Hey everyone, I hope you’ve been having a wonderful and spooky October so far. I haven’t written for this column in a while..give or take a century. Only kidding- but it has been a while, hasn’t it? Anyway, today I wanted to discuss Halloween costumes. I’ve created a lot of them over the years, and on top of that, I do cosplay from time to time. And dressing up in costume has always been my favorite part of Halloween. So, I figured I’d share some tips for getting your costume just right. Alright, let’s jump into it! My first tip is make sure you frequent your local thrift stores. Maybe it’s the old soul in me, but I find thrift stores to be absolutely amazing. Prices are inexpensive, and it is, in a lot of ways, a modern treasure trove. A lot of times these stores can be busy, but they are well worth it. And if you’re seeking a cheap costume and have been too caught up with work from your classes, you can almost always find what you’re looking for. For example, several years ago, when I was a sophomore in high school, I was going out trick or treating with a few friends. I was a bit indecisive that year about my costume, but in the end I chose it to be my favorite painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. A quirky choice, but my inner art history nerd agreed straight away. I needed only a few items, and, in searching, I found a brown head wrap that worked well with my costume. I still have it in my closet to this day, when I want to be a little bit dramatic. Or when the weather isn’t scorching out.
My second tip is to go to places like Micheal’s or Joann Fabrics. Last year, I decided to be San Mononoke, the title character of the Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke. To make sure I got the costume right, I went in and found some faux fur for her cape. It was just what I needed, and in the words of my cousin, made me look “elegant”. What’s also fantastic about these two retailers is Joann Fabrics has a separate cosplay section, with different patterns and molds just for cosplayers. Even better, Joann has patterns on sale around this time for both children’s and adults’ costumes. Such as Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Sometimes making these costumes costs less in the end than just buying a costume online or at Spirit Halloween. And it will definitely make you stand out! In the end, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. And costumes are a big reason why. You can become anything or anyone you want to be. In my case, this year I’m going as Daria from MTV’s classic 90s cartoon of the same name. This Halloween will be one to remember. And I hope you love celebrating it as much as I do.
¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1 tablespoon for garnish
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up.
To prepare the squash, use a sharp chef’s knife to slice through it from the tip to the stem. I find it easiest to pierce the squash in the center along a depression line, then cut through the tip, and finish by slicing through the top portion just next to the stem. Use a large spoon to scoop out the seeds and stringy bits inside, and discard those pieces.
Place the squash halves cut side up on the parchment-lined pan. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over the squash, and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Rub the oil into the cut sides of the squash, then turn them over so the cut sides are against the pan. Bake until the squash flesh is easily pierced through by a fork, about 30 to 45 minutes. Leave the oven on.
Meanwhile, cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer. Simmer, uncovered, until all of the water is absorbed, 12 to 18 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the cranberries. Cover, and let the mixture steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff the quinoa with a fork.
In a medium skillet, toast the pepitas over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the pepitas are turning golden on the edges and making little popping noises, about 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.
Pour the fluffed quinoa mixture into a medium mixing bowl. Add the toasted pepitas, chopped green onion, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, and the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and add additional salt, if necessary.
If the mixture is very hot, let it cool for a few minutes before adding the Parmesan cheese and goat cheese. Gently stir the mixture to combine.
Turn the cooked squash halves over so the cut sides are facing up. Divide the mixture evenly between the squash halves with a large spoon. Return the squash to the oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the cheesy quinoa is turning golden on top.
Sprinkle the stuffed squash with the remaining 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, and serve warm.
(West Palm Beach, FL – October 3, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is bringing back by popular demand—the fun and family-friendly:
Ribbit the Exhibit II
November 23 through May 25
“Under the theme of Leap intoNature, Art & Science, Mounts Botanical Garden is planning a year of inspirational programming for all ages, launching this fall with the return of Ribbit, 18-larger-than-life, thoughtfully crafted, and whimsically inspired sculptures by artist Andy Cobb,” says Mounts Interim Director Misty Stoller. “Best of all, almost all of the super-sized sculptures will be new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020.”
“The 18 lovable, hand-crafted frog sculptures will be displayed throughout Mounts, providing a captivating window into the fascinating world of amphibians and their profound impact on our ecology,” she adds.
During Ribbit the Exhibit II, Garden visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical art experience where nature, art, and science converge harmoniously while discovering how these seemingly small creatures play a crucial role in the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interconnectedness that sustains the natural world.
Each frog sculpture is welded by hand and colored with a natural patina.
Inspirational and educational programming during this exhibit will include Family Days, with activities for children; fun and informative presentations by experts; wetlands ecology and environmental workshops; and “Frogtastic” educational programs. Some of the season highlights include:
Nov. 23, 2024 – Ribbit the Exhibit ll Grand Opening Family Day
Arts and crafts activities, presentations, live entertainment, food trucks, and more!
Dec. 7, 2024 – Hidden Wild with filmmaker Benji Studt of Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management
Dec. 8 – Tiny Trees, Big Cheer: Succulent Workshop with Volunteer and Artist Michael Spencer
Dec. 14, 2024 – Plants on the Edge – Littoral Zone Tour & Presentation with UF/IFAS Agent Kara Krueger
Dec. 21, 2024 – Handcrafted Gifts: Create a Frog House & Floral Frogs with Mounts Botanical Garden’s April Krebs and Artist Marilyn Walter
Jan. 14, 2025 – Vegetable Gardening Maintenance in South Florida: Taking Care of Your Garden with Volunteer and Master Gardener Phil Bilger
Jan. 18, 2025 – For the Love of Bees Honey Tasting and Presentation with Joanna Diamond
Jan. 24, 2025 – Hidden Gems Tour with Mounts Horticulturist Matthew Boyson
Jan. 25, 2025 – Terrarium as Art Therapy: Little Gems for Life with Health and Wellness Specialist Omar Ananais
Feb. 1, 2025 – Florida Wild! Presentation and book signing with Author Kirsten Hines,wildlife photographer, conservationist, and award-winning author of 8 books.
Feb. 9, 2025 – Special Presentation by botanizer, birder, and nature photographer CJ McCartney during the Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
Feb. 8-9, 2025 – Dr. Steve Johnson from UF/IFAS Frog Presentation during the Plant-a-Palooza Winter Plant Sale
Feb. 22, 2025 – Edible Perennials with UF/IFAS Agent and Urban Horticulturist Emily Marois and UF/IFAS Agent and Horticulturist Kara Krueger
Mar. 1, 2025 – Pond Plants with UF/IFAS Agent and Horticulturist Kara Krueger
March 8, 2025 – Water Conservation Presentation with Dr. Kimberley Moore of UF/IFAS
Mar. 11, 2025 – Tropical Aroids of the Garden Tour with Mounts Horticulturist Palmer Crippen
Mar. 14, 2025 – From Cuttings to Roots: Propagate Like a Pro Propagation Workshop with Horticulturist Joel Crippen
Mar. 14, 2025 – Water and Ecosystems: Mitigating Climate Change Impacts and Fragmented Habitats Presentation at Ann Norton Sculpture Garden
April 2025 (National Frog Month)
Apr. 5, 2025 – Family Day – Arts and crafts activities, Green Cay Naturalists, live entertainment, food trucks, and more!
Apr. 12, 2025 – Dr. Brandon Guell, Wildlife Ecologist and Photographer from FIU Miami presentation and reception.
May 10, 2025 – Prescribed Fire, Reigniting the Spark with ERM Fire Specialist Harper Carroll
May 16, 2025 – Petals and Paradise; Plumeria Tour with Horticulturist Joel Crippen
May 25, 2025 – Last Day of Ribbit Exhibit – Family Day
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after they visit the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org
Images:
(Photo Credit: Mounts Botanical Garden)
Ribbit sculptor Andy Cobb and one of his whimsical frogs.
West Palm Beach, FL, October 2, 2024 – As breast cancer awareness month begins, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is reaching out to the 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 breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond.
A study out yesterday by the American Cancer Society shows the incidence of breast cancer has risen over the last decade, particularly among those under 50. According to the study, black women are least likely to be diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and most likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, contributing to disproportionate mortality.
“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, 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 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. Promise Fund’s Life Impact in Southeast Florida report shows that on average, 96% of all Promise Fund participants needing a screening mammogram have received it, compared to the going rate of 78% in Florida and 76.3% nationally. The rate is higher than state or national rates. Of those who were diagnosed with breast cancer through Promise Fund screenings, 26% were diagnosed in the late stage, compared with 30.5% in Florida and 31% nationally.
“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our 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.West Palm Beach, FL, October 2, 2024 – As breast cancer awareness month begins, Promise Fund, a South Florida based non-profit founded by Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, is reaching out to the 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 breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection, treatment, and beyond.
A study out yesterday by the American Cancer Society shows the incidence of breast cancer has risen over the last decade, particularly among those under 50. According to the study, black women are least likely to be diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and most likely to be diagnosed with late-stage, contributing to disproportionate mortality.
“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, 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 10,114 women through access to screenings, diagnostics, and care. Promise Fund’s Life Impact in Southeast Florida report shows that on average, 96% of all Promise Fund participants needing a screening mammogram have received it, compared to the going rate of 78% in Florida and 76.3% nationally. The rate is higher than state or national rates. Of those who were diagnosed with breast cancer through Promise Fund screenings, 26% were diagnosed in the late stage, compared with 30.5% in Florida and 31% nationally.
“Early detection saves lives, and we’re working every day to make sure we reach our 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.
A Gateway to Japan: An Evening of Violin and Piano,
Butoh Dance Workshop, and
Stroll for Well-Being at
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
October workshops, classes, and demonstrations:
Tuesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22
Ikebana Flower Arrangement – Ikenobo School Time: Beginners – 11am–1pm
Intermediate – 1:15–3:15pm*
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy.
Kurinuki is a traditional Japanese ceramic hand building technique starting with a solid block of clay and hollowing it out to create a vessel. Create a chawan, Japanese tea bowl using this beautiful ancient technique. In this hands-on workshop, learn basic techniques to work with clay and enjoy a presentation of Japanese ceramics.
Saturdays, Oct. 5, 12, 26, Nov. 3 & 9 Japanese Traditional Music: Koto Time: Beginners – 10:30am–12:30pm
Cost: $155 (Morikami Members $150) Advance Registration Required Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th centuries. Learn about the history, culture, and techniques in how to play this exquisite instrument in this five-week course. Instruments will be provided for participants to use in the class.
Saturday, Oct. 5 Family Fun: Video Game Character Magnets Time: 12–3pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission).
Commemorate the history and impact of beloved video game characters with your own Perler bead magnet.
Saturday, Oct. 5
A Gateway to Japan: An Evening of Violin and Piano Time: 1pm
Cost: $15 (Morikami Members $10) Join us for an afternoon of Japanese inspired chamber music! Featuring a wide range of repertoire- from an audience favorite, Ralph Vaughan Williams to American and Japanese contemporary composers, Sakiko Ohashi (piano) and Reiko Tachibana (violin), will take one on a classical chamber music journey filled with Japanese melodies.
Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27
The Art of Bonsai Time: Beginners – 12:30–3:30pm
Intermediate – 9am–12pm Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) Advance Registration Required Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.
Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese (Virtual Class)
Time: Level I – 6:10–7:10pm Level III – 7:10–8:10pm Level IV – 5–6pm Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Sundays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27; Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese (In-Person Class)
Time: Level I – 10:15–11:15am Level II – 11:30am–12:30pm Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and
IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering. *Sunday Beginner’s II Class Prerequisite – You must have already taken a Thursday beginner’s I class
Immerse yourself in Morikami’s natural beauty, peace, and serenity through our therapeutic garden walking program. A qualified facilitator will lead participants through themed walks and journal writing to encourage reflection, and ultimately, personal well-being.
Wednesdays, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School
Time: Beginners – 10:30am–12:30pm
Intermediate – 1:30–3:30pm*
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season. Intermediate course requires approval by the instructor before registering.
Saturday, Oct. 12 Sado: The Way of Tea Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet candy will help bring a calm perspective into one’s busy life.
Saturday, Oct. 12 Guest Artist Workshop: Calligraphy & Sumi-e Workshop with Artist Masumi Sakagami Time: 10am–12pm or 1:30–3:30pm Cost: $65 Advance registration required
Learn about the intricacies and beauty of Japanese calligraphy and sumi-ink painting techniques with master calligrapher and artist Masumi Sakagami. Students will learn the history of calligraphy, the basics of how to write a Japanese kanji character with the correct strokes, and to draw a bamboo with the brush
and ink, two traditional writing tools. The workshop will culminate in a special gallery walk and talk with the artist at her exhibition featured in the Yamato-kan. Learn about the inspiration and creative process behind her work with this master artist.
Led by the acclaimed Pınar Sinka, participants will learn theoretical knowledge such as the philosophy, methodology, and aesthetic ideals of Japanese avant-garde dance Butoh, as well as the choreographic visual elements of classical Butoh and the improvisational practices of post-Butoh. Moreover, they will experience the relaxing, warming, and breathing exercises of Butoh, as well as slow somatic techniques that focus on building a relationship between the mind, body, and space, and increasing body awareness. No dance experience is necessary. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
Leaders believe shared vision, determination, science, education, collaboration, and investment can transform the South Florida region and change the world.
West Palm Beach, FL–Palm Health Foundation’s eighth annual Train the Brain community health campaign during October 2024 marks the unveiling of a significant collaborative initiative. On October 24, 2024, at the Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at Florida Atlantic University, Palm Health Foundation will launch The Brain Coast: A Vision for South Florida, an aspiration endorsed by six Palm Beach County brain health and science visionaries:
Palm Health Foundation
Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at Florida Atlantic University
Stiles-Nicholson Foundation
The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology
Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience
Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network
These six partners believe the vision for The Brain Coast is akin to President John F. Kennedy’s ambitious goal for America’s space exploration that accelerated the development of Florida’s Space Coast. Together, they aim to accelerate innovation in diagnosing, treating, and curing neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and other brain conditions that affect 8 to 10 Americans according to the Dana Foundation and Research America. All have signed a Brain Coast vision statement, committing to three pillars:
1: Deepening Brain Science, Education, and Resiliency Through Research
2: Engaging the Community
3: Spurring Innovation to Improve Brain Health, Mental Health, and Community Resilience
As these partners grow their network of partners beyond Palm Beach County to all of South Florida, the three pillars will guide their work to advance the understanding of the human brain, mental health, and resilience, and shape the future of healthcare delivery and societal wellbeing. They envision future partners to span across science, health, education, funding, and the community.
“With world-renowned brain science institutions in our backyard, and science, health, education, and community partners integrated into a growing network focused on brain health, we see the transformational potential for South Florida to become recognized as The Brain Coast over the next decade,” said Patrick McNamara, president and CEO of Palm Health Foundation.
Many initiatives demonstrating The Brain Coast Vision’s promise are already underway:
“The Brain Coast is more than a sum of its parts,” McNamara said. “Students, researchers, scientists, health professionals, funders, nonprofits, and residents are coming together across South Florida to transform brain health in our local community and around the world, setting the course for the massive potential that lies ahead.”
If You Go:
What: Launching the Brain Coast Vision Palm Health Foundation is launching “The Brain Coast Vision,” an aspiration toward a thriving brain health ecosystem in South Florida. This vision is partly realized through breakthrough scientific research happening right here in Palm Beach County. Join us to hear the stories behind the science and be inspired by the journeys that led local scientists to dedicate their lives to advancing treatment for brain disorders as varied as depression, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and more.
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute at Florida Atlantic University Jupiter Campus, Jupiter, FL 33458
Registration: Free & Open to the Public. Registration Required – Seating is Limited. Register at palmhealthfoundation.org/events
About Palm Health Foundation Palm Health Foundation is Palm Beach County’s community foundation for health. With the support of donors and a focus on results, the foundation builds strong community partnerships, respects diverse opinions, advocates for its most vulnerable neighbors, and inspires innovative solutions to lead change for better health now and for generations to come. The foundation supports health equity for Palm Beach County residents of all backgrounds, heritage, education, incomes, and states of well-being. Palm Health Foundation has invested more than $93 million in Palm Beach County health since 2001. For more information about Palm Health Foundation, visit palmhealthfoundation.org or call (561) 833-6333.
About Train the Brain
Train the Brainis a community health campaign annually presented by Palm Health Foundation throughout the month of October. The campaign goal is to help Palm Beach County residents understand that taking care of the brain is just as important as taking care of the body. With information and resources provided, participants are encouraged to make changes in their thinking about mental health conditions and integrate brain healthy habits and self-care behaviors into their daily routines. PalmHealthFoundation.org/train-the-brain.
Tequesta, Fla. (September 30, 2024)—Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) received a $42,000 grant to expand free art classes for youth and adults with special needs. Awarded through the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County’s Arts & Cultural Education Fund, this two-year grant spans through May 2026, allowing LAC to increase its support for this important community initiative. Registration is currently open at lighthousearts.org/our-classes/special-needs-classes/.
“We are thrilled to expand our special needs art classes thanks to the generous support of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and the Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation,” said Jeni Licata, Executive Director at Lighthouse ArtCenter. “These classes play a crucial role in our Art For All outreach programs, which aim to make art accessible to underserved populations and contribute to their education, skill development, and overall well-being.”
Since 2009, Lighthouse ArtCenter (LAC) has offered free monthly art classes to individuals with special needs through the Olivia Palumbo Special Needs Art Classes. These classes were made possible by the generosity and vision of Doctors Vince and Anne Palumbo, who were inspired by their granddaughter. With new funding, LAC is thrilled to announce that these classes will now be held weekly, providing participants with more consistent opportunities for artistic expression and significant personal growth.
“It has always been our long-term goal to offer weekly rather than once-a-month classes. This grant will make this dream come true,” Anne Palumbo explained. “It is especially meaningful because those we serve flourish most readily with familiar environments and routine. It is also a boon to their caregivers, who can count on a few hours off each week, knowing their loved ones are enjoying a safe and enriching experience.”
Participants in the youth classes engage in various art projects using pencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers, watercolor paints, and tempera paints. Similarly, adult students explore these mediums while working on projects tailored to their interests and abilities. Research shows that weekly art classes for individuals with special needs improve social skills, self-expression, and self-esteem and reduce stress. They also foster community and enhance well-being through creative expression.
The special needs art classes are part of LAC’s art outreach initiative, Art For All, which provides free art instruction to underserved populations, including Veterans, individuals with special needs, at-risk children and adolescents, seniors, and economically disadvantaged individuals. LAC runs sixteen art outreach programs in partnership with ten local organizations.
Lighthouse ArtCenter Gallery & School of Art is a 501c(3) not-for-profit founded in 1964 by eight artists and Christopher Norton. The ArtCenter is dedicated to the visual arts, whose mission is to inspire, engage, and connect our community through a vibrant school of art, unique exhibitions, and diverse special events. The center has become a three-building campus with multiple galleries, eight studios, and an ArtShop. Supported by memberships, tuition, grants, and donations, Lighthouse ArtCenter serves over 20,000 visitors, 3000 students, 45 faculty members, 400 summer art campers, and a comprehensive outreach program to benefit under-served populations. For more information, visit https://www.lighthousearts.org.
SOMETHING SCARY – BIGGER, BETTER, AND SPOOKIER THAN EVER!
Free Performance by The Resolvers and No Big Deal Band
Haunted House, Trunk or Treating, Chef-Made Treats, Costume Contest and More Friday, October 25 at Space of Mind in Delray Beach
This year’s SOMething Scary is bigger and better than ever! Space of Mind is shutting down the block with a live music stage featuring The Resolvers and No Big Deal band, their 8th annual Haunted House (in Delray’s oldest – and officially haunted – house), a parking lot carnival, costume contest, trunk or treating, chef-made treats and more!
This year’s theme, Global Warning!, will be brought to life by Space of Mind students, who use their creativity to design and produce the event as part of their first trimester academic project. In addition, this year’s event will raise funds to launch SOMeTunes, a student-run record label and arts initiative under the Community Classroom Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on reducing learning-related stress through creativity.
This annual event is made possible thanks to sponsors including Subculture Restaurant Group, DADA, Meraki Integrative, The White Family Foundation, The Delray Beach Historical Society, Prosperity Brewers and the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Do Good Delray month, alongside A Little Wyld and Delray Orthodontics—highlighting the power of partnerships between businesses and nonprofits in our community. Our Trunk or Treat features cars curated by Delray Beach Concours. Don’t miss out on the frightful fun! Dress up, bring your friends, and prepare for a night of chills and thrills.
WHERE:
At the corner of Space of Mind and DADA
102 N. Swinton Ave. Delray Beach, FL 33444
WHEN:
Friday, October 25, 2024
6pm – 11pm
6:30pm – No Big Deal Band
9pm – The Resolvers
TICKETS:
Free live music
Click here to purchase wristbands for the haunted house and activities.
ABOUT THE 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. www.yourccp.org | @communityclassroomproject
