Thursday, September 4, 2025
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Grandma’s Place Honorary Chair

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Danielle McDonald announced as Honorary Chair!
Amy Considine and Manda Galin, Co-Chairs of the 10th Annual Grandma’s Angels
Holiday Luncheon, are thrilled to announce Danielle McDonald as the Honorary Chair.
Danielle has graciously been a Major Sponsor of the luncheon and has been a loyal
supporter of Grandma’s Place since 2019. There is no one more deserving of this honor
and recognition!

The luncheon committee is already hard at work planning this event. Committee
Members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Cimminella, Margaret Donnelley, Sunny
Hawkins, Barbara Hollender, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis
Moews, Rossanna Mora, Elizabeth Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Dina
Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Kim Proenza Smith and Lindsay Welch.

The luncheon on Tuesday, November 18 th at the Sailfish Club starts at 11:30 am with a
wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a small live
auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes has once again graciously
agreed to serve as the celebrity emcee.

The auction proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides housing,
compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support to the most
vulnerable children and families in our community – including emergency shelter for
foster children and respite care to the caregivers of children with special needs.

Tickets are $225 per person or tables for $2,250. To receive an invitation, donate an
auction item, purchase a ticket, place an ad in the event program, or sponsor the event,
please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org
or you can pay on-line at www.grandmasplacepb.org/grandmas-angels-holiday-
luncheon

Wellington 2nd Annual Ruck March on Sunday, Nov. 9th

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Fall Exhibitions at the Armory Art Center

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Fall Exhibitions at the Armory Art Center Celebrate Color, Mindfulness, and Nature

Aug. 29, 2025 (WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) – The Armory Art Center is preparing for two new exhibitions this fall, celebrating colors and shapes, nature, and true transformation. 

The exhibitions run Sept. 2–Oct. 25, 2025 and are free and open to the public.

“Between Form and Feeling” features works by Heather Couch, Renée Rey, and Terre Rybovich. These Florida-based artists explore the instinctive pull of body, material, and myth through tactile sculpture, ethereal painting, and embodied drawing.

“colorforms” is a retrospective of West Palm Beach visual artist Susan Currie’s abstract edge color expressions. Works on panel, stretched cotton canvas, and diamond polished acrylic blocks channel the cheer Currie experiences while communing with the natural world and the coastline of South Florida.

“These exhibitions are the perfect way to celebrate the start of a strong 2025-2026 arts season in Palm Beach County,” said Jill Brown, Armory Art Center CEO. “The diverse skills and big ideas embodied in these works are inspiring. We invite the public to join us this fall as we celebrate this talented group of professional artists.”

The Armory will host an opening reception for the exhibitions on Sept. 18, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

Exhibition-Inspired Events

The Armory Art Center will also host a series of free events that invites the public to further engage with the two exhibitions, including an immersive meditation session, a panel discussion, and an artist demo:

Exhale: The Power of Meditation in the Creative Life

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m.
Led by Elaine Pomfrey, a senior teacher and co-director of the Transcendental Meditation Center of Palm Beach and Susan Currie, the artist behind “colorforms,” participants will enjoy a relaxing conversation that weaves together the impact of meditation on creativity, and the science and mechanics of meditative practice. The discussion will be followed by an introductory meditation and Q&A. This event offers a fresh perspective on how mindfulness can enhance engagement with art and unlock greater creative potential. 

Space is limited to 30 people. Please bring comfortable clothing and a cushion or mat.Registration is required at armoryart.org

Artist Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Oct. 14 (6:30-8 p.m.)

Learn about the works on view with “Between Form and Feeling” artists Heather Couch, Renée Rey, and Terre Rybovich and “colorforms” artist Susan Currie. The artists will share the creative practices, themes, and concepts that inspire their artworks, and the process used to develop a fully conceived and curated exhibition.

Artist Demo

Saturday, Oct.18 (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) Exhibiting artist Heather Couch will guide guests through a demonstration of her artistic process, techniques, and skills. This workshop allows attendees to observe her mixed media and ceramics methods, allowing guests to potentially learn new skills and gain insights into the creative practice.

For more information about these exhibitions and upcoming events, visit armoryart.org.

If You Go (Calendar Items)

Between Form and Feeling

September 2–October 25, 2025

Reception: September 18, 2025 (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

colorformsSeptember 2–October 25, 2025

Reception: September 18, 2025 (5:30-7:30 p.m.)

Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

Exhale: The Power of Meditation in the Creative Life

Saturday, Sept. 27 at 10:30 a.m.

Space is limited, registration required at armoryart.org

Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

Artist Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Oct. 14 (6:30-8 p.m.)

Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

Artist Demo

Saturday, Oct.18 (10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Armory Art Center

811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, 33401

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About the Armory Art Center

Having served the community since 1986, the Armory Art Center’s art school, galleries, and events provide creative opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to enhance their lives. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and its vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 12,000 visitors and about 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students of all ages and skill levels, with flexible class times and sessions that work for any schedule. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, sculpture, and welding are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. The Armory hosts up to eight annual exhibitions in three galleries. Exhibitions and special events are open to the public.

The Armory is a proud recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

Wellington Garden Club Meeting to Feature a Presentation on Succulents

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Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, September 8th at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation by Kimberly Helms, at 10:00AM, on succulents. She is the owner of Bountiful Bonsai & Sensational Succulents. Most of her succulents are grown at her state certified nursery.Years ago, Kimberly Helms started taking cuttings from her own large succulent rock garden to make container gardens.Her friends liked them and wanted to buy them, thus began her business.  

The presentation will explain what succulents are and how they are classified by their different characteristics and how different societies have valued them throughout time.She will explain the role they played in Early American and European history and also discuss their economic, medical, and cultural value.Kimberly Helms will also discuss how succulents impact today’s society.

The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30AM.Visitors are asked to check in at the desk upon arrival.Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended.Please contact the Wellington Garden Club membership chair, Anne Hlasnicek,at 561-379-5752.  

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, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, and youth education.For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

Hurricane Preparedness: Pet Edition

Story and Photo by Hannah Deadman-Arnst

In South Florida, it’s not a matter of *if* another hurricane makes landfall, but when. In addition to ensuring your gas tank is full and your windows are shuttered, it’s critical to make sure your pets also stay safe. Read on for several ways to keep your furry friends safe in the event of a storm.

Create a Pet Emergency Kit
It’s important to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. To save time, build a “go bag” full of the essentials you and your pet need. Include items like food, fresh water, important medications, vet records, litter or poop bags, carriers, and first-aid items. Update or refresh the food, water, and medicine every so often so your bag is ready year-round. Don’t forget to add your pet’s favorite blanket or toy and, if needed, pet-friendly CBD, a Thundershirt, or other stress-reducing items to keep them calm.

Pro tip: Create a checklist on your phone or in a notepad to make sure you have everything you need. This American Kennel Club list is a good place to start!

Keep Records Current
Another key component to hurricane preparedness is keeping documentation updated. Vet records and contact information, proof of ownership, medical instructions, emergency contacts, and microchip numbers are all critical. Also, make sure your pet’s collar has current information on it (like the right phone number) and that the microchip is registered with your correct address. Recent photos are also helpful—in case you need to find your pet in the event you get separated.

Pro tip: Keep digital and hard copies (in a waterproof box or folder) of your pet’s records, photos, and other information.


Have an Evacuation Plan
It’s crucial to have a route planned if you need to leave the area quickly. Before embarking, create a list of potential stops like pet-friendly emergency shelters or hotels. Google Maps is an easy way to do this. Don’t forget to verify your list a couple of times a year to confirm the accommodations are still accurate. Finally, contact a trusted family member or friend who can pick up your pets, just in case you’re out of town or can’t get home in time before the evacuation needs to happen.

Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have a backup route in mind; potential road closures or traffic may stop you from being able to take your primary route.

Get Pets Used to Travel
Practice loading your animals into the car quickly, going on longer drives, and being in new environments outside of your home or neighborhood. It’s also important to have crates and go bags ready to load into your car. For smaller animals like birds, hamsters, or fish, there may be special considerations for safe travel. Also, make sure your pets can easily adjust to being in new spaces. This can make an already stressful experience go more smoothly for everyone.

Pro tip: You may not always have to evacuate. Be sure to bring pets inside at the first sign of a storm to keep them safe!

Hurricanes are never fun—but hurricane prep is essential to keeping your pets safe. For more emergency preparedness tips, visit www.ready.gov/pets or click here.

Armory Art Center Now Accepting Artist Applications

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Armory Art Center Opens Call to Artists for Annual Creative Market this November

West Palm Beach, Fla. (August 11, 2025) — The Armory Art Center is now accepting artist applications for participation in the 9th year of its juried art festival. The Creative Market will take place at the Armory Art Center’s historic campus November 8 and 9, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The market will showcase a wide array of artisans, styles, and wares—plus performing artists and delicious craft food and beverages for guests to enjoy. Located within walking distance of CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach, Antique Row, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and the Norton Museum of Art, the market hosts nearly 5,000 visitors every year.

The Creative Market will also include a special Juried Art Exhibition, “Full Circle,” which runs Nov. 3 through Dec. 27, 2025.

“The Armory Art Center looks forward to welcoming many talented artists & vendors from across the country to showcase their works and talents at our world-class market,” said Jill Brown, CEO. “This is the perfect opportunity to sell goods to guests who are ready to shop in and enjoy one of Florida’s most vibrant cultural destinations.”

How to Apply:

Artists are invited to apply inbasketry, ceramics, decorative fiber, furniture, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, paper, wearable art, wood, leather, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and more. The show is limited to approximately 150 exhibitors, chosen by a jury of highly qualified 2D and 3D fine artists and craftspeople. The artist application deadline is Sept. 19, 2025.

The Juried Art Exhibition will highlight the theme “Full Circle.”From oranges to eggs, tree rings to figure eights, artists will be challenged to close the loop, spiral out of control, and share their sphere of influence. The application deadline is Sept. 26, 2025. 

Performing artists and food & beverage vendors are also invited to submit their application by Sept. 12, 2025. 

To learn more about requirements or to apply, visit armoryart.org.

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About the Armory Art Center

Having served the community since 1986, the Armory Art Center’s art school, galleries, and events provide creative opportunities for artists and art enthusiasts to enhance their lives. The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art and its vision is to be the leading community resource for arts education. Serving over 12,000 visitors and about 3,000 students annually, the Armory Art Center offers 160 courses per term in six terms throughout the year to students of all ages and skill levels, with flexible class times and sessions that work for any schedule. Classes in drawing, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber & textiles, ceramics, sculpture, and welding are held in 12 state-of-the-art studios. The Armory hosts up to eight annual exhibitions in three galleries. Exhibitions and special events are open to the public.

The Armory is a proud recipient of several awards in recent years, including The Palm Beach Post’s Best of Palm Beach County (2022 Best Art Gallery), Chamber of Commerce of The Palm Beaches (2021 Nonprofit of the Year), The Flamingos: Florida Weekly’s Best Awards (2021 Best Place to Create Art), the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s Muse Awards (2020 Legacy Award) and more.

For information, visit armoryart.org or call (561) 832-1776. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach, Fla., 33401.

Wellington Art Society hosts their September Members Meeting with Featured Speaker KRISTIN MYERS

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5:30-7:45pm, Tuesday September 9, 2025

12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414

The Wellington Art Society is pleased to announce their September’s featured speaker, Kristen Myers who is a mixed media artist and illustrator whose work explores the intersection of spirit, nature, and feminine power.

Join us for a fun evening with a demo by our featured speaker, raffle prizes, artists spotlight, and refreshments

She is the creator of The Wild and The Divine, a visionary coloring and reflection book that invites readers into a healing journey through art, affirmation, and self-discovery. Her broader body of work includes fine art prints, illustrated merchandise, and personal commissions. Through Animals and Spirit, her studio and brand, she creates work that blends visual storytelling with emotional depth – inviting viewers into a space of reflection and connection. For more about our featured artist, please visit:

Website: https://www.animalsandspirit.com

Instagram: @animalsandspirit

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd year.  It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit our website at www.wasflorida.org or www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

Back to School Improv Jam & Cocktail Mixer

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 Attention Students and Faculty! 

You spoke, we listened. The Back 2 School Improv Jam has officially been rescheduled to Saturday, September 6th, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Now, listen closely—because this is going on the test:

 All tickets MUST be purchased in advance through the PayPal link below.

 No tickets will be sold at the door. This is not a pop quiz you can cram for last minute.

The event is catered, seats are limited, and once the cafeteria’s full, that’s it.

So don’t wait until the final bell to get to class—no hall passes will be issued!

And if you’ve already purchased your ticket, relax—you’re on the roster. Your spot is secure.

That concludes today’s announcement. Now get back to learning… or pretending to.

Click the link to purchase your tickets:

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/EVV2Y4VDCM64G

The Symphonia – EBENUS: Concerto for Clarinet

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New York City and Paris Composers Collaborate on one Urgent Concert EBENUS to premier in South Florida this January.

(August 26, 2025)— Commissioned by Harvey and Virginia Kimmel, patrons of the South Florida-based chamber orchestra The Symphonia, the new concerto EBENUS: Concerto for Clarinet will receive its world premiere this January in Boca Raton. Co-composed by Grammy-winning Syrian clarinetist and composer Kinan Azmeh (based in New York City) and acclaimed French conductor and composer Christophe Chagnard (Paris-based), the work represents a rare collaboration between two internationally celebrated artists/composers.

The title, EBENUS, refers to the ebony wood traditionally used to make clarinets, a resource now under threat. Through this symbolism, the piece underscores how climate change reaches even into music, reminding us that the loss of natural materials could one day silence instruments themselves.

The premiere will be performed Jan. 24–25, 2026 at The Studio at Mizner Park, alongside Dvořák’s New World Symphony, which has been masterfully orchestrated for a chamber ensemble, while preserving the sonority and depth of a full symphonic orchestra. To learn more about The Symphonia, EBENUS and the upcoming concert season, visit thesymphonia.org.

About The SYMPHONIA 

The SYMPHONIA, recognized as the region’s premier chamber orchestra, provides high-quality classical music for the enjoyment and benefit of the South Florida community. Founded in 2004, The SYMPHONIA’S performances and educational outreach programs feature nationally and internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists, enhancing the cultural lives of area residents, with special emphasis on its younger citizens.  Follow on Instagram @TheSymphonia and on Facebook @SymphoniaBoca. More at thesymphonia.org.

The 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Event

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Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART

NOMINATIONS HIGHLIGHT NONPROFIT
CAUSES, LEADERS, AND VOLUNTEERS
AT THE 9TH ANNUAL HATS OFF
NONPROFIT AWARDS
 FOR THEIR IMPACT AND PERFORMANCE

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Wednesday, August 27, 2025-Nonprofits First proudly announces an outstanding number of nominations to honor the local nonprofit sector in Palm Beach County during the 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards on Thursday, October 9th, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion.

Nominations were accepted for 13 total awards: Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Arts & Culture, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Education, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Environment & Animal Welfare, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Family Services, Nonprofit of the Year Impact Award – Health & Wellness, Nonprofit Innovation Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Nonprofit Executive of the Year Award, Nonprofit Professional of the Year Award, Nonprofit MVP of the Year Award, Community Hero Award, Community Collaborator Awards, and Nonprofit Volunteer of the Year Award. Special thanks for the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County for sponsoring the Arts & Culture Impact Award for the third year. We are grateful to FPL for being the first sponsor of the Impact Award for Education.

Nonprofits First received over 160 nominations for 13 awards. In addition to this, two special awards will be announced live: the highly anticipated Best Hat Award and the People’s Choice Award. For the first time, voting for the People’s Choice Award will open ahead of the event, allowing the public to cast their votes beginning September 15. All organizations nominated for our five Impact Awards will automatically be considered for the People’s Choice honor. To make voting easy and accessible, social media posts will feature QR codes and direct links, empowering the community to support their favorite agency.

“During these challenging times, our nonprofit sector has demonstrated that partnership is not just a tactic—it’s a testament to our shared purpose. The overwhelming response to the Community Collaborators Award reflects a powerful spirit of unity, innovation, and mutual support. More than 80 agencies have come together, not just to serve, but to reimagine what’s possible when we lead with unity and collaborate with intention,” said Trudy Crowetz, President & CEO of Nonprofits First.

The 9th Annual Hats Off Nonprofit Awards celebrate nonprofits in Palm Beach County who dedicate themselves to making our community a better place to live and work, so they deserve to be honored. The honorees from the past Hats Off Nonprofit Awards will be recognized as part of the evening.

The fun evening will kick off with celebratory music by the nonprofit organization Digital Vibez. The party continues with special guest emcee Bill Bone. Attire is business and cocktail. Guests are encouraged to wear a hat of any kind, big or small, and can be as creative as they wish. Tickets include food and drinks catered by The Lessing’s Hospitality Group, and parking in the covered garage will be $10 per vehicle.

Tables of ten are on sale for Nonprofits First’s members at $2,000 and for nonmembers at $2,250, and sponsorships are also available at www.hatsoffawards.org. Individual ticket sales will go on sale Tuesday, September 2, for $200 (members) per person and $225 (nonmembers) per person. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL 33401.

Hats Off Nonprofit Awards Calendar Listing:
5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 9th, at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in the Cohen Pavilion. This fundraising event will celebrate and honor Palm Beach County nonprofit causes, their professionals, and volunteers. For more information and tickets, visit www.hatsoffawards.org.

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.