WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – In a powerful effort to combat the alarming rise of human trafficking in Florida, Place of Hope hosted a series of free workshops across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. The events drew dozens of parents and students, all eager to learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from the dangers of online predators, grooming, and human trafficking. Florida, which ranks third in the nation, and Palm Beach County which ranks third in the state for calls to the National Trafficking Hotline, is facing a hidden epidemic of human trafficking that often occurs right in front of us.
The workshops, which kicked off last week at Place of Hope’s Kid’s Sanctuary campus, located west of the Turnpike near Wellington, provided crucial insights into recognizing the warning signs of human trafficking and taking preventive measures. These sessions are designed to equip middle and high school students, as well as their parents, with the knowledge needed to stay safe in a world where the internet has become a primary tool for predators.
Kristen Adams, an “angel mom” with Place of Hope and one of the key organizers of the workshops, emphasized the critical role of awareness and communication in protecting children. “I’m a mom at home, and I’m also an aunt to lots of nieces and nephews,” Adams said. “We grow up in a home that we think is safe, but once our children walk outside our doors, they’re open to the entire world. Cell phones are changing the way that we parent, and we have to be aware and knowledgeable about what to look for—not just with our own children, but with others—so we can help protect them all.”
Adams highlighted the importance of parental controls and monitoring apps like Bark and Qustodio, which provide parents with insights into what their children are exposed to online. “It’s our job to know what they’re getting into, even if it means not winning the popular vote with our kids,” she added.
The workshops also provided practical tips for parents to identify potential trafficking situations in their neighborhoods. Some of the red flags discussed included excessive security measures at a house, blacked-out windows, and unusual amounts of traffic in and out of a residence. Parents were also advised to watch for sudden changes in their children’s behavior, such as new tattoos or expensive items that they cannot explain, as these could be indicators of exploitation.
Jamie Bond Ciancio, Director of Advancement for Place of Hope North County and the leader of the workshop, stressed the often-overlooked reality of human trafficking. “What is most shocking for people to find out is that human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children are not what we think they are when it comes to Hollywood,” Ciancio said. “Ninety percent of the children and youth who are being exploited, sexually abused, and trafficked know their perpetrator.”
Ciancio encouraged parents to foster open communication with their children, making them feel safe and understood rather than focusing on punishment. “If they feel those things at home, we’ve seen success in opening dialogues to have these tough conversations.” She also said when it comes to internet chat rooms that you shouldn’t be talking to someone you can’t text or call on the phone.
The workshops were a stark reminder of the vigilance required to protect children in today’s digital age. In addition to education and outreach, Place of Hope has also taken in more than 50 human trafficking survivors providing foster care, housing, support, and rehabilitation services. Since its inception Place of Hope has taken in thousands of other abused, neglected and homeless youths and has provided services for more than 40,000 youth, young adults and families. For more information on Human Trafficking visit placeofhope.com. To report suspected human trafficking call the Florida Human Trafficking Hotline at 855-352-7233, Palm Beach County Crime Stoppers at 800-458-8477(TIPS) or call 911.
Enjoy a spectacular twilight procession through the Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, and explore the peaceful Yamato-kan, the Morikami’s original museum, during the annual after-hours event series.
Discover the enchanting fusion of traditional and modern kimonos during “The Old Meets the New” kimono fashion show presented by Manami Inc. Photography in the Morikami Theater. Performances are at 5:50pm, 6:20pm, and 6:50pm.
Experience live taiko drumming by Fushu Daiko on the museum’s lakefront terrace. Performances are at 6:10 pm, 6:50 pm, and 7:30 pm.
Purchase a limited edition Sunset Stroll poster signed by local artist Sean Danconia, on sale for $5 next to the Museum Store.
Kanpai! Sip and savor premium, artisanal sake during Japanese Spirits: Sake Tasting & Talk withCarrie Becker of Niigata Sake Selections. Cost is $12 per person. (Participants must be 21 or older.) Tastings are at 6:10pm, 6:45pm, and 7:20pm.
Cost is $5 for members and $10 for the general public.
Space is limited. Rain or shine. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.
Wellington, FL — August 15, 2024 — Wellington Regional Medical Center is pleased to announce Dr. Deborah Loney has completed the first Inspire procedure at Wellington Regional Medical Center. Inspire is an FDA-approved, mask-free obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) treatment option for people who cannot use Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
OSA affects 22 million Americans annually. When left untreated, OSA can cause vehicle and workplace accidents, worsening mood and memory, stroke, heart attack, and even death. It occurs when the airway collapses during sleep and blocks the flow of oxygen to the brain. The brain senses a lack of oxygen and wakes the body up just long enough to take a breath, then falls back asleep. This cycle repeats throughout the night and causes poor, disruptive sleep.
Inspire works inside the body with a patient’s natural breathing process to treat sleep apnea. Mild stimulation opens the airway during sleep, allowing oxygen to flow naturally. The patient uses a small handheld remote to turn Inspire on before bed and off when they wake up. The Inspire system is implanted during a short, outpatient procedure. The system is placed under the skin of the neck and chest through two small incisions. Most patients return home the same day and take over-the-counter pain medications to manage pain as needed.
The safety and efficacy of Inspire was evaluated during the STAR clinical trial*. Five-year STAR trial outcomes show patients using Inspire experience significant reductions in sleep apnea events and significant improvements in quality-of-life measures. There have been over 150 peer-reviewed publications on Inspire. These publications show results consistent with those seen in the STAR trial.
“We are excited to have completed the first Inspire procedure at Wellington Regional Medical Center,” said Pam Tahan, CEO, Wellington Regional Medical Center. “Inspire represents a significant advancement in treating sleep apnea. It is clinically proven to reduce sleep apnea events, has a high level of patient satisfaction and a high therapy adherence.”
To learn more about Inspire, please visit InspireSleep.com OR wellingtonregional.com
About Wellington Regional Medical Center
Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.
Watch Nine Bartenders from Nine Restaurants Compete for the Title
Draft Party Kicks Off August 19th at Driftwood
Prepare for the ultimate end-of-summer event for cocktail aficionados, hospitality pros and Palm Beach locals. The top craft cocktail spots in Boynton Beach—The Butcher & The Bar, Driftwood, and Sweetwater—have united to present the Battle of the Beaches Cocktail Showdown. This six-event series will showcase the area’s best bartending talent in an interactive cocktail contest.
Join us at the Draw Party on Monday, August 19th at Driftwood. Witness as bartenders discover their preliminary competitors, igniting the stage for a fierce competition. With three bartenders per contest, only the victors will progress to the grand finale on November 11th.
Competitors will be judged by a panel of four, including three local hospitality and media personalities and one randomly selected audience member. They will be evaluated on their mixology mastery—presentation, taste, creativity and more. They’re competing for several prizes and the ultimate bragging rights as the best mixologist in Boynton Beach.
Enjoy live DJ sets and complimentary spirit tastings at each celebration. A light food menu and a full bar will be available for purchase.
Come cheer on your favorite bartenders as they shake, stir and pour their way to victory. No tickets or reservations are necessary—these events are free and open to the public!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Draw Party – August 19 at 6pm / Driftwood
Prelim 1 – September 9 at 6pm / The Butcher & The Bar
Prelim 2 – September 30 at 6pm / Sweetwater
Prelim 3 – October 14 at 6pm / The Butcher & The Bar
Wellington Art Society to Feature The Palm Beach Artist, Sandra Thompson, for their September Meeting “Portraits of Palm Beach”
The Wellington Art Society is pleased to host Sandra Thompson as featured Artist and Speaker at their next meeting, 5:30pm on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414. The evening will also include a Meet & Greet, Member Spotlight, and fabulous Raffle. For more information, please contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.
Better known as The Palm Beach Artist, Sandra Thompson is a living legend who has for the rest of time preserved the history of Palm Beach’s European architecture in her over 400 lovingly crafted and detailed portraits of some of the most beautiful homes on Palm Beach, Florida.
Born in NY, she grew up on the North Shore of Long Island and studied art and design at Cooper Union before working with Grey Advertising and Redbook Magazine. She moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and was the first editorial artist for the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun Sentinel. In 1999 she moved to Palm Beach, where she fell in love with the architecture and started painting some of the most well-known locations and buildings. More than 160 of her paintings have been featured on covers of The Palm Beach Real Estate Guide.
Ms. Thompson is the founding owner of the Hangen Thompson Gallery on Palm Beach in Via DeMario off Worth Ave. She won the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Palm Beach, A Retrospective, The Art of Sandra Thompson. Private tours of her paintings may be arranged upon request. To learn more about our featured guest please visit the following links:
###The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 43rd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
A night in support of Kids Cancer Foundation! Hosted by the artists of ZES.
Zero Empty Spaces Hosts “Paint the World Gold” Art Receptionto Benefit Kids’ Cancer Foundation
The “Paint the World Gold” art reception at Zero Empty Spaces (Palm Beach Gardens) will feature artworks from 22 resident artists to raise funds and awareness for the Kids’ Cancer Foundation during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL — September 3, 2024 — Zero Empty Spaces is proud to announce its upcoming art reception titled “Paint the World Gold” in support of the Kids’ Cancer Foundation (KCF). The event will be held at Zero Empty Spaces’ Legacy Place location, located at 11300 Legacy Ave, Unit 140, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410. The public is warmly invited to attend this FREE group art show, with festivities kicking off on September 12, 2024.
As September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, “Paint the World Gold” will spotlight the work of 22 talented resident artists whose art features the gold ribbon symbolizing Childhood Cancer. This group art show not only aims to foster a vibrant cultural experience but also to support a vital cause.
Guests will have the unique opportunity to explore all 22 artist studios, showcasing a diverse range of artworks in various mediums and styles. The evening will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, as well as $5 raffle tickets with exciting prizes donated by participating artists. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Kids’ Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting local children and families battling childhood cancer.
Participating Artists:
Andrew Holliman, Anthony Burks, Arielle Charris, Astrid Mora, Bonnie Bruner, Carol Moon,
Lupe Lawrence, Nancy Blaschke, Patrick Williams, Sue Carlson, and Victor DiPilato.
The “Paint the World Gold” art show will be open to the public from September 6 through the end of the month, with gallery hours from 12 PM to 5 PM daily. This is a perfect opportunity to engage with the artistic community, support a worthy cause, and contribute to raising awareness for childhood cancer.
Join us for an evening of culture and community at Zero Empty Spaces and help us make a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. For more information about the event, please contact Heather Bergstrom, Event Coordinator, at HeatherBergstromArt@gmail.com.
About Kids’ Cancer Foundation:
The Kids Cancer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2001, dedicated to providing hope and support to children battling cancer and their families. The foundation focuses on enhancing the quality of life for these children through various programs and services that address their emotional, educational, and financial needs. For more information visit: www.kidscancersf.org
About Zero Empty Spaces: Zero Empty Spaces is a rapidly growing affordable artist studio/vacancy management company that creates affordable artist studios in vacant spaces around the country where artists can create and collaborate at an affordable price. The concept expands the appreciation of all genres of art and helps to create a thriving cultural community in the cities surrounding each location. Current Florida locations include Hallandale Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Jensen Beach Fort Myers, Palm Beach Gardens and St. Petersburg, with out-of-state locations in Natick, Massachusetts, and Richmond, Virginia. For more information visit www.zeroemptyspaces.com
+ New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – September 1
+ Watercolor at the Garden – September 3, 10, 17, 24
+ Beginning Watercolor – September 3, 10, 17, 24
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – September 4
+ Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop – September 7
+ Tai Chi – September 7, 14, 28
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – September 8
+ Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – September 8
+ For the Love of Bees Honey Tasting – September 14
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath –September 15
+ Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale – September 21 & 22
+ Introduction to Bonsai – September 28
(West Palm Beach, FL – August 7, 2024) September is always a very busy time for plant lovers, and this year Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is planning multiple horticultural classes and events to celebrate both National Honey Month and Self-Care Awareness Month—including the always popular, 2-day Plant-a-Palooza Exotics & Orchids Plant Sale.
“As summer fades and fall arrives in all of its verdant glory, we continue to offer exciting and elevated programming of both new and traditional events—all at our beautiful 20-acre oasis, located just minutes from downtown West Palm Beach,” invites Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “September is also the perfect time to check out our new family of seven life-sized metal animals, including three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion.”
Mounts Botanical Garden is now open to the Public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 3 pm (with last entry at 2 pm), and the daily admission rate has been lowered to $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $7 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6. The traditional rates at Mounts will resume on October 1.
September 1
New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience
With Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden’s cacao tree. Upon your arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens. Following this, you’ll be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon’s energies to set an intention for opening the heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock the heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, visitors will gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, they will become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Tuesdays, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
Join artist Carl Stoveland and share the love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring your pencils, pens, paints. Sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Some experience preferred. True newbies should consider the beginners class.Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants. Subjects will be chosen by instructor with assistance from class.
Tuesdays, 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
If you have always wanted to try watercolor but been overwhelmed by it then this is the class for you. Geared toward novice watercolor enthusiasts, this class will focus on the basics, including a new technique and a simple painting each week. Join artist Carl Stoveland and share your love of art and nature with fellow art enthusiasts. This class is for adults only. Bring pencils, pens, paints, sketchpad, watercolor pad, or journal, and your favorite photographic device (i.e., cell phone camera or tablet). Each week or two, the class will start a new painting project. Time will be split between demos by Stoveland and supervised painting time for participants.
Palm Beach County residents receive FREE admission to the Garden on the first Wednesday of every month. Visitors must show proof of residency for entry. Admission for non-residents: $15 for adults; $12 for seniors, college students, and military with ID; $7 for ages 6-17; free for children under age 6.
September 7
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop: Encyclia Orchids
Presented by Mounts Botanical Garden & Tropical Orchid Society
Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:15 am
$10 Members $25 Nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
FREE for Members of West Palm Beach Orchid Society with proof of membership
Registration is required for everyone attending; class size is limited to 35 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Held in the Mounts Garden Pavilion next to the Welcome Center, the interactive workshop will be conducted by board members of the Tropical Orchid Society. This month’s topic: Encyclia Orchids. There will be a brief review of the orchid’s characteristics with specific growing advice, followed by hands-on repotting demonstrations and Q&A. Attendees may bring one orchid in need of repotting, plus their preferred media and pot or mount.
$25 members; $30 nonmembers (includes full Garden admission).
Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Tai Chi offers a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking a gentle yet impactful exercise routine. Tailored for newcomers and the curious alike, this class introduces foundational principles and movements, known as Forms, of Tai Chi. With a focus on enhancing overall health and well-being, Tai Chi emphasizes mindfulness and balance. Engaging in the Forms is believed to pave the way to improved health and inner peace. Wear sneakers or closed comfortable shoes and loose top and pants. Please bring a towel and water.
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $15 for nonmember adults; $12 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $7 for children 6-17. Ticket includes full Garden admission.
Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.
This dog-and-family-friendly monthly event is held throughout the Garden. Bring your favorite pooch and enjoy a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.
Guidelines:
+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.
+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.
+ Rabies vaccination must be current.
+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers(includesfullGarden admission).
Registration isrequired; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Under the guidance of instructors Marit Tuisk and David Lepp, participants will receive a ceremonial smudging and blessing upon arrival to release the burdens of day-to-day life and will be given a cup of the highest quality, Ceremonial Cacao to take part in a sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony. This will be followed by a Yoga Nidra mediation and deep sound healing during which everyone will be immersed in the healing energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat or blanket, and do not drink alcohol on the day of the ceremony or consume caffeine three hours before and after the event.
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:30 pm $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Enter the world of the hard-working yet least rewarded humble honey bee and find out what makes these tiny but critical insects so special. Learn fascinating facts, dispel myths and misconceptions, and find out why instead of us being afraid of them, they should be scared of us. Go behind the scenes of live bee removals (including Africanized bees) and have a frank discussion about what WE can do for THEM, instead of the other way around. Participants will delve into honey’s incredible, edible world, learn how bees make honey, discuss different honey varietals, and enjoy a honey-tasting session. Local raw honey will be available for sale.
Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao and Sound Bath
with Casa Rituals
Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$35 for members; $45 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited. 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being and explore the healing power of the cacao under the shade of the Garden’s cacao tree. Upon arrival, a ceremonial smudging and blessing will be offered, creating a space to release the daily burdens that weigh upon you. Following this, attendees will be presented with a cup of the finest Ceremonial Cacao, taking part in our sacred heart-opening Cacao Ceremony while aligning with the new moon’s energies to set an intention for opening your heart to receive. The Cacao serves to relax, unlock your heart chakra, and make one more receptive to the forthcoming healing experience. Finally, gently transition into a Yoga Nidra meditation and a deep sound healing session. During this time, become fully immersed in the soothing and restorative energies of the Gong, Crystal singing bowls, and other high-frequency instruments.
Note: Please bring a yoga mat and blanket. Also, no alcohol on the day of the ceremony and caffeine three hours before and after the event.
+ 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
This presentation brings attendees into the fantastical phallic world of this aroid 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 as a whole, and how easily one can become a grower in his/her own garden. David 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
Common orchids you find at big box stores and understanding their care. Mike Sands will discuss growing conditions and understanding light care, as well as some uncommon orchids you will find. 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.
September 28
Introduction to Bonsai
with Michael Spencer
Saturday, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
$25 for members; $35 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission)
Registration is required; class size is limited to 30 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at Bonsai? If so, this is the class for you. Michael Spencer, Mounts Volunteer of the Year 2024, will discuss how to begin the process of creating a Bonsai. Participants will be able to design their starter plant to bring home and learn the basic tools needed for the maintenance of these miniature living treasures. Plant and Bonsai containers will be provided. Participants may bring their own garden snips or small scissors, if they don’t have tools yet, small scissors will be provided for use in class.
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.
Service has been the cornerstone of Kelly Powell’s professional life for over two decades and as CEO of Community Partners of South Florida, she remains a passionate advocate of improving health and socio-economic outcomes for Palm Beach County’s children and families.
A proud Hokie with a B.S. in Education from Virginia Tech University, Kelly started her career as an early interventionist for children with developmental disabilities and soon moved on to working in the field of childhood safety and injury prevention, at first with Florida Atlantic University and then with Safe Kids Worldwide, a non-profit dedicated to protecting children from preventable injury with partners in more than 30 countries and 400 coalitions in the United States including Community Partners of South Florida.
Starting at Community Partners of South Florida in 2009 as the organization’s Safe Kids director for Palm Beach County, Kelly coordinated local Safe Kids Coalitions representing over 50 community organizations, secured over $800,000 in grant funding for safety programs and obtained $100,000 in corporate funding for local comprehensive safety programs.
In addition to raising funds, Kelly excels at raising awareness, both at home and abroad. She traveled the world extensively both as a Safe Kids Worldwide Ambassador and a subject matter expert in decreasing motor vehicle injuries through training, technical assistance, resource development and communication outreach.
With 39 different districts and municipalities, Palm Beach County is representative of a myriad of different races, cultures, gender identitiesKelly translated globally as she has worked with populations as distinctive as the residents of the Arabian state of Qatar and numerous Indigenous tribal communities across North America.
Her tireless work in the community led to a promotion to Vice President of Community Services in 2019 and Kelly served in this role for three years, advancing relationships with funders and managing numerous programs with a total budget of $4 million.
In 2022, Kelly was promoted again to Chief Operating Officer where she provided oversight of a team of 230 people spread across over 40 programs and continued to work on strengthening community connections, developing strategic partnerships and managing contracts.
A little over a year later, Kelly stepped into the role she occupies today – CEO.
Celebrating her 15th anniversary at Community Partners of South Florida this summer, Kelly Powell is proud to lead a team of over 200 passionate advocates and experts in the fields of mental health, housing and community services.
She is committed to bold, visionary leadership, continuing to build trusted relationships with private and public entities to better facilitate solutions and investing in people, places, and systems so neighborhoods and residents thrive.
“I have believed in the strength of community since I started my career,” said Kelly. “We need to elevate the voices and needs of residents and work with them to facilitate lasting and meaningful positive change in their neighborhoods and I am honored to work alongside those who believe in building a stronger, safer Palm Beach County for us all.”
WHAT: The PBCFB is returning with its “One Can, Two Can, Who Can? You Can!” Back-to-School Food Drive and calling for protein-rich donations.
The Food Bank and local partners will gather nonperishable foods to reduce childhood hunger.
The most wanted items include canned beans, fish, chicken, beef, peanut butter, vegetables and fruit.
It is requested that items are shelf-stable and don’t contain glass packaging.
WHERE:
25 locations including
First Horizon locations from Jupiter to Boca Raton
Club Pilates Wellington
Palm Beach County Food Bank
Velocity Community Credit Union locations from Jupiter to Royal Palm Beach
RE/MAX Select Group locations from Delray Beach to Parkland
Palm Beach County Library Systems
WHEN: Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 31, 2024
WHY:
Currently, 1 in 5 children in Palm Beach County will go to bed hungry.
Protein is a great source of “brain food” that helps promote concentration, immunity and more for classroom performance.
Palm Beach County operates the 10th largest school district in the U.S., with over 164,000 school-age children eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
With more participating locations, PBCFB’s goal this year is to surpass last year’s 2,804 pounds of food collected, equal to 2,337 meals.
“We’re finding more families are struggling to keep food on the table. That said, it’s our duty to ensure that children are receiving the right nutrients to start the school year strong,” said Jamie Kendall, PBCFB CEO. “It’s critical that they receive protein-rich foods that help growth, concentration, immunity and more for classroom performance.”
