Norton’s Winter Break ActivitiesNorton Museum of Art Presents “School’s Out!” Winter Break Activities
Free admission for children 18 and under! (and parents and guardians)
DECEMBER 23, 24,26,and 27 (Closed Christmas Day)Enjoy all the Museum has to offer, including drop-in family activities and kid-friends tours.Each day includes:11:00 a.m. / Mini Book + ArtGather around to listen to a story then look at a related work of art.
(In English and Spanish for children 4 – 8 and their caregivers)1:00 – 1:45 / Just for Kids Tour
Enjoy a family friendly tour through the galleries by hunting for details and learn fun facts about the collection.(Ages 6 and up)2:30 – 4:30 p.m. / DROP-IN Activity @ the Art Cart
Create a work of art to take home! All art supplies are provided by the Museum -just stop by the Art Cart!
(All ages)
Norton’s Winter Break Activities
FREE Informative Discussion on the 2020 Census
League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County
Invites Residents to a FREE Informative Discussion on the 2020 Census
(West Palm Beach, FL – December 12, 2019) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC) is inviting the public to an upcoming and informative Cool Topic Discussion in West Palm Beach. The events is FREE but advance online reservations are requested at www.lwvpbc.org because a large turnout is expected.
Wednesday, January 22 / 6:30 to 8 pm
2020 Matters
Presentation on the 2020 Census
Featuring
Richard Bartholomew
Chairman, League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County Census Committee
The STEM Education Center, 4802 Dreher Trail North in WPB 33405
(Across from the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium)
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 www.lwvpbc.org or www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Grand Menorah Lighting at the Wellington Amphitheater
Sunday, December 22nd
Celebrate the first night of Hanukkah with a lighting of the Grand Menorah at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard), on Sunday, December 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Enjoy family-friendly activities including:
- 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – Kids arts and crafts area
- 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM – A dancing dreidel and photo opportunities
- 5:00 PM – Reading of “Schmelf the Hanukkah Elf” with Councilwoman Tanya Siskind
- 5:15 PM – Brief ceremony with Rabbi Matan Peled from Temple B’nai Jacob followed by the lighting of the first candle at sundown at approximately 5:33 PM
Special thanks to the Fairfield by Marriott Wellington-West Palm Beach for their generous support of this event.
Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.
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.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
A Snow Blizzard on J Street
The US Weather Bureau Forecasts
A Snow Blizzard
For parts of J Street in Downtown Lake Worth
Frosty Bite Warnings are Issued
Saturday Evening December 14
Holiday Bazaar – J Street Junction
The Book Cellar Brings, and Shovels Out the Snow
Common Grounds Coffee offers Free Hot Chocolate to all Children
All of J Street Dances through the Flakes
With Art, Music, Food, Dance and Vendors
Every Friday 5 PM to 10 PM
Every Saturday 10 AM to 10 PM
Cantor’s Concert
Cantor’s Concert
Sunday, January 12, 2020 at 2:30pm
Temple Beth Tikvah Hosts Cantor’s Concert featuring the powerful voice of Cantor Irving Grossman joined by fifteen year old musical prodigy Biana Pinchuk and Lou Laino, a lead vocalist of classic oldies and doo wop hits. Musical selections from Broadway, Movies, Opera and Nostalgic favorites.
Temple Beth Tikvah, 4550 Jog Road, Greenacres
Tickets: $25 per person – reserved seats available
Call the Temple office at 561-967-3600 to purchase tickets.
Wellington’s Community Services Launches SUPER Fridays Youth Engagement Series
Wellington’s Community Services Launches SUPER Fridays
Youth Engagement Series
Wellington’s Community Services Department is excited to launch a new youth engagement initiative, Super Fridays. The Village hopes to engage young residents in neighborhoods throughout Wellington by offering music and games such as Giant Jenga, Cornhole, and more. Participants will also enjoy snacks and refreshments.
This FREE series will take place in the following neighborhoods:
| Super Fridays Quarterly Schedule | |
| LOCATION | DATE |
| Folkestone & Yarmouth | December 6, 2019 |
| Goldenrod & Periwinkle | December 13, 2019 |
| Whitepine & 12th Fairway | December 20, 2019 |
| Hawthorne | December 27, 2019 |
| Folkestone & Yarmouth | January 3, 2020 |
| Goldenrod & Periwinkle | January 10, 2020 |
| Whitepine & 12th Fairway | January 17, 2020 |
| Hawthorne | January 24, 2020 |
| Folkestone & Yarmouth | January 31, 2020 |
| Goldenrod & Periwinkle | February 7, 2020 |
| Whitepine & 12th Fairway | February 14, 2020 |
| Hawthorne | February 21, 2020 |
| Folkestone & Yarmouth | February 28, 2020 |
| Goldenrod & Periwinkle | March 6, 2020 |
| Whitepine & 12th Fairway | March 13, 2020 |
| Hawthorne | March 20, 2020 |
For more information about senior programming in Wellington, please visit wellingtonfl.gov/seniors or contact Jenifer Brito at 561-791-4796.
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.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
Experience the Magic of a Christmas Market River Cruise
Filled with twinkling lights, busy shoppers, indulgent treats and magical moments, the holiday season greets us once again. Some of my most memorable holiday moments have come to me through my excursions. Last Christmas brought me one of the most magical experiences of any holiday season—an Emerald Waterways Christmas market river cruise along the Danube River. I’ve been waiting all year to share this story with you! Come along and experience the magic.
Day 1: Budapest, Hungary
Arriving in Budapest early, I set out to find the city’s Christmas markets. Although there are several sprinkled through the neighborhoods, I chose the market in St. Stephen’s Square. Located in the city center, the architecturally stunning St. Stephen’s Basilica provided the backdrop to a little piece of holiday heaven. Decorated wooden stalls displayed hand-made ornaments, artisan jewelry, fabulous food and more. With incredibly low prices, I made a big dent in my shopping list within minutes.
Emerald Waterways offers a varied itinerary which allows guests to customize the cruise experience. Exploring on your own is always an option, but there are also guided tours available in some locations. Emerald Active options give you the chance to burn off a few extra calories. Having just indulged in a calorie-laden sour cream topped potato pancake at the market, I returned to the ship in time to join a guided hike up Buda Hill. Highlights of the 4-hour hike included the Hungarian Statue of Liberty, the Virgin Mary standing watch over the city and a live Nativity scene. Beautiful views of the city and the Danube rewarded our climb to the top.
At nightfall, our ship set sail on the Danube River but not before we indulged in a feast for our eyes. Gathering on the ship’s top deck, we gazed in wonder at Budapest’s most enduring landmark. Sitting on the banks of the Danube, the neo-gothic Hungarian Parliament was illuminated with a golden glow—the first of many magical moments to come.
Day 2: Bratislava, Slovakia
A complicated history, resilient residents, a language with far too many nuances, architectural treasures, a Holocaust Memorial, a “peeping Tom” sculpture, a torture well, holiday spirit and an abundance of sausages…welcome to the capital of Slovakia! A guided tour introduced me to this intriguing city. And I followed that up with a stroll around the Christmas market once again indulging in the culinary delights. Walking through the festive stalls, the aroma of grilled sausages filled the air. Settling in with a mug of Glühwein and an expertly grilled sausage sandwich, my morning was complete.
Taking advantage of the Emerald Plus offer to connect with local culture, my afternoon was spent with travel companions in the home of a lovely Slovakian seamstress. Known for sewing detailed traditional national costumes, she shared her collection with us along with delicious cake, coffee and wine–the best kind of hospitality!
Day 3: Vienna, Austria
Waking up on day 3, I gazed out my cabin window to find a light dusting of snow on the Austrian landscape. Docking just outside Vienna, our day began with a drive along Ringstrasse past world-famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. The entire day was magically filled with spectacular architecture, Christmas Markets at every turn and even a glimpse of the renowned white stallions.
Continuing the fairytale theme of the day, the evening brought a private concert in the Liechtenstein City Palace—the venue where Beethoven debuted his 3rd Symphony. A truly remarkable performance by the Vienna Imperial Orchestra filled the intimate hall adorned with Baroque stucco ceilings, opulent neo-Rococo interiors and original furnishings. Yes, again I say, magical.
Day 4: Dürnstein to Melk
As morning dawned, we cruised through the heart of Austria’s Wachau Valley to the enchanting village of Dürnstein. Best known for its wines, vineyards cling to the hillsides and the ruins of the 12th-century Dürnstein Castle stands watch over it all. The medieval castle once served as the prison for Richard the Lionheart after he returned from the Crusades. Today it’s a peaceful little piece of the world. Did I mention wine?
Arriving in Melk after an afternoon of cruising, we began with a tour of the stunning Melk Abbey. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the longest continuously running Benedictine abbey in the world survived occupation by Napoleon and Hitler. Its library houses one of the world’s greatest collections of medieval literature. Perched atop a rocky outcrop crowned with a golden halo, the Melk Abbey silently keeps watch.
Descending back into the town, we were greeted by Christmas carolers on this cool winter’s night. Yet another magical moment.
Day 5: Passau, Germany
A morning of cruising brought peaceful landscape views along with a dramatic series of locks on the Danube as we crossed from Austria into Germany. Cobblestone streets, ancient narrow alleyways and the Oberhaus Fortress perched above the town were among the highlights of our walking tour of Passau. At the center of it all, the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the largest cathedral pipe organ in the world with 17,974 pipes.
The cathedral serves as a backdrop to Passau’s Christkindlmarkt where gingerbread-like stalls adorned with twinkling lights sell festive souvenirs, handmade gifts and decadent treats. Captivated by the tempting aromas, I ordered a steamy mug of Glühwein and a decadent serving of raclette. Settling at a table alone to take in the enchanting sights, I was joined by three 8th grade boys. In near-flawless English, they started a conversation. Full of questions for this American stranger, they rattled them off in succession. Why are you in Passau? How long are you staying? Where do you live? Can I finish your raclette? What do you think of Trump? As we talked, more friends gathered around until I was surrounded by eight curious German 8th graders. It was priceless and I can’t believe I didn’t take a selfie with them!
Day 6: Regensburg
Our final excursion day brought us to Regensburg. A UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, Regensburg displays a remarkably well-preserved collection of medieval buildings including the Old Town Hall. Narrow cobblestone streets and passageways lead to quaint shops while the medieval bridge entertains with a naked man statute. Set amid the enchanting architecture are several Christmas markets—each offering its share of enchanting treats. But it was Historische Wurstkuchl that won my heart.
Grilling sausages since 1135, Historische Wurstkuchl lays claim to being the oldest sausage kitchen in the world. These irresistible finger-sized delights grilled over beechwood and dished up with house-made sauerkraut and sweet grainy mustard were absolutely delicious!
Day 7: Nuremberg to New York
Leaving the markets (and sausage) behind, we cruised to our final port to disembark and return to our respective homes. But I have to believe the magic I experienced will carry me through many more holiday seasons—or perhaps the Glühwein!
Wishing you and yours a magical holiday season!
Note: Book your own magic for next Christmas at www.emeraldwaterways.com.
Community Partners of South Florida Team Members Accepted into Nonprofits First Rising Leaders
Community Partners of South Florida Team Members Accepted into Nonprofits First Rising Leaders
Group part of 20 professionals selected for esteemed program
WEST PALM BEACH, FL. – Community Partners of South Florida is proud to announce that four staff members have been accepted into the 2020 Rising Leaders program presented by Nonprofits First. Wynsome McLean, Ana Lopez, Schiller Ambroise and Jennifer Crane will be a part of the nonprofit leadership program, a competitive 6-month program that prepares nonprofit program managers to transform into the sector’s new generation of top leaders.
Participants, who come from 20 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations, will acquire a deeper understanding of their own leadership styles while gaining hands-on experience in strategies for leading their programs and organization to a high level of impact and success.
The Rising Leaders experience fosters interaction, discovery, dialogue, and servant leadership as participants increase skills to lead the nonprofit field. Alumni of the program transfer skills directly to their current roles and many go on to serve in executive level positions in the nonprofit sector. Nonprofit organizations are a major economic force in Palm Beach County, employing nearly 30,000 people with total annual wages of almost $1.2 billion in Palm Beach County alone (see Florida Nonprofit Alliance’s website for more eye-opening info about the nonprofit sector in the Sunshine State).
The class members were nominated by their managers and selected for their leadership qualities, passion for their missions, and eagerness to learn new skills. They will meet as a group for one full day each month, from November to June, engaging in topics such as new models of leadership, driving social change, public speaking, and critical thinking and decision-making. They will also conduct an extracurricular small group project designed to assist a local charitable or civic organization.
“Rising Leaders is the next generation of leadership in the nonprofit sector, succession planning at its best,” said Jessica Cecere, CEO of Nonprofits First.
Rising Leaders has graduated over 325 nonprofit leaders since the program launched in 2005.
About Community Partners of South Florida
Community Partners of South Florida is a $16 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 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 cp-cto.org. Community Partners is a proud chartered affiliate of Neighborworks America, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit striving to make every community a place of opportunity. For more information on Neighborworks America, please contact Hilary Rowe Wiley at hwiley@nw.org.
NONPROFITS FIRST, INC.
Nonprofits First is a membership organization focused on enhancing the nonprofit community’s effectiveness, efficiency, and ultimately impact. The vision of Nonprofits First is a community in which nonprofit organizations achieve their highest level of impact. They strengthen the nonprofit sector through accreditation, leadership development, education, and management support services. For more information, visit www.nonprofitsfirst.org
Dream Job: 3 Ways to Turn Your Hobby into a Business
Dream Job: 3 Ways to Turn Your Hobby into a Business
By Maria Cannon
Photo courtesy of CreateHER Stock
Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Thanks to modern technology and the gig economy, many people are turning their hobbies into business opportunities. In a job market where more and more skills are being outsourced or automated, some experts believe entrepreneurial endeavours will play a large role in the future of the workforce. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to take the leap into running your own business, you might find that the thrill of trying something new or the flexibility of being your own boss are just what you need. If you’re serious about launching a business, here are some ways to get started:
E-commerce
One of the quickest ways to test the waters of entrepreneurship is by launching an e-commerce store. Online stores can be an affordable and convenient option for selling your products to potential buyers. Rather than being limited to shoppers in your local area, you can sell your products on a global scale.
These days, there are several convenient resources to help you grow your online business. Since you’re just getting started, search for free online guides to teach you the basics. For instance, Oberlo provides a user-friendly e-commerce wiki that covers essentials like customer service and branding, along with techniques like growth hacking and search engine optimization, which will help you reach more people.
Blogging
Another way you can make money via the internet is by blogging. For instance, you might enter the gig economy as a freelance writer or launch a professional blog on your e-commerce website. In addition to making residual income off ads on your blog posts, your blog also helps drive traffic to your site. Start by researching your ideal customers and writing some posts that prospective buyers might be interested in reading.
Even if your writing skills aren’t up to par, you still have several options for getting started with blogging. For instance, you could simply record yourself talking about a subject related to your website, then pay someone to transcribe the audio into a written post. Transcription services are low-cost (or free) and easy to use, and you’ll have a finished post in a matter of minutes. Best of all, you don’t need to invest in any expensive equipment or fancy tech tools. You can transcribe audio with the click of a button using an online voice recorder tool.
Online Marketplaces
If you’re not ready to launch your business website or if you want to branch out and sell products on sites your customers already use, an online marketplace could be a wise choice. The specific marketplace you use will depend upon your products, services, and business needs. For instance, if you’re selling hand-crafted artwork or jewelry, Etsy or Society6 can boost your sales. For screen printed clothing or boutique items, RedBubble is another good option.
Regardless of whether you opt for an online marketplace, a business website, or both, a social media presence will be essential to your business. Research the networks your ideal customers are most likely to use, then create an official business page on each. Ask your friends and family to support your new endeavor by liking your page and sharing it with their networks. After all, word-of-mouth and networking are still powerful, time-tested tools for building a business.
Have a Plan
Whatever your hobby might be, there’s probably a way to monetize it as a business idea. However, before you quit your day job, it’s crucial to be realistic. Most businesses don’t have overnight success. Rather than risking your livelihood on a dream, it’s best to have a solid business plan in place. Talk to your local small business administration for free or low-cost assistance with everything from market research to funding assistance to business mentoring.
Lastly, plan an exit strategy for how you’ll leave your current job. That way, you’ll have time to save up a nest egg and build a solid foundation for your startup. Whichever route you take with your new business, you’ll have a wealth of online resources at your fingertips to help you succeed in your entrepreneurial endeavors.
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Maria Cannon believes we’re never too young to dedicate ourselves to a hobby. She created Hobby Jr. to encourage young people to find a hobby they love. Maria has suffered from depression and anxiety for years. Her hobbies–gardening, quilting, sewing, and knitting–play a major role in maintaining her mental health.
Holiday Pajama Drive Benefiting Hospitalized Children
‘TIS THE SEASON FOR SCIENCE
Holiday Pajama Drive Benefiting Hospitalized Children
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is heating up the holidays with seasonally-themed activities, camps and special events through February 2020. Santa’s helpers of all ages can enjoy the wide range of seasonal offerings, including making their own snow, rocking out to favorite festive classics with laser light shows in the planetarium and experimenting with frigid science demos.
The highlight of the season is “Noon Year’s Eve,” a family event to help ring in the new year. Staying up to bring in 2020 will be easy with a midday dance party, science crafts, themed activities and food. A dry ice apple cider toast at noon will usher in the new year. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 31. Event is included with paid admission and is free for members.
New this year, the Science Center is partnering with Casey Cares, an organization offering critically ill children positive experiences and support. Guests attending Noon Year’s Eve are asked to wear pajamas and bring a pair to donate so hospitalized children do not have to wear gowns.
“This is the perfect opportunity to make a difference this season,” said Kate Arrizza, CEO of the Science Center. “We are also going to dress up some of our dinosaurs on the Fisher Family Science Trail, so don’t sleep on this fun opportunity! We want to make sure the kids keep learning outside the classroom, and these holiday-themed activities and camps are a great way of keeping them engaged.”
All donated pairs of pajamas should be new with tags intact and sized for kids aged anywhere from 18 months to 18-years-old. “Casey Cares is excited to partner with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium,” says Jennifer McCorvey, Casey Cares Development Director of the Southern Region. “Having a community partner that cares as much about children as we do is a great way to start 2020! Donations from the Noon Year’s Eve party will help us provide services to families here in our community at a very fragile time for them. We are looking forward to an exciting event and a growing relationship.”
Winter camps are scheduled until the end of February at the Science Center, and these science adventures will be offered at both the Science Center and the STEM Studio on Main Street in Jupiter. From turtle talks to storm chasing and robotic learning, there’s something for everyone.
Guests can also experience the blockbuster exhibit, Hall of Heroes, which examines the science behind fan-favorite characters like Iron Man, Wonder Woman and The Hulk. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful weather by playing a round of mini golf on the Conservation Course, recently named one of the Travel Channel’s top 13 mini golf courses in the country.
Admission to the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is $17.95 for adults $15.95 for seniors, $13.95 for kids ages 3-12 and free for members and kids under 3. Planetarium shows and mini golf are not included in general admission pricing.
The mission of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is to “open every mind to science” and in addition to its fresh and saltwater aquarium and new backyard Science Trail, the indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an interactive Everglades exhibit and the 18-hole Conservation Course – an outdoor putting course with science-focused education stations. The newest addition includes a $2.5 million permanent exhibit, “Journey Through the Human Brain” and features the most advanced neuroscience research and technology in the world. Hall of Heroes runs through April 19, 2020.
For more information about the Holiday Schedule, the Conservation Course, or other Science Center programming, please call 561-832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Like the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter and Instagram @SFScienceCenter.
Please see below for specific information about the seasonal activities now being offered at the Science Center.