Monday, May 4, 2026
Home Blog Page 20

Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Announces 2025-2026 Season

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County Announces 2025-2026 Season
15 exhibitions featuring Palm Beach County artists and several engaging discussions, films, family-friendly programs, and more will take place at the Council’s Lake Worth Beach headquarters

September 18, 2025 (Lake Worth Beach, Fla.) — The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is planning a dynamic season of exhibitions and events at its headquarters in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®.

Reflecting the Cultural Council’s mission to nurture, promote, and support a healthy, diverse, and inclusive cultural sector, the local arts agency’s 2025-2026 season will showcase diverse works by Palm Beach County-based creative professionals at its downtown Lake Worth Beach headquarters.

“We look forward to yet another robust season of events and programs at the Council this year,” said Dave Lawrence, president and CEO. “I am especially looking forward to some brand-new events at the Council—including The Short List, our Artist Marketplace, and the Lake Theatre Revival Series. We invite the community to join us as we support the arts through these exhibitions and events that delight, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations.”

Fifteen exhibitions will be featured throughout the season in the Cultural Council’s Main Gallery, Gayle and Paul Gross Gallery (solo shows) and Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery. Discussions and events with artists and community members alongside the Main Gallery exhibitions will also occur. Exhibitions and related programs are free and open to the public.

In addition to exhibitions, the Council is planning an exciting lineup of community programs, including the new Lake Theatre Revival Series featuring film screenings at the Council’s headquarters; An A-Muse-ing Evening, its signature fundraiser celebrating Palm Beach County’s vibrant cultural community; and Arts in My Backyard Family Saturdays, featuring free, interactive arts workshops for children and families.

Programming highlights include:

Main Gallery

Fiber Optics

November 7, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Opening Reception: November 6, 2025

A celebration of contemporary fiber art and the artists who use thread, textile, and technique as their primary medium. This exhibition brings together artists pushing the boundaries of fiber-based art—spinning bold ideas while highlighting the precision, patience, and expressive potential embedded in fiber practices.

The Short List

January 16 – 24, 2026

First Look: January 15, 2026

One week only! Curated for collecting, this exhibition of small works by Palm Beach County artists invites you to engage—whether as a supporter, collector, or curious newcomer. Discover artistic excellence in compact form and be part of a creative ecosystem where access, impact, and support converge.

The Cultural Council invites the community to First Look: The Short List on January 15, 2026 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. This exclusive night gives collectors, supporters, and art lovers the chance to purchase artwork from the exhibition before it opens to the public. Space is limited. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at palmbeachculture.com/shortlist.

Being Well, Well Being

February 6 – April 4, 2026

Opening reception: February 5, 2026

Art can be a form of care—for the body, the spirit, and the collective. This exhibition brings together artists and writers whose work reflects the many dimensions of wellness: rest and resilience, healing and ritual, connection and care. Through poetry, painting, and mixed media, these works explore what it means to feel whole in a fractured world—and how creative practice itself can be an act of well-being.

Kinetic Energy: A Celebration of Sport in Palm Beach County

April 17 – June 12, 2026

Opening reception: April 16, 2026

This exhibition captures the movement, emotion, and spirit of sport through the eyes of visual artists. From moments of intense focus to bursts of action, Kinetic Energy honors athletic expression and its deep roots in Palm Beach County’s cultural landscape.

Artist Marketplace

June 26 – August 14, 2026

For the first time, the Council presents a salon-style showcase of Palm Beach County artists. Floor-to-ceiling displays invite collectors and art lovers to discover new talent, connect with creators, and acquire works they may not find elsewhere.

Gayle and Paul Gross Gallery

This gallery provides Palm Beach County-based emerging, mid-career, or experienced visual artists an opportunity for a solo exhibition—chosen through a non-paid, competitive selection process by a committee of visual arts professionals.

Joel Cohen

On the Bright Side

October 31 – December 13, 2025

Joel Cohen captures the world through bold colors, strong shapes, and striking shadows. Influenced by his background in graphic design, his photography highlights textures and angles that might otherwise go unseen. Each image reflects his trained eye for turning everyday moments into vivid and memorable works of art.

Mark Forman

Stimulating Thoughts

December 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Mark Forman’s work emerges from ideas long stewing in his subconscious, demanding visual form. Through painting, collage, and mixed media, he confronts lies, injustice, and misinterpretations alongside deeper concerns for humanity. His work challenges viewers to reflect, question, and engage in dialogue that sparks change.

Claudia Henao

El Dorado

February 6 – March 21, 2026

Claudia Henao’s series honors pre-Columbian cultures through contemporary glass. Using techniques like casting, fusing, pâte de verre, and sand casting, she reinterprets symbolic ancestral forms. Her work bridges ancient traditions with modern craft, celebrating identity, heritage, and the cultural dialogue between past and present.

Katherine Hofmann

Seams Between Land and Sky

March 27 – May 9, 2026

Katherine Hofmann’s work emerges from a process of burying, excavating, tangling, and detangling, unearthing memories through painting. Her large-scale works on paper, made with experimental watercolor, natural pigments, and handmade collage, trace water’s flow and stillness while weaving personal encounters into layered landscapes bound to place and time.

Asandra

Shekinah: The Inner Dwelling Place

May 15 – June 26, 2026

Asandra draws on sacred cultures to create vibrant paintings that blend pattern, symbol, geometry, and color. Working with acrylic on wood and large-scale stamps, her Shekinah series transforms panels into doorways, exploring the presence of the sacred and the balance between inner dwelling and engagement with the world.

Dominique Denis

Metamorphosis

July 3 – August 14, 2026

Dominique Denis is a mixed-media artist whose work explores art and architecture through nostalgia, identity, and transformation. Using fabric, hand-built ceramics, wood, and yarn, she creates immersive installations that reimagine domestic forms. Her practice investigates collective memory in the built environment, blurring past and present, interior and exterior.

Donald M. Ephraim Family Gallery

Woven

October 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Artists use paper to mirror and expand on techniques rooted in fiber, transforming the material through rhythm, pattern, and repetition into layered compositions that evoke strength, memory, and connection.

Estuary: Artwork that Celebrates Lake Worth Lagoon

January 9 – February 21, 2026

Where freshwater meets saltwater, life thrives. This exhibition brings together visual artists inspired by the unique landscapes, wildlife, and quiet complexity of Lake Worth Lagoon, honoring it as both a vital ecosystem and a place of reflection, connection, and natural wonder.

Aureate

February 27 – April 11, 2026

A collection of works that explore the use of gold as line, accent, and illumination. In each piece, gold draws the eye—highlighting form, tracing movement, and offering moments of quiet brilliance.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Artists of Palm Beach County

April 17 – June 26, 2026

This exhibition highlights the rich diversity and creative vitality of Asian American and Pacific Islander artists in Palm Beach County. Through various media and perspectives, these artists explore themes of identity, culture, and community, offering a powerful look at their experiences and contributions.



Lake Theatre Revival Series

In celebration of the 85th anniversary of the historic Lake Theatre (now the Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. Building, home to the Cultural Council), this film series will feature showings at the Council’s headquarters on select Friday nights:

Classic Premiere: His Girl Friday (1940)

October 24, 2025 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Celebrate the Lake Theatre’s 85th anniversary with a screening of His Girl Friday, released the same year the theater opened. Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell headline this screwball comedy classic, followed by a post-film discussion with Palm Beach County-based author Scott Eyman, who wrote Cary Grant: A Brilliant Disguise in 2020.

Subtropic Film Festival Winners: 2025 Showcase

December 12, 2025 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Experience the creativity and vision of emerging filmmakers with a showcase of award-winning shorts from Subtropic Film Festival 2025. This special screening brings the festival’s top selections to the historic Lake Theatre, offering a night of bold storytelling, fresh perspectives, and cinematic discovery from South Florida and beyond.

The Wiz: A FLAVAR Film Event

February 6, 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Celebrate Black film and culture with a special screening of The Wiz, the 1978 musical classic. Curated in partnership with FLAVAR Co.—a Palm Beach County-based creative collective—this event spotlights music, magic, and the enduring impact of representation through community-driven storytelling and artistic collaboration.

Season Finale with Lake Worth Playhouse

April 3, 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.)

This season closes with a special screening of a beloved classic, presented in partnership with Lake Worth Playhouse. Once known as the Oakley, the historic Playhouse joins the Lake Theatre in honoring Lake Worth Beach’s cinematic legacy with a timeless film and a shared celebration of community and storytelling.

Arts In My Backyard (AIMBY) Family Programs

This season, the Cultural Council’s beloved Arts in My Backyard Family Saturdays will once again return. Presented by various Palm Beach County cultural organizations and artists, this free program invites families to discover the arts as they create memories and learn new skills through visual art, dance, nature, and more. 

The Fall Family Arts & Wellness Open House will kick off the season on November 15 (10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) with special programming, refreshments, and tours of the Council’s galleries. Save the dates for special engagements on February 21, 2026, during the Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival and a spring family event on April 18, 2026. Public events take place in the outdoor Arts and Wellness Space on S. L Street, just south of the Council’s headquarters.

Professional Development

Local cultural organizations’ staff as well as creative professionals can take advantage of free monthly professional development opportunities through the Council’s Institute for Cultural Advancement (ICA). The ICA season kickstarts on October 23 with “Coffee and Culture.” Designed for new employees at arts organizations and creatives new to Palm Beach County, the event gives guests the chance to meet the Cultural Council team, learn about its mission and services, and network with professionals in the sector.

Other Events and Ways to Support the Council

Underscoring the Council’s mission, An A-Muse-ing Evening: Art on Stage will raise a glass to the many individuals and organizations that make Palm Beach County’s cultural sector so vibrant. This annual signature event takes place on March 5, 2026 at The Hangar in West Palm Beach. It will feature light bites and craft cocktails, alluring performances, immersive experiences, a silent auction, a presentation of special awards, and more. Tickets range from $100-$300 per person and can be purchased at palmbeachculture.com/muse.

Additional programs this season include Palm Beach County Open Studios (May 2 and 3, 2026) and the ninth annual MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture) celebration in May, featuring special offers and discounts on arts experiences throughout the region.

The Cultural Council’s entire 2025-2026 season of gallery exhibitions is generously sponsored by Florida Weekly. Additional exhibition sponsors for Being Well, Well Being include WLRN and Palm Beach Media Group; Fiber Optics includes WLRN; and Kinetic Energy includes Palm Beach Media Group. Sponsors for An A-Muse-ing Evening (at the time of publication) are The Angelwish Fund, Northern Trust, The Hangar, and Palm Beach Media Group.

All events take place at the Cultural Council’s Lake Worth Beach headquarters (601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach, Fla., 33460) unless otherwise noted.

For more information on upcoming events or to become a member or sponsor of the Cultural Council and its programs, please visit palmbeachculture.com or call (561) 471-2901.

If You Go (Calendar Items)

Exhibitions

Woven

October 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Joel Cohen – On the Bright Side

October 31 – December 13, 2025

Fiber Optics

November 7, 2025 – January 3, 2026

Opening Reception: November 6, 2025

Mark Forman – Stimulating Thoughts

December 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026

Estuary: Artwork that Celebrates Lake Worth Lagoon

January 9 – February 21, 2026

The Short List

January 16 – 24, 2026

First Look: The Short List – January 15, 2026(5:30-7:30 p.m.)
$50 per person (space is limited)

Being Well, Well Being

February 6 – April 4, 2026

Opening reception: February 5, 2026

Claudia Henao –El Dorado

February 6 – March 21, 2026

Aureate

February 27 – April 11, 2026

Katherine Hofmann –Seams Between the Land and Sky

March 27 – May 9, 2026

Kinetic Energy: A Celebration of Sport in Palm Beach County

April 17 – June 12, 2026

Opening reception: April 16, 2026

Asian American and Pacific Islander Artists of Palm Beach County

April 17 – June 26, 2026

Asandra – Shekinah: The Inner Dwelling Place

May 15 – June 26, 2026

Artist Marketplace

June 26 – August 14, 2026

Dominique Denis –Metamorphosis 

July 3 – August 14, 2026

Lake Theatre Revival Series

Classic Premiere: His Girl Friday (1940)

October 24, 2025 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Subtropic Film Festival Winners: 2025 Showcase

December 12, 2025 (6-8:30 p.m.)

The Wiz: A FLAVAR Film Event

February 6, 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Season Finale with Lake Worth Playhouse
April 3, 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Arts in My Backyard Family Saturdays

All events are free and occur in the Arts and Wellness Space, just south of the Council’s headquarters on S. L Street.

Fall Family Arts & Wellness Open House
November 15, 2025

Lake Worth Beach Street Painting Festival Family Activity 

February 21, 2026

Spring Family Event

April 18, 2026

Other Special Events

An A-Muse-ing Evening: Art on Stage
March 5, 2026
$300 per person; $100 Artist Ticket (must be in Council’s Artist Directory)

The Hangar (1138 North Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach)

Palm Beach County Open Studios

May 2 and 3, 2026 (12-5 p.m.)

Taking place in artist studios and spaces throughout Palm Beach County

MOSAIC (Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture) 

May 1-31

Taking place at cultural organizations throughout Palm Beach County

About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artisans in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.

Family Halloween Fun Grows at Spookyville

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
Family Halloween Fun Grows at Spookyville

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Spookyville, known for being the go to place to experience an old-fashioned Halloween for families and children, is expanding its offerings this year. The annual event will take place in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds and kicks off Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11 a.m. and continues until 10 p.m.

Additional dates and times are:
Sunday, Oct. 12, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25, from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m.-10 p.m.

The Spookyville grounds will be more decorative this year and for the first time will include a nightly light show and a witches’ walk. There also will be a full array of safe trick-or-treating, kiddie rides, costume contests at 1 p.m. on Sundays, live entertainment, magic shows, plenty of photo ops, a balloon twister, and pumpkin sales.

“Spookyville is a throwback to the traditional days of family Halloweens in a fun, secure, and family-friendly environment,” said Exhibits and Special Events Manager Lorie Stinson. “We also encourage our visitors to get a bite to eat while here and visit our vendors on site.”

To skip the lines, guests may buy tickets online at www.SpookyvilleYYV.com.

A 50% Flash Sale will take place from September 19-21 only. Children ages 3 and older are $7 and adults 18 and older, $5. Advance discount tickets will be available from September 22-October 10 for children at $13 and adults, $8. General admission at the gate is $15 for children ages 3 and older and $10 for adults. A family pack for two adults and two child admissions is $45. Admission is free for ages 2 and younger.

The admission gates close a half hour before the event’s closing time.

Delray Beach Public Library is Calling All Home Bakers at The Very Berry Bake-Off!

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
Delray Beach Public Library is Calling All Home Bakers at The Very Berry Bake-Off!

(Delray Beach, FL – September 16, 2025) – Ready, set, bake! The Delray Beach Public Library is bringing back its sweetest tradition – The Very Berry Bake-Off – on Saturday, September 27 at 1 p.m. at the Library, located at 100 West Atlantic Avenue.

Last year’s bake-off went coconut crazy—this year, it’s all about the berries. Don’t miss the chance to taste, vote, and cheer on our community’s best bakers in this fun-filled, flavorful showdown.

Whether you’re a pie pro, a cake connoisseur, or a muffin magician, this is your chance to show off your berry best. Entries may include pies, bars, cakes, crumbles, muffins, scones, and more – as long as they feature berries (of any kind.)

The public is invited to attend the event on September 27th and vote for the People’s Choice Award. There will also be cooking demonstrations, giveaways and food samples.

The Prizes:

·       1st Place: $100 City Oyster gift card

·       2nd Place: $50 City Oyster gift card

·       3rd Place: A beautiful gift basket courtesy of the Delray Beach Historical Society
Plus, the crowd gets to vote for a People’s Choice Award – so bring your cheering section!

The Judges:

·       Chef Jordan Stilley (City Oyster)

·       Winnie Duggans Edwards (Delray Beach Historical Society)

·       Joycelyn Patrick (Delray Beach Library Board President)

·       Christina Morrison (Commercial Realtor & Property Consultant)

Special Feature: A live cooking demo by Space of Mind’s Chef will spice things up before the audience samples every last delicious entry.

How to Enter: Bakers must register by Monday, September 19 at 5 p.m. at delraylibrary.org.

The event is free and open to the public. The Very Berry Bake-Off is sponsored by Christina 4 Delray and CDF Carousel Development and Restoration.

Florida Prepaid Updates

admin
-
0
Florida Prepaid Updates

Florida Prepaid Unveils New Website & Simplified 529 Plan Enrollment, Offering $50 Incentive This Fall

Limited-Time $50 Bonus Encourages Families to Start Saving During National College Savings Month

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans is making it easier than ever for families to invest in their child’s future. With the launch of its redesigned website — MyFloridaPrepaid.com — and a simplified plan structure, families now have more user-friendly  access to customizable savings options that grow with their child’s educational journey.  

This new experience enhances Florida Prepaid’s mission to ensure that all Florida students have the opportunity to pursue higher education while lessening the burden of student loan debt.

To celebrate National College Savings Month and the launch of the new website, Florida Prepaid is offering a $50 incentive to families who open a new 529 Plan, Prepaid or Investment, between September 15 and November 10, 2025.

“Whether a child dreams of college, trade school, or technical training, Florida Prepaid plans are built to grow with their future,” said John D. Rood, Board Chairman. “With our new intuitive website and online tools, busy Florida families now have a clear streamlined path to find the plan that fits their needs — empowering them to save with confidence.

Highlights of the new Florida Prepaid experience:

  • Use the Plan Builder Tool to simplify decisions and provide college savings guidance tailored to family budgets and goals.
  • Enroll faster with a mobile-first website, featuring a cart-like budgeting experience and step-by-step support.
  • Choose from a simplified Prepaid Plan mix, now with the option to purchase Dormitory Plans as a standaloneproduct.

This is one of the smartest ways to invest in your child’s future,” said Kevin Thompson, Executive Director of Florida Prepaid. “We have helped more than 1.2 million families save for education over the past 35 years, and we’re proud to continue supporting Florida families.”

To learn more and take advantage of the $50 offer, visit MyFloridaPrepaid.com by November 10, 2025 — and take the first step toward your child’s future today.

About the Florida Prepaid College Board

The Florida Prepaid College Board manages Florida Prepaid 529 Plans (also known as the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida Investment 529 Plan (formerly known as the Florida 529 Savings Plan). Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987, the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988 and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan (now called the Investment 529 Plan) in 2002. The Board also oversees two direct-support organizations – The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida ABLE, Inc., d/b/a ABLE United. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest-running, and most successful prepaid plan in the nation, with more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $15 billion in assets. The Investment 529 Plan has more than 180,000 active accounts, with a market value of more than $1.7 billion.

The 14th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
The 14th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride

Delray Beach, FL (September 16, 2025) — Witches, mount your brooms—it’s time to ride! Achievement Centers for Children & Families will host its 14th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride on Saturday, October 25th. This year’s flight features an extended route of two miles, giving witches even more room to soar! Once again, witches will enchant Downtown Delray Beach—taking flight from City Hall and cackling down the iconic Atlantic Avenue and Pineapple Grove in a swirl of magic.

Three hundred (300) witches will don their best witch-wear and extravagantly decorated brooms (bikes) to ride through scenic Downtown Delray Beach, all guided by the Delray Beach Police Department. The ride will take off promptly at 8:30 a.m. After the ride, the witchy celebration will continue with music, mingling, and awards including “Best Costume,” “Best Witch Cackle,” “Best Decorated Broom (Bike),” and “Best Group Theme.” Price to fly is $75 through September 30, and $100 beginning October 1.

This year’s Sorcerer Supreme title sponsor is Mariner Wealth Management. Coven Commander presenting sponsors include Betr Project and Delray Dermatology and Cosmetic Center. Patty Jones is the Wicked Milliner sponsor. Ancient Order of Hibernians and Delray Beach Orchid Society are the Witches Brewmasters. The Knight Group, Sunshine Dry Clean, and Synovus Bank are magic potion sponsors. Additional sponsors include Craft Food Tours; Richwagen’s Delray Bike & Sport; and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Additional supporters to date include Amanda Perna; Barbara Aridas Designs Jewelry; Barre Envy; Blenders Eyewear; CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches; Cut 432; Deck 84; Delray Beach Public Library; Good Night John Boy; Hookless Lure Fishing Charter; Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club; Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum; Kilwin’s Of Delray Beach; Lady Lenormand; Lion Country Safari; Palm Beach Dramaworks; Prime Catch; Sara Campbell; Total Wine & More; and Veronica Gunn.

We’re bringing the fun and flair with our Annual Hat Decorating Party, now part of the official Do Good Delray kickoff celebration on October 1st at 7 p.m. at Tin Roof, and hosted by Amanda Perna CEO, Founder, and Creative Director of The House of Perna, Co-Founder of A Little Wyld, and a two-time Project Runway designer, and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce. A $25 ticket includes one specialty cocktail featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka and access to the Do Good Delray Networking Event, while the Hat Decorating Upgrade for $50 includes one specialty cocktail featuring Tito’s Handmade Vodka plus one witch hat and all decorating materials, VIP entry into the Green Room (our private, creative space), and expert styling guidance from Amanda Perna—fashion designer and hat-decorating queen! The event will be held at 8 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. Space is limited.

Next, witches can show off their spellbinding smarts at Witches Trivia Night on Wednesday, October 8th from 7:30-9:30p.m. at Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub. This free event features themed trivia, raffles, food and drink specials, and more- all in support of the Witches Ride. Costumes encouraged!

Additionally, long-time event partner Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub in Delray Beach will host the signature “Witches Brew” fundraiser on Friday, October 17th from 6 to 9 p.m. Expect raffles, contests, food and drinks, prizes for Best Decorated Table and Best Dressed Brew Attendee, and so much more. Seats are $65 each with limited availability. Raffle tickets to win one of two decorated bicycles are available at Tim Finnegan’s starting October 1.

Funds raised from the Witches Ride directly benefit Achievement Centers for Children & Families, a community-based organization dedicated to serving under-resourced children and families in Delray Beach and surrounding communities.

“Fourteen years in, the Witches Ride is more than just a tradition—it’s a celebration of community and creativity,” said Stephanie Seibel, CEO of the Achievement Centers. “What began as a fun, whimsical event has grown into powerful support for the families we serve. Each year, we’re blown away by the enthusiasm and generosity that fills the streets. It’s a beautiful reminder of what’s possible when people come together for a cause that truly matters.“

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/Witches2025 or email events@accffoundation.org.

About Achievement Centers for Children & Families

At Achievement Centers for Children & Families, children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), After School, Teen and Summer Camp programs that help prepare them for academic and social success and inspire them to discover their talents. Our families are served through our Family Support and Economic Stabilization services which benefit the community by stabilizing families in crisis; supporting them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth. Family strengthening services are embedded within our four core programs of Early Learning, After School, Teen and Summer Camp. Achievement Centers currently serves over 700 local children and families from three locations in Delray Beach; Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. For more information, call (561) 266-0003 or visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.

Singer Song-Writer Abbie Strauss Joins the Recording Academy as Her Music Reaches National TV Audiences

admin
-
0
Singer Song-Writer Abbie Strauss Joins the Recording Academy as Her Music Reaches National TV Audiences
© LILA PHOTO

Palm Beach, FL – August 4th, 2025 – International touring artist, educator, and spiritual leader Abbie Strauss has been officially inducted as a member of the Grammy Recording Academy, marking a significant milestone in a lifetime devoted to the transformative power of music.

Known for her soulful voice, compassionate leadership, and genre-blending sound, Strauss continues to expand her reach as a newly featured artist on JLTV (Jewish Life Television), with her music and band now showcased nationwide and streamed online to a global audience.

Strauss is a recording artist, cantor and founder of the Institute of Jewish Rock, a groundbreaking music school that promotes inclusivity, creativity, and healing through music. The Institute offers both in-person and online classes and welcomes students of all backgrounds, regardless of experience. “We don’t believe in barriers to entry,” Strauss says. “Whether you’re learning your first chord or you’ve been performing for years, you belong in this community.”

A passionate advocate for using music as a tool for healing, Abbie regularly sings in hospitals and healthcare settings, where her voice brings comfort and connection to those in need. Her work has touched thousands, reinforcing music’s power to uplift, unify, and inspire.

“This moment is about more than personal recognition,” Strauss shares. “It’s about what happens when we believe in music as a spiritual and emotional force. Being welcomed into the Recording Academy is a signal that the kind of, soul-filled music that welcomes everyone in,  that I’ve devoted my life to matters.”

Her albums are available on all major streaming platforms, and her live performances and teaching tours have taken her across the globe. Whether on stage, in the classroom, or by a patient’s bedside, Abbie Strauss reminds the world that music can be a vehicle for healing, belonging, and joy.

To learn more, book a performance, or join the Institute of Jewish Rock, visit
➡ www.abbiestrauss.com
➡ www.instituteofjewishrock.com

About Abbie Strauss
Cantor Abbie Strauss is a nationally recognized Jewish artist, spiritual leader, and educator. She holds a master’s in education, is a lifetime-certified teacher, and has spent her career helping people connect to their voice, their roots, and each other through music. She performs and teaches globally and is the founder of the Institute of Jewish Rock, a nonprofit music community dedicated to radical inclusion, joy, and Jewish connection through song.

Xcel Padel bringing nation’s largest indoor padel club to Palm Beach County

admin
-
0
Xcel Padel bringing nation’s largest indoor padel club to Palm Beach County

WESTLAKE, Fla. — The nation’s largest indoor padel club is set to open in Palm Beach County on Sept. 20, 2025, introducing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to South Florida.

Xcel Padel’s flagship facility in Westlake will feature 10 AI-powered courts, along with a French casual restaurant, a wellness recovery room and spa-style locker rooms. Designed as a hub for both athletes and families, the club blends competitive play with luxury amenities more often found at high-end fitness centers.

Padel, a racket sport combining tennis and squash, is played on enclosed glass-walled courts with solid paddles in doubles format, using tennis scoring. The sport originated in Mexico in 1969, took off in Spain and Argentina, and now counts international stars such as Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and David Beckham among its fans.

Xcel Padel leaders say the new facility will give players of all levels opportunities to experience the fast-paced, social game while also creating a community destination for dining, wellness and recreation.

Boca Helping Hands, FAU and Cereal4All Collaborate to Tackle Hunger the Fifth Annual Cereal Drive

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
Boca Helping Hands, FAU and Cereal4All Collaborate to Tackle Hunger the Fifth Annual Cereal Drive

September is Hunger Action Month!

Boca Raton, FL (September 11, 2025) – Boca Helping Hands (BHH), in collaboration with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Athletics and Cereal4All will commemorate September’s Hunger Action Month by hosting the Fifth Annual Tackle Hunger Cereal Drive at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton on Saturday, September 27. Memphis will be playing FAU.

Those who donate one or more unopened cereal boxes will get into the game for free, with donations going to assist families in need in our community. At last year’s event, Boca Helping Hands received 548 boxes of cereal, equating to 5,480 bowls of cereal and 603 pounds of food.

“Cereal is one of the least donated items to Boca Helping Hands, which means underserved kids and families do not always get to start their day with a nutritious breakfast,” Andrew Hagen, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands.

Cereal4All was started by 17-year-old twin brothers Jett and Luke Justin of Boca Raton when they were just eight years old. After volunteering at Boca Helping, Jett and Luke organized their first cereal drive for BHH at their elementary school in 2016. Over the last nine years, the boys have expanded the program to 20 schools in Palm Beach County as well as to schools in Arizona, California, Connecticut, Nevada, New York, Texas, and Washington to benefit their own local food banks.

“Lots of other students share our love for cereal,” said Luke Justin. “It encourages them to connect with the hunger and well-being of others on a more personal level.”

About Boca Helping Hands

Boca Helping Hands (BHH) is a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical, and financial assistance to help individuals and families improve their quality of life and build financial stability. Through its various programs, BHH assists nearly 35,000 people annually.

Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.

Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and has been a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for 18 consecutive years. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Announces Name Change to AACSB-Accredited Business School

Litzi Aguilar
-
0
Palm Beach Atlantic University Announces Name Change to AACSB-Accredited Business School

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 10, 2025) – Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is pleased to announce a major milestone in the growth of its business programs. Effective today, the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business will become the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, and its new home will open as the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall this spring. 

The elevation to “college” status enables PBA to position its business programs for long-term scale and strategic growth. All AACSB-accredited programs will now be housed within the newly formed Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. College of Business, which will encompass two distinct academic schools: 

  • The School of Free Enterprise, which reflects the University’s historic embrace of American free enterprise, will include programs in Accounting, Business Data Analytics, Economics, and Finance, along with the Raney Center for Free Enterprise and the Center for Financial Literacy. 
  • The Catherine T. MacArthur School of Management, which will include Business Administration, Business and Law, Entrepreneurship and Franchising, International Business, Management, and Marketing programs, as well as the Titus Center for Franchising. 

“These changes reflect the University’s continued trajectory of academic excellence and its increasing stature within the growing business landscape of West Palm Beach,” said Provost Dr. Stephen P. Johnson. “As Fortune 500 companies and major industry players continue to relocate to the region, the transition to college status positions PBA as a premier destination for Christ-centered business education and leadership development.” 

Undergraduate enrollment in the Rinker College of Business has increased 58 percent over the last three years. During the 2024-2025 academic year, the College served 844 students, with 26 full-time faculty. The College offers 14 unique undergraduate degrees, seven graduate programs, and two minors.   

“This milestone stands as a symbol of what’s possible when we align strategic vision with a rigorous, Christ-centered business curriculum,” said Dr. Brian Strow, dean of the Rinker College of Business. “As we grow alongside the South Florida region, we remain dedicated to preparing the next generation as they learn to lead with integrity in today’s global market.” 

The renaming of the College and new business hall honors the legacy of Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker, whose generosity and vision have helped shape PBA for decades. 

In 2023, the College received AACSB accreditation, placing PBA among the top six percent of business schools globally—and one of only 10 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) to earn the accreditation. The AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide.  

“We are grateful to the Rinker family for their continued support of PBA and its students,” said President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn. “Thanks to their partnership, we are equipping the next generation of leaders to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. The renaming honors the legacy of the Rinkers but also elevates our business school, which is AACSB-accredited, with its recognition.” 

To learn more about the Rinker College of Business, visit pba.edu. 

About Palm Beach Atlantic University  
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has two campuses in West Palm Beach, Florida—19-acres downtown and a 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The University is dedicated to equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly. For more information about future events, please visit pba.edu.

Advanced Surgical Physicians Hosts Successful Second Annual Obstacle Course Race

Litzi Aguilar
-
0

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Advanced Surgical Physicians held its Second Annual Obstacle Course 5K Race this past Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. The event brought together the community to raise awareness and support for Sojourners With Healing Hearts, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping African American women and women of color navigate their breast cancer journeys.

Led by Dr. Andrew Shapiro, Dr. Kyle Eldredge and the entire Advanced Surgical Physicians team, the event featured a challenging yet fun obstacle course with 10 unique stations, including a Balance Beam, Double Sand Bag Carry, and Wall Climb and participants of all fitness levels ran, walked, climbed, and crawled their way to the finish line.

DSC00398.jpg

“We are incredibly pleased with our Second Annual Obstacle Course Race,” said Dr. Andrew Shapiro. “It was inspiring to see so many people come together to support this vital cause. On behalf of everyone at Advanced Surgical Physicians, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants, volunteers, and vendors who made this event a success. We are proud to support Sojourners With Healing Hearts, an organization that provides such crucial support to women in our community.”

Dr. Shapiro’s team is dedicated to the idea that treating breast cancer goes beyond medical procedures and that support is crucial for women navigating this challenging journey. The event was a testament to that philosophy and the ongoing commitment to community support.

About Advanced Surgical Physicians: 

Advanced Surgical Physicians provides expert breast, hernia, gallbladder, and general surgical care. Experience what makes the practice different: an in-house phone line and friendly voice to take your call, self-scheduling available for your convenience, insurance transparency, minimally-invasive options designed with your healing in mind, and physician leaders that hold honorable appointments in their specialty. Advanced Surgical Physicians offers large institute options delivered with a small-town feel. Learn more at www.toplinemd.com/advanced-surgical-physicians or call us at (561) 333-1335.

1...192021...1,096Page 20 of 1,096

Around Wellington® is your resource for interesting stories, monthly columns on many areas of expertise, fun contests (with gift cards or tickets to events as the prizes), links to terrific local businesses, a monthly calendar and detailed community information. Learn more.

Quick Links

Get Social with AW!

© 2019 AroundWellington.com | Website design by WebGumption.com