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Palm Health Foundation Opens Scholarship Application for Nursing and Mental/Behavioral Health Professions

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Palm Health Foundation Opens Scholarship Application for Nursing and Mental/Behavioral Health Professions

Palm Health Foundation Opens Scholarship Application
for Nursing and Mental/Behavioral Health Professions

Foundation dedicated to growing health workforce in Palm Beach County as state shortages loom.

West Palm Beach, Fla.– Palm Health Foundation, Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health, will open applications for nursing and mental/behavioral health scholarships on November 1, 2021. The scholarships are administered by the George Snow Scholarship Fund and encourage individuals with financial need to enter and advance in the nursing and mental/behavioral health professions. Applicants must be residents of Palm Beach, Broward or Martin County, Florida, and apply by the February 1, 2022 deadline. The application, eligibility criteria and instructions are available on the George Snow Scholarship Fund website at www.scholarship.org.

Palm Health Foundation’s scholarships come at a time when the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida is predicting a catastrophic nursing shortage in the state by 2035 and data from Kaiser Family Foundation shows the current supply of Florida’s working mental health professionals meets only 16.9% of the state’s need.

“There is a perfect storm brewing across Florida as our nursing and behavioral health workforce shrinks while our population and behavioral health needs increase,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “The pandemic has only added to the crisis with nurses leaving the field and both children and adults experiencing increased levels of stress and anxiety but unable to find professional care.”

One of the nursing workforce solutions cited by the Florida Hospital Association and the Safety Net Hospital Alliance of Florida is to increase the number of nurse faculty opportunities. Palm Health Foundation’s scholarships address a range of shortages, including faculty, by providing needs-based scholarships to nurses in undergraduate, graduate and doctorate programs.

Behavioral health professions scholarships address a range of needs as well by providing financial support to those seeking bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work, psychology, clinical mental health counseling, school counseling and other focus areas. The foundation’s investment in the behavioral health workforce is aligned with the goals of its Brain Health Innovation Fund to advance brain health in Palm Beach County.

“Our community of donors has recognized the importance of advancing our health professions workforce in Palm Beach County by joining with us to support dedicated students with the desire to serve,” said McNamara. “We are grateful for their support and encourage others to advance health for all by contributing to our Nursing Advancement Fund or creating their own personal donor advised fund in support of nursing, behavioral health, or any health-related cause to benefit Palm Beach County. 

Palm Health Foundation has granted more than $3 million in nursing scholarships to over 1,000 nursing students for advanced education since its founding in 2001 due to the generosity of donors and the foundation’s commitment to nursing advancement in Palm Beach County. For more information about Palm Health Foundation scholarships, please contact Leslie Cornwell at lcornwell@scholarship.org, 561-347-6799, or Channon Ellwood at cellwood@scholarship.org, 561-347-6799 at the George Snow Scholarship Fund.

About Palm Health Foundation 
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $85 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.

South Florida Fair announces 2022 theme and Gold Pass promotion

Azwad Ahmed
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South Florida Fair announces 2022 theme and Gold Pass promotion

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — The 2022 South Florida Fair will be “Rockin’ Robots” for 17 days January 14-30, offering its full-fledged traditional event that its guests have come to enjoy at the fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd.

Theme-related happenings that will be showcased throughout the 110th annual fair will include educational, robotic activities; interactive, strolling robots; BattleBots (as seen on TV), where competitors will operate their own custom-designed remote-controlled machines in a 40 x 60 foot rink; and robotics in agriculture, manufacturing and science. Guests also will see larger-than-life robots up to nine feet tall.

To kick off the excitement for the 2022 fair, guests can take advantage of “The Power of Gold Flash Sale” during the weekend of November 5, 6 and 7 only. Those who purchase a $20 ride voucher online at www.southfloridafair.com will receive a free Gold Access Pass, which allows them to move to the front of the ride lines. The value of pass is $12 Monday-Thursday and $20 Friday-Sunday.

The online sale of advance discount tickets also will begin that weekend at www.southfloridafair.com. Admission is $10 in advance for ages 11 and older and may be used on any day. The gate admission is $15 Monday-Friday and $20 Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free for 10 and younger.

A Megasaver Package, which includes four any day admissions, two ride vouchers and four $5 food tickets for $89 ($150 value), is available only in advance and only at Publix through January 13, 2022.

New attractions will include the Rockin’ Robots Ice Skating Show in the Ford Theatre, an educational Robot Zoo exhibit, and a moving sand sculpture featuring 3-D mapping with full color projections featuring vintage robot toys. Guests also can expect to enjoy all of the usual fair attractions, including racing pigs, livestock shows, live entertainment, exhibits and shopping. More activities will be announced closer to the fair’s opening.

About the South Florida Fair: The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located at 9067 Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach, the 2022 South Florida Fair will kick off with a Ride-A-Thon on January 13 and the full fair will be held January 14-20, 2022. For more information, call 561-793-0333 or visit the website, http://www.southfloridafair.com.

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Prominence Health and Big Dog Ranch Bring “Seniors for Seniors” Program to Wellington

Azwad Ahmed
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Prominence Health and Big Dog Ranch Bring “Seniors for Seniors” Program to Wellington
Big Dog Ranch Rescue and Prominence Health Plan Seniors for Seniors program at the Wellington Community Center Tuesday, October 12, 2021.

Senior Dogs Greeted Seniors at Wellington Community Center

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (October 27, 2021) – Seniors attending an open enrollment event at Wellington Community Center were treated to the opportunity to meet senior dogs from Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Sponsored by Prominence Health Plan, the event was part of the company’s ongoing mission to promote healthy living to individuals age 65 and older. The partnership also benefited the rescue organization’s Seniors for Seniors program, created to address one of the most at-risk categories of canine populations – senior dogs.

“Our Senior dogs once again brought smiles to so many people,” said Amanda Atwater, Fundraising Officer for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, who attended the event. “Anytime we can match an older dog with a senior ready to provide a loving home, both find so many benefits, from increased health to more joy every day.”

According to Staci Martin, Prominence Florida Director of Sales, this event is one of several the company sponsors throughout the Palm Beach County to promote healthy living to seniors. “We organize such fun gatherings as laughter therapy workshops, painting classes and more, all with the goal to help seniors enjoy long and healthy lives,” she said.

For more information about Prominence Health Plan, contact 561-396-9968 (TTY: 711) or visit ProminencePalmBeach.com.

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County to Host Two FREE Virtual Events in November

Azwad Ahmed
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League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County to Host Two FREE Virtual Events in November

Redistricting – November 4

The Disability Poverty Trap – November 17

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 25, 2021) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited concerned adults to tw0 timely, informative, and FREE Zoom events in November:

Thursday, November 4 at 10 am

Spotlight on Redistricting

This Zoom event will offer an update on the current redistricting process in both Palm Beach County and the State of Florida.

Guest Speakers:

+ Ellen Freidin is CEO and General Counsel of Fair Districts Now, Inc. She has been the leader of the FairDistricts movement since 2006 and led Fair Districts Florida in its successful 2010 citizens’ initiative to outlaw gerrymandering. The Florida Constitution now prohibits drawing districts with intent to favor a political party or incumbent and requires that districts be compact, contiguous, equal in population, and follow existing boundaries while expressly protecting the rights of minority voters.

+ Patrick Rutter is an Assistant County Administrator and has been appointed head of the redistricting effort for Palm Beach County. He joined the county in 2003 and was appointed to his current position in 2018. He oversees Planning, Zoning and Building; Engineering and Public Works; Environmental Resource Management; Water Resources; and Resilience and Community Revitalization.

Moderator:

Tony Doris is Editorial Page Editor of The Palm Beach Post. He started at the daily newspaper in 2004 and has worked as a reporter covering West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, government editor, and as a member of the Post’s Investigative Team.

Link to Connect:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cmYsVd85TByKGgddqrZ62w

Wednesday, November 17 at Noon

Hot Topic Discussion:

THE DISABILITY POVERTY TRAP

People with disabilities rely on durable medical equipment and Home and Community Based Supports (HCBS), services that may not be covered by employer-sponsored or private insurance pans, in order to live independently, work, and participate in their communities. Access to services through Medicaid waiver programs is subject to strict income and asset limits causing recipients to lose access to the vital serviced that enabled them to enter the workforce in the first place. Reforms are necessary so that people with disabilities can be productive members of their communities without losing the vital services they need.

Guest Speaker:

Olivia Babis was born with a physical disability and has worked toward building a more equitable society for most of her life. Currently the Senior Public Policy Analyst at Disability Rights Florida, she was previously the Peer Mentor at the Suncoast Center for Independent Living where she assisted others with disabilities achieve independence. Babis also was a Community Organizer for the Florida Consumer Action Network, a multi-issue advocacy non-profit, where she worked on a multitude of issues including disability rights, healthcare expansion, wage issues, and transit. A veteran of numerous political campaigns, Babis was a candidate for the Florida Senate in 2018.

Topic:

How to Connect:

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TOLdxY7PSD2J-Hrdau8Ttg

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

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

www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.

Annual Farm City Luncheon

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Annual Farm City Luncheon

ANNUAL FARM CITY LUNCHEON TO TAKE PLACE AT SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

An update on Palm Beach County’s Agribusiness.

CENTRAL PALM BEACH (October 26, 2021)— The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, will be hosting the annual Farm City luncheon, presented by Baptist Health South Florida, on Wednesday, November 17th at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The Annual Farm City luncheon was created to highlight the important economic contribution of the agricultural industry in Palm Beach County. It will feature speakers: Stephen Basore, of Bengard Farms, LLC, Paul Allen, of R.C. Hatton Farms, and Alleigh Reitz, of Everglades Farm Equipment. A special recognition will take place to honor State Representative Rick Roth for being name 2020-2021 Florida Farmer of the Year by the Florida Farm Bureau Federation.

This favorite annual event always provides an opportunity for attendees to learn more about the agricultural community and the positive impact they have on Palm Beach County. In addition, all attendees receive a complimentary box of locally grown vegetables courtesy of local farmers and Farm City.

This event would not be possible without the support of our partners: Baptist Health South Florida, Discover the Palm Beaches, Eastern Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, Florida Crystals, Florida Public Utilities, FNGLA Palm Beach, Florida Power & Light, Keiser University, Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, South Florida Fair, U.S. Sugar, Wellington Regional Medical Center, Wells Fargo, and Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau.           

The Farm City Economic Luncheon will take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo West, located at 9067 Southern Blvd. from 11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Individual entry tickets are $40 and tables are $650.

For more information on this luncheon and future events, please visit the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce website at www.cpbchamber.com, or call at (561) 790-6200.

Palm Beach County Receives RWJF Culture of Health Prize

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Palm Beach County Receives RWJF Culture of Health Prize

Palm Beach County Receives RWJF Culture of Health Prize

For Innovative Efforts to Create a Thriving Community   Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Recognizes Palm Beach County for Taking Residents’ Lead in Creating a Healthier Community   West Palm Beach, Fla. (October 26, 2021) – Palm Beach County is one of 10 winners of the 2020-2021 RWJF Culture of Health Prize awarded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Prize honors and elevates communities for working at the forefront of advancing health, opportunity, and equity. 
 
Palm Beach County is being nationally recognized for pursuing innovative ideas and bringing partners together to rally around a shared vision of health. Palm Beach County’s award-winning efforts recognized for building a culture of health include:


  Expanding equitable access to behavioral health. Greater reach and equity is being attained through countywide initiatives like BeWellPBC bringing together residents, providers and systems around solutions, and hyper-local efforts such as residents of “The Set,” Delray Beach’s historic Black community, creating partnerships with the faith community to overcome mental health stigma while respecting culture in the Haitian community. Focusing on youth and being accountable for their success. Through Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures, Palm Beach County is promoting trauma informed care, honoring youth resident voices in its collaborative work, and encouraging a new generation of advocates to shape an even brighter future for the community. Elevating resident leadership. Maximizing the power of residents to make a direct impact on their own communities is creating change through grassroots organizations like the EJS Project in Delray Beach, which is dedicated to empowering youth. Another example is Lake Worth Beach’s Wall of Unity, a resident-led transformation of a wall that once represented segregation to a new symbol of people of all races and cultures coming together to break down barriers of hate and injustice.  


Palm Health Foundation, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and Palm Beach County Youth Services Department collaborated on the application process for the prize that shared the county’s collective commitment to the social determinants of health, including Birth to 22: United for Brighter Futures, an alliance of over 300 organizations supporting the healthy growth, development and education for children prenatally through young adulthood.
 
“We are honored to receive this nationally recognized award,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “We know that one of Palm Beach County’s greatest strengths is how our health organizations, funders, nonprofits, and community residents collaborate and support one another in advancing health, opportunity, and equity for all.”
 
Palm Beach County will receive a $25,000 prize, join a network of Prize-winning communities, and have its inspiring accomplishments shared throughout the nation. The other nine winning communities are: Addison, Ill.; Alamosa County, Colo.; Chickaloon Native Village; Drew, Miss.; Howard County, Md.; National City, Calif.; Rocky Mount, N.C.; Thunder Valley Community—Oglala Lakota Nation (Oceti Sakowin Territory), and Worcester, Mass.
 
Palm Beach County now joins Broward County, Eatonville, and Miami-Dade County as the fourth Florida community to win the distinguished Prize.
 
“The 2020-2021 RWJF Culture of Health Prize winners are striving to make good health and well-being achievable for all their residents,” said Richard Besser, MD, president and CEO of RWJF. “They understand the clear connection between the opportunity for health and education, jobs, and housing. They are leaning into community-led solutions that break down barriers caused by structural racism and other forms of discrimination.”
 
To become an RWJF Culture of Health Prize winner, Palm Beach County had to demonstrate how it excelled in the following six criteria: Defining health in the broadest possible terms. Committing to sustainable systems changes and policy-oriented long-term solutions. Creating conditions that give everyone a fair and just opportunity to reach their best possible health.  Maximizing the collective power of leaders, partners, and community members. Securing and making the most of available resources. Measuring and sharing progress and results.  “We credit this honor to our community’s commitment to co-creating health solutions with residents,” said Lisa Williams-Taylor, CEO of Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. “We’re working together to remove barriers and build a culture of health for all who call Palm Beach County home.”
 
Tammy Fields, Director of the Palm Beach County Youth Services Department added, “Recognizing that health starts in families with our young people, and creates the foundation of health for a lifetime, is so important to the work we do as a community.” 

The Foundation will honor this year’s winners, November 9-10, during a virtual RWJF Culture of Health Prize Celebration and Learning Event. During the event, representatives from the Prize communities will talk through the different ways they are leveraging their strengths and bringing partners together to expand opportunity. The 10 new winners will also connect with their 44 fellow Prize Alumni communities. 

2020-2021 RWJF Culture of Health Prize Award Ceremony                                     
1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m. ET
Prize winners will be presented their certificates and offer acceptance remarks.
Please note: Event will be broadcast live at http://rwjf.org/prize
 
Prize Winner Conversations                             
2:45-3:30 p.m. ET & 3:45-4:30 p.m. ET
The 2020-2021 Prize winners will discuss how they are cultivating a shared commitment to equity and working to address the full spectrum of factors that influence health and well-being. They will reflect on how they are incorporating the wisdom, voice, experience, and leadership of community residents in their efforts.
Please note: Event will be broadcast live at http://rwjf.org/prize
 
Learn about the Prize-winning work underway in Palm Beach County through a collection of videos, written profiles, and photos at www.rwjf.org/prize.
 
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About Palm Health Foundation
Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $85 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001.

About Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
The Council is a local, special-purpose government created by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014. For 35 years, it has provided leadership, funding, services and research on behalf of the county’s children so they grow up healthy, safe and strong. If you have questions related to Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County and/or media inquiries, please contact Shana Cooper, Public Information Officer, by clicking here.
 
About Palm Beach County Youth Services Department
Palm Beach County Youth Services Department is a department of the Palm Beach County government established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2015 to empower youth and families to realize their full potential and be the driving force of a thriving community.  The Department provides direct behavioral health services in addition to providing funding for families and community agencies serving the needs of youth and families in the community.
 

Nutcracker at Eissey Campus Theatre

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Nutcracker at Eissey Campus Theatre

KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH
PARIS BALLET AND DANCE’S
THE NUTCRACKER
AT THE EISSEY CAMPUS THEATRE

Experience the magic of Tchaikovsky’s beloved ballet classic with four spectacular full-length performances November 20 and 21

Photo by Julie Luxton

October 21, 2021 (Jupiter, Fla.) — Just in time for the holidays, Paris Ballet and Dance is bringing the spellbinding magic of The Nutcracker to the Eissey Campus Theatre!

With performances slated for Saturday, November 20 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 21 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., tickets are $35 and selling fast.

Set to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s lasting and memorable score, the full-length production will feature thrilling choreography by the school’s founder and director Jean-Hugues Feray (a former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and National Ballet de Marseille), and showcase the talents of 75 young dancers, ranging in age from 3 to 18.

“Paris Ballet and Dance’s production of The Nutcracker is the perfect show to enthrall, inspire and kick off the holiday season,” Feray said. “It’s a beautiful story and it is truly a must-see show for all ages.”

Now in its 11th year, the annual production has become a beloved family holiday tradition for many locals, featuring dazzling costumes, extraordinary sets (including a growing Christmas tree that triples in height onstage) and phenomenal special effects. Audiences will be transported to an enchanting winter wonderland of sparkling snowfall, colorful flowers and splendid sweets.

The production will feature pre-professional dancers from both Paris Ballet and Dance and the school’s prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet Conservatory, an elite training program for students preparing for dance careers.

Celebrating the school’s graduating students, dancers include Jupiter resident Devon Luxton (Sugar Plum Cavalier/Arabian Pas de Deux), 17, who has been a finalist for the esteemed Youth America Grand Prix international ballet competition four years in a row, as well as Jupiter resident Crina Ciolacu (Sugar Plum Fairy/Arabian Pas de Deux), 17, Palm Beach Gardens resident Andrea Medina, 17 (Snow Queen/Dew Drop Fairy), and Jupiter resident Clare Keavy (Sugar Plum Fairy/Arabian Pas de Deux), 16. All are graduating this year and are in the process of either auditioning for professional dance companies or major colleges with dance programs.

“This is a unique chance to see many of these dancers perform before they launch their professional dance careers or continue their training in college,” Feray said. “I am very proud of the hard work that all of our talented and dedicated students continue to put into their craft. I can’t wait for audience members to see how exceptional our young dancers are.”

This is the company’s first year performing The Nutcracker at the 750-seat Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens, which offers a professional stage, unmatched lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, ample parking and spacious seating.

Based on the Alexandre Dumas adaptation of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s 1816 tale The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, the timeless ballet tells the story of a young girl named Clara who is given a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. After encountering and defeating the Rat King, her beloved Nutcracker comes to life as a real, handsome prince who guides her on an astounding journey through the incredibly bright and fantastic Land of Snow and Kingdom of Sweets. Since the ‘40s, the ballet has grown exponentially in popularity and now serves as an iconic holiday tradition throughout the world.

“[The Nutcracker] has become an American institution,” wrote Alastair Macaulay in The New York Times. “It’s amalgam of children, parents, toys, a Christmas tree, snow, sweets and Tchaikovsky’s astounding score is integral to the season of good will that runs from Thanksgiving to New Year.”

The Nutcracker will take place Saturday, November 20, at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 21 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Eissey Campus Theatre, located at 11051 Campus Drive in Palm Beach Gardens. All tickets are $35. For tickets, call (561) 207-5900 or visit the Eissey Campus Theatre Box Office.

About Paris Ballet and Dance
Paris Ballet and Dance was founded in 2010 by Jean-Hugues Feray, a native of France and former principal dancer with many international companies, including Ballet Florida and National Ballet de Marseille. Located in Jupiter, Fla., the school offers world-class dance training for students starting at age three. With a stellar reputation for quality, exceptional master classes and top-notch training in ballet, jazz, tap and modern, the school draws 100 students per year from as far as Vero Beach, Lake Worth Beach and Wellington. The school is also home to the prestigious not-for-profit Paris Ballet Conservatory, an elite accelerated training program for students preparing for professional dance careers. For more about Paris Ballet and Dance and its Conservatory, call (561) 308-8377 or visit www.parisballetanddance.com.

The 2022 Great Charity Challenge

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The 2022 Great Charity Challenge

Non-Profit Organizations Invited to Join

the 2022 Great Charity Challenge, Presented by Fidelity Investments®

What are some of the key takeaways from living over a year through a pandemic?

Photo: Equestrian Sport Productions

For the 2021 Great Charity Challenge presented by Fidelity Investments® (GCC), an event founded by the father/daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, COVID-19 highlighted that non-profit organizations and civil society stood at the core of our community’s resilience.

To respond to the devastating effects of COVID-19, the last edition of the GCC in February 2021 shifted a majority of its funding priorities towards local non-profits who were directly supporting and assisting the most vulnerable and affected populations in Palm Beach County. Thanks to the support of 64 donors and countless brave riders, 49 charities were able to put $1.1 million to work directly in our backyards, ensuring that many children, families, and seniors were able to be fed, keep a roof over their heads, and have access to the most basic services during the pandemic.

Through the generous support of the equestrian industry and the local community, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 12 years, distributing $15.9 million to 276 Palm Beach County non-profit organizations.

The event will return for its 13th year on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, with the goal to distribute an additional $1+ million dollar purse to local charities.

If you know of a deserving Palm Beach County-based charity, please invite them to visit https://gcc.coth.com/page/participate-as-a-non-profit for additional information regarding application requirements and the event’s unique selection process. 

The application process for the 2022 GCC is exclusively open from Monday, October 25, 2021 through 5:00 PM on Monday, November 15, 2021. 

At stake? A chance to win up to $100,000!

“We are extremely grateful for the continued support of our generous donors and sponsors,” commented Executive Director, Anne Caroline Valtin. “In addition to fund disbursements, the GCC’s strategy involves capacity building and enabling invaluable partnerships, as well as concentrating on amplifying the event’s impact. The pandemic has taught us that moving forward, we must focus on supporting those who provide immediate needs in the community, but also those who work towards long-term, sustainable change.”

Following the format of previous years and to guarantee transparency, up to twenty pre-vetted organizations will be randomly selected via the event’s famous lottery style drawings during the months of December and January. Additional smaller grants will also be awarded via a random selection process to non-profits who pass the GCC’s vetting. These grants will range between $1,000 and $10,000.

To be eligible to participate, applicants must, at a minimum, demonstrate that they are a 501c3, serve residents of Palm Beach County, have a physical presence, commit to spending a minimum of 75% of funding received in the County, and have a non-discrimination statement and/or policy.

For additional event information, including information about the application process, donations, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. We also invite you to join us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with our latest news and happenings via Facebook and Instagram. 

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s mission is to inspire better futures and deliver better outcomes for the customers and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.2 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.3 trillion as of August 31, 2021, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers: helping more than 38 million people invest their own life savings, 22,000 businesses manage employee benefit programs, as well as providing more than 13,500 wealth management firms and institutions with investment and technology solutions to drive growth. Privately held for more than 75 years, Fidelity employs more than 52,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit http://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/our-company.

About the Winter Equestrian Festival

The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), known as the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World,” is the world’s largest and longest running equestrian festival in the world, located in Wellington, Florida. The equestrian industry adds more than $100 million to Palm Beach County’s economy each year and provides more 900 jobs for the area. WEF is the proving ground for the Olympic Equestrian sports of show jumping and dressage. WEF is run by Equestrian Sport Productions, which also operates the International Polo Club. For more information on WEF, please visit http://pbiec.coth.com.

LISA’S PIE SHOP:  TRY IT, YOU WILL LIKE IT

Mike May
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LISA’S PIE SHOP:  TRY IT, YOU WILL LIKE IT

LISA’S PIE SHOP:  TRY IT, YOU WILL LIKE IT

By Mike May

Delicious and delectable.  That’s the best way to describe the taste of the 28 types of pies which are created, baked, and sold by Lisa’s Pie Shop, a free-standing retail outlet in Atlanta, Indiana, a small town located about an hour’s drive north Indianapolis.  If you like pie for dessert, then you will be spoiled and delighted by the wide range of pies on sale at Lisa’s Pie Shop.  Some of the 28 types of pies include apple, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, black raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, peach, pumpkin, pecan, chocolate cream, coconut cream, and sugar cream, which is Indiana’s official state pie.

For more than 30 years, the husband-and-wife team of Jim and Lisa Sparks have been working side by side in order to meet the dessert demands of their ever-expanding and forever-loyal list of clients and customers.  They have been married for nearly 40 years.  Clearly, a couple that makes pies together, stays together.

Truth be told, Lisa is in charge of making the pies, but Jim helps by ordering the supplies, picking up the supplies, selling the pies, collecting the money, and being the face of the ‘franchise.’  Clearly, everybody knows about Lisa, but everybody knows Jim, who also helps get the ball rolling, so to speak, every day by helping with the foundation of every pie.

“Jim makes the dough for every crust and helps pour the cream,” said Lisa.  “He does a great job.”

When asked what is the favorite pie of their clients, Lisa answers that question by checking the calendar.

“Our favorite pie is always based on which fruits are freshest and in season,” said Lisa.  “Naturally, pumpkin, pecan, and sugar cream pies are the top sellers during the holidays – Thanksgiving and Christmas.”

And, according to Lisa, some of the more popular pies are the combination pies such as strawberry-rhubarb and blueberry-peach.

Simply put, the key to the success of Lisa’s Pie Shop is the never-ending attention to detail by the ownership.

“We make every pie from scratch and we pay attention to the quality of every pie,” said Lisa.  “Paying attention to details pays off for us.”

One of those important details has to do with Lisa’s artistic abilities.

Just before a pie is placed in the oven, Lisa draws an outline of the shape of the fruit which is inside the pie, on the crust.  This allows Jim to properly identify the pie when it’s ready to be removed from the oven and placed on the sales shelf.

While Lisa’s Pie Shop is located about an hour’s drive north of Indianapolis, just off U.S. 31, one can easily feel that this storefront is located in the middle of nowhere, but Lisa disagrees.

“I think we are in the middle of everywhere,” countered Lisa.  “We have regular customers from all over the country.”

And, she has a good point, as customers come from far and wide to buy a pie at Lisa’s Pie Shop.  These pies are especially popular for football fans in the fall who go tailgating prior to high school, college (Notre Dame, Purdue, Indiana, Ball State, among others) and pro football (Indianapolis Colts) games. 

“On some Saturdays in the fall, we’ll open up early to accommodate fans who want to get a head start on their tailgating festivities,” added Lisa.  “For many Notre Dame fans heading north for home games, they travel along U.S. 31 up to South Bend, so we right along the way.”

It’s worth noting that when Colts fans want a pie for their Sunday tailgating experience, they have to buy the pie in advance since Lisa’s Pie Shop is closed on Sundays.

“The Colts fans will call ahead and pick up the pie early, on a Friday or a Saturday, so they’ll have it on Sunday,” noted Lisa.

It’s no surprise that the pies from Lisa’s Pie Shop have won many awards and been featured in the press.

According to Lisa, USA Today has included Lisa’s Pie Shop in a story on the top ten pie shops in the U.S.  The Food Channel and the Travel Channel have also produced stories on Lisa’s Pie Shop.

“Over the years, we’ve also won numerous state awards and many ribbons,” added Lisa.

When it comes to paying for your pie at Lisa’s Pie Shop, there are two forms of payment:  cash or check.  That’s the way it always has been and always will be. 

And, it’s worth noting that Jim and Lisa Sparks acquire their fruit from many different locations.  For instance, the strawberries come from California, the apples are grown in Washington and Indiana, the black raspberries are harvested in Oregon, the cherries are sourced in Michigan, and the peaches come from Georgia, South Carolina, and Michigan.

Even though Jim and Lisa operate their business like a well-oiled machine, there are often issues with getting what they need when they need it.

“Every year, there are supply issues with fruits,” said Jim. 

In addition to making sure every pie is made to the highest possible quality, Jim and Lisa also monitor the shelf life of every pie.

“We don’t keep a pie on the shelf for more than 24 hours,” said Jim.

But, he also admits that no pies go unsold.

Those pies which are not sold within a 24-hour time period are then repackaged and sold in another form.  Lisa is able to transfer pies into 16-ounce Mason jars.  They are referred to as Pies in a Jar, but every jar is only big enough to hold half of a pie. 

“It’s great to sell a day-old pie,” said Lisa.  “You just heat and eat.”

As you would expect of a small business like Lisa’s Pie Shop, Jim and Lisa rely on their customers to help promote their existence and their pies.

“We let word of mouth promote us,” adds Jim.

And, Lisa Sparks is thankful for her regular customers.

“We would be nothing without our loyal customers from both inside and outside the state of Indiana,” notes Lisa.

And, it’s fair to say that Jim and Lisa Sparks’ customers also have a mutual appreciation for the wide variety of pies prepared for them to buy and try throughout the year.

If, for some reason, you don’t like pies, then Lisa’s Pie Shop does make three types of cookies (chocolate chip, Snicker doodles, and M & M), Mexican wedding cakes, four types of bread (pumpkin, banana, blueberry/zucchini, and pineapple/zucchini), pumpkins rolls, Bundt cakes, and four varieties of quiche (ham & cheese, spinach, bacon, and Western).

But, if you have never tried one of Lisa’s pies, I encourage you to do so.  When you try it, you will like it.  I did and I know you will, too.  By the way, I had the cherry pie and I’m headed back for more!  I’ll see you at Lisa’s Pie Shop.

This place won’t be difficult to find because as Lisa says, “We’re in the middle of everywhere.”

Mounts Botanical Garden Hosts 13 Events in November

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Mounts Botanical Garden Hosts 13 Events in November

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County to Host 13 Healthy, Fun, & Informative Events in November, Including Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale, Qi Gong, Watercolor Classes, and Monthly Dogs’ Day in the Garden

+ Watercolor at the Garden – Nov. 2, 9, 16,

+ Wednesday Walk & Plant Talk – Nov. 3, 10, 17

+ Qi Gong – Nov. 3, 10, 17

+ Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale – Nov. 6-7

+ Moai Tour with Artist Dennis MacDonald – Nov. 12, 19

+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – Nov. 14

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 21, 2021) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting 13 family-friendly open-air events in November, including the always popular Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale, watercolor classes, Wednesday Walk & Plant Talks, Qi Gong, and the monthly Dogs’ Day in the Garden.

“Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden is inviting garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and proud ‘green-thumbers’ of all ages to come out and enjoy some of our many safe, healthy and happy horticultural activities in November, and visit our exciting new permanent exhibition, Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden,” says Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg.

November 2, 9, 16

Watercolor at the Garden

Tuesday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
$20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.

Share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. Each class begins with an instructor-led Nature Walk for inspiration and to capture reference photos to use in class. The group will then move indoors, where Carl Stoveland will start with a quick demo topic then assist participants in choosing a subject and getting started on a watercolor. Bring pencils, pens, paints sketchpad or watercolor pad, (or journal) and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Classes are open to adults only at all levels, from novice to experienced artist, and will be tailored to each student.

Note: The previously announced Watercolor classes scheduled for  Thursday, November 4 and 18, have been canceled. 

To register, visit https://www.mounts.org/events/

November 3, 10, 17

Wednesday Walk & Plant Talk

Staff or Docent Led

Wednesdays, 8:30 to 9:30 am

$5 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Registration is required; tour size is limited to 15 adults.

Come early to enjoy the morning quite while reconnecting and recharging with nature. Experience the beauty of the Garden and note the changes each week. Walk for fitness and for fun, stopping along the way to admire the plants or enjoy a stretch or two.

To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/

November 3, 10, 17

Qi Gong

Wednesdays, 10:00 to 11:00 am

$10 for members; $15 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)

Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.

Relieve stress and increase your metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi. Each class is limited to the first 10-15 people to register. Classes will be inside, led by Roxanne Cumberland. 

To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/

November 6-7

Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale

+ Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm

+ Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm

FREE for Mounts members and children 5 and under; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors, active military, and college students with ID; $7 for children, 6-17

+ Tickets available at www.mounts.org

Reconnect with Gardening as an estimated 60 vendors, spread throughout the Garden, offer a wide range of plants, shrubs, trees, garden furniture, accessories, baskets, and fine crafts. Visitors can stroll and shop in a relaxed environment, while looking for Bonsai, bamboo, bromeliads, butterfly plants, citrus, ferns, Florida natives, flowering trees, ginger, heliconia, orchids & supplies, pitcher plants, plumeria, roses, succulents, vines and more.  The Mounts Botanical Nursery and Vintage Thrift Shop will also be open with a great variety of plants and unique treasures for the home and garden.

November 12, 19

Moai Tour with Artist Dennis MacDonald

Friday, 10 am to 11 am

FREE for Mounts members; $12 for nonmember adults

Registration is required; group size is limited to 20 adults.

Experience the awe and wonder of Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden. Artist Dennis MacDonald will offer an insider’s tour of the moai project, its background and the processes used to create the statues as an artistic tribute to the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) culture.

To register, please visit https://www.mounts.org/events/

November 14

Dogs’ Day in the Garden

Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm (last entry at 3 pm)

FREE for members and children 5 and under; $12 for nonmember adults; $10 for seniors, active military, and college students with ID; $5 for children 6-1. Ticket includes full Garden admission.

This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your beloved pooch to enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.

Guidelines:

+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.

+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.

+ Rabies vaccination must be current.

+ Visitors should bring their own and water treats for the puppies.

+  For all Dogs’ Day rules, please visit www.mounts.org/dogs-day.

Also available to visit in November 2021:

Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden

Located in the Tropical Forest Garden

Bringing the awe and wonder of Easter Island to West Palm Beach is this new permanent installation of three imposing moai statues, replicas of the iconic monolithic, human figures located on Rapa Nui, Chile. Designed by artist Dennis MacDonald with great attention to authenticity and detail, each of the statues is made of solid, reinforced, poured concrete and has been stained to create a weathered appearance. The larger moai stands 20 feet tall and wears a “hat” known as pukao, two additional pukao rest on the ground.

The Moai at Mounts Botanical Garden installation is included with regular Garden admission:

+ FREE for Mounts members and children 5 and under; $12 for adults; $10 for seniors, college students and military with ID; $5 for ages 6-17

+ Tickets available for purchase at the gate.

Garden hours in November are Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 16-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 5,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

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