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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.

SunFest is Back, SunFest 2020

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SUNFEST 2022

Downtown West Palm Beach, FL

Along Flagler Drive and the Intracoastal

Thursday, April 28 – Sunday, May 1, 2022

SunFest 2022

Save the date for SunFest 2022: Thursday, April 28 – Sunday, May 1!

  • WHERE: Downtown West Palm Beach along Flagler Drive and the Intracoastal between Banyan Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue.
  • WHEN: Thursday, April 28, 2022 through Sunday, May 1, 2022
  • CONTACT: For more information about SunFest or to inquire about the 2020 ticket roll-over plan, please visit www.SunFest.com or call 561-659-5980.

Wellington Celebrates Customer Service Week

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Wellington Celebrates Customer Service Week


 

Wellington joins government agencies across the state and the nation in celebrating Customer Service Week from October 4 – 8, 2021.  Celebrated the first full work week in October, this is an international celebration of the importance of customer service and of the people who serve and support customers daily.
 
This year’s theme is ‘The Power of Service.’ A great testament to the power of service is the dedication our Village’s customer service team has shown throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Wellington is proud to honor all its customer service and front-line staff who continue to keep residents informed and satisfied. They are a vital part of the long-term success and well-being of our entire community.
 
“We are very proud of our Village’s customer service employees for their dedication to public service,” said Village Manager Jim Barnes. “These hard-working people are here for our residents every day, especially during challenging times. Some, you may see at the front desk of Village Hall. Others, you may not see, like the staff who worked to answer your calls during the height of the pandemic, or those who work behind the scenes to ensure vital Village services are provided. During Customer Service Week we show our appreciation for the service they provide.”

 
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.

October Gardening To-Do List

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October Gardening To-Do List: 5 Steps to Prepare Your Garden for Fall

By Tripp and Carmen Eldridge

It may be hard to believe but we’re already in the midst of the fall season. And although leaves aren’t really falling off trees here in South Florida, now is the perfect time for gardeners to get started on planting their cooler-season vegetables. But before you start shopping for seeds, there are a few things you should do to transition your garden beds from the summer harvest.

As we welcome a respite from Florida’s summer heat, the cooler temperatures offer an opportunity to get outside and clear out the remains of the summer fruits and vegetables you enjoyed over the last few months. If you are planning on using the same beds from the summer for your cool-season garden, it’s important to clean out any dead plant matter and weeds before you start fresh.

Garden renovations can be overwhelming but there are a few tips to make your cleaning efforts easier.

Step 1: Come Up with A Garden Plan

When visualizing your perfect fall garden, it is best to start with a plan. Think about what kind of vegetables and herbs you would want to incorporate into your meals throughout the season and make sure they are compatible with the seasonal temperatures in your area. Then, write down the location and planting date(s) of the vegetables you want to include. This map will help guide you through the planting step. Finally, create a list of all of the supplies and seeds you will need to get started – it will save you a lot of extra trips to the store.

Step 2: Clean Out Debris

Now that you have your plan, it is time to get your hands dirty. Cut down any plants from the previous season at the soil level with pruners, especially ones that are dead or dying, and pull up all weeds from their roots. If you compost at home, non-diseased plant material can make for great material to add to your compost pile and replenish your nutrient-rich fertilizer for future seasons. Weeds can be added to your compost so long as they don’t have any mature seed pods or aren’t grass with roots.

Step 3: Start Tilling

Third, get to work and break up the top layer of soil with a garden hoe or spade. Break up any large clods and scan for any overlooked rocks that you can remove. If you’d like to test your soil for nutrients, take three to five soil samples from different parts of your garden for pH testing. Your local UF IFAS County Extension Service can test your soil for an additional fee. The test will show what nutrients you may need to add before you keep planting.

Step 4: Add Nutrients

Finally, add organic matter, like compost, and nutrient-rich fertilizer over your tilled soil. Take your hoe or spade to turn it into the top layer. If you aren’t immediately replanting, cover the bed with flattened brown boxes or mulch to prevent weeds from growing and keep your soil fertile. Mulch will also keep your beds moist for when you are ready to start growing.

Step 5: Replant and Revitalize

Once your soil is revitalized, you are finally ready to refresh your vegetable garden and prepare for all the fresh produce you will be able to harvest over the next few months. October is a great time to plant herbs and hearty veggies like broccoli, carrots, brussels sprouts, and other root vegetables. In addition, look into growing lettuce and radishes to add to your fall menu. In South Florida, you can also plant tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and other warm-season crops. For a complete list of what to plant when for our area, check out the University of Florida’s Vegetable Gardening Guide.

However, the work to keep your garden clean doesn’t stop in October. Don’t forget to regularly inspect your garden for struggling plants and continue to clean out the beds to prevent pests and make room for new veggies. Make sure to pay attention throughout the cooler months. With October dryness, checking moisture levels and ensuring that you consistently water your plants are important for a successful, sustainable harvest.

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Carmen and Tripp Eldridge are small-scale farming experts and the current Farm Directors at Arden, an award-winning residential agrihood in Palm Beach County, FL. Managing the community’s five-acre farm, Tripp and Carmen are pioneering innovative farm-to-table living in South Florida.

Gender Pronouns and their Impact

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What Are Gender Pronouns and What Are They Are Doing for the LGBTQIA+ Community

With expert insights from Rachel Needle, Psy.D.

pronouns: she/her/hers

Shakespeare would sometimes use different second person pronouns in his plays, often switching from one to the other in the same conversation. In the 17th century ‘you’ was for formal usage and ‘thou’ was the casual pronoun. A man of Shakespeare’s time could say to his wife “thou art lovely this day” but to his superior would say “do you have need of anything, sir?” Today, thou would find thyself scratching thine head in confusion if this were still the way thee should address thine populace. However, in the twenty-first century we are being called to evolve the way we address people using third person pronouns: he, she, they, and them. And although it can seem confusing, it’s necessary for the health and well-being of our LGBTQIA+ community.

Sex refers to the different biological and physiological characteristics of males and females such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones, whereas gender refers to the socially constructed characteristics of women and men such as norms, roles and relationships of and between groups of women and men. Basically, gender doesn’t have to match the sex a person was born with. Gender is the identity a person feels the most comfortable with. Google lists 64 different types of genders, or 64 different reasons someone may be asking you to address them with a different gender pronoun than the one you might have assumed.

Misidentifying someone can be harmful. “Gender dysphoria is listed in the DSM 5 and refers to psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one’s sex assigned at birth and one’s gender identity,” said Dr. Rachel Needle, a licensed psychologist, executive director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, and co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. “There is research showing that using the correct pronouns and names reduces depression and the risk of suicide in transgender youth.”

Dr. Rachel Needle

          Many people have updated their social media bios, email signatures, and contact info with their pronouns, including people who identify with their gender assignment, as a way to communicate their support for social change and inclusion. “We use pronouns every day and might not even realize it but when we use someone’s correct gender pronouns it shows acceptance and that we respect an individual’s identity,” adds Dr. Rachel Needle. Referring to someone by their name, avoiding pronouns altogether, researching social and professional profiles, and simply asking the individual are other approaches to correctly addressing ones pronouns. 

          Despite the century you were born in, or what we once believed to be true, we have an obligation to do better once we know better. You will meet someone who identifies with one of the 64 genders you are not familiar with. It doesn’t matter which gender they chose, and it doesn’t matter why they chose it. That is their personal story. Your story will be the compassion and kindness you use in addressing them with the gender pronoun they feel comfortable with.

Once upon a time, Old Farmer Jones bought a dog to help him on the farm. He named the dog, Dog, and began training immediately. But, no matter how hard he tried he could not get Dog to come when he called. He was angry and thought Dog must be very stupid. Then one day, his wife was feeding the barn cats and called “Hey cat”. Dog came running to her. The farmer was surprised. He told his wife he was never going to call that stupid Dog, Cat. He screamed at Dog, threatened Dog and frightened Dog. Dog was sad and walked around with his head down and tail between his legs. Farmer Jones liked Dog, and didn’t want to give up on Dog so he finally gave in and named him Cat. Farmer Jones is happy now. He enjoys the big brown eyes, perked ears and wagging tail of his happy Cat. And Cat is the best farm dog he ever had.

** Compass has been a leading, comprehensive resource missioned to engage, empower and enrich the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people, and those impacted by HIV and AIDS, in our local community since 1988. Visit https://compassglcc.com to learn more.

 

Dr. Rachel Needle is a Licensed Psychologist and Executive Director of the Whole Health Psychological Center, and Co-Director of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, a continuing education and Ph.D. provider company that trains couples and sex therapists around the world. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or visit her on the web at www.modernsextherapyinstitutes.com  or www.drrachel.com

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Julie Khanna is the owner of Khanna Connections- a marketing, communications and relations firm with a niche in the medical, health and wellness industries. Connect today at Connect@khannaconnections.com

Guerrilla Reading

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Guerrilla Reading

By Heidi Hess

The red ink from the Sharpie marker was on its last legs.  I had just put the finishing touches on the bullseye on the wall behind the dining room table.  The kids looked on, nervous, afraid to ask what I was doing.  My husband broke the silence.  “Uh, hun?  You o.k.?”  There was a tinge of concern in his voice.  “Me?  Oh yeah. I’m fine.” I kept coloring the bright red circles.  “What’s with the bullseye?” He got to the point.  Now I was going to get to mine.  “Well, we are doing homework.  And I’m having some problems getting our son to read.”  I continued with the coloring. “Will that help?”  He questioned.  “It’s going to help me.  Where else am I going to hit my head in frustration?  How else will I numb the pain???” 

I’m kidding of course. 

My kids are teenagers now and not only can they read but they like reading.  Thank you, Jesus.  Thanks in part to my commitment on those tough days and also other things outside of actually reading.  We were always at the library.  Either checking out books or attending a program there.  The library was one of the only places they could go and get as much as they wanted (books that is…not videos).  We would emerge from the library, sunglasses donned, arms with shopping bags full of books.  It was like shopping but not.  At school they were learning to write and they both seemed to enjoy that.  And in order to write, you have read what you wrote.  Then there are graphic novels.  That’s some sneaky reading right there.  Let’s face it, what second grade boy doesn’t want to read something that talks about poop or the toilet or underpants for that matter. But those things mentioned above, are sneaky ways to get your kids to read.  I have something else up my sleeve too.  This is a stretch so stay with me here.

Comic Conventions or Book Festivals.  These fun-filled events make words come alive.  It’s not just people walking around dressed up as Superman or Catwoman.  It’s not just meeting the celebrities from the movies or tv shows we loved.  Here you can meet the authors and illustrators that are responsible for creating some of the characters we know and love.  And to get back to the reading aspect, comics in general are great for kids who aren’t thrilled with reading or have difficulty reading.  The pictures not only help explain what is happening but give kids clues into what some of the words might be.  Stan Lee wrote his comics so anyone could pick them up, at any point in the story line and be entertained.  He also didn’t write down to kids.  He wanted kids reading about Spiderman sitting with a dictionary looking up words they didn’t understand.  If you are at a comic con, there are literally box after box after box of 50 cent comics.  That’s a lot of reading material for very little change.  The comics of today are a little different and just like all comic conventions, should be approached with caution.  Not all comics are for kids.  If you are interested in getting your kids reading comics, be sure to ask someone who knows what’s happening.  Your local comic shop can help guide you to something appropriate. 

It’s the same with comic conventions.  They are a lot of fun, but some are more family friendly than others.  We have one happening on October 2nd at the American Polish Club.  It’s a small con called PalmCon that really aims at making comic conventions a fun family event.  There’s lots to do and see and a family of four can get in for under $20.  And bonus, I’ll be there! 

Then on February 26th in the Boynton Beach Mall we have a book and writing festival called Read It Write it.  It features local authors of all ages – adults and kids.  It’s free to attend and the kids will enjoy interacting with authors.  And maybe be inspired to write their story. 

I had a conversation with my bestie the other day.  Who is the next J.K. Rowling?  Who is the next Stan Lee?  Are they out there?  Are they sitting at the dinner table with you fighting over trying to read again?  Maybe. Which makes me wonder…how many authors’ moms out there had the same bullseye behind the dining room table?  Lol.

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Super Mom by day, feisty writer by night.  Heidi Hess, a 40+ year resident of Palm Beach County, considers herself a native.  In her spare time, she dabbles in writing, painting and loves to travel.

IMPACT 100 PALM BEACH COUNTY KICKS OFF SEASON WITH NATIONAL FOUNDER WENDY STEELE

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Join Impact 100 PBC members for a presentation from Wendy Steele and reception on October 30th

(Palm Beach, Fla.) – Kick off Fall in an “impactful” way! Impact 100 Palm Beach County is hosting a Fall Kick-Off event featuring keynote speaker and Impact 100 national founder, Wendy Steele on October 20th starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Mizner Park Arts & Cultural Center in Boca Raton. Guests will enjoy a reception to celebrate the next grant giving year for Impact 100 PBC.

Steele founded the global organization in 2001 in response to feeling as though women’s roles in philanthropy needed a new way to be expanded and encouraged. She launched the organization with the goal of empowering women to see themselves as activists through utilizing large grants to make an impact within their communities.

By 2002, Impact 100 received nonprofit status and donated its first grant of $123,000. In 2003, People magazine published a story about Impact 100, and Steele’s idea quickly began to spread. Today, her model has been replicated in cities all over the world and only continues to grow.

“Through the joint efforts of philanthropic women, Impact 100 Palm Beach County gives so many smaller nonprofits a chance to launch new programming or initiatives that they may not have otherwise been able to develop without the grant,” said Holly Schuttler, current president of Impact 100 PBC. “We hope women will come to our kickoff to learn more Impact 100 PBC and all of the great things we do to help other organizations in our community get a jump start to aid our neighbors in need. The more members we have, the greater impact we can make with our donations.”

With 652 members in 2020-21, the Impact 100 PBC chapter is the second largest in the world and is entering its 11th year in Palm Beach County.

“Impact 100 Palm Beach County is completely volunteer-based,” continued Schuttler. “Our members can invest as much time as they have into Impact 100 PBC, but no time commitment is required.”

Impact 100 Palm Beach County is a women’s 501c3 nonprofit organization funding local nonprofit initiatives in southern Palm Beach County – between Boca Raton and Lake Worth. It is comprised of a growing number of women who donate $1,000 annually, pool all funds and vote to award multiple $100,000 grants to nonprofits serving southern Palm Beach County in five focus areas: Arts, Culture and Historic Preservation; Education; Environment and Animal Welfare; Family; and Health and Wellness.

Space is limited at this free event and reservations are required. For more information, please call 561.336.4623 or visit www.impact100pbc.org