Wellington, FL (September 18, 2024) – In honor of September being Healthy Aging Month, John Hinson, M.D. voices the importance of maintaining health and wellness as we age, including bone health and mobility.
For the aging athlete, a home exercise program can play a key role in decreasing the frequency of chronic injuries. Regular shoulder stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent these
injuries from developing. Dr. Hinson advises that performing these home exercises routinely is an integral part of keeping the aging athlete participating in the sports they enjoy.
A safety-first, common-sense approach can help prevent both lower and upper extremity injuries. Falls that may cause acute injuries can be avoided by playing a sport on a clean and dry surface
and by being aware of surroundings for possible hazards. Secondly, there may be specific tools, such as appropriate braces or pads, to help prevent upper extremity injuries. Dr. Hinson encourages patients who are experiencing chronic pain to seek treatment for these conditions.
Dr. Hinson advises that rotator cuff tears are the most common shoulder injury encountered by an aging athlete. Patients will often relate an onset of symptoms without a specific event occurring. The patient will experience pain while playing that is often sharp with swinging a club
or paddle causing a limit in the ability to play. The pain will often occur after engaging in the sport and patients will frequently complain of pain at night.
Dr. Hinson emphasizes that treatment for most patients begins with conservative measures that can include anti-inflammatory medication, ice and heat, physical therapy, and corticosteroid injection (cortisone shot). Sometimes a modification in activity, such as decreasing frequency or taking a break from sport is needed for a period of time.
John Hinson M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute emphasize the importance of recognizing the physical signs of aging, prevention of an athletic injury through exercises and common sense, the awareness of chronic shoulder injuries including how to cope with them, and the need to seek treatment when necessary.
To learn more about John Hinson, M.D. and the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, please visit https://www.pboi.com/.
Florida Prepaid encourages families to start saving now, as recent research shows that 85 percent of good jobs will require higher education by 2031.
Florida Prepaid is encouraging families to start saving this fall toward a child’s future higher education costs by giving families a $50 gift card when they start saving with either a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan or Florida 529 Savings Plan.
The offer applies to plans opened between September 3 – October 28, 2024.
Updated research by Georgetown University shows that 85 percent of well-paying, promising jobs available by 2031 will require postsecondary education.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. –Florida families will receive a $50 gift card when they start saving with either a Florida 529 Prepaid Plan or Florida 529 Savings Plan now through October 28, 2024, as the Florida Prepaid College Board encourages families to explore the two types of 529 college savings plans. Both plans work together to allow families to build a flexible college savings strategy.
The fall incentive comes on the heels of the most successful Open Enrollment season in 10 years, with families purchasing both plans in record numbers. Moreover, recent data from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that 85 percent of well-paying, promising jobs available by 2031 will require postsecondary education.
“We are thrilled to see so many families taking advantage of these affordable college savings options, and we want to keep this momentum going so that more Floridians can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with saving early,” said Florida Prepaid College Board Chairman John D. Rood. “Our two plans offer families flexibility and affordability to build a personalized college savings strategy and provide an easy way to prepare their children for the workforce needs of the future.”
Florida Prepaid is the largest and longest-running prepaid college program in the nation, having helped more than 1.2 million families save for college since 1987. More than 626,000 students have already used their plan, both in-state and nationwide, demonstrating the success of the program. Families can lock in today’s plan prices to cover future tuition and fee costs and make affordable monthly payments. Prepaid Plans start at just $34/month for a newborn – the lowest pricing in a decade.
The Morningstar medal-winning Florida 529 Savings Plan is a flexible, tax-free investment plan that can be used nationwide for qualified education expenses, including tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies. With a 529 Savings Plan, the account owner maintains control and chooses when and how to invest. The Savings Plan allows families to save want they want, when they want, or they can set up automatic monthly payments for as little as $25/month.
Recent updates to tax rules also now allow families to use their 529 Savings Plan funds toward tuition and mandatory fees for K-12 education. And effective January 2024, parents with unused college savings in a 529 account can transfer that money to a beneficiary’s Roth IRA (individual retirement account).
The Florida Prepaid College Board manages the Stanley G. Tate Florida Prepaid College Program and the Florida 529 Savings Plan. Both are tax-favored 529 college savings plans authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code. In 1987 the Florida Prepaid College Program was created by the Florida Legislature and the commitment and dedication of Mr. Stanley G. Tate to provide Florida families with an affordable means to save for their children’s future college education. The first Florida Prepaid College Plans were sold in 1988 and were augmented with the addition of the Florida 529 Savings Plan in 2002. The Board also oversees two direct-support organizations – The Florida Prepaid College Foundation and Florida ABLE, Inc., d/b/a ABLE United. Florida Prepaid is the largest, longest running and most successful prepaid plan in the nation, with more than 2 million Florida Prepaid College Plans purchased and more than $15 billion in assets. The 529 Savings Plan has more than 158,000 active accounts, with a market value of more than $1.4 billion.
Friday, October 25, 6pm – SOMeting Scary (free, family-friendly)
First Annual Community Classroom Project Kugel Cook-Off at the Hub of Space of Mind
Sunday, September 29th in Downtown Delray Beach
Get your tasting forks ready! Join us on Sunday, September 29th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM for the Community Classroom Project’s first annual Kugel Cook-Off! This family-friendly indoor event (rain or shine!) is all about fun, flavor and a little friendly competition to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.
Kugel lovers, unite! Whether you prefer yours savory or sweet, this is your chance to taste them all. Who will take the crown? YOU get to be the judge! Sample each scrumptious entry and vote for your favorite in this epic battle of Rosh Hashanah’s most beloved dish. We’ll also have a spread of mouthwatering brunch sides, a bubbly mimosa bar for the grown-ups and fun entertainment for both kids and adults.
It’s all for a fantastic cause—supporting the incredible programs of the Community Classroom Project. So bring your appetite, your family and your best taste-testing skills because this is one event you don’t want to miss! The winners take home fabulous prizes, and everyone leaves with a smile. For a full list of programming visit findspaceofmind.com/register-for-a-program.
Be a Kugel Taster – $25 (adult), $25 (kids under 10)
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
When it comes to cleaning schools, there’s a lot more to it than just wiping down surfaces and picking up after messy students. Sure, we all notice the sticky fingerprints on door handles, the paper towels left on the bathroom floor, and the inevitable cafeteria spills. But what people often overlook is how a dirty school can set off a chain reaction affecting everyone—students, staff, and even parents.
Imagine this: a student comes to school with a cold. They touch a doorknob, a faucet, or a desk, leaving germs behind. Another student comes along, picks up those germs, and gets sick. Now, they must miss school. Their parents might have to take time off work to care for them, putting them behind in their own responsibilities. The student falls behind in class, which means more work for the teacher, and the cycle continues. You can see how it all spirals from there.
That’s why keeping a school clean is so important. It’s not just about making things look nice—it’s about creating a healthy, safe, and motivating environment for everyone.
Why Clean Schools Matter Beyond the Surface
Cleanliness in schools goes way beyond just looking good. It’s essential for a productive learning environment. Here’s why:
Reduces Illness: Regular cleaning and disinfecting help stop the spread of germs, keeping students and staff healthier.
Enhances Focus: A neat and organized classroom helps students concentrate and learn better.
Boosts Morale: A clean school shows that you care about the people in it, which makes everyone feel better and more valued.
Safety First
Lately, school safety has become more critical than ever. By keeping schools clean, we’re not just making them look good—we’re also making them safer. When schools follow best cleaning practices, they reduce risks and protect everyone on campus.
Top Tips for Effective School Cleaning
To keep schools clean efficiently, here are some top strategies to follow:
Create a Comprehensive Cleaning Plan: Start with a detailed plan that covers every area—classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, hallways, offices. This way, no spot gets overlooked, and cleanliness stays consistent.
Set Up a Cleaning Schedule: Regular routines are essential. Set specific tasks for your janitorial team to tackle daily, especially high-touch areas like door handles and desks. This keeps dirt and germs from building up.
Use Quality Cleaning Products: Invest in commercial-grade cleaning products and equipment that can tackle a wide range of germs. Eco-friendly and non-toxic options are great because they’re safer for everyone.
Train Your Staff: Make sure your janitorial staff is properly trained and certified in cleaning procedures and safety protocols. Well-trained staff are more efficient and better at maintaining high standards.
Best Practices for School Cleaning
To make sure cleaning is as effective as possible, follow these best practices:
Color-Code Cleaning Tools: Use different colored cloths and tools for different areas to prevent cross-contamination. For example, red cloths for bathrooms and blue for kitchens.
Focus on High-Touch Areas: Regularly disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and desks to reduce germ transmission.
Go Green: Consider eco-friendly cleaning practices. They’re better for the environment and align with the values of many schools.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, cleaning a school isn’t just about keeping things looking nice. It’s about ensuring that students and staff have a safe, healthy place to learn and work. By following these strategies and best practices—and maybe even partnering with a professional school cleaning service—you can keep your school clean, safe, and ready for success.
Shari Cedar is the CEO & Co-Owner of AK Building Services, an industry-leading commercial janitorial services provider in Florida that Shari owns with her husband.
Delray Beach, FL (September 6, 2024) — Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) will hold its 13th Annual Witches of Delray Beach Bike Ride on Saturday, October 26th.The witches plan to make their triumphant return to Downtown Delray Beach with the route starting at City Hall, flying down the famed Atlantic Avenue, and zipping back to the Old School Square pavilion.
Three hundred (300) witches will don their best witch-wear and extravagantly decorated brooms (bikes) to ride through scenic Downtown Delray Beach up Atlantic Avenue, all guided by the Delray Beach Police Department. The ride will take off promptly at 8:30 a.m. At the conclusion of the ride, the party will continue at the Old School Square Outdoor Pavilion Stage with music and awards presentations such as “Best Costume,” “Best Witch Cackle,” “Best Decorated Broom (Bike),” and “Best Group Theme.”
Prior to the big ride day, new this year, Amanda Perna of the House of Perna Boutique & Atelier (Project Runway Reality Star) and the Tin Roof will host a “Not your Basic Witch” Hat Decorating Event on October 1st at 7 p.m. (rain date is October 8). ACCF will provide hat supplies, crafts, couture and traditional hat decorating materials. The event will be held at 8 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. Space is limited.
Additionally, long-time event partner Tim Finnegan’s Irish Pub in Delray Beach will host a signature fundraiser in support of the Witches Ride, the Annual “Witches Brew” on Friday, October 18th from 6 to 9 p.m.
The entire month of October, ACCF will have a variety of Ways to be Wicked with the Witches of Delray. For registration and event details visit www.tinyurl.com/Witches2024.
Funds raised from the Witches Ride directly benefit Delray Beach’s Achievement Centers for Children & Families, a community-based organization dedicated to serving under-resourced children and families in Delray Beach and surrounding communities.
“As we mark the 13th anniversary of our Witches Ride, we are reminded of the incredible community spirit that has made this event so special. It’s not just about the costumes and the fun—it’s about coming together to support a cause that has such a meaningful impact,” said Stephanie Seibel, CEO of the Achievement Centers. “It’s incredible to see how much the event has grown over the years. It brings so much joy and support to our organization, and we’re excited to see it continue to grow.”
About Achievement Centers for Children & Families (ACCF) At Achievement Centers for Children & Families, children are involved in Early Learning (Toddler and Preschool), After School, Teen and Summer Camp programs that help prepare them for academic and social success and inspire them to discover their talents. Our families are served through our Family Support and Economic Stabilization services which benefit the community by stabilizing families in crisis; supporting them to serve as the foundation of their child’s growth. Family strengthening services are embedded within our four core programs of Early Learning, After School, Teen and Summer Camp. ACCF currently serves nearly 700 local children and families from three locations in Delray Beach; Nancy K. Hurd Campus, Village Academy, and Pine Grove Elementary. For more information, call (561) 266-0003 or visit www.achievementcentersFL.org.
PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL– (September 4, 2024) Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County (HFHGPBC) has announced its annual Veterans Build event, presented by Vertical Bridge, will be held on November 1, 2024, with multiple job sites across Palm Beach County. This annual fundraiser and community build/repair effort supports veterans and active service members in our community.
With nearly 76,000 veterans living in Palm Beach County, Habitat is committed to honoring those who have served our nation through initiatives like Veterans Build. This program ensures that veterans can achieve or maintain the American dream of homeownership, providing them with a safe and affordable place to call home. The community can support Veterans Build in three impactful ways: by becoming a sponsor, fundraising and building, or by donating to the American Dream Fund—a dedicated fund for Veterans Build 2024. Immediately after the build, participants will gather for the American Dream BBQ, a reception at the Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center where guests will celebrate the impact of Veterans Build and honor the veterans and active service members in attendance.
This year’s event is once again presented by Vertical Bridge, a dedicated annual partner and champion for veterans in Palm Beach County. “Vertical Bridge is proud to sponsor the Veterans Build with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County, marking our seventh consecutive year of support,” said Ron Bizick, CEO of Vertical Bridge. “Giving back and making a difference in our communities is deeply important to us. Seeing the stability this housing provides to those who have devoted themselves to defending our nation’s freedom is especially fulfilling.”
Veterans Build 2024 co-chairs are Clint Lowe, Director of Engineering Transformation & Footprint Strategy at Carrier and U.S. Army Veteran; and Michael Maglio, Vice President of Industrial Sales at NuStar Building Materials and U.S. Marine Veteran. Both chairs are honored to lead this year’s event, dedicated to ensuring that veterans in our community feel supported and connected as they transition from military to civilian life. By helping provide a stable foundation of affordable homeownership, they are committed to giving veterans a sense of security and belonging.
Anyone wishing to learn more and get involved is invited to attend the Kick-off Party on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., hosted by the Maglio Family at a private residence in Jupiter Farms. Guests will enjoy an award-winning pig roast, tableside paella, red, white, and brews, live music by the Steel Pony Band, and a silent auction while learning how they can support Veterans Build 2024. RSVP is required, visit https://app.giveffect.com/campaigns/33470-veterans-build-kick-off-party
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County welcomes corporate partners, volunteers, and service members to help build and improve homes for veterans in our community. Committed Sponsors include Vertical Bridge (Presenting Sponsor); Carrier (Challenge Coin Sponsor); MISSION UNITED (Grant Funder); Hubbard Radio/WFTL 50 (Exclusive Radio Sponsor); Art Roffey & Gail Danto, and BallenIsles Country Club and Seacoast Bank (Community Builder Sponsors); Clear Touch, Document Storage Systems, Inc, Grimes Events and Party Tents, Gunster, Humana, FPL, Pratt & Whitney, and Grimes, Mariza Brussolo, Boynton Beach Arts & Cultural Center and Restore Construction Group, Inc (Hope Builder Sponsors); Magen Protective Services (Security Sponsor); and Starbucks (Coffee Sponsor); and Baptist Health (Hospitality Tent).
Committee Members include Co-Chairs Clint Lowe and Michael Maglio; Honorary Co-Chairs: Anne Desormier-Cartwright & Ryan Paton; Committee Reserves: Julia Dattolo & Charles (Chuck) Millar; Committee Members: Brandon Albers, Nicholas Cannon, Carey Clarke, Andrew Filauro, Amy Kemp, Donna Kerner, Debbie Meyers, Anthony Nastase, Jonathan Oakley, Anta Plowden, Jon Raybuck, Art Roffey, Ivan Rosa, and Melissa Royal.
