The YMCA of the Palm Beaches will host its 16th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, December 11 at 8:00 a.m. at The Breakers Palm Beach. Super Bowl Champion Quarterback Joe Theismann will present the keynote address.
Joe Theismann is a former star quarterback for the Washington Redskins, an entrepreneur, Emmy Award–winning NFL analyst, author and dedicated philanthropist. During his NFL career, he earned numerous accolades, including the league’s Most Valuable Player Award and the NFL Man of the Year Award for his commitment to community service and the well-being of children.
In recognition of his impact on and off the field, Theismann was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2003 and received the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s Distinguished American Award in 2013. In 2020, he released his book How to Be a Champion Every Day, a collection of personal anecdotes and insights on leadership, perseverance and success.
“We are honored to welcome Joe Theismann to this year’s event,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “Joe is not only a legendary athlete, but also a respected leader and dedicated philanthropist. His values align perfectly with the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community, and we know our guests will be inspired by his presence.”
All funds raised at the Prayer Breakfast go to provide support for the YMCA’s mission of strengthening community through programs that provide a healthy spirit, mind and body.
Annual Prayer Breakfast corporate sponsors have included: The Breakers, Hedrick Brothers Construction, Florida Power & Light, The Weitz Company, McCranels Orthodontics, JLRD Consulting Engineers, Gunster Law, Burkhardt Construction, HIVE Home, Gift and Garden, Citizens Private Bank, John C. Cassidy Air Conditioning, Florida Crystals, J.P. Morgan, PNC Bank, Frisbie Group and others.
About YMCA of the Palm Beaches The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities, and services for thousands of children, seniors, and families annually. The Y’s mission is to ensure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of the ability to pay. The organization has an active Capital Campaign to build a new community center at Lake Lytal Park, scheduled to open in late 2026. Learn more at ymcapalmbeaches.org and follow on Instagram @ymcapalmbeaches.
The impacts of inflation and now tariffs have begun to hit hard at restaurants and grocery stores. Eating healthy is going to take a bigger bite out of your wallet as retailers respond to cost increases for produce imports. If you have been putting off that dream of starting a garden, this might be the right time to finally do it. Those of us living in South Florida have an advantage over the rest of the country. Our growing season is just beginning now. While our friends to the North are putting away their garden gloves, we are able to grow well into next Spring.
Healthy Soil
If you are new to the garden game, the first thing you need to understand is the concept of soil health. Whether you grow directly in the ground or in a raised bed, the soil must have certain characteristics to properly support plant life. Healthy soil needs to be alive, to be loose, to hold moisture, and to contain nutrients.
Soil that is alive means it is full of active (not dormant), invisible microorganisms. These tiny microbes form a mutually beneficial relationship with the roots of plants. The plant provides food to the microbes in the form of plant sap, and in turn, the microbes protect the plant from pests and diseases.
A loose soil has room between the soil particles for the roots of plants to push their way through the soil. This allows the roots to grab and take up water and nutrients. Now loose soil doesn’t mean it has so much air space that the roots dry up. Instead, it has just the right amount of cracks and crevices that allow water to be stored and for that water to infiltrate down into the root zone.
So far we have described soil that is alive, loose, and moist. The final characteristic of healthy soil is that it contains nutrients. Plants get carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen from air and water. Some of that air and water reaches the plant from above ground, but the soil around the roots contributes too.
Organic Matter
In addition to carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, plants need many other macronutrients and micronutrients. For instance, plants need nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, calcium, boron, zinc, etc. How do these nutrients get into the soil? They come from decomposing organic matter. When any living matter dies, it begins to break down into its smallest, most basic components. Those components are the molecules that are present in soil and provide nutrition for plants.
Sources of Organic Matter
Organic matter is basically a waste product. Yard waste, kitchen waste, animal waste, and insect waste are all good sources of nutrients for your soil. Of these types, animal waste must be aged before you add it to your garden soil because fresh animal waste has the potential to pass on disease. The generic term for decomposed organic matter is called compost. You can make your own, but it’s a process. The easy way for beginners is to purchase compost by the bag at your local garden center.
Getting Dirty
Spread the compost two to three inches thick on top of your garden plot and then lightly incorporate it into your top soil with a spade or shovel. Top soil, by the way, is the soil already in your yard. It can also be purchased if your soil is non-existent or if you are making raised beds. Be sure your plot is in a sunny area that gets 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight. Also check that the soil is well-drained (not soggy).
Your local garden center should have a selection of starter plants (seedlings). Begin small with a few of your favorite vegetables. Space the plants according to directions and water at the base whenever possible. Vegetable plants are highly susceptible to fungal diseases in the warm, moist, South Florida climate. Proper spacing and avoiding overhead watering can dramatically increase your disease resistance and your yield of veggies.
There is no guarantee that your hard work will pay off, but as one of my favorite garden bloggers recently wrote: “You can’t pick it if you don’t plant it.”
Kozeth Blake (Left) supporting friends Rena Holland (center) and Debbie Houston (right) who both lost mothers to Alzheimer’s
WHAT: The Alzheimer’s Association invites the public to a kick off party for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s® Palm Beach. This event will offer attendees a preview of this year’s Walk, an opportunity to learn how to get involved, and the chance to connect with others in the fight to end Alzheimer’s. There will be food, raffle prizes, Walk day swag and fundraising tips.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach
RSVP by Oct. 8 to Nina Sharpe at nksharpe@alz.org or 407-271-9113.
WHY: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. More than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, including over 580,000 Floridians. Events like this help fund vital resources and research for families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s Palm Beach will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Dreher Park, 5701 Dreher Trail S., inWest Palm Beach.
On Walk day, participants will take part in the moving Promise Garden Ceremony, where colorful flowers symbolize the personal reasons we walk — for a loved one, as a caregiver, as a supporter, or in memory.
To register and receive the latest updates for this year’s Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, visit Alz.org/PalmBeach or contact Nina Sharpe at nksharpe@alz.org or 407-271-9113.
Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’sis the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s.
Alzheimer’s Association®
The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
Signature event at The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education highlights student achievement, civic engagement and the power of philanthropy
Fall Luncheon Keynote Speaker and PB Mayor Danielle H. Moore. Carrie Bradburn/CAPEHART
(WEST PALM BEACH) – The Susan and Dom Telesco Center for Creative Education (CCE) will host its annual “Thanks for Giving” Fall Luncheon at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 4, at its West Palm Beach campus. Susan Telesco and Pauline Pitt will chair the event.
“It is an honor to co-chair this luncheon with my dear friend Susan in support of The Foundations School (TFS) and the Center for Creative Education,” said Pitt. “Today’s program gives guests a unique chance to hear directly from students about what they’re learning and how it connects to their lives. Their voices remind us why investing in education is so critical and why this work has the power to transform futures here in Palm Beach County and beyond.”
The day begins with a reception on the school’s newly unveiled playground – designed with input from TFS students themselves – followed by classroom visits where supporters will see CCE’s distinctive approach in action. TFS blends high-leverage practices with whole-child support, including helping students achieve grade-level literacy, small class sizes, personalized learning pathways, project-based experiential learning and family engagement.
Guests will experience how this model builds academic excellence and social-emotional growth, preparing students, especially those historically underserved in traditional systems, to thrive. The program will culminate with a Q&A session between Palm Beach Mayor Danielle H. Moore and TFS students, moderated by philanthropic and cultural arts sector leader Rena Blades, offering a first-hand look at lessons in civic engagement and government.
“Each year, the ‘Thanks for Giving’ Fall Luncheon reminds us of the extraordinary generosity that fuels our mission,” said Robert L. Hamon, President and CEO of CCE. “The Foundations School is proof that when students are given the right opportunities, they excel beyond expectations. This event celebrates not just our progress, but the community of supporters who believe every child deserves access to a high-quality education.”
CCE advances academic success through programs that support students, families and communities. The Foundations School, one of four programmatic pillars, is a K–5 independent school achieving transformative results for underserved students. Tuition is accessible thanks to critical philanthropic support and state scholarships. CCE’s research produces results that inform and impact the field of education.
For additional information on The Foundations School or CCE, visit cceflorida.org. To purchase a ticket or to make a donation toward a scholarship, please call Vivianne Hall at 561.805.9927; extension 118.
The gathering aimed to raise awareness about the only gender-responsive school in our county
Photos by Khanna House Studios
Anet Solazzo, Roxanna Pelaez, Vianny Ruiz, Meredith Lazarre, Angel Chavarria, Sara Cortes, Iliana Mejia with Booked & Connected at “Open Doors, Open Hearts”
Palm Springs, FL – Over 25 attendees filled the room at Pace Center for Girls Palm Beach on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, to learn more about the second-chance, gender-responsive school for girls and young women while also showing communal support for a great mission. The year-round, tuition-free school is a strength-based program, meaning they understand each girl’s unique challenges and strengths, offering guidance that empowers students to succeed. The event included a presentation by Mindy Hanken, Executive Director at Pace Palm Beach. It featured exclusive tours of the different classrooms and the new spaces it offers to its enrolled girls.
During the day, the girls shared with the visitors about recent field trips they’ve taken, favorite subjects to study, and how Pace makes them feel supported. Pace Palm Beach provides academic and behavioral support to middle and high school girls ages 11-17 across the Palm Beach County School District. The girls at Pace receive year-round academic instruction in small class sizes for individualized attention and work closely with counselors and therapists trained in girl-centered and trauma-based therapy. Pace’s “Reach Program” allows any qualified girls in the county to receive therapy services, and the licensed clinician travels to where they feel most comfortable. They are provided with leadership and community service opportunities, life skill development, career readiness, and individual goal planning, including high school diploma tracks, credit recovery tracks, and GED graduation tracks. These resources are made available to girls at no cost to them.
“I appreciate everyone who came to Open Doors, Open Hearts to learn more about Pace, our mission, and how we can continue supporting girls in Palm Beach County,” said Mindy Hanken, Executive Director of Pace Palm Beach. “Seeing their eagerness to support our girls was moving, and I am excited to see the collaborations that come from this.”
Pace is a safe and supportive environment for over 150 girls served annually in Palm Beach County. Girls at Pace Palm Beach also receive life coaching to learn essential life skills, such as personal hygiene, grocery shopping, and landing their first job. Pace Palm Beach also offers therapy and counseling services for teenage girls throughout Palm Beach County at schools, homes, and locations throughout the community. These resources are made available to girls at no cost.
Open Doors, Open Hearts attendees included the President of the Rotary Club of Palm Beach, Susy Diaz, Mayor of Greenacres, Vivian Rodriguez, Chief of Staff, Greenacres City Council, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and representation from community allies like Booked & Connected, Lucy Match, Annual Giving Manager, Path to College, and more.
To learn more about how to support Pace, or open enrollment, visit www.pacecenter.org.
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About Pace Center for Girls Pace provides free year-round middle and high school academics, case management, counseling, and life skills development in a safe and supportive environment that recognizes and deals with past trauma and builds upon girls’ individual strengths. Dedicated to meeting the social, emotional, and education needs of girls, Pace has a successful and proven program model that has changed the life trajectory of more than 40,000 girls and is recognized as one of the nation’s leading advocates for girls in need. For more information on Pace Center for Girls, visit www.pacecenter.org.
With a population of just over three million humans and well over eight million sheep, Wales is a fascinating country. Situated to the west of England on the island of Great Britain, this charming country spans 8,023 square miles and boasts natural beauty from top to bottom.
A road trip through Wales delivers adventures with narrow roads flanked by stone walls and perfectly groomed hedges, adding to the challenge of driving on the left side of the road. But every mile of a Wales road trip delivers rewards through outstanding scenery from the coastal splendor on the country’s western edge to the mountains in the north and all the sights in between. Wales is also home to more than 600 castles and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Explore Cardiff – The Capital of Wales
Cardiff Castle stands as one of Wales’ most significant historical landmarks, with surviving elements from the Roman, Norman, and Victorian eras. The Castle collectively showcases over 2,000 years of heritage in central Cardiff. Also in the city center, Bute Park—often referred to as the “green heart” of Cardiff—features notable historical sites, mature urban woodland, and the scenic River Taff.
Explore the rugby history of Wales by taking a tour of Principality Stadium. Walk through the legendary players’ tunnel. Step onto the hallowed pitch. And discover fascinating exhibits that showcase iconic moments and memorabilia from Welsh rugby’s rich past. The guided tour provides exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas, including the changing rooms and VIP suites. You’ll leave immersed in the stories and traditions that have shaped Welsh rugby over the years.
Start Your Coastal Journey in Mumbles
A charming village just outside Swansea, Mumbles offers a nostalgic taste of old-fashioned seaside life with ice cream parlors, boutique shops, and the elegant curve of Swansea Bay. Mumbles Pier extends into the sea, offering panoramic views and salty sea breezes. At the edge of the village stands the 1794 Mumbles Lighthouse. Nearby cliffs hint at the start of the Gower Peninsula’s wild beauty—a drive you don’t want to miss.
Step Inside the Medieval Walls of Tenby
Located on the south-west coast of Wales, Tenby in Pembrokeshire seamlessly combines natural beauty, historical significance, and distinctive coastal features. The town is surrounded by medieval walls, contributing to its enduring charm and inviting atmosphere. Its pastel-colored houses descend towards expansive golden beaches, and fishing boats dot the harbor.
Tenby is home to three principal beaches. North Beach displays a sandy shoreline and promenade. South Beach features an extensive stretch of sand bordered by dunes and tranquil waters. Castle Beach, a cove situated between the other two beaches, boasts the ruins of a castle and provides access to St Catherine’s Island during low tide.
Hike On the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path
Extending for 186 miles in southwest Wales, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is widely regarded as one of the world’s most impressive coastal trails. It provides a range of walking experiences. Enjoy a leisurely stroll. Or tackle one of the demanding sections with notable ascents and descents. No matter which section you hike, the path encompasses remarkable vistas, distinctive wildlife, and historical landmarks. Don’t miss St. David’s—recognized as the UK’s smallest city and renowned for St. David’s Cathedral. Traversing this route affords an appreciation for the region’s unique landscape. Regardless of the distance covered, walkers encounter pathways overlooking turquoise coves and secluded bays bordered by rugged rocks. Each segment of the trail reveals fresh, dramatic scenery that highlights the area’s tranquility and unspoiled nature.
Climb the Mountain in Snowdonia National Park
In North Wales, a mountainous landscape unfolds as you reach the peaks of Snowdonia National Park. In this magical world, mountain paths weave through heather and mist. Mount Snowdon–the highest summit in Wales and England, the highest summit in Wales and England, offers sweeping views from sea to sky. But Snowdonia’s magic isn’t only in its heights. It’s also in still lakes, forested valleys, and ancient legends whispered by the wind. Not up for a climb to Mount Snowdon’s peak? Climb aboard the Snowdon Mountain Railway and ride to the summit, passing grazing sheep and waterfalls along the way.
Experience the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Tucked away in Wales’ northeast landscape, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct stands as a dazzling marvel of 19th-century engineering. Suspended high above the River Dee, this UNESCO World Heritage Site invites adventurers to glide in narrowboats through its slender iron channel. Crossing the aqueduct on foot or bicycle treats you to sweeping, unforgettable views of the endless sky and lush valleys below—a truly exhilarating experience for any explorer.
Explore Anglesey Island
The journey comes to a dramatic end on Anglesey Island, where legends, stunning landscapes, and centuries of history intertwine. Once the heart of Druidic rites, Anglesey now welcomes visitors with sweeping beaches, iconic lighthouses, and tranquil villages that seem untouched by time. Life here moves with the rhythm of the sea and endless skies, inviting you to linger. Highlights like Beaumaris Castle and the cliff-hugging paths near South Stack Lighthouse are perfect spots for reflection, inspiration, and soaking in the island’s magic.
No journey to Anglesey Island is complete without a visit to the village with the longest name. LLANFAIRPWLLGWYNGYLLGOGERYCHWYRNDROBWLLLLANTYSILIOGOGOGOCH, translates as THE CHURCH OF MARY IN THE HOLLOW OF THE WHITE HAZEL NEAR THE FIERCE WHIRLPOOL AND THE CHURCH OF TYSILIO BY THE RED CAVE. And, in case you’re wondering, I have no idea what this means!
Wellington, FL—The Mall at Wellington Green has an exciting event lineup this October, with opportunities to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Halloween and more.
Wine Tasting Experience – Fall Celebration
Lifetime Kitchen
Friday, October 10
7-8:15pm
$107
Enjoy an educational and interactive wine workshop led by a Riedel Crystal Brand ambassador, exploring how glass shape affects wine taste. Guests will try four wines, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Oaked Chardonnay and Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc. Plus, each attendee will take home a special set of Riedel glasses (valued at $179.99). For more information or to purchase tickets, visit lifetime-kitchen.com.
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Eighth Annual Pink Party
Grand Court
Saturday, October 11
11am-1pm
FREE ($15 donation required for Zumba)
The Mall at Wellington Green is thrilled to host the Eighth Annual Pink Party in partnership with Wellington Regional Medical Center. This year, the event will include a Thrive in Style fashion show, where trending looks from mall retailers will be modeled by beautiful and inspiring breast cancer survivors. Attendees will also hear from guest speakers and enjoy activities including bra decorating, glitter tattoos, raffles and giveaways courtesy of OneBlood and much more. During the second half of the event, guests will enjoy an upbeat Zumba master class ($15 to enroll), with proceeds benefiting the Promise Fund and The Sari Foundation.
Mommy & Me Costume and Dance Party
Grand Court
Wednesday, October 15
10:30am- 12pm
FREE
Children under five and their parents are invited to The Mall at Wellington Green for a Halloween party, where they will enjoy a themed craft, Halloween candy, dancing, decorations and more. Attendees are encouraged to dress to impress in costume.
Mall-O-Ween!
Mall-wide
Friday, October 31
5-7pm
FREE
Children and families are invited to enjoy a safe, cool and dry trick or treating experience at the mall! Participating retailers will pass out Halloween candy to kiddos in costume. Plus, guests will enjoy activities in the Grand Court, including photo-ops with the giant skeleton on display.
Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
Every Saturday
10:30-11:30am
FREE
The District at Wellington Green
Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Enjoy The Mall at Wellington Green’s fun, dance fitness party program that combines high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome.
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.
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.
It’s Sept. 20. The coconut palm trees are swaying. The sun turns a warm orange color, the sky following suit with it (along with a pinkish-hue.)
The following is the interview I had with Eli Cecil, a glassblower and sculpture artist who had his work displayed in the Robert M. Montgomery building in Lake Worth July of this year. He was selected for the 2024 Cultural Council of Palm Beach County and has had his work displayed in a number of exhibitions in South Florida.
Cecil: I have a couple exhibitions. I have work I just took down the big exhibition that you saw that we met at. And then I have work in over in different galleries and places throughout South Florida, being Hollywood at the W. Moda Museum, the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts and more. I saw the Benzaiten Center where I used to work[1] and where I made a lot of my work out of, which is in Lake Worth, the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts, as well as the Palm Beach Design Showroom, the Antique and Art Showroom that’s over on Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.
MC: Okay. So you’re now up in Maryland, right?
Cecil: Correct. I’m up here building my studio.
MC: Is it brand new?
Cecil: Yes. We just got the equipment in and built out the space, and I’ve actually got a mobile glassblowing studio, so I have a brick-and-mortar studio, and then the equipment I roll up into a trailer. We just did our first event last night in Delaware, the Delaware Beaches.
MC: As I understand, well, you still have a number of art exhibitions here in South Florida. Do you still consider yourself a South Florida artist?
Cecil: Yes, I still consider myself a South Florida artist, and then I am now kind of branching into the area where I originally came from. I’m originally from Maryland, and I had an opportunity to get my studio started here and just share the magic of glass with the eastern shore of Maryland. So the plan is for it to be seasonally working here in the north in the summer and doing exhibitions.
MC: So you’ll be coming back down here for the winter?
Cecil: Yes, that’s the goal, but this is the first year I’ve opened up the new studio, so if I need to spend more time up here to get things started, I will. I’m still at that determining factor of if I’m going to be coming a full transplant here in Maryland or if I’m going to continue to be a full-time I’m already established in Florida, but I’m trying to get established up here now.
MC: What got you into glassblowing in the first place?
Cecil: I was a psychology major and I needed an art elective to graduate. And the elective I chose was Glassblowing 101. And that was about 15 years ago when I took my first class and just fell in love with it. So it was kind of an accident.
MC: You discovered it.
Cecil: Yeah, I discovered it, exactly. I was trying to dodge a statistics class, so I took the art class instead and then never switched back.
MC: I can assume that you studied glassblowing for four years because you have a BFA in glassblowing and sculpting?
Cecil: Yes.
MC: What does the curriculum of a glassblower look like?
Cecil: It’s a lot of studio access and drills. Of course, if you’re an art major, you’ve got your standard art history classes and painting and drawing. But when you get into concentration, it’s a lot of studio time to practice and rehearse and kind of build the skills. And then after graduating, I was able to do an internship with the Chrysler Museum of ArtGlass Studio in Norfolk, Virginia and that internship is really what opened up the doors for me. So the curriculum in college is like the exposure like you discover it and you learn how to learn how to blow glass and then if you do some internships or apprenticeships afterwards, you can get more familiar with the technique and the material and it’s one of those things that just takes thousands of hours to actually kind of rehearse to learn.
MC: How many hours have you spent glassblowing in your life?
Cecil: I’ve hit 10,000 already, that’s for sure. I couldn’t tell you. I’ve been doing it for 15 years.
MC: Wow. Do you consider yourself a master?
Cecil: I would not call myself a master because I know true masters. You know, you’re always learning. If other people want to say that, they can, but I would never call myself that.
MC: How many glass sculptures have you accidentally shattered while trying to make them?
Cecil: It happens. We call that the attrition rate. There’s times where you’re working on it, and you go for the last move, and it falls off the pipe and breaks. And then there’s times where you’re about to go to the gallery, and it gets bumped into by somebody and falls off the pedestal and breaks.
You know you’re trying to fix something or transport it, it’s glass. It’s fragile so sometimes that happens. you know I couldn’t tell you, but it’s probably at least five or six times where I really remember it happening. There are some ways to repair things and you can cover your butt. But there are other times where you just got to count your losses you kind of get used to hearing the sound of broken glass and if you’re in the studio, and you’re rehearsing and learning a new piece or shape or sculpture, you know, it’s not unusual to break half a dozen versions of it as you’re making it.
You’ve got to practice. And so if you’re not breaking glass, you’re not learning? It’s not a very forgiving material.
MC: Interesting. So how does a broken project lead to a learning experience?
Cecil: It teaches you how to be more graceful and intentional because of that fragile nature. So you know the goal is to make a piece successfully, deliver it to the show, exhibit it and not break it. It is very common for it not to break but occasionally there are accidents. If you’re in the studio and you’re practicing, it’s okay to break something while you’re learning because you’re just going to go back and make it bigger and better next time. There are those incidents where a collector breaks a piece and you have to repair it for them or something like that.
MC: What does repairing a glass piece look like?
Cecil: It looks like it could involve a whole lot of grinding and polishing special epoxies Sometimes you have to make different jigs and templates for the repair and then other times you just count your losses and you actually remake a piece.
MC: What is a jig?
Cecil: A jig is like something that you would build to support a piece and hold it while it’s reassembled.
MC: I was looking through your website and saw your resume. Your first exhibition was for your BFA. It was a senior exhibition. I wasn’t able to find any images on it. But I was wondering, what was that like, your first exhibition?
Cecil: Of course, the first time you get an opportunity to show your work. And there’s some of the people that still support me today that were at that show, which is really cool, people that have seen the whole journey. You and I met at one of my biggest exhibitions at the Palm Beach Cultural Council. And you can’t ever forget where you came from.
MC: Do you still have some of the pieces from that first exhibition?
Cecil: One of the pieces actually was put in the library at the campus into their permit collection. So the campus still has one of those pieces. Another one of those pieces was sold to the president of the university. So hopefully she still has it. And then there was my favorite piece, which I actually I sold down in South Florida. And one of my goals as an artist is to buy that piece back because it’s that important to me.
MC: What was it called? Do you have an image of it?
Cecil: I do. In fact, it’s not even glass. It was a piece of twisted metal that was sculpted.
MC: Looking at one of your works, one of your collections is bonsai trees. What drew you to the image or the concept of a bonsai tree?
Cecil: Okay. It was a themed show that I made the first one for. One of the galas that we had in Lake Worth at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts had an Asian themed opening and the idea I had was to create a bonsai tree using these different broken shards of glass to make the top of the tree. And as the series developed, I started to draw a lot more inspiration from the travels that I had and some of the trees I grew up around. I really like this image of this windswept resilient tree that’s clinging and rooted to a stone and just standing there on its own balance brings great inspiration.
My real intention behind each piece is to use a combination of glass blowing techniques and sculpting and glass fusing to create a one-of-a-kind sculpture that captures the moment of a tree being windswept. And the tree is a metaphor for you, for your growth. And the roots are attached to the base. So it’s really the stone of the base of it is what you’re rooted in. What one’s personality or identity is rooted in, then the trunk represents what you’re growing towards (what you’re focused on is the trunk), and then the canopy is what you’re growing into. And so you’re emerging through this image of a resilient tree.
MC: So what I got from your response right here, though, is that the tree is a metaphor for growth through hardship.
Cecil: Not necessarily hardship. I wouldn’t say hardship. I would say growth through your attributes, you know?
MC: One thing I noticed about a lot of your works, at least the ones I could see, is that a lot of them, especially the bonsai trees, have a very large element in blue. I wanted to ask, why do you keep coming back to that color?
Cecil: For me, blue is a satisfying color. It’s the color of the sky, of water, of life, and of the earth. It is also a very spiritual color. And so it’s that comment that I just had about being rooted in an attribute. And so the blue ones represent being rooted in your creativity or your spirituality. And they’re a very common color. Most of the blue ones are the first to sell, and so I’ve maybe made more blue ones because I’ve had to replace the bonsai trees that have sold.
MC: Another one of your collections In Solutions shows the moment an object lands in the water. What inspired you for that? What did you mean to say by that?
Cecil: It’s all about capturing that moment or that still life instant, a still life image of a feather touching down on a ripple on a drop of water and makes that perfect soft ripple well you could take a photo of that, or you could paint that but then all you’re doing is capturing that image in a two-dimensional format for me to be able to sculpt it out of glass and capture it and freeze it at that moment where the material is liquid. I can stick that feather, and it’ll fuse and permanently melt right into the center of that ripple that I sculpted and then that’s like a snapshot or still life image that moment of action, so it’s a way for me to activate the glass capturing a still life image, and it puts movement into the material and then once it is on a pedestal or in someone’s home, they can really see it and appreciate that moment of touchdown.
MC: You used the word still life, so you considered that this collection to be a form of still life, but in the third dimension?
Cecil: I agree. That’s what I would classify it as.
But it’s still not quite right. It has that appearance of motion because it’s capturing that snapshot and putting it into a three-dimensional still-like image. So it kind of challenges what a still-life image is.
MC: I can also see that you return to the idea of ripples in Supernovas.
Cecil: Yes, so that was the continuation of it exploring more of the color and pattern and instead of thinking of something on the physical, terrestrial, three-dimensional level. I think of the supernovas like the ripples of the universe or like space. And that those orbs are kind of like planets that are orbiting or stars or moons that are orbiting the ripples. So the ripple touchdown, the one with the feather, just water drops, those are more, like, literal water elements. Ripples in a pond are one place to view the beauty of ripples Where the supernovas are more like those celestial beings in space and time. And that’s why they kind of look like they’re in orbit. The orbs are spinning through the ripples. They’re all in an orbit around the center.
MC: So would you say that the difference between In Solutions and Supernovas is that In Solutions shows something that’s a lot less.
Cecil: The solution in the ripples is more like looking at the microcosm and these literal things, constructs, and then the Supernovas are looking more at the macrocosm or the universal context of these subjects.
MC: So you’d consider that the main difference between the two?
Cecil: Yeah, because they’re essentially the same concept, but one is exploring an abstract and fantasy space, and the other one is exploring a more literal kind of concept that we’re all familiar with, water rippling. So maybe one’s more literal and the other one’s more conceptual.
MC: Another collection that you did is Lanterns. What drew you to the idea of these lanterns? What was your inspiration?
Cecil: For me, the actual forms are a technical challenge to create, so it’s really trying to push some boundaries of what I could do with the material to set up the different patterns and shapes. And just the idea of a lantern illuminates your path and it can guide you. And what a lantern means, like that illumination, that factor, is a concept that I wanted to explore.
And then the physical shapes, I think, have a lot of grace and variety. And, of course, they’re kind of inspired by trips to Japanese gardens and different areas where I’ve seen bonsai trees, and they’ve been mixed in with those big Asian lanterns that you see at Japanese gardens. So there’s, like, from these beautiful gardens and landscapes, I’ve also taken note and created another image of them. That was technically challenging to produce and carries on the idea of illumination.
MC: So, I’ve noticed that a lot of your work is inspired by Japanese culture specifically, like bonsai trees or these lanterns, as you said. Why is that?
Cecil: I think for me, it’s just I enjoy the style and the gestures of Japanese artwork, I have no history there. I just always find peace and Zen in the Japanese gardens. And I think that bonsai trees show a rich combination of balance between something that is living and growing and then other forces that are pulling on it, and it finds balance in between that. When you trim a bonsai – you wire it and you prune it.
You guide it into its shape, but it’s up to the tree to grow into that shape, and it’s always going to balance itself and go up towards the sky, and you might be able to direct it, but it’s going to grow without your effort. You’re just directing the way it grows, so I think for me the bonsai trees are that combination of balance, which I think is universal.
I just think that maybe the Japanese culture has been one of the best at expressing that kind of feng shui and that balance. It’s not anything that’s really more personal than I enjoy the style of that culture, and it’s been a reference for me, in a Japanese garden or a space that’s intentional. So I think maybe it’s that I recognize that their culture puts a lot of intention into every aspect, whether it’s grooming, pruning a tree, or building a lantern. And that’s the type of intention that I like to put into my work. So I think I’ve worked with those images as a starting point.
MC: You’re very drawn to the idea of finding Zen despite things not going quite as they may be planned. Could you tell me about some of your favorite art exhibitions that you’ve done or residencies?
Cecil: Of course. I think there’s an exhibition that I did at the Cornell Museum in Delray, a curated a glass exhibition. And that was probably one of the best, most proud moments for me because I was not only an artist, I was also a curator. And I was able to curate a museum exhibition and invite international artists from Italy and other countries as well as across the United States, to actually show their work. And I had regional artists from Florida as well that spanned across the state, so it was really a great exhibition of probably 30 artists and many of them are very well known in my industry.
And I was able to curate that as well as participate in it, so that’s recently been one of my favorite shows and then of course the show that we met at was pretty remarkable because I was able to receive a grant from the Cultural Council to travel to Europe and study with the Masters in Italy. Then I was able to make some of that work, do a presentation and exhibit it in Palm Beach at the Cultural Council for the AIF show.
MC: What was it like learning and studying with the glassblowing masters in Italy?
Cecil: Well, they were very generous with their time and their hospitality was something that was remarkable. I have worked with several of them in America. I brought a few of the artists to Palm Beach County to work at the Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts as visiting artists, and they had offered me opportunities to come and study, and I was able to take them upon it. So it was very humbling and an honor to work with them.
It was also a little intimidating because everything is different there. They have a different type of glass. They melt different tools, different processes. So it was really an enlightening experience and I think helped give me the confidence to actually be able to open up my own studio after my visit there. There’s a lot of discovery.
MC: What are some things that you think will stick with you for the rest of your career after studying in Italy?
Cecil: I think that there’s a creative spark that I picked up there that will stay with me, just seeing all these potentials for the material because they’ve been doing it for over a thousand years there. And so it’s really remarkable to see how many styles of glassblowing there are and different art forms. And so everything from the architecture to the food to the hospitality, all of that will stick with me.
I really saw the importance of how they keep their families close together, the way they prioritize their time and their meals. And I can tell that all that intention goes into the work that they do, which is why they produce some of the most well-known glass art out there. I think the experience will stick with me because it also gave me a lot of confidence in being able to make one of my bonsai trees in Italy and now become an international artist is something that I’ll always have on my resume. It’s given me the confidence to go on to more of an international stage.
MC: What does glassblowing mean to you?
Cecil: Glassblowing for me, it’s… a very physical and somatic experience. It’s kind of like going to the gym and then creating a piece of art at the same time. It’s very physical, and it requires a lot of attention. And for me, that puts me in a state of flow. And that’s kind of like the Zen or the balance, that moment that I’m talking about where no matter what’s going on, if I sit down to blow glass, I’m totally focused on just the act of glassblowing.
I wouldn’t call it a therapy, but it’s like a physical expression, as well as a mental expression or self-realization. And when you blow glass, you have this experience, and you flow through the process. And then the finished piece at the end acts like a receipt for that process. It’s just like a side effect of that joy that you get from it. So I think glassblowing is joy.
As far as seeing more of my work, I’m building a studio in Maryland that’s called Glass Half Full, and I want to share the magic of glass with a new audience up here in Maryland and educate them and give them experiences. I just had my first event where I brought the glass blowing to the people in a mobile demonstration and my goal is to maintain my creative relationships, friendships and business opportunities. I actually plan to bring my mobile glass studio down there to South Florida to be able to share the magic of glass with more people. And they can expect to see me in the art fairs and in the galleries in South Florida
MC: Now that you intend to showcase and educate people on glassblowing, do you think that you’ll be opening up to internships yourself, and they’ll all come full circle?
Cecil: In fact, I’m looking for an intern now. Here in Maryland, I’ve actually just went and spoke with the university that I attended, Salisbury University. I went and spoke to their upperclassmen about just my journey through the material, how glass art created my path, led me to Florida. I was able to really inspire them and my goal is to be an opportunity for some of these students to take internships, to get better and learn more skills, as well as to be a resource for them I plan on eventually for hiring some of them to help, as well as being able to give them guidance and mentorship as they graduate.
MC: I really look forward to hearing more about what you do when you come back here.
With fall just around the corner, the holiday season is almost here and that means family, friends and food.
Whether you’re getting together for the holidays or to watch a football game, this time of year can be stressful for those looking to maintain a healthy weight and good nutritional practices.
Practicing mindful eating can transform your holiday experience, allowing you to savor the moments and flavors without guilt.
Mindful eating is about paying attention to your body’s signals and making conscious choices, not about deprivation.
“Prioritize lean protein like turkey and beans before filling your plate with carbs and sweets so you can stay fuller longer,” said bariatric and foregut surgeon Michael Shockey, MD of Advanced Surgical Physicians. “Protein helps you feel satiated and will reduce the likelihood of overeating less nutritious foods.”
Michael Shockey, MD
Portion control is also key for maintaining a healthy balance.
“Give yourself a moment before going back for seconds,” he said. “This brief pause allows your body time to register fullness, which is often a delayed signal.”
Mindful eating involves slowing down and being present with your food and Dr. Shockley encourages eating without the distraction of a screen, be it a television screen or a phone.
“The simple act of paying attention to your food while you’re eating can significantly impact how much you consume and how you feel afterward. Put the phone down, turn off the TV, and give yourself permission to really focus on your food,” he said. “A good tip is to stop eating when you’re satisfied and not when you feel stuffed.”
The holidays are meant for enjoying treats, and mindful eating doesn’t mean you have to skip them. It’s about being deliberate.
“No-one is saying you have to avoid your favorite holiday treats. Just enjoy them in moderation by picking your favorite dessert and savoring it slowly, instead of sampling everything,” Dr. Shockley recommended.
“Mindful eating isn’t about perfection—it’s about paying attention and giving your body what it needs,” Shockey says. “Small steps add up, and you deserve to feel good about the way you nourish yourself.”
By incorporating these practices, you can enjoy the holiday season with less stress and more joy, truly savoring every moment and meal.
As we draw nearer to one of the most celebrated holidays in America, it is good to look back on the origins and history of the popular holiday during October. Not much is known about the Celts because they kept no written records of their history and traditions. What is most commonly known as its origin dates from 2,000 years ago, in the area now known as Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. November 1 was their version of New Year’s, marking the end of summer and the beginning of winter, which was heavily associated with death and harvest.
It was believed that during the night of October 31, the invisible boundary between the world of the living and the dead weakened and allowed the ghosts of the dead to return to the land of the living. This tradition was the festival of Samhain, where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to confuse the spirits. It was also a time when legal trials were held, and those convicted of gruesome crimes were sacrificed.
One important aspect of the tradition was the extinguishing of the bonfires. Druids, or the priests among Celts, would create a large bonfire known as a “needfire”, which was blessed by the Druids. Fees were collected, and the embers were distributed to relight the hearths of people’s homes.
By A.D. 43, two Roman festivals were combined with the celebration of Samhain. The first was called Feralia, meant to commemorate the passing of the dead, and the second was to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees.
This tradition was later influenced and replaced by All Souls’ Day, with influence from Christianity to honor the dead. It had a similar celebration with bonfires and costumes. It was also called All Saints Day, or All-Hallows Eve, which was later renamed Halloween. Halloween became most popular in the southern colonies and Maryland from Europe to America due to the Catholic population. However, it was not widely celebrated during the country’s early days due to Protestant belief systems.
It was during the mid-nineteenth century, when Irish and Scottish immigrants fled their home countries due to the potato famine, that they brought their own customs and were able to popularize the holiday into what it is now.
It took many years and the mesh of different beliefs and traditions to eventually form the modern-day version of Halloween. Throughout the years, this version of Halloween became more about child-friendly neighborhood celebrations than its original superstitious nature. Because of its commercial success, it was ranked second after Christmas. Its influence has spread into the film industry, creating a long history of box office hits like “Hocus Pocus” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and horror classics like the “Halloween”, “Nightmare on Elm Street”, and “Terrifier” franchise.
Though the intentions of Halloween have changed over time, the relationship modern-day people have with the holiday has allowed them to celebrate death in various, acceptable ways to feed their morbid curiosity and alleviate the fear of the dead to live to their fullest.
