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3 Great Books that You Should Read

Savannah Hess
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3 Great Books that You Should Read

By Savannah Hess

Hi everyone. It’s me, Savannah. How are you all?

 It feels like it’s been a century, hasn’t it?

I know it’s been a long time, but I’ve been keeping up with school and work and many other things a near twenty-something deals with. But I wanted to make it short and sweet this time, and talk about a few books I’ve been able to read in the past few months. I’ve already read 15 in the last 2 and a half months! So… let’s talk about them. 

Cate Blanchett in The Lord of the Rings in the iconic “mirror” scene in Lothlorien. 

First I want to mention a book that’s near and dear to me. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Tolkien. I’ve been reading this book since about February. What’s amazing about my edition is that it’s all three books! The edition I have is bound up in a smooth, grey cover with a gorgeous black font and a small picture. Though I still look like I’m reading a textbook whilst in the middle of it. Anyway, I adore this book so much. The characters are extremely fleshed out, for one. The men are depicted as sweet, funny, and humble (except for a few). The women are layered, with Galadriel being calm and wise, while Eowyn is more spontaneous and passionate. There are characters for all kinds of readers to resonate with. Galadriel is my personal favorite though. Tolkien’s writing is easy to get into, and yet has some of the most beautiful prose and sections I’ve ever read or seen in a book. I love this book, and if you decide to read it, let me know. It’s a beast, but it’s so worth it! I’m so excited to see what happens to the characters, and how Tolkien will end it. I know I will be in tears either way. 

The Silver Linings Play Book by Matthew Quick

There are two other books I want to mention while I’m here. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick and Britney Spears’ memoir The Woman in Me. The first book I read before watching the 2012 movie, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I read it in the span of nine days, and it was so good! I love the way the book tackles mental health and subjects like depression, obsession, and memories. Almost every character was so poignant, and the ending, though bittersweet, was enough to leave me sobbing. The romance was realistic, and I was hooked from the first page. If you can, give this a read or a listen. It’s the perfect balance of serious, comedic, and true to life. Speaking of true to life, the second book, The Woman In Me, was such a joy to be able to read. I consider myself a fan of Britney and her work, much like I enjoy Avril Lavigne, Lita Ford, and Stevie Nicks. But Britney is more of a guilty pleasure (I’m sure anybody who loves reality shows can relate to this). Her book was heartwrenching. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to support her and her journey. 

Well, that’s about it. Thanks for reading, and I’ll talk with you all soon. Bye for now.

The 2024 Artist Innovation Showcase of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

Mark Caracciolo
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The 2024 Artist Innovation Showcase of the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County

By Mark Caracciolo

On Thursday, July 10th, at the Robert M. Montgomery Jr. Building, ten artists were recognized by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County at a reception marking the beginning of their exhibition. These artists came from all corners of the PBC area, from up north in Jupiter, all the way south to Delray Beach. Each winner received a $7,500 grant in 2024 and a dedicated section at this exhibition.

The artists are masters of a wide range of disciplines, including painters, sculptors, glass blowers, musicians, and other types of artisans.

The reception began at 5:30 pm, when guests were allowed into the building. Dozens of journalists, prior winners of the Innovation Showcase, collectors, and art enthusiasts all began to peruse and admire the various curated works of art on display. The air filled with the sound of jovial conversation and the smell of mini taco hors d’oeuvres as the staff, wearing uniform white dress shirts, began to serve cocktails to guests.

At 6:00 pm, Dave Lawrence, the CEO of Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, proceeded to make announcements in the central room of the exhibition. “These are very, very talented artists who live, work, and play here in Palm Beach County,” Lawrence remarked. “There are 10 artists selected through this selective application process… All they had to do was commit themselves to this notion of innovation and renewal.”

After he finished, he introduced one of the winners, Victoria Cardona, and she began playing select songs from her new album, Que Pasó. Another winner, Noah Garbarino, played on traditional Japanese taiko drums as well, which he crafts himself, having traveled to Japan to study how to make them.

Most of the other winners, Gillain Kennedy Wright, Jose R. Mendez, Janis Mc David, Jeanne Jaffe, Tracy Guiteau, Eli Cecil, and Molly Aubry, all had displays with a wide variety of their carefully crafted works on display. The exception is Suzanne Ankrum-Harris, who is using her grant to fund and produce a new stage play, Hurricane Diane.

“We try to give artists unfettered access to fund their dreams,” said Nick Murray, the Council’s Director of Marketing. “Artists in Palm Beach County should be artists full time.” The works will be on display from July 11 through August 29, at 601 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach. The exhibition itself will be free and open to guests during the summer, Tuesday to Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm. If you wish to learn more about the exhibit or the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County more broadly, you can visit their website at www.palmbeachculture.com

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Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity Hosts Sixth Annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

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Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity Hosts Sixth Annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity (OEBO) is proud to announce the sixth annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 2300 N. Jog Road, West Palm Beach.

This dynamic, free event is designed to empower and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, offering youth ages 8 to18 a unique opportunity to explore the world of business ownership through engaging workshops, discussions led by experts and hands-on experiences.

Highlights of the forum include a youth entrepreneur panel discussion to hear from young business owners who are “making their mark.”  The event also includes workshops:

• Entrepreneurship 101: Ideas to Action – Learn how to turn a spark of inspiration into a viable business.

• Pitch like a Pro: Sell Your Idea – Led by Ben Abidian, president of Atlantic Construction Engineers, this session will teach participants how to confidently pitch their business ideas.

• NIL Unlocked: Your Identity, Your Opportunity – Facilitated by James Taylor of the PBC Sports Commission and Taylored Management & Consulting, this workshop explores how young entrepreneurs can leverage their name, image, and likeness (NIL) for business success.

Attendees will also receive free professional headshots, enjoy a complimentary lunch and connect with like-minded peers and mentors.

“Before attending the event, starting a business felt like a distant idea, something other people did. But Mind Your Business gave me the tools, the encouragement, and most importantly, the belief that I could do it too,” said Bella Mayorca. “The event sparked the idea for Flash Sign Design, my business that will be launched by the end of July. This business uses AI to help customers design their own signs easily and creatively right from their phone or computer. What started as inspiration at an event has turned into something real, something I’m proud of. And it wouldn’t have happened without the support of this community and the resources that were made available through Mind Your Business.”

This event is open to the public and free of charge, but space is limited. Early registration is encouraged. To register, go to OEBO – 6th Annual Mind Your Business Youth Entrepreneurship Forum.

For more information, contact 561-616-6840 or asmith5@pbc.gov.

Soul in the City Jazz Experience Returns to West Palm Beach Waterfront for Summer

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Soul in the City Jazz Experience Returns to West Palm Beach Waterfront for Summer

Popular summer concert series will be held every third Wednesday from July through September

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 9, 2025) — This summer, soothing rhythms and melodies will once again drift across the West Palm Beach Waterfront. The City of West Palm Beach is pleased to announce the return of its popular Soul in the City Jazz Experience, a monthly concert series featuring top-tier musicians from across the nation performing in Downtown West Palm Beach. Soul in the City will take place on the third Wednesday of each month, July through September, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Lake Pavilion (101 South Flagler Drive). General admission tickets are $30, and table reservations for four or more are $45 per person. Tickets can be purchased at wpb.org/jazz.

“I am truly delighted to welcome back Soul in the City to our vibrant Waterfront,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “It’s inspiring to see people of all ages come together, united by the universal language of music. Whether you are a longtime jazz enthusiast or simply looking for something new and fun to do, I encourage everyone to experience this impressive concert series.”

The Soul in the City Jazz Experience lineup includes:

Allyson Briggs Band
  • July 16 – Allyson Briggs Band
  • Allyson Briggs has earned a reputation as “The Glamour Girl of Jazz.” Since bursting onto the New York jazz scene more than a decade ago, she has become one of the most sought-after vocalists and bandleaders today. With hundreds of public concerts and private events per year, she leads her own retro jazz band, Fleur Seule, with effortless fun and fashion to match whichever decade she chooses to recreate.
  •  
  • August 20 – The Robert Ross Band
  • Robert Ross, an award-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, performs jazz, blues, soul, and rock. He has released seven recordings with The Robert Ross Band and won two New York Music Awards for Best Blues Artist, competing against notable artists such as John Hammond Jr. and Taj Mahal. Since moving to Florida in 2017, Ross has won three Florida Blues Challenges and reached the semifinals twice at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. His performances are known for their soulful blend of blues and jazz.

The third and final concert of the series is set for Wednesday, September 17, with the featured band to be announced soon.

All ticket purchases include complimentary popcorn. Food, nonalcoholic drinks, and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and advance ticket purchase is required. Metered street parking is available along the streets near the Lake Pavilion, with Banyan and Evernia garages serving as the closest public parking garages.

“Soul in the City is undoubtedly one of our community’s most unique events,” said Angela Poco, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “This series provides an inviting indoor environment that allows attendees to fully engage with exceptional jazz performances by some of the nation’s most accomplished musicians. Given the high demand for tickets each year, I strongly encourage everyone to secure their tickets early to be part of these memorable evenings.”

Soul in the City Jazz Experience sponsors to date include WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, X 102.3, New Country 103.1, Fox Sports 640 South Florida, and News Talk 850 WFTL.

For more information about the Soul in the City Jazz Experience or other City of West Palm Beach Events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook, X, and Instagram. 

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About the City of West Palm Beach:  
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is an ideal place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.

DRIFTWOOD LAUNCHES SUMMER PRIX FIXE MENU IN BOYNTON BEACH

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DRIFTWOOD LAUNCHES SUMMER PRIX FIXE MENU IN BOYNTON BEACH

WHAT: Driftwood has launched a seasonal three-course Summer Prix Fixe Menu, available for $55 with an optional $15 curated wine pairing. Created by Chefs Jimmy Everett and Tommy Coombs, the menu showcases Driftwood’s signature approach to modern Florida dining — highlighting local farms, coastal ingredients, and bold, globally inspired flavors.

Guests can expect comforting classics elevated with thoughtful technique, bright seasonal produce, and unexpected pairings that reflect the spirit of South Florida summer.

MENU:
Appetizers

Sweet & Sour Cauliflower with benne seed and scallion [VG, GF]Crispy Local Okra with preserved lemon aioli and pecorino [V, GF]Smoked Local Fish Dip with old bay crackers
are Roots Farms Harvest Salad with citrus vinaigrette [VG, GF]

Entrées

Chicken n’ Dumplings with handmade ricotta dumplings
Rigatoni Bolognese with pork & beef ragu and housemade ricotta
Roasted Cabbage Red Curry with crispy mushrooms and coconut milk [VG, GF]

Shrimp n’ Grits with Key West pink shrimp and n’duja [GF, SF]Local Fish of the Day with blackened cauliflower and lentils [GF]

Desserts

Housemade Dulce de Leche Ice Cream Sandwich
Warm Cornbread with buttermilk ice cream, blueberries, and local bee pollen

WHEN:

Available throughout summer during regular dinner hours.

WHERE:

Driftwood
2005 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435
Website | (561) 733-4782

Media Kit: https://bit.ly/driftwoodboynton

AMAR LAUNCHES SUMMER PRIX FIXE MENU CELEBRATING THE FLAVORS OF LEBANON

WHAT: This summer, Amar in downtown Delray Beach invites guests to experience a Taste of Lebanon with a new Prix Fixe Summer Menu, priced at $45 per person. Designed for sharing and required for the entire table, the menu brings together Amar’s vibrant, ingredient-driven approach to traditional Lebanese cuisine — perfect for a sun-soaked evening on Atlantic Avenue.

The meal begins with a spread of mezze and ends with a sweet bite of baklava, with your choice of grilled meats, seafood, or vegan falafel as the centerpiece. It’s a celebration of warm hospitality, bold flavors, and communal dining — the heart of the Amar experience.

MENU:

Mezze (served for the table)

  • Classic Hummus
  • Baba Ghanouj
  • Muhammara
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Lebanese Pickles & Olives
  • Fresh Pita Bread


Main (served to share, with Lebanese rice & grilled onion sumac)
Choose one protein option for the table:

  • Land: Kafta Halabi, Chicken Taouk, Lamb Chops (+$8)
  • Sea: Salmon, Samke Harra
  • Vegan: Falafel


Sweet

  • Baklava

WHEN:
Available throughout summer during regular dinner hours.

WHERE: 

25 SE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | (561) 865-5653 

MANGO FEST AT PALM BEACH MEATS –  JULY 19

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MANGO FEST AT PALM BEACH MEATS –  JULY 19

WHAT: Celebrate peak mango season in South Florida with Mango Fest at Palm Beach Meats, a vibrant summer pop-up showcasing locally grown mangos from Chef Dan Ramos’ Red Splendor Farm. This one-day event brings together a talented lineup of local chefs and food artisans crafting mango-inspired dishes, drinks, and desserts.

Guests can enjoy mango tastings from Red Splendor Farm, mango-forward dishes from Palm Beach Meats, Ahmay Cuisine and How Ya Dough’n, refreshing mango beverages, and Miss Marsha’s signature mango pie.

That evening, the celebration continues with Palm Beach Meats’ monthly Steakhouse Night — an intimate, reservation-only dinner featuring wagyu cuts prepared by their in-house culinary team, classic steakhouse sides and fine wines. 15% of all sales from the dinner will be donated to support survivors of domestic abuse.

WHEN:
Saturday, July 19th
Mango Fest – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Steakhouse Night – 5 PM – 9 PM

WHERE:

Palm Beach Meats

4812 S Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 | 561-623-7471 

Palmbeachmeats.com | @palmbeachmeats

Media Kit

WHO:

Palm Beach Meats – house-created mango dishes, mango lassi and mango cocktails
Red Splendor Farm – mango tastings from Chef Dan Ramos’ farm
Ahmay Cuisine – Burmese mango-inspired flavors
How YaDough’n – mango pizza
Miss Marsha’s – handmade mango pie

The Well of PBC Celebrates Landmark Achievements in Behavioral Health Advocacy

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The Well of PBC Celebrates Landmark Achievements in Behavioral Health Advocacy

Honored with Prestigious Coalition Champions Award

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – July 7, 2025 – The Well of PBC, Palm Beach County’s largest behavioral health publication, is proud to announce significant milestones in its mission to transform the behavioral health landscape of Palm Beach County. 

Through its unwavering commitment to elevating the voices of county residents and highlighting their behavioral health concerns, The Well of PBC has become a vital platform for change and has been recognized with the esteemed 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition’s Coalition Champions Award in the Media category.

Since the inaugural issue was published in October 2021, The Well of PBC has dedicated itself to fostering an open dialogue around behavioral health and maintaining an open and transparent space as a crucial conduit for information, understanding and advocacy, working hand-in-hand with residents to drive meaningful change. 

A core strength of The Well of PBC lies in its commitment to featuring a diverse array of expert voices – those with both lived and learned experience. The publication provides a unique platform for individuals who might not otherwise feel they have the opportunity to speak to such a broad audience, ensuring that a comprehensive and empathetic perspective on behavioral health is always presented.

In honor of National Recovery Month in September, the upcoming August/September issue of The Well of PBC will delve into topics like the intersection of the addiction crisis and the housing crisis in Palm Beach County featuring expert opinions from The Lord’s Place, a non-profit dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness, alongside a powerful piece by Willie Cooks.

A re-entry advocate, a reformer for The Reform Alliance Institute, and an advisory board committee member for The Community Hub of Palm Beach County, Willie shares his insights, drawing from his personal experiences with addiction, incarceration and homelessness to advocate for others facing similar challenges.

“Receiving the 2025 Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition’s Coalition Champions Award was such an honor,” said Editor-in-Chief, Julie Khanna. “This recognition highlights the hard work and tireless dedication of both the team here at The Well of PBC and the community at large in fostering a safe and supportive place for behavioral health concerns. We believe that by amplifying the voices of our residents and experts, Palm Beach County can stand as a shining city on a hill of sorts where behavioral health is prioritized and accessible to all.”

Palm Beach Autographs Hosts Florida Panthers Autograph Signing Extravaganza

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Palm Beach Autographs Hosts Florida Panthers Autograph Signing Extravaganza

WELLINGTON,FL – The 2025 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers skated into Palm Beach Autographs at The Mall at Wellington Green where they recently signed autographs and spent quality time mingling and hanging out with their fans. 

Panthers center and playoffs MVP Sam Bennett, left winger Jonah Gadjovich,and right winger Brad Marchand each spent rousing afternoons posing for photos, signing memorabilia, and even getting into an occasional fight pose with die-hard fans and families (and a few jersey-clad canines) who waited for hours in line to see their favorite players.

Left Winger Jonah Gadjovich

“Bringing the Stanley Cup champions to Wellington is always a huge thrill for the community,” said Jim Dodson, owner of Palm Beach Autographs. “It’s not every day you get to meet your hockey heroes face-to-face. The energy from the fans and players was incredible.”The event also included a silent auction featuring must-have memorabilia and a hat trick mystery box containing autographed items.  

Right Winger Brad Marchand

Palm Beach Autographs is located at The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 340-2921 or visit palmbeachautographs.com.

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


Photo credit: Palm Beach Autographs

Grandma’s Angels 10th Annual Luncheon Co-Chairs Announced!

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Grandma’s Angels 10th Annual Luncheon Co-Chairs Announced!
Manda Galin and Amy Considine

On Tuesday, November 18th, Grandma’s Place will hold its 10th Annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach.  The Board of Directors are thrilled to announce Amy Considine and Manda Galin as the Co-Chairs.  Committee Members include: Susy Burrowes, Angelica Cimminella, Margaret Donnelley, Sunny Hawkins, Barbara Hollender, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Rossanna Mora, Elizabeth Nunez, Madison O’Connell, Amy Quattlebaum, Dina Rubio, Jodie Schmitz, Kim Proenza Smith and Lindsay Welch.

The luncheon starts at 11:30 am with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a special speaker and a small live auction while local CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes once again serves as the celebrity emcee.

The proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provide housing, compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support to the most vulnerable children and families

Tickets are $225 per person or tables at $2,250 each.

To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-376-0488, e-mail roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org

PALM BEACH COUNTY FOOD BANK STEPS IN WITH CHILDHOOD SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAMS

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PALM BEACH COUNTY FOOD BANK STEPS IN WITH CHILDHOOD SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAMS

PBCFB catering to more than 20 Summer BreakSpot sites to help feed 51,000 local children

(Lake Worth, Fla.) –Hunger doesn’t take a summer break, and neither does the Palm Beach County Food Bank (PBCFB)! This summer, the food bank is one of several providers partnering with Summer BreakSpot where children and teens under 18 can receive two out of three of breakfast, lunch or snacks. As Summer BreakSpot’s official caterer through FLIPANY, the PBCFB has helped provide more than 13,000 meals to food-insecure children two weeks into the program.

With approximately 192,000 food-insecure residents throughout Palm Beach County, PBCFB procures food from grocery stores, farmers, food distributors, wholesalers and other sources and distributes it to over 200 local community partners, including food pantries, soup kitchens and schools. In 2024, PBCFB distributed nearly 13 million meals to over 193,000 residents experiencing hunger and was honored with the Community Collaborator Award at the 8th Annual Nonprofits First Hats Off Awards.

“We are thrilled to be one of the providers for this much-needed program,” said Jamie Kendall, PBCFB CEO. “Summer is the hardest time of the year for kids who are already hungry during the school year and it’s a challenging time donation-wise for food banks like ours. However, we are thrilled to be operating in our Michelle Hagerty Community Kitchen, which is giving us more packing power than ever to feed our community with hot, nutritious meals.”

Applications are not required to receive food at Summer BreakSpot sites. No-cost meals will be available for young recipients every weekday while school is out, and PBCFB’s participating spots can be found at summerbreakspot.org.

The public is also encouraged to have a hand in preparing the distributed summer meals. Continuing throughout the summer, Michelle Hagerty Community Kitchen volunteers have answered the call to help children in need by packing and sealing kids’ meals every weekday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Supporters are also welcome to make a donation to PBCFB where one-dollar donations allows the nonprofit to provide five meals. 

For more information about PBCFB’s summer feeding programs, or to volunteer or donate to the PBCFB’s Childhood Hunger initiatives, please visit pbcfoodbank.org.

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