Bright Pink 2, six-car trains consisting of two locomotives and four passenger coaches each, left the Siemens Rolling Stock facility in Sacramento on July 8. In total they traveled 3,000 miles across 10 states en route to Florida.
“This is an exciting moment as we welcome not one but two brand-new trainsets, Bright Green 2 and Bright Pink 2 to our Vehicle Maintenance Facility site in Orlando. These trains, and our entire fleet, are built with the consumer in mind. They are modern, eco-friendly and equipped with conveniences such as hi-speed wi-fi and plug-in connections at every seat. All of which makes for a comfortable, seamless ride,” said Michael Cegelis, EVP, Development and Construction, Brightline.
The trains are among five new trainsets to arrive in Florida in preparation for the opening of the Brightline station in Orlando. Brightline’s Orlando extension project will reach substantial completion in early 2023. The first train, Bright Red 2, arrived in October 2021 traveling through Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin and Palm Beach Counties to its destination in West Palm Beach. The second train, Bright Blue 2, arrived in Orlando in February 2022. The final trainset is expected to arrive in Florida later this year.
In partnership with Siemens Mobility, the newest train sets represent Brightline’s commitment to invest billions in American infrastructure, creating the country’s first and only private high-speed rail network. The stainless-steel coaches are made with components from more than 160 suppliers across 27 states. They are designed for luxury and comfort, featuring special ergonomic seating, contemporary communication systems and enhanced Wi-Fi. Thanks to wide aisles, wheelchair storage and fully accessible restrooms, the Venture train set exceeds ADA requirements from end to end.
Brightline’s Orlando extension project is currently 80 percent complete and is expected to be complete in late 2022, carrying passengers in 2023.
About Brightline
Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, higher-speed rail service in America. The company currently serves Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, with stations in Aventura and Boca Raton opening at the end of 2022 and its Orlando station beginning service in 2023. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in travel, offering a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Free health services will be hosted at the Palm Springs location for school-aged children
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.– It’s back to the books, but not without a checkup first! On Saturday, August 6, FoundCare is returning with its free back-to-school health fair at its 2330 South Congress Ave, Palm Springs location. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., school-aged children can receive hearing and vision screenings, school physicals, vaccines and a backpack filled with school supplies.
Kicking off National Health Center Week, parents or guardians can register their children on site between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. or can pre-register online. FoundCare’s pediatric specialists and support team are ready to serve young patients in English, Spanish, Creole and French. Patients will be seen on a first-come first-served basis.
“Every child deserves a healthy start to the new school year,” said FoundCare CEO, Chris Irizarry. “It is our calling to give children and families the best shot at a healthy and successful year without the financial strain. Kids should not subsequently find themselves absent from the classroom because they didn’t have access to quality healthcare.”
Sponsorship, underwriting, and vendor opportunities are available for this event and can be coordinated by emailing communications@foundcare.org.
To help further its mission to provide quality healthcare and social services for all individuals and families, FoundCare offers pediatric, adult, and geriatric primary care, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, laboratory services, women’s health (including screening mammography), X-rays, and an on-site pharmacy. FoundCare’s services are accessible throughout their locations in Palm Beach County, with their Palm Springs health center conveniently offering all services in one location.
FoundCare accepts most insurance plans, Medicaid, Medicare and self-pay on a sliding fee scale based on household size and income. For more information about the free event and general information about FoundCare’s services, please call 561-HEALTHY (561) 432-5849 or visit http://foundcare.org. For pre-registration, visit https://foundcare.org/Back2School.
Help Downtown Palm Beach Gardens “Load the Lockers” with school supplies for The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, which facilitates student achievement by supporting high-quality public education through partnerships, grants, events, and public awareness. Supplies needed are backpacks, color pencils and markers (8-12 count), composition books (wide-ruled), construction paper, dry erase markers, wedge erasers, glue sticks, highlighters, scotch tape, small student dry erase board, pencils, crayons, flip chart markers and student headphones / earbuds.
WHERE: Downtown Palm Beach Gardens – In between Yard House and Voodoo Bayou by the South Valet loop
To spotlight Hunger Action Month, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens will partner with the Palm Beach County Food Bank for Empty Bowls in the Gardens. Empty Bowls invites the public to “eat simply, so others can simply eat.” Local restaurants will donate signature soups, and freshly baked bread all served by local community leaders.
The national grassroots event serves as a reminder of all the empty bowls in the community. All money raised will support the Palm Beach County Food Bank in its mission toward hunger relief.
WHERE: Downtown Palm Beach Gardens – at the Interactive Water Feature
WHEN: September 17 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $30 each – Tickets can be purchased at www.pbcfoodbank.org/ebgardens
These outstanding LGBT books, featuring characters who identify with one or more of the identities covered by the acronym’s rainbow, demonstrate to us that the worlds of literature can—and should—be just as strikingly diverse as our own. Everybody deserves to see their own lived experiences reflected in the stories they enjoy, but young people and others who find it difficult to fully express their identities in daily life should place a specific emphasis on this. Additionally, LGBTQ+ books are available in all genres, much like the rest of the literary canon. You can either buy a handful of them as the ideal presents for book lovers in your life or add them all to your personal TBR list.
Julie, a graphic artist, is the main heroine of The One Woman, LGBTQ romance book by Laura May. Regrettably, we know little about Julie’s life or her partnership with Mark. That is, until she meets Ann. Web developer Ann is a kind and outgoing person. It is obvious that Julie has affections for Ann. The spark is genuine as their history and present converge in Barcelona. Julie will have to choose between her love for Ann and her allegiance to Mark when catastrophe strikes. Will true love last the distance? Read in Laura May’s book.
Mickey James III is the next in a long line of legendary NHL players, but when his teammate Jaysen Caulfield also starts to vie for the top draft place in the league, their competition heats up and gradually develops into something more. In addition to the main gay romance in this book, “Icebreaker” also includes characters that are polyamorous, bisexual, and lesbian.
Eve is a queer New Yorker in her 20s. Her rash decision to publish anonymous nude photos online causes her to become involved with Olivia and Nathan. The rest is anything but straightforward. Acts of Service is a brazen, perceptive, and seductive book that explores contemporary sexual dynamics with a candor I rarely see. Olivia starts to struggle with the concepts of what society tells her she should desire versus what she actually wants as she grows more and more sexually liberated. The solutions are seldom simple in this novel, as in real life.
In Kit Mayquist’s gothic fever dream debut, Lena, a medical school dropout, gets a job working for one of Boston’s wealthiest families out of desperation despite the position’s hazy, ambiguous description. Warning: This section contains spoilers. Things take a very dark turn, especially after Lena understands the family is to blame for her father’s job loss. Stay for the developing queer romance; come for the vengeance plot.
When Mallory develops an obsession with a persona known as “the woman,” she is a college freshman mourning a recent loss. A covert romance between them grows as the plot progresses. Mallory soon begins to doubt if she genuinely wants to be in a relationship with the woman or whether she only wants to change into the woman. Michelle Hart addresses issues of vulnerability, attachment, and the function that relationships serve in our increasingly solitary lives in her debut book.
Wallace is black, queer, and pursuing a biochemistry degree at a university in the Midwest. He is surrounded by people who, at times, seem just as remote from him as his family back in Alabama. Wallace is forced to face his own weakness and desire when inter-friend group attraction develops amongst a few odd possibilities.
Kaylee Beaumont, a fanfic author, is eagerly anticipating the next small but incredibly exciting fandom gathering where she intends to meet online pals, experiment with new pronouns, dress in masculine cosplay, and have her first kiss with a girl. However, Kaylee’s intentions are completely sidetracked until she meets another contender for a beauty pageant with whom sparks immediately fly. Miss North Carolina, the bully from her community, comes up at the same hotel for a beauty pageant on the weekend of the convention.
Share your LGBTQ books suggestions with us at: aroundwellington@gmail.com
