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2025 Behavioral Health Coalition Champion

For Business Leadership

Community Partners of South Florida CEO Kelly Powell

WELLINGTON, FL – Community Partners of South Florida is thrilled to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Powell, has been honored with the 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition Champion for Business Leadership award. The award recognizes Kelly’s exceptional dedication and impact on behavioral health within the Palm Beach County community.

In addition to this prestigious recognition, Tracy Speranza, Director of Supportive Housing at Community Partners of South Florida, was also recognized as a nominee for her outstanding contributions.

The Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition’s annual awards celebrate exceptional community leaders and organizations that work tirelessly to support behavioral health awareness, education, and transformation. The event highlights the critical importance of advocacy, empowerment, and innovative solutions in building a healthier Palm Beach County.

“It is truly an honor to receive this recognition from the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition,” said Kelly Powell. “I am also incredibly proud of Tracy for her nomination and admire all the nominees and winners for their commitment. Working together, we are making Palm Beach County a better place for children and families to thrive.”

Community Partners of South Florida extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kelly Powell, Tracy Speranza, and all the nominees and winners for their vital work in advancing behavioral health in our community.

About Community Partners of South Florida

Community Partners of South Florida is a $19 million comprehensive community development nonprofit agency headquartered in Riviera Beach that provides services to families facing social, emotional, and financial adversity. By using a unique, breakthrough approach integrating housing and financial empowerment, child and family mental health, and community services, Community Partners of South Florida creates self-sustaining families and communities and serves as a driver for growing its local economy. For more information about Community Partners of South Florida, visit www.cpsfl.org. Community Partners of South Florida is a proud chartered affiliate of NeighborWorks America, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit striving to make every community a place of opportunity.

Five Outstanding Female Leaders

Honored During the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Emerald Awards – Palm Beach

Nancy Brinker honored with Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy

Girl Scout Emma Smith with Emerald Honoree Chair and sponsor Lois Pope

Palm Beach, Florida (May 7, 2025) – An inspiring afternoon of celebration and philanthropy took center stage at the Four Seasons Resort in Palm Beach as Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosted the distinguished Emerald Awards Palm Beach luncheon, raising more than $170,000. The funds raised will help the organization continue to empower girls to grow into leaders who make a difference in their communities and beyond.

More than 300 guests and sponsors attended the annual Emerald Awards Palm Beach luncheon honoring Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy honoree and Palm Beach resident Nancy Brinker, Founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Promise Fund of Florida, in recognition of her extraordinary impact and enduring commitment to women’s health. The event also honored four exceptional women for their professional achievements and community service that distinguish them as leaders and role models for young women. The 2025 Emerald Awards honorees were Christine DelVecchio, Senior Vice President and Private Client Manager at Bank of America Private Bank; Sophia Eccleston, Director of Origination for NextEra Energy Marti LaTour, Director of Marketing for The A.I.D Group; Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections.

Nancy Brinker, Lisa Johnson, Jill Mondo, Nancy Proffitt

Nancy Brinker

Brinker is a three-time Ambassador and New York Times best-selling author and leader of the global breast cancer movement. Her journey began with a promise to her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, to end the shame, fear, and hopelessness caused by this disease. In one generation, the organization that bears Susan’s name has changed the world. In 2009, President Barack Obama honored Brinker with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for this work. She was also named Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control for the United Nations’ World Health Organization, where she continues to prioritize cancer prevention globally.

Christine DelVecchio

DelVecchio is Senior Vice President and Private Client Manager at Bank of America Private Bank in Palm Beach. Active in Bank of America’s Mentorship Program, DelVecchio imparts her years of experience to help young professionals grow and strive in their careers and is deeply committed to philanthropy. She co-chairs and is President of Impact the Palm Beaches, leading a group of 400 women in awarding $100,000 in grants to local non-profits, helping to make a significant impact on the community.

Sophia Eccleston

Eccleston, is Director of Origination for NextEra Energy and a leader in community service, where she serves as an Executive Board Member for CareerSource Florida, a commissioner, and past Chair of the Florida Commission on the Status of Women, and a board member of Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Her leadership has earned her multiple accolades, including the 2023 Minority Community Leader Award from Keiser University and the 2023 Women in Leadership Award from the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation.

Marti LaTour

LaTour is Director of Marketing for The A.I.D Group. LaTour has served as Chairman of the Board of the Palm Beach County Food Bank for the past six years. She is Vice Chairman of the Board at Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, a Board Member of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach County, FAU Tech Runway, Lois Pope’s LIFE Foundation, the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach Round Table and is active in numerous other organizations.

Wendy Sartory Link

Link is the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. Throughout her career, Link has been dedicated to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of leaders. She takes pride in her role as a mentor and has made significant contributions to the development of young women and men across Palm Beach County, inspiring them to reach their full potential.

Guests at the luncheon enjoyed a silent auction, honoree recognition ceremony and a keynote address from Mary Kissel, a distinguished geopolitical expert, executive and former journalist with a dynamic career spanning three continents.

The Emerald Awards Palm Beach was chaired by Virginia Spencer. Geri Emmett, Donna Mulholland and Lois Pope served as honorary event chairs. Host committee members were Priya Deshmukh, Andrea Fogarty, Kathryn Gillespie, Jackie Halderman, Kathleen Hillman, Lynn Kirker, Robin Mason, Melissa Mulvaney, Gail O’Donnell, Suzi Redland, Ofelia Utset and Marcia Wolf.

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida also presented honorary event chair, longtime Girl Scout volunteer, and previous Emerald Award honoree Donna Mulholland with a Lifetime Service Award at this year’s event. Since the award’s inception in 2014, it has recognized extraordinary, sustained volunteer service that has helped shape the organization and impact generations of young women.

“Each year, the Emerald Awards shine a light on outstanding women whose passion, perseverance and leadership help shape stronger communities,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “Their stories inspire our girls to dream bigger and lead with courage, confidence and character.”

Ruby Sponsors of the 2025 Emerald Award Palm Beach were Publix Super Market Charities and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Award Sponsors were Amazon, Comcast, Florida Power & Light, HCA Florida Healthcare, and Lois Pope; Sapphire Sponsors were Duffy’s Foundation and Fiserv; Illustrated Properties was the Valet Sponsor; PNC Bank was the Décor Sponsor; Opal Sponsors were Bank of America, LaCroix Sparkling Water and Sandy James Fine Food and Productions; and Pearl Sponsor was Virginia and Perry Spencer. Friends of Girl Scouts Sponsors were Israel, Israel and Associates, Linda Strutt Consulting, Inc., Munyon’s Paw-Paw, Lauren Sterlacci, TD Bank and Velocity Community Credit Union. Table Sponsors were Palm Beach State College, Christine Seal, UBS Financial Services, Inc. and Valley National Bank.

About Girl Scouts 

We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org

 The Power of Family

New Solo Exhibition at the Cultural Council

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County’s latest solo exhibition explores one of humanity’s most universal experiences: family.

Featuring photographs by West Palm Beach-based artist Andrea Sarcos, “Remember Me As a Place” includes images captured in the locations of her family’s migration history across Ecuador, Venezuela, and the United States. The exhibition will run Friday, May 23 through Friday, June 27, 2025 at the Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach.

“Remember Me As A Place is how I see myself and my family in all these locations—being a migrant and seeing how our story evolves as we go from place to place,” says Sarcos. “This series shares a deeper understanding of migration and how its roots are poetic, beautiful, and powerful.”

Through family ephemera and her own photographs including still life, landscapes, and images of family and others, the Venezuelan-born artist showcases how migration shapes relational dynamics, communication, and self-perception. While “Remember Me As A Place” is a culmination of her past, Sarcos says she hopes each viewer walks away with a curiosity about their own family history. All artworks are for sale, and a majority of the proceeds go back to the artist.

“The exhibition reveals a more realistic narrative around migration—including the love and connection they retain even as they move from one location to another,” says Jessica Ransom, director of artist services at the Cultural Council. “Andrea’s work connects us between past and present through her family and their migration experience.”

With a dual degree in journalism and visual art studies, Sarcos’ approach to photography is rooted in storytelling. She has displayed her work across Florida—including Arts Garage in Delray Beach, Hatch 1121 in Lake Worth Beach, and the J. Wayne Reitz Union in Gainesville.

Selected through a highly competitive application process, Sarcos is one of six Palm Beach County-based professional artists whose work was chosen by a committee of visual art professionals for one of the Cultural Council’s coveted Gayle and Paul Gross Gallery solo exhibition spots during its 2024-2025 season.

The solo exhibition is free and open to the public. The Cultural Council will host an opening reception for “Remember Me As a Place” on Thursday, May 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The public can view the exhibition in person at the Cultural Council’s headquarters in Lake Worth Beach. For more information or to RSVP to the reception, please visit palmbeachculture.com/exhibitions.

Calendar Item:Remember Me As A Place
Solo exhibition by Andrea Sarcos
Featuring new and archive photos captured by the artist, this series documents how migration shapes family dynamics, communication, and self-perception.
May 23 through June 27, 2025
Opening reception: May 22, 2025 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.)
Cultural Council for Palm Beach County (601 Lake Ave., Lake Worth Beach, Fla., 33460)
Free and open to the public; Tuesdays through Fridays (noon to 5 p.m.)

About the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the official support agency for arts and culture in The Palm Beaches, Florida’s Cultural Capital®. Headquartered in the historic Robert M. Montgomery, Jr. building in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, the Council presents exciting year-round exhibitions and performances featuring artists who live or work in Palm Beach County. The Council features spectacular work by Palm Beach County-based professional artisans in its Roe Green Uniquely Palm Beach Store and offers complimentary resources for visitors in its Jean S. and Frederic A. Sharf Visitor Information Center. The Council is open to the public Tuesdays through Fridays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and a comprehensive calendar of cultural events in The Palm Beaches, visit palmbeachculture.com.

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center Recognized

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for Clinical Excellence in Patient Satisfaction and Wound Healing Rates

Wellington, FL – May 28, 2025 –Physicians, leaders and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center are proud to announce that The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center has been awarded the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics®, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services for the 10th year in a row. The Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by the Center’s physicians, leaders and clinicians.

Pam Tahan, CEO, stated, “We are incredibly proud of the Physicians, leaders, and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center for their unwavering commitment to excellence. The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine’s achievement of the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics® is a testament to their dedication and exceptional care.”

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center is a member of the Healogics network of over 600 Wound Care Centers® and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.

Advanced wound care modalities provided by our wound care experts include negative pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

Dr. Kyle Eldredge, Medical Director of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center said, “We are honored to receive the Center of Distinction award from Healogics®. This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team at The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine. Our commitment to achieving outstanding clinical outcomes and maintaining high patient satisfaction is unwavering. I am incredibly proud of our physicians, leaders, and clinicians for their exceptional care and dedication to our patients’ well-being.”

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About Wellington Regional Medical Center

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.

About Healogics

Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year, over 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of over 600 Wound Care Centers®. Healogics also partners with over 300 skilled nursing facilities to care for patients with chronic wounds and provides inpatient consults at more than 60 partner hospitals. As the industry leader, Healogics has the largest repository of chronic wound-specific patient data in the country. The Healogics Wound Science Initiative offers peer-reviewed research and advanced analytics in the pursuit of better outcomes and a better way to provide care.

Admiral’s Cove Foundation supports Grandma’s Place!

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Maria Luker, Admiral’s Cove Development Coordinator, Jodie Schmitz, Roxanne Jacobs with Rebecca Divine, Admirals Executive Director

Grandma’s Place Board of Directors are thrilled to report that Admiral’s Foundation made a very generous grant to support their emergency foster care program. Jodie Schmitz, Board President, and Roxanne Jacobs, Executive Director, attended the Admiral’s Cove Foundation 2024/2025 Season of Giving Reception on Monday April 7th to accept the check.

The proceeds of this grant benefit Grandma’s Place foster care program, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes. Grandma’s Place also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success. 

The Admirals Cove Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Club at Admirals Cove. Since its founding, the Foundation has been a leader in supporting local nonprofits, advancing educational access, and strengthening community ties through collective giving and volunteerism.

For more information about Grandma’s Place, please e-mail Roxanne Jacobs at roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org, call 561-376-0488,or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org.

Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida Unite to Fight Hunger with Feeding Florida Together Service Project 

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Troop 24236 from Wellington donated 73 pounds of food to CROS Ministries: West Palm Beach Food Pantry
 

More than 10,000 pounds of food donated to local food banks

(May 27, 2025) – Throughout the month of April, Girl Scouts came together to tackle food insecurity through the annual Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s council-wide community service project, Feeding Florida Together. More than 900 Girl Scouts and their troops contributed 350 volunteer hours to local food banks and hunger relief organizations. At the same time, they donated more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food items, enough for nearly 8,500 meals.

Girl Scouts collected essential shelf-stable food and pantry staples including peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables and more. These donations were distributed across several counties, including Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, and Okeechobee, to Broward Outreach Center, House of Hope, Mustard Seed Ministry, multiple CROS Ministries pantries and more.

“Feeding Florida Together is more than a food drive, it’s an opportunity for our girls to become changemakers and really make a difference in local communities,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “They see firsthand the impact they can make in their communities by working together to fight hunger and food insecurity.”

According to Feeding Florida, 2.9 million Floridians lack proper food access, more than 800,000 of those are children and more than 2.9 million Floridians struggle to afford nutritious food.

To learn more about Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and their community service programs, visit www.gssef.org.

About Girl Scouts

We are the preeminent leadership development organization for girls who believe that every girl can be a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, and leader with the power to change the world. More than any other organization in our community, Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice—girls who command their future, engage their communities, and inspire others. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida serves more than 6,900 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call 561-427-0177 or visit www.gssef.org

Urban League’s Wild Wild West Gala

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Photo by Carol Porter

The 52nd Annual Urban League of Palm Beach County’s Annual Equal Opportunity Day Awards was held on Friday, May 9, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. The annual event this year was themed as a Wild Wild West Gala and it included dinner and dancing, and a number of people being recognized for what they do for the Urban League. Mistress of Ceremonies for the event this year was News Anchor Tania Rogers. The award honorees included the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Trailblazer Achievement Award, the Alfred J. Malefatto Humanitarian Achievement Award, and the Youth Achievement Award. FPL also was recognized for their service to the organization. For more information about the Urban League of Palm Beach County check out their website at www.ulpbc.org, or call them at 561-833-1461.

The Mall at Wellington Green Welcomes JD Sports to its Growing Retailer Lineup 

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Wellington, FL (May 20, 2025)—The Mall at Wellington Green will welcome international retail powerhouse JD Sports to the shopping center this summer. The sports fashion, multichannel retailer of branded sports and casual wear will occupy a 10,000-square-foot space on the first floor near City Furniture.  

“We are proud to welcome JD Sports and know they will infuse our retail lineup with a fresh and exciting energy,” said Asad Sadiq, General Manager at The Mall at Wellington Green. “With its unique blend of global brands and streetwear style, JD Sports offers an elevated shopping experience that perfectly complements the active, fashion-forward lifestyle of our community.” 

Founded in Manchester, England in 1981 by John Wardle and David Makin, JD Sports has grown into one of the world’s leading sports fashion destinations with more than 4,500 stores in 36 countries.  

JD Sports offers the latest footwear and apparel from beloved brands like Nike, Jordan, Adidas, New Balance, Asics, Vans, and more, with curated selections for men, women, and kids. JD Sports also carries its own private labels, including Pink Soda and Supply and Demand.  

For more information, follow JD Sports on Instagram, @jdsportsus, or visit jdsports.com. 

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For 

more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com. 

Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.   

AboutTheMallatWellingtonGreen  

The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.  

About Spinoso Real Estate Group 

Spinoso Real Estate Group is a national real estate firm, recognized as a premier operator of enclosed shopping malls and large-scale retail-based mixed-use properties. Spinoso REG has a proven track record of transforming and improving 98 mall and large-scale retail projects totaling more than 84 million-square-feet from coast-to-coast. As an industry-leading investment and operating platform, the firm offers a wide range of services including acquisition, recapitalization, market/asset analysis, leasing, property management, repositioning, marketing, development, stabilization, and re-development/densification. For more information visit spinosoreg.com

Over 50 Attendees Join Pace Palm Beach’s Quarterly “Open Doors, Open Hearts” 

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The gathering aimed to raise awareness about the only gender-responsive school in our county

Photos by Khanna House Studios

Kristi Fioravanti and the South Florida Women’s Networking Group 

Palm Springs, FL (May 19, 2025) – Over 50 attendees filled the room at Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to learn more about the second-chance, gender-responsive school for girls and young women while also showing communal support for a great mission. The year-round, tuition-free school is a strength-based program, meaning they understand each girl’s unique challenges and strengths, offering guidance that empowers students to succeed. The event included a presentation by Mindy Hanken, Executive Director at Pace Palm Beach. It featured exclusive tours of the different classrooms and common areas it offers to its enrolled girls. 

During the day, the girls shared with the visitors about recent field trips they’ve taken, like the one to the Capitol, and how Pace makes them feel supported. Pace Palm Beach provides academic and behavioral support to middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across Palm Beach County School Districts. The girls at Pace receive year-round academic instruction in small class sizes for individualized attention and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma-based therapy. They are provided with leadership and community service opportunities, life skill development, career readiness, and individual goal planning, including high school diploma tracks, credit recovery tracks, and GED graduation tracks. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them. 

“I appreciate everyone who came to Open Doors, Open Hearts to learn more about Pace, our mission, and how we can continue supporting girls in Palm Beach County,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “Seeing their eagerness to support our girls was moving, and I am excited to see the collaborations that come from this.” 

Pace is a safe and supportive environment for over 150 girls served annually in Palm Beach County. Girls at Pace Palm Beach also receive life coaching to learn essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, grocery shopping, and landing their first job. Pace Palm Beach also offers therapy and counseling services for teenage girls throughout Palm Beach County at schools, homes, and locations throughout the community.  These resources are made available to girls at no cost. 

Open Doors, Open Hearts attendees included the South Florida Women’s Networking Group and representation from community allies like BeWellPBC, Inner City InnovatorsCommunity Partners of South FloridaFancy Smiles Dental Practice, and more. 

To learn more about how to support Pace, or open enrollment, visit www.pacecenter.org.

Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach, Tina McNutt, Mavis Pettway, and Dr. Francesca Scarlett, Fancy Smiles Dental

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About Pace Center for Girls Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.  

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County To Host Two Informative Hot Topic Luncheons

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At Fountains Country Club in Lake Worth

May 21

What’s Going on with LWV Florida & US?

With Debbie Chandler, Esq., Co-President LWV Florida

June 25

Meet Palm Beach County’s New Public Defender

With Daniel Eisinger

(West Palm Beach, FL – May 13, 2025) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)is inviting interested members and supporters to two upcoming information-packed Hot Topic Luncheons in Lake Worth:

Wednesday, May 21 / 11 am to 1 pm

What’s Going on with the State & National LWV?

With Florida Co-President Debbie Chandler, Esq.

Debbie Chandler will speak about the current actions of the Florida legislature, the ongoing lawsuits brought by the League of Women Voters of Florida, and the strategies and plans at LWVFL. She will also share her insights based on visits with the local leagues throughout Florida.

Ms. Chandler has been the Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Florida for almost two years. She is actively involved in all aspects of leadership at the state level and has traveled throughout Florida to visit each League, to learn what they are doing, and to explain key strategies of LWVFL.

This Hot Topic Luncheon will also honor LWVPBC’s Outgoing President Kathi Gundlach and Outgoing Membership Chair Darlene Kostrub.

+ Deadline to register is May 15, 2025, at www.lwvpbc.org.

Wednesday, June 25 / 11 am to 1 pm

Meet Palm Beach County’s New Public Defender

With Daniel Eisinger

Homegrown Public Defender Daniel Eisinger earned his B.A. and J.D. from the University of Florida and began his career in the Public Defender office in 2003 and was elected Palm Beach County’s Public Defender last November. The office represents indigent clients who do not have the ability to afford a private attorney, and Eisinger has been directly involved in misdemeanor, felony, and major crime cases — including capital cases in which the state was seeking the death penalty. 

In addition, he has been instrumental in establishing court programs to better serve clients and the community — the Misdemeanor Mental Health Court to connect low-level offenders suffering from mental illness with mental health professionals and the Driving Under Suspension Court. These courts have resulted in making our communities safer while benefiting clients at the same time.

A member of the National and Florida Association(s) for Criminal Defense Lawyers, a member of the Palm Beach Bar Association, and a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County, he is also a member of the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County.

+ Deadline to register is June 19, 2025, at www.lwvpbc.org.

Where:

Both of the Hot Topics Luncheons will be held at Fountains Country Club, 4476 Fountains Drive in Lake Worth 33467  (South of Lake Worth Road, West of Jog Road)

Registration Fee:

$40 for LWVPBC members; $45 for nonmembers

Notes:

+ Doors open at 11:00 am. The 3-course, sit-down lunch begins at 11:30 am, the program starts at noon.

+ Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Fee is nonrefundable.

Directions & Parking:
+ Enter the Fountains Country Club from Lake Worth Rd, one traffic light west of Jog Rd.

+  Show your driver’s license at the gatehouse and tell them you are “from the League of Women Voters attending a luncheon at the Clubhouse.”
+ Once on the grounds, the Club House is on your right at the large bronze and gold sign.
+ The gate at Melaleuca Lane and Jog Rd is for residents only. If your GPS takes you there, just continue North on Jog Rd and turn left at Lake Worth Rd.
+ If your GPS takes you to the Jog Rd entrance just North of Lantana Rd, you can enter there, but it will be easier for you if you continue North on Jog Rd and turn left at Lake Worth Rd. Then turn left at the 1st traffic light.

+ Self park where available. There is plenty of parking.
+ Enter through main doors under portico.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

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