Palm Beach Perspective

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