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A Spring of Hope to Host the THE POWER OF HOPE GALA

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Featuring Chris Kirkpatrick of N’SYNC

At Boca West Country Club

April 3 at 6:30 pm

Chaired by Shelly & Arthur Adler

(Boca Raton, FL – March 27, 2024) With ties from Palm Beach County to Pretoria, A Spring of Hope is a dynamic nonprofit NGO that supports water, garden, and sanitation projects for 60 partner schools in impoverished rural communities across South Africa.

On Wednesday, April 3, A Spring of Hope is inviting friends and supporters to THE POWER OF HOPE GALA, starting at 6:30 pm at the Boca West Country Club, 20583 Boca West Drive (33434). The event is being chaired by Shelly & Arthur Adler, and “Evening Safari Attire” is requested. 

“Step into the wild and join us for our third annual POWER OF HOPE GALA, where the atmosphere will immediately transport attendees to the heart of the wild,” invites event organizer Sarah Negrin, promising “an unforgettable adventure as good and generous people come together to provide hope and support for those in need.”

  Event highlights will include:

  • A special musical performance by Chris Kirkpatrick of N’SYNC.
  • South African inspired culinary delights.
  • A thrilling silent and live auction with numerous must-have treasures.
  • Dancing, and more.

“The efforts of A Spring of Hope to at-risk families in the South African Townships is nothing short of life changing. The introduction of fresh water and ultimately the ability to use that water to farm and bring fresh food to the table has changed thousands of lives. But, most importantly, it has brought to these families….Hope for the future,” says Arthur Adler, Chairman Emeritus of the Boca West Children’s Foundation.

Valued members of the Host Committee for THE POWER OF HOPE GALA include Heather & Steve Atkin, Karen Buhl, Giselle & John Cohen, Amanda & Chris Cole, Terry Cudmore, Jill & Chris Gallagher, Sharon Gans, Robin & Stephen Greene, Pam & Chuck Halberg, Bonnie & Gary Hildebrand, Gail Auguston-Koppen, Deborah Leising, Charmaine Leong and Marlene McQuivey, Shana & Patrick Mullen, Mercedes Ragoonanan, Charlene Ramos, Robert Saffer, Trish & Neil Saffer, Marta Schneider, Michella & Shaun Sharobi, and Bina Spiller.

Tickets to THE POWER OF HOPE GALA are $400 per person and can be purchased online at https://e.givesmart.com/events/AM9/.

About A Spring of Hope:

A community development organization in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces of South Africa, A Spring of Hope installs sustainable water and sanitation facilities, support school gardens, and fund student health and wellness programs. In addition, the organization provides a range of services and programs designed to promote self-sufficiency and mutual aid, including small-enterprise mentorship, organizing spaces, a robust community garden, and afterschool programs. By promoting food security, access to clean water, and community development, A Spring of Hope seeks to embower rural South Africans to pave their own path into the future. For more information, please visit www.aspringofhope.org.

Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County Summer Camp

Invites Nature Curious Youngsters 7 to 11 to

GARDEN EXPLORERS SUMMER CAMP

Two Week-Long Sessions This July

(West Palm Beach, FL – March 27, 2024) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will be hosting two week-long programs in July for nature curious youngsters ages 7 to 11. Garden Explorers Summer Camp offers science-based fun and nature experiences, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, July 15-19 and July 22-26.

“Eco-conscious and green-leaning kids can register for one of both of these weeklong camps because each one will offer something new and different,” promises Mounts Interim Co-Director Misty Stoller. “Activities will take place both outside and indoor, so campers will have access to a cool, dry space in the event of excessive heat or rain.”

Each of the two camp sessions will be limited to 30 participants and will offer a variety of fun and informative experiences:

  • Week 1: July 15-19, 2024 – Nature Talks

Campers will gain a better understanding of the natural world around them and learn how they can contribute positively to the environment.

+ Activities: Strawberry DNA, Gem Mining, Flower Dissections, and more.

+ Snacks: Zucchini Pizzas, Cauliflower Tots, Pickles, and more.

  • Week 2: July 22-26, 2024 – Energy

Campers will get the chance to test out various forms of renewable energy through engineering activities.

+ Activities: Flood Houses, Solar Cars, Boat Building, and more.

+ Snacks: Caprese Salad Kabobs, Air Fried Green Beans, Ice Pops, and more.

The cost to attend each week-long session is $250 for Mounts members, $290 for nonmembers. (Note: an extra $50 per camper will cover extended care, 8 to 9 am, and 3 to 4 pm.)

For each session of the Garden Explorers Summer Camp, young participants should bring a refillable water bottle, a healthy lunch, a hat, sunscreen, and bug repellant.

For each camper, Mounts will provide materials for all activities, snacks, and water for refilling bottles.

To register for the Garden Explorers Summer Camp at Mounts this July, please visit:

https://114251.blackbaudhosting.com/114251/Garden-Explorers-Summer-Camp-15Jul2024

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 is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.  

(Photo courtesy of Mounts Botanical Garden)

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Shares the Importance of TNVR

And how to help this “Kitten Season”

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL (March 27, 2024): Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League takes care of hundreds of animals at any given time, and now that it is “Kitten Season,” the leading animal organization in Palm Beach County is sharing the importance of TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) as an effective solution to help control the population of outdoor cats.

During the spring and summer months, female outdoor cats experience their breeding cycle, resulting in litters of kittens. This phase is known as “Kitten Season,” and it lasts for more than half of the year. Female cats that roam freely outdoors can sometimes give birth to multiple litters in one season, which can put a significant strain on the time, money, and resources required for around-the-clock care. To address this issue, there’s a program called TNVR, which stands for Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return. In this program, community cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and then released back to their outdoor homes.

“TNVR is an extremely effective method,” explained Alyssa Dazza, Admissions & TNVR Manager, “It works by immediately stabilizing the cat colony’s size by eliminating new litters. This reduces nuisance behaviors such as yowling, fighting, and marking territories with urine. Returning the cat to its original location prevents new intact cats from moving in and restarting the cycle of overpopulation. As a result, it helps reduce the number of kittens and cats flowing into local shelters, which in turn lowers euthanasia rates and increases the adoption of cats already in animal shelters.”

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League offers residents of Palm Beach County free trap loans with a refundable deposit during our hours of operation for TNVR. Peggy Adams loaned out over 1,800 humane traps in 2023 and has a goal of 2,000 in 2024.

NOTE: Palm Beach County Ordinance 98-22 forbids trapping cats for any other reason than for TNVR or vet care.  To learn more, visit peggyadams.org/tnvr

Peggy Adams also reminds the community that if you find a litter of kittens, your first reaction might be to bring them to your local animal shelter. But chances are, their mother is close by – and you may actually be “kit-napping” them.  Once newborns are separated from their mother, their chances of survival drop dramatically. Check out these resources at peggyadams.org/found-kitten-resources before determining how to intervene when finding kittens.

Currently, Peggy Adams has neonatal kittens who require foster care. As a neonatal kitten foster, you would take on the responsibility of bottle-feeding some of our smallest orphaned residents every few hours during their critical first few weeks of life. Peggy Adams will provide volunteers with comprehensive training, essential supplies, and ongoing support, and in return, you shower them with love! If you or someone you know would like to help care for a neonatal foster or learn more, visit peggyadams.org/foster.

About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity navigator. For more information and to donate, please visit PeggyAdams.org

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Community Wellness Hub: The Essential Role of Small Businesses

By Diane Harrison

Small businesses are the cornerstone of local communities, offering more than just economic benefits. They are pivotal in creating jobs, engaging with the community, and fostering an environment conducive to health and wellness for individuals and families alike. The vitality of these enterprises extends far beyond mere financial gains, touching every facet of community life and promoting a cohesive, healthy atmosphere. In this article, Around Wellington will explore the broad spectrum of advantages that small businesses contribute to community health and wellness.

Launching a Local Business to Serve the Community

First things first—when considering starting a business to support your community’s health and wellness, it’s crucial to assess your locality’s specific needs. Researching demand and service gaps can help determine the right business to establish. Once decided, forming an LLC offers essential liability protection, shielding personal assets from business liabilities. Substantial legal fees can be avoided by filing independently or utilizing a formation service. Still, you must familiarize yourself with the regulations governing the formation of an LLC Florida beforehand.

Empowering Communities Through Job Creation

Small businesses are vital engines of job creation, directly influencing the economic stability and well-being of families within the community. These enterprises offer valuable employment opportunities, supporting local economies and ensuring communities maintain their vibrancy and resilience. By fostering an environment where entrepreneurship flourishes, small businesses play a crucial role in promoting local economic health and preventing the flight of talent to other areas.

Promoting Health

Small businesses frequently lead community health efforts by partnering with local health organizations for awareness and fundraising events. These collaborations underscore the community’s unity and ability to make a collective impact. Small businesses demonstrate their essential role in enhancing community well-being and vitality by supporting health initiatives.

Fueling the Local Economy

Small businesses have significant ripple effects, bolstering a vibrant local economy through their activities. By keeping money circulating within the community, they support each other and local services and vendors, creating a mutually beneficial ecosystem. This continuous circulation of funds sustains the community’s economic vitality, ultimately benefiting all its residents.

Securing Affordable Housing

The presence of small businesses has a stabilizing effect on housing costs, thanks to the employment opportunities they generate. A strong local economy, fueled by these businesses, makes housing more attainable and prevents the displacement of community members. By contributing to the financial well-being of the area, small businesses play a direct role in ensuring that housing remains accessible to a broader segment of the population.

Creating Spaces for Safety and Inclusion

Small businesses are vital in creating safe and inclusive spaces within our communities. By strategically selecting locations with a high walk score, you ensure accessibility and encourage community members to engage in active lifestyles. Beyond mere commerce, they provide gathering spots where individuals can connect, socialize, and find support, significantly enhancing mental health and overall well-being. In nurturing these environments, small businesses become integral pillars of communal support, enriching the social fabric and offering a haven for camaraderie and connection.

Fostering Community Spirit

Engagement in local events, sponsorships, and volunteerism is another avenue through which small businesses enrich community life. Their active participation helps cultivate a strong sense of belonging and community spirit, which is vital for a healthy, cohesive society. By investing in the community, small businesses reinforce their commitment to their neighbors’ collective well-being and prosperity.

Advancing Environmental Stewardship

Small businesses play a crucial role in environmental sustainability efforts by implementing practices that decrease their carbon footprint and support a healthier planet. By selecting convenient locations, reducing waste, and backing eco-friendly initiatives, these businesses showcase a dedication to environmental stewardship that influences the entire community. Their commitment to sustainability benefits the environment and fosters a sense of responsibility and consciousness among consumers and neighboring businesses.

The impact of small businesses on community health and wellness cannot be overstated. From bolstering the local economy and providing employment to fostering safe spaces and environmental responsibility, these enterprises are central to creating vibrant, healthy communities. Supporting small businesses goes beyond an economic decision; it’s an investment in the community’s collective well-being and future prosperity, ensuring that it remains a place where health and wellness can flourish for all.

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I’m Diane Harrison, a former librarian of 15 years turned non-profit marketing guru. Although I’m no longer a librarian and have switched career gears completely, I’ve combined my passion for helping others as well as my writing and researching skills to provide you with a site I hope you can use to gather helpful health information.

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Workship Program Celebrates Four Million Volunteer Hours

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West Palm Beach, Fla., USA (March 25, 2024) — This spring, Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) distinct community service program, Workship, reached four million hours served. Workship, started in 1968 by PBA’s founder, Dr. Jess Moody, and his wife, Doris, and has been a pillar of the university in its five decades of existence. On Wednesday, April 10, PBA will celebrate the milestone with a day of activities beginning with a chapel service at Family Church Downtown at 11 a.m.

“This is an incredible milestone for our university,” said Dr. Debra A. Schwinn, president of PBA. “I am extremely humbled to lead a university that is committed to molding leaders who navigate with purpose by leading with conviction and serving God boldly. Our Workship program embodies the essence of this mission, offering our students a unique platform to not only practice servant leadership but also to immerse themselves in value-based leadership within their prospective careers. It opens their eyes to the immediate needs of individuals and families within our community, instilling in them the imperative to contribute positively and effectively, wherever their professional journeys may take them.”

The program combines community service and worship and allows students to give back to the West Palm Beach community and beyond. Each undergraduate student is required to volunteer at least 45 hours each academic year at nonprofit agencies, churches and schools.

Workship brings biblical values into the community, and students have served in countless ways over the years. Whether it is through tutoring elementary and middle school students, helping with hurricane recovery efforts, partnering with Urban Youth Impact to serve inner city youth, volunteering at the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital Foundation, or packing meals and mentoring children, Workship provides students the unique opportunity to get involved in the community.

Workship has partnered with over 200 organizations across Palm Beach County alone, creating meaningful opportunities to support the local community. Most recently, the university teamed up with the Jewish Federation to organize 18 community service projects across Palm Beach County on MLK Day. Students, faculty and friends of PBA served nearly 2,000 hours in just one day.

“It’s truly remarkable to see Palm Beach Atlantic University students, faculty, staff and alumni reaching such an impressive milestone of serving four million hours to the community and the world,” said Nathan Chau, Director of Workship. “Behind each of those hours lies a story of positive impact and transformation, reflecting the dedication and commitment of the university and its community. This achievement not only highlights the institution’s emphasis on community service, but it also underscores the profound influence it has had on individuals and the broader world.”

To learn more about Workship or to get involved through community service, visit pba.edu/workship.

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About Palm Beach Atlantic University

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 100 different programs and pathways, including undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees and professional degrees. The university has a 19-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus, and the 78-acre Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Athletic Campus provides facilities for training and hosting intercollegiate sports. Sailfish athletes compete in 18 NCAA Division II and Sunshine State Conference varsity sports. PBA affirms the values that have built American society, including religious liberty and the free enterprise system. The university is dedicated to the integration of biblical principles to prepare students for learning, leadership, and service. Learn more at www.pba.edu.

 NEW EXHIBITION: Artist Kip Fulbeck’s hapa.me Exhibit at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

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Runs May 3–August 25, 2024 

DELRAY BEACH, FL – “Hapa,” a Hawaiian word meaning “half,” refers to anyone who self-identifies as part Asian or Pacific Islander. In 2001, American artist and photographer Kip Fulbeck launched The Hapa Project to put human faces, on this international community, and call attention to the millions of hapa who call the United States home. Five years later, The Hapa Project premiered at the Japanese American National Museum and featured 1,200 portraits of hapa men, women, and children accompanied by handwritten responses explaining their personal identities.   

  

From May 3 through August 25, 2024, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens will welcome Fulbeck’s subsequent hapa.me exhibition and follow-up book.  

Picking up 15 years later, this thought-provoking presentation focuses on 46 participants from the original project. Utilizing dozens of then-and-now portraits, old responses, and newly written ones, it not only captures their somatic changes but also how mixed-race issues are perceived on the world stage.  

Also, on Friday, May 3, at 1 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to meet Kip Fulbeck in person. During the “Who Are You? The Stories Behind The Hapa Project,” the pioneering artist and curator will share stories and never-released photographs from the project along with his own experiences of being hapa with Chinese roots. The cost is free with paid museum admission.  

  

hapa.me was created and developed by Kip Fulbeck. The traveling exhibit was organized by the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, California. 

For more information on the hapa.me exhibit at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, visit morikami.org/upcoming-exhibitions

  

ABOUT KIP FULBECK 

In addition to his distinguished career in art, Lawrence Keith “Kip” Fulbeckis a spoken word performer, filmmaker, and author who has written six books, including Part Asian, 100% Hapa;Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a ModernWorld; and Permanence: Tattoo Portraits by Kip Fulbeck. Fulbeck, who is half-Chinese, has exhibited and performed in more than 20 countries and been featured on CNN, MTV, The TODAY Show, The New York Times, Voice of America, and NPR. At the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he serves as a Professor of Art, Fulbeck has received numerous academic honors, including the UCSB Academic Senate’s Distinguished Teaching Award.  

  

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org

  

Photo credit: Kip Fulbeck 

USA vs Ireland Polo

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Photos and story by Alan Fabricant

In a match between the USA and Ireland held at the National Polo Center on St. Patrick’s Day the USA jumped out to a quick lead which only kept growing.

It was 10-0 before Ireland scored their first goal late in the fourth chucker.

The final score had the USA winning 11-3.

Felipe Viana of the USA was the game’s MVP scoring six goals.  Hope Arellano, Tommy Collingwood and Quinn Evans made up the rest of the team.

Ireland was represented by Evan Powers, Nial Donnelly, Max Hutchinson and Richard Tyrone.

There is Nothing Wrong with the Night 

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By JM Millien

There is nothing wrong with the night 

Hearts still beat through cold or heat 

Effervescence or mundane replete 

Really nothing wrong with the night 

Erase glaring looks or kind embraces 

Idle discourse as deep as space is 

Still nothing is wrong with the night 

Whether you’re here or out of sight 

Off distant shores do we hear it (…. tonight) 

Even through light winds do we feel it (…. tonight) 

In still or turbulent air 

Now or here or anywhere 

My! Nothing is wrong with the night 

Except everything isn’t quite right (…. tonight) 

Learn about manatees at Pack & Paddle Club meeting Saturday, April 13

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Manatee Lagoon’s conservation and education manager will speak to P&P members and visitors at Okeeheelee Nature Center.

Rachel Shanker, the conservation and education manager at Manatee Lagoon, will be the guest speaker at the Palm Beach Pack & Paddle Club’s meeting at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Okeeheelee Nature Center, part of Okeeheelee Park, 7715 Forest Hill Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33413.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for socializing starting at 1:30 p.m.

As the official Florida state marine mammal, manatees are arguably one of the most charismatic species found throughout the state’s waterways. In her talk, Rachel will tell attendees about manatees’ anatomy and behavior, threats to these gentle creatures and conservation efforts.

Manatee Lagoon, a Florida Power & Light Co. Eco-Discovery Center on North Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, features interactive and entertaining exhibits that inspire curiosity about the environment and the world of manatees. These gentle giants migrate to the waterways surrounding Manatee Lagoon during the cooler months to seek warmth in the clean, warm water outflows of FPL’s adjacent Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center.



In her hybrid role, Rachel Shanker manages the educational and outreach initiatives of the center and lends her marine expertise to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in response to the alarming challenges Florida manatees are facing.

Born and raised in South Florida, Rachel earned a master of science in teaching degree from Florida Atlantic University. With a love of the study of marine ecology, she looks for new ways to engage the public in science and conservation to address environmental challenges.

For questions about the meeting, please call or text 561-312-2765.

BOO-YAH!

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CMX Cinemas Wellington Unveils Three Movie-Themed Cocktail Pairings 

WELLINGTON, FL – CMX Cinemas Wellington at The Mall at Wellington Green will soon release two of the biggest films in March – Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (premiers March 22) and Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (premiers March 29). 

In conjunction, guests can treat themselves to three new, limited time cocktails themed after each movie from Cask + Shaker. Channel your favorite ghostbuster with the Ghostini ($13.99), unleash your inner titan with a Blackberry Battle ($15.99), or satisfy your sweet tooth with the Marshmallow Madness ($15.99), in honor of the leviathan Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. 

Cocktails are available now through April 4.

Ghostini 

2 ounces Bacardi rum

.50 ounces DeKuyper blue curaçao

.50 ounces simple syrup

.25 ounces tangerine juice

Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker tin. Shake briskly. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange wheel.  

Blackberry Battle

1.5 ounces Espolon Blanco

.75 ounces Grand Marnier

.75 ounces Reàl blackberry infused syrup

3 ounces sour mix

Prepare a rocks glass with a black salt rim. Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker tin. Shake briskly. Strain into prepared rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a skewered blackberry.

Marshmallow Madness

 1.5 ounces Patrón Reposado

.25 ounces Cazadores Café liqueur

.50 ounces vanilla syrup

2.5 ounces cold brew concentrate

Combine all ingredients with ice in a shaker tin. Shake briskly. Strain into a tall glass over fresh ice. Top with whipped cream. Garnish with a skewered toasted marshmallow.

Cocktails are specially curated and crafted by Shane Zinn, Corporate Bar Manager and General Manager of CMX CinéBistro Hyde Park Village in Tampa, Florida.

CMX Cinemas Wellington is located at The Mall at Wellington Green at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 209-1482 or visit cmxcinemas.com/locationdetail/wellington. Photo credit: CMX Cinemas Wellington