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KidSafe Receives State Funding for Human Trafficking Prevention with Help from Boca West Children’s Foundation

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KidSafe Foundation, with help from Boca West Children’s Foundation, has received state funding for new Stay KidSafe! Elementary Safety Education and Human Trafficking Prevention program

Boca Raton, FL (October 7, 2021) –Boca West Children’s Foundation was able to identify state funding matching the mission of KidSafe Foundation through the engagement of a government affairs specialist.  Thank you to a bill, sponsored by Sen. Tina Polsky and Rep. Chip LaMarca, KidSafe Foundation has received nearly $185,000 from the Florida Appropriations budget for the new Stay KidSafe! Elementary Safety Education and Human Trafficking Prevention program.

Through these funds, Stay KidSafe! will be available to all teachers in the state of Florida at no cost.  The program is an easy-to-use and comfortable personal safety and trafficking prevention program that uses animated videos and activities to empower children and build on their safety skills year after year.  The Florida Department of Education has mandated that all students in grades kindergarten through 12th receive human trafficking prevention education.

Boca West Children’s Foundation, which has granted funds to KidSafe Foundation since 2010, congratulated the KidSafe Foundation leaders as well as thanked Senator Polsky and Rep. LaMarca for their hard work and concern for children’s safety on October 5 at Boca West Country Club.  KidSafe discussed how this appropriation will help keep kids safe throughout Florida.

KidSafe Foundation has been educating children and their grown-ups about personal safety since 2009.  They are on a mission to stop child sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking, and their empowering children’s programming has taught over 60,000 children empowerment skills that are not just used to stay safe from abuse.  With learning assertiveness and a right to their own body boundaries, the skills they learn help them make safe and smart choices.  Empowered children become healthy, powerful adults.

“Our mission is to help at-risk kids, and we have supported KidSafe Foundation since our inception,” said Pamela Weinroth, Executive Director of Boca West Children’s Foundation.  “We are so thrilled this new program has been funded by the state.  We will be building strong, resilient children and safer communities.”

Chasing Waterfalls


We purchased flights to Hawaii, secured lodging and started making plans to hike volcanos and chase waterfalls on those islands filled with natural wonders. Then, COVID numbers increased, and Hawaii’s governor pleaded with travelers not to visit. So, the plane tickets were converted to credits—like so many others in the past 18 months. While dealing with this latest travel disappointment I had an epiphany. I live in New York, and it turns out we have a rather large waterfall. Perhaps you’ve heard of it?

Roadside Waterfalls

Hector Falls in Watkins Glen NY
Hector Falls

In what has become an existence of pivoting, I did just that and we loaded up the car to chase waterfalls across New York. We began in the Finger Lakes district in the utterly charming town of Watkins Glen. Our first evening, we enjoyed a sunset cruise on Seneca Lake aboard a sailboat named True Love. Along the way, Hector Falls came into view. From a height of 165 feet, water cascaded over several levels of rocks before flowing into the lake. We visited this roadside waterfall again from a bridge crossing it on Route 414.

Hiking Through Waterfalls

Waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park
Walking with Waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park

On our final day in Watkins Glen, we ventured into the state park of the same name. Located in the center of the village, this spellbinding park boasts 19 waterfalls displayed along the Gorge Trail. A 2.5 mile out and back trail, at every turn another stream of water plunges from steep stony cliffs to the depths of the gorge. The iconic Sentry Bridge was closed for repairs during our visit resulting in a detour up 300 stone steps to start the trail. Honestly, it was worth every breathless step to experience the wonders of this stunning park.

More Water to Admire in Letchworth State Park

Upper Falls at Letchworth Park
Upper Falls at Night

Renowned as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” the Genesee winds through a deep gorge in Letchworth State Park. Along the way, three major waterfalls flow over cliffs as high as 600 feet in areas. Lush forests flank the sides of the gorge. Visiting in early October, the first signs of fall added rich shades of deep red, orange and gold to the already idyllic scene.

Hikers relish in 66 miles of hiking trails. Whitewater rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and biking rank among favorite active pursuits in the warmer months. In winter, cross-country skiing, snow tubing and snowmobiling add to the fun. For a bird’s eye view of this lush wonderland, consider an early morning hot air balloon ride.

Don’t rush out of the park before dark. Instead, find your way to the upper waterfall near the Glen Iris Inn to view the falls shining with illumination.

Experiencing the Majesty of Niagara Falls

Feel the Falls on Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls
Feel the Falls on Maid of the Mist

Miles before you reach Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, New York, the mist from the plunging water comes into view. Once you arrive and stand above the thunderous water, the sheer majesty of this natural wonder leaves you breathless. Having visited several times before, Niagara’s waterfalls weren’t new to me, yet I still found myself spellbound in their presence.

We began with a ride on Maid of the Mist—a 175-year-old attraction that takes you into the mist onboard newly transformed boats running solely on electricity.

An astounding 3,160 tons of water flows over the waterfalls at Niagara every second. Walking a series of boardwalks at Cave of the Winds brings you within 10 feet of the Bridal Veil Falls on the American side. A few seconds on the aptly named “Hurricane Deck” and the reality of all that water and its power sinks in.

After dark, Niagara Falls lights up in brilliant shades of red, green and blue creating art from nature in dramatic fashion.

Cave of the Winds
Feel the power at Cave of the Winds!

Yes, I Will Chase Waterfalls—Always

While Hawaii’s waterfalls eluded me, New York’s waterfalls certainly didn’t disappoint. Yes, I know the ballad by TLC warns “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” but who says we have to listen to that advice?

Niagara Falls by Night

Kravis Center’s October – November Shows

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KRAVIS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Launches Spectacular 2021-2022 Season with

Seven Concerts and Shows in October-November

The Price Is Right Live– October 30

Gilberto Santa Rosa: Caminalo Tour – November 6

Trifecta of Folk Greats: The Kingston Trio,

The Brothers Four and The Limeliters – November 10

Tedeschi Trucks Band – November 11

Quinteto Astor Piazzolla:
Celebrating 100 Years of Piazzolla
– November 12-13

COME FROM AWAY – November 16-21

Cirque Dreams Holidaze – November 26-28


(West Palm Beach, FL – October 7, 2021) Live is Back!—that’s the theme of the 2021-2022 season of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, which launches with seven audience-pleasing shows in October and November. Tickets are now available for purchase either online at kravis.org or by phone at 561.832.7469.

OCTOBER
October 30 at 8 pm (Saturday) 
The Price Is Right Live
The Price is Right Live™ is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car! Play classic games just like on television’s longest running and most popular game show… from Plinko™ to Cliffhangers™ to The Big Wheel™ and even the fabulous Showcase.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $15


NOVEMBER
November 6 at 8 pm (Saturday) 
Gilberto Santa Rosa
Caminalo Tour

With six Grammy Awards, four multi-platinum albums, 13 platinum and 13 gold albums, Gilberto Santa Rosa is one of the most enduring salsa singers of his time. His continuing popularity has ensured that salsa music, especially the unique improvisational style known as “soneo” that he champions, has remained relevant well into the 21st century. Experience his gift in this exceptional performance.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $39

November 10 at 7:30 pm (Wednesday) 
Trifecta of Folk Greats:
The Kingston Trio, The Brothers Four and The Limeliters
An incredible evening of music is in store as three legendary folk groups take the stage. Grammy Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient, The Kingston Trio has charmed audiences around the world performing their timeless classics including Where Have All the Flowers Gone? for six decades. The Brothers Four are known for their many hits including Yellow Bird. And The Limeliters, known for their multiple chart toppers including, A Way Faring Stranger, have entertained standing-room-only crowds with their musical talent and zany sense of humor.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $25

November 11 at 7:30 pm (Thursday) 
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Revered for their soulful anthems, bittersweet ballads and unique sound that celebrates blues, jazz and rock, this Jacksonville-based band is one of the premier bands performing live today. Tedeschi Trucks Band delivers a sound and message that taps tradition while also extending the edges of American music with a genre defying collection that is all their own.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $44

November 12-13 (Friday and Saturday)

+ Friday at 7:30 pm
+ Saturday at 2 pm
Quinteto Astor Piazzolla
Celebrating 100 Years of Piazzolla
Feel the exhilaration of the music that revolutionized tango as these five virtuoso soloists magnificently interpret the vast repertoire of legendary composer Astor Piazzolla. Capturing the true aesthetic of Piazzolla’s sound, Quinteto Astor Piazzolla brings their passion and artistry to the stage for this special performance.
Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. Playhouse
Tickets start at $39

November 16-21 (Tuesday through Sunday)
+ Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 8 pm
 
+ Wednesday and Saturday at 2 pm & 8 pm 
+ Sunday at 2 pm 
COME FROM AWAY

(Kravis On Broadway) 

Broadway’s COME FROM AWAY is a Best Musical winner all across North America. This New York Times Critics’ Pick takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony® winning Best Director Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!” On 9/11, the world stopped. On 9/12, their stories moved us all.

Alexander W. Dreyfoos Concert Hall 

Tickets start at $33
Kravis On Broadway sponsored by Michael and Colleen Bracci

November 26-28 (Friday through Sunday)
+ Friday at 7:30 pm

+ Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm
+ Sunday at 2 pm


Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
electrifies the holiday season with a reimagined live family holiday spectacular. Featuring unforgettable performances, this critically-acclaimed extravaganza is both a Broadway musical and new Cirque adventure wrapped into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
Alexander W. DreyfoosConcert Hall 
Tickets start at $29
Sponsored by Wilmington Trust
With support from WPEC CBS 12

How to Purchase Tickets for These Shows:

Tickets are now available for purchase either online at kravis.org or by phone at 561.832.7469.

Health and Safety:
The Kravis Center remains committed to the health and safety of our artists, staff, audience, volunteers, and guests. Like many other performing arts centers throughout the country, we have implemented new health and safety protocols to ensure the comfort and enjoyment for everyone visiting the Center. To learn more about our current health and safety protocols visit kravis.org/healthsafety.

About the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts:
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 schoolchildren 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 information, please visit kravis.org.

FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute Receives $1 Million from Palm Health Foundation to Launch Program Merging Brain and Computational Sciences

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JUPITER, Fla. (October 5, 2021) – Florida Atlantic University Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute announced today it has received $1 million from the Palm Health Foundation to launch and support its new Program in Computational Brain Science and Health (PCBSH). The gift is awarded through Palm Health Foundation’s Brain Health Innovation Fund, supporting new technologies, treatments, resources and educational tools to advance brain health in the community. 

            “Palm Health Foundation’s gift supporting the launch of the program will be transformative, attracting distinguished neuroscientists and the neuroscientists of tomorrow to Palm Beach County,” said Randy D. Blakely, Ph.D., executive director, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute. “This phenomenal opportunity will showcase Palm Beach County as a leader in advanced neuroscience research that can enhance the lives of our citizens and the health of our communities, bringing hope to those diagnosed with brain health challenges.”

This gift will accelerate FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute’s drive toward a new era of neuroscience research, education and community engagement, supporting the recruitment of a nationally prominent computational neuroscientist to lead the PCBSH, as well as PCBSH program activities, including the computational training of Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute neuroscience graduate students; the procurement of advanced technologies needed for faculty research; and resources to foster collaborative research among computer scientists, neuroscientists and brain health specialists appointed across multiple FAU colleges, research institutes and FAU campuses.

            “FAU and Palm Health Foundation have a long standing partnership in promoting better brain health and wellness in the community through the ‘Brainy Days’ series, ‘Train the Brain’ campaign events, and ‘Research in Motion’ lectures,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation. “The foundation’s support of the Program in Computational Brain Science and Health will ignite additional innovation in research, education and community engagement in the brain health field, and will inspire those beyond.” 

Palm Health Foundation is a fundraising and grantmaking organization that exists to improve health in Palm Beach County. The foundation’s vision is to see all community residents have opportunities to thrive and reach their full health potential.

“Palm Health Foundation is widely recognized as a leader in advancing research, innovative technologies and community inclusion to improve the health of Palm Beach County residents,” said  Chris Delisio, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of the FAU Foundation. “We’re honored and privileged to be the beneficiary of this most recent example of leadership in action. The Palm Health Foundation is a valued partner to FAU.”

Funding and naming opportunities are available for all levels of FAU’s Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute facility, which is set to open in spring 2022. For more information, visit www.fau.edu/ibrain. For more information on Palm Health Foundation, visit www.palmhealthfoundation.org

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Announces Opening of New Permanent Installation MOAI AT MOUNTS

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(Photo Credit: Dennis P. León)

(West Palm Beach, FL – October 5, 2021) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden today announced the grand opening of its amazing new exhibition MOAI AT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN bringing the awe and wonder of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) to West Palm Beach.

Thanks to the vision and gift of Margaret Blume, the garden’s Tropical Forest Garden will re-open with the 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.

“That the people of Easter Island were so motivated to conceive, create and transport such monolithic sculptures with only rudimentary tools, no written language, and without the invention of the wheel is truly inspiring,” says Blume. “This artistic tribute is meant to evoke questions, rather than answer them, and to serve as a link to the past—our history, art and culture. If a visitor feels a sense of mystery and awe while being in the presence of the moai, then we have achieved our mission.”

“With this exhibit, we invite our visitors to reconnect with history as they discover the inspiring story of the moai and the Rapa Nui culture,” says Mounts Curator-Director Rochelle Wolberg. “Like all our special events and exhibits, MOAI AT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN  is designed to inspire a sense of awe, wonder, and reconnection among garden enthusiasts, plant lovers, and families looking to enjoy a safe, healthy and happy horticultural activity.”

The MOAI AT MOUNTS BOTANICAL GARDEN exhibition is included with regular Garden admission.

Garden hours are:

+ Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm (October and May-September)

+ Tuesday-Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm (November through April)

Garden admission is:

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.

Other upcoming events at Mounts include:

+ Plant-a-Palooza Fall Plant Sale with an estimated 60 vendors and artisans, spread throughout the Garden offering a wide range of plants, shrubs, trees, garden furniture, accessories, baskets, and fine crafts – November 6-7

+ Garden of Lights, 20 sparkling evenings during the holiday season as thousands of jewel-toned lights illuminate and amplify the lush tropical foliage, majestic trees, and signature structures along an easy-to-follow route throughout various garden areas – December 1-23

Sean Kenney’s Nature POP! Art with LEGO® Bricks featuring over 40 sculptures made from more than 800,000 LEGO® pieces exploring the beauty of nature through highly stylized, colorful displays that stand in striking contrast with their surroundings – January 8-May 1, 2022

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 6,000 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.

G-Star Teams Up with NASA, SpaceX, and The International Space Station

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PALM SPRINGS, Fl (Sept. 28, 2021) – G-Star High School of the Arts for Film, Animation and Performing Arts unites with NASA, Space X, and the International Space Station (ISS).  Working with NASA HUNCH (High school students United with NASA to Create Hardware), G-Star students will create, innovate, and build inventions for the astronauts to utilize in the ISS.  This is an on-going research and development program open to all G-Star students that affords serious interaction with the US Government for the expansion, progress, and evolution of space travel.  Items developed and created by G-Star are inspected and approved by NASA are then launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and delivered to the ISS, where astronauts will use them in their daily work.  This is a US Government sponsored program which gives students access to NASA and to their inner workings that very few students across the world can achieve.  School entrance into this program has extremely rigid rules.

Having the opportunity to work with NASA and the possibility of inventing something that can be used in space makes science exciting,” said Kim Collins, principal of G Star School of the Arts. “Having to follow proper specifications and solve real issues for astronauts makes science relevant. This opportunity for G Star students gives them access to a whole new world of career possibilities.”

Starting five years ago, G-Star made the decision to begin moving into the Augmented Age (people, Artificial Intelligence, and robotics) and space travel.  As part of that journey, working with NASA fulfills the school’s mission to unite art with science and engineering.  

“Space travel and exploration to Mars is a reality.  This is the beginning of a new era, not only for G-Star, but for the future of the entire world,” says Greg Hauptner, founder of G Star.  “We have entered into the most innovative and creative era in human history.  Something this monumental creates advancements in our everyday world from high-tech toothbrushes to tourist space travel to medical breakthroughs.  Hundreds of thousands of new businesses are already developing new products we never dreamed of; ready to hire our students for the increasing demand for their products and creating incredible job opportunities for the future.”

From the NASA HUNCH website:

“The NASA HUNCH Mission is to empower and inspire students through a Project Based Learning program where high school students learn 21st century skills and have the opportunity to launch their careers through the participation in the design and fabrication of real world valued products for NASA.”

G-Star High School of the Arts is a proud member of the Charter Schools USA family of schools Founded by Jonathan Hage in 1997.  CSUSA is one of the largest and highest performing education management companies in the United States serving more than 80,000 students in 98 schools with more than 10,000 employees. 

Enrollment for G-Star School of the Arts is underway. Those interested may apply online at www.gstarschool.org or call 561-967-2023 for a personal tour.

Tricycle Race Supports Children’s Charity

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Tricycle Race Supports Children’s Charity

West Palm Beach, Fla. (October 6, 2021) – Watch out for tykes on trikes three-wheeling their way to the finish line in West Palm Beach. On Friday, October 15, the parking lot at Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center will be transformed into a racetrack for the Kids Race Across America (Kids RAAM). The leaderboard will include 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds.

The preschoolers will be joined by community leaders for the tricycle race around the Westgate campus. The adults are competing to raise funds for the charity, which provides educational programs for low-income children. When the tires hit the pavement, Opportunity wins!

What: Kids Race Across America

When: Friday, October 15 – 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Opportunity’s campus at 4171 Westgate Avenue in West Palm Beach

More: The private fundraiser is open to the media. There will be numerous opportunities to capture photos and video footage, and staff and supporters will be available for interviews.

Opportunity Early Childhood Education & Family Center

Empowering the children of working families to achieve academic and life success through educational programs that embrace the whole child, and through family programming.

Kravis Center’s Beloved Lunch and Learn Series Begins on January 24th

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KRAVIS CENTER’S BELOVED LUNCH & LEARN SERIES BEGINS WITH SCANDALOUS PRESIDENTIAL CHAT

2022 “ArtSmart” educational series resumes on Monday, January 24

(West Palm Beach, Fla.)  The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts’ popular ArtSmart Lunch & Learn educational series resumes on Monday, January 24 at 11:30 a.m. The series will take place in the Kravis Center’s Gimelstob Ballroom in the Cohen Pavilion.

The first presentation will be “Affairs of The State: An Irreverent History of Presidential Mistresses and Misbehavior,” presented by Dr. Robert Watson, historian, professor and political commentator.  Guests will join Dr. Watson for an in-depth look at the scandalous love lives of some of our country’s leaders. The talk will pull back the curtain to take a fun look at the history of shenanigans of some of our earliest presidents. The first ArtSmart Lunch & Learn is sponsored by Bonnie and Steven Stern.

The second Lunch & Learn presentation, “James Dean Shooting Star,” presented by Julie Gilbert, Pulitzer Prize-nominated biographer, novelist, playwright and teacher, takes place on Monday, February 21. Unforgotten to this day, although his life ended over sixty-six years ago, James Dean’s image was that of the troubled outsider. Gilbert will unveil and explore new material about Dean and his unforgettable presence.

Photo by Chris Salata/Capehart Photography Copyright 2016

The final presentation on Monday, March 21, “Survival Instinct: A Dancer’s Story of Self-Reinvention,” will be presented by Steven Caras, a former dancer with the New York City Ballet, published author, featured lecturer, photographer, dance critic, guest ballet master and fundraiser. Caras’ talk will reveal intimate milestones, setbacks and struggles with sexuality and feature images of some of the greatest dancers the world has known. This ArtSmart Lunch & Learn is sponsored by Susan Bloom.

“ArtSmart is a series of arts education classes, workshops and lectures that takes arts lovers behind the curtain,” said Tracy Butler, Kravis Center’s Director of Education. “Our Lunch & Learn series typically sells out, so we hope everyone will gather their friends and join us for these fun and informative afternoons. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to the Kravis Center!”

Tickets for Lunch & Learn presentations are $100 and include lunch prepared by Catering by The Breakers at the Kravis Center. Lunch & Learn seating will be open seating. Doors to the Harris Pre-Function Hall and Gimelstob Ballroom will not open prior to 11:30 am.

To purchase tickets for the ArtSmart Lunch & Learn series, visit kravis.org/lunchandlearn or call the box office at 561-832-7469 (561-832-SHOW).

The Kravis Center remains committed to the health and safety of our artists, staff, audience, volunteers and guests. Like many other performing arts centers throughout the country, we have implemented new health and safety protocols to ensure the comfort and enjoyment for everyone visiting the Center. To learn more about our current health and safety protocols visit kravis.org/healthsafety.

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.

Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade returns December 4, 2021

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MARINE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION OF PALM BEACH COUNTY ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE PALM BEACH HOLIDAY BOAT PARADE AND TOY DRIVE, DECEMBER 4, 2021

North Palm Beach, FLA. – (September 27, 2021) – The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County (MIAPBC) announces its 27th annual Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade and toy drive, benefiting Toys for Tots and Little Smiles. Led by a Zambelli traveling fireworks display, the parade takes place on Saturday, December 4, 2021, from 6 – 8 pm, navigating from North Palm Beach up the Intracoastal Waterway to the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. A treasured tradition by residents and visitors, this free family-friendly event kicks off the holiday season spreading cheer with small boats, sail boats, and mega yachts, all decked out from top to bottom with millions of holiday lights illuminating the waterways. Toys are collected by land for Little Smiles and by sea for Toys for Tots. 

The not-for-profit MIAPBC brings the community two annual signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. Annually, the Palm Beach International Boat Show (March 24-27, 2022) has an economic impact of $682 million statewide and $84 million in Palm Beach County. Through these events, MIAPBC supports over forty local marine-related events and nonprofits that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond with a portion providing scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has donated over $2.5 million to local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates.

“The MIAPBC is proud to bring the community together and give back through this annual event. It has become an honored tradition for so many people throughout the years. As always, we hope to give back even more than the previous year, not only to this event, but to all the organizations and events we help fund throughout the entire year,” said Alyssa Freeman, executive director of MIAPBC.

The MIAPBC invites local businesses to participate as a sponsor with packages ranging from $250 – $10,000 with varying benefits including business exposure on television, radio, print, digital, social media, and public relations. A sponsorship guarantees access to the exclusive VIP Viewing Party with premium views of the boat parade, entertainment, food, and open bar. 

Register your boat today and be part of this holiday tradition. The parade features up to 80 holiday-themed boats and yachts that begin in North Palm Beach and travel by the MIAPBC headquarters in North Palm Beach up to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse where a panel of judges evaluates each vessel based on lights, enthusiasm, and themed-decor. The entering vessels are eligible for up to $10,000 in cash and prizes. All vessels must be registered by November 30, 2021. For more information visit, marinepbc.org or call (561) 863-0012.

About Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County:

The Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County, Inc. (MIAPBC) is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1986. Their mission is to promote and protect the sound growth of the marine industry in Palm Beach County for the benefit and education of its members, the community, and the environment. The MIAPBC brings the community two annual signature events: the Palm Beach International Boat Show and the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The Palm Beach International Boat Show (PBIBS) features billions of dollars of yachts and accessories with an economic impact of $682 million statewide and $84 million in Palm Beach County. MIAPBC supports over forty local marine-related events and nonprofits that protect and promote the marine industry in Palm Beach County and beyond with a portion providing scholarships to deserving students. Since its inception, the MIAPBC has donated over $2.5 million to local nonprofit organizations and scholarship candidates.

Wellington Partners with CROS Ministries on Mobile Food Pantry Program at Village Park

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Wellington has partnered with CROS ministries to provide a mobile pantry program to serve residents in need.
 
Organizers and volunteers from CROS ministries distribute food at a walk-up food pantry at Village Park (11700 Pierson Rd). The pantry, located near the eastside gymnasium lobby, is open Fridays from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Some Fridays may be excluded depending on scheduling.
 
Due to the rise in COVID-19, this pantry offers pre-bagged food items with “limited choice” grocery food items.   The goal of this pantry is to transition to a “choice” pantry, where participants are able to select the grocery food items of their preference.  The pantry operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and recipients must bring a photo ID.
 
CROS ministries serves the hungry and operates pantries throughout Palm Beach and Martin counties through community collaborations.   This no-cost public service was made possible through an in-kind donation of facility space by the Village of Wellington. For more information, and to verify hours of operation, call 211 or contact CROS ministries at 561-233-9009

 
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.