West Palm Beach, FL – November 11, 2025 – The holidays are a stressful time for nearly everyone, but particularly challenging for those who are in recovery. Emotional, social and environmental stressors can increase the chance of relapse, so Beachway Therapy Center in West Palm Beach, is sharing several tips to help community members maintain their sobriety during the holidays.
Most importantly, it’s critical to stay connected to family and friends, sponsors, mental health professionals and others.
1.Watch for Common Triggers – Be mindful of situations that may heighten stress or cravings, including:
Pressure to attend family gatherings or social events
Overspending on gifts or travel
Hosting or preparing large celebrations
Reconnecting with estranged relatives
Tension with family members
Traditions that center around alcohol or other substances
2.Practical Tips for Those in Recovery
Keep expectations realistic, for yourself and others.
If travel is in the plans, locate local AA or NA meetings ahead of time or connect virtually if necessary.
Set and stick to a spending budget for gifts.
Start new, substance-free holiday traditions.
Be open about your decision to avoid alcohol or drugs.
Continue attending meetings or therapy sessions.
If you relapse, seek professional help immediately through detox, counseling, or treatment programs.
3.Support for Family and Friends in Recovery
Never pressure loved ones to attend or stay at events.
Create holiday traditions that don’t involve alcohol (or drugs.)
Offer encouragement and celebrate progress in recovery.
Never allow anyone to drive under the influence.
About Beachway Therapy Center With two locations (Princeton, New Jersey and West Palm Beach, Florida), Beachway Therapy Center is recognized as one of the nation’s Top 10 facilities/providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment services. By providing evidence-based treatment programs and innovative holistic practices, the team of skilled, master’s level clinicians are dedicated to empowering patients to heal in a safe, private, and nurturing environment. The center specializes in trauma, dual diagnosis, and mental health treatment programs, and long-term, on-site rehabilitation services.
To view Beachway’s accreditations and certificates, click HERE.
To learn more about Beachway Therapy Center’s facility, staff, and programming, click HERE.
Follow on Instagram @beachwaytherapycenter and @beachwaynj and on Facebook @beachwaytherapy and @beachwaynj.
To listen to Beachway’s ‘Recovery Centered’ podcast, click HERE.
Our Community Cares recently hosted its 14th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, generously sponsored by Wellington Regional Medical Center. The event celebrated the dedication of volunteers who make it possible for seniors in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach to age in place.
Over fifty guests attended, including several distinguished community leaders: Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager; Amanda Silvestri, Village of Wellington Councilwoman; John T. McGovern, Village of Wellington Councilman; Pam Tahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center; Kathy Foster, first Mayor of Wellington and Founder and Current Board of Our Community Cares; and Maria Anton, Village of Wellington Councilwoman.
During the luncheon, Our Community Cares recognized the outstanding contributions of its volunteers, donors, and community partners who have supported the organization’s mission throughout the year. Their time, resources, and care have helped make daily life brighter and safer for local seniors.
As part of its 2025 Annual Update, the organization reported:
51% of participants live alone, underscoring the need for connection and support
16,167 miles driven by volunteers, providing rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and social activities
1,267 “touches” – moments of care through calls, visits, and deliveries
A total value of services exceeding $150,000 in free care expected this year
Founder Kathy Foster reflected on the organization’s growth, noting that “each volunteer hour represents more than a task completed, it represents a moment of kindness and community.”
With gratitude to its volunteers and community partners, Our Community Cares continues its mission of helping seniors remain independent, connected, and cared for — one neighbor at a time.
Wellington Bay, Offering the Best of Senior Living Options
By Krista Martinelli
I had the opportunity to chat with Barbara Kelley, Director of Sales and Marketing at Wellington Bay. This retirement community is just 3 years old and located right next to the Mall at Wellington Green. Wellington Bay is a very special place for seniors, brimming with activities.
AW: What sets Wellington Bay apart from other retirement communities?
BK: I feel that there’s so much that sets us apart. Top of mind, we are a high-end luxury community and we are a rental community. It’s not easy to find a rental community that’s high-end luxury. We offer many different outstanding amenities and different options of apartment homes in a campus style community. We not only have apartments in the Tower, which is connected to our clubhouse, but we also have the Garden Flats by the lake and we have villas, which feel more like you’re living in a house with a 2-car garage. It appeals to many people because everyone has their own thoughts on how they want to live. The leadership team here, almost all of them, have been here since the shovel went in the ground. They have a lot of pride in the community and a great connection with the residents, which makes it very special too. Jay Mikosch, our Executive Director, is a strong leader and sets a positive tone for the whole team. In my long career, it’s the first time I’ve seen this level of involvement in a leadership team, where they support the resident’s activities and are there to celebrate with them.
AW: Tell us about the different levels of care, the options.
BK: In addition to independent living, Lisbet is our freestanding assisted living and memory care building. There are 100 assisted living apartments, studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms. Our secure memory care neighborhood offers 24 furnished studio apartments. We have a wonderful team there with nursing 24/7. We have an ECC (Extended Congregate Care) license, which is over and above the standard assisted living license. The ECC license allows us to provide more comprehensive care beyond the basic services of a standard assisted living.
AW: Wellington Bay seems like a vibrant community. What activities are offered?
BK: There’s so much on the calendar every month. We go to places like the Morikami Museum, the Norton Museum, the Maltz Theater and the Kravis Center. We did a beach day recently, we did a courthouse tour in West Palm Beach, and we went to the symphony. In house at the community, we have musical entertainment several times a month. We have lectures with a men’s brunch bunch and a ladies’ lunch bunch with a guest speaker. We have 10 different resident-led clubs, including a technology club, a wine club, a pickleball club, a Yiddish club, a travel club and a few more. We also have committees that residents can participate in as well – the life enrichment committee, the culinary committee, etc. They meet with the leadership team to give their input, which is so important to us. Melissa Clark is our Wellness Director, who does over 20 different fitness classes every month,including cardio, strength training, balance, chair yoga, mat yoga, low-impact aerobics, water aerobics, etc. She also focuses on whole person wellness, offering a journaling workshop, a meditation group, a group called Thrive (which is life coaching for seniors), as well as having people who come in to lecture on cognitive well-being, nutrition and more. She is well loved by our residents.
We also provide complimentary membership to Wellington National Golf Club. We have an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, Bocce ball, pickleball, shuffleboard, a putting green and many other amenities.
AW: You have an impressive testimonials page. Do you want to highlight one of the best testimonials you have heard?
BK: I really love Carol Phillip’s story (see her video testimonial by going to the link below). After a tour of Wellington Bay, her husband Howie said, “I don’t need to keep my 23-year-old house anymore. We’re doing it!” The couple discovered a very active lifestyle at Wellington Bay. Howie’s become more active than ever before, with golf, Bocce ball and more. Carol says, “We cannot say enough and recommend it highly!”
BK: We serve lunch & dinner. We give the residents $550 per person, which is included in their monthly fee toward dining. We have the Polo Room, our fine dining restaurant. We have Legends Lounge, which is casual dining with Happy Hour every day except Sunday (half price drinks and appetizers). We also have Chukker’s Café, open for lunch and brunch. The food is really fresh, it’s all farm to table, prepared here and locally sourced. This is important because there are other communities who have the food pre-made and brought in.
AW: When was Wellington Bay built? How many residences does it include? What is the overall concept?
BK: We just celebrated our 3-year anniversary in October. We have 159 independent living apartments, we have 100 assisted living apartments and 24 memory care apartments. Wellington Bay is a retirement community that blends elegance, comfort and vibrant living.
AW: What are some advantages of Wellington Bay’s location?
BK: It’s right next to The Mall, which a lot of people really appreciate. Also, it’s close to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Wellington Regional Medical Center.
Also, Wellington is a very up and coming town. It’s definitely growing with nicer restaurants and cultural opportunities popping up. There’s also the equestrian appeal. We have residents who have been equestrians themselves or have children who are equestrians. So that’s a big attraction too.
AW: Can people take a tour? How do they set it up?
BK: Yes, anytime. Just give us a call (561) 335-5405, email us, go to the website and request a tour. We will get right back to you. We are happy to give a tour and share information about the community, also finding out what’s most important to you.
AW: Anything else?
BK: I think it’s a very special community and I’m happy to be here. I love working with the team, and I love how they are all passionate about what they do. They really give it their all and provide wonderful service. I also really enjoy the residents here. It’s such a beautiful community.
Holiday in Paradise event in downtown West Palm Beach.
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (November 4, 2025) — Visitors to the West Palm Beach Waterfront will experience a ‘Symphony of Lights’ this holiday season. This year’s Holiday in Paradise Presented by FPL theme is celebrating the City of West Palm Beach’s month-long, citywide holiday activities. Festivities begin on Thursday, Dec. 4, with the annual Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting from 6 – 10 p.m. Sandi, the world’s only 35-foot, 700-ton holiday sand tree, along with Sandi’s cousin Ferris, will entertain residents and visitors nightly through Dec. 31. All events fall under the collective holiday cheer of West Palm Wonderland, celebrating the seasonal programming at the Waterfront, The Ben, CityPlace, Historic Northwest, and Northwood Village.
“There’s something magical about this time of year in West Palm Beach,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “From the glow of Sandi on the Waterfront to the joy of our neighborhood celebrations, West Palm Wonderland brings our entire city to life. It’s a season to reflect, connect, and celebrate all that makes West Palm Beach such a vibrant place to call home.”
Internationally recognized as one of the most unique holiday traditions, Sandi has been lighting up the West Palm Beach waterfront for more than a decade. In 2021, Holiday in Paradise was recognized as the No. 1 “Best Public Holiday Lights Display,” via a USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Poll. Holiday in Paradise is again in the running for the top recognition. Fans and friends of Sandi can vote once daily on theUSA TODAY 10Best website through Monday, Dec. 1 at 11:59 a.m. The top 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at noon.
Starting on the night of the tree lighting, Sandi and the surrounding area will feature synchronized nightly music and light shows through Tuesday, Dec. 31, from 6 – 10 p.m. (shows will be extended on New Year’s Eve through midnight). Shows start on the quarter hour except during special events. Once nightly, from 6:30 – 7 p.m., there will be an extended special Symphony of Lights show. Rides on Ferris will be available during the same time for $5 per person, and rules and restrictions apply (see wpb.org/holiday for more info).
Sandi’s final celebration on December 31 will include more lights and sounds. From 8 p.m. to midnight, the Great Lawn will transform into a rocking New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be a live music performance by local rock group On the Roxx, followed by DJ Reflex spinning top hits. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. At midnight, a short but explosive grand-finale-style fireworks display will ignite over the Intracoastal Waterway. The fireworks are sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority.
“This year, we are bringing even more lights, joy, and festive spirit to our community,” said Angela Poco, Marketing and Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “Holiday in Paradise will truly be a ‘Symphony of Lights’ with added celebration and coordination throughout the entire downtown community. Between our neighborhood events, Sandi, Ferris, and fireworks for New Year’s Eve, West Palm Beach is the holiday happening place to be!”
Sandi fans should save the date for the following special events:
Clematis by Night Holiday Tree Lighting featuring Sound Society (Party) on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 4, from 6 – 10 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn (100 N. Clematis Street)
The celebration will feature music by Sound Society (party band) and include FREE and special entertainment, photos with Santa, and much more. A holiday shopping boutique featuring local artisans will occur in the Lake Pavilion. Of note: music, activities, and the boutique takes place until 9 p.m.; Sandi shows and rides on Ferris continue until 10 p.m.
Winter in Paradise | Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 – 9 p.m. | FREE at Heart and Soul Park (825 N. Rosemary Avenue)
This community celebration is a festive evening filled with holiday cheer in the heart of West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest District. Attendees will enjoy a special holiday lighting ceremony, West Palm Beach Fire Rescue firing up the grill (while supplies last), and a variety of family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, roller skating, and a holiday firetruck with snow! The event also includes live entertainment by N2Nation: The Sounds of Motown & More, plus a vibrant performance by Miami Generation Junkanoo, and more.
Sandi and Santa’s Annual Pancake Breakfast | Sunday, Dec. 7 | Two seatings will be available at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. | Tickets are $18 per person, plus taxes and fees and are available at wpb.org/holiday or onEventbrite | Lake Pavilion (101 S. Flagler Drive)
Enjoy a holiday-themed pancake breakfast steps from Sandi and with private access to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Ticket price also includes the only daytime ride on Ferris.
Clematis by Night featuring Phoenix5 (Soul/Funk/Rock/Reggae) on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6 – 9 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
Phoenix5 is a two-time award-winning funk, soul, rock, and reggae collective, recently named Best Live Performers of 2025 by The Guide to Florida. Each show is an electrifying blend of powerful mini tributes to legends like Prince, Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Amy Winehouse, ZZ Top, Dua Lipa, and more.
Friday, December 12 from 6 – 9 p.m. | Nights in Northwood Village | Northwood Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 –
Celebrate the season in Northwood Village with dazzling holiday lights, one-of-a-kind holiday gifts from local artisans, and festive live entertainment. This is a FREE event, so attendees are encouraged to bring their friends, family, and neighbors for this vibrant holiday celebration.
Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge featuring Valerie Tyson | Wednesday, Dec. 17, from 7 – 9 p.m. | Sunset Lounge, 609 8th Street, West Palm Beach For tickets and info, visit wpb.org/jazz
Renowned for her powerhouse stage presence and vocal versatility, Valerie Tyson is one of South Florida’s most sought-after vocalists. Her performances span jazz, soul, and R&B, captivating audiences with every note.
Clematis by Night featuring ReaXtion Band (Party) on the NewDay USA Stage | Thursday, Dec. 18, from 6 – 9 p.m. | Free on the Great Lawn
A local party band, ReaXtion is known for playing the hits that make everyone dance.
Aloha Islanders Tropical Holiday Spectacular on the NewDay USA Stage | Sunday, Dec. 21, from 4 – 7 p.m. | FREE on the Great Lawn
The annual vibrant, high-energy, and authentic Polynesian show is popular with guests of all ages and is consistently the most popular Sunday on the Waterfront show annually. The Islanders take the audience on a journey through Polynesia using pulsating drums, beautiful hula dancers, and exciting Samoan fire knife dancers to make guests feel truly transported. The event will also feature the annual conch-blowing contest.
NO Clematis by Night | Thursday, Dec. 25
Sandi’s Seasonal Grand Finale | Wednesday, Dec. 31, from 8 p.m. – midnight | Live music by On the Roxx, followed by DJ Reflex on the NewDay USA Stage | FREE
From 8 p.m. to midnight, the Great Lawn will transform into a rocking New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be a live music performance by rock band On the Roxx, followed by DJ Reflex spinning top hits. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. At midnight, the City, in partnership with the Downtown Development Authority, will ignite a short but explosive grand-finale-style fireworks display over the Intracoastal Waterway. The fireworks are sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority.
Sand for Holiday in Paradise started arriving on Monday, November 3. For the first time ever, Sandi’s sand is 100 percent recycled this season, having been used in Sandi trees of the past. The days-long delivery will disperse 850 tons of sand on the Great Lawn. Sandi will take the bulk of the sand, and 100 tons will be used to construct other sand sculptures along the waterfront. Sand sculpting will start on Monday, Nov. 17. It takes about one month to ensure Sandi is ready for her big debut.
Holiday in Paradise sponsors and partners to date include: Florida Power & Light Company, NewDay USA, West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Journey Church West Palm Beach, The Palm Beaches, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, WPBF 25, Best Western Palm Beach Lakes, Hawthorne Suites by Wyndham West Palm Beach, WPB Magazine, Hilton Garden Inn at the Outlets, Florida Blue, Chick-fil-A, The Ben West Palm, and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Partnering to bring the magic of the season to life are The Ben, CityPlace, Downtown West Palm Beach, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, Northwood Village, and the Historic Northwest District. Explore the complete lineup of West Palm Wonderland festivities atwpb.org/wpbwonderland.
Parking is available in the City of West Palm Beach’s public garages, which are the Clematis, Banyan, City Center, Sapodilla, and Evernia garages. The Banyan and Evernia garages are closest to the events. Those interested in arriving by boat can also take advantage of the City’s free public docks. The Clematis Street Dock is the nearest dock to the events.
For more information about Holiday in Paradise or other City of West Palm Beach events, visit wpb.org/holiday, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on social media: Facebook @CityOfWPB, Instagram @TheCityOfWPB, and X (formerly known as Twitter) @TheCityOfWPB. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook. To watch Sandi’s build, or keep up to date on all holiday events, follow Sandi on Facebook and Instagram @SandiTreeWPB.
###
About the City of West Palm Beach: The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is an ideal place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
‘Tis the season to give – join the celebration by donating to bring joy to local children in need!
DELRAY BEACH, FL(November 6, 2025) – The iTHINK Community Foundation is spreading holiday cheer through its annual Jingle Bells at the Branches events, bringing joy and festive fun to hundreds of local children in need. This cherished tradition features activities, treats, wrapped age-appropriate gifts, and a special visit from Santa Claus.
Community members are invited to share in the spirit of the season by donating online at ithinkfi.org/community/foundation, purchasing a paper bell, or dropping off an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl aged 4–5 at any iTHINK Financial branch.
100% of donations go directly toward creating holiday joy for local children served by the following organizations: Highland Elementary in Lake Worth Beach, West Riviera Elementary in West Palm Beach, Oriole Elementary in Ft. Lauderdale, Robert C. Markham Elementary in Pompano Beach, and Westgate Elementary in West Palm Beach.
“With the holiday season upon us, Jingle Bells at the Branches is a wonderful opportunity to bring joy to children and families in our communities,” said Stephen Johnson, AVP of Administration and Marketing at iTHINK Financial. “Thanks to the generosity of our Members, employees, and partners, we’re able to make the holidays brighter for children who need our help the most.”
The mission of the iTHINK Community Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in the communities it serves, and the holiday season is one of the most meaningful times to live out that mission.
ITHINK Financial, established in 1969, is a growing and dynamic credit union, with more than 100,000 Members worldwide and over $2 billion in assets. A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that is owned by its Members. Credit unions generally offer high-yield deposits, low interest-rate loans and low fee structures. iTHINK Financial offers a complete range of products and services including: Checking and Savings accounts, Money Market accounts, Certificates, IRAs, First and Second Mortgages, Car Loans, Visa® Credit Cards, Business Accounts, Business Loans, Business Services, and much more.
The iTHINK Community Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization registered in the state of Florida, Registration #CH47200.
The Human-Animal Alliance (H-AA) has given $58,000 in grants to three U.S. organizations with an unwavering dedication to the transformative connection between people and animals. The Wellington-based nonprofit announced the news today, timed to International Human-Animal Bond Day.
A $10,500 grant was given to Philadelphia-based Work to Ride, providing camp scholarships for 20 youth to attend a horseback riding camp next summer. The organization gives under-resourced participants access to equestrian sports, education, and mentorship opportunities—inspiring leadership and empowering young people through relationships with horses.
Veteran-run Paws of War in Nesconset, New York received $30,000 to support its War Torn Pups and Cats program. The initiative reunites animals from war-stricken regions with the active-duty U.S. service members who bonded with them overseas. The grant covers critical costs likevaccinations, microchipping, documentation, and customs clearance before the animals are transported to the United States.
Jackie Ducci, April 2025. Photo by Aggie Brooks
“We are all about the human-animal connection, and Paws of War is reuniting animals with the people they bonded with,” said Jackie Ducci, founder of H-AA. “Many [military members] have survivor’s guilt, and they’ve lost that companionship. Returning to civilian life is difficult, so to have that animal back is a source of friendship and makes the transition easier.”
The Philly Goat Project‘s $17,500 grant will help relaunch its All Abilities RAMble program, which serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. During individual and group sessions with trained staff, participants build confidence and communication through hands-on interaction with therapy goats.
“The Human-Animal Alliance’s generous support makes it possible for us to provide more RAMbles and serve more families with this unique, nature-based, animal-assisted therapeutic offering,” wrote Karen Krivit, director & founder of the Philly Goat Project. “These personalized, free sessions bring joy, encourage agency, and provide a judgment-free community for families to connect.”
For Ducci, the relationship between people and animals isn’t just a feel-good experience—it’s critical to transforming lives and supporting healing and well-being, especially in today’s complex world.
Jackie Ducci, April 2025. Photo by Aggie Brooks.
“Animals are a source of connection in such a deep way that’s often overlooked, especially when technology is front and center,” she said. “Whenever I’ve gone through a dark time in my life, I know what my animals have done for me. There’s not a person out there who can’t benefit from that close connection with an animal. To bring that all together through these grants means everything.”
For more information about H-AA’s work supporting grassroots programs across the nation, visit www.h-aa.org.
It’s that time of year again. Holiday decorations appear everywhere. Hot cocoa cravings begin—no matter the temperature outside. And, romance movies abound. Although we know how each romance movie plot will unfold, we can’t help but watch! If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Hallmark-style Christmas movie, these destinations should be at the top of your holiday travel list. Twinkling lights, horse-drawn sleighs, and cozy cafés serving cocoa by the fire are guaranteed. Each destination captures a magical blend of nostalgia, community spirit, and snow-dusted charm, making the holiday season all the more irresistible.
Leavenworth, Washington Photo: Shuttestock
Leavenworth, Washington
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth feels like it was plucked straight from a Bavarian fairy tale. This alpine-style village glows with over half a million sparkling lights from Thanksgiving through February during its renowned Village of Lights: Christmastown celebration. Stroll through streets lined with gingerbread-style shops, listen to live carolers, and sip glühwein as snowflakes drift past twinkling balconies. Add a horse-drawn carriage ride and a visit from Santa, and you’ve got the perfect Hallmark movie setting.
Woodstock, Vermont Photo: Shutterstock
Woodstock, Vermont
Vermont excels at winter festivities, with Woodstock serving as a prime example of New England’s holiday spirit. Each year, the town hosts a Wassail Weekend, transforming it into a scene straight out of an old-fashioned Christmas card. Enjoy listening to Victorian-dressed carolers, sleigh rides, and a parade winding its way through snowy streets. Under the Middle Covered Bridge, you’ll find an Artisan and Food Market. Nearby, boutique stores offer handmade ornaments and maple delicacies. When evening falls, the town green becomes the heart of Wassail Weekend. Festivities continue with a luminary and tree lighting ceremony, a bonfire, and joyful Christmas caroling to complete the festive gathering.
Santa Claus House Photo: Facebook
North Pole, Alaska
Located just outside Fairbanks, North Pole, Alaska, takes its name seriously. Yes, it’s a real place—and it’s pure Christmas magic year-round. Candy cane streetlights line the edges of Santa Claus Lane. Letters to Santa from around the world arrive at the Santa Claus House, where you’ll find more holiday cheer than you can imagine. Throughout the holiday season, the town’s glitter is enhanced with lights and festive displays. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the northern lights dancing overhead. Meanwhile, back in Fairbanks, the Running Reindeer Ranch offers hikes with reindeer through the boreal forest—a truly magical experience!
Tinkle Mansion B&B Photo: Terri Marshall
Wytheville, Virginia
Set amid the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, Wytheville exudes Southern hospitality and an abundance of small-town charm year-round. When the holidays arrive, downtown streets sparkle under twinkling lights. Holiday music and festive window displays evoke the feeling of stepping into a storybook. A highlight of the season, “Wytheville’s Small Town Christmas” celebration features a Christmas parade, tree lighting, and a holiday market filled with local crafts and treats. Be sure to stay overnight at the lovely Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast. Owned by Patti and Bernie, a delightful couple with their own unique love story, the Trinkle Mansion bestows an abundance of holiday spirit on each guest. With its historic inns, cozy restaurants, and friendly locals who treat visitors like family, Wytheville delivers that heartfelt, feel-good spirit every Hallmark movie promises.
Storybook Scene in Door County Photo: Dan Eggert
Door County, Wisconsin
Door County stretches into Lake Michigan like a snowy peninsula filled with holiday cheer and dotted with charming villages straight out of a Christmas movie. Places like Fish Creek, Ephraim, and Sturgeon Bay shine with festive lights and decorations. Local shops and businesses greet guests with hot cider, locally brewed coffee, and unique, handmade gifts. You’ll experience tree-lighting festivities and sleigh rides through wintry forests. As you stroll through the wonders of Door County, you might feel as if you’ve stepped onto the set of a real-life holiday romance movie—and you would be correct!
The Door County Christmas Movie Trail, a free, mobile-based experience, highlights 16 locations, including charming boutiques, cozy inns, and enticing backdrops, featured in the new holiday romance movie, “A Cherry Pie Christmas.” Filmed on location in Door County this year, the movie was also released under the title “A Wisconsin Christmas Pie.” Even if you don’t find the love of your life while visiting Door County, the charm of this snowy peninsula will leave you with that warm, fuzzy feeling everyone craves for the holidays!
Who/What: Seventh annual History on the Rocks, presented by Glade & Grove Supply. This year’s signature event will tie into the 2026 South Florida Fair’s “Party with the Pirates” theme. General admission guests will receive five bronze shillings to redeem for full-size food or beverage items. Each shilling is valued at $10. Shillings may be used at participating stations for larger portions and additional shillings will be available for purchase at the event. A MarketPlace featuring local vendors and specialty goods and items, also adds to the fun.
When: 7-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22
Where: Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 601-7 Sansbury’s Way, West Palm Beach. Enter via gates 3 or 12 to the Archway gate.
Admission: General Admission is $56.75 in advance, $65 at the gate, free parking. VIP tables of 10 are available for $1,200 and grants early admission at 6 p.m., eight gold shillings per person; a VIP badge; a free buffet and a cash bar inside the VIP area after 7 p.m. The VIP hour is sponsored by the Shiner Law Group. Must be 21 or older to attend this event.
“Ports of Call” – Food and beverage vendors and their offerings (subject to change)
Bahamas – Professional Concessions – Conch fritters/Caribbean flare
Cuba – Professional Concessions – Cuban sandwich
Jamaica – Professional Concessions – Jerk chicken
Key West – Professional Concessions – Crab cakes
Puerto Rico – Professional Concessions – Plantain cups with shredded chicken, rice and beans
Haiti – RLS Fantastic Kitchen – Plaintains and fried pork
Florida – Western Farm Bureau – Corn & moonshine
Louisiana – Poke Bowl – Rice, shrimp, etc., bowls
Spain – Mama Maria’s – Spiedini – meats on skewers; porchetta – roasted pork belly
OtherLand Rum – beverage tastings w/option to purchase larger servings
Tipsy Tavern – beverage tastings w/option to purchase larger servings
Captiva Spirits – beverage tastings w/option to buy larger servings
In the Storm Tight Windows MarketPlace:
Palm Beach Cider Donuts – donut samples with option to buy more to take home / Tellus – Disposable tableware made from annually renewable sugarcane fiber available for purchase /
Cash bar and beverage “flights” available for purchase / Storm Tight Windows / Deck & Drive
Sponsors: Glade & Grove Supply, Storm Tight Windows, Deck & Drive, Shiner Law Group and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.
Boca Raton, FL, November 4, 2025 – Boca Helping Hands is seeking support from the community to distribute meals to families for Thanksgiving. Its 21st annual Thanksgiving Box Brigade program will provide a turkey, and a box filled with everything a family needs to prepare a holiday meal. The organization hopes to feed as many as 24,000 people. Members of the community can get involved by donating the cost of a box for $29.72 at bocahelpinghands.org/thanksgiving.
One in nine people in Palm Beach County are struggling to put food on the table. Rising food costs, housing expenses, and stagnant wages have only intensified the need for hunger relief programs in Palm Beach County. According to the 2024 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Report for Florida, 46% of Palm Beach County households struggled to make ends meet, with 12% of those living below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and 35% earning above the FPL but not enough to afford the most basic budget.
“We recognize the difficulties many families are experiencing, and my wife, Anita and I are proud to once again support the Thanksgiving Box Brigade this year,” said east Boca Raton sponsor Bob Kriensky. Other Thanksgiving Box Brigade supporters include
the Overall Sponsor, Dalfen Industrial. East Boca Sponsors are Bob and Anita Kriensky; West Boca Sponsor is Humana; Boynton Beach Sponsor is Purity Wholesale Grocers Inc.; Delray Beach Sponsor is Vertical Bridge Charitable Network; and the Lake Worth Sponsor is Avalon Bay Communities.
Boca Helping Hands will distribute the turkeys and Thanksgiving meal boxes to current Pantry Bag Program clients the weekend before Thanksgiving (Nov. 22 and 23) at its five drive-thru distribution locations in east Boca Raton, west Boca, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, and Lake Worth.
“We are deeply appreciative of the way that the community helps each year with their food drives and Thanksgiving box donations,” said BHH Executive Director Andrew Hagen. “Thanks to them, families who might not have had enough money to afford to celebrate can now share a holiday meal together.”
Although there has been tremendous community support for the Thanksgiving Box Brigade program, food insecurity remains a problem year-round – especially now with reductions in funding for food.
Any contributions that exceed Thanksgiving expenses will be used toward our food programs throughout the year, helping to support the 181,000 families in Palm Beach County facing food insecurity.
About Boca Helping Hands: Since 1998, Boca Helping Hands has grown from a humble soup kitchen into a lifeline for nearly 35,000 people each year, including families struggling to put food on the table, parents choosing between rent and childcare, seniors skipping meals to afford medication.
In 2024, we served over 64,000 hot meals and distributed more than 112,000 pantry bags across Palm Beach County. But the need goes beyond hunger. We help children through our Backpacks Program, sending weekend meals home with students at 15 local schools, because no child should go hungry when school is out.
We support families in crisis with emergency assistance for rent, utilities, and childcare. We open doors to affordable healthcare through our partnership with Genesis Community Health. At Boca Helping Hands, we are able to walk alongside people ready to rebuild, offering job training, mentoring, and life skills classes that lead to lasting independence.
Every meal served, student trained for a meaningful career, every bill paid, every handheld, it all makes a difference. At Boca Helping Hands, we don’t just meet needs. We restore dignity, inspire hope, and help people believe in a better tomorrow. We don’t only give a handout, we give a hand up.
Boca Helping Hands is a partner agency of The Town of Palm Beach United Way. Since 1945, the Town of Palm Beach United Way has been committed to improving lives and building strong communities throughout Palm Beach County by focusing on programs and priorities that promote education, health, and financial stability.
Boca Helping Hands holds accreditation for Sound Nonprofit Management from Nonprofits First, has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid/GuideStar, and has been a Charity Navigator Four-Star Charity for 17 consecutive years. Boca Helping Hands is located at 1500 NW 1st Court, Boca Raton, FL 33432. For more information, please visit BocaHelpingHands.org.
West Palm Beach, Fla. (Tuesday, November 4, 2025) – Pandora’s Kids is excited to announce its first Lanterns for Loss Event commemorating National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, on Thursday, November 20th, in conjunction with Clematis by Night in downtown West Palm Beach. Local families who have experienced a loss are invited to participate in this special event honoring their loved ones and raising awareness of grief services in our community.
The event will begin at the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, where, from 3 pm to 5 pm, families can decorate a lantern in memory of their loved ones. In addition to volunteers from Pandora’s Kids, an artist and a children’s therapist from Rhythms of Hope will be on site to help guide children in using art to express their grief. Lanterns and decorative supplies will be provided, and families are invited to bring any supplies or mementos they wish to use as well.
Families who cannot attend the event at the library can request a lantern in advance at the Pandora’s Kids website and bring the completed lantern to the event.
All lanterns will be displayed in a pop-up memorial garden at Clematis by Night. At sundown, the lanterns will be illuminated. Attendees at the event are invited to visit the garden for a moment of peace and remembrance. Representatives from Pandora’s Kids, Rhythms of Hope, and Trustbridge’s Camp Good Grief will be on-site, providing information on grief resources in our community.
For more information and to request a lantern, visit pandoraskids.org.
About Pandora’s Kids
Pandora’s Kids is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 2014 by Valerie Staggs, who lost her husband in a drowning accident in 2009. As a struggling widow and mother to a grieving child, Staggs recognized the need for children’s grief support services in Palm Beach County. Pandora’s Kids funds events and programs where children in grief can enjoy fun activities surrounded by children who are just like them. Through peer-to-peer support, children in grief learn they are not alone and develop friendships with kids with whom they share their grief journey. Pandora’s Kids currently serves over 100 families throughout Palm Beach County. pandoraskids.org
About Rhythms of Hope
Rhythms of Hope is a community-based organization that provides creative, therapeutic experiences, at no cost, to children and families grieving death and non-death losses in Palm Beach County. RoH’s vision is to create safe spaces for grieving children and their families to connect, grow, learn, breathe, and be seen. An important goal at Rhythms of Hope is to increase awareness about the healing impact the arts has on our minds, bodies, and souls. rohwpb.org
About Trustbridge’s Camp Good Grief
At Trustbridge’s Camp Good Grief provides children in grief the opportunity to identify ways to cope with change, improve self-esteem, learn to recognize and validate feelings, identify safe ways of grief expression, and recognize that having fun and celebrating are still a part of life. Camps are open to children residing in Palm Beach or Broward County, ages 8 -17 (18 if still in high school) who are grieving the death of a loved one more than 3 months prior to the date of the event.
About National Children’s Grief Awareness Day
Created in 2008 and recognized by organizations around the world, Children’s Grief Awareness Day is observed every year on the third Thursday in November (the Thursday before the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving). This time of year is a particularly appropriate time to support grieving children because the holiday season is often an especially difficult time after a death. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is designed to help us all become more aware of the needs of grieving children and of the benefits they obtain through the support of others. childrensgriefawarenessday.org
