AW in Pictures – January
Resolutions by Rollin McGrail
Community Classroom Project “Pub at the Hub: Back to Our Future”
The Heavy Pets to Perform Rare Tribute to the ‘80s Set
Saturday, January 25th in Downtown Delray Beach
What: Get ready to time-travel back to the raddest decade ever! Community Classroom Project’s (CCP) annual Pub at the Hub is returning with an ’80s-themed bash called “Back to Our Future” on Saturday, January 25th. Held at The Hub at Space of Mind, this event will teleport you straight to the ’80s—complete with a DeLorean onsite for photo opps.
The Heavy Pets will perform a rare tribute set to the ‘80s—covering everything from Bowie and Prince to Madonna and Tears for Fears. Between sets, DJ Johnny Quest will keep the golden days of MTV-inspired tracks going. And since there’s no rule against dancing, you’re encouraged to get Footloose and show off your best moves.
The Hub at Space of Mind will be decked out in a neon explosion with Insta-worthy themed rooms, interactive entertainment, an art sale featuring works from both professional and student artists, a mystery auction, and plenty of 80s pop culture and memorabilia!
Top area chefs will be serving up ’80s-inspired bites like mini sausage sammies in tribute to Abe Froman, the “Sausage King of Chicago,” a Dirty Dancing watermelon salad, the “Marty McFLYBIRD” chicken fried rice, slices of Mystic Pizza and a Baby Ruth dessert bar. You can also grab a bag of classic ’80s candies like Nerds, Fun Dip and Pop Rocks to go.
Guaranteed to take you back to the simpler days of Rubik Cubes and Walkmans, this is everyone’s favorite party of the year! Limited to just 250 guests, it’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into the best Sixteen Candles meets Risky Business house party of 1985. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now!
Listen to The Heavy Pets Tribute to the ‘80s HERE
Participating Restaurants + Beverages:
Blake Malatesta, The Wine Room Kitchen & Bar
Jimmy Everett, Driftwood
Daniel Dore, DADA
Katt Dreyfuss, The Butcher & The Bar
Deb Dickinson, Space of Mind/Community Classroom Project
Eric Lamb, Windy City Pizza
Michael Salmon, Flybird
Nicolas Eddy, Florida Fresh
Aaron Schiffman, Delray Beach Pizza
Bounce Sports Bar
Don Arepa
Red Pine
Golden Goat Caviar
Munyon’s Paw Paw
Old School Bakery
For sponsorship, please email admin@myspaceofmind.com or view options at: https://PATH2025.givesmart.com
When:
Saturday, January 25th at 7pm
Where:
The Hub at Space of Mind
101 NW 1st Ave., Delray Beach, FL 33444
Valet parking available
Tickets:
Starting at $150
https://PATH2025.givesmart.com
www.yourccp.org | Facebook | @communityclassroomproject
About Community Classroom Project: The Community Classroom Project (CCP) is an innovative 501(c)3 nonprofit launched by Space of Mind. CCP bridges the gap between students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers, and the community, providing experiential learning, educational resources, entrepreneurship opportunities, and scholarships. Their goal is to rethink education and reduce school-related stress. Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) project is on a mission to enhance mental and physical health for families in South Florida through the art of cooking and communal dining. It starts by training a passionate and skilled culinary workforce for the restaurant industry.
About Space of Mind: Launched in 2004, Space of Mind was founded by Ali Kaufman as a private coaching company. In 2011, SOM moved into the historic Clarke House (circa 1896) in Downtown Delray Beach and it has since evolved into a dynamic social homeschool program offering flexible education solutions for students and families.
About The Hub at Space of Mind: Funded in part by the Community Classroom Project, The Hub is a multifaceted space in Delray Beach, housing CCP’s headquarters, resource center, studios, an entrepreneurship incubator, commissary kitchen, community theater and more. The Hub also offers community programming, event rentals, and meeting spaces for local businesses and organizations.
Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker Spearheads Local Nonprofits’ Effortsto Provide No Cost Cervical Cancer Diagnostic Screenings…
to Thousands of Underserved Women in South Florida
West Palm Beach, FL, December 30, 2024 – As Cervical Cancer Awareness Month kicks off this January, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is racing to reach tens of thousands of women in Palm Beach, Broward and Martin Counties who are uninsured, under insured or have limited or no access to healthcare. The organization, founded in 2018, is dedicated to increasing survivorship from cervical cancer and breast cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond.
“The lack of early detection, particularly among women of color, is what we are finding here in our community where nearly 100,000 women are uninsured or do not have a medical home,” said Ambassador Brinker.
“Many women encounter barriers to screening and diagnosis primarily due to work commitments, childcare, lack of transportation, and fear of the costs,” she continued. “We co-locate our Promise Fund Women’s Health Program in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which provides access to Patient Navigation, pap smears to detect cervical cancer, mammography and breast ultrasounds and help women access treatment for cancer if needed. Plus, our dedicated patient navigators are there every step of the way—guiding women through the screening process and coordinating treatment if a cancer diagnosis is made—so no one faces it alone.”
To date, the organization has reached 40,335 individuals through outreach and education and has impacted the lives of 14,576 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care.
The Promise Fund arranged for a total of 4,735 Pap tests from June 2020 to August 2024 and, each year over the past four years, the organization has significantly increased the number of women being screened and who receive the HPV vaccine.
“A number of women that have received Pap smears through Promise Fund have been diagnosed with cervical cancer and we have been able to arrange for treatment for all of them,” Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker said. “This is why we do what we do.”
According to the American Cancer Society, cervical cancer was once one of the most common causes of cancer death for American women. The cervical cancer death rate has dropped by more than half since the mid-1970s because of prevention and screening, although rates have stabilized in recent years. The death rate in Black women and Native American women is about 65% higher than in White women.
Promise Fund gives special emphasis to working with black and Native American women to arrange cervical cancer screenings and early detection—this is the key to increasing survivorship.
Cervical cancer is mostly preventable through vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), the virus that causes 99% of cervical cancer cases. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women get a Pap test every three years starting at age 21.
Screening tests can detect cervical cancer early when treatment is more effective. When diagnosed early, cervical cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer.
“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our eventual goal of screening 100% of underserved women in our local communities. It’s the first and most critical step in ensuring these women get the early care they deserve,” said Ambassador Brinker.”
ABOUT PROMISE FUND
Promise Fund, founded in 2018, is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond. To date, they have touched 40,335 through outreach & education and impacted the lives of 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. To learn more, visit ThePromiseFund.org. Follow on Instagram @thepromisefund and on Facebook @PromiseFundofFL.
MIND, MUSIC, MOVEMENT FOUNDATION FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS HOSTS JANUARY COFFEE TALK: PSYCHIATRY’S ROLE IN PARKINSON’S CARE
Join Dr. Meera Joseph for a Free Community Discussion on Managing Non-Motor Symptoms and Improving Quality of Life for Patients and Families
Palm Beach Gardens, FL – December 30, 2024 – The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders, Inc. (M3F) continues its winter/spring Coffee Talk series with a presentation by Dr. Meera Joseph, a distinguished psychiatrist specializing in neurodegenerative disorders and geriatric care. This free and informative event takes place on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Tropical Sands Christian Church, 2726 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registration is required at m3f.org/events or by calling (561) 510-8611 or emailing info@m3f.org.
Dr. Joseph’s presentation, “The Role of the Psychiatrist in Treating Parkinson’s Disease,” will explore how psychiatry plays a crucial role in managing the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s, including depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and memory challenges. She will also discuss how balancing neurotransmitters can improve a patient’s quality of life.
“Our Coffee Talk series brings the community together to share knowledge and resources for navigating neurodegenerative diseases,” said Beth Elgort, Founder and President of M3F. “This event is part of M3F’s ongoing Coffee Talk series, which features expert speakers and engaging discussions on topics related to neurodegenerative diseases and aging.”
M3F is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Through an array of innovative education events and programs—including music therapy, dance, yoga, movement, drumming, brain game sessions, and support groups—M3F provides tools to enhance mobility, mental well-being, and community connection. By integrating arts and science, the foundation helps its members and their caregivers improve quality of life and build resilience.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, connect with others in the community, and learn more about the comprehensive support services M3F offers, including music therapy, dance, yoga, and counseling programs.
Additionally, M3F and FAU Stiles Nicolson Brain Institute will host its 3rd Annual Interactive NeuroArts Symposium,“The Power of Arts & Science for Resiliency in Aging,” will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the FAU Osher Lifelong Learning Institute in Jupiter, FL. For a full schedule of Coffee Talks and to learn more about the NeuroArts Symposium, visit m3f.org/events.
About the Mind Music Movement Foundation
The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders, Inc. (M3F) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Through innovative programming—including music therapy, dance, yoga, and support services—M3F promotes confidence, wellness, and friendship. M3F’s integrative approach helps to improve mobility, balance, speech, and mental well-being. For more information, visit m3f.org.
About Dr. Meera Joseph
Dr. Meera Joseph is a Board-Certified Adult and Geriatric Psychiatrist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She specializes in treating neurodegenerative, cognitive, and psychological conditions associated with aging, including Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Joseph is the founder of Inlet Psychiatry in Jupiter, FL, where she provides compassionate, patient-centered care in an intimate outpatient setting.
Calendar Listing:
Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM – The Mind, Music, and Movement Foundation for Neurological Disorders (M3F) hosts their January Coffee Talk series with Dr. Meera Joseph discussing “The Role of the Psychiatrist in Treating Parkinson’s Disease.” This free event will take place at Tropical Sands Christian Church, 2726 Burns Rd., Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Registration is required at m3f.org/events or by calling (561) 510-8611 or emailing info@m3f.org.
BHS to Host Senior Safety & Prevention Expo at Luxury Retirement Community Wellington Bay
Wellington, FL – Luxury retirement community Wellington Bay is pleased to announce the upcoming Senior Safety & Prevention Expo presented by B.Home Solutions Inc.
Designed to empower seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources to promote safety and well-being, the expo will be held on Thursday, January 30th, 2025, from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Wellington Bay.
The event will feature keynote presentations by renowned medical professionals such as:
- Dr. Andrew Shapiro, general surgeon and partner at Advanced Surgical Partners. He will be discussing the importance of awareness and prevention through symptom identification and self-checks.
- Dr. Yehuda Herschman, neurosurgeon at Palm Beach Neurosurgery. He will be addressing the impact of falls on the spine and sacroiliac joint.
Expo host Brooke Havrilla, Certified Senior Safety Advisor and AIP specialist, will also be a keynote speaker as will Michael Raiman, a Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agent who will provide valuable insights on fraud and crime prevention for seniors.
“I selected Wellington Bay/Lisbet Health Center for its accessibility and safety after touring several others in Palm Beach County,” said Brooke. “I found the grounds to be the most secure and safe and the residents contribute to a feeling of well-being.”
Attendees can expect a wealth of informative resources from a variety of vendors and organizations, including:
- Palm Beach County Fire Rescue who will be teaching a hands-only CPR and AED course as well as offering the American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed training which teaches participants three techniques to save a life and prevent someone from bleeding out.
- Howard Weitzner, Esq, a Coral Springs-based attorney specializing in senior injury law
- The Florida Highway Patrol
- Patrice Schroeder, Community Relations Specialist at 211 Helpline.
- Vision screenings by Wellington-based ophthalmologist Dr. Jason Gorscaks
- Memory screenings by Wellington-based Nurse Practitioner Roshini Singh from 365 Wellness.
The expo will also showcase practical demonstrations in Wellington Bay’s Physical Therapy room, including:
- Stretching and chair exercises
- Safe maneuvering of wheelchairs, walkers, upright walkers, and assistive equipment
- Foldable scooter demonstrations
Dr. Shane LeMar will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
“We are proud to host the Senior Safety & Prevention Expo at Wellington Bay. Both Wellington Bay and Lisbet Health Center are committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for our senior community,” says executive campus director Jay Mikosch. “We hope this expo will empower seniors and their families with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate everyday life with confidence.”
For more information about the BHS Senior Safety & Prevention Expo, please contact Brooke Havrilla at bhomesolutionsinc@gmail.com.
About Wellington Bay
Wellington Bay is a luxury rental retirement community offering independent living, assisted living, respite care, and advanced memory care at the Lisbet Health Center, located onsite in Wellington, Florida. The community is dedicated to supporting active aging and vibrant living, offering something for everyone.
Named one of the “Best Places to Retire” by Money Magazine, Wellington boasts a thriving equestrian community, premier golf courses, and scenic neighborhoods.
Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management specializing in senior living communities. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and its communities, visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.
Saving Water One Yard at a Time
By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director, Arden
Farmers and gardeners are often concerned with conserving water to protect our crops in times of drought. We don’t always spend time thinking about the opposite problem of too much water.
Heavy rain can become flood runoff and carry pollutants from your yard, such as nitrates from fertilizers, into the streets. Once on the pavement, the flood waters pick up additional pollutants, including motor oil, toxic metals, and harmful bacteria.
Stormwater runoff impacts the water we drink, the seafood we eat, and the rivers, lakes, and beaches we play in. Runoff is often dumped into the same drainage pipes that are used for home sewage and industrial waste. When stormwater exceeds capacity the system overflows, releasing raw sewage into our waterways.
Disease-causing bacteria enter our recreational areas through rainwater runoff causing a range of public health issues, including digestive illnesses, liver disease, skin outbreaks, asthma and more.
What can you do to help?
We can all help improve water quality by decreasing the amount of stormwater that leaves our yards. Soil and plants in your home landscape can help capture and filter rainwater or irrigation water before it becomes runoff.
Rain Barrels
Install barrels next to your home to capture rain. Water your plants or wash your car using water from your roof.
Rain Gardens
This is basically a median or a small yard area designed as a basin and planted with perennial native plants that trap water from roofs, sidewalks, and street runoff. According to the Groundwater Foundation, a typical rain garden is 30 percent more absorbent than a conventional lawn.
Mature Trees
Tree canopies catch rainfall in the air. The root system also plays a role in water infiltration by aerating the soil. This allows the rain to seep down into groundwater. Planting trees has many other environmental benefits, including shade for people and wildlife.
You can play an important role in keeping water safe for all of us.
Happy 2025!
By Savannah Hess
Hello everyone. And of course happy new year! With the coming year, we are also halfway through the 2020s. How can that be? I don’t know (please note my sarcasm here). New Years has to be one of my favorite holidays. I always enjoy hanging out with my family, staying up until midnight, watching New Year’s rockin ‘Eve, and singing the song no one remembers the title of (it’s auld lang syne, which before a few weeks ago I never knew). The only context I’ve ever heard is in the Christmas/New Years’ masterpiece, Same Old Lang Syne by Dan Fogelberg.
How did we get here? What is the history behind New Years’? Well, that’s what we’ll be discussing today. Alrighty, let’s go!
According to my research, we’ll be taking the time machine first back to ancient Babylon. Over 4,000 years ago. The Babylonians used to celebrate new years on the first new moon after the vernal equinox- which was a day in late March with the same amount of light and dark. During this holiday, the Babylonians held a religious festival called an Akitu, which meant a different ritual on each of the 11 days it was held. During this time a new king was crowned too, so the significance for the people of Babylon can’t be overstated.
Going a little further in time, Julius Caesar adopted the Julian calendar, and also decreed the first day of the year as January 1st.
In the middle ages, my personal favorite time period, the church would often replace January 1st with Christmas or other important Christian holidays of the time. It wasn’t until 1582 A.D that Pope Gregory XIII reestablished the first day of the year as being in January.
It wasn’t until about 1800 when people followed the classic tradition of staying up until midnight, according to www.dailyhistory.org. It became popular to hold parties with family and friends to see the New Year, and these parties often involved alcohol. Particularly in the early years of the 19th century. In the Victorian era, circa 1878, new bells were installed to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Crowds gathered to hear the ringing of the bells for the first time ever. Over time this became more of a tradition for the English, and every year the bells are rung on New Years Eve. The origin of Same Auld Lang Syne can be traced back to this time period, in Scotland, when Robert Burns translated the 18th century poem into the well-known song. However the song really gained popularity on December 31st of 1929, when it was played on the radio in the United States. The New York Times began the tradition of a New Years Eve party in 1904, which New York City eventually adopted as its official celebration. Just a few years later in 1907, New York City would ban fireworks. Instead of fireworks, an electrician came up with the idea of a 700 pound illuminated ball which would drop at midnight. Who knew?
Anyway, that’s all I have for you guys. Have a happy 2025 everyone!!
Flight Attendants, their Brilliant Advice and Beth Dutton
By Heidi Hess
The bench at the Orlando International Airport I was sitting on wasn’t entirely comfortable. The plastic slats were digging into the back of my legs, and the position of the seat that “supported” my back was such that if I leaned into it, it made my belly stick out. Not a flattering pose, but I wasn’t concerned with that right now. I sat back, pushed my dark sunglasses up the bridge of my nose, and closed my eyes. Just sitting in one spot for longer than 10 minutes was heaven. It was safe to say that life had me running at a furious pace. Was it self-imposed? A little. I mean, we are all out here trying to make things happen, trying to meet our goals. Add the extra responsibility of having a family to look after, and you have a recipe for an epic breakdown, a la Beth Dutton style. No one wants that.
I’m reminded of the flight attendants going over the emergency procedures. In the event that the cabin has lost pressure and you are unable to breathe, masks will fall from the ceiling to provide oxygen. Are you traveling with children? Make sure to put your mask on first and then assist other passengers. This scenario got it right. We need to put our masks on before we help anyone else. If we can’t breathe, what good are we to our loved ones? You’ll sit there and say these are extreme cases but shouldn’t we do this everyday? So, in the spirit of the New Year and all of the resolution garbage, maybe we should resolve to prioritize ourselves a few times a day. Here are ten ideas to help you recharge your battery or be that life-saving oxygen we moms need to keep going.
Start Your Morning with 10 Minutes of “Me Time”
Whether it’s journaling, stretching, or sipping coffee in silence—start the day with YOU.
Schedule a Monthly “Mom Day Out”
Plan one day a month just for yourself: a movie, shopping, or a café break.
Create a Daily Gratitude List
Jot down 3 things you’re thankful for before bed—it’s a mood booster.
Read for 10 Minutes a Day
Whether it’s a novel, magazine, or inspirational book, carve out time to get lost in words.
Invest in a Skincare Ritual
A simple 5- or 10-minute morning or evening routine feels indulgent but manageable.
Take a Weekly Walk Alone
Fresh air and quiet time can do wonders for your mind and energy.
Practice Saying “No” Without Guilt
Set boundaries when you’re feeling stretched thin. No requires no explanation.
Listen to an Audiobook or Podcast
While driving, folding laundry, or during downtime, enjoy content that inspires or entertains you.
Put Your Phone on Airplane Mode for an Hour
Disconnect to recharge—focus on something that brings you joy.
Buy Yourself Flowers
A small act that brightens your space and mood.
These are just a few random ideas to get you thinking. My hope for the New Year is that we moms take better care of ourselves. Our kids need to see us doing this. They mirror our actions and will, I hope, give themselves permission to prioritize their needs.
I think I’ll start right now. Or maybe right after this nap on the bench in the airport. After all, no one wants to see me in “Beth Dutton” mode.
Happy New Year!
