Palm Beach Perspective

Talked with Mike Durkee, US Army Combat Veteran, Executive Director, Wounded Veterans Relief Fund.  "Wounded Veterans Relief Fund is a non-profit organization that supports wounded and disabled veterans throughout Florida with one-time emergency financial support and critical dental care. We are a VA affiliate and work hand-in-hand with VA team members to provide veterans with the care and resources needed to ease the burden of financial strain that often accompanies disabilities incurred during military service."  WVRF has a lot of great events/fundraisers coming up.  Cox Science Center & Aquarium Hometown Heroes Event Saturday, June 21st, 2025, 13th Annual Treasure Coast Bonito Blast Friday-Saturday, August 8th-9th, 2025  Pirates Cove Resort and Marina, 4307 SE Bayview St, Stuart FL 34997, and the Devil Dog 5k/10k Sunday, September 28th, 2025 7:30AM South County Regional Park.  For more info, to become a volunteer or sponsor, listeners can go to www.wvrf.org.  

Talked with Michael Barnett, Director of Development, Restoration Bridge International.  Their mission  "has been to provide consistent and reliable access to nutritious food for individuals and families in need, while promoting community resilience and self-sufficiency. Through compassionate service, strategic partnerships, and unwavering commitment, we strive to restore dignity and bridge the gap between scarcity and sustenance for a healthier, hunger-free future."  Restoration provides a much needed food distribution system in Palm Beach County.  They do a food distribution event every Saturday at the Boynton Beach mall starting at 9am.  For folks who want to volunteer, the arrival time is 5-6am.  For more information on the services provided, to become a volunteer or sponsor, listeners can go to www.restorationbridge.com

Talked with Lauren Perry, Associate Vice President of Marketing & Cultural Tourism, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.  Every May, the Cultural Council puts together, MOSAIC. MOSAIC stands for Month of Shows, Art, Ideas and Culture.  There's a month-long celebration for residents to enjoy. As part of that, the Cultural Council gathered over 30 limited time offers throughout Palm Beach County.  Some of them are: BOGO admission to the Boca Raton Museum of Art and the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, discounts on shows from the Kravis Center including Cimafunk on May 23 and "Ain't Too Proud" coming in June, plus discounts at Palm Beach Zoo, COX Science Center, Yesteryear Village Living History Park at the South Florida Fairgrounds, Scavenger hunt at Resource Depot, and discounts at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. Listeners can interact with artists and check out their work during Open Studio on May 17/18. For locations and more info, listeners can go to MOSAICPBC.com.  For info on the Cultural Council, listeners can visit www.palmbeachculture.com

Talked with Carmelle Chapman, Project Manager, Healthier Lake Worth Beach.  It's a Palm Health Foundation Healthier Together community. The Healthier Together communities focus on different aspects of health based on the local community needs.  Healthier Lake Worth Beach focuses on behavioral health.  They are improving the behavioral health by revitalizing the community. With the help of community volunteers, HLWB has done community clean ups, created neighborhood crime watch, worked with local government/code enforcement to identify folks that need help and submit a referral to connect them with the service.  They also, did a wide outreach about the fate of the unity wall.  The residents, government, artists came to together and chose to keep the unity wall and they revitalized the wall to reflect the history and future of the city.  For more information, to become a volunteer, make a donation or set up a company give back day, listeners can call Carmelle at 561-801-2182 or carmelle.lakeworth@htpbc.org

Talked with Kelly Powell, CEO and Julie Khanna, Development Committee Chair, for Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL).  "Community Partners of South Florida (CPSFL) changes the odds for children and families facing social, emotional, and financial adversity. CPSFL identifies key services and solutions that build family skills and create lasting social change for generations.CPSFL  targets three strategic areas at once: health, housing, and community."  May is "Get your Green On" for Mental Health Awareness Month.  CPSFL takes a wraparound approach to services including mental health services for children and adults, classes on financial literacy, work to prevent homelessness, help clients with affordable housing, whether that's renting or attaining their goal of home ownership. They also have mentorship programs, "mentees on the move" as well as Bridges neighborhood hubs where folks can access services.  To get more information, sign up for services, sign up to become a volunteer, or make a donation, listeners can go to www.cpsfl.org. Julie is also the Editor-in-Chief for The Well of PBC. The Well of PBC is an online publication that focuses on behavioral health and wellness.  And this month's "Get Your Green On" publication is available at www.bewellpbc.org. 

Talked with Mindy Hanken, MSW, Executive Director, Tenise Williams, School Counselor and Laylah from Pace Center for Girls.  There are pace centers throughout Florida.  The Pace Palm Beach school provides academic and behavioral health services to girls ages 11-17 in Palm Beach County School Districts. Pace is free and the students take classes along with working closely with counselors, therapists trained in trauma-based therapy, tutors, etc.  Pace also helps with life skills, such as shopping, getting your first job. "Pace helps reduce juvenile justice involvement, increases high school graduation rates, and fosters long-term success for girls and their families. By creating a ripple effect of positive change, Pace strengthens the community by cultivating confident, educated, and engaged young women who are ready to contribute meaningfully to society."  For listeners who are interested in volunteering, becoming a mentor, making a donation, becoming a corporate sponsor or enrolling in the school, they can reach out to www.pacecenter.org.

Talked with James May, Executive Director and Misty Stoller, Associate Director of Marketing & Communications, Mounts Botanical Gardens.  "With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County's oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden.   Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.."  They have a Spring Plant Sale and Family Fun Weekend coming up on April 26th & 27th.  Listeners can enjoy the gardens, check out presentations from guest speakers including Kirsten Hines, Mindi Ogden, UF Professor, Dr. Kimberly Moore, Ph.D. and Dawn Conrad from Conrad-Sunrise Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society.  They have over 70 vendors and lots of fun family events too.  For more info, to become a volunteer, member or make a donation, listeners can go to www.mounts.org.

Talked with Emilie Travis, Nature Center Manager II, Okeeheelee Nature Center and Alissa Koch, Nature Center Manager, Daggerwing Nature Center, Palm Beach County Parks.  They are getting ready for this year's Earth Day events.  Okeeheelee Nature Center will celebrate on April 19th starting at 10am and has a wide variety of programs planned including: a tranquility walk, rehabilitated animal release, selfies with Oakley and Shelfies with Sparky the gopher tortoise. Listeners can also enjoy Earth Day celebration at Daggerwing Nature Center on April 26th starting at 10am. They have a wonderful butterfly garden visitors can enjoy as they enter. Some of the events include a scavenger hunt on the boardwalk, rehabilitated animal release, animal ambassador naming contest and fun crafts,plus a plant sale.   For more information on Earth Day events, becoming a volunteer or a Friend of the Park, listeners can go to pbcparks.com or follow on Facebook/Instagram.  

Talked with Val Staggs, Founder, Pandora's Kids.  Pandora's Kids is a non-profit that provides grief services for children who've lost a loved one.  They are free program that unites kids that are grieving, providing them a place to talk, meet other kids, expeirence new events and share their grief knowing they aren't alone."Pandora's Kids partners with local organizations to provide experiences that are fun and create the opportunity for new friendships to form among kids in grief. At various times throughout the year, we offer music, art, equine, sports and other programs for kids to choose from. Programs are age-appropriate, run for a series of weeks and are developed with the help of our team of therapists. Registered PK Kids are eligible to participate in the programs of their choice based on age requirements and availability."Coming up on April 26th, they have an event at Pike Food Forest, where the kids will be able to explore and learn about the edible landscape, plants and ecosystem and participate in a hands-on art project as well.   They are also, participating in a fundraiser with Oceana Coffee for the month of April.  Guests can drop a "bean" into the Pandora's Kids box and they'll recieve a donation from the fokls at Oceana Coffee.  For information on signing up, becoming a business sponsor or making donations, listeners can go to www.Pandoraskigs.org.

Spoke with Dr. Randy Blakely, Exec Dir FAU Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute and Sir John Hardy, Ph.D., University College London.  Professor Hardy is a leading geneticist for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's research.  He's one of the guest lecturers participating in FAU's free Brainy Days series. His study has identified the gene in families called the amyloid precursor protein (APP), which led to his theory, the amyloid cascade hypothesis.  “The next job that we have to do in Alzheimer's disease is to get better at predicting the disease earlier. Identifying the people that are going to develop dementia, or detecting the diseases that cause it at their earliest stages will make a huge difference. It will help ensure that future treatments will be more effective. It's going to be tough to do it, but that's one of the next challenges."  FAU offers a variety of free community events and educational programs.Brainy Days is sponsored by Palm Health Foundation. For more information about Brainy Days, visit www.fau.edu/brain/brainydays or email BI-outreach@fau.edu.

Spoke with Elizabeth Dashiell, SwedeFest Palm Beach/Palm Beach Film Society. Swede Fest Palm BeachTM is happening on Friday March 28th at the Lake Worth Playhouse.  "The key to understanding why is in the “swede.” A swede is a no-budget, laughably bad remake of a hit Hollywood film – the bigger, the better. The term comes from the 2008 comedy, “Be Kind Rewind,” and was made up to explain the sheer awfulness of their remade films by touting them as European – “swedes” because it sounded really sophisticated.  Not exactly a classic, but neither is it comedy kryptonite. Tickets on-sale at the Lake Worth Playhouse for the March 28 swede fest palm beachTM 10."  We'll be celebrating the “Best of the Fest” past 10 years and the following films will be featuredGhostAliens)MomentosHunger GamesFast & the FuriousGoodfellasJurassic ParkBasic Instinct…and more TBANew swedes coming your way12 MonkeysJay & Silent BobRockyListeners can get more information about swedes at https://swedefestpalmbeach.org/More info on Palm Beach Film Commission at www.pbfilm.com  and they can buy Swede Fest and LDub Film Festival tickets at www.https://lakeworthplayhouse.org/

Talked with Marjorie Waldo, CEO and President, Arts Garage in Delray Beach.  They have a lot of awesome programs happening this year.  Coming up is PLACES!, a Summer theatre camp for kids and teens from July 7th to August 1st (financial aid is available). Week 1 features Technical theatre and Playwriting, week 2 is Improvisation, week 3 will be Musical Theatre and week 4 is Acting.  Students can pick the weeks that interest them.  There's a discount for purchasing all 4 classes.  They have a great Artist in Residence program.  Currently showing in their art gallery is "Icons, Idols and Adoration".  And they will have more programming coming with their Out of the Black Box theatre residency and family porgrams.  For more information, to become a sponsor or volunteer, listeners can go to www.artsgarage.org  

Talked with Andy McAusland, CEO and Zelda Porter, MHAPB Clubhouse Member from Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches (MHAPB).  "Mental Health America of the Palm Beaches is a proud Palm Beach County affiliate of Mental Health America, the nation's leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health, well-being, and illness prevention. Our mission is to create a supportive community where all people can flourish. Where people with a history of serious mental illness are defined by their talents and skills, not their diagnoses. And where members build resilience for long-term recovery, including:Clubhouses in West Palm Beach and Belle Glade, where members work side by side with staff, discovering their talents and abilities and building long-term relationships that support them in increasing social and vocational skills and obtaining employment, education, and housing.Peer Place in northern West Palm Beach where members can drop in any time, take part in mindfulness, art, or music activities, join a group support session, or just have a coffee and talk one-on-one with one of MHAPB's trained peer support mentors.Peer Career Readiness Training and Support: The Certified Recovery Peer Specialist (CRPS) credential is for people who use their lived experience and skills learned in our Peer Career Readiness training to help others achieve and maintain recovery and wellness from mental health and/or substance use conditions. MHAPB celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2024."  To help support their programs, they are having a 5k Run and 1k walk in Dreher Par on Saturday March 22nd with a 7:30am start.  Listeners can sign up for the race, to become a volunteer, make a donation or find out more about the services MHAPB offers by going to www.mhapalmbeaches.org

Talked with Owen O'Neil, CEO, Clinics Can Help.  Clinics Can Help is a non-profit that provides, "a caring community connection to medical equipment and supplies, empowering people with mobility, independence and dignity in all stages of life and health. Our Vision is that people everywhere are equipped to thrive, supported by a community circle of giving that meets their essential medical equipment needs."  They provide Durable Medical Equipment (DME) regardless of patient's ability to pay. The have a wide variety of medical equipment including walkers, canes, braces, wheelchairs ,electric wheelchairs, hospital beds, c-pap, bi-pap, nebulizers, etc.  Listeners can request equipment online at clinicscanhelp.org. They are getting ready to host their 2nd annual Clays 4 Kids fundraiser.  It's Friday March 7th at Palm Beach County Shooting Sports Center.  Tickets are $300 each and folks can register as an individual or a team of 4.  There are 15 stations on the course.  They'll have a silent auction/raffle and lunch as well.  CCH welcomes volunteers, sponsors, and equipment donations.  Listeners can sign up at www.clinicscanhelp.org

Talked with Teresa Zabik and Jeanette Mitchell from the Friends of Okeeheelee Nature Center (ONC).  The Friends of ONC is a non-profit that provides support to Okeeheelee Nature Center, it's staff, volunteers and animal ambassadors.  They put on fundraisers to enhance exhibits, trails, facilities as well as educational programs that provide an enriching experience for nature center visitors.  Teresa and Jeanette are volunteers who are working on the upcoming fundraiser, 2nd Annual Gopher Tortoise Gallop 5k Run/Walk.  It's happening on Saturday March 22 with a 7:30am start.  The park will open at 6:15am that day and packet pick up with be at the Micanopy Pavillion. They've added a pre-walk warm up and they have lots of fun events, and animal encounters after the race.  Listeners can sign up their teams at www.Victorysportsmgt.com/gophertortoisegallop5k/  For info about becoming a member of the Freinds of ONC, Volunteer, becoming a sponsor they can call 561-233-1400.

Talked with Oscar Quesada and Julie Gilbert, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Julie Gilbert is a Pulitzer Prize - nominated biographer, novelist, playwright and the teacher for the Kravis Center's Writer's Academy.  She's doing a book launch on February 19th for her novel "Giant Love".  Giant Love: Edna Ferber, Her best selling novel of Texas and the making of a classic American film.  She'll be having a conversation with Hap Erstein about the book and her writing program which is celebrating it's 20th Anniversary.  Then on Februrary 20th, the next 6 session class for Writer's Launch starts at 1:30pm.  The public is invited to sign up for the writing class at www.kravis.org. The Kravis has a wide variety of shows this season.  Wrapping up this weekend is Peter Pan The Musical (family fare and Kravis on Broadway) and 19th African American Film Festival. Coming up is The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge, CLUE, Les Miserables, 54 Belowat the Rinker: Mauricia Martinez, Ain't Too Proud - The Life and Times of the Temptations, An Evening with Isaac Mizrahi, Trailblazing Women of Country lunch and learn series, The Beach Boys, Peter Bence, Old Crow Medicine Show, Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield & Richard Marx, Blippi: Join the Band Tour, Gospel Gala: Kierra Sheard-Kelly rescheduled to 2/28/25.  They are adding additional shows this season.  Listeners can sign up for the Kravis Newsletter at Kravis.org and find out about the announcements they'll be releasing on Tuesday.  They can also call 561-262-SHOW.

Talked with Sabeena Beg, Executive Director and Autumn Kioti, Education and Outreach Director, Audubon Everglades.  Their mission is to educate and inspire people to conserve wildlife, especially birds, and the environment that supports them. "We offer a variety trips, events, and activities in which everyone may participate: Birding Field trips are especially popular. Monthly meetings, on the first Tuesday of each month, include informative programs. An active conservation group keeps constant vigil. Education is an integral part of Audubon Everglades. We also co-sponsor the annual Everglades Day festival at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, a free event that highlights the importance of this outstanding and unique ecosystem.In 1979, the chapter established a world class Ornithological  Library, housed at the main library on Summit Blvd in West Palm Beach.  Grants, bequests and donations fund this ongoing project.  The Audubon Everglades Audubon Collection has become the largest publicly accessible ornithological collection in the Southeast." Listeners can come meet them at the Natural Areas Festival on the 15th at Winding Waters.  They can also, get more info, donate, sign up to be a volunteer at www.audoboneverglades.org

Talked with Scott Simmons and Quincy Brukerhoff from the Norton Museum of Art.  They have a great line up events for season.  There are two big exibhitiions running: Strike Fast Dance Lightly Artists on Boxing now-March 9th and Sorolla and The Sea, now-April 13th.  They have a great line up of Art After Dark seriers that happens every Friday night.  Coming up they are kicking off their Lunar New Year Celebration with Art After Dark on Feburary 7th and then continuing the festivities on their Free Conmuunity Day,Saturday February 8th. The Norton has a Chinese collection, spanning 5,000 years. Visitors can take docent led tours, enjoy story telling, puppet shows, dragon dance, crafts,food and more.  Then on February 14th, they'll have Jazz perfomances (normally the 1st Art After Dark) for Valentine's day.  Listeners can find out more info by going to www.norton.org.

Talked with Darrel Willis, Actor and Elizabeth Dashiell, Managing Producer from Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival.  This year they are splitting the shows, holding one in the "winter" and one in the summer.  As You Like It will run from Janurary 30th to February 2nd at Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach as Shakespeare by the Palms V and then The Winter's Tale by Shakespeare by the Sea XXXV will run from July 10th -20th (Thursday-Sunday). This year after the run for As You Like It, they will be doing 1 hour performances of the play in local classrooms.  They are on Facebook and Instagram and listeners can get more info, donate, become a volunteer, sign up for the newsletter, and shop at www.pbshakespeare.org

Talked with Miriam Naranjo Executive Director, Schoolhouse Children's Museum.  The have a variety of exhibits.  "Exhibits Our exhibits provide an interactive glimpse of life for early Florida Pioneers – before the days of computers, cell phones, televisions or even cars.   In a society of visual stimulation, “one-click” gratification and digital convenience, children can rarely experience the type of tangible leg work that was implemented to create the environment in which they live.To build, create and, ultimately survive, early Florida settlers had to take advantage of the physical resources around them. At the Schoolhouse, children will be surrounded by child-sized replicas of those resources, which through touch, play and interaction will provide them with a historically-based, sensory learning experience. "   The museum is ideal for kids 8 and under but they have scavenger hunts for older siblings and also encourage family play.  The museum is hosting a Free Family Fun day on Saturday Janurary 25th from 10a-2p at teh Boynton Beach Amphitheatre at Centennial Park.  Kids/Families are encouraged to dress up for the "hero theme".  They have a slime lab, princess tea, obstacle course, face painting, parade and more.  Listeners can find in on the exibitions, family fun day, becoming a volunteer, sponsor or making a donation at www.schoolhousemuseum.org.

Talked with Wendy Lo, Curator of Education, Morikami Museum & Gardens.  Their "mission at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is to engage a diverse audience by presenting Japanese cultural experiences that educate and inspire."  The Morikami has several exhibitions right now including Akira: Architecture of Neo-Tokyo and Time Flow Like Water.  They also offer online exhibitions of some of the permenant collection.  Coming up in January they have tea ceremonies, Karesansui Raking demonstrations and more.  January 24th will be a Tango demonstration followed by the original "Shall We Dance" film.  They also have Orchid events, caligraphy classes, ramen spoon making classes and Kimono demonstration in Feburary and March.  And their Taste of Asia annual fundraising Gala will be in March.  Listeners can get hours, pricing, sign up for classes, get tickets to events, become a volunteer and can find out more info at www.morikami.org.

Talked with Donald E. Ephraim, Co-founder, The Donald E. Ephraim Sun & Stars International Film Festival (SASIFF), Terri Sriberg, SASSIF Co-Chair and Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS about the upcoming Sun and Stars International Film Festival, (SASIFF).  It's runs from January 23-February 2nd. There are 27 premiere screenings (18 at the Kraivs Center's Rinker Playhouse and then 9 at EVO Entertainment Delray Marketplace). The festival starts off with "LIZA: A TRULY TERRIFIC AND ABSOLUTELY TRUE STORY" at the Kravis on 1/23 7:30pm (there are a few tickets left). There will be a Q&A.  Other movies include Midas Man, Housewife of the Year, That They May Face the Rising Sun (starring Barry Ward), There's Still Tomorrow, Yasmeen's Element, Broken Dolls, Days of Happiness, Ex-Husbands, My Sunshine, Troll Storm, Wild Diamond, Universal Language, Aution, Bad Shabbos, The Glory of Life, Never Alone, Of Dogs and Men, Pink Lady, Yaniv, Holy Cow, The French Italian, First Case, Eternal You and Bashido. SASIFF supports Morse Life senior care programs.  SASIFF also does movie screenings throughout the year for organizations in the community.  Listeners can find out more about the Festival movies, buy tickets, become a sponsor/make a donation at www.sasiff.org.

Talked with Benji Studt, Team Leader, Outreach & Science Communications. Enviromental Resources Mgmt. Palm Beach County.  The PBC ERM works with 32,000 miles of the natural areas in Palm Beach County. They do a lot of great events to help folks reconnect with nature. The program is called Adventure Awaits and features, kayaking paddles, swamp tromps,. weeding and trash cleanup for the birds, an evening unders the stars astronomy, Sunset meditation under the Oaks, wandering flower crews, holiday sunset hikes, nature scavenger hunts, 2-4k trail runs, etc.  Listeners can sign up via Event Brite.  PBC ERM is hosting their annual  PBC Natural Areas Festival on Saturday Feb 15th at Winding Waters Nature Area. 6161 Haverhill Rd WPB from 2p-7p.  They have a wide variety of programs that day: trail run (Must pre-register), free kayaking, burn demo, exhibitors, kid zone, wildlife presentation, wildflower panting, and what did you catch in the trap, plus more.  It's a free, family freindly event.  For more info, listeners can go to https://discover.pbc.gov/erm/Pages/Natural-Areas-Festival.aspx# 

Talked with Edward Stinson, Museum Docent from the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach.  The museum is located in the former home of Solomon D. Spady.  Spady museum is a non-profit that "expands and preserves our cultural heritage, sharing local black history with Delray Beach Black archive, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring."  They have a lot of great events lined up including community Kwanzaa Celebration  on 12/26 adn then their annual  Martin Luther King Jr luncheon on January 20th.  Listeners can also check out the current exhibition Inside/Outside through January 6th. Spady also offers a Ride to Remember bus tour on throughout Delray Beach.  They can also sign up to become mentors, volunteers, and make donations at www.spadymuseum.org

Talked with Rudina Toro, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Palm Beach Dramaworks.  They are celebrating their 25th Season.  This year's line up of shows includes:  Lost in Yonkers, The Dresser, The Humans, Camping with Henry and Tom and Dangerous Instruments.  Listeners can buy tickets for individual shows or package of 5 or 4. Patrons can also purchase tickets for Dramawise which is a behind the scenes program that happens the day before opening night. Then January 17-19, 2025 they have the Perlberg Festival of New Plays which is one of the ways they encourage new talent.  The line up plays for the festival includes: Vineland Place by Steven Dietz, Class C by Chaz T. Martin, The Mallard by Vincent Delaney, Two by Chelsea Marcantel, and Alba by Alejando Rodriguez.  PB Dramaworks also does One Humanity Tour where they bring plays to students in school addressing issues the students face. In addition they have a Young Playwrights Contest for students. For more info, buy tickets, become a volunteer or make a donation, listeners can go to www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

Talked with Monica Yeshek, Dir. of Marketing & Communications and Chanuokah Jersome, Commiunity Health Educator from The Promise Fund.  Promise Fund was founded by Nancy G. Brinker.  Their mission is to increase survivorship from breast and cervical cancer by providing guided support and access to screenings, as well as early detection."  The services are free and open to listeners in Palm Beach County and they have plans to expand into the treasure coast. They have a lot of events/community programs.  Recently they had Village of Wellington Senior Health Fair, PInk in the Rink, Taste of City Place for example.  Listeners can get more info, volunteer, donate by going to www.thepromisefund.org. 

Talked with Blake Scarborough, Naturalist & Volunteer Coordinator, Green Cay Nature Center and Sydelle Dombrowsky, Volunteer, Master Gardener and President of Friends of Green Cay.  They are coordinating their big annual Wildlife Celebration event.  It's happening on Saturday December 7th from 9am to 3p at Green Cay Nature Center, 12800 Hagen Ranch Rd Boynton Beach FL 33437.  Listeners can enjoy meeting the various exhibitors, guided nature tours,meet animal ambassadors, crafts, face painting, interactive games. plus more.  Green Cay also has a great line up for their Science for Seniors program.  It for age 50+, nominal fee of $5 and meets on select Fridays at 1pm.  December 6th will be Nature Journaling (where scientific observation, nature & art come together. Led by Paul Bache, PBC Parks Docent.  For more info listeners can follow Green Cay on Facebook or call 561-966-7000.

Talked with Dr. Kiminyo, Vice President T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  They have a community education initiative going on now regarding Prostate Cancer awareness.  November has the Movember movement which focuses on Men's health issues such as: mental health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and colorectal cancer. Young black men show a higher risk of suicide, so awareness is super important, 988 crisis line is available for help at anytime. Black men are also at higher risk for prostate cancer and should be screened at 45 instead of 55.  They run a PSA test that measures the level of PSA in the blood.  Imaging may also be used if levels are high.  Colorectal screenings are also important, listeners can talk with their doctors about all of these issues.  They can request an education seminar from TLJ by going to https://tljmedicalsociety.org

Talked with Dr. Kiminyo, Vice President T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  They have a community education initiative going on now regarding Prostate Cancer awareness.  November has the Movember movement which focuses on Men's health issues such as: mental health, prostate cancer, testicular cancer and colorectal cancer. Young black men show a higher risk of suicide, so awareness is super important, 988 crisis line is available for help at anytime. Black men are also at higher risk for prostate cancer and should be screened at 45 instead of 55.  They run a PSA test that measures the level of PSA in the blood.  Imaging may also be used if levels are high.  Colorectal screenings are also important, listeners can talk with their doctors about all of these issues.  They can request an education seminar from TLJ by going to https://tljmedicalsociety.org.

Talked with Naomi Wallen, from the Armory Art Center. "The Armory Art Center's historic campus, located in Howard Park, within walking distance to City Place in downtown West Palm Beach, Antique Row, and the Norton Museum of Art on Dixie Highway. The Armory Art Center is a registered historic building undergoing historic restoration and preservation to maintain and upgrade its facilities.The venue sits squarely in the heart of the historic Grandview Heights, Flamingo Park, and Sunshine Park Neighborhoods. It is a short distance from the I-95 corridor, Palm Beach International Airport, Amtrak, Tri-Rail, and Brightline train and accessible from the downtown Circuit Transportation. Artists gather at the Creative Market to showcase their work and provide demonstrations, performances, and more." They are hosting their 8th Annual Art, Craft, design festival this weekend.  Listeners can enjoy this free event from 9a-5pm.  There will be art demos throughout the day starting with Collage demo and Plein Air Painting, Wheel thrown pottery, campus and studio tours, Raku Fired pottery and eco printing.  There will be live music from BAJI, Adam Douglas, Thomas & Rachel, and NOSLEEPKG.  Listeners can enjoy ongoing studio tours, view the exhibits and kids can create art int eh kids zone.  It will be a fun start to holiday shopping,  Listeners can sign up for classes, newsletter, volunteer, make donations are www.armoryart.org

Talked with Colleen Smith, Founding Artistic and Exceutive Director, Ballet Palm Beach and Elizabeth Dashiell, PRPalmBeach.  Ballet Palm Beach is starting off their 2024-2025 season with Carmen ,November 1-3, followed by The Nutcracker December 6-8, then The Great Gatsby February 28-March 2, and wrap up with The Sleeping Beauty April 17-19.  Throughout the year, Ballet Palm Beach's "Ballet the Book: free program will be performed at various schoools and libraries.  Listeners can find out more about ballet school, becoming a volunteer, beocming a sponsor, scheduling Ballet by the Book and getting tickets for the season by going to balletpalmbeach.org.

Talked with Dr. Randy Blakely, Executive Director, FAU Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute and Patrick McNamara, President and CEO, Palm Health Foundation about The Brain Coast, A Vision for South Florida. They are starting with 6 organizations including Palm Health Foundation, FAU Stiles-Nicholson Brain Institute, Stiles-Nicholson Foundation, The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Max Planck Institute of Neuroscience and Southeast Behavioral Health Network.  Together they are focusing on three pillars to create a thriving brain ecosystem in South Florida. "The Brain Coast Vision is based on three fundamental pillars that will generate a thriving brain ecosystem in South Florida: Pillar 1: Deepening Brain Science, Education, and Resiliency Through Research The Brain Coast will advance neuroscience research and push the boundaries of our understanding of the brain, resilience, and mental health. Pillar 2: Engaging the Community The Brain Coast aims to foster an informed and proactive community that understands the importance of addressing brain health for healthier lives. Pillar 3: Spurring Innovation to Improve Brain Health, Mental Health, and Community Resilience The Brain Coast will be an epicenter for innovation in fundamental brain and mental health research, encouraging the development of novel interventions for neurodegenerative diseases and mental illnesses."  As 8 out of 10 people are affected by brain health issues, this will provide a great service to our community. For more info listeners can go to https://www.fau.edu/brain/  or www.palmhealthfoundation.org

Talked with Jasmine Fox, Smithsonian Marine Station in Ft. Pierce.  They are one of the exhibitors at this year's Indian River Lagoon Science Festival.  The festival is happening on Saturday October 26th from 10a to 3p and is free.  There is free parking in the downtown Ft. Pierce Parking Garage with a free shuttle service to the festival.  They have over 90 exhibitors. One of the Smithsonian Marine station's interative exhibits is controling undwater remote vehicles.  FAU Harbor Branch is bringing their Marine Mammal Rescue Ambulance.  Oxbow Eco center is displaying huge art sculptures called "World Away" maybe from trash collected from the beaches, parks, ocean, etc.  Kids can "spend the day as a sea turtle scientist" with the Ecological Assoc. They can check out forensic science, food science, recycling, and see some amazing stage shows and experience animal encounters.  IRL Fest also has food trucks and lots of volunteer opportunities this year.  For more info, listeners can go to https://irlsciencefest.org.

Talked with Phala and Oscar about the upcoming season at the Kravis Center.  They have "something for everyone" this year.  Lots of family fare, peak series shows, adults at leisure program, lunch and learn series, the writers academy with Julie Gilbert.  Their Kravis on Broadway series includes: Mrs. Doubtfire, The Cher Show, Cleveland Union Depot, Peter Pan, The Book of Mormon, Moulin Rouge. Les Mis, and Mystic Pizza.  They also have a fantastic line up of Classical music, dance, comedians and magicians.  For more information, listeners can go to www.kravis.org

Talked with Dr. Kiminyo, Vice President, T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  As part of their community education/outreach program, he discussed what infectious disease doctors do. They treat a variety of diseases including urinary tract infections, covid, RSV, flu, west nile virus, monkey pox, shingles, etc.  There are various treatments, vaccines for prevention.  They consult with other doctors to help patients heal. Listeners can find out more by going to the website www.tljmedicalsociety.org. There's a list of services, info on networking, volunteering, mentoring and more.

Talked with Jetson and Adoni from Westgate Community Farm.  "Westgate Community Farm is an urban education and production farm in the Westgate Neighborhood of West Palm Beach that offers neighbors fresh produce, education programs, and a lush green space."  They were created with the CRA to address the food desert in the neighborhood.  They have workshops, kids porgrams, field trips and lots of volunteer opportunities for the community.  Season is starting with their Green Market on October 5 from 9a-1p.  They will also have starter tomato, pepper plants, etc. for sale that day. They offer double EBT on the organic produce. Then on October 12th they'll be teaching a gardening 101 workshop in addition to the market.  Listeners can go to the website for more info at westgatecommunityfarm.com

Talked with Dr. Monica Walker, T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  As part of their community education/outreach Dr. Walker talked about mentoring students, collaberation with other medical professionals, serving underserverd populations, what she does as a Family Medicine Practioner. Primary care docs look at the entire person and get a complete history to help with diagnosis and treatment. She also does a lot of work with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. Sickle Cell Disease is a genetic blood disorder that can be very painful, cause life threatening complications such as strokes, infections, and organ damage.  It affects the red blood cells.  The cells normally look like a donut but with sickle cell it changes to a sickle shape so creates difficulty moving through blood vessels/delivering oxygen.  A lot of people have the sickle cell trait and don't know.  Dr. Walker works with local hematologists and the foundation to help folks get free testing so they know their status. For more info listeners are encouraged to reach out to Dr. Walker at 561-844-7699 if they have any questions or go to the websites.  www.sicklecellpbc.org or www.tljmedicalsociety.org..

Talked with Owen O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer and Jon Levy, Board Chair, from Clinics Can Help.  "Clinics Can Help connects people to safe, low-cost medical equipment in a supportive circle of care. Our model of organized recycling advances health equity by ensuring every child and adult can access the supplies they need for healthy recovery, protection from injury, and the mobility, independence and dignity to sustain a quality level of life."  They have a wide variety of medical equipment to help folks in need including cribs, wheelchairs, braces, canes, hospital beds.  They hold three fundraisers throughout the year.  Coming up on October 11th is their 11th Annual Golf Classic in memory of Devon Quiqley.  It's from 7a-7p at the Wanderers Golf Club in Wellington Florida. This year's theme is a Salute to Super Heroes and is sponsored by Gil Martinez State Farm agency. They do have a few foursomes still open, listeners can sign up online.  They also have their CCH Kinder Project Luncheon (Cribs for Kids) on November 8th and then their 2nd Annual Clay For Kids event will be on March 7, 2025. CCH will pick up large items and folks can swing by the warehouse to drop off items as well as get a tour.  They have a suggested donation for items but it's not required.  Listeners can go to to the website to sign up for the Golf Tournament, become a volunteer or sponsor.

Talked with Greg Hazle, Executive Director of Boca Helping Hands. They started as a soup kitchen in 1998. Now, Boca Helping Hands has become one of the largest nonprofit service providers in South Florida. They offer a variety of programs including Pantry Bag, Job Training, Volunteer Opportunities, Hot Meals, Financial Resources, Healthcare, and bus pass to name a few.  They are doing, Tackle Hunger program where folks take a box of cereal and get free admission to FAU vs. FIU Game on Saturday 9/14 at 6pm. They also do a Thankgiving Box giveaway.  Listeners can get more info at www.bocahelpinghands.org

Talked with Angie Mason, DPT, OTR/L and Tyre Patterson, DPT  from Dynamic Duo PT.  They are members of the T Leroy Jefferson Medical Society and do educational outreach for them.  We discussed what Phyical Therapy and Occupational Therapy disciplines do and some of the reasons folks may go to see a  PT or OT. Some of which are sports injuries, hip/knee issues, gait/balance issues, pelvic floor/incontinence, neurological  disorders (stroke, parkinsons), Carpal Tunnel, workers comp, chronic conditions like arthritis, back or knee pains and help improve ADLs (activities of daily living).  Listeners can find out more at www.dynamicduopt.com or call 561-563-2828.

Talked with Jill Brown, Chief Executive Officer and Abby Mathews, Education Director at Armory Art Center.  The West Palm Beach Armory Art Center is a historic site in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States. It is located at 1703 South Lake Avenue. "The mission of the Armory Art Center is to inspire the creation and experience of art. The Armory's vision is to become a leading artistic and cultural center."  They offer a wide variety of arts education classes, includingt the BraveHearts Program that promotoes rehabilitation of military service veterans through visual arts.  They are adding in some community requested classes as well.  Their 8th annual Art Fair now includes art, craft, design, performers, demos, youth area and a juried exhibition.  For more details on classes, volunteering, exhibitions, donating, listeners can go to www.armoryart.org.

Talked with Dr. Anita Coocoves, Exec. Dir. and Michah Robbins, Dir. of Operations, Recovery HUB of Palm Beach County. The Recovery HUB's mission is to empower, connect and advocate for individuals and families in all stages of recoery.  And their vision is to provide a safe space where people with substance use and related disorders will be met with compassion and encoraged along their path to recovery.  The HUBs to do this by providing support and solutions for folks living with substance use disorders to increase their access to recovery resources.  Some of the services the HUB provides are a safe space to go and receive all levels of support, education support (GED info, college enrollment assistance, grants information), and family support education programs, networking info, support groups, resume building, job search, interview skills, food stamp assistance, bus pass info, budgeting, shopping, nutritional info, clothing, help starting a bank account, getting their license/id, and computer access. They are always happy to have volunteers and financial support at the HUBS.  Listeners can find out more by going to www.pbchub.org or calling 1-866-472-2482.

Talked with David Lawrence, President and CEO, Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.  David explained that the Cultural Council started back in 1978 and is like a chamber of commerce for the arts.  They support and uplift professional artists and organizations in Palm Beach County.  The council is located in Lake Worth Beach.  They feature rotating exhibitions, a store and meeting spaces for the community. They do an Arts & Tourism Summit every couple years with co-hosts Discover the Palm Beaches.  Coming up on August 22, Jessika Davidson, 2023 Summit speaker, will present a workshop on "Brandscaping" and the Norton Museum of Art. It's a free event but listeners need to rsvp due to limited space.  Listeners can go to the website, www.palmbeachculture.com and find info about upcoming events, sign up for the email, becoming a volunteer, making a donation or search the Artist database or call 561-471-2901.

Talked with Erick Gill, Director of Communications Division.  They have a wide variety of programs for residents and listeners to participate in:  Fenn Center 2nd annual PetCo Love Mega Adoption event, the Area Regional Transit expanded the ART on Demand services, they also have a new ride share app Free Bee.  Lots of events happening at the pools. Free admission for kids at Arthur Lee Boatwright pool, Aquafit classes at Lakewood pool, Back to School Splash Jams 7/29-7/31 happening at the local pools.  They are offering Free guided Sea Turtle Hatchling Walks.  Listeners can sign up www.slchikes.org.  St Lucie tourism is offering "Locals Only" special deals for residents as well.  For more information listeners can go to www.visitstlucie.com or www.stlucieco.org

Talked with Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo, VP and Dr. FLora Bentsi-Enchill from the T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society.  They are gearing up to host their 23rd Annual Community Health Fair on July 27th from 9am to 2pm at the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club in Riviera Beach, Florida.  Their health fair is Free and open to everyone.  They will provide children's back to school physicals, dental screenings, diabetic testing, vision testing, HIV testing, Hearing checks, free mammograms, and this year they've added CPR training.  This year's theme is "Healthy Hearts and Healthy Minds".  In addition to all the exams, info on physical fitness, nutrition and lifestyle choices, children will receive a backpack full of supplies to help prepare them for the upcoming school year.  Listeners can sign up online for the various services, become a sponsor, become a volunteer, get more info on the society, or make a donation at www.tljmedicalsociety.org

Talked with Trent Stevens, Artistic Director and Elizabeth Dashiell from Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival (PBSF).  This year PBSF and Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation are presenting FREE Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV production of King Lear July 11-14 and 18-21.  Presented by Gary and Katherine Parr the Production will happen at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park in Jupiter.  Then on July 25- 28, there will be an encore week at The Commons Park sponsored by The Village of Royal Palm Beach.  Listeners can bring their own chair/blanket and food/drink or purchase some refreshments on site.  This year special guest, "The Sonnet Man" Devon will be doing pre show performances on July 18- July21.  The shows are free (with a suggested donation of $5/person).  For information, to become a volunteer, become a sponsor and more, Listeners can go to www.pbshakespeare.org.  

Talked with Rey Navarro, Chief Operating Officer and Susan Murphy, Clinical Services Director from Hibiscus Children's Center.  Hibiscus Center has been serving children since 1985.  They provide safe nights of care to abused children and teens.  They offer a wide variety of programs and mental health services.  They offer programs in these areas: Residential & Emergency Services for Children and youth, Mental Health services for children and youth, Career Preparation and Planning Services, Prevention and Family Services.  Listeners can get more info about programs, donations, services, volunteer opportunities, and fundraisers at www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org

Talked with Michael Riordan, COO and Lety Gonzalez, Marketing Coordinator for Compass in Lake Worth.  Compass Center has been "providing life-saving services to the residents of Palm Beach County and South Florida for 35 years. Their mission is to engage, empower and enrich the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and those impacted by HIV and AIDS."They offer a wide variety of mental health programs, peer support groups, youth groups, transgender resources, free counseling and cultural  competency trainings, and HIV education awareness.  They do several fundraising events throughout the year.  The next big one is the 2024 Stonewall Ball which raises funds for the programs and operations at Compass Community Center.  It's going to be at Hilton Downtown West Palm Beach, 600 Okeechobee Blvd. 33401.  Listeners can get tickets, make donation, and more information on services at www.compasslgbtq.com.

Talked with Burt Moresch, President, Field Day Coordinator and Laurence Grayhills, DMD from Jupiter Tequesta Repeater Group (JTRG).  "JTRG is an ARRL-affiliated, Special Service Club and incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that's committed to the promotion of Amateur Radio and providing community assistance and goodwill.With just over 100 members, we're an active club, involved with all aspects of amateur radio, public service, and Amateur Radio examinations. We provide communications and logistics for area events and participate in the Jupiter Jubilee, Field Day, and Club-sponsored picnics. Our repeater is leveraged as the North county repeater for ARES and we have numerous members involved with RACES, ARES, Skywarn, CERT, etc. This years Field Day will be held on June 22nd-23rd at Carlin Park in Jupiter, FL." The JTRG members will be setting up with a variety of power sources, listeners are invited to come out and try to make a contact at the "GOTA" station.  JTRG is looking for volunteers and listeners can sign up and get more info at www.jtrg.org

Talked with Edward Stinson, Museum Docent and Tracy Ann Simmonds, Museum Assistant from the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum in Delray Beach.  The museum is located in the former home of Solomon D. Spady.  Spady museum is a non-profit that "expands and preserves our cultural heritage, sharing local black history with Delray Beach Black archive, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring."  They have a lot of great events lined up for the Summer including Juneteenth Fathers of Freedom: An Evening of Dinner and Jazz on June 16th 6-8pm at Field House at Old School Square in Delray. Tickets are $100/pp Buy them at https://spadymuseum,charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/16805.  They are also doing a Ride to Remember bus tour on June 19th (Juneteenth), tickets are $25/pp.  Listeners can also go to the museum to check out the, "Ain't No Limits" exhibition that's running now.  They can also sign up to become mentors, volunteers, and make donations at www.spadymuseum.org

Talked with Courtney Marx, Director of Mental Health First Aid program at Alpert Jewish Family Services.  Alpert JFS mission is to strengthen the entire community by empowering folks through the delivery of comprehensive human services.  They have a wide variety of mental health services for all ages, mentoring, food delivery, elder care, elder planning, holocaust survivor groups, education loads, addiction support and outreach. Courtney leads the Mental Health First Aid service.  It's a training for the community to become aware of what to do in a mental health crisis to provide aid for the person while keeping themselves safe.  It provides trainees with techniques/resources to help those in the community who are struggling with a mental heath concern.  Listeners can go to www.alpertjfs.org for all the details on services, mentoring opportunities and signing up for the Mental Health First Aid training.