QUANTUM FOUNDATIONINVEST $1 MILLION IN LOCAL GRASSROOTS AS PARTOF ITS QUANTUM INTHE COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Grant recipients are more financially equipped to create a healthier Palm Beach County
WEST PALM BEACH -Through its 11th annual Quantum in the Community (QIC) initiative, Quantum Foundation is funding 120 grassroots organizations in Palm Beach County. To date, QIC has awarded a total of $8.5 million to local organizations. This month, the $1 million in unrestricted funding from Palm Beach County’s largest health funder is targeted to go toward essentials such as meals, hygiene products, rent/utility assistance, clothing, transportation, and more.
This year’s QIC committee is co-chaired by board members Ethel Isaacs Williams and Board Chair, Dr. Gerald O’Connor. Two of the 2021 QIC recipients, Eat Better Live Better (EBLB) and Chasin A Dream Foundation, share how they are improving health in all corners of the community.
At EBLB, founder Debra Tendrich uses nutritional knowledge to support the clinical, psychological, and behavioral needs of local children and teens through evidence-based programming. The Delray Beach nonprofit is teaching students and parents alike the invaluable lesson of the wealth that comes with health. Additionally in 2020, the nutrition-focused nonprofit delivered and distributed approximately 500,000 lbs. of healthy groceries, produce, and nutrition information to families experiencing hardships.
“Many families have suffered due to COVID-19, and the stories we hear are heart-breaking,” said Tendrich. “‘I am hungry,’ is the last thing a parent wants to hear after they are let go from their job.”
Then further north in Palm Beach County is Chasin A Dream Foundation led by founder Lori Griffith. Today, the nonprofit looks at families and their entire scope of needs as their children fight cancer, cystic fibrosis, heart diseases, and other life-threatening illnesses. The organization supports families from providing customized hospital backpacks with creature comforts to its Critical Needs Program covering financial costs and assistance with medical bills.
“I based Chasin’ A Dream Foundation on the premise of ‘locals helping locals’ and truly believe that people are more apt to get involved if they know the children that need help,” said Lori Griffith, CAD Founder. “I want supporters to know our warriors and to celebrate their victories.”
However, both grassroots organizations have faced financial hardships due to the domino effect brought on by COVID-19. To that end, Quantum Foundation is stepping up to provide financial support and is encouraging individuals to make their contributions.
“COVID-19 severely impacted so many nearby grassroots organizations,” said Eric Kelly, president of Quantum Foundation. “More than ever, Quantum in the Community funding is helping nonprofits navigate even greater needs exposed by the pandemic.”
Groups funded by Quantum Foundation must meet strict grant criteria and must be classified as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All grants must benefit the people of Palm Beach County.
Discover more on what Quantum Foundation is doing in the community! For more information, or to learn about applying for grants, please visit quantumfnd.org or call 561-832-7497.
Parade brought community together with fireworks, holiday themed boats and toys benefiting Little Smiles and Toys for Tots
North Palm Beach, FLA. – (December 9, 2021) – On Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) illuminated the waterways with the 27th Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade from North Palm Beach to Jupiter. The free family-friendly event was led by a traveling fireworks display and featured 50 holiday-themed boats. Small boats, sailboats, and mega yachts, decked out with millions of twinkling holiday lights, delighted the community as they navigated up the Intracoastal Waterway to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Over 5,000 toys were collected on Saturday night and $10,000 in cash donations will be used to purchase even more toys for Little Smiles and Toys for Tots charities supporting our local community.
This year’s theme “Merry & Bright” featured a gingerbread house, dinosaurs, Elvis, rock ‘n roll, and Santa Claus as thousands of viewers were dazzled. Town officials and local dignitaries judged this friendly competition with $10,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs. The Awards Ceremony was held at Farmer’s Table in North Palm Beach on Tuesday, December 7, 2021. The 2021 Best of Parade and Fan Favorite, voted on by the public through Facebook, was “Nailed It” owned by Aaron and Diane Liscomb of North Palm Beach. The brightly lit vessel was decorated as a gingerbread house topped with two red and white peppermints. The Liscomb’s generously donated their cash prize of $1,500 to Little Smiles and Toys for Toys.
“We are thrilled by the amazing show of boats this year,” said Executive Director Alyssa Freeman. “You can tell that the boat owners put a lot of time and effort into decorating, and all to bring joy to the community and be a part of giving back to two incredible charities. Many of the boats in the parade this year entered for the first time, and so of course we hope they will be back again and again!”
2021 Boat Parade Winners: Best of Parade Nailed It (Boat # 21) Fan Favorite Nailed It (Boat # 21)
Under 25’ 1st Place: Teazer Too (Boat #34) 2nd Place: 23 ft Sea Hunt (Boat #18) 3rd Place: Ice Ice Baby (Boat #27)
25’-35’ 1st Place: Nookie Time (Boat #19) 2nd Place: Eagles Nest (Boat #33) 3rd Place: Miss B Havin (Boat #15)
Bank of America Names Student ACES and Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County 2021 Neighborhood Builders®
Program Provides $200,000 in Flexible Funding to Each Organization and Leadership Development Training to Advance Economic Mobility in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County – Programs that help address the local region’s issues around equal access to our judicial system and workforce development will be able to scale, helping even more people through a multi-year grant from Bank of America. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and Student ACES (ACE = athletics, community and education) have been named 2021 Bank of America Neighborhood Builders® awardees for their work in the Palm Beach County community addressing these issues.
As a Neighborhood Builder, each organization receives a $200,000 grant over two years, comprehensive leadership training for the executive director and an emerging leader on topics ranging from increasing financial sustainability, human capital management and strategic storytelling, joins a network of peer organizations across the U.S. and gets the opportunity to access capital to expand their impact. The program continues to be the nation’s largest investment in nonprofit leadership development.
Research continues to show that a child’s zip code is a strong indicator of their future economic outcome. To overcome this obstacle and advance economic mobility, providing essential resources is critical. The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County is one of the largest legal aid organizations in the State of Florida and their Education Advocacy Project (EAP) seeks to fuel economic and social progress by ensuring access to equitable educational opportunities. The grant will further this mission through the creation of “Education Clinics” and the expansion of program services to ensure that vulnerable, at-risk K-12 students throughout Palm Beach County receive access to the educational services and supports they need to reach the highest level of academic achievement possible. Student ACES is also inspiring our next generation of leaders, offering character education, workforce development and leadership programming in South Florida. Through these organizations, youth in the local community receive opportunities that would otherwise not be available due to economic inequalities. This grant will enable Student ACES to improve their leadership potential and help break the cycle of generational poverty by continuously growing their program offerings and further impacting a greater number of students in the community.
“As communities continue to recover and navigate a changing landscape, nonprofits are still experiencing significant demands and are in need of resources to help meet critical local needs like inspiring the next generation of leaders and ensuring underserved individuals have access to legal aid,” said Fabiola Brumley president, Bank of America Palm Beach County. “The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and Student ACES are helping bridge important gaps for individuals and families to help them chart a path toward economic opportunity and stability. Programs like Neighborhood Builders help these organizations grow sustainably and strategically for greater positive impact in the community.”
“This grant will change so many lives. Over the next two years, with support from Bank of America, we will be able to provide Workforce Development programming to 300 students, thus setting them up for success in their future career paths,” said Krissy Webb, Co-Founder and Executive Director at Student Aces. “The network and leadership development support provided by Bank of America is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can strengthen and grow the Student ACES team creating a greater impact for the high school student-athletes we serve.”
“The Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s Education Advocacy Project (EAP) is honored to be a 2021 recipient of Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builders award for an innovative project benefitting the community,” said Robert Bertisch, Executive Director at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. “The project will be comprised of multi-site special education clinics for families of students with disabilities with current Individual Education Plans. Legal Aid looks forward to working with community partners and offering these clinics to under-resourced families in Palm Beach County. “
Since 2004, Bank of America has invested over $280 million in 50 communities through Neighborhood Builders, partnering with more than 1,400 nonprofits and helping more than 2,800 nonprofit leaders strengthen their leadership skills. Here in Palm Beach County, 25 nonprofits have been selected as a Neighborhood Builder, with the bank investing $5.4 million into these local organizations through the program since 2005.
The invitation-only program is highly competitive, and leading members of the community participated in a collaborative selection process to identify this year’s awardees. Neighborhood Builders is just one example of how Bank of America deploys capital in communities, builds cross-sector partnerships, and promotes socioeconomic progress as part of its approach to responsible growth.
Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).
Wellington Earns American Heart Association’s Workplace Health Achievement Index Recognition
The American Heart Association recently recognized Wellington for its implementation of quality workplace health programs and culture of health best practices.
Wellington achieved bronze-level recognition in the American Heart Association’s 2021 Workplace Health Achievement Index for taking significant steps to build a culture of health in the workplace. The Village is one of more than 450 organizations nationwide that completed the Index assessment this year, evaluating the time period of July 31, 2020, to June 30, 2021.Of the organizations that completed the Index assessment, nearly all earned gold (43%), silver (31%), or bronze (19%) status.
A unique feature of the Index is that it calculates an average heart health score based on American Heart Association’s seven risk factors for cardiovascular health: smoking status, physical activity, weight, diet, blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Companies receive benchmarking reports which allow them to identify potential areas of employee health improvement.
The framework of the Workplace Health Achievement Index was created to help organizations improve the health of their workforce from one year to the next.
This recognition affirms that Wellington is a great place to live, play, and work.
As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH THE GRINCH IN DOWNTOWN BOYNTON BEACH
‘Friday Flicks’ family night features a free movie, food trucks, kid’s activities and Ugly Sweater Contest on December 17 at 5pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boynton Beach, Fla. — (December 10, 2021) On Friday, Dec. 17, beginning at 5:00 pm, the City of Boynton Beach will host Friday Flicks, a free outdoor movie at Centennial Park in Downtown Boynton. The featured film, The Grinch, will be shown on a large screen under the City’s historic banyan tree. Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets.
Come hungry, as a variety of food trucks, including TMI, Chicago Me Up, Zhixiang, Moops Pops, The Boardwalk Italian Ice & Creamery will be on site, offering up a delicious range of fare such as craft sliders, loaded tots, mini donuts, hot dogs, sandwiches, bowls, pizza puffs, chicken tenders, corn dogs, fries, onion rings, Italian ice, tacos, wings, pot stickers, egg rolls, fried rice, lo mein, orange chicken, soup ramen, bao buns, gelato, popsicles, and fresh movie theater style popcorn.
Children’s activities will be offered before the movie begins, including Hula Hoops, Giants Legos and more. Take part in a wear your “Ugly Sweater Contest” for a chance to receive a $25 gift card to a Downtown Boynton restaurant of your choice.
The movie will include closed captioning. ADA accommodation requests can be made by calling 561-742-6241 or Florida Relay 711 or by emailing ada@bbfl.us.
Free parking is available on the corner of Boynton Beach Blvd. and Seacrest Blvd. Entrance is located off of Boynton Beach Blvd. behind the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center and adjacent to the Children’s Schoolhouse Museum. Accessible parking will be available. Rideshare is encouraged. Please note – the following roads will close at 3 pm – approx. 10 pm to accommodate the event: SE 1st Ave. between SE 1st St. & Seacrest Blvd. and E Ocean Ave. between Seacrest Blvd. & SE 1st St.
The Art of Bonsai (Class) Time: Beginners – 12:30pm – 4pm
Intermediate – 9am – 12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90). Advance Registration Required. Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree, which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.
Sundays, January 2, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese – Part 2 (In-person class)
Time: Level I – 10:15am – 11:15am Cost: $110 (Morikami Members $100). Advance Registration Required. Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Sundays, January 2, 16, 23, 30, February 6, 13, 20, 27
Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese – Part 2 (Virtual class) Time: Level I – 1pm – 2pm Level II – 2:10pm – 3:10pm Level III – 3:20pm – 4:20pm Level IV – 4:30pm – 5:30pm Cost: $110 (Morikami Members $100). Advance Registration Required. Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking,
listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Cost: $80 (Morikami Members $70). Advance Registration Required. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.
Wednesdays, January 5, 12, 19, 26
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)
Time: Beginners – 10:30am – 12:30pm
Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*
Cost: $80 (Morikami Members $70). Advance Registration Required.
*Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience. Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which, focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy.
Thursday, January 6 Mori Stories: Hats for the Jizos Time: 1pm Cost: FREE
A poor old man and his wife are mysteriously rewarded for their unselfish generosity on New Year’s Eve.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65). Advance Registration Required.
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65). Advance Registration Required.
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means, “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brushstrokes. Floral and
landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
The use of indigo dye, or aizome, has a long and cherished history in Japan. The deep blue colors for which Japanese textiles are celebrated come from the leaves of the tade ai, a plant introduced to Japan from China in the sixth century. Shibori is a Japanese technique of manual resist dyeing used to make patterns on fabrics. Learn various shibori techniques and make a shibori scarf for your wardrobe or for a special someone.
Saturdays, Jan 8, 15, 22, 29, Feb. 5 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto (Class) Time: Beginners – 10:15am – 12:15pm Intermediate – 1pm-3pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150). Advance Registration Required.
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this 5-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
This workshop is an introduction to the Japanese language. It covers the basics, an introduction to hiragana, and Unit 1 of the required text. There are no prerequisites for this workshop. Students who take workshop 1-B must continue to Nihongo Intensive Workshop II, as it overlaps with the Nihongo Level I Session 2 class.
Wednesdays January 12, February 2, March 2 or Saturdays January 15, February 5, March 5
Stroll for Well-Being
Time: 11am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 3pm
Cost: Free to qualified applicants
Immerse yourself in Morikami’s natural beauty, peace and serenity through our therapeutic garden- walking program. During three sessions, a qualified facilitator will lead participants through themed walks and journal writing to encourage reflection, and ultimately, personal well being.
Thursday, January 13
Senryu: Haiku’s Cousin Workshop (13th Annual Collaboration with the Palm Beach Poetry Festival) Time: 11am – 1pm
Cost: FREE with paid museum admission
In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of the Japanese literary form of senryu. Consisting of only three lines, and approximately 17 syllables, senryu is the lighthearted cousin of haiku. Unlike haiku, which focuses on the natural world, senryu approaches humans and human emotions, the good and the bad, from a humorous perspective. Workshop participants will learn the history of senryu and haiku, and immerse themselves in the Morikami’s beautiful gardens to generate their own poetry.
Reservations are required for groups of 10 or more. For group reservations and additional information, please call (561) 233-1367.
Saturday, January 15
Calligraphy (Adult Workshop)
Time: 11:30am – 1pm or 2pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $35 (Cost does not include museum admission). Advance Registration Required.
Learn brush strokes using sumi ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper you will create a final calligraphy on shikishi board to take home.
The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea – necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadō and to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants will become familiar with cultural expectations of being a guest, how to make a bowl of tea, and serve it.
Saturday, January 22
Kimono Culture (Demonstration) Time: 11am, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid admission to the museum
Not all kimono are created equal! Learn about the traditional iconic kimono, with its rich culture, seasonal subtleties, and symbolic nuances. Observe a demonstration on how to properly wear and put on a kimono. Learn about the elegance of the formal kimono with its exquisite designs and finery worn to attend weddings, parties, special celebrations, and holidays.
Sundays, January 23, 30 or Thursdays, January 6, 20
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55). Advance Registration Required.
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Students are introduced to the history of the tea ceremony, as well as the etiquette on how to prepare, serve, and drink tea. Classes take place in the museum’s authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55). Advance Registration Required.
Expand upon your knowledge of the Japanese Sado tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony in the museum’s authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
Sunday, January 30
The Way of Taiko: The Heartbeat of Japan (Workshop) – SOLD OUT Time: 11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm
Cost: $60. Advance Registration Required.
This workshop introduces participants to the history and practice of taiko drumming. Participants are taught how to understand sounds and movements, i.e., how to connect nature and the meaning of body movement. They will become familiar with the way of taiko and its drumming techniques. Top performers from South Florida’s Fushu Daiko will conduct the workshop. The group is recognized by Seiichi Tanaka, the master of San Francisco Taiko Dojo, who brought taiko to the United States and who trained senior members of the Fushu Daiko group.
Masks are mandatory indoors, including the theater.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
THE KRAVIS ON BROADWAY YOUTH INITIATIVE EMPOWERS STUDENTS TO DISCOVER THE ARTS
(West Palm Beach, FL.) – In conjunction with the opening night of Come From Away, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted youth from Urban Youth Impact to attend the Broadway musical as part of its latest education and engagement program, the Kravis on BroadwayYouth Initiative. In connection with four of the Kravis on Broadway productions, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Summer and Anastasia, the new program will engage and immerse middle and high school students in the arts.
(Photo credit: Mary Stucchi).
“Kravis On BroadwayYouth Initiative is part of an ongoing program to give students in Palm Beach County the opportunity to engage with the performing arts through live and virtual performances, workshops and field-trips,” said Georgianna Young, Senior Director of Programming at the Kravis Center.
As part of each performance, students will participate in a pre-performance workshop led by a local teaching artist and a virtual post-performance workshop led by a cast member. All of the pre-performance workshops will introduce the students to the content and themes of each production and have an arts activity component. Sonja Kelly, a Kravis Center Community Relations Committee member and dance teaching artist, led the first workshop which included a facilitated discussion and movement activity in connection with Come From Away. Students in attendance will also receive an item of show merchandise to commemorate the experience.
The Kravis Center is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach, FL. The Center’s mission is to enhance the quality of life in Palm Beach County by presenting a diverse schedule of national and international artists and companies of the highest quality, by offering comprehensive arts education programs – serving nearly 3 million students since its inception; by providing a Palm Beach County home for local and regional arts organizations to showcase their work; and by providing an economic catalyst and community leadership in West Palm Beach, supporting efforts to increase travel and tourism to Palm Beach County.
For more information about the Kravis Center and the Kravis on BroadwayYouth Initiative, please visit www.kravis.org/education-community.
Ever dreamed of visiting magical Machu Picchu? It is easy with your Wellington/ Royal Palm Beach neighbor Nina Fogelman and her Peruvian Specialty Travel Company, Ancient Summit, Inc. “In 1983, I accepted a one-year job in the Sacred Valley of the Incas (near Machu Picchu) and quickly fell in love with the place and its people, culture, food and oh……Everything! After the contract ended, I stayed on for another 5 years straight and then started going back and forth and calling our neighborhood my other home. I wanted to share what I call My Peru and so in 2005, I started Ancient Summit to offer private customized tours to what I consider the most fabulous country on the planet. I sincerely want to reach out to my local neighbors and help make your desire to come to Peru a reality.
Nina Fogelman of Ancient Summit
During my first year living in the Andes, I managed to ‘love adopt’ four beautiful Andean children who have since grown into extraordinary adults with children, lives and careers of their own. Today, I am the proud grandmother of 15 and great granny to 1, who are all in Cusco so you can imagine my desire to be there. I can’t believe my good fortune. All my years living there also allowed for me to travel and explore so much of the magic and wonders. Living just below Machu Picchu was certainly amazing.”
Ancient Summit. Unique. Personalized Travel.
Nina’s status as the ultimate Peruvian travel maven, has been achieved from her many years of immersing in Peru, discovering the country’s multiple dimensions and crafting the itineraries around her own personal experiences that mean the most to her. The itineraries she creates are called PeruMyWay and are thoughtfully planned journeys all hand crafted and based on each guest’s travel personality and preferences and most importantly, Nina’s knowledge and incredible Team on the ground in Peru who works closely with you every step of the way. Since she is considered a local and knows so many people, she is able to create and follow through with very unique experiences. She wants to reach out to our community and design the perfect customized trip for you.
Here are a couple of testimonials including one from Wellington residents Jim Ogorek and Linda Webb about their time in Peru with us.
From Wellington to Machu Picchu.
“Ancient Summit and Nina put together a fabulous trip to Peru and the Galapagos for us. It far exceeded our expectations. From the time we arrived to when we departed three weeks later, we were treated like royalty. The hotels, the Galapagos boat, the cars, and restaurants and the people we met made the trip even more special. Our hats are tipped to Nina,and all her staff at Ancient Summit. We recommend this adventure to everyone. Again, thanks Nina.”
– Linda Webb and Jim Ogorek, Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida
***
Nina and a few of her grandkids
“Nina’s years of living in and visiting Peru put us in touch with local people.”
“My husband and I booked a trip to Peru including Arequipa/Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu and the South Coast of Lima through Ancient Summit Travel. I had been loyal to another travel agency for many years but Nina’s connection to Peru was so compelling I had to go with her. My hopes and expectations for this trip were met and exceeded. Every detail was considered and planned in advance.
The hotels she booked were well located, quiet and within walking distance of nearly every restaurant we chose. Nina’s years of living in and visiting Peru put us in touch with local people to interact in ways we may not have with another company’s itinerary. Read on . . . “
Susan and Jimmy Shulman
West Newton, MA
***
Visit the Ancient Summit website for more info on booking your customized trip. Or call Ancient Summit at (561) 228-1729.
Nonprofit is gearing up for springtime event with focus on community throughout the year
(WEST PALM BEACH) — After a two-year hiatus, SunFest organizers are finalizing plans to bring back the festival from April 29 through May 1, 2022 along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach. As the 38th SunFest comes together, organizers say that while the event has undergone changes and additions throughout the years, its focus on community remains consistent – more important this year than ever.
“While SunFest started as a way to bring tourists to the downtown waterfront during South Florida’s shoulder season,” said Paul Jamieson, SunFest executive director, “our focus as a nonprofit has always been on building community. As longtime residents and community members, our board and staff are really proud to be able to offer our neighbors the opportunity to be involved with SunFest 2022 and to give back to our community throughout the year.”
Founded in 1982, SunFest is Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival. The event is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 23-member board of directors; 25 committees; more than 2,800 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 4; and approximately 80 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.
With origins as the 10-day Royal Palm Festival, SunFest has morphed from a jazz, art and water festival to a more concentrated four-day celebration of music, art and friendship. That said, SunFest 365 serves the community year-round. The mission of SunFest 365 is to reach out to the community with projects that promote or enhance culture and the arts, youth education, assistance for other nonprofit organizations and the environment. Whether providing college scholarship money to a musically gifted teen, or an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to use their volunteer time at SunFest as a fundraiser for their group, SunFest is ready to give back.
“As a nonprofit,” continued Jamieson, “SunFest’s financial goal is to break even each year. If any proceeds are realized, the money goes toward improvements for the following year’s festival, replenishment of any depleted rain funds and community outreach programs.”
Many of the SunFest 365 programs are made possible through grants from the Florida Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture. One of its most popular with area nonprofits is the “Helping Neighbors” program. Each year, SunFest contributes complimentary tickets to area charities for distribution to individuals who otherwise might not be able to attend the festival. Since the inception of the Helping Neighbors program, SunFest has given away thousands of tickets to underserved populations. The program is underwritten by Florida Power and Light Company and applications are currently available at SunFest.com/sunfest-365. Deadline to apply for the limited number of tickets is March 11, 2022.
In addition, SunFest is calling for volunteers to join the team of more than 2,000 who make the event happen not only on April 28-May 1, but also at events and activities throughout the year. Volunteers receive such benefits as free admission and free parking on their volunteer date; free food and drink before or after their event shift, and an official Team SunFest t-shirt. Volunteers working Thursday or Friday also enjoy one complimentary day at SunFest any day after the day of their shift.
“Team SunFest is the heart of our event,” said Jamieson. “At a recent Clematis by Night Countdown to SunFest we honored our volunteers and asked them to come in a t-shirt from a past event. It was great to see their enthusiasm and how many years they have been part of our family. We hope we’ll connect with both new and old team members as we head into 2022. We couldn’t do the event without them.”
To learn more about SunFest 2022, volunteer opportunities and application guidelines for the Helping Neighbors program, visit www.SunFest.com or call 561-659-5980.
League of Women Voters of Palm BeachCounty to Host FREE Virtual Event on America’s Hottest Topic
BEYOND ROE:
Reproductive Rights in Florida
Wednesday, January 19, at Noon on Zoom
(West Palm Beach, FL – December 9, 2021) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited concerned adults to a timely, informative, and FREE Zoom event on the nation’s hottest topic.:
Wednesday, January 19 at Noon
Hot Topic Discussion:
BEYOND ROE:
Reproductive Rights in Florida
Guest Speaker:
Amy Weintraub, the Reproductive Rights Program Director for Progress Florida who chairs the Reproductive Rights Task Force for Florida NOW. A seasoned organizer, Weintraub has worked most of her adult life identifying, educating, and activating citizens toward social justice. She lives in St. Petersburg with her husband, and they have two children in college.
About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:
The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or
