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FALL EVENTS CALENDAR: YMCA

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FALL EVENTS CALENDAR: YMCA

West Palm Beach, FL – The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is launching several new
programs this fall for children and families. These programs include “Family Adventure
Saturdays,” a day camp for ‘No School’ Days, and an after-school tutoring program.
Additionally, registrations for the annual Floating Pumpkin Patch are now open. More
details on these programs can be found below:
Family Adventure
 Saturdays
o Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26
 Families will have the opportunity to participate in painting, pumpkin carving,
Halloween face painting and outdoor games.
 Cost: $20 for members | $80 for community members
o These costs cover families of up to four members for all four Saturdays in
October!

 For more information, please contact yleon@ymcapalmbeaches.org or
561-968-9622.
Tutoring Program
 Tuesdays/Thursdays
 Tutoring will be available for 1st-6th graders. Services provided include tutoring,
homework help and test prep.
 Cost: $40 for members | $80 for non-members
 To secure our child’s spot, please contact 561-968-9622.
Make Your Own Healthy Protein Snacks
 Saturdays Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9
 Start committing to your health goals by learning to make your own healthy
protein snacks at the Y! Our October classes will teach you everything you need
to know about making your own protein bars and protein pancakes.
 Cost: $25 for members | $80 for non-members
o Costs cover all four classes!
 For more information, please contact yleon@ymcapalmbeaches.org or
561-968-9622.

No School Days
 Oct. 3, 14, and Nov. 5
 On non-school days, the YMCA will offer a dynamic Day Camp to keep kids
active and engaged. It will include a variety of activities, including seimming
lessons and other programs.
 For more information, please contact Khorinn Woodard at
kwoodard@ymcapalmbeaches.org or 561-968-9622

Floating Pumpkin Patch
 Oct. 18, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
 Join us for a fun, festive and family-friendly seasonal event. Our pool will be filled
with pumpkins so kids (ages 3-12) can splash, float and dunk them until they find
the perfect one. Decorating and carving supplies will be available to customize
your pumpkin to take home with you.

Ongoing Programs:

Group Swim Lessons
 Group swim lessons are offered for all age groups at the YMCA of the Palm
Beaches.
 For more information, please contact 561-968-9622.
o Parent/Child (6 Months – 3 Years)
o Preschool (3-5 Years)
o School Age (6-12 Years)
o Teen/Adult (13+ Years)

Silver Sneakers
 Silver Sneakers is a fitness program designed specifically for older adults. The
YMCA offers many SilverSneakers classes every week.
o SilverSneakers – Classic
o SilverSneakers – Circuit
o SilverSneakers – Boom: Mind & Muscle
 The SilverSneakers program is included with 60+ Medicare plans
 For more information, please contact 561-968-9622.
Fall Membership Special:
 $15/month gym access
 $39/Month Full access
About the YMCA of the Palm Beaches:
The YMCA of the Palm Beaches aims to provide everyone in the community with an
opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, regardless of age, income or background.

Website: https://www.ymcapalmbeaches.org/
Phone: (561) 968-9622
Locations:
 Wellness Center: 4200 S. Congress Ave Lake Worth, FL, 33461
 Aquatic Center: 2728 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth, FL, 33461
 Wellness Center: 3160 PGA Blvd, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, 33410
Instagram: @ymcapalmbeaches
Facebook: YMCA of the Palm Beaches

COME ONE, COME ALL TO THE GREATEST FUNDRAISER ON EARTH: LITTLE SMILES 19th ANNUAL STARS BALL – UNDER THE BIG TOP 

madison mangoni
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COME ONE, COME ALL TO THE GREATEST FUNDRAISER ON EARTH: LITTLE SMILES 19th ANNUAL STARS BALL – UNDER THE BIG TOP 

Celebrating 25 years of helping kids be kids during difficult times

Palm Beach Gardens, FLA. – (September 27, 2024) – Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, get ready to experience the greatest fundraiser on earth: the Little Smiles 19th Annual Stars Ball: Under the Big Top. This extraordinary circus-themed ball will take place on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 5:30 PM at the Hilton in downtown West Palm Beach. Your support will brighten the lives of children in need.

This year’s Stars Ball is a one-of-a-kind event that blends the magic of the circus with Hollywood glamour. The night will come alive with dazzling entertainers, variety acts, and sideshows, all set against an awards-style celebration honoring twelve incredible children. All nominated by the facilities where they receive treatment: Abilena Cruz, Caedyn Fairbanks, Kylee Issac, Lyla Lackey, Carter McDuffy, Etta Oller, Yasly Perez, Mila Rauser, William Rivero, Daylyn Robinson, Andrew Roehm, and Majesty Williams will be celebrated as true Stars for their inspiring stories of perseverance and courage.

“Our Stars Ball is more than just a night of celebration,” said Brittany Perdigon, Executive Director of Little Smiles Florida. “It’s an opportunity for our community to unite and show these children that they are loved, supported, and celebrated. It reminds them that no matter what challenges they face, they are never alone.”

The evening will be filled with excitement and entertainment, starting with the red carpet experience for the Stars, complete with fans, paparazzi, and autograph signing. Guests will enjoy a program featuring live circus performances, interactive experiences, and a silent auction. All funds raised go directly to supporting Little Smiles’ year-round programming, which provides joy and comfort to children in need across South Florida.

This magical evening wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of co-chairs Virginia Sinicki and Samantha Shepherd and the generous support of our sponsors, including The Leandro P. Rizzuto Foundation, Frank & Herta Suess, Vertical Bridge, Waferworld, and Ocean Properties. 

Individual tickets for this spectacular event are $350, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those who want to make an even bigger impact. By joining the greatest show on earth, you’re not just attending an event—you’re supporting the greatest charity, helping to bring smiles and comfort to thousands of local children who need it most.

For over 25 years, Little Smiles Florida has served children in difficult situations throughout South Florida. In 2023 alone, the organization brought smiles to over 55,000 local children, working closely with 34 pediatric facilities, including hospitals, shelters, medical daycare centers, foster homes, and local law enforcement. Little Smiles’ unique programming ranges from facility-wide events like movie and pizza nights to fulfilling individual requests such as gaming consoles and unforgettable experiences.

For more information about Little Smiles Florida and the Stars Ball or to purchase tickets, please visit littlesmilesfl.org.

About Little Smiles Florida:

Little Smiles is a not-for-profit organization operating in Palm Beach County and the greater Southeast Florida region. The charity was founded in 1999 by local businessman Paul L. Donohue, who saw a need and inspired the community to bring comfort and joy to children and their caregivers at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital. Little Smiles now partners with thirty-nine pediatric facilities from Daytona Beach to Miami that include hospitals, medical day care centers, hospices, shelters, foster care homes, and medical support facilities. Their mission is to help kids be kids during difficult times. They provide smiles to children and their support staff with fun events, including movie night, arts and crafts, and snack breaks. They fulfill individual needs and requests, such as providing a toy to help distract a child after surgery, pajamas to stay extra comfy during their time at the facility, or even a cake and a present to celebrate a birthday during their time at one of the facilities.

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Calendar Listing: 

5:30 pm – 11:00 pm, Saturday October 5, 2024 – Little Smiles’ 19th Annual Stars Ball: Under the Big Top, a circus-themed evening of fun and philanthropy. The event takes place at the Hilton in downtown West Palm Beach. Individual tickets are $350, and various sponsorship opportunities are available. By participating in the Stars Ball, you play a starring role in helping Little Smiles continue its mission of helping kids be kids during difficult times. For more information, visit https://littlesmilesfl.org/starsball/.

Impact the Palm Beaches to Host 10th Anniversary Season Kick-Off Event

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Impact the Palm Beaches to Host 10th Anniversary Season Kick-Off Event

Celebrate 10 Years of Impact: Empowering Women, Transforming Futures

Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART

WEST PALM BEACH, FL– (September 26, 2024) Impact the Palm Beaches is scheduled to host their ten-year anniversary kick-off celebration on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 5:30 pm at Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach Downtown.  Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) is once again the presenting sponsor.

Over 200 guests are expected to attend this spirited evening to kick off 10 Years of Impact: Empowering Women, Transforming Futures. Guests will enjoy cocktails and socializing as they learn more about Impact the Palm Beaches and what is planned for their ten-year anniversary season. Since its establishment in 2015, Impact the Palm Beaches has granted almost $2 million to local nonprofit organizations making transformational changes in our community.

“As we kick off our 10th year, Impact the Palm Beaches remains committed to partnering with local organizations to make a meaningful and long-lasting impact on the communities they serve,” shared Lisa Johnson, 2024-2025 co-president of Impact the Palm Beaches.  Impact has set a goal of 500 members this year. “As our membership continues to grow, we are able to support an increasing number of organizations and initiatives, expanding our efforts to uplift communities.”

Johnson adds, “This year, FPL has once again taken on the role of presenting sponsor, and we are incredibly appreciative of their ongoing support. The partnership we have developed with FPL is built on our mutual dedication to improving our community, and we are grateful for the opportunity to work together towards this common goal.”

To RSVP for the kick-off celebration, visit impactpalmbeaches.org

Last year, three local non-profits each received $100,000 in grants. Grant recipients included: The three $100,000 Impact Grant winners for 2024 were the American Association of Caregiving Youth (Caregiving Youth Project), Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies (Basics4Babies Emergency Pantry), and The Lord’s Place (Project Divert: A Homeless Shelter Diversion Pilot Initiative). Additionally, two $48,000 Merit Grants were awarded to Busch Wildlife Sanctuary (for the Rehabilitation Flight Cages for Large Birds) and Take Stock in Children Palm Beach County (for the Program Expansion in Central and Northern Palm Beach County). The 2025 Impact grants will be awarded at an Annual Awards Celebration on April 30, 2025.

For more information about Impact the Palm Beaches, events, and how to become a member, visit Impactpalmbeaches.org or email info@impactpalmbeaches.org.

Impact 100 is a worldwide organization with more than 60 chapters and steadily growing. Their motto is “One Woman, One Meeting, One Vote.” It is designed for women who wish to find an efficient and collaborative means of creating transformational change in their community. Women can become as involved as they want to in the process.

Impact members each contribute $1,000 annually and award at least one $100,000 Impact grant to a local nonprofit organization, allowing for a significant grant to one organization rather than several smaller gifts. Impact grants fund the following service areas: Arts & Culture; Education; Environment and Animal Welfare; Health & Wellness; and Family. Membership for the new season is now open and will close on February 29, 2024.

The Town of Palm Beach United Way is the fiscal agent of Impact the Palm Beaches.

Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International

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Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International

Invites the Public to

TROPICAL FRUIT TREE & EDIBLE PLANT SALE

At the South Florida Fairgrounds – October 19

Both Admission & Parking are FREE;

Visitors are Encouraged to Bring a Plant Wagon

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 24, 2024) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and further cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in South Florida and around the world, is hosting its annual Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale on Saturday, October 19. The popular event will be held from 9 am to 2 pm in Concourse Buildings 6-10 on the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.

Visitors should enter the Fairgrounds through Gate 8. Both admission and parking are FREE.

At this year’s Tropical Fruit Tree & Edible Plant Sale, vendors from all over the state will offer a wide variety of delightful and delicious fruit trees, including Avocado, Banana, Barbados Cherry, Black Sapote, Canistel Citrus, Dragon Fruit, Fig, Guava, Grumichama, Jackfruit, Jaboticaba, Longan, Lychee, Macadamia, Mamey Sapote, Mango, Miracle Fruit, Mulberry, Papaya, Peach, Persimmon, Soursop, Sugar Apple, Star Apple, Tamarind, herbs and spices, plus specially formulated fertilizer, and more.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a wagon to help carry purchased plants. Also available will be educational information on the planting and growing of fruit trees, along with knowledgeable volunteers and vendors to answer any questions.

About The Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc.:

Established in 1970, the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council (RFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting and furthering the cultivation and use of tropical and rare fruit in south Florida and throughout the world. RFC has several hundred members interested in learning about, growing and enjoying tropical fruits, and is currently holding in-person meetings on the second Friday of each month at 7 p.m.

Membership is $30 yearly, and benefits include:

+  Monthly newsletter – filled with informative articles about growing rare fruits and related topics.

+ Propagation classes – members learn how to graft & air-layer tropical fruit trees. 

+ Organized field trips to regional fruit tree collections and plantings.

+ Periodic field trips to member yards and local orchards.

+ Volunteer opportunities for many interesting & exciting committees and events.

In addition, specially formulated fertilizer is offered at a discount for RFC members.

For more information about the Palm Beach Chapter of the Rare Fruit Council International, Inc., please call 855.732.7273 or visit www.pbrarefruitcouncil.org.

Palm Beach Atlantic University Celebrates Third Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Enrollment

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Palm Beach Atlantic University Celebrates Third Consecutive Year of Record-Breaking Enrollment

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (September 23, 2024) —For the third consecutive year, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) has welcomed its largest incoming class in the institution’s 56-year history.

A total of 958 first-year traditional undergraduate students enrolled in PBA this fall, bringing the university’s overall enrollment to 4,147. 

This rise in attendees reflects increased interest in PBA’s Christ-centered, whole-person education—at a time when many higher education institutions struggle with significant enrollment plateaus or declines. PBA’s growth also mirrors South Florida’s rapid economic growth in recent years.

“We are extremely grateful for our faculty, staff, and supporters, whose commitment to our mission of equipping students to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction and serve God boldly, plays a pivotal role in our growing reputation,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, PBA president. “We look forward to seeing how this incoming class transforms into the next generation of servant leaders and world changers.”

This incoming class of traditional undergraduate students grew by 13.5 percent year over year. PBA’s student body now includes international students from over 80 countries, including India, Venezuela, Germany and the United Kingdom. 

PBA’s enrollment growth complements its increased application growth. In June, PBA was ranked third in the nation for application growth compared to pre-COVID levels, according to an analysis by Numerade using National Center for Education Statistics data.

“Our team has been dedicated to raising awareness about PBA’s mission, vision and exceptional academic programs both nationally and internationally,” said Dr. Nancy Brainard, executive vice president of enrollment management. “When families discover that there’s a Christian institution of higher learning in such a beautiful and strategically located setting, their interest is sparked. The world-class opportunities available here are truly exciting and life-changing.”

To accommodate PBA’s rapid growth, the university launched its God-Sized Dreams campaign in 2022. The capital campaign targets four major construction projects that will enable PBA to further respond to market changes, expand in-demand programs, build innovative spaces, and further its mission.

PBA’s continued enrollment increase and physical expansion also come as the West Palm Beach community continues to experience remarkable growth, garnering attention on a national scale as “Wall Street South.” The Business Development Board reports that approximately 100 corporations have migrated to Palm Beach County since 2019, including industry giants like Goldman Sachs, NewDay USA, Tremblant Capital and GTCR.

To learn more about the campaign, visit godsizeddreams.pba.edu. 

PBA Fast Facts

  • From 2019 to 2023, PBA saw a 305.5 percent increase in applications, with 6,220 total applicants in the 2022-2023 academic year.
  • A total of 958 first-year and transfer undergraduates joined this fall, bringing PBA’s overall enrollment to 4,147. The other record-breaking years occurred in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
  • PBA offers over 100 different programs and pathways, complemented by its commitment to research & innovation and specialized credentials, one of which—the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business—places PBA in the top 6 percent of global business schools.
  • Top undergraduate programs are nursing, biology, psychology, exercise science, marketing, business administration, management, elementary education, finance, business administration + MBA, pre-law and communication.

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About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.

League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County to Host ‘Hot Topic Lunch’ on the Election with Three Local TV News Directors

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League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County to Host ‘Hot Topic Lunch’ on the Election with Three Local TV News Directors

+ Jon Brady, WPEC 12

+ Kathy Reynolds, WPTV 5

+ Emily Thompson, WPBF 25

At the West Palm Beach Marriott, October 23

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 23, 2024) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)is inviting residents and parents to an upcoming lunch event focused on how the three local TV stations will be covering the November 5 election.

Wednesday, October 23  / 11 am to 1 pm

Hot Topic Discussion  /  In-Person

TV Coverage of the November 5 Election

A Panel Discussion with Three Local News Directors

  • Jon Brady, WPEC News 12 (CBS / Sinclair)
  • Kathy Reynolds, WPTV News 5 (NBC / Scripps)
  • Emily Thompson, WPBF News 25 (ABC / Hearst)

Moderated by Sandy Collier, President of the Gold Coast PR Council and Hey Sandy! PR & Communications

Where:  West Palm Beach Marriott, 1001 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach 33401 (just west of the Kravis Center)

Registration Fee: $50

Notes:

+ Doors open at 11:00 am. Lunch begins at 11:30 am, the program starts at noon.

+ Advance registrations and payment must be made online at

https://lwvpbc.org/content.aspx?page_id=4002&club_id=294802&item_id=2358111

+ Walk-ins cannot be accommodated. Fee is nonrefundable.

+ Deadline to register is October 11, 2024.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit lwvpbc.org or 

facebook.com/lwvpbc.

OCTOBER PROGRAMMING AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN 

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OCTOBER PROGRAMMING AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN 
Screenshot

WELLINGTON, FL – The Mall at Wellington Green will host an exciting lineup of events this October. From its annual Pink Party and Halloween celebrations to public safety events and car shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the mall this month. 

Village of Wellington Public Safety Night 

Friday, October 4

5-8pm

The Mall at Wellington Green East Parking Lot

Free

The Mall is partnering with the Village of Wellington for a family-friendly night, designed to educate and inform the community about public safety. Attendees will get the chance to meet members of local law enforcement, EMS responders, Parks & Recreation employees, and more. Plus, kids can bounce the night away with bounce houses courtesy of Jupiter Bounce. 

Seventh Annual Pink Party

Saturday, October 5

1-3pm 

Grand Court

Free

The Mall at Wellington Green is thrilled to host its annual Pink Party in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event will include bra decorating, airbrush tattoos, exciting giveaways, and an upbeat Zumba master class (Zumba participation requires a $10 donation towards American Cancer Society). Attendees will also hear about the importance of early detection and inspiring stories from Survivors and Thrivers. 

Cars & Coffee Palm Beach 

Sunday, October 6

8am-11am

Parking lot between Dillard’s and Macy’s

$15 per vehicle entry, free for spectators

Calling all car lovers! Cars & Coffee Palm Beach is the county’s largest automotive showcase, featuring top-quality vehicles, including exotics, classics, hot rods, supercars, muscle cars, euros, and high-end sports cars. Attendees can also enjoy complimentary coffee and food from participating food trucks. Plus, this Cars & Coffee event will be a special Halloween Trunk or Treat! Costumes encouraged. 

Palm Beach Autographs Signing with Jose Canseco

Sunday, October 6

1pm

Palm Beach Autographs

Prices Vary

Palm Beach Autographs is excited to welcome MLB legend Jose Canseco to their store. Fans will be able to meet Canseco, who will be signing autographs and posing for photo ops. For more information or to buy tickets, visit palmbeachautographs.com/pages/signings.

Kids Club Mommy & Me Costume Party

Wednesday, October 16

10:30am-12pm 

Grand Court 

Free

Parents and children under five are invited to join the mall for a morning of Halloween-themed fun. The event will include pumpkin decorating, snacks, character cameos, and more. Costumes encouraged! 

Palm Beach Autographs Signing with Alexsander Barkov & Gustav Forsling 

Sunday, October 20

11am

Palm Beach Autographs

Prices Vary

Palm Beach Autographs is excited to welcome Florida Panthers players and recent Stanley Cup champions, Alexsander Barkov and Gustav Forsling. Fans will be able to meet the Panthers players, who will be signing autographs and posing for photo ops. For more information or to buy tickets, visit palmbeachautographs.com/pages/signings.

Trick or Treat 

Thursday, October 31

5pm-7pm

Mall wide

Free

Stay safe, dry, and cool this Halloween when you trick or treat at The Mall at Wellington Green. Guests should come in costume to gather candy and treats from participating retailers.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com.

Clinics Can Help Sets Date for Cribs for Kids Luncheon

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Clinics Can Help Sets Date for Cribs for Kids Luncheon

Palm Beach, Florida – The 3rd Annual Clinics Can Help Cribs for Kids Luncheon is set for its return on Friday November 8, 2024, at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach and the organization is thrilled to share there are some exciting happenings in store! The event, aimed at raising vital funding to prevent S.I.D.S., kicks off at 11 a.m. and promises an afternoon you won’t soon forget.

“Over 2,000 deaths each year due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is unacceptable,” shares Clinics Can Help CEO Owen O’Neill. “A safe sleeping environment is the very simple answer to reducing this number and we’ve made it a part of our mission to step in to help those in need. We are proud that with our 2023 luncheon and fundraising efforts, we were able to donate over 1,100 cribs in the last twelve months. This year, our goal is 1,200! We are hopeful that our community once again joins our efforts and helps us through this very special event.”

In addition to a fabulous luncheon, attendees will have the opportunity to get a head start on their holiday shopping while visiting the boutiques on site and the silent auction filled with must have items for all. Looking to do a little more? Bid in the live auction for once in a lifetime opportunities or review sponsorship opportunities still available. Tickets for the event are $300 per person, and tables are $3,000.

Since its inception, CCH has aided more than 26,000 children and adults with an astonishing $14,000,000 worth of medical equipment and life-saving supplies. The organization works to increase access to health equity leading to bright futures. A new report by the Cook Children’s Medical Center illustrated the dangers to infants as a Fort Worth, Texas hospital tragically saw 30 infant deaths due to unsafe sleeping conditions in 15 months.

To learn more about this event, call 561.640.2995, or visit www.clinicscanhelp.org. 

About Clinics Can Help

A vital resource in Palm Beach County and throughout Southeast Florida for families in search of medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers, and more, CCH provides access to critical equipment for thousands of children and adults who cannot afford it. The only organization of its kind in Florida and one of only four in the U.S. that provides a vast and diverse array of equipment, CCH makes a difference through a simple process of organized recycling. Please visit www.clinicscanhelp.org or call 561.640.2995.

THE TREK TO AND FROM THE BOTHY AT NAIRN, SCOTLAND:  A TRUE MEMORY-MAKER

Mike May
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THE TREK TO AND FROM THE BOTHY AT NAIRN, SCOTLAND:  A TRUE MEMORY-MAKER

Story and Photos By Mike May

In sports, eating specific foods and drinking certain refreshments at various events and destinations is as much a part of the experience as getting a ticket to the game/contest or even playing in the event.  For instance, when tennis enthusiasts attend The Championships at Wimbledon every summer outside London, eating strawberries and cream is big tradition.  Patrons attending the Masters in April in Augusta, Georgia, make it a priority to eat pimento cheese sandwiches.  Baseball fans who visit Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles make a beeline for the concession stands in order to buy and enjoy a Dodger Dog.  And, of course, the winner every year of the Indianapolis 500 – aka, the Greatest Spectacle in Racing – celebrates arriving in Victory Lane by drinking a bottle of milk.

One of the unique privileges of playing golf at Scotland’s Nairn Golf Club is your access to a halfway house, which is situated between the ninth green and the tenth tee.  This halfway house is called the Bothy.  That’s a Scottish word which means shelter.  Simply put, there are very few golf courses in the world which have a historic, on-course amenity like the Bothy at the Nairn GC. 

When you enter the Bothy’s only door, you can sense its smokey warmth and you can feel its comfortable coziness.  The Bothy can best be described as welcoming, homey and truly Scottish.  The exterior of the Bothy is painted white and its bright white chimney can be seen in the far distance when you stand on the first tee.  Truth be told, from the outside, the Bothy looks like a small country church or an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse.  The Bothy is the furthest point on the golf course from the clubhouse at Nairn.

On a day when the weather conditions are rainy, misty, damp, cool, windy, blustery, overcast, or possibly even snowy, the Bothy serves as a brief retreat from the elements for the golfers.  The Bothy is perfectly situated among the gorse bushes.  Here, you can warm up by standing next to the fire burning inside in the fireplace on a chilly day, grab a snack, or pick up a cup of piping hot coffee, which can be enhanced with a wee drop of Glenmorangie Scotch, which is a favorite of the locals and many overseas visitors.  Some of the popular food served at the Bothy include Scotch/meat pies, Cullen skink, and stovies.  Personally, I ate and enjoyed a meat pie.

The only lighting inside the Bothy comes from the natural light through the small windows and lit candles inside this structure.

Inside the Bothy, you’ll find two long, horizontal tables bordered by a series of long wooden benches.  After walking nine holes, the Bothy is a welcome respite.  The interior walls of the Bothy are decorated with old golf clubs, a working clock, and fishing accessories.  There’s a reason for the fishing theme to the interior décor.

The roots of the Bothy date back to 1904, which is 17 years after the Nairn GC first opened.  Prior to becoming a halfway house for golfers, it was a fish house which was used to prepare locally caught salmon, as the fishing industry was a major source of income for locals prior to the emergence of the country’s now globally popular golf industry.  Adjacent to the Bothy is a solid-stone structure capable of withstanding stormy conditions which roll in off the Moray Firth.  It’s called the Icehouse, which was used for storing the caught salmon.  The Icehouse has been standing since 1877, ten years before the opening of the Narin GC.  It was built into the terrain and is still covered with a turf roof.

Upon arrival at the Bothy, you can stay for as long as you want.  When you return to the golf course, you just wait for a gap among the players and then continue your round.

“Our policy is that we want people to enjoy the experience of the Bothy and not feel rushed,” said Hugh Sutherland, club archivist of the Nairn Golf Club.  “The Bothy is an excuse to gather and celebrate midway through your round of golf.”

When you arrive at the Bothy and the Icehouse, grab your phone and take a selfie or record a short video to send home to your friends, family, and golf buddies.

Booking a flight and arriving in Scotland for golf is one thing, but getting the chance to play the Nairn Golf Club where you can visit and experience the Bothy is a true memory maker.

City of West Palm Beach Earns 17 FFEA Sunsational Awards for City Events

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City of West Palm Beach Earns 17 FFEA Sunsational Awards for City Events

Florida Festivals & Events Association recognizes the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, Holiday in Paradise, 4th on Flagler, and more

WEST PALM BEACH, FL— The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) has awarded the City of West Palm Beach 17 awards for its community events. The first, second, and third-place recognitions were given during FFEA’s annual Sunsational Awards, which celebrates its members’ achievements in event marketing, programming, service, and innovation. 

“The Florida Festivals & Events Association is the leading authority in our region on creative and innovative event programming, and we are grateful for their recognition of our community events team and their hard work,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “Thank you to everyone involved in making our events shine season after season.”  

Events and accompanying marketing materials, such as signage, social media, and promo items, were judged based on innovation, individuality, and creative collaboration. The City of West Palm Beach Community Events Division, led by Community Events Manager Mary Pinak, won eight first-place, three second-place, and six third-place awards. Notable annual and seasonal events that received awards include 4th on Flagler, Clematis by Fright, the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, Holiday in Paradise (Sandi Tree), Soul in the City Jazz Experience, and more. 

“It is such an honor to be recognized by our colleagues at FFEA,” said City of West Palm Beach Community Events Manager Mary Pinak. “We appreciate everyone who works collaboratively to ensure the success of our more than 200 annual events each year, including our community partners and sponsors. Thank you, too, to our attendees who entrust us with their memories each season. It is the greatest gift to unite our residents and visitors for connection and community.” 

City of West Palm Beach Community Events earned the following FFEA Sunsational Awards:   

West Palm Beach GreenMarket

  • 1st Place — Billboard / Signage  
  • 1st Place — Facebook  
  • 1st Place — Instagram 

4th on Flagler

  • 1st Place — Installation / Wraps 
  • 2nd Place — Television 
  • 3rd Place — T-Shirt 

Clematis by Fright

  • 1st Place — Photo 
  • 1st Place — Promotional Mailer 
  • 2nd Place — Radio 

Clematis by Night

  • 1st Place — Banners / Street Pole Banners 

Holiday in Paradise

  • 3rd Place — Instagram 
  • 3rd Place — Installation / Wraps 
  • 3rd Place — Tickets & Invitations 

Screen on the Green

  • 1st Place — Radio 

Soul in the City Jazz Experience

  • 3rd Place — Multi Agency Collaborative Program 
  • 3rd Place — Social Media Advertising Campaign 

West Palm Beach Community Events

  • 2nd Place — Facebook 

For more information about West Palm Beach Community Events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771) or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up to date with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.  

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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 a great 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. 

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