It’s the dog days of summer. Let’s face it – our summers are the Great North’s winter. We don’t go out unless it’s necessary. A trip outside, even first thing in the morning, you come back drenched in sweat. Not only is this uncomfortable but it’s dangerous. It’s estimated that 90% of people walk around dehydrated and kids become dehydrated easily simply because they are little.
At least that’s what I tell myself when I curl up on the couch during the day and watch movies with the kids. Yessss… we’re staying hydrated and cool AND we’re spending time together. All wins.
Then the guilt kicks in…all you are doing is sitting in front of the mind zapper. Le sigh…so now we have to get creative. Here are some fun things to do with the kids that will have you interacting, having fun and making memories.
Have a real tea party in the living room a la picnic style. Put down a large blanket, bust out the china, and make mint tea, cucumber sandwiches and such. Kids of all ages will get a real charge out of this.
Make your kids architects for a day. Give them sheets, clothes pins and tell them to build a fort. Move all of the breakable things to a safe place and let the kids design and create their own kingdom. And it’s not enough to sit back and let them do it… you can help or at the very least crawl into the space they created and marvel at their ingenuity.
Halloween is just around the corner. Buy some balloons, blow them up and cover them with paper mache. Place rubber bands on the balloons to create those distinctive pumpkin grooves. You might also want to incorporate a cardboard circle for the base so it will sit on its own. Wait for them to dry and then paint them. Will they last very long outside? No. But it’ll keep the littles busy and in Fall… can we have too many pumpkins??
Indoor Nerf gun fight. Yes I said it. And I’m giving you permission. Again, put your breakable things away. We used to do this a lot in my house. I’m still finding random Nerf darts. Channel your inner Helen Mirin from the movie Red. Those kids aren’t going to take you out!
5. When all else fails, and you just really need to get out of the house, don’t forget – kids bowl free at Greenacres Bowl. All you have to do is get the kids signed up. They send you passes. You could go every day!
Whatever you decide to do, here’s hoping you enjoy the summer with your kids. They’re only little for so long. Which translates into “they’ll only like you for so long.” Enjoy! I know I did.
I’ve met some of my dearest and talented friends at Village Music and Café in Wellington. It’s almost like it brings everything and everyone “full circle”; It is a magical place. The really interesting thing is, so many people that work in the educational field have a side hustle in the arts. I first met “Chris” in passing at the café and she was very sweet and funny. The next time I “met” her she was singing with a band called “Derailed”. She has a presence about her; an affinity for bringing out the best in people. The night I heard her sing, I was so impressed with her skilled guitar playing and flexible vocals. Months later, Chris inspired me to do the open mic for musicians instead of the writers’ night (I am not sure that she was even aware of this influence she had over me). One day I was going through a situation, and she said to me, “you’re Spicey, D – you can handle anything.” The name kind of stuck and (five years later) she has as well….
I chose her for this interview because I have always been intrigued by her and now, we get to “learn” together. Let’s dive into the interview.
The Magic of Music
AW: You currently work in the field of Education. What is your position?
CRW: I am actually a therapist in Wellington for a High School. I work in a third-party situation and get “stationed” at a particular school.
AW: Do you feel like music has affected your job in counseling?
CRW: Yes. I actually use music a lot of times to connect with the kids. I don’t play my own music to the kids, but I do play music in the background. Many times, it relaxes the kids and opens up the lines of communication. I don’t know how the kids would react if I sang to them. I don’t think they believe that I actually sing, lol. They are so used to seeing me in this particular “role”.
AW: When did you know that you could sing and also play guitar?
CRW : I think in middle school. But I have a funny story for you. I was actually at an assembly in Middle School, and I saw this girl go up on stage. I was in 6th grade, and she was in 8th grade. She came up and played “Stairway to Heaven” and I was in awe and said to myself, “I want to do that”. My friend had a lot of nerve to be able to do that. We got together and formed a Duo and sang around for fun parties. My friend would help with the vocals. But then when I went away to college and stopped singing, I literally felt a “hole” in my life. Fast forward, years later I was still missing music and I saw an advertisement for “Adult Band camp” at Village Music and Café in Wellington. So, I called Donna Willey, one of the owners and said, “I started music but never came back to it, do you think this might be a good opportunity for me?”. Donna was very encouraging and said, “definitely give it a try”. So, I realized my friend, John, was in the camp so I would know him at the camp, and it seemed like a good idea. I dragged my guitar out that night and went out that night and John and I practiced. We had all these plans to start a band and he said, “wait, you’re going to be the singer because you are the only one that can sing “and so that happened. I think it isn’t just about someone being able to sing lyrics, but you also have to have guts to be able to play in front of others-that is a real skill. When you play an instrument that is a big deal, but singing is very important. I always loved to sing for fun in the car, in the shower and just privately. I had a “rumors” album I loved and of course, Led Zeppelin but I wanted to make more of it. I was extremely nervous to sing in front of other people.
In fact, I still get nervous performing in front of other people but knowing that I would be “in charge of” the singing part and not the instrument part too made it less stressful, more organized, and feasible to do. I liked that everyone would have their own “part” and I could focus on my own part which would be the singing. I don’t enjoy solo gigs as much. Although, ironically, I did some Facebook lives solo where I sang to an audience because it was an outlet for me and others being so isolated during Covid. I even took requests and was shocked that it ended up being very successful. I don’t know where I got the nerve to do that. It started out as me doing a song for my uncle’s birthday and I didn’t realize that it was going out to everyone, not just him. I thought I would do it and send it right to him, but it went to everyone, and it became popular. I started doing different dedications without even practicing to many people who requested specific songs. I actually ended up getting some gigs out of that whole situation.
AW: Is it true that you are the lead singer for two different bands?
CRW: Yes. I sing for both bands and some of the band members have “overlapped”. Remedy plays more versatile music like Amy Winehouse and Maroon 5 where SoulShine mostly does Classic, and Rock and Roll.
AW: Who are the members of each band?
CRW: The Soulshine band consists of : Bob Lombardo, Lead Guitar; Gene Garrison, Bass and Ron Wuraftic, Drums. Remedy shares Lead Guitar, Bob Lombardo; John Hayes, Bass and Lenny Townsend, Drums. I do Vocals and Guitar for both.
AW: Is it challenging trying to balance your day job with your night job?
CRW: No, because I either practice one time a week for each band or sometimes it is just a few hours on a Tuesday night or a Saturday. Plus, we only have a few gigs a month. It really isn’t anything overwhelming at all. It is not a burden because it is more of an outlet. I enjoy it and also it is a great stress reliever. Also, I get to be with friends and make new friends.
AW: What are two of your favorite songs to sing?
CRW: I really like to sing “Angel from Montgomery” (by John Prine) and “Valerie” (by Mark Ronson). The songs I sing for the two bands are in different styles, so I get a variation of music. When I am with SoulShine, a lot of the song selections are male driven whereas when I play with Remedy, I can play some of the other songs. I like that I can “change things up” which shows flexibility in range and style and also good practice for me.
AW: Do you write and perform your own music, or do you mostly play covers?
CRW: We do mostly covers with both bands. I have written some things on my own but haven’t had the nerve to play them, yet…Maybe I will one day. I would love to do a band collaboration but that’s a really hard thing to do. We will see – I will work on that!
AW: What is something special about you that people don’t know?
CRW: I have a very close relationship with my sons; I am very proud of them. My youngest is in the Airforce and my oldest works Wellington Auto Collision. I tend to be very stubborn, but I am also a very positive person. Also, I am technically a social introvert, lol.
AW: What are your future plans for your music and in general?
CRW: I will keep working and go to Nashville in the Summer. But for now, I am going to go back to work on August 5th and do my thing. In the future, I would love to have a duo with another female; two singers or possibly incorporate a piano player. It is actually easier to get more gigs that way; People are more apt to hire two or three people than a full band.
When I retire, I would like to become a foster parent and also travel more.
Pictured below: Remedy.
Hitting All the Right Notes
I feel honored to know Christine Walsh-Ranieri, (“Chris” to all her friends and fans.) She is full of surprises and her music always makes you want to dance. I hope that you will treat yourself to see/hear some of her music either with SoulShine or Remedy. Once you meet Chris you’ll fall in love with her magnetic personality! She has played at other locations like Winston Trails’ Clubhouse, but my favorite place to see her is at Village Music and Café in Wellington Florida. You can go to their website to see when Remedy or SoulShine will be performing there next. Make sure you make reservations as both bands truly pack the house!
Notes: For more information on Adult Band Camp contact Donna or Steve Willey at Village Music and Café in Wellington.
Video clips of Chris Walsh-Ranieri with the SoulShine band below.
Hybrid event for individuals, teams across the country benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
West Palm Beach, FL– Registration is open for the St. Jude Walk/Run Palm Beach presented by VoLo Foundation during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at 7 a.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Waterfront Commons in Downtown West Palm Beach.
The St. Jude Walk/Run provides supporters of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® a chance to take action and walk or run in person and virtually to raise funds and awareness for St. Jude. Thanks to generous supporters, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. This year’s St. Jude
Walk/Run series is nationally presented by Window World, Marcum Foundation and Kia.
For those attending the St. Jude Walk/Run in person, there will be food, family entertainment, a kid dash and a St. Jude patient family speaker who will share why the community’s support means so much to families like theirs. While the event is free, participants can earn incentives for each fundraising level they meet and include such items as a t-shirt, windbreaker, home theater projector, cooler or fire pit. In addition to VoLo Foundation, other event sponsors include Federal Capital Partners, First Horizon Foundation, Florida Power & Light Company and HotelPlanner.
“We are proud partners of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital,” said VoLo Foundation trustees, Thais Lopez Vogel and David S. Vogel. “St. Jude is on the frontline of the humanitarian crisis helping families when a child gets seriously sick with cancer. We encourage all of those who can to help. Join us on September 21 for the St. Jude Walk/Run in Palm Beach. It’s an opportunity to do something good for your own health, while benefiting the families served by St. Jude.”
St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Fundraising events like the St. Jude Walk/Run unite individuals across the country to support the lifesaving mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children. ®Everywhere.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Its purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children.® It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. When St. Jude opened in 1962, childhood cancer was largely considered incurable. Since then, St. Jude has helped push the overall survival rate from 20% to more than 80%, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. St. Jude shares the breakthroughs it makes to help doctors and researchers at local hospitals and cancer centers around the world improve the quality of treatment and care for even more children. Because of generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live. Visit St. Jude Inspire to discover powerful St. Jude stories of hope, strength, love and kindness. Support the St. Jude mission by donating at stjude.org, liking St. Jude on Facebook, following St. Jude on X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok, and subscribing to its YouTube channel.
DELRAY BEACH, FL – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach will host its annual Obon Weekend on August 10-11, from 10am to 5pm. Obon is a traditional Japanese festival and holiday observed to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors, who are believed to return home for a short time to visit their living relatives.
Bon Alter and Memory Slips
During Obon Weekend, museum visitors are invited to fill out paper slips in memory of lost loved ones. Guests can also pay their respects to founder George Morikami’s bon altar on display in the Kamiya Room, next to the Membership desk.
Taiko Drumming
Experience the ancient art of taiko drumming. Fushu Daiko will perform live drumming performances in the Morikami Theater on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm (Sunday only). Taiko performances are $5 for members; $10 for non-members with paid museum admission. Purchase tickets at morikami.org/event/obon-weekend.
Bon Dancing Workshop and Performance
On Saturday, learn the ancestral art of Bon Odori with Fushu Daiko on the museum’s lakefront terrace. Also known as the Bon dance, this festive folk dance is performed in a circle and honors the deceased relatives and ancestors. Afterward, participants will participate in a Bon dance performance to live music by Fushu Daiko. Bon dance workshop is from 3:30-3:50pm; Bon dance performance is from 3:50-4:20pm. Free.
Guiding Lights
In honor of Obon, guests can light up private celebrations and welcome home beloved ancestors’ spirits with a colorful Guiding Light Lantern ($5 each). Available for purchase in the Morikami Museum Lobby.
Obon Weekend admission is $16 for adults; $10 for children; and free for museum members.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach, FL. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.
A campaign fundraiser event was held for Jean Marie Middleton at Delmar Farm Sanctuary in Loxahatchee on July 23rd. Middleton is running for County Court Judge (group 2) and the election will be held on August 20th. For more info, visit www.jeanmarieforjudge.com.
The Village of Wellington is thrilled to announce that it has once again been recognized as one of Fortune’s 50 Best Places to Live for Families in 2024, coming in at #36. This prestigious list highlights cities and towns across the United States that excel in providing the resources and amenities needed for multigenerational families to thrive. Wellington is proud to be the only city in Florida to make this distinguished list.
Fortune’s evaluation process assessed over 2,000 cities, towns, suburbs, and villages with populations of approximately 20,000 or more. The analysis took into account a wide range of factors, including access to quality health care, top-notch education, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community. The list showcases a city in each U.S. state where multigenerational families are most likely to find access to critical resources, community support, and financial well-being.
Wellington previously earned this honor in 2023, and it is a testament to the Village’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The ranking focused on multigenerational families, many of whom are raising their own children while caring for aging parents. Factors considered included the quality of local schools, graduation rates, college affordability, nursing homes, assisted living communities, home healthcare agencies, social isolation risks for older residents, and access to healthcare providers.
Village Manager Jim Barnes expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, stating, “The Village of Wellington continues to receive recognition as a place where diverse families can find a sense of belonging and establish roots. It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by Fortune Magazine as a preeminent location for families to reside within the State of Florida and nationwide. Our residents, visitors, and community partners play a vital role in making Wellington a great hometown where everyone can thrive.”
He added, “In Wellington, our priority is the well-being and happiness of all our residents. We endeavor to cultivate an environment that not only embraces families but also all those who live, work, and visit our community. I particularly want to acknowledge the exemplary efforts of our Village team, community partners, non-profit organizations, and volunteers, all of whom work tirelessly to shape this exceptional community into an extraordinary place to call home.”
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/Newsletter.
National Giving Campaign to Help Raise Funds for the Spady’s 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch
Delray Beach, Fla. – July 22, 2024 — On August 28, 2024, The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum will kick off Give 8/28 to raise money for one of its signature events, the 2025 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Brunch.
The fundraising day comes as Black-led and Black-benefitting organizations across the country participate in Give 8/28, a national day of giving hosted by the Young Black & Giving Back Institute. Give 8/28 is the only day of giving focused explicitly on highlighting the importance of Black-led nonprofit organizations, which receive only 2 percent of institutional philanthropy dollars from foundations. Give 828 seeks to galvanize support for organizations working at the grassroots level to empower Black communities in areas such as education and mentoring, economic empowerment, policy advocacy, health and wellness, and more.
The Spady Museum is employing 8/28’s national, online-giving platform to raise funds recently cut from its operating budget, due to the governor’s statewide veto of all arts and culture funding. All 8/28 proceeds will underwrite the programming expenses to hold the annual Dr. King commemoration, which draws approximately 300-400 guests each year.
“At a time when our state funding has been eliminated, it is support from our local donors, members, friends, representatives and partners that allow us to continue important work, like educating and empowering our young people and providing cultural and historical information to everyone,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington.
“Now, more than ever, it is important for anyone who supports education, the arts, and history to support the programs of the Spady Museum. The funding gap left by the state of Florida means we have to work extra hard and be super creative. We welcome the public’s support and invite them to come experience what the Spady has to offer.”
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archive, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Summer Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883 tel, wwwspadymuseum.com
DELRAY BEACH, FL – There is no better place for mollusk lovers to be on National Oyster Day (Aug. 5th) than at City Oyster in Delray Beach.
In honor of the slurp-worthy occasion, the celebrated half-shell haven and executive chef Jordan Stilley will offer a complimentary glass of Prosecco or pint of Peroni with every order of a dozen oysters.
City Oyster’s rotating oyster varieties include:
The Fishing Chef
Named after City Oyster’s executive chef, Jordan Stilley, the quintessential East Coast oyster possesses notes of ocean brine followed by a smooth, sweet and buttery finish.
Barstool Cocktail
This shuck-ready cocktail oyster from Rustico, Prince Edward Island (PEI) offers a clean, crisp, salty yet sweet flavor.
Mamma Mia
Hailing from Canada (eh!), these magnifico oysters combine a nice medium brine with a slightly fruity finish.
Moondancer
These Maine-grown gems start off with a sweet and briny kiss and pair perfectly with a crisp Chardonnay or hoppy IPA.
Black Magic
Like their racy name, these dark, brown-shelled beauties from Thunder Cove, PEI are magically delicious. Seafood connoisseurs tout the mollusk’s plump and crunchy meat, smooth salinity, and vegetal finish.
Fat Dog
These meaty bivalves are prided for their silky sweet flavor and grassy tones and hail from Great Bay, New Hampshire.
Bluepoint
Gracing oyster menus since the early 1800s, these famous Long Island favorites are beloved for their mild, subtle salty flavor.
City Oyster & Sushi Bar is located at 213 E. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 272- 0220 or visit cityoysterdelray.com.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL – Nestled at the intersection of laidback and luxury, the Hilton West Palm Beach is offering sizzling summer wellness activities for locals and world travelers looking to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit.
In August, the West Palm Beach hotel’s back lawn will turn into a verdant retreat showcasing group fitness and wellness classes and inviting guests to recharge and reconnect with the great outdoors.
August programming:
F45 Training
Saturday, August 24
8–8:45am
FREE for the public and hotel guests
The “F” in F45 stands for “functional fitness,” meaning movements that support you in your daily life. And the “45” is for 45 minutes. Each monthly class will merge three leading-edge fitness training styles into one heart-pumping cardio workout, including high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional training. All skill levels welcome and ages 18+.
Changing Frequencies: A Sound Healing Class
Thursday, August 8
8-9pm
$10 per person and hotel guests
Local guru Martha Popova will guide participants through the ancient art of sound healing which helps with relaxation and mindfulness. The 60-minute class also includes meditation and reiki techniques to attain a higher state of well-being. Mats are provided. To register, visit eventbrite.com/e/changing-frequencies-a-sound-healing-class-tickets-878042618107.
Surf & Turf
Sunday, August 25
9-10am
$10 per person andfree for hotel guests
Join Natalie Addison of MVMNT West Palm Beach for a dynamic and exhilarating exercise experience that targets every major muscle group. Get your heart pumping and calories burning with a variety of cardio exercises, functional movements, and core strengthening. The class will end with a guided cool down dip in the pool and a brief mindfulness session leaving one feeling relaxed and rejuvenated
HIIT with 1 Fitness
Wednesdays
8-9am
$10 per person and hotel guests
These HIIT workouts are designed to improve strength, build lean muscle, and maximize calorie burn. Classes are low-impact and perfect for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Mats are provided.
Sculpt & Sweat with 1 Fitness
Saturdays
9-9:45am
$10 per person and free for hotel guests
Join personal trainer Cloe Mimun from 1 Fitness for a low-impact HIIT style class which incorporates barre and Pilates style movements while using bodyweight, lightweight and bands to increase the intensity. All ages and levels are welcome. Mats are provided.
Yoga with 1 Fitness
Sundays
9-10am
$10 per person (free for hotel guests)
Start your Sunday outdoors with breathwork, yoga, and a connection with nature. 1 Fitness will lead guests through flowing sequences to warm up the body, as well as focus on alignment, strength, balance, and flexibility. All ages and levels are welcome. Mats are provided.
Hilton West Palm Beach is located at 600 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 231-6000 or visit hiltonwestpalmbeach.com.
+ New Moon Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – August 4
+ Watercolor at the Garden – August 6, 13, 20, 27
+ Beginning Watercolor – August 6, 13, 20, 27
+ Palm Beach County Residents Day – August 7
+ Dogs’ Day in the Garden – August 11
+ Qi Gong – August 7, 14, 21, 28
+ Awakening Hearts: A Cacao Ceremony & Sound Immersion Experience – August 11, 25
+ Aroids of the Tropics – August 17
+ Full Moon Release Ceremony with Sacred Cacao & Sound Bath –August 18
(West Palm Beach, FL – July 15, 2024) Elephants, hippo, and lion – oh my! In addition to hosting 26 fun and informative, healthy, and horticultural workshops and events during August, Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden has introduced a new family of life-size animals made from recycled metal located throughout the Garden.
“We continue to offer exciting and elevated programming throughout the summer, featuring 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. “And August is the perfect time to take advantage of our special summertime discounted admission, while also checking out our new family of life-size metal animals.”
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 hours and rates at Mounts will resume this Fall.
August 3
Orchids are for Everyone Potting Workshop: Orchids & Stormy Weather
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: Orchids & Stormy Weather. 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.
$20 members; $25 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.
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.
This is an opportunity for Mounts visitors to celebrate the August 8 Lion’s Gate portal opening, a day that astrologers consider lucky. Participants can be inspired in the Herb Garden of Well-Being as they 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, they’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 12:30 pm $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable. Registration is required; class size is limited to 15 adults.
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 or 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, focusing on 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 or 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.
Wednesday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
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.
August 11
Dogs’ Day in the Garden
Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 2 pm)
FREE for MBG members and children under 6; $20 for nonmember adults; $18 for seniors 65+, college students, and military with ID; $13 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.
$12 for members; $18 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission). Classes are nonrefundable.
Registration is required; size of “inside” classes is limited to 20 adults.
Relieve stress and increase metabolism, flexibility, and strength. Qi Gong (pronounced chee-gong) is an ancient Chinese exercise and healing technique. The exercises include simple, slow movements (which mimic nature), meditation, and focused breathing—similar to Tai Chi but less structured.
$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 $10 for members; $20 for nonmembers (includes full Garden admission) Registration is required; class size is limited to 25 adults; classes are nonrefundable.
Come listen as we explore the immense variety of aroids found throughout the world’s tropical regions. This presentation will focus on the distinctive forms and unique roles this family of plants holds in rainforest ecosystems.
Full Moon Cacao Ceremony and Sound Immersion Experience
Sunday, 10 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.
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.
