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Palm Beach Zoo Welcomes Endangered Baird’s Tapir Calf

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Palm Beach Zoo is overjoyed to introduce its newest addition, an endangered Baird’s tapir calf, born Sunday, January 20, to proud parents Spencer and Alyssa. Tipping the scales at over 21 pounds, the healthy newborn looks like a walking watermelon. In fact, the uncanny resemblance to a watermelon allows it to stay safely hidden in nests during the first few weeks of life. Right now the baby is behind the scenes bonding with mom. The Zoo says stay tuned for public viewing details, gender and naming reveal! 

Baird’s Tapirs are native to Central America and northern South America, and are one of four Latin American species of Tapir. For the first week of their lives, infant Baird’s Tapirs are hidden in secluded locations while their mothers forage for food and return periodically to nurse them. Baird’s Tapirs are in danger of extinction, and were officially classified as Vulnerable according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.  Since their reproductive rate is slow, any tapir birth is critical.

 Naki CarterDirector of Marketing & CommunicationsPalm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society M 313.283.1427561.533.0887 x2141301 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach, FL 33405PalmBeachZoo.org@palmbeachzoo | #PalmBeachZoo   

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Jupiter Medical Center’s Women’s Health & Wellness Conference, February 12

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Women’s Health & Wellness Conference
Focuses on Critical Health Issues
and Features NY Times Bestselling Author Dr. Heidi Hanna

Jupiter, Fla. – Taking charge of health matters is just one way women today are being empowered. Jupiter Medical Center Foundation continues to support and educate women by presenting their 2nd annual Women’s Health & Wellness Conference on Tuesday, February 12, at the Hilton West Palm Beach.

“We were thrilled with the positive responses we received from women at last year’s inaugural conference,” said Liv Vesely, President of Jupiter Medical Center Foundation. “We knew we had to follow up with a conference that delivered even greater health information focused on women. Attendees will learn the proper tools to navigate a healthy life – from their day-to-day habits to life-threatening illnesses.”

The event begins at 9 a.m. with a healthy breakfast and opening remarks from Joanne Miller, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Jupiter Medical Center.

Throughout the day, experts will share their insight on how women can improve their overall health with topics specific to them, including stress management, lifestyle balance, nutrition and digestive health, gynecologic, and lung health. Aging issues such as arthritis and stroke also will be discussed. Doctors will explain the new advances to treat these conditions and more.

Nearly 40 percent of adults over the age of 30 have one or more age-related digestive symptom each year. Dr. Chester Maxson, Medical Director for the Frenchman’s Creek Digestive Health Center at Jupiter Medical Center, teams up with Tim Armstrong, executive chef/owner of The Hybrid Chef, to talk about the natural aging of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While Dr. Maxson explains how aging affects the way the body processes and moves food, Chef Armstrong will weigh in on specific foods that affect the GI tract, and ways to prevent digestive problems through nutrition.

Protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun is the focus of Dr. Kristen Aloupis, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Nathan Tennyson, Jupiter Medical Center’s Medical Director of Radiation Oncology. They will discuss the more serious cases of skin cancer and the most effective and cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment approaches for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, which can be of great concern to people in sunny South Florida.

Renowned surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Miller, Co-Director of the Comprehensive Stroke Center and Medical Director of Neuroendovascular Surgery at Jupiter Medical Center, will share the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment of complex neurological diseases, and the SpineJack® procedure, which utilizes the most advanced technology and techniques to treat compression fractures of the spine.

Take a deep breath. Attendees will also learn the latest in women’s lung health from Dr. K. Adam Lee, Medical Director of Surgical Oncology at Jupiter Medical Center, and Dr. Rogelio Choy, board certified in Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. Lung cancer accounts for more deaths among women each year than breast, ovarian and uterine cancers combined.

Stripped to the essence, health and well-being is really all about balancing the body mentally and physically. Keynote speaker Dr. Heidi Hanna is well-versed in realigning mental health and energy as a highly sought-after stress management expert, and as a performance and wellness coach. Dr. Hanna currently balances dual roles as Chief Energy Officer of Synergy, a consulting company that delivers brain-based health and performance programs for organizations, and as Executive Director of the American Institute of Stress. She has been featured as a panelist at Fortune Magazine’s Most Powerful Women in Business Summit and ESPN Women’s Leadership Summit. Dr. Hanna’s books have been on The New York Times bestseller list, including The SHARP Solution: A Brain-Based Approach for Optimal Performance, Stressaholic: 5 Steps to Transform Your Relationship with Stress, and Recharge: 5 Simple Shifts to Energize Your Life.

Can we talk? Pelvic floor issues and incontinence are often found on the “Do Not Discuss” list. But women will find extremely beneficial information presented during the forum, “The Vagina Dialogue: Gynecologic Health through the Ages,” led by Urogynecologist, Dr. Linda Kiley and physical therapists Sharon Warwick and Gail O’Neill.

In another session, attendees will learn about the various types of arthritis and ways to minimize the symptoms. During their “Arthritis: A Woman’s Disease?” presentation, Dr. Gary Ackerman, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, and Dr. Howard Busch, board certified rheumatologist, will answer the most common questions about arthritis in women, including causes, symptoms, types and treatments.

More than 200 women of all ages are expected to attend this engaging event, which concludes at 3 p.m. A reception will follow. Tickets are available for $250 per person. To register, or for more information, visit jmcfoundation.org/events.

Please click here for a word document of the press release and high-res photos. If for some reason you cannot view the link, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Photo: Keynote speaker Dr. Heidi Hanna (Photo courtesy of Jupiter Medical Center)

About Jupiter Medical Center Foundation
Since its founding in 1989, Jupiter Medical Center Foundation has empowered Jupiter Medical Center with the financial resources to reimagine the delivery of health and wellness to the region. Jupiter Medical Center Foundation, together with Jupiter Medical Center, is committed to transforming regional health care through leading-edge technology, patient-centered and enhanced facilities. The Foundation has funded a number of major projects at Jupiter Medical Center, including the De George Pediatric Unit in partnership with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, the Margaret W. Niedland Breast Center, The Anderson Family Orthopedic & Spine Center, the Frank E. and Mary D. Walsh Robotic Surgery Program, and the Florence A. De George Pavilion.care

As a leading, not-for-profit medical provider in the region, Jupiter Medical Center relies on philanthropic gifts to maintain patients’ well-being and quality of care, and Jupiter Medical Center Foundation is dedicated to securing this financial support in order to fulfill the mission of the organization. For more information, please visitjmcfoundation.org.

Upcoming Events at Grandview Public Market (West Palm Beach)

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J

TED Talks, Salsa Nights, Herbalist Workshops, and more at 

Grandview Public Market 

West Palm Beach, FL — Grandview Public Market, West Palm Beach’s lauded food hall in the Warehouse District is hosting a mélange of special events, health and wellness activities, live music, food and drink promotions, and kid-friendly fun. 

Family Events: 

Movie Night 

Wednesdays 

Begins at 6:30 p.m. on the Back Porch 

January 30 (Sixteen Candles

Join us under the Florida sky for a movie night on our Back Porch or just bring a blanket and have a picnic on the Railway District and watch cinematic classics, cult films, and blockbuster hits beneath a blanket of stars with food specials from different vendors 

Miss Amys Music 

Saturdays 

10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in the Living Room 

Miss Amy invites little ones aged 5 and under to join her for a morning of singing, dancing, giggling, and wiggling (yes, wiggling) and other kid-approved entertainment. The last weekend of every month, she will have a themed sing-a-long. 

Grown Up Events: 

TED Talks Tuesday 

Tuesdays 

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the Living Room 

Social media and brand strategist Kristin Gallucci curates these weekly, interactive TED Talks screenings that focus on myriad subjects ranging from politics to pollination for the whole month of February. 

Trivia Night Tuesdays 

Tuesdays 

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the Loading Dock 

Presented by Think and Drink Trivia, this fast-paced, two-hour trivia-slam features four rounds of five questions, plus one bonus query and a final Jeopardy!-style question. The final top 3 teams are awarded envious prizes.  

HQ at Grandview 

Monday through Friday 

Starting at 7:00 a.m. in the Living Room 

HQ at Grandview advocates thoughtful co-working and doubles as an entertaining space. Designed with comfortable, velvet seating, plug-ins for laptops, complimentary Wifi, and a flat screen television, the residential-inspired environs are ideal for power lunching with clients, cocktailing with friends, or getting work done away from the office. 

Salsa Night 

Thursdays 

7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the Loading Dock  

Work up a thirst, or work off those tacos, dancing outdoors to the soulful, Latin beats of South Florida’s leading salsa authorities.   

Herbalist Workshops 

One Saturday a month 

11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

February 16 (Moringa), March 9 (Turmeric), April 6 (Lemongrass) 

Free; donations are accepted 

Herbalist, gardener and forager Juliane Miklos conducts interactive, hour-long discussions about medicinal and healing herbs and plants and cultivating them at home. Complimentary tea prepared with the highlighted flora is served. 

Community Yoga 

Saturdays and Sundays  

10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the District Railway 

Free; donations are accepted 

Every Saturday, Soulga’s Amanda Hills leads Vinyasa yoga and Maki Caballero Criscaut of My Mindful World instructs an Open Flow yoga class on Sundays. Both combine a sequence of postures with coordinated breathing to increase strength and flexibility. All levels welcomed. After the class, head to Pumphouse and get a 15% discounts on all cold brew. 

Foodie Events: 

Lunch & Drink Specials 

Monday: Ask Clare’s counterperson about the scrumptious lunch specials. 

Monday: $5 whiskey drinks at the Bar at Clare’s  

Friday: $6 glasses of Prosecco at the Bar at Clare’s 

Taco Tuesdays 

Tuesdays 

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Fall in love with Zipitios’ tacos, expertly prepared by owners Ricky Perez and Niria Proa and their talented team of tortilla aficionados—and only $2 each Chicken Tinga Tacos  

Wine Down Wednesdays 

Wednesdays 

11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the bar 

Turn the midweek blues into a boozy hullabaloo with every bottle of wine priced half off.  

Happy Hour Thursdays 

Thursdays 

4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bar at Clare’s 

With half off beer, wine, and mixed drinks happy hour just got a lot happier.   

Farmer’s Market by Farriss Farm 

Saturdays  

9:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. next to the Loading Dock 

This alfresco market features certified, fruits and vegetables and meat, fish, and eggs from local and regional farmers and fishmongers. Fresh herbs, plants and flowers and artisanal specialties like cheeses, breads and baked goods, pastas, olive oil, and Florida honey are also on sale. 

Reggae Sunday Brunch 

Sundays 

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the Loading Dock 

Hey, mon! Get down to feeling good with relaxed, plein-air brunch accompanied with unplugged, acoustic performances by the area’s top reggae talent. 

Music Events: 

Live Music at Grandview 

Fridays and Saturdays 

8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the Loading Dock  

Salute the weekend with a glass of bubbly, or your preferred spirit, then ease into a long, lyrical evening of live musical performances by area artists, including Artikal Sound System on Saturday, January 26.

Grandview Public Market is located at 1401 Clare Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Complimentary valet parking is available. For more information, call (561) 771-6100 or visit grandviewpublic.com

Feb. 12 Free Community Association Seminar in Wellington

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Kaye Bender Rembaum Hosts Free Community Association

“Ask the Attorneys” Seminar in Wellington

SOUTH FLORIDA – Kaye Bender Rembaum continues its series of free community association “Ask the Attorneys” seminars on Tuesday, February 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Village of Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd.

Attorneys Jeffrey A. Rembaum, Esq., Peter C. Mollengarden, Esq., Allison L. Hertz, Esq. and Danielle M. Brennan lead the seminars and discuss new legislation, industry hot topics and answer community association-related questions from board members and property managers of condominium, homeowner and cooperative associations.

Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Interested attendees should RSVP to KBRLegalSeminar@piersongrant.com or call 954-776-1999, ext. 242. Attendees are encouraged to bring topics for discussion. 

Kaye Bender Rembaum is a full-service commercial law firm concentrating on the representation of more than 1,000 community associations throughout Florida. With offices in Broward and Palm Beach counties, the Firm was most recently presented with the 2018 Readers’ Choice Award for Legal Services by the Florida Community Association Journal, an award they’ve received annually since 2014. For more information, visit www.KBRLegal.com, call 561-241-4462 and follow the Firm on www.facebook.com/KayeBenderRembaum

Wellington Seeks Input Regarding Aero Club Drive

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Wellington is looking for input from residents about their priorities for roadway improvements along Aero Club Drive. Proposed modifications include drainage improvements, adding bicycle lanes, and irrigation and landscaping.
 
The proposed bicycle lanes are part of priorities set in the Bicycle and Pedestrian Circulation Plan, approved by Wellington’s Council in 2016. Once completed, this plan will serve to enhance the Village’s connectivity through a series of bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
 
Funding for this project comes from a Transportation Planning Agency Grant, funded by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). This funding will be available in 2020 and will cover the construction of bicycle lanes on both sides of Aero Club Drive from Binks Forest Drive to Greenbriar Boulevard, approximately two miles.
 
As part of the overall design of the project, various aspects affecting Aero Club Drive were also examined including drainage, irrigation, and landscaping improvements that would correspond with FPL’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program. Roadway improvements made with FDOT grant money must meet clear zone requirements established by FDOT, which vary depending on whether or not curbing is in place.
 
Wellington staff has attended Home Owners Association meetings of four out of the five neighborhoods surrounding Aero Club Drive, with the fifth HOA meeting scheduled for February 18th,  as well as attending the December 5, 2018 meeting of Wellington’s Tree Board.  At each meeting, three options were presented, showing varying degrees of improvements, both with and without curbing and the appropriate clear zone requirement. 
 
Village residents are encouraged to view these options and take part in the survey by visiting www.wellingtonfl.gov/aeroclubsurvey.  

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/enews.
 
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.

Frosted Gala Raises Close to a Million

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Palm Beach Area Chapter, Raises Over $941,000 at Annual

Black-Tie Gala “Frosted”


Richard Rendina and Marjorie Rendina by Capehart Photography.

It was evening of glitz and glamour as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society transformed the ballroom at The Breakers Palm Beach in to a sparkling vision for their annual Black-tie gala. The January 26th event, Frosted, was once again sold out and raised over $941,000 for the organization dedicated to finding a cure for blood cancers.

“We are thrilled with the success of this event,” shared executive director, Pam Payne. “The tireless work of our committee, our dedicated sponsors, and the many, many guests who attended are helping us to pave the way for even more strides in the fight against cancer. “

Funds raised at the Gala support LLS’s mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families, including supporting local patients and their families by providing critically needed financial aid.

“As someone who has experienced the feelings of a diagnosis, I know the weight that is on the shoulders of LLS as they work to find a cure,” shared 8-year survivor and co-chair of the gala, Richard Rendina. “We must continue our work and raise as much money as possible to support research efforts. We cannot stop until a cure is found!”

Following the moving speech by Rendina, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, the chance to bid on ultra-exclusive items in the auction and danced the night away while enjoying live music by Rock With U. Most notable, the feeling in the room was one of comradery that can only come from a mutual desire to cure cancer.


Continued Payne, “Over $941,000 raised tonight. Wow. I know that with this support we are not only going to change lives, but we are going to save lives.”

Notable guests in attendance include: Janice and Peter Brock, Sean and Erin McGould, Whitney & Scott Perkins, Marjorie Rendina, Lauree and Robert Simmons.  

Carissa and Nick Coniglio along with Tricia and Rich Rendina served as gala chairs of the event with Jennifer and Cristopher Harris and Cameron and Jeff Preston serving as host chairman. Allegra and Calixto Garcia Velez IV, and Meredith and Michael Katzenberg served as junior chairs. 

Sponsors include: Lighthouse Partners, Tommy Morrison, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio, Serena and Bryan Mattson, Florida Crystals Corporation, and Rendina Healthcare Real Estate.

For more information on this event, please contact Melissa Mulvihill Jewell, Campaign Director, at 561.616.8682 or Melissa.Jewell@lls.org.

About the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. We are the voice for all blood cancer patients and we work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients.

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Already Broken Your New Year’s Resolutions?

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Already Broken Your New Years’ Resolutions? – Here’s Why That’s Fantastic!

By Lynda Linforth

NYR’s are the rushed and panicked future promises we make to ourselves to grant us the permission to indulge in the debauchery of December.  They are also made when we realize it’s the end of the year and we’re either worse, or exactly the same as we were a year ago.  Same hopes and dreams but no plan. Again.

I was in the same cycle for years.  Every NYE, I was 55 lbs over weight, working two dead-end jobs.  Every NYE, dreaming of a life in California as the sleet lashed down on my home in Liverpool, UK. “This year, I will lose weight, sell everything and become a personal trainer in LA”.  But there was something different this year. It was going to be 1996.  Instead of the same old wishes, I turned everything on its head: what would I have to stop doing in order to be standing in my own gym in LA?  Well, I’d have to stop eating junk food, stop spending every pay check and stop feeling so bloody sorry for myself, for a start! I also stopped giving myself a full year to fail.  What if I only had until October 1st before I had to set the next goals?  A resolution which required action became goals with a deadline.

Create a sense of urgency

No-one had a gun to my head to succeed, in fact, most people I knew were hoping I’d fall flat on my face for my audacity of wanting to defect to America, be skinnier than them and be out of debt. So, I turned it around.  For everyone who wanted me to fail, I thought about all of the people I would help; for everyone who would hate me for losing weight, how about the people I’d inspire with my journey? And as for my defection, well, I’m half American, so deal with it.  I also only had until October, so I pulled the trigger myself.

Get ahead of the game

October 1st came around and I’d already mapped out my NYR’s two months before anyone else! October became my most creative and successful month and still is to this day.

Follow your leader

In 1996, all mentors were established by association. I worked for a man who had singled me out in the Cavern Club (where the Beatles played back in the day).  I was 19 and our boss had just announced we were going to be made redundant at Christmas.  We threw ourselves a good-bye party and Mr. Sanders was invited. Mr. Sanders was the CEO of a Lloyds of London broker. As he watched me spectacularly slip down the stairs of The Cavern, land on my feet and not break my neck, he turned to my boss and asked, “Who’s she?” That was Friday. Mr. Sanders hired me on Monday and told me: “I won’t be able to employ you for very long because you’re a superstar, but while I have you, I’ll teach you everything I know”. 15 months later, March 1998, he accepted my resignation and wished me well to America. 

A true mentor accepts you as you are, yet sees your potential, fully expects you to supersede them and celebrates when you do.  I’ve dealt with several narcissists who are cloaked as mentors; the difference is they don’t know when to let their mentee spread their wings.  Mr. Sanders was one of my leaders.  Find one and follow one.

Why is it fantastic that you failed with your NYRs? Because it’s not really a failure, rather an affirmation you are on the right track. Follow the steps above to make short and long term plans and always remember: your happiness should never depend upon on your success, moreover, your success should only enhance your happiness.

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Lynda Linforth has been an influencer in the fitness industry for more than 20 years. She is a NASM certified personal trainer, a Corrective Exercise Specialist and is certified in Nutrition and wrote a fitness column in Los Angeles for 5 years.  Lynda specializes in weight loss, dietary fitness and post-rehab exercise. After selling her personal training company in LA, she moved Trainer On The Run, LLC to Florida.  She now resides locally with her fiancé and their three boys: Moses, Winston & Zack. Visit www.TrainerOnTheRun.com for more information about her services and to view her full resume.

Wellington’s Annual Tribute Music & Food Truck Festival

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Wellington’s Annual Tribute Music & Food Truck Festival
Returns this Month

 

The Annual Tribute Music and Food Truck Festival returns to the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard) this month, with two weekends full of food trucks, costumed character entertainment, and music by some of the best tribute bands in all of South Florida. 

The Tribute Music and Food Truck Festival is FREE to attend. The festival is scheduled for Thursday through Saturday, February 14th through 16th; and February 21st through 23rd.  Approximately 10 to 15 food trucks will attend each event (limited to approximately 5 or 6 trucks on February 16th *). Trucks will be on site from 5:00 to 9:30 p.m. and concerts will begin each evening at 7:00 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for seating.

See the schedule below for the full concert lineup. 
 

  Boston Tribute by SMOKIN 7:00 pm  Thursday, February 14th
  Billy Joel Tribute by Turnstiles 7:00 pm  Friday, February 15th
  Foreigner Tribute by 4NR2 7:00 pm  Saturday, February 16th*
  Fleetwood Mac Tribute 
  by Dreams: Crystal Visions of Fleetwood Mac
7:00 pm  Thursday, February 21st
  Eagles Tribute by The Long Run 7:00 pm  Friday, February 22nd
  Elton John Tribute by Absolute Elton 7:00 pm  Saturday, February 23rd

 
*On Saturday, February 16th, the Wellington Classic Brew Fest will be hosted within the same complex from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For details visit www.wellingtonclassicbrewfest.com
 
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/enews.
 
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.

Hanley Foundation Announces Kathryn Grace as Regional Coordinator of Prevention Services for Palm Beach and Broward Counties

Hanley Foundation Announces Kathryn Grace as Regional Coordinator of Prevention Services for Palm Beach and Broward Counties

Grace joins 13 New Prevention Staff Members Statewide to Conduct Substance Abuse Prevention Programs
in Local Communities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(West Palm Beach, FL) – Hanley Foundation CEO Jan Cairnes announced Kathryn Grace as the nonprofit’s new Regional Coordinator of Prevention Services for Palm Beach and Broward counties. Grace joins 12 new prevention staff members who will work in Foundation offices statewide to conduct prevention programs in schools and communities throughout Florida.

The new prevention staff members will serve 13 counties, including Palm Beach County. The new prevention specialists are Amanda Aiken and Johnkeria Kinglocke in Palm Beach County, Alexandra Hughes in Baker, Bradford and Clay counties, Nancy Valdes in Clay County, Traci Perkins in Collier County, Christine Kortbein in Desoto and Highlands counties, Marcia Tilson in Dixie, Levy and Gilchrist counties, Mark Axford and Phyllis Miller in Lee County, Susan Makowski and Arika McCormack in Manatee County and Lakisha Griffin in Putnam County.

Grace, a resident of Palm Beach Gardens, holds a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Loyola College in Baltimore and has worked for nearly 30 years in counseling, social services and related fields. From 2008 to 2015, she worked with Caron Treatment Centers in West Palm Beach when Caron was affiliated with Hanley Foundation. She first served in the Student Assistance Programs division, providing prevention services to students in Georgia and Florida, and then became the division’s regional director in 2012.

“We are delighted to have Kathryn Grace leading our prevention team in Palm Beach and Broward counties, and excited for the addition of so many new prevention specialists statewide,” said Ryan Wertepny, Hanley Foundation’s Executive Director of Prevention Services. “Kathy brings many years of experience in the field of prevention services, and our growing team reflects our success in increasing grant revenue and other funding. This expansion in staffing allows us to provide more services throughout Florida, reaching thousands more students statewide.”

In the early 1980s, Mary Jane and Jack Hanley retired to Palm Beach County to discover the absence of any facilities dedicated to quality substance abuse treatment. Through the couple’s visionary leadership and great support from the community, Hanley Center and the Hanley Center Foundation were established. Nearly 40 years later and now expanded throughout Florida, the community continues to recognize the stand-alone Hanley Foundation with great support for its thought leadership, grantmaking and evidence-based programming. The charitable 501(c)(3) organization provides statewide resources for substance use disorder advocacy, education and access to quality treatment. The organization’s prevention programming is available to schools, churches and community groups through grant funding provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families, office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health. With your support, the Hanley Foundation is taking critical steps to change the conversation around substance use disorders.

Since 2014, Hanley Foundation has increased grant revenue 395 percent, from $621,711 to nearly $3.5 million. In 2018 alone, the Foundation’s work positively impacted the lives of more than 45,000 students, parents, teachers, caregivers, and community members across the state. Hanley Foundation’s prevention and education teams are first responders to the addiction battle in schools in 20 Florida counties.

Data shows the later the age of first use of substances by a child, the less likely the child will suffer with addiction as an adult. Over the next three years, the Foundation will serve more than 120,000 Florida students with in-school programming such as the Alcohol Literacy Challenge (ALC), which is designed to alter alcohol expectancies and reduce the quantity and frequency of alcohol use among middle and high school students. Hanley Foundation offers a variety of evidence-based programs in Florida, empowering students to combat peer pressure and guiding parents and caregivers in keeping communication open with their children.

For more information about substance abuse prevention and education programming, or Hanley Foundation events, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355.

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