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Community Partners of South Florida CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary   

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Community Partners of South Florida CEO Celebrates 15th Anniversary   

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.” 

4th Annual “One Can, Two Can, Who Can? You Can!” Back-to-School Food Drive

madison mangoni
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4th Annual “One Can, Two Can, Who Can? You Can!” Back-to-School Food Drive

Palm Beach County Food Bank

Thursday, August 1 through Saturday, August 31

WHO: The Palm Beach County Food Bank (PBCFB)

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.”

Driftwood’s Family Meals for August

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Driftwood’s Family Meals for August

DRIFTWOOD ANNOUNCES FAMILY MEALS FOR AUGUST: MAKE BACK TO SCHOOL EASIER WITH HEALTHY READY-TO-SERVE MEALS

WHAT: School nights can be hectic and Driftwood, one of South Florida’s best-kept dining secrets, is here to take the stress out of dinner time. Imagine coming home after a long day of work, school and extracurricular activities to a delicious, ready-to-serve meal that the whole family will love. Driftwood’s family meals are designed to be both convenient and mouthwateringly delicious, making your evenings a little smoother and a lot tastier.

All dinners include milk bread and a house salad, with a choice of entrees for $85, and are designed to feed 4-6 people. 

  • Rigatoni Bolognese: Housemade rigatoni, succulent pork and beef ragu, whipped ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano. This comforting classic is packed with rich flavors and creamy textures that will satisfy any pasta lover.
  • Chicken N’ Dumplings: Fluffy ricotta dumplings and tender free-range chicken in a savory, heartwarming broth. A comforting dish for kids of all ages.
  • Shrimp N’ Grits: Fresh Key West pink shrimp, creamy Marsh Hen Mill grits, spicy n’duja and scallion. This vibrant and flavorful Southern classic adds a touch of heat to your weeknight dinners

To order visit: https://order.toasttab.com/online/driftwood

WHERE: 

Driftwood 

2005 Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 733-4782

@eatdrinkatdriftwood

WHEN: 

Available every day in August 

ABOUT DRIFTWOOD:
Driftwood was opened in 2017 by husband-and-wife duo Jimmy Everett and Ilia Gonzalez. The restaurant is dedicated to sourcing lcoal ingredients and forming partnerships with artisans and farmers who share their vision of quality and sustainability. Chef de Cuisine Tommy Coombs rounds out the team, bringing his passion for flavors and technique to the table. At Driftwood, every dish serves as a testament to their unified vision. Working closely with local fisheries, they offer daily fresh catches, along with free-range chicken, heritage pork, Florida-raised beef, and a variety of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes. 

PB Jamaica Independence Fest 2024

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PB Jamaica Independence Fest 2024

Past, Present and Future Things to Do

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Past, Present and Future Things to Do

By Melanie Kafka

As we breeze into August, let’s pause for a moment to look back at some of the noteworthy moments discovered around Wellington this July.  

The month began by writing  wishes on colorful papers called Tanzaku and attaching them to bamboo branches  on display from July 1st through 7th, at Village Hall, Village Park, and Wellington Community Center during Tanabata, the Star Festival, meaning “evening of the seventh.”  This Japanese holiday originates from a legend of “star-crossed lovers” represented by the stars Altair and Vega which meet only one time each year on the seventh day of the seventh month, or the “midsummer night.”

If you missed your chance to make a wish at the beginning of July, the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival was happy to oblige you with their Wishing Well, by accepting donations during free productions of King Lear at the Seabreaze Amphitheatre in Jupiter and Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach.  This stellar performance blended a timeless presentation of archetypal antagonists with twists of modernity and unexpected brightness at the most harrowing moments.  Lear had finally succumbed to a visceral dark madness into which he pulled the entire audience from lawn chairs and picnic blankets, when the house lights suddenly undimmed and fanciful music echoing the theme of the scene piped over the speakers, queuing a welcome intermission.  As the play resumed, this extraordinary ensemble magnificently compelled the crowd through every carefully choreographed moment of the show.  Did you miss it this year and wish for a chance to experience Shakespeare in the park or by the sea?  This is the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival’s thirty-fourth year in our community, so be sure to keep a lookout this time next year!  Details are on their website at https://pbshakespeare.org. 

Can’t wait until next summer for a little culture in your life?  Take a look at what’s happening in August around town and maybe just a little south if you’re up for a day trip or weekend adventure.

Wish you had some local theatre shows to enjoy outdoors right here in Wellington?  Theatre Arts Productions (TAPs) presents Mean Girls Jr. at the Wellington Amphitheater Friday, August 16 – Sunday, August 18 at 7:30 PM each night.  Tickets are on sale through their website at https://www.tapstars.org/mean-girls-dates.  The Wellington Amphitheater event calendar dates can be found here https://www.wellingtonfl.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=2304.

The Wellington Art Society (WAS) displays art all month at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington.  Local artists feature works for sale in overlapping exhibits open to the public.  Calling all artists!  Join WAS at this month’s meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 5:30 – 7:45 PM.  Discover membership in this inclusive community art society.  The WAS full calendar of events is available online at https://www.wellingtonartsociety.org/calendar.html. 

If your Tanzaku wish last month was to visit Japan, but that’s a bit out of the way, you’re in luck because a day trip or weekend in Miami might be in the stars for you instead. The Spirit of Japan festival is happening August 16 to 18 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.  Find event details at https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/spirit-of-japan/295

***

Melanie Kafka has been a Wellington resident since 2011, which she decided was the perfect place to raise her two daughters after returning to Florida from serving in the United States Navy.  She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Palm Beach Atlantic University while developing her career as a Senior Project Engineer in the aerospace industry.  She is also co-founder of the Wellington Ladies Golf Club, which serves to welcome women and girls into the sport of golf while promoting an atmosphere of inclusion on and off the course.

American Humane’s Popular 

madison mangoni
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American Humane’s Popular 

“No Animals Were Harmed” Program is

Now Free Worldwide

PALM BEACH, FL – American Humane is pleased to announce that their “No Animals Were Harmed®” (NAWH) program is growing. With offices in Palm Beach, Florida, and Los Angeles, California, American Humane works in association with the American film and TV industries to help ensure and protect the well-being of animal actors and promote the human-animal bond.

For the first time, all SAG-AFTRA productions shooting overseas will be exempt from animal monitoring fees and associated costs, enabling American Humane to keep more animals safe around the world, regardless of where a film is shot. The no-charge program monitoring animals to ensure they are safe on set will be expanded thanks to the generous support of the SAG-AFTRA Producers Industry Advancement Fund (IACF).

American Humane works with production personnel and trainers in the pre-production planning stage, monitors the animals on set during production, and enforces its guidelines for the Safe Use of Animals in Filmed Media. They award the NAWH certification recognized by audiences around the world to productions that meet their rigorous standards and investigate allegations of mistreatment and cruelty.

American Humane’s “No Animals Were Harmed” program has been a trusted partner for the entertainment industry for more than 80 years, collaborating with thousands of productions to ensure the safety of millions of animals. When animal welfare is a priority, it raises the bar on safety throughout production.

To learn more about the “No Animals Were Harmed” program, visit humanehollywood.org.

For more information about American Humane, visit americanhumane.org.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

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Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium on August 10th

Proceeds benefit Homeless Youth in Palm Beach County

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 31, 2024) Join Vita Nova at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter on Saturday, August 10, 2024, and experience the fun of America’s favorite pastime while helping support Vita Nova’s mission to eliminate homelessness for youth ages 18 to 25 years old in Palm Beach County.

Gates open at 5:00 pm, and at 6:00 pm, one of Vita Nova’s youth will throw out the first pitch to start the Mighty Mussels at Hammerheads baseball game!

All tickets purchased include a donation back to Vita Nova to support their mission. During the game, they will also auction off custom Vita Nova Jerseys worn by the Hammerheads to support Vita Nova’s youth.

Come early! The first 500 fans will receive a Noble Meyer Mini Bobblehead. Tickets are limited, so get yours today for $10. Visit https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Vitanova2

About Vita Nova:

Vita Nova is a safe bridge to independence for former foster care, LGBTQ, and other homeless youth through supportive housing, education, employment, and life skills training. Vita Nova, Inc., located in West Palm Beach, Florida, is comprised of three components:  the Spot, Housing (The Village), and Independent Living.

Vita Nova means “new life” in Latin and was founded by Father Leo Armbrust, a man who believed that foster youth deserved a better quality of care.  Through the efforts of the Vita Nova team members, its volunteers, and its benefactors, older foster and homeless youth are allowed to lead lives characterized by independence, self-determination, and personal responsibility.

To learn more about Vita Nova or to donate, visit vitanovainc.org or call 561.689.0035.

Adopt, Don’t Shop 

madison mangoni
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Adopt, Don’t Shop 

By Madison Mangoni

Everyone talks about how important it is to save animals from animal shelters, but how many really take action? Dogs slumber in shelters every day, hoping to find their forever homes, but are euthanized before reaching their goal. Most people buy younger dogs from breeders, unaware that a more suitable companions may be an elderly dog waiting in a shelter for them. 

According to the APPA, 34% of dogs are acquired from breeders, with 23% coming from animal shelters. Every year, over 6.3 million companion animals enter shelters throughout the country, and 56% of these animals are put down due to overcrowding, while these canines deserve to live a happy and healthy life in a decent home. The animal shelter system in the United States is extremely complicated, but it comes down to simple math: for the system to be balanced, the quantity of animals exiting a shelter must be greater than the number of animals entering. Right now, that is not the case. 

Pitbulls are a breed of dog which has become overabundant in animal shelters. People always comment about how Pitbulls are one of the kindest and most loving dogs one can own, yet they are still frightened by them. When I went to an animal shelter around a month or two ago to film a video about adopting dogs from the facility, I had to go through it, and what I witnessed shattered my heart. Dozens of the dogs were Pitbulls that were as nice as could be and just wanted love and attention. Throughout the video we made, I was allowed to pet these Pitbulls, and it was clear how compassionate they are when given the opportunity. After seeing what I saw at the shelter that day, I made sure to show my two Pitbulls extra love when I came home. They are the best dogs I could have ever wished for. 

Pitbulls are not the only dogs that are found in shelters, German Shepherds are also found populating different shelters. German Shepherds and Pitbulls are sometimes grouped together. They look to be a vicious kind of dog, aiding police officers and apprehending criminals, yet these fur babies aren’t always “on the job”. They, too, deserve affection and a forever home. 

To summarize, dogs in shelters suffer various problems, but with more knowledge and community participation, we can significantly improve their lives. Adopting a shelter dog not only gives a deserving animal a loving home, but it also helps to reduce shelter overpopulation. By donating to local shelters, volunteering, and spreading the word, we can help more dogs find forever homes and enjoy the happy, healthy lives they deserve. Together, we can make a better future for these devoted, loving companions.

Forgetting To Remember: Aging and Memory Loss

Jaime Joshi Elder
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Forgetting To Remember: Aging and Memory Loss

By Jaime Joshi Elder 

This month celebrates National Senior Citizens Day (August 21).

We all know and love a senior citizen – a parent, a partner, a neighbor, a friend – and as our loved ones grow older, we want to know how to best support them, both physically, mentally and emotionally. 

In addition to being an engaged part of their lives, it helps to be diligent about changes and knowing what is considered “normal” and when you should seek medical attention. 

Memory loss is a common occurrence as we age due to the shrinking of the hippocampus – a complicated structure located in the brain’s temporal lobe. It is most associated with memory, learning and emotion and as it shrinks, so does its capacity to maintain these functions. 

Forgetfulness is a normal part of the aging process and can be influenced by a variety of factors ranging from sleep deprivation to stress and there is a wide gulf between common memory issues and serious memory problems such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. 

For example, forgetting which word to use is a common memory issue but being unable to recall the word even after receiving context cues may be indicative of a more serious memory issue. 

“General forgetfulness such as going into a room and forgetting why you went in there, occasionally having trouble finding the right word, or forgetting where you put your car keys/purse is common as we age,” said Holly Hines, Dementia Care Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay – a luxury senior living community in Wellington. “Dementia is not.” 

When the conversation arises about assisted living or memory care, there are numerous factors to consider.

“There are many stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia and people need support at different levels,” said Wendy Paige, sales and marketing director of Wellington Bay. “In assisted living, we help with activities of daily living with no medical needs. Tasks like bathing, grooming, meals, driving to appointments, housekeeping and laundry as well as emergency response if there is a fall. We also provide activities to keep residents engaged and socializing with their peers.”

Memory Care is a level above Assisted Living and includes all of the above but also features special programming to support residents with memory loss including a higher level of oversight, increased safety measures and support groups for Alzheimer’s and dementia. 

“As someone ages, whether this be with memory loss, physical changes, social changes, familial changes or other psychological changes, things must be adapted to the needs at that point in time,” said Haley Kinne-Norris, M.S., ADC, INSPIRE Wellness and Enrichment Coordinator at Liberty Senior Living, operators of Wellington Bay. “With memory decline, our job as caregivers is to provide them with opportunities to be who they are.”

“When forgetfulness becomes more frequent and interferes with daily tasks (driving, cooking, paying bills), dementia may be playing a role,” said Holly. “Sometimes doctors will want to perform a cognitive assessment to establish a baseline of someone’s cognitive abilities and I encourage people to have a conversation with their physician about any questions or concerns they may have.”  

Best Herbs to Plant at Home to Repel Bugs Naturally

Charmaine Peters
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Best Herbs to Plant at Home to Repel Bugs Naturally

By Charmaine Peters

Summers may not be bug-free, so it’s important to explore ways to keep pests at bay. While store-bought repellent sprays are an option, natural methods effectively deter insects and, at the same time, promote a non-toxic environment for everyone. Herbs, with their aromatic properties, are excellent allies in repelling pesky bugs. They are easy to grow and maintain, so cultivating them at home provides a fresh supply of flavor to our dishes and a natural, effective, way to keep our living spaces bug-free.

Let’s discover some of the best herbs you can grow to repel bugs naturally:

Citronella

Citronella is the most well-known natural insect repellent. Its oil is commonly found in candles and sprays that have been specially designed to keep mosquitoes at bay. You can crush a few leaves and gently rub them on your skin to enjoy its repellent effects instantly. It can be grown in large pots or directly in the ground. To help the plant thrive, place it in a sunny location with six to eight hours of sunlight daily. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and loves warm climates. Water the plants regularly, but make sure the soil has good drainage.

Basil

This kitchen staple does more than add flavor to our favorite dishes. Basil’s strong scent effectively repels mosquitoes and flies, making it a must-have for any home. Placing pots of basil near outdoor seating areas or windows can help discourage insects from entering your home. Keep in mind that the plant thrives in warm, sunny locations, with well-drained soil. Plant basil after the last frost, and water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Pinch off the flower heads to encourage more leaf growth.

Rosemary

Rosemary is known for its robust flavor and doubles as a potent insect repellent. Its woody aroma deters mosquitoes and can be burned as incense outdoors to create a bug-free zone. The plant can grow in pots or garden beds, as long as it gets full sun for six to eight hours daily. Plant it in well-drained soil. Remember to water the plant evenly and be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.

Mint

Mint’s refreshing scent is delightful to us but repels ants and flies. Planting mint around the perimeter of your garden or near entryways can deter pests from venturing too close. This herb grows best in moist, well-drained soil, and partial shade. It spreads quickly, so it’s best to plant it in containers to prevent it from taking over other plants. Regularly trim the plant to encourage bushier growth.

Sage

The strong, earthy scent of sage is effective at repelling unwanted insects such as mosquitoes, moths, and beetles, especially when the leaves are burned. You can make sage bundles by tying dried sage leaves together and burning them like incense. The plant thrives in full sun, so plant it in a sunny spot, and in well-drained soil. Water it sparingly, as it prefers dry conditions. Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth and maintain its shape.

With these natural herbs, you can enjoy the warm season without the annoyance of buzzing insects. Plant them in hanging baskets on your balcony, pots on the patio, or window boxes by the kitchen to naturally ward off mosquitoes, flies, and other unwanted visitors. Let’s create a more peaceful and enjoyable environment for relaxation and gatherings with friends and family this summer!

Take a look at this article if you’re looking for spices to grow at home.

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