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.
(WEST PALM BEACH, FLA) – Autumn is arriving, and the Cox Science Center and Aquarium (CSCA) is gearing up for the season. CSCA invites the community to enjoy a variety of events this fall, whether you’re looking to sip on seasonal brews while diving into the latest scientific discoveries or bring the whole family out for a day of autumnal fun.
“The Science Center embraces the magic of this transformative time and the changes that bring new learning opportunities,” said CSCA President and CEO, Kate Arrizza. “Our events offer something for everyone, from thrilling educational experiences to delightful family activities. We look forward to creating unforgettable memories with our guests this season.”
Starting this month, CSCA is partnering with the Palm Beach Zoo to offer an exciting membership perk in celebration of “Swaptember.” All month long, members of either CSCA or the Palm Beach Zoo can enjoy free general admission to both attractions. This special offer is a great way for members to explore even more of what the community has to offer. Please note that this exchange covers general admission only and does not extend to additional member benefits.
On Friday, September 6, between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., join CSCA for Mommy-Son STEM Night, an event designed to inspire curiosity and creativity through hands-on STEM activities. This night will be a memorable experience tailored for mothers or mother figures and their sons to enjoy with interactive science, engineering and technology-based stations. The evening will feature a pizza dinner, a dance-off and a 360 photo station to cap off the fun. Tickets are $20 per person. For more information and to register, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/2024-mommy-son-stem-night.
Adult attendees can geek out on Thursday, September 20, between 6 and 9 p.m. at Nerd Night Glow during the CSCA’s after hours. Guests 21 and older can enjoy trivia, ride a mechanical bull and experience live science experiments while a drink bot creates favorite cocktails. Between the evening’s activities, attendees are invited to take a look inside the latest exhibit: Dinosaur Revolution where guests can travel through time and live as prehistoric creatures once lived. Advance tickets are $23 and $28 at the door. Member discounts will be honored. To register, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/event/nerd-night-glow.
Also, continue life-long learning – even as a teacher! On Friday, October 14 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., the CSCA invites its community teachers for an exciting professional development day of STEM education and exploration. The School District of Palm Beach County and community STEM organizations will host workshops and vendor booths covering a variety of STEM programming with over 100 STEM exhibits! All SDPBC K-12 educators with a current valid teacher I.D. are welcome. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/STEM-open-house.
Then on Saturday, October 19, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., guests can make it a household outing at the Annual Fall Family Fun Fest! In partnership with PNC Grow Up Great, families can experience a day of live entertainment, outdoor games, a mini petting zoo, fall and science-themed crafts and face painting! Food and drinks will also be onsite for purchase to keep guests in the center of the fun. It’s a family affair with paid admission to visit all the exhibits inside the facility. For more information, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/fall-family-fun-fest.
Finally, thinking of day camps for fall and winter breaks? Consider the CSCA’s science and tech camps for all the curious and hands-on kiddos. Now until February 24, parents and guardians can register children between the ages of 5 and 12 to participate in science and tech camp sessions ranging from Ecosystem Engineers to becoming a junior archaeologist! Camps run between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To register, please visit coxsciencecenter.org/camps.
The Cox Science Center and Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows and special event programming. The current traveling exhibit on display is Dinosaur Revolution now through September 29.
Beginning on October 13, general admission for adults is $26, $22 for children ages 3-12, and $24 for seniors ages 60 and older. CSCA members and children under 3 years of age receive free admission.
(West Palm Beach, FL – September 3, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting nature lovers and horticultural buffs to one of its most popular annual events:
September 21 & 22 – Rain or Shine!
Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale
+ Saturday, 9 am to 4 pm (Members Only preview 8 am to 9 am; last entry 3:30 pm)
+ Sunday, 9 am to 3 pm (last entry 2:30 pm)
FREE for members, $15 for nonmembers (adults); $12 (seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID); $7 (ages 6-17); free for children under 6 and AHS Reciprocal Admission Program members. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Note: Admission is by credit/debit card ONLY; no cash.
Mounts Botanical Garden’s Exotics and Orchids Sale features the finest plant growers, artisans, and experts from across the State of Florida. Visitors have an opportunity to fully engage in the world of plants and learn new gardening techniques, discover what’s trending in floral design, and enjoy Mounts Botanical’s tranquil tropical oasis all at the same time. They can shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more, from 50 highly sought-after top growers and artisan vendors. Visitors can also learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers. In addition, speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields will conduct fun and informative presentations and answer visitors’ questions. Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop. Food and dessert trucks will also be at the Garden throughout both days.
SPECIAL PLANT-A-PALOOZA PRESENTATIONS
FREE with Plant Sale Admission.
No registration required, but space is limited to first-come basis.
** Saturday, September 21 at 11 am
Amorphophilia: Growing Amorphophallus in South Florida
with David Hernandez from LeafGardens
David Hernandez brings attendees into the fantastical phallic world of this aroids where they’ll discover there’s more than meets the nose. This talk will formally introduce them to the genus, the part they play in the ecosystem, and how how easy they are to grow. Mr. Hernandez had an appreciation of the natural world for years which transformed into a passion sparked after experiencing a Titan Arum bloom in 2003. While dabbling in the tech industry after high school he maintained an active connection to nature in the form of a small collection of strange plants. Years later, LeafGardens was created to combine his interests in certain aspects of nature and technology under one umbrella, teaching visitors at various events about his unusual band of plants and enlightening guests about our world.
** Sunday, September 22 at 11:00 am
Growing Food at Home: The South Florida Edible Landscape
with Abraham Jantz from Palm Beach Farmyards
October marks the beginning of the main growing season in South Florida. Learn everything you need to know to grow like a pro this year. Abraham Jantz of Jantz Tropical Design works alongside Mike Kane of The Garden Shoppe at their sister company, Palm Beach Farmyards, a nonprofit urban farming and edible landscaping company. Jantz is also a certified beekeeper and has been a Florida Master Gardener for over 10 years. He has a passion for helping people to grow food at home.
** Sunday, September 22 at 1:00 pm
Common Orchids
with Mike Sands from Tangles Roots Orchid Nursery
In this presentation, Mike Sands will discuss growing conditions neded to care for common and some not-so-common orchids found at most big box stores. A certified horticulturist and Master Naturalist who works for the City of Wellington as the head horticulturalist and head spray tech, Sands holds four different spray licenses through the state of Florida that include ornamental and turf, right away, aquatic and natural area. He has been with the city for the last 12 years after serving nine years in the army. At Tangled Roots they specialize in bifoliate cattleyas, the misunderstood cattleya. Mike is also a past president of a local orchid society and is being voted in on the board of the local Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). He started making their own 3D printed pots that are biodegradable after about five years. He has also developed their own fertilizer line that will be released in August. Their fertilizer line has three different types: a 20-20-20 with a built in bacterial fungicide, which is a mix of copper and zinc (don’t worry it’s safe for Dendrobiums!); a 0-52-34 which focuses on roots and buds as well a preventive bacterial fungicide; and a 35-20-20 which has cal/mag built right into it, as well as a bacterial fungicide. Sands lives in Florida with our rainy season, wants to make plants as strong as possible, and has been using all three of these products in the nursery for the last two years.
Exotics & Orchid Sale Vendors at Plant-a-Palooza
Atizana Inspired
Backyard Blooms FL
Barefoot Orchids
Bonsai Brothers
Bromeliad Society of the Palm Beaches
Broward Orchid Supply
Dan & Margie Orchids
Dee Vine Candles
Fantastic Ferns, LLC
Florida Nursery, Growers, & Landscape Association (FNGLA)
Freund Flowering Trees
FTE Studios
Gardino Nursery
Green Vibes
Greenhouse Orchids
HoyaPlants.com
J&J Unique Orchids
J.G.’s Tropicals
Jax’s Jungle
Jim-N-I Orchids
Johns Jungle African Market Baskets
Kool Treats by Mama Dukes
LeafGardens
Liquid Gold Honey
Lisette Cedano
Lucky Bamboo 4 U Flowers and Plants
Mac’s Orchids
Marcus Coconut Crafts
Mounts Nursery
Olena’s Design
OMG That’s Good
Orchid Society of the Palm Beaches
Orchidique, Inc.
Peter’s Crotons & Cordylines
Plants by Smitty
Quest Orchids Inc.
Red Hawk Nursery
Rooted by Two Sisters
Sierra Madre Orchids & Bromeliads
Spencer’s Jupiter Farms Road Nursery, LLC
Spring Water Orchids
Stars & Stripes Woodworking
Tangled Roots Orchid Nursery
Tropical Oils & Incense
Tropical Orchid Society
UF/IFAS Master Gardener
Xain’s World
Yellow Green Exotic Garden
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 their visit to 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/ [mounts.org].
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.
