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Palm Beach and Treasure Coast volunteers celebrate a century of bold hearts and bold commitments with the American Heart Association

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Palm Beach and Treasure Coast volunteers celebrate a century of bold hearts and bold commitments with the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association Founders Day celebrates 100 years of success fighting heart disease and stroke; heart disease deaths cut in half since founding

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (June 11, 2024) – Since the American Heart Association was founded in 1924, deaths in the United States from cardiovascular disease have been cut in half[1].  June 10 commemorates the official founding of the Association, the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. After a century of saving lives with the American Heart Association, the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities are celebrating 100 years of collaboration as the organization looks to its second century of providing health and hope for everyone everywhere.

Since 1949, the Association has invested more than $5.7 billion in research, supporting more than 47,000 projects, including work by 15 Nobel Prize-winning scientists. These efforts have led to groundbreaking medical advancements including the artificial heart valve, CPR techniques, implantable pacemakers and drug-coated stents. In 2022-23 alone, the Association funded 868 new projects with a total investment of $178 million.

View the historical timeline of the American Heart Association to see accomplishments made since the Association’s founding.

“We realize that our work is not yet finished,” says Grasford W. Smith, chairman of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County Board of Directors.  “The American Heart Association is encouraging every individual, company, school and community to unite in changing the future of health – not only for ourselves – but for our loved ones and everyone in the places we live, work and play. Today and every day, we can improve health and inspire hope for the future everyone deserves.”

The achievements of the American Heart Association over the past century were made possible by the passion of community-based volunteers, donors and employees.

“As we close out our first 100 years and begin the next, recent risk factor trends and projections indicate our work remains even more important,” says Fontaine Timmer, DNP and president of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County Board. “We know we can’t achieve our bold goals alone and are grateful to this local community for the passion and commitment they give in support of the mission.”

Ten area donors have pledged support of donations of time, talent and funds as Second Century campaign donors:

  • Florida Power & Light Company
  • HCA Florida Healthcare, supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation
  • Iliana Rentz
  • Jim Toffey
  • Lugano Diamonds
  • Orangetheory Fitness
  • Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office
  • Patrick and Milly Park, Park Foundation
  • Tampa General Hospital
  • TBC Corporation

The full list of Second Century donors can be viewed here.

Contact PBC@Heart.org to get locally engaged with the American Heart Association.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Instagram and X.

The Women’s Foundation of FL’s Annual Luncheon

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The Women’s Foundation of FL’s Annual Luncheon

Photos by Carol Porter

The Women’s Foundation of Florida held its annual Raise the Bar Luncheon at the Canopy by Hilton West Palm Beach on Monday, May 13 from 11 am to 1:30pm. The event honored Congresswoman Lois Frankel and was moderated by WPTV’s Hollani Davis. For more information about the Foundation, check out their website at https://womensfoundationfl.org. The event was co chaired by Julie Peyton and Whitney Powell.

Legal Aid Society Fundraiser on May 11, 2024

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Legal Aid Society Fundraiser on May 11, 2024

Photos by Carol Porter

The 75th Annual Legal Aid Society’s fundraiser was held at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach On Saturday, May 11 from 6 to 11 pm. The event’s co chairs were Sia Baker Barnes, Edrick Barnes and Abigail and Hampton Beebee. Bob Bertisch, director of the Legal Aid Society, was recognized as well as a number of people who do pro bono work and help people who can’t afford legal services. For more information about the Legal Aid Society contact them at 561-655-8944 or check out their website at https://legalaidpbc.org. 

What Kind of Times Are These

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What Kind of Times Are These

By Adrienne Rich

There’s a place between two stands of trees where the grass grows uphill

and the old revolutionary road breaks off into shadows

near a meeting-house abandoned by the persecuted

who disappeared into those shadows.

I’ve walked there picking mushrooms at the edge of dread, but don’t be fooled

this isn’t a Russian poem, this is not somewhere else but here,

our country moving closer to its own truth and dread,

its own ways of making people disappear.

I won’t tell you where the place is, the dark mesh of the woods

meeting the unmarked strip of light—

ghost-ridden crossroads, leafmold paradise:

I know already who wants to buy it, sell it, make it disappear.

And I won’t tell you where it is, so why do I tell you

anything? Because you still listen, because in times like these

to have you listen at all, it’s necessary

to talk about trees.

***

Discover more poems by Adrienne Rich.

GULFSTREAM GOODWILL’S CAREER ACADEMY OF THE PALM BEACHES CELEBRATES 20 GRADUATING SENIORS WITH SUPERPOWERS

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GULFSTREAM GOODWILL’S CAREER ACADEMY OF THE PALM BEACHES CELEBRATES 20 GRADUATING SENIORS WITH SUPERPOWERS

(West Palm Beach, FL.) – On Friday, May 30, 2024, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) proudly celebrated the Commencement Ceremony, for 20 graduates of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, at Palm Beach State College campus in Lake Worth.

Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is a public charter school of The School District of Palm Beach County and is managed by GGI. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, the Career Academy provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence, serving students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who have deferred their diplomas.

During the ceremony, the Knights of St. Andrew Color Guard honored the graduates with their signature “Presentation of Colors and Arch of Steel.” Distinguished guest speaker Ryan Boylston, CEO and Founder of 2TON, inspired the graduates with a commencement speech. Graduates will go on to join teams at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, the Seagate Hotel and Resort in Delray Beach, Gulfstream Goodwill retail stores and Gulfstream Goodwill’s newest microenterprise, Good Grub. Good Grub is available to students at GGI’s CAPB and includes a training kitchen, catering and mobile kitchen operations.

“The Commencement Ceremony, for the Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, speaks volumes about the commitment and resilience displayed by our students,” said Dr. Christopher Glinton, Principal. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited to witness their continued growth, as they embark on meaningful careers in our community. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, and this ceremony exemplifies the transformative impact of education and training.”

GGI’s Career Academy of the Palm Beaches also offers a free summer camp, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) 50-Hour Career Camp. The program provides in-person, paid work-based learning experiences, job exploration counseling, workplace readiness training and self-advocacy training. Classes are designed to instruct students on skills for adult life, focusing on skills needed for work and independence. A stipend will be paid for every 10 hours of work-based learning completed. For more information about The VR Career Camp Program or to sign up, please contact Director Cindy Maunder at 561-906-7018 or email maunder@goggi.org.

The Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches is dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the resources they need to achieve self-sufficiency and become active members of the South Florida community. Gulfstream Goodwill Industries has been a leading provider of health and human services in Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties for over 50 years. The organization continues to make a difference by offering employment, training, and housing opportunities while assisting individuals in overcoming employment barriers and improving their lives.

For more information about Gulfstream Goodwill Industries and the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches, please visit www.goggi.org.

Adopt a New Furry Friend at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

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Adopt a New Furry Friend at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League

During the Summer Lovin Fee-Waived Adoption Event!

Saturday, June 15, 2024

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (June 6, 2024) Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League will host the Summer Lovin Fee-Waived Adoption Event* presented by MetLife Pet Insurance, on Saturday, June 15, 2024, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, located at 3200 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.  Adoption fees are fee-waived for all adoptable cats, dogs, puppies and kittens.

This special day will not only be an opportunity to find homes for all the hot dogs and cool cats at Peggy Adams, but those who stop by will enjoy music, games, giveaways for adopters, and more!

“This is a perfect time to visit Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League and find your forever furry friend,” said Sue Berry, CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “With over 400 animals in Peggy Adams care, your new best friend is waiting!”

For more information, please visit PeggyAdams.org   Sponsors include MetLife Pet Insurance and Nozzle Nolen.

Please note: *$20 Rabies Tag Fee applies to Palm Beach County residents

About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is a nonprofit organization that provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area rescues to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.

The Mission of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is to provide shelter to lost, homeless, and unwanted animals, to provide spay and neuter and other medical services for companion animals, and to care for, protect, and find quality homes for homeless and neglected companion animals, to advocate animal welfare, community involvement, and education to further the bond between people and animals. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity navigator. Peggy Adams is an independent nonprofit animal rescue organization operating continuously since 1925. For more information and to donate, please visit PeggyAdams.org

League of Women Voters Palm Beach County Helps 1,146 Graduating Seniors Register to Vote

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League of Women Voters Palm Beach County Helps 1,146 Graduating Seniors Register to Vote

(West Palm Beach, FL – June 7, 2024) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC) today announced that the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has helped more than a thousand graduating high school seniors to register to vote prior to their graduation ceremonies.

At 18 events at 16 different schools, students were greeted by enthusiastic volunteers from the League who encouraged the future-focused young adults to register to vote: 1,146 did—including an impressive 141 students Forest Hill High School.

Over a 12-day period, 90 LWVPBC activists—along with volunteers from local chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc in Belle Glade and Wellington, and members of Omicron Delta Zeta in South County—divided into teams that registered graduating seniors from 16 local public high schools

“This was our highest number of new voter registrations ever during these senior check-outs, but we’ll be aiming even higher next year,” says Pamela Maldonado of the League’s Voter Services Committee. She also offered special thanks to school administrators and staff who welcomed the volunteers on campus and encouraged their students to register.

“Of course, now that they are registered, our next job is to get them to turn out and vote,” adds Maldonado. “By encouraging young voters to actually vote, we want to help establish a lifelong habit of voting in every election. 18-29 year-olds constitute the largest demographic group in the country. Low turnout has been the only thing preventing America’s youth from becoming the nation’s most influential voting bloc. A recent poll from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government predicted that over half of young adults plan to vote this year. We plan on working to make sure that it’s well over half.”

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit www.lwvpbc.org or 

www.facebook.com/lwvpbc.

Above: League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County volunteers Nancy Ballen, Lynn Read, and Joe Ricci register new voters at Palm Beach Central High School.

(Photo Credit: Pam Maldonado)

Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Statewide Network Established to Support Florida’s Fatherhood Initiative 

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Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Statewide Network Established to Support Florida’s Fatherhood Initiative 

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the launch of a statewide community network and the Father First website as part of Florida’s fatherhood initiative. The Father First initiative includes educational programs, mentorship programs and one-on-one support to encourage responsible and involved fatherhood in Florida. 

“As a father of three, I am proud of our state for supporting measures that highlight the importance of fatherhood and the nuclear family,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “With a fatherhood crisis in our nation, Florida’s Father First initiative will support families and ensure that more children in our state have a father figure present in their lives. It is imperative that fathers understand the important role they play in their children’s lives.” 

As part of this initiative, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has established a network of 30 community organizations to provide services to empower fathers to embrace their unique roles in their children’s lives. Father First is a place for dads and future dads to find resources, encouragement and connection needed to be better every day. More information about the initiative can be found online at www.fatherfirstfl.com. Through historic legislation signed in 2022, the Florida Legislature appropriated over $68.9 million to support responsible fatherhood. 

“We are so grateful for the Governor’s leadership in the launch of Father First, a program that will strengthen families through responsible parenting,” said DCF Secretary Shevaun Harris. “We know that when fathers are involved in their children’s lives, there are undeniable benefits, and with the help of our partners throughout the state, fathers will have dedicated resources to help them be the father their children deserve. The DeSantis administration remains focused on supporting families, building resiliency and encouraging fathers to choose to be a father first.” 

“Thanks to the leadership and dedication of Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, Florida’s fathers will have more tools and resources than ever before through the Father First initiative,” said Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Secretary Eric Hall. “I am also excited about the mentorship opportunities that will be available for the youth we serve at DJJ and the positive impact these role models can have in offering different perspectives and added support as these young men work to change the trajectory of their future.” 

“The fatherlessness crisis threatens our nation,” said former Florida Speaker of the House Chris Sprowls. “The research definitively shows that the absence of a committed and loving father dramatically impairs a child’s chance of succeeding in life. Today Florida is saying that fathers matter, and we are making unprecedented investments in dads and male mentors. I’m incredibly proud that our state has become the national leader in this vital fight for our children’s future.” 

“We are excited and proud to officially launch Florida’s Responsible Fatherhood Initiative,” said Mark Merrill, President and CEO of Family First. “For over 30 years we have been strengthening families and helping fathers, specifically through the All Pro Dad program, so we know how important a role a father can serve in the lives of his children. Today marks the beginning of what we believe will have a lasting statewide impact for generations to come.”  Three grant opportunities were created to promote fatherhood and mentoring in the state by funding community-based nonprofits that work to address the comprehensive needs of fathers, provide evidence-based education programs to fathers and provide mentorship programs for at-risk male students. The first-round awards were posted on July 28, 2023. Additional rounds of grant applications are expected to open in the fall of 2023. More information on the fatherhood grants can be found on the Father First website. 

Nominations Are Now Open!

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Nominations Are Now Open!

American Humane unleashes the Hero Dog Awards® 

Known as the “Oscars” for canines, the annual campaign to honor America’s top dogs moves into its 14th year 

Above: Christie Brinkley and Maverick. Photo: Getty.

PALM BEACH, FL – Today, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—is officially kicking off the 14th Annual Hero Dog Awards. The nationwide competition searches for and recognizes America’s standout dogs. Winners are often ordinary four-legged companions that do extraordinary things—including saving lives on the battlefield, aiding their human best friend with sight or hearing, and overall contributing to the wellbeing of people. 

“Through the Hero Dog Awards, we honor and celebrate the immense hope, courage, and quality of life that dogs bring to our lives,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We look forward to sharing inspiring stories of these canines with the voting public so we can give our hero dogs the recognition they truly deserve.”

People across the United States can nominate their four-legged champions starting today at HeroDogAwards.org.

This year’s five categories include:

·      Law Enforcement and First Responder Dogs

·      Service and Guide/Hearing Dogs

·      Therapy Dogs

·      Military Dogs

·      Emerging Hero and Shelter Dogs

Nominations are open now through August 1, 2024.

Every year, American Humane’s Hero Dog Awards honor the exceptional working dogs from around the country. After votes are cast, Hero Dogs concludes with a star-studded gala awards show that will air on national television. Celebrities who have participated in the past include Carson Kressley, Christie Brinkley, Kristen Chenoweth, among many others.

American Humane thanks its sponsors, including PetsBest and Lulu’s Fund. Without them, the 14th Annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards would not be possible. For more information about the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, visit HeroDogAwards.org. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, email herodoginfo@americanhumane.org.  

For more information, visit americanhumane.org.

About American Humane

American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information, visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

 

Interview with Nadege from The Voice

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Interview with Nadege from The Voice

I had the opportunity to interview the talented Nadege, who grew up in Wellington, FL.

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