Magic and mind reading at the Hub at Space of Mind in downtown Delray Beach benefiting the Community Classroom Project
WHAT: Brad Barton, aka The Reality Thief, is a magician with a knack for uncovering an audience’s inner joy. With over twenty years of experience, Brad has dazzled at corporate events, arts festivals, TED talks and more. His relaxed and engaging style has earned him international recognition, with fans including GE’s Jack Welch, musician Tom Waits, and Mike Gordon, who said, “I laughed, I gasped, and then I told friends.”
If you haven’t yet experienced the Lunchbox Theater at the Hub at Space of Mind, you’re in for a treat. The venue offers a unique blend of creativity, energy and ambiance. Arrive early to explore the art studio and enjoy light bites and drinks at the donation bar. Don’t miss this exclusive one-night event as Brad brings his magic from San Francisco!
Proceeds from this event benefit the Community Classroom Project, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing learning and life-related stress through creativity. Believing in magic is a key element in life, so this event is the second installment in the CCP magic series featuring mind-blowing illusionists from around the country!
TICKETS:
$50 -$70
includes light bites, a donation bar and entertainment
101 NW 1st Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444, Delray Beach, FL 33444
Valet parking is available from Dada or free parking at Delray Beach City Hall (north side of the building).
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PROJECT: The Community Classroom Project (CCP) is an innovative 501(c)3 nonprofit organization launched by the team behind Space of Mind. CCP was created to provide experiential learning, educational resources, entrepreneurship and scholarships by bridging the gap between students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers and the community and to rethink current approaches in education to reduce school-related stress. Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) initiative is on a mission to enhance mental and physical health for families in South Florida through the art of cooking and communal dining. It commences with training a culinary workforce passionate and equipped to thrive in the dynamic restaurant industry.
Public is Invited to Suggest Names for Seven New Garden Accessories
(West Palm Beach, FL – July 12, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting the public to suggest names for its seven newest garden accessories—life-sized animals crafted from recycled metal that have been placed around the 20-acre tropical oasis located just minutes from the hustle-bustle of downtown West Palm Beach.
“As prelude to our upcoming Leap intoNature, Art & Science, a year of inspirational programming for all ages that will culminate with our new Ribbitt the Exhibit II Grand Opening November 23, Mounts Botanical Garden has recently added seven life-sized metal animals—three giraffes, two elephants, and both a hippo and a lion,” says Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller.
“We hope garden-lovers of all ages will visit Mounts this summer, check out these new super-cool, man-made animals, and then email us their various name suggestions for each—from which our team will select the winning monikers,” she adds. The email address is mountsmarketing@pbcgov.org. The deadline to enter is Labor Day, September 2.
This fun new Name Game for our seven metal animals is the perfect, family-friendly kick-off for the next major exhibition at Mounts Botanical Garden, which is coming back by popular demand:
Ribbit the Exhibit II
November 23 through May 25
This delightful new exhibit will feature 18-larger-than-life, thoughtfully crafted, and whimsically inspired sculptures by Andy Cobb,” says Stoller. “Best of all, almost all of the super-sized sculptures will be new to Mounts and were not part of the original exhibition in early 2020”
“The 18 lovable, hand-crafted frog sculptures will be displayed throughout Mounts, providing a captivating window into the fascinating world of amphibians and their profound impact on our ecology,” she adds.
During Ribbit the Exhibit II, Garden visitors can immerse themselves in a whimsical art experience where nature, art, and science converge harmoniously, while discovering how these seemingly small creatures play a crucial role in the delicate balance of ecosystems and the interconnectedness that sustains the natural world.
Each frog sculpture is 5 to 7 feet tall, is crafted from hand-patinated copper, and each has a name and a story. Inspirational and Educational programming during this exhibit will include:
Family Days, with activities for children and fun and informative presentations by experts.
During the summer, Mounts Botanical Garden is 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 hours and rates at Mounts will resume this Fall.
Mounts Botanical Garden & Bloomberg Connects
Explore Anytime, Anywhere with New Mobile Garden Guide
Visitors can now explore Mounts Botanical Garden anytime from anywhere across the globe with the new Mobile Garden Guide. Launched in partnership with Bloomberg Connects, the free arts and cultural app created by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the guide is designed to elevate and enrich the visitor experience by making it easy to discover more of what people love before, during, and after their visit to the Garden. Multi-media content includes maps and information on Mounts Botanical’s 25 display gardens, art in the garden, and current and upcoming exhibitions, as well as an ever-growing spectrum of new photo, audio, and video content available exclusively via the app. To learn more and download the app, visit www.mounts.org/mobile-garden-guide/ [mounts.org].
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:
With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.
West Palm Beach, FL (July 12, 2024)—Hanley Foundation, Florida’s largest provider of grant-funded prevention programs to combat addiction, will host the 2nd Annual Bartle BBQ Hang, a skateboard and BBQ event, on August 24 at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach. The Bartle BBQ Hang was conceived by the Bartle family, their close friends, and SandyJames Fine Food and Productions, in honor of Cory Bartle, a 34-year-old skateboarding enthusiast and rising culinary star, who tragically lost his life from an accidental fentanyl overdose in October 2022.
“We were so moved last year by all of the support and participation from our friends in the skateboarding and culinary communities,” said James Bartle, event chair and co-founder of SandyJames Fine Food and Productions. “This cause is near and dear to our hearts, and we can’t wait to host this again!”
The event committee chaired by James Bartle includes Jessica Busarello, Sandy Coto, Trudy Crowetz, and Mary Jacobs. The BBQ will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 4PM- 7PM at the National Croquet Center, 700 Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL. Tickets are $50 for adults, $35 for Juniors (ages 13-30), and free for children 12 and under. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities can be purchased at hanleyfoundation.org/bbq.
Admission includes a BBQ feast underwritten and catered by SandyJames, as well as a variety of kids’ and family activities, including a half pipe competition with cash prizes. Other major sponsors include Cleveland Clinic Florida, Seabreeze Building, Leeds Custom Design and The Croquet Foundation of America. All proceeds from the event will benefit Hanley Foundation’s Cory Bartle Memorial Fund, which helps provide lifesaving scholarships for individuals with substance use disorders who would not otherwise be able to access quality treatment.
About the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund Cory Bartle was a masterful culinary artist by the age of 25 whose work brought him an incredible amount of joy. He was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved skateboarding and the beach. Cory was passionate about the people he loved and was willing to help people in any way he could. Cory was working hard on his recovery and wanted to be free of addiction. Unfortunately, an accidental overdose took his life in October 2022. In honor of Cory’s life, his family created the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund to support efforts to combat addiction and bring awareness about the addiction crisis.
Donations made to the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund, administered by the Hanley Foundation, will provide lifesaving scholarships for individuals with substance use disorders who would not otherwise be able to afford treatment. The fund will also support work to educate individuals and their families on substance use disorders and the road to recovery for all involved, with the hopes of breaking the cycle of addiction and overdose.
Hanley Foundation envisions a world free of addiction, leading the way as the largest provider of grant-funded prevention education programs in the State of Florida. Hanley Foundation’s mission is to eliminate addiction through prevention, advocacy, treatment, and recovery support. Operating under these pillars, Hanley provides accredited, holistic addiction treatment, recovery scholarships to those in need, and trainings to identify the signs of substance misuse. Hanley Foundation educates, changes minds, and saves lives through its evidence-based treatment and prevention programs. For more information, please visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 561-268-2355. Follow Hanley on Instagram and Facebook @HanleyFoundation and on Twitter and LinkedIn @HanleyFNDN.
Exhibition of Photography by Dennis Church Curated by Hirbod Human
Exhibition Dates: August 12 to October 4, 2024 Reception and Discussion: September 19, 6 to 7:30 PM Location: Tauni De Lesseps Art Gallery, The Warren Library, Palm Beach Atlantic University Address: 300 Pembroke Place, West Palm Beach, Florida Hours: Open during regular library hours. Please visit library.pba.edu for updated times. Parking in regular campus lots is available for free after 6 PM
West Palm Beach, Fla. (July 9, 2024)— Palm Beach Atlantic University is pleased to announce the opening of Urban Color Fields, a beautiful exhibition featuring the works of street photographer Dennis Church. Curated by Hirbod Human, it will be on view from August 12 through October 4, 2024, at the Tauni De Lesseps Art Gallery in The Warren Library.
Dennis Church, known for his vibrant and dynamic street photography, brings a painter’s sensitivity to his depiction of urban environments. His latest collection, Urban Color Fields, showcases twenty carefully selected works that uniquely capture the complex interplay of color, shape and form in everyday urban scenes.
Church’s photographic journey began with a childhood trauma that altered his perception of color, influencing his unique visual language. This profound experience is evident in his ability to transform mundane urban scenes into intricate compositions of geometric shapes and harmonious color patterns. His photographs reveal an underlying order within the apparent chaos of urban life, drawing viewers into a visual symphony that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Color plays a central role in Church’s work, with his transition from black-and-white to color photography marking a significant evolution in his artistic approach. His images convey emotion and narrative through a rich palette, turning everyday scenes into vivid, painterly compositions. This mastery of color is comparable to the works of abstract painters, creating a visual dialogue between photography and fine art.
In Urban Color Fields, Church’s relentless exploration of urban landscapes is on full display. His images document the ever-changing nature of city streets, construction sites, deserted alleys, and abandoned lots. The omnipresence of advertising in his photographs incorporates the pervasive influence of commercialism, transforming billboards and shop signs from mere visual clutter into integral elements of the urban narrative.
Church’s background in psychology and sociology deeply informs his photographic practice. His work offers a sociological commentary on contemporary urban life, reflecting the subconscious social coordination among city dwellers. This perspective adds depth to his images, encouraging viewers to contemplate the underlying social dynamics of the environments he captures.
Church’s ability to capture the perfect moment is evident in his meticulous timing and composition. He often waits for the ideal moment to press the shutter, resulting in photographs that feel both spontaneous and carefully crafted. His instinctual framing, which sometimes disregards conventional rules, allows him to present a raw and authentic perspective on urban life.
Dennis Church’s work has received significant recognition in the field of street photography. His photographs have been featured in the seminal book Bystander: A History of Street Photography, authored by Colin Westerbeck and Joel Meyerowitz. He has exhibited widely in the USA and his photographs are in the permanent collections of several public institutions. His works have appeared in hard copy and on-line magazines in the USA, Italy, France, England, Russia and the Czech Republic.
Curated by Hirbod Human, this exhibition is a testament to Dennis Church’s unique vision and exceptional talent. Join us at the Tauni De Lesseps Gallery of Art to experience the profound depth and complexity of Urban Color Fields. The opening reception will be on September 19 from 6 to 7:30 PM, with discussion led by the artist. Visitors are invited to join the conversation and to explore the unexpected meanings and connections in this beautiful work.
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About Palm Beach Atlantic University
Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.
West Palm Beach, FL (July 8, 2024)—The YMCA of the Palm Beaches is pleased to announce the addition of Stephanie Langlais to its leadership team. In her new role, Langlais will serve as Director of Philanthropy.
Stephanie Langlais has over 18 years of experience as a non-profit professional, fundraiser, marketer, and grant writer in the south Florida market. Throughout her extensive career, she has raised millions of dollars for several organizations in Palm Beach County, including the American Red Cross, the Max Planck Research Institute, Bethesda Hospital Foundation, and more. As Director of Philanthropy at the YMCA of the Palm Beaches, Langlais will focus on major gifts and fundraising for the YMCA’s new 55,000 sq. ft. community center at Lake Lytal Park, a public private partnership with Palm Beach County’s Parks and Recreation Department. The County is building a new aquatics center adjacent to the Y’s community center. Langlais will oversee all fundraising initiatives and special events.
“We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our leadership team,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “The impressive fundraising experience that Stephanie brings to the YMCA will help us grow as an organization and expand our impact serving children and families within our territory of Palm Beach County.”
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. For more information, call 561.968.9622 or visit ymcapalmbeaches.org.
Wellington announces the launch of multiple resident engagement interactive budgeting tools – Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, the Budget Challenge online survey, and Flashvote – throughout July and August 2024. The first release on July 8, 2024 is for two innovative budgeting tools, Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt for the FY 2025 Budget season. These interactive platforms empower residents by providing them with comprehensive information and opportunities for active participation in the budget development process. Balancing Act offers residents a hands-on experience in exploring the Fiscal Year 2025 Proposed General Fund Budget. By modifying allocated funding and witnessing the real-time impact on the overall budget, users gain valuable insights into the trade-offs and considerations inherent in budget planning. This interactive simulation fosters a deeper understanding of Wellington’s budgeting process, building trust in the allocation of funds and encouraging resident input and recommendations. In addition to Balancing Act, Taxpayer Receipt provides residents with an unofficial, itemized receipt showcasing how the Village spends tax dollars. Taxpayer Receipt offers a transparent breakdown of programs and services supported by residents’ tax contributions, ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending. “We are excited to continue the use of Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, two essential tools that enhance resident engagement in the budgeting process,” said Jim Barnes, Wellington’s Village Manager. “These tools not only provide residents with a deeper understanding of how their tax dollars are spent but also offer them the opportunity to actively shape the future of our community by sharing their perspectives and recommendations.”
The Budget Challenge online survey will open July 17, 2024 following Council’s consideration of the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 TRIM (Truth- in-Millage) Proposed Budget. This online survey focuses on residents’ priorities and considerations and will be available on our webpage through August 1, 2024. Following on August 1, 2024, the Flashvote budget survey will open. These multiple platforms expand outreach and engagement opportunities. Residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated webpage at Wellingtonfl.gov/BalancingAct to access both the Balancing Act online budget simulation tool and Taxpayer Receipt. Here, they will find detailed instructions and user-friendly features that will help them explore different budget scenarios. Webpage information for the Budget Challenge and Flashvote will be available as they are released. Residents are also invited to attend the three budget hearings on August 13th, September 3rd, and September 19th at 7 PM at Village Hall (12300 Forest Hill Blvd). These hearings offer an ideal platform to learn more about the Village budget and provide input that will be considered before the final budget adoption. Wellington remains committed to fostering transparency, resident engagement, and effective public spending. With the help of these outreach options, the Village empowers its residents to become informed advocates for the services and programs they value most.
For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.
West Palm Beach, FL (July 8, 2024) – The Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute welcomed patients at its newest location on Southern Boulevard in West Palm Beach on January 9, 2024. In this facility, patients have access to MRI as well as physical therapy, and Orthopedic Urgent Care is available on-site.
Board certified in orthopedic surgery since 2012, John Hinson, M.D. specializes in traumatic and degenerative conditions concerning the shoulder and elbow that are triggered by aging or athletics. Treatments including, but not limited to arthroscopic surgery, rotator cuff repair, shoulder instability procedures, and shoulder replacements are offered to patients experiencing latent and chronic discomfort.
“At this new facility in West Palm, our staff has welcomed over 250 new patients,” states Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute John Hinson, MD. “Delivering the highest quality of care is right at the heart of what we do.”
Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute’s Orthopedic Urgent Care offers solutions to patients with bone fractures, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and sports injuries. The new facility accepts walk-ins six days a week and is located at 7701 Southern Blvd, Suite 100, West Palm Beach, FL.
The current operating hours of this location are Monday to Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more about Dr. John Hinson and The Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, please visit www.pboi.com. To schedule an appointment, please text (561) 788-7031 or call (561) 694-7776.
Spanning nearly one-million acres at the western edge of the state of Washington, Olympic National Park showcases some of the country’s most diverse landscapes. To the west, beaches scattered with sea cliffs and brimming with tide pools beg exploration. Woven through the park’s massive acreage, old-growth rain forests harbor towering moss-covered trees. At its heart, snow-capped peaks dominate the landscape with Mount Olympus leading the upward rise at 7,979 feet. Declared a national park by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1938, Olympic National Park possesses three distinct ecosystems and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
As a travel journalist constantly craving epic landscapes and sources of adventure, I couldn’t be more impressed with Olympic National Park. For this month’s column, I’m sharing my initial insights through photos. If you’re seeking a unique national park experience, Olympic National Park should be at the top of your list.
Olympic National Park’s Crown Jewel: Mount Olympus
Glaciers and snow-capped mountains reign supreme in the Olympus Mountain Range.
Duncan Memorial
The Duncan Memorial is the world’s largest red cedar tree. It’s named for the logger who made the wise decision not to cut it down years ago.
Elwha River
The peaceful Elwha River represents a small section of the more than 3,000 miles of rivers and streams in the park.
Lake Crescent
Glacial lakes including Lake Crescent add to the park’s grandeur.
Sol Duc Falls
The three-tier Sol Duc Falls is one of the park’s favorite hikes.
Sea Stacks at Sunset
Ending the day with a sunset highlighting the sea stacks on Ruby Beach.
On June 29th at The Venue (aka Common Grounds Church) in Lake Worth, the band Canvas put on a special concert to benefit veterans. Friends and supporters enjoyed classic rock, as well as a food truck outdoors.
Palm Beach County, FL (July 2, 2024)— In December 2023, YMCA of the Palm Beaches held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the first phase of a new community center that will dramatically expand its impact in the area by allowing the organization to serve four times the number of community members than it did in its previous facility. The project aligns the YMCA of the Palm Beaches with Palm Beach County and its Parks & Recreation Department, in a unique and historic public-private partnership.
In support of the Community Center project, a gift of $500,000 was recently awarded to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches through the U.S. Federal Government’s Community Grants program. The funds were secured with the help of U.S. Representative Lois Frankel, who recently presented the grant to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches at a press conference.
“We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Frankel for helping to secure this generous grant,” said Tim Coffield, President and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “This is an investment not only in the future of the Y, but in the futures of those who we serve in the community, particularly our children.”
The funds will be used for the development of the Y’s new 55,000 sq. ft. Community Center at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach and scheduled for completion in late 2025. A key hallmark feature of the new center will be its Youth Engagement and Resource Center, designed to reach and mentor young people aged 12-22 with workforce skills, job training, mentorship, and more. Additional amenities for youth will include a music recording studio, STEM Lab and Robotics Center, a teaching kitchen, visual arts studio, and much more.
Additional components of the overall project include an Olympic-style Skate Park and an expansive new aquatics facility, which is being developed by Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department.
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. For more information, call 561.968.9622 or visit ymcapalmbeaches.org. and follow on social media @ymcapalmbeaches.
