As parents looks for options to keep their kids busy outside the classroom, the Science Center has some great opportunities for Spring Break camps! Young scientists ages 7-12 can enjoy interactive activities diving into the world of chemistry and explosions, all protected by rigorous COVID-19 procedures.
Parents can also look ahead to summer camp from June 21 to August 6 with topics like tech, space science, dinosaurs, marine biology and much more. More information can be found at the following link. https://www.sfsciencecenter.org/camps
April 2nd (one-day camp): Explosions 101 (ages 7-12) – Dive into the world of chemistry as we explore the reactive side of science. Join us for a day full of chemical concoctions as we experiment with natural pH indicators and make elephant toothpaste. $50/non-member, $45/member.
Upcoming Spring Break Camp at STEM Studio in downtown Abacoa in Jupiter April 16th, 2021: Spring Into Action (ages 7-12) – Spring is upon us and change is all around. Learn more about the changes around us as we explore metamorphosis, pollination, and other out-of-this-world changes. $50 per camper.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – FoundCare Inc., a nonprofit federally qualified health center, recently added three members to its board of trustees. Stephanie Carden, Miron Ebanks and Marcia Howard are the newest board members, and their unique backgrounds bring a specialized approach to their positions.
FoundCare uses a sliding fee scale based on household size and income, and no one is turned away for inability to pay. With several locations throughout Palm Beach County, FoundCare’s services include pediatric and adult primary care, women’s health services, chronic disease management, behavioral health services, dentistry, pharmacy, laboratory services, and x-rays. FoundCare’s mission is to fulfill unmet healthcare and social service needs of individuals and families in Palm Beach County. FoundCare recently broke ground on renovations to a 10,000-square-foot-facility in West Palm Beach. Set to open this fall, the new health center will serve as a one-stop healthcare medical home to all.
Carden, a Palm Beach resident, previously worked as staff attorney at Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County for 23 years before retiring. “My favorite part of my job was representing and advocating for individuals with HIV/AIDS, so FoundCare was a natural fit for me as they pioneered HIV/AIDS services with the Comprehensive AIDS Program,” said Carden. “No one should feel that they cannot afford to go to the doctor or get medical treatment and I do not think there should be barriers to healthcare.” Carden is no stranger to serving on nonprofit boards as she served as the board secretary for Palm Beach Day Academy from 2012 to 2020.
Ebanks is the CEO of Merricare Community Integrated Services, where she oversees operations to provide services to individuals with disabilities. Ebanks has been in public health management for the last 30 years, holding senior managerial positions throughout her career. “I am passionate about providing services to underserved communities that are impacted by mental health crises, substance abuse and developmental disabilities,” she said. “I am excited about serving on FoundCare’s board to make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable in our community and bring leadership through compassion and care. My belief is that we all have something to give to those in need.” Ebanks has a history of serving on various boards and advisory committees. She was raised in England and Jamaica, and currently lives in Delray Beach.
Howard, a Wellington resident, is the assistant Controller at Palm Beach Atlantic University and has a history with FoundCare. Howard was the Chief Financial Officer at FoundCare from 2006 until 2014. A native of Jamaica, Howard serves her community in a myriad of ways. “I believe it is better to give than to receive,” Howard said, “so that is why I serve at my local church and I am happy to add FoundCare Board Member to that list. The organization delivers services with care and compassion, and that aligns with my values.”
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are funded primarily by several entities, including grants, philanthropy and the federal government. To meet the criteria for federal funding, each health center must meet certain guidelines, including being governed by a board that includes patients from the community it serves, as well as other requirements.
“We are excited to have these three wonderful and qualified professionals join our board,” said Yolette Bonnet, CEO of FoundCare. “As the need for affordable healthcare increases, we are in a position of growth, and they will help us champion those changes. Fifty-one percent of the board are patients, ensuring we keep our priorities relevant to those seeking services from FoundCare,” Bonnet said.
To learn more about FoundCare, please visit http://.foundcare.org or call 561-HEALTHY (561-432-5849). ###
(LANTANA, Fla.) Following a nearly nine-month national search for a new CEO, the board of directors for the Palm Beach County Food Bank has named Jamie A. Kendall to lead the local nonprofit focused on ending hunger in Palm Beach County. In addition, long-time fundraising professional Ellen Vaughan has been appointed as director of development and philanthropy. The two assume their new roles at a time of exciting activity for the Food Bank, as the organization is moving to a new, fully-funded warehouse and distribution facility following a ribbon-cutting ceremony in mid-March – doubling its capacity to serve the community.
The Palm Beach County Food Bank procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers and other sources and provides it to almost 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and residential housing programs. Palm Beach County Food Bank programs reach families, children and seniors, and connect those in need to available benefits and resources. Partner agencies distribute the products received, including culturally appropriate food and necessities like paper towels and diapers. This process ensures families have access to food when they need it most.
“Thanks to experienced and committed interim leadership, the Palm Beach County Food Bank is well poised to continue to meet the unprecedented food insecurity needs that COVID-19 has created in our community,” said Marti LaTour, chairman, board of directors. “With the addition of Jamie and Ellen, we add great depth of knowledge to our leadership team. While the need for our services has never been greater, we are also in an exciting growth phase to meet that need, thanks to incredible generosity from our community. I know the amazing staff at the Food Bank will continue to do great things under their leadership.”
Historically, the Palm Beach County Food Bank provided access to nutritious food for more than 200,000 hungry Palm Beach County residents every month. Since COVID-19 disrupted the county’s economy, the demand for the Food Bank’s services has tripled. While pre-COVID 19 distributions averaged close to 5 million pounds per year, the current facility is now distributing close to 1.5 million pounds of food per month. LaTour says the new location and new leadership offers the nonprofit the ability to continue to meet the increased demand from Palm Beach County neighbors who find themselves needing access to food for their families.
A new resident of Boynton Beach, Kendall moved to Palm Beach County after serving for 10 years as chief operating officer for America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia – a nonprofit focused on ending hunger in a 21-county area of Ga. In her last fiscal year there, her leadership allowed the food bank to more than double the amount of food they distributed, compared to years prior.
“I am extremely passionate about the mission of ending hunger,” said Kendall. “I am an outside-the-box kind of leader and know that problems can be solved by being creative with our solutions. The Palm Beach County Food Bank has a great staff and an amazing board of directors who are each very involved with our mission to end hunger in our community. The need for our services is greater than ever and we must help our neighbors in need of assistance.”
Prior to her most recent food bank experience, Kendall spent more than 25 years in the nonprofit sector, working for social service humanitarian organizations, as well as land conservation groups across the state of Ga. She is an Ohio native and attended Bowling Green State University.
Delray Beach resident Vaughan is a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, via Ct. She brings nearly 20 years of Palm Beach County fundraising experience to her new role. With former leadership positions at St. Andrew’s School, American Cancer Society and Armory Art Center, she most recently served as director of annual fund development for Palm Beach Atlantic University.
“Every day when I come to work, I am able to see our results and impact in the county,” said Vaughan. “It can be very rewarding; I know that our donors feel this too. They appreciate how hard we work to support the one in five children who will go to bed hungry – and the thousands of seniors who do not know where they will get their next meal. The pandemic has changed the ‘face’ of hunger and exposed just how easy it is for people to become food insecure. I feel especially grateful to be in this role during the pandemic because it allows me to bring my experience to the table to produce the best possible results, so that we can continue to alleviate hunger in Palm Beach County.”
In addition to her professional roles, Vaughan is president-elect of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Palm Beach County Chapter. She is also a sustainer with the Junior League of the Palm Beaches – an organization where she has been a member for more than 20 years.
Those in need of food assistance may visit the Palm Beach County Food Bank website to learn where they can find food distributions right in their neighborhood. To learn more about opportunities to volunteer, host a food drive or make a financial contribution to the Palm Beach County Food Bank, visit pbcfoodbank.org or call at 561-670-2518.
Spring Break Camps offered in the Village of Wellington
Spring Break is coming up fast and Wellington’s Parks and Recreation Department is offering a variety of Spring Break camps and activities to keep your kids happy, healthy, and active!
Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) will host a number of camps including an All-Day Spring Break Camp with Building Up Sports Academy, for ages 6 to 13; a Basketball Camp for boys and girls, ages 8 to 15; a Fishing Camp with Building Up Sports Academy, for ages 5 to 16; and a Spring Break Soccer Camp with the Wellington Wave Soccer Club, for ages 8 to 18. Younger children, ages 3 to 6, can attend TumbleKid Kamp, where they will participate in gymnastics, sports, music, arts n’ crafts, and more! For more information call (561) 791-4005 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Camps
The Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Road) will be offering games, drills, and hours of fun with a Spring Break Tennis Camp for ages 6 to 16, all levels welcome. For more information call the Tennis Pro Shop at (561) 791-4775 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Tennis
For additional information on spring programs and to register online (existing users) visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/CivicRec. First-time participants will need to register in-person at Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road. Two forms of ID will be required to establish proof of residency (i.e. driver’s license and utility bill) and a birth certificate is required for registering a child in a program.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines will be followed and social distancing measures are in place. For more information contact the department at 561-791-4005.
To sign up for the monthly Play Wellington Newsletter from Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/PlayWellington. 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.
While college basketball fans around the country are looking forward to the return of March Madness — aka, the NCAA’s men’s and women’s basketball tournaments – later this month, basketball fans in Wellington just had a sneak peak of college basketball’s future. On the weekend of March 6-7, the Wellington Wolves travel basketball organization and US Amateur Basketball co-hosted the annual March Madness tournament. The main location of the tournament was the Wellington Recreation Center at Village Park, where there are three indoor basketball courts.
The event is now so big that gyms in the neighboring communities of Lake Worth, Palm Springs, and Boynton Beach had to be used to play the games. In all 15 basketball courts were needed to stage this basketball tournament. Other venues in Wellington which hosted games included Wellington High School, Palm Beach Central High School, Emerald Cove Middle School, Polo Park Middle School, and Wellington Boys & Girls Club.
The numbers associated with this tournament are eye-opening: 202 games, 97 teams, and 75 referees, who came from the East Coast Basketball Officials Association.
According to event coordinator Chris Fratalia, 57 of the 97 teams came from north Florida. And, for the first time in the 18-year history of this event, there was a team from outside the state of Florida playing in the tournament.
“This year, we had a team from the state of Maine,” says Fratalia. “It was a 9th grade girls team called Coastal Thunder. They enjoyed the weather.”
And, the Thunder thrived in atmosphere of the on-the-court competition, as the young ladies from Maine reached the championship final of their bracket (9th grade girls), but lost to the Wellington Wolves in the championship game, 64-53.
The ages of the players in the overall tournament ranged from 3rd grade through the 11th grade for boys and 7th grade through 9th grade for girls. Every team was guaranteed at least three games during the course of the weekend.
One of the highlights of the weekend was a number retirement ceremony for former Wellington Wolves player Jahnae Midget, who is currently a senior at Seminole Ridge High School in Loxahatchee.
According to Fratalia, Midget has played travel basketball for the Wolves since she has been in the 5th grade. Midget, who wore number six as a member of the Wolves, will be continuing her academic and basketball careers at Palm Beach Atlantic University this coming fall. Besides being a talented basketball player, Midget is a tremendous student as she’s a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, and has a grade point average of 4.6. Over the years, she has earned many tournament and team MVP awards while playing for the Wolves.
Jahnae Midget
Based on the enthusiasm on the court and in the stands, a good time was had by all.
Final scores of all games during the weekend are on display on the US Amateur app, which is a free download to your phone.
This event was sponsored by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, ESPN/106.3 FM, Chick-fil-A, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health, Allen Sportswear, Wellington Wolves, and the Council of Dads.
Hi, I’m Jim Barnes, Wellington’s new Village Manager. If you’ve lived in Wellington within the last two decades, chances are we’ve crossed paths either at Village Hall, at one of our many community events, or on the soccer fields at Village Park.
I was born and raised in the Philippines and have lived in Palm Beach County since 1977. My wife Kim (a Palm Beach County, Florida native) and I moved to Wellington in 2005 and our children Kyle and Devyn attended Wellington Elementary School, Wellington Landings Middle School, and Wellington Community High School.
I am a planner by background and experience, but a public servant at heart. Having worked several years in the public and private sectors in planning and land development, I started working for Wellington in 2003, as the Village’s Assistant Director of Community Services, later taking on the roles of Deputy Director of Environmental and Engineering Services, Parks and Recreation Director, Deputy Director of Operations, Director of Operations, and Assistant/Deputy Village Manager.
You can learn more about my career and experience on Wellington’s website, but what I want you to know as I begin my role as Village Manager, is that there are two major guiding principles behind my decision-making process – family and community. They are the reason my wife Kim and I decided to move here and raise our children, and why we’ve decided to stay here, long after our children start their adult lives.
My role, together with all Wellington staff, is to implement our Council’s vision, continue delivering the outstanding level of service to our residents, and implement initiatives that enhance our quality of life: excellent schools, and recreation opportunities we’ve all come to love and expect in Wellington.
It’s time to put 2020 in the rearview mirror and focus on a fresh start. It’s time to take a common-sense approach to get COVID-19 under control – and prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of our residents and businesses. As we continue to work alongside PBSO and Fire Rescue – the safety and security of our residents and visitors remain one of our top priorities.
Together, as a community, we overcame unprecedented challenges in 2020. This year, more than ever, we must resolve to work together to embrace our differences, recommit to high ideals, and to celebrate the good in life.
I invite you to get involved in our community this year. Whether through volunteering for the Village or for one of our many local organizations, or serving on one of our boards and committees – take an active role in our Village.
Wellington Historical Society hosts a community scavenger hunt
In celebration of Wellington’s 25th anniversary as a municipality, the Wellington Historical Society is hosting a community scavenger hunt. Participants will collect photos of Wellington landmarks while learning a bit about the people and stories of Wellington’s past.
“We’re excited to bring this event to the community, which will mark Wellington’s 25th anniversary and enable participants to have a great time in a socially distanced outdoor activity,” said Laurie Cohen, President of Wellington Historical Society. “We believe they’ll enjoy learning about Wellington’s past with the clues that lead them to different parts of the community.”
The scavenger hunt takes place the weekend of March 27 and 28. It was on March 28, 1996 that the Village of Wellington became operational after residents voted the previous year to create their own local government.
But the history of Wellington goes back to the community’s earliest days – and so do the clues in the scavenger hunt. Learn a bit about Charles Oliver Wellington for whom the community is named, and other pioneers who helped shape Wellington. Players will have an opportunity to win gift cards and other prizes for successfully finding the answers to the 25 clues contained in the scavenger hunt.
“We think this is a perfect family-friendly activity for a small group of friends, civic groups, or family members,” Cohen said. “All the answers can be found within Wellington, and it offers a chance to see locations in Wellington from a new perspective. Then we hope everyone will join us on the Wellington Promenade as we draw for prizes.”
Participants who share posts during the hunt will have additional chances to win the prizes.
Cost is $25 for up to 5 team members. The clues will be emailed to participants upon receiving their registration. Get a jump on your search by registering early. The first 100 to register will receive swag bags with Wellington pins and other goodies.
To be eligible for the prize drawings, turn in your completed scavenger hunt answer sheet between 3 and 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 28, at the Wellington Promenadelocated on Lake Wellington behind the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. You’ll receive tickets to place into the receptacles for the prize drawings of your choice, and light refreshments will be served. Drawings will begin at 5:30 p.m.
K9s FOR WARRIORS UNLEASHED AT THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS ON MARCH 20
“Heroes in the Gardens” for Organization That Pairs Service Dogs with Disabled Military Veterans
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – Advancing their mission to enrich lives with nature, art and history, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is presenting “Heroes in the Gardens,” a special event on Saturday, March 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. to raise funds and awareness for K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury and/or Military Sexual Trauma.
Headquartered in Ponte Vedra, Fla., K9s For Warriors’ program is a three-week, full immersion training providing veterans with Service Dogs, equipment, seminars, legal instruction, veterinary care, housing, meals, and a lifetime of wrap-around services at no cost to the veteran. The majority of the dogs are rescued from shelters around the country and trained at one of two of the organization’s Florida campuses.
“It is staggering and heartbreaking that approximately 20 veterans die each day from suicide,” said Rory Diamond, CEO for K9s For Warriors. “K9s For Warriors exists to eliminate veteran suicide. Not only are these dogs rescuing our veterans, but the veterans in return are rescuing the dogs from abandonment or euthanasia. To date, we have graduated more than 650 Warrior-Service Dog teams and rescued more than 1,200 dogs.”
Research on the nonprofit’s program has found that:
85% of graduates report being able to handle anxiety better
82% report a decrease in suicidal thoughts
73% report improvement in overall health
92% reduce or eliminate medication
“Many of our graduates were prisoners in their own homes – too afraid to journey back into the world,” continued Diamond. “We are proud to have a 99 percent success rate in suicide prevention after our graduates return home with their battle buddies.”
The ticketed special event is for all ages and will include a formal program saluting veteran graduates and their canine companions, as well as offer an opportunity to hear first-hand their stories of courage, bravery and valor.
Added Margaret Horgan, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens Managing Director, “We are honored to support K9s For Warriors and their mission to end veteran suicide and return our country’s ‘Warriors’ to a life of dignity and independence.”
Please note that all K9s For Warriors tickets are sold in advance in accordance with safety compliance following CDC and the City of West Palm Beach guidelines for COVID-19 protocol. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens will have special admission pricing for the entire day on Saturday, March 20, 2021 which includes: $25.00 for adults, $15.00 for ANSG members and seniors, $8.00 for children. To purchase event tickets, to become a sponsor or for more information on the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, please visit ansg.org or call 561-832-5328.
Located at 253 Barcelona Road in the historic El Cid neighborhood of West Palm Beach, the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Normal admission has been discounted while the Norton House and Artist Studio are under renovations: free for members and children under five, $12 for non-member adults, $8 for seniors (age 65 and older) and $5 for students and children five years of age and older. Special event pricing will vary. Garden Tours and Talks are available at 10 a.m. on Wednesdays. The Gardens are also available for private events and are closed on major holidays.
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About K9s For Warriors
Based in Florida, K9s For Warriors’ mission is to end veteran suicide. The organization serves as the largest provider of Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. The unique program is backed by groundbreaking scientific research (in partnership with Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab) which offers concrete data that Service Dogs can help mitigate veteran’s symptoms of PTSD. The majority of Service Dogs come from high-kill shelters, meaning with most Warrior/canine pairings, two lives are saved.
West Palm Beach, Fla.– The ninth annual Let’s Move! Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge has announced its March 2021 calendar of events to motivate Palm Beach County adults and youth to get up and get moving. Presented by Palm Health Foundation and Digital Vibez, Inc., Let’s Move is a month-long free activity challenge open to individuals and teams to participate by completing and logging 30 minutes of physical activity every day March 1-31, 2021. Let’s Move sponsors include Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Valley Bank and Wisehaupt, Bray Asset Management.
Participating in Let’s Move is free and open to the public by registering at www.letsmovepbc.org. Over 40 fun and energetic events are offered for all ages to engage online and safely in person throughout Palm Beach County, and include dance, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, dance, beach walks and more. Weekly prizes will incentivize residents to meet their daily 30-minute goals and teams will have the opportunity to compete for the highest number of collective minutes logged at the end of the month. A special $500 grant will be awarded to the school site or community-based/youth-focused program that logs the most minutes to support their physical activity programming.
Find Let’s Move events listed below and more at www.letsmovepbc.org where participants can register for free and find more details and event calendar updates as new activities are added throughout the month of March.
EVENTS
Let’s Move with Digital Vibez Virtual Event
Friday, March 5, 2021 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join virtually for Beach Vibez and wear your favorite beach attire!
SkyeHigh Fitness’ Spiritual Walk on the Beach | City of Delray Beach Parks and Rec Sunday, March 7, 2021 6:30 a.m. Join for a peaceful, mindful walk on the beach in Delray! Meet at the corner of Atlantic Ave and A1A near the Pavilion.
Let’s Move with DV Glow Vibez Virtual Event
Friday, March 12, 2021 6:00 pm
Join virtually for Glow in the Dark Vibez and wear your favorite glow in the dark gear!
The Alfred “Zack” Straghn Day/Walk
Sunday, March 14, 2021 4:00 p.m.
Libby Wesley Park, 2 SW 5th Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
Held in honor of the memory of Alfred “Zack” Straghn, a community elder who dedicated his life to bettering the Delray Beach community and annually participated in the Let’s Move challenge. Remember Mr. Straghn and walk from Libby Wesley Park to the beach.
Let’s Move with DV Retro Vibez (90’s/2k) Virtual Event
Friday, March 19, 2021 6:00 pm
Join virtually for Glow in the Dark Vibez and wear your favorite glow in the dark gear!
Let’s Move with Digital Vibez Caribbean Virtual Event
Friday, March 26, 2021 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join virtually and represent your favorite place in the Caribbean!
Let’s Move with Digital Vibez and For The Children – Healthy Family Healthy Kids Community Family Fun Fest Virtual Event
Friday, March 26, 2021 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
FREE Zumbawith The Village of Wellington Every Monday (except March 22) 10:00 a.m. on Zoom Latin inspired aerobic dance fitness program. Enjoy fun and fitness while you burn calories to great music. No dance experience necessary.
FREE Senior Aerobics with The Village of Wellington Every Tuesday 10:00 a.m. on Zoom Move, stretch, and strengthen with light weights and upbeat music. Zumba Gold for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class with lower intensity is also offered every Tuesday at 12:00 p.m.
FREE Yoga with The Village of Wellington Every Tuesday 6:00 p.m. on Zoom Get energized while building strength and flexibility! These classes link breath and movement while keeping you present as you move gracefully in and out of poses.
Let’s Move – Kid’s Virtual Zumba Fitness with DNA Total Fitness
Every Wednesday
6:00 p.m.
Designed for kids to have fun while learning about staying healthy on the inside and outside!
Let’s Move Zumba Class with sayWHAT! Every Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Join on Zoom for this fun workout that combines Latin and international music with dance moves.
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.
About Digital Vibez, Inc. Digital Vibez is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Palm Beach County. Our mission is to empower youth in diverse and underserved communities through dance fitness, technology and the arts. Our innovative programs and events motivate and inspire youth to use their creativity and talents to develop healthier habits while expressing themselves through positive outlets and engaging activities. For more information about Digital Vibez, visit digitalvibez.org or call (561) 847-4521.
