Early holiday savings include $39 flat fares for travel this Christmas and New Year
MIAMI (Dec. 6, 2023) – Brightline, the nation’s only provider of modern, eco-friendly intercity passenger rail, is connecting travelers between South Florida and Orlando this holiday season. Skip the traffic and revel in holiday festivities with loved ones by journeying to theme parks, beach resorts, shopping malls, cruise ports, or even grandma’s house hassle-free. Now, 16 round trips are available daily providing ample flexibility throughout the season.
“Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Orlando, all connected by Brightline, will be the three most visited domestic destinations during the holidays according to AAA,” said Johanna Rojas, senior vice president of sales and partnerships for Brightline. “We look forward to connecting thousands of travelers across Florida during the season, while offering special savings and activities to make it fun and festive for all ages.”
Christmas Savings
Special CHRISTMAS DAY one-way fares for travel on 12/24 and 12/25 between Miami and Orlando for a flat rate of $39 in SMART and $79 in PREMIUM when you buy at least 7 days in advance.
In collaboration with Marriott this holiday season, Brightline is also offering guests an additional perk – up to a $50 credit for food and drink purchases at over 120 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and resorts located near Brightline stations. For details, visit www.gobrightline.com/offers/marriott-credit.
New Year’s Savings
$39 SMART and $99 PREMIUM flat rate fares for travel on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Book tickets 7+ days in advance.
Festive Activations
Throughout the month of December, festive activations will take place at Brightline Miami Central and Orlando Stations. Special Nutcracker Experiences with the Miami City Ballet and Orlando Ballet will be full of action and on display along Snow Carnival site activations, creating memorable Instagrammable moments.
Starting in December, those traveling on Brightline or visiting the stations are encouraged to dress in their most festive holiday pajamas. Families and friends can have complimentary holiday photos taken at MiamiCentral and Orlando stations. Young Brightline riders can test their cookie decorating skills, listen to a story by Mrs. Claus and even get their picture with the man himself, Santa Claus. As Christmas day nears, Santa’s elves will make appearances onboard for sing-alongs enroute between Aventura and Miami. For special holiday schedule details visit www.gobrightline.com.
A Taste of the Season
Mary Mary is spreading holiday cheer with an assortment of holiday coffee specials including Pumpkin, Peppermint, Gingerbread, Butter Cookie and White Chocolate Mocha Lattes. The crafty culinary team has created a menu of seasonal cocktail specials featuring a Frozen Snowball, Bacardi Reserva Ocho, coconut, vanilla, whipped cream, and star anise; Sweet and Spicy Grinch, Tito’s Vodka, grapefruit, lime, mint, ginger beer and jalapeno; and a Winter Wonderland Cranberry Bramble, Smirnoff Peppermint Vodka, rosemary, orange and cranberry juice.
Guests can enjoy a special seasonal menu including Turkey on Focaccia with Cranberry or Holiday Turkey, Stuffing and Cranberry Marmalade Hoagie onboard, Chocolate Peppermint Muffins or a Hot Cocoa and Cookies to get into the festive spirit.
This week, Brightline increased its train service between Orlando and Miami, running 32 trains daily with 16 daily departures from Miami and Orlando. With so many reasons to ride Brightline connecting Florida’s two fastest growing regions, guests are encouraged to sign up for Brightline emails on gobrightline.com to learn about the latest upcoming happenings. To learn more about where Brightline can take you next, visit the Explore Reason to Ride page.
About Brightline
Brightline is the only provider of modern, eco-friendly, intercity rail in America. The company currently serves Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Brightline was recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Travel and included in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List for the best new ways to travel. The company offers a guest-first experience designed to reinvent train travel and take cars off the road. Brightline plans to bring its award-winning service to additional city pairs and congested corridors across the country that are too close to fly and too long to drive, with immediate plans to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visitwww.gobrightline.com and follow us onFacebook,Instagram, andX.
Artists and Crafters are encouraged to apply to SunFest 2024
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – SunFest is inviting Florida locals to join the festivities marking its 40th celebration along the West Palm Beach waterfront. In a nod to its roots as a jazz, art and water sports event, SunFest is bringing back the art component with a new Creative Arts Village to showcase an abundance of community talent. Local arts vendors are invited to apply for a chance to be featured at SunFest 2024, set for May 3 to May 5. Applications for vendors and artists are now being accepted on a rolling admissions basis.
“We’re so excited to bring Florida art back to the West Palm Beach waterfront and to celebrate 40 years under the sun!” said Dianna Craven, SunFest executive director. “The 2024 SunFest Creative Arts Village will feature an immersive arts experience designed to allow patrons to interact with and purchase from regional artisans and engage in arts activities. Among other things, this area will feature fine art, upcycled goods, functional art, apparel, activations and experiences, on-site demonstrations and live arts events.”
While applications for any work will be considered, the Arts Village – like the festival itself – will showcase funky creations and expressions that pulse with the heartbeat of the city. Orchestrated by SunFest Creative Arts Village Committee Chair and Lake Worth resident Brian Elkins, the overall look and feel will be designed to be immersive and innovative. Local artisans and art vendors are invited to apply, showcasing the best of Florida’s creative prowess. Applications will be considered first come, first served until all booths are filled.
“We are looking forward to involving more Palm Beach County residents for the 40th anniversary,” said Elkins. “Every facet of the 40th anniversary event will include our community and we are proud to give a platform to the talented artists and arts vendors that will showcase their skills to our hometown.”
SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 20-member board of directors; 25 committees; nearly 2,100 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 4; and approximately 80 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida through the Division of Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Thursday, January 4 Mori Stories: The Fisherman and the Dragon Palace Time: 1pm Cost: FREE (with paid museum admission)
Follow the tale of Urashima Taro, a kind young fisherman who accepts an invitation to visit a palace under the sea, as he learns that adventures sometimes have consequences.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65) Advance Registration Required
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brush strokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject.
Cost: $70 (Morikami Members $65) Advance Registration Required
Sumi-e is a form of Japanese ink painting brought from China in the 12th century. Primarily done in black ink, the name literally means “charcoal drawing” in Japanese. Students grind their own ink using an ink stick and a grinding stone and learn to hold and utilize brushes to create the primary sumi-e brush strokes. Floral and landscape classes will start with a review of the basic techniques before moving on to the main subject
Friday, January 5 Family Fun: Ichigo no Hi: Strawberry DayTime: Virtual Program Cost: FREE
Did you know strawberry is ichigo in Japanese, and that ichi also means “one” and go also means “five”? That’s why Japan celebrates all things strawberry on January 5. Come make a strawberry origami to celebrate.
Saturday, January 6 The Art of Kokedama + Botanical Jewelry (Workshop) Time: 9:30am – 12:30 pm or 1:30pm – 4:30pm Cost: $60. Advance Registration Required
Kokedama is the Japanese art of growing plants in a moss-covered ball of soil. It is wrapped with string and contains an ornamental plant growing inside. These beautiful and decorative plants, bring an organic and natural touch to planting orchids, succulents, and other ornamental plants. Learn the mechanics of how to make kokedama, create one to decorate your home or to give away to a special person. In the second half of the workshop, learn how to create special botanical jewelry with wearable flowers and plants to decorate our bodies or homes.
Saturday, January 6 Family Fun: Omamori CharmsTime: 12pm- 3:00pm Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission. No Reservation Required
Start the new year lucky by making your own origami omamori, Japanese good luck charms!
Sunday, January 7 Koto New Year RecitalSponsored by the Taetles in memory of Herman I. Taetle Time: 12:00pm and 2:30pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission
Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th and 8th centuries. Start the New Year with a delightful concert with this exquisite instrument performed by the museum’s koto teacher Yoshiko Carlton and her students.
Sundays, January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese – Part 2 (Class) (Virtual Class)
Time: Level I – 6:10pm-7:10pm
Level III – 7:10pm-8:10pm
Level IV – 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required
Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Sundays, January 7, 14, 21, 28; February 4, 11, 18, 25 Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese – Part 2 (Class) – (In-person class)
Time: Level I – 10:15am-11:15am
Level II – 11:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $120 (Morikami Members $110) Advance Registration Required
Nihongo: Introduction to Japanese is a beginner and lower intermediate program teaching Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students are introduced to Japanese culture and lifestyles through lessons and conversation. Levels I and II use Japanese for Busy People I (JBP I) and levels III and IV use Japanese for Busy People II (JBP II). Fall, winter, and spring sessions of each level should be taken sequentially as a series.
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience or have taken at least three sessions of Ikebana classes.
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. Dating back to the 15th century, the Ikenobo School is the oldest and most traditional. Students in this course learn the basic principles and style of Ikenobo, creating fresh flower arrangements each week to take home and enjoy
Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24, 31
Ikebana Flower Arrangement: Sogetsu School (Class)
Time: Beginners – 10:30am –12:30pm
Intermediate – 1:30pm – 3:30pm*
Cost: $90 (Morikami Members $80) Advance Registration Required
Flower arranging, ikebana, is a traditional Japanese art form spanning centuries. Ikebana has various different schools of study, each with unique philosophies and aesthetics. The Sogetsu School is a contemporary school which focuses on the creativity and individuality of ikebana. The idea is that ikebana can be done by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. Students will learn the basics of Sogetsu and create pieces each week to take home and enjoy. *Intermediate courses are for students with prior experience.
Wednesdays January 10, 17
Stroll for Well-Being
Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm or 1:30pm – 3:00pm
Cost: Free to qualified applicants
Immerse yourself in Morikami’s natural beauty, peace and serenity through our therapeutic garden walking program. During three sessions, a qualified facilitator will lead participants through themed walks and journal writing to encourage reflection, and ultimately, personal well-being.
Friday, January 12
The Dance of the Brush – Performance by Kihachiro Nishiura with Fushu Daiko Sponsored by JM Family Enterprises Time: 7pm Cost: $30 (Members $25)
Enjoy an evening of music and artistry with Japanese calligraphy master Kihachiro Nishiura. Watch art come to life with each brush stroke by Nishiura as he creates large scale works of art. Each stroke of the brush is purposeful but expressive as it dances across the surface of the paper alongside enchanting music by Fushu Daiko’s musical ensemble. At the end of the performance will be a silent auction fundraiser with the created pieces.
Kihachiro Nishiura was born in 1970 in Tokyo to a highly acclaimed ceramics family that has produced Nishiura-yaki style porcelain since 1806. He remains devoted to continuing the mission of his ancestors through his practice of calligraphy, flower arrangement, and spatial installation art. As the master of calligraphy, he has been working actively and internationally.
Saturday, January 13
Shodo: The Way of Calligraphy – Talk and demonstration by Kihachiro Nishiura Sponsored by JM Family Enterprises Time: 1pm Cost: $5 (with paid museum admission)
What is Japanese calligraphy? Be introduced to the art and history of Japanese calligraphy with master calligrapher Kihachiro Nishiura. Observe the intricate brush strokes as he demonstrates the artistry alongside his talk.
Kihachiro Nishiura was born in 1970 in Tokyo to a highly acclaimed ceramics family that has produced Nishiura-yaki style porcelain since 1806. He remains devoted to continuing the mission of his ancestors through his practice of calligraphy, flower arrangement, and spatial installation art. As the master of calligraphy, he has been working actively and internationally.
The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea – necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadō and to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a bowl of tea, and serve it.
Saturday, January 13
Calligraphy: Adults Workshop
Time: 11:30am – 1pm or 2pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $35 (Cost does not include museum admission) Advance Registration Required
Learn brush strokes using sumi ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper, you will create a final calligraphy on a shikishi board to take home.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
Sundays, January 14, 21, 28
The Art of Bonsai (Class) Time: Beginners – 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Intermediate – 9am – 12pm
Cost: $100 (Morikami Members $90) Advance Registration Required
Bonsai means “a tree in a tray.” The art of bonsai creates the illusion of age and maturity of a tree which has developed and sustained the effects of nature for many years. Students of bonsai learn to artfully trim and train a tree in a container.
Cost: $60 (Morikami Members $55) Advance Registration Required
Expand upon your knowledge of Japanese tea ceremony in this hands-on class. Perform a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, with its ever-evolving seasonal subtleties, in the authentic Seishin-an Tea House under the guidance of instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and from season to season.
Saturday, January 20 Sado: The Way of Tea (Demonstration) Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.
Friday, January 26 Film Screening: I Wish
Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich
Time: 7pm
(128 mins., 2011, PG, Drama) (In Japanese, subtitled in English) Cost: $7 (Members $5)
A 12-year-old Japanese boy and his younger brother hope to reunite their divorced parents by taking advantage of an urban legend that believes two people can make a wish by watching two bullet trains pass each other.
Sunday, January 28
The Way of Taiko – The Heartbeat of Japan (Workshop) Time: 11am – 1pm or 2pm – 4pm
Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required
This workshop introduces participants to the history and practice of taiko drumming. Participants are taught how to understand sounds and movements, i.e., how to connect nature and the meaning of body movement. They will become familiar with the way of taiko and its drumming techniques. Top performers from South Florida’s Fushu Daiko will conduct the workshop. The group is recognized by Seiichi Tanaka, the master of San Francisco Taiko Dojo, who brought taiko to the United States and who trained senior members of the Fushu Daiko group.
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.
FAU Receives Gift Worth More Than $5 Million to Establish the Bob Lappin and Palm Beach Pops Legacy, and Support Music Education
BOCA RATON, Fla. (December 4, 2023)Florida Atlantic University has received a gift worth more than $5 million – including assets and an extensive music library – to enhance its music programs and establish a legacy for the Palm Beach Pops and its founder and music director, Bob Lappin. The gift was donated by the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County, an extension of the Palm Beach Pops. The extensive music library is comprised of more than 1,600 titles and scores – a significant amount of which were arranged by the industry’s most prestigious arrangers and from some of the Great American Songbook’s greatest composers.
“For the past three decades, the Palm Beach Pops was an integral part of the performing cultural arts and music education in South Florida,” said Jon Lappin, president and executive director of the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County/Palm Beach Pops. “This music must be heard and taught, not only because of its rich American roots, but also because it is the result of the massive collaboration of so many musicians, supporters, county institutions, students, and, of course, the unyielding pursuit of artistic excellence for more than 30 years. This donation preserves the legacy and extraordinary accomplishments of the maestro – my father, the late Bob Lappin – and the Palm Beach Pops.”
FAU’s Department of Music within the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters will establish the Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops Music Legacy Endowment to fund scholarships, graduate fellowships and other student financial aid to recruit and retain top music students. It also provides financial support for students to purchase higher quality instruments, as well as specialized instruments and pianos within the music department. This support will bolster the Department of Music’s successful degree programs in commercial music, music education, music performance, and conducting, which have produced Grammy-winning artists and producers, industry-leading music executives, world-class music educators, and top-tier scholars.
“We are extremely grateful to the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County and Palm Beach Pops for this important gift to our Department of Music,” said FAU President Stacy Volnick. “The Palm Beach Pops brought entertainment and joy to listeners of all ages, and we’re proud to recognize its legacy and carry forward its mission of music education. This gift benefits not only our students but the larger community.”
The Palm Beach Pops music library collection also includes archival recordings and programming records of all Palm Beach Pops concerts for nearly 30 years, including an album and arrangements produced by Michael Zager, renowned FAU Dorothy F. Schmidt Eminent Scholar and director of the FAU Commercial Music program and its Hoot/Wisdom Recordings label.
FAU will continue the Palm Beach Pops legacy of music education by expanding student outreach, allowing students throughout Palm Beach County to tour the FAU music facilities and observe rehearsals and classes. It also received the Palm Beach Pops brand, trademark and associated entities. In honor of Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops, FAU will host an annual legacy concert which may include former musicians performing side-by-side with select FAU student musicians for students and the public. Additionally, FAU will establish a public tribute to Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops in the University Theatre lobby with artifacts, photos and other items on permanent display.
Lappin founded the Palm Beach Pops in 1991, and quickly distinguished itself as a world-class pops orchestra dedicated to preserving the Great American Songbook and devoted to serving the children of the community with quality music education programs. Following Lappin’s death in 2013, the Pops board established the Legacy Foundation of Palm Beach County, led by his son, Jon Lappin. Its mission was to encourage a greater appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of live music with a positive message and facilitate learning experiences and technical musical prowess by funding students’ musical aspirations through lessons, instruments, camps and more. It also awarded scholarships to talented music students and promising conductors. Its outreach programs had taught nearly 100,000 music students in the county through the “Music & You” in-school youth education program.
“Bob Lappin and The Palm Beach Pops made an indelible mark on music for both music students and the community, and we are proud to carry forward his legacy through our Department of Music,” said Michael Horswell,Ph.D., dean of the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters.
About Florida Atlantic University: Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students across six campuses located along the southeast Florida coast. In recent years, the University has doubled its research expenditures and outpaced its peers in student achievement rates. Through the coexistence of access and excellence, FAU embodies an innovative model where traditional achievement gaps vanish. FAU is designated a Hispanic-serving institution, ranked as a top public university by U.S. News & World Report and a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.
Robin’s Nest with Dr. Robin Ganzert Tackles the Biggest Issues Facing the Amazing Animals of Our World
Palm Beach, FL – American Humane, with offices in Palm Beach, Florida and Washington, DC, has announced the launch of its new official podcast, Robin’s Nest, hosted by American Humane president and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert (pictured above).
Robin’s Nest explores the most pressing issues facing the incredible animals that share our planet, from the pets in our homes to the thousands of endangered species fighting to survive in the wild. The podcast features lively and informative interviews with diverse guests, including celebrities and global experts in conservation, veterinary care, animal behavior, zoology, and the human-animal bond.
“I am excited to host Robin’s Nest as a voice for the beautiful animals around the world who need our love, protection, and care,” said Dr. Ganzert. “Listeners can expect inspiring and insightful conversations about animals that will make you laugh, cry, and learn something new. If you love animals, you’ll love Robin’s Nest.”
Robin’s Nest launches with three full episodes, available now on Apple, Spotify, and wherever podcasts can be found, with new episodes dropping twice a month. Special guests from the first episodes of Robin’s Nest include:
Amy Hrin, PH.D. Vice President, Military Affairs & Special Projects:Dr. Hrin’s research work has encompassed the design and implementation of rigorous studies to demonstrate the impact of the human-animal bond on both humans and animals.
Biologist Caleigh Quick and Service dog Willow: At the age of 11 weeks, Willow, a black Labrador retriever, became a faithful companion to her owner and immediately commenced her service dog training to aid in the management of PTSD. Willow accompanies Quick in the field for her work rescuing endangered species as a wildlife conservationist.
Professor Theo Pagel, CEO of the Cologne Zoo: 2023 Kiessling Prize Recipient,Pagel created sustainability strategies and guidelines for conservation education during his tenure as president of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. He approaches conservation by inspiring the public and leading high-level strategies to save countless species, from the very largest Asian Elephant to Asian songbirds.
American Humane is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing 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 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information, visit AmericanHumane.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
About Dr. Robin Ganzert
Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., serves as president and CEO of American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization and the first to serve animals, whenever and wherever they need rescue, shelter, or protection. She is the Host of the Robin’s Nest podcast and the executive producer of the full-length, award-winning documentary, Escape from Extinction, narrated by Dame Helen Mirren. Dr. Ganzert is the executive producer of the annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards which airs on A&E and fyi networks. She is the author of The Humane Table: Cooking with Compassion, Mission Metamorphosis and Animal Stars. Dr. Ganzert has dramatically expanded the scope and scale of the organization’s programs globally and has provided oversight for iconic humane programs such as No Animals Were Harmed®, protecting animals in film and entertainment; and, American Humane Certified®, helping to ensure the humane treatment of animals in agriculture. She launched a first-of-its-kind humane certification in global conservation for animals in zoos and aquariums and an innovative humane certification effort for the airline industry to help improve the safety and protection of companion animals in transportation.
Kwanzaa Celebration will welcome families to celebrate the holidays by making their own gifts and enjoying live music, art activities, storytelling for children, and food. The celebration will be held outside on the museum grounds. Kwanzaa is a Pan-African holiday designed to strengthen and celebrate the best of African culture and heritage. Five community-minded organizations come together to infuse the Kwanzaa celebration with all of the seven principles for a rich and memorable experience. Unity, a concept that was kept away from African Americans during the founding of our country, is an important principle to learn, adopt and practice. (Learn more about Kwanzaa here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/blog-post/seven-principles-kwanzaa).
The Spady Museum will condense the week-long celebration into an afternoon of community observation. The Kwanzaa Celebration is hosted by Spady Museum in collaboration with the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., the Sankofa Study Group, Pyramid Books, Kwanzaa 365 Live.
Most photos by Allen Lebowitz. Last 2 photos by Anne Gerwig.
On opening day (Dec. 5) of the Wycliffe Stiff’s 22nd season of stickball, Mayor Anne Gerwig threw out the first pitch and some fierce competition followed. The Atlantic Whalers & the Brooklyn Bums played to a 3 – 3 tie.
Wycliffe Country Club General Manager Rob Martin threw out the 1st pitch of Game 2 – The Bronx Clippers sailed past the Hoboken Zephyrs 6 – 0. Egg Creams were served between games.
West Palm Beach, FL (December 7, 2023) Philanthropy Tank (PT), a non-profit organization committed to empowering young CHANGEmakers, is honored to announce its new partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County. The collaboration, approved by The School Board on November 15, paves the way for establishing PT clubs in high schools across the county, creating a unique platform for students to address pressing community issues. “Our collaboration with The School Board of Palm Beach County marks a significant milestone for Philanthropy Tank,” said PT’s Chief Executive Officer Amy Brand. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to reaching more students and developing future leaders.” Philanthropy Tank empowers and inspires the next generation of CHANGEmakers by challenging and equipping students to implement sustainable service-driven solutions to problems impacting the community. Philanthropist investors fund student initiatives and provide one-to-one mentoring, helping students to implement and launch their programs. “If any of you have not had the opportunity to go when they are judging, it’s a fabulous experience,” said School District of Palm Beach County Board Chair Karen Brill about the PT Finals Events. “I had the opportunity to go, and I plan to do it again, so I invite everybody to go and see these amazing projects.” Starting in January 2024, the groundbreaking partnership with The School District of Palm Beach County will bring Philanthropy Tank’s proven programmatic model to a broader audience, engaging students from 8th to 12th grade in the public schools in The School District of Palm Beach County. Since its inception in 2015, Philanthropy Tank has successfully engaged over 1,000 students who have launched and implemented service-driven programs addressing community needs, impacting over 300,000 lives. Areas of impact include gender and human rights, education and youth, arts and culture, environmental activism, food insecurity, community development, and racial equality. For more information about Philanthropy Tank, visit philanthropytank.org.
About Philanthropy Tank: Founded in 2015, the nonprofit Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers, and equips student “CHANGEmakers” to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities. Philanthropist Investors Fund student initiatives, investing in their own community projects. Through one-on-one mentoring, philanthropist investors fuel students’ desire, helping them execute initiatives while increasing their ability to make meaningful change. For more information, www.philanthropytank.org.
Photo provided by Philanthropy Tank: Photo ID left to right: Board Chair Karen Brill, Frank Barbieri, Vice Chair Barbara McQuinn, Alexandria Ayala, CEO of Philanthropy Tank, Amy Brand, Olympic Heights student Erica Frishberg, founder of PT program Hearing for a Change, Philanthropy Tank Cofounder Michael Kohner, Edwin Ferguson, EricaWhitfield, Marcia Andrews, and Superintendent Michael Burke
Wellington, Florida- On Saturday, December 2, 2023, Olympia hosted their 3rd annual Olympia Community Run, noting their highest participation to date with 610 residents registered. The community-wide event was largely organized by AJ and Christina Bachmann, with support from other community residents, members of the HOA, and sponsors.
Families of all ages and fitness levels gathered early for one of the five races. The day began with the half marathon at 6:00 a.m., 10 kilometers at 6:45 a.m., 5 kilometers at 8:00 a.m., and a 1-mile race at 8:45 a.m. New this year was the half marathon relay, where runners formed teams and passed a baton as many times as they wanted as long as the baton traveled the entire 13.1 miles. Supporters cheered and used cowbells to keep the excitement lively for the participants, including finish line excitement from Sonali Mendiratta, a breakfast table hosted by Kristen and Ervin Otankis at LINE-X of Palm Beach, and starting line fun sponsored by Integrity Dental. At the same time, water stations were sponsored by Advanced Surgical Physicians, Wel Mobile Wellness, Retro Fitness, and Dan Cavin of State Farm
“We had 29 sponsors this year ranging from swag bag sponsors to race starters and more. It’s amazing to see the broader Wellington community support this event as well,” said AJ Bachmann, the event organizer.
The sponsorship dollars cover the majority of the event costs. The event is also financially supported through nominally priced ticket sales and a generous contribution from the Olympia HOA. This year, the Olympia Community Run, in addition to other Olympia organized events, hopes to raise $3500 by the year end to donate to Kids Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide hope and support to local children and families battling childhood cancer.
“Being able to give back to others and be active in my local community is an amazing privilege and honor. This community event has allowed me to form new relationships, involve my kids in serving the community, and expand my view of what generosity can look like. Giving back to others is not always in the form of giving money — it is also using our talents, time, and energy to help others,” added Bachmann.
Aside from growing in participants, sponsor support, and impact since its inception, the Olympia Community Run has quickly become a highly anticipated event that the community looks forward to (and trains for) all year round.
To learn more about this event, please email AJ Bachmann at [email protected].
This year, Art Basel, world-renowned art and culture showcase December 8 – 10, is easier to get to than ever before with Brightline now operating service between Orlando and Miami without the worry of traffic or parking. Guests can be dropped off at MiamiCentral Station and enjoy convenient Brightline+ Uber rides to all the weekend happenings around the city.
Through PREMIUM, guests can enjoy a truly seamless experience to Art Basel with complimentary drinks and bites on board, access to the PREMIUM lounge in-station, and a complimentary Uber to and from the Miami Beach Convention Center for Art Basel’s main event (or within a 5 mile radius of the station).
While traveling with Brightline during Art Week, guests will also be able to enjoy in-station art exhibits, bites and sips.
MIAMICENTRAL ART EVENTS
Get creative at MiamiCentral station with exhibits, bites, and sips by Justworks and Art Beat Miami.
Justworks:
December 4 – 5 | Commuter Art Preview: Live Music | 2 pm – 7 pm
Art Beat Miami:
December 7 | Opening Reception | 5 pm – 7 pm
December 8 | Conversation with Artist | 6 pm – 7 pm
