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November, 2015 – Mounts Botanical Launches Contest

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September 28, 2015

November, 2015 – Mounts Botanical Launches Contest

Mounts Botanical Garden Launches Connecting with Nature Contest for Kids Seeking Garden-Themed Ornaments Made from LEGO® Bricks

Ornaments will be displayed at Mounts along with 15 Super-Sized Structures made out of nearly a Half Million LEGOs as part of NATURE CONNECTS: Art with LEGO Bricks, opening on November 14

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 28, 2015) The Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden today announced that Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden is launching a special Connecting with Nature Contest for Kids to promote the biggest exhibition in its 30-year history:

NATURE CONNECTS

Art with LEGO® Bricks

Opening on Saturday, November 14, and running Tuesdays through Sundays until February 14, this NATURE CONNECTS exhibit by Sean Kenney is making its Florida debut at Mounts and will feature 15 super-sized structures in 13 different displays made out of nearly a half-million LEGOs. Among the garden-themed items on display will be a birdbath with squirrel, Bonsai tree, girl with watering can, Monarch butterfly, corn spider, deer family, dragonfly, flowers, hummingbird, peacock, sea turtle, wheelbarrow and more.

Connecting with Nature Contest for Kids

Children and teens from Palm Beach County are invited to create an original garden-themed holiday ornament made out of LEGOs, such as a flower, plant, insect, animal or gardening tool. The submitted ornaments can be dropped off at either the office or Gift Shop at Mounts Botanical Garden between October 1 and November 25, 2015.

Contestants will participate in one of three categories:

Mini Master Builders (ages 5 and under)

Will craft their garden -themed LEGO creation using at least 25 large bricks.

Mid Master Builder (ages 6 to 10)

Will use at 75 big or small bricks for their garden-themed LEGO creation.

Mega Master Builder (ages 11 to 15)

Will use 125 or more small bricks for their garden-themed LEGO masterpiece.

The top 10 submitted ornaments in each category, as determined by a special committee of Mounts staff and NATURE CONNECTS Media Sponsors, would be displayed at the Garden throughout the holiday season.

The creators of the top ornament in each of the three age categories will all receive a one-year Family & Friends membership at Mounts (value; $75 each). The nine runners up in all three categories will receive a free pass to see the NATURE CONNECTS Exhibit at Mounts Botanical Garden.

The 30 finalists will be invited to hang their Connecting With Nature holiday ornaments at a special public event on Saturday, December 5, at 10 am at Mounts Botanical Garden.

The top ornament in each of the three categories will be posted on the Mounts Facebook page between December 5 and December 31, 2015. The ornament that received the most “Likes” and “Shares” during this period will be declared the Grand Prize Winner of the

Connecting with Nature promotion. He/she will receive a $500 mini-vacation in Delray Beach, including a one-night stay at Crane’s Beach House Boutique Hotel & Luxury Villas and a $100 gift certificate for lunch or dinner at the nearby oceanfront restaurant Caffe Luna Rosa.

The two runners-up will each receive a special Master Builder LEGO Kit (value: $80+ each), such as Minecraft, Space Academy, etc.

When the promotion is over, all LEGO ornaments will be donated to Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches, which is dedicated to restoring families in crisis to stability and self-sufficiency by providing access to all-encompassing services to families and their children.

About NATURE CONNECTS:

NATURE CONNECTS creator Sean Kenney is a renowned, award-winning artist and “professional kid” who uses LEGO pieces to design and create contemporary sculpture for high-profile clients, major corporations, and venues around the globe. The New York Times highlights Kenney’s work as the “artistic elite” of LEGO-building. He has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, BBC news, PBS Arts, ABC World News, HGTV, Wired, ELLE, and more. The creator of award-winning tour exhibits, Kenney also is the author of eight best-selling inspirational children’s books.

The admission cost to attend the NATURE CONNECTS exhibit at Mounts Botanical Garden is only $10 for adults; $7 for seniors (65+), veterans and students (with valid IDs); $5 for children (3-12); and always FREE for Mounts members and children 2 and under. Individual Garden Tours led by a trained Master Gardener Docent is only $15. In addition, a variety of LEGO-themed collectibles will be available for purchase in the Mounts Gift Shop.

The three month NATURE CONNECTS exhibition at Mounts Botanical garden is generously underwritten by Presenting Sponsor Margaret Blume; Supporting Sponsors TD Bank, The Fortin Foundation of Florida, the Crawford-Taylor Foundation and MDH Printing; and Media Sponsors Florida Weekly and Palm Beach Broadcasting (WEAT, WRFM, WIRK & WFTL).

About The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire the public, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden, offering gorgeous displays of tropical and sub-tropical plants, plus informative classes, workshops, and other fun-filled events. The Garden contains more than 2,000 species of plants, including Florida native plants, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, bromeliads and more. Mounts Botanical Garden is a facility of the Palm Beach County Extension Service, which is in partnership with the University of Florida and the Friends of Mounts Botanical Garden.

Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, The Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. (Note: During the Nature Connects exhibition, Mounts will be closed on Mondays.) For more information, please call 561.233.1757 or visit www.mounts.org.

September, 2015 – Annual Go Blue Awards

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September 28, 2015

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Ocean Conservation Heroes Named as Finalists for Annual Go Blue Awards

Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s awards recognize influencers making strides in conservation

September 24, 2014 – Juno Beach, FL – “It is folly that we can destroy one species and ecosystem after another and not affect humanity. When we save species, we’re actually saving ourselves,” said National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, on the importance of conservation.

The 2015 Go Blue Awards Luncheon, Palm Beach County’s most preeminent ocean conservation awards ceremony, was created to recognize individuals, non-profits and businesses that support Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s (LMC) mission to promote conservation. On Monday, September 21, a conservation-minded crowd gathered at PGA National Resort & Spa for the announcement of the 2015 award finalists. These women, men, businesses, and young people are all working together towards a healthier planet. They are the forces behind why the oceans remain blue and marine life stays healthy.

A panel of esteemed judges selected finalists in five categories from countless nominations. Winners in each category will be revealed at the Seventh Annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon on November 6 at PGA National Resort & Spa, featuring world-renowned National Geographic photographer, Joel Sartore, as keynote speaker. WPTV News Channel 5 Meteorologist Glenn Glazer will once again emcee the event.

The Eleanor Fletcher Award, named for the founder of Loggerhead Marinelife Center, recognizes an individual who has exemplified a lifelong, extraordinary commitment to ocean conservation education through their work or volunteer activities. Finalists for the award include Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic and Mission Blue; Blair Mase, NOAA; and Dr. Terry Norton, Georgia Sea Turtle Center.

The Blue Ambassador of the Year Award recognizes a person who has made significant contributions in ocean conservation in south Florida through volunteer related activities. Award finalists include Steve Burton, Florida Atlantic University, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute; Hannah Medd, American Shark Conservancy; and Tracy Siani, Citizen Scientist.

The Blue Friend of the Year Award recognizes a person who has made significant contributions in ocean conservation through work-related activities. Award finalists include Katelyn Cucinotta, Sea to Shore Alliance; Elizabeth Eubanks, Palm Beach Maritime Academy; Blair Mase, NOAA; Hannah Medd, American Shark Conservancy; Jon A. Moore, Florida Atlantic University Wilkes Honors College; Nikole Ordway, Force-E Divers; Lazaro Ruda, The Living Sea; and Julie Walters, Discovery Cove Orlando.

The Blue Hatchling Youth Award recognizes a person under age 17 who has made significant contributions in marine conservation through volunteer related activities. Award finalists include Sophie Allen; Super Science Sharks (Ellie Bickel, Ella Chait, Winni Fox, Joix Gelman, Annika Karbstein and Addie Vining); and Lilly and Trent Tougas.

The Blue Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has made outstanding contributions toward promoting and encouraging conservation, restoration, or preservation of marine life and/or marine ecosystems through their business practices, products or technology. Finalists for the award include GoPro, Marriott Oceana Palms, and The Breakers – Palm Beach.

This year’s luncheon keynote speaker is Joel Sartore. Joel is a photographer, speaker, author, teacher and 20-year contributor to National Geographic magazine. He specializes in documenting endangered species and landscapes in order to showcase a world worth saving. Joel is also the founder of Photo Ark (www.photoark.com), a multi-year documentary project designed to save species and habitats. In addition to the work he has done for National Geographic, Joel has contributed to Audubon Magazine, Geo, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times and numerous book projects. Joel and his work have been the subjects of several national broadcasts including National Geographic’s Explorer, the NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Weekend Edition and an hour-long PBS documentary, At Close Range.

The panel of judges that selected this year’s finalists includes Gary Adkison – U.S. Shark Foundation, Director; Fabien Cousteau – aquanaut, oceanographic explorer, conservationist and documentary filmmaker; Jim Harvey – Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Former Co-Chairman; Greg Marshall– National Geographic Society, Inventor & Scientist; Sally Murray – Daughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher; Susan Murray – Oceana Deputy Vice President U.S. Pacific, Granddaughter of LMC Founder, Eleanor Fletcher; Jim Toomey, Mission Blue Executive Director, Creator of Sherman’s Lagoon Comic Strip; and Dr. Edie Widder – Ocean Research & Conservation Association, President/CEO & Senior Scientist.

Sponsors of the Go Blue Awards Luncheon include Ann Miller, Barbara Savastano, Beth Neuhoff, Bob Chlebek, Bruce Beal, Dr. Jack Lighton, Florida Weekly, Florida Power & Light, Gretchen Scott, Gunster, Interiors by G, Jupiter Magazine, Leanna Landsmann, Loggerhead Marina, Pete & Lynne Wells, PGA National Resort & Spa, PNC Bank, Ross & Susan Johnson, Sam Forrest, The Capital Grille, The Gardens Mall, Tire Kingdom, and Whole Foods Market.

Last year’s Go Blue Award recipients include Dr. Jeanette Wyneken, Florida Atlantic University; Laura Eldredge, Marine Rescue Animal Society; Captain Rich Brochu, Florida Fishing Academy; Christian, Derek, and Landon Petrisko, Wild Over Wildlife; and Worth Avenue Association.

Tickets are almost sold out! To purchase tickets to the Seventh Annual Go Blue Awards Luncheon, or to learn more about sponsoring the luncheon, visitmarinelife.org/bluefriends.

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About Loggerhead Marinelife Center:

Unique among nonprofits, Loggerhead Marinelife Center is a totally free (no charge) cultural facility in Juno Beach, Florida. LMC relies on the generosity of guests, volunteers, and supporters to power their mission of ocean and sea turtle conservation. LMC’s 30-year history is one of community, family, and fun. LMC’s beachside campus is home to one of the world’s most advanced sea turtle hospitals and research laboratories. The center also operates the iconic Juno Beach Pier. For more information about Loggerhead Marinelife Center, visit the facility online at marinelife.org.

December, 2015 – Grandma’s Place Luncheon

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September 28, 2015

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December, 2015 – Grandma’s Place Luncheon

Grandma’s Place Inaugural Luncheon

On Tuesday, December 8^th, 2015, Grandma’s Place will hold its Inaugural Luncheon at the Beach Club, Palm Beach. We are thrilled to announce that Herme De Wyman Miro is the International Honorary Chair and Lou Ann Wilson Swan is the Chair. Committee Members include: Sue Ellen Clarfeld, Marianna DuBois, Richard Gaff, Cibi Hoffman, Dina Rubio, Valerie Seifert, George Swan and Mary Francis Turner.

The luncheon will include a wine reception, informal modeling by Salon Margrit, and a live and silent auction. Liz Quirantes, Channel 12 News Anchor will be the celebrity emcee.

Proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, an emergency shelter for 16 children – from birth to the age of 12 – who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children & Families, due to abuse or neglect. In fact, Grandma’s Place is the ONLY emergency shelter in Palm Beach County!

Ticket are $150 per person. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, or sponsor the event, please call Roxanne Jacobs at 561-408-3060 or e-mail roxanne@grandmaplacepb.org.

September, 2015 – Wellington Gives Back to Teachers

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September 28, 2015

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Wellington Helps Give Local Teachers Back to School Supplies

On Saturday, August 22^nd, Ultima Fitness, in partnership with the Village of Wellington Community Services Department, Walgreen’s, and Wellington the Magazine, hosted a day of educational sessions, free classes, healthy food samples, and demonstrations for residents who donated classroom supplies. The event was aimed at promoting a healthier and better educated community while providing much needed school supplies for local teachers.

Supplies and monetary donations collected during the event filled teachers’ wish lists for classroom supplies. Wellington staff will join representatives from Ultima Fitness today, September 28^th to deliver the donations to local classrooms.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

October, 2015 – WAS City Hall Reception

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September 28, 2015

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WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY CITY HALL RECEPTION

The Wellington Art Society will host a reception on Tuesday, October 13^th, 2015 from 5:30-7 PM. to showcase their exciting new exhibit in the beautiful Wellington City Hall Gallery. The reception is free to the public and there will be fun door prizes for guests and light refreshments. The exhibit features thirty six paintings and photographs by thirteen of the Wellington Art Society’s artists.

This is a wonderful chance to meet the artists and enjoy an early evening art treat. Come and bring a friend or a group – everyone is welcome!

The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 34^th year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their art work in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art.

For more information visit WellingtonArtSociety.org

October, 2015 – Fall Family Fun Fest at Science Center

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September 26, 2015

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October, 2015 – Fall Family Fun Fest at Science Center

FALL IN LOVE WITH SCIENCE THIS SEASON

South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s annual Fall Family Fun Fest takes place October 10

3 Children enjoying 16 x 5-foot Water Table — The 16 x 5-foot water table is part of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s new Discovery Center, powered by PNC Grow Up Great. The new space is specifically targeted to children birth-to-age 6 years and their parents. The new Pre-K zoned room is part of the Science Center’s most recent expansion and includes a giant 16 x 5-foot water table, a wall-sized Lite Brite play area, lounge area for parents, story time area with book shelves, a dress-up area and an interactive photo kiosk. Guests of the Fall Family Fun Fest will be able to take home a commemorative photo from the photo kiosk, which is included with admission.

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) Steamy summer temps are slowly on the decline, and in South Florida that is cause for an outdoor celebration! Science seekers are invited to fall in love with science on October 10 at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium’s Fall Family Fun Fest. The fifth annual event will feature many hands-on science activities, including an interactive Mobile Learning Adventure (MLA) traveling exhibit for children birth to 5-years-old, courtesy of the PNC Foundation and Grow Up Great, PNC’s bilingual, early childhood education initiative.

“The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is a constant hub of activity,” said Science Center CEO, Lew Crampton. “We have educational events for all ages and interests and often these events, like Fall Family Fun Fest, are included with paid Science Center admission. We are especially grateful to the PNC Foundation and Grow Up Great for their continued support of our shared goal – to engage small scientists. The always popular Mobile Learning Adventure will be returning this year, which is a nice complement to our new permanent ‘Discovery Center,’ also powered by PNC Grow Up Great. I encourage guests of all ages to come out and fall in love with science this season!”

Activities during Fall Family Fun Fest include science-themed crafts, face painting, a bounce house, liquid nitrogen demonstrations, a petting zoo, a bean bag toss and much more. Special sweet treats will be provided in the form of snow cones, popcorn and cotton candy. Additionally, the West Palm Beach Library will be on hand for storytelling, and Professor Clark — the Science Shark — is scheduled to make a guest appearance, as well as a variety of other vendors offering samples and raffle prizes. For families wishing to commemorate the fun-filled day, guests should stop by the Discovery Center’s new photo booth. The special souvenir is included with admission and comes in an entertaining frame.

Named the 2014 Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches’ Nonprofit of the Year, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium features more than 50 hands-on educational exhibits, an 8,000 gallon fresh and salt water aquarium- featuring both local and exotic marine life, a digital planetarium, conservation research station, Florida exhibit hall, Pre-K focused “Discovery Center” and an interactive Everglades exhibit. The Science Center’s fall blockbuster exhibition, Dinosaurs Around the World, will feature more than a dozen life-size and life-like animatronic dinosaurs when it opens to the public on November 1. All exhibits will be on display during Dinosaurs Around the World’s special showing, which runs through April 16, 2016.

The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach and is open Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fall Family Fun Fest is included with paid Science Center admission. Science Center admission is: $15 for adults, $11 for children age 3-12, $13 for seniors and free for members. For more information, please visit www.sfsciencecenter.org or call 561-832-1988.

To find out about the Science Center’s exhibits and events, like Fall Family Fun Fest, ‘like’ the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @SFScienceCenter.

December, 2015 – American Red Cross Beach Bash

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September 26, 2015

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The American Red Cross South Florida Region

Beach Bash

Saturday, December 26, 2015

WHO: The American Red Cross, South Florida Region along with committee members Bobby Leidy, Adam Lacey, Chris Dischino, Mary Victoria Falzarano, Richard Gaff, Nick Kassatly, Stacy Nichols, Lilly Leas, Carl Loof, Whitney McGurk, Robert and Brooke Murphy, Hess Musallet, Kim Nash, Maura Nelson, Stephanie Pittington, Ted and Elena Peroulakis, Kelly Ring, Bruce Sutka, Mark Seigel, Siobhan Helene Shea, Andrew Steel and Ainsley Tibbett.

WHAT: The Red Cross Beach Bash, sponsored by Lilly Pulitzer, is the season’s hottest party, attracting young socialites from Palm Beach, Washington D.C., New York, Chicago, and Miami to benefit the American Red Cross. The 2015 event will close out the year by taking guests on The Greatest Escape.

WHEN: Saturday, December 26, 2015 at 8 p.m.

WHERE: The Beach Club, Palm Beach

WHY: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

HOW MUCH: Starting at $250

GENERAL INFO: For more information, please reach Analisa Muti at 561-650-9133 or analisa.muti@redcross.org or visit http://www.redcross.org/fl/palm-beach

October, 2015 – Volunteers for Fall Festival

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September 26, 2015

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Volunteer Opportunities for Fall Festival in Wellington

The Village of Wellington is seeking energetic volunteers for its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17th, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Volunteer opportunities include acting in the famous Haunted Hallways, assisting with bounce houses, face painting, the costume contest, petting zoo, and more. There will be informational meetings on Wednesday, October 14th at 6:00 p.m. and Thursday, October 15th at 6:00 p.m. at Village Park Gymnasium, 11700 Pierson Road (volunteers only need to attend one pre-event meeting). Students can earn community service hours for this event. For more information, please contact Meridith Tuckwood, Senior Service Specialist at (561) 753- 2476, to sign up today.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/enews.

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.