PB Parenting - Sept. 2023

25 Things To Do Before Your Baby is Born

Letter From

The Publisher

Greetings,

Now that you have settled into a school routine, you might be looking for an activity for your child after school or on the weekends. Check out page 20 for our Enrichment Guide for all types of activities for children with various interests and needs. This guide is also available year-round on our website www.pbparenting. com.

As a mom to a tween and a teen, I find myself reminscing to the time they were little sweet babies. Check out page 8 for tips on how to bond with your baby. It seems like yesterday I was snuggling little sweet 7 lbs newborns and now they are almost as tall as me! Enjoy those moments!

Thank you to all the moms, dads, grandparents, caregivers, toddlers and babies in strollers that came out to the Stroller Daze event at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. It was so lovely to meet you all — what a fun morning. Congratulations to Alyesha who won an Gladys Family Anthem2 wagon! I am sure you are going to get plenty of use out of it with your two kids.

In the meantime, connect with us online in Palm Beach County Moms or our co-ed group Palm Beach County Parents to stay up to date on all the happens and meet and chat with other local parents.

Happy Parenting,

PB Parenting

Volume 12, Issue 9 | September 2023

PUBLISHER

Felonice Merriman

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jennifer Preville

GRAPHIC DESIGN/PRODUCTION

Felonice Designs, LLC

Stephanie Davis

COVER & PUBLISHER PHOTO BY: Lynn of Lynn Studios

www.lynnstudios1.com

WRITERS & CONTRIBUTORS

Amy Bergman

Family Features

The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®

CONTACT PB PARENTING

BY MAIL11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Suite 10A-146

Wellington, FL 33414

To advertise: 561-223-9223

EMAIL - info@pbparenting.com

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The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

PB Picks Enrichment & Baby

Mindfulness is deep-rooted in our vocabularies today like never before. Passing this mindset onto our kids is essential for their childhood development and emotional intelligence. Mindful & Co Kids understands this and helps us raise resilient, kind, and compassionate children. Mindful & Co Kids is an Aussie brand new to the U.S. with gifts that soothe our children's emotions while encouraging them to take a mindful moment daily, something all of us adults can get behind!

It's a trusted brand created by a child psychotherapist that parents and caregivers feel good about giving to kids - it’s emotional security designed for littles with weighted stuffed animals, yoga cards, games, and more. Founder and creator Jacqueline Yeats developed the brand using her extensive background in yoga and psychology and her experience dealing with postpartum depression.

As the name implies, Mindful & Co Kids is about putting our kids' mental health at the forefront, giving them their tools to selfsoothe, developing a daily practice, and acknowledging it's okay sometimes not to feel okay. These unique, thoughtful gifts for children are great for birthdays, baby showers, and just-because gifts, conveniently found on Amazon and Anthropologie. Pictured here - Mindfulness Magic Ball, Happy Hearts Board Game and A-Z Mindful Affirmations Cards. Learn more at www.mindfulandcokids.com

Boppy Anywhere Nursing Support - Ergonomic support when feeding, anywhere you go! The Anywhere Nursing Support provides spot-on feeding support anywhere you need it. Great for small living spaces, moms on the go, and breastfeeding moms recovering from a caesarean delivery. Use it at home and bring it with you on outings or leave one in your car so you are always traveling with the nursing support you and baby need! The breathable yoga-inspired fabric belt holds the pillow in place. The open design is great for women plus sized to petite and women recovering from c-sections. The contoured shape allows for multiple feeding positions in a smaller size. This nursing pillow packs up small in an easy to carry shape for uncompromising ergonomic support while nursing wherever you are. Storage is a breeze. Hang it, wrap it or toss it in a tote. Available on Amazon.

Boppy ComfyHug Carrier - Give mom the ComfyHug Hybrid Newborn Carrier to ensure their baby is secure from day one. It’s a hardware-free design, yoga-inspired wraps, and soft structured center panel that can transform your baby’s growth. Confidently carry your baby this fall with Boppy’s ComfyHug. Available on Amazon, Target, Buy Baby, Baby List, and Walmart

Bonding with Your Baby

Bonding is the intense attachment that develops between parents and their baby. It makes parents want to shower their baby with love and affection and to protect and care for their little one. Bonding gets parents up in the middle of the night to feed their hungry baby and makes them attentive to the baby's wide range of cries.

Scientists are still learning a lot about bonding. They know that the strong ties between parents and their child provide the baby's first model for intimate relationships and foster a sense of security and positive self-esteem. And parents' responsiveness to an infant's signals can affect the child's social and cognitive development.

Why Is Bonding Important? Bonding is essential for a baby. Studies of newborn monkeys who were given mannequin mothers at birth showed that, even when the mannequins were made of soft material and provided formula to the baby monkeys, the babies were better socialized when they had live mothers to interact with. The baby monkeys with mannequin mothers also were more likely to suffer from despair. Scientists suspect that lack of bonding in human babies

can cause similar problems.

Most infants are ready to bond immediately. Parents, on the other hand, may have a mixture of feelings about it. Some parents feel an intense attachment within the first minutes or days after their baby's birth. For others, it may take a bit longer.

But bonding is a process, not something that takes place within minutes and not something that has to be limited to happening within a certain time period after birth. For many parents, bonding is a byproduct of everyday caregiving. You may not even know it's happening until you observe your baby's first smile and suddenly realize that you're filled with love and joy.

The Ways Babies Bond - When you're a new parent, it often takes a while to understand your newborn and all the ways you can interact:

• Touch becomes an early language as babies respond to skin-to-skin contact. It's soothing for both you and your baby while promoting your baby's healthy growth and development.

• Eye-to-eye contact provides meaningful

communication at close range.

• Babies can follow moving objects with their eyes.

• Your baby tries — early on — to imitate your facial expressions and gestures.

• Babies prefer human voices and enjoy vocalizing in their first efforts at communication. Babies often enjoy just listening to your conversations, as well as your descriptions of their activities and environments.

Making an Attachment - Bonding with your baby is probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care. You can begin by cradling your baby and gently rocking or stroking him or her. If you and your partner both hold and touch your infant frequently, your little one will soon come to know the difference between your touches. Both of you can also take the opportunity to be "skin to skin" with your newborn by holding him or her against your own skin when feeding or cradling.

Babies, especially premature babies and those with medical problems, may respond to infant massage. Because babies aren't as strong as adults, you'll need to massage your baby very gently. Before trying out infant massage, be sure to educate yourself on proper techniques by checking out the many books, videos, and websites on the subject. You can also contact your local hospital to find out if there are classes in infant massage in your area.

Breastfeeding and bottle-feeding are both natural times for bonding. Infants respond to the smell and touch of their mothers, as well as the responsiveness of the parents to their needs. In an uncomplicated birth, caregivers try to take advantage of the infant's alert period immediately after birth and encourage feeding and holding of the baby. However, this isn't always possible and, though ideal, immediate contact isn't necessary for the future bonding of the child and parent.

Adoptive parents may be concerned about bonding with their baby. Although it might happen sooner for some than others, adopted babies and their parents can bond just as well as biological parents and their children.

Bonding With Daddy - Men these days spend more time with their infants than dads of past generations did. Although dads frequently yearn for closer contact with their babies, bonding frequently occurs on a different timetable, partially because they don't have the early contact of breastfeeding that many moms have.

But dads should realize, early on, that bonding with their child isn't a matter of being another mom. In many cases, dads share special activities

Gentle Nudge... A

Manatee adoptions make great gifts!

adoptamanatee.org

• Reading or singing to baby

• Giving the baby a bath

• Mirroring baby's movements

• Mimicking baby's cooing and other vocalizations — the first efforts at communication

• Using a front baby carrier during routine activities

• Letting baby feel the different textures of dad's face

Building a Support System - Of course, it's easier to bond with your baby if the people around you are supportive and help you develop confidence in your parenting abilities. That's one reason experts recommend having your baby stay in your room at the hospital. While taking care of a baby is overwhelming at first, you can benefit from the emotional support provided by the staff and start parent. Although rooming-in often is not possible

special needs, the support from the hospital staff can make bonding with the infant easier.

At first, caring for a newborn can take nearly all of your attention and energy — especially for a breastfeeding mom. Bonding will be much easier if you aren't exhausted by all of the other things going on at home, such as housework, meals, and laundry. It's helpful if dads or other partners can give an extra boost with these everyday chores, as well as offer plenty of general emotional support.

And it's OK to ask family members and friends for help in the days — even weeks — after you bring your baby home. But because having others around during such a transitional period can sometimes be uncomfortable, overwhelming, or stressful, you might want to ask people to drop off meals, walk the dog, or run an errand for you.

Factors That May Affect Bonding - Bonding may be delayed for various reasons. Parents-to-be may

form a picture of their baby having certain physical and emotional traits. When, at birth or after an adoption, you meet your baby, reality might make you adjust your mental picture. Because a baby's face is the primary tool of communication, it plays a critical role in bonding and attachment.

Hormones can also significantly affect bonding. While nursing a baby in the first hours of life can help with bonding, it also causes the outpouring of many different hormones in mothers. Sometimes mothers have difficulty bonding with their babies if their hormones are raging or they have postpartum depression. Bonding can also be delayed if a mom's exhausted and in pain following a prolonged, difficult delivery.

If your baby spends some time in intensive care, you may initially be put off by the amount and complexity of equipment. But bonding with your baby is still important. The hospital staff can help you handle your baby through openings in the isolette (a special nursery bassinet). When your baby is ready, the staff will help you hold him or her. In the meantime, you can spend time watching, touching, and talking with your baby. Soon, your baby will recognize you and respond to your voice and touch.

Nurses will help you learn to bathe and feed your baby. If you're using breast milk you've pumped, the staff, including a lactation consultant, can help you make the transition to breastfeeding before your baby goes home. Some intensive care units also offer rooming-in before you take your baby home to ease the transition.

Is

There a Problem?

If you don't feel that you're bonding by the time you take your baby to the first office visit with your child's doctor, discuss your concerns at that appointment. It may be a sign of postpartum depression. Or bonding can be delayed if your baby has had significant, unexpected health issues. It may just be because you feel exhausted and overwhelmed by your newborn's arrival.

In any event, the sooner a problem is identified, the better. Health care providers are accustomed to dealing with these issues and can help you be better prepared to form a bond with your child. Also, it often helps to share your feelings about bonding with other new parents. Ask about parenting classes for parents of newborns.

Bonding is a complex, personal experience that takes time. There's no magic formula and it can't be forced. A baby whose basic needs are being met won't suffer if the bond isn't strong at first. As you become more comfortable with your baby and your new routine becomes more predictable, both you and your partner will feel more confident about all of the amazing aspects of raising your little one.

This information was provided by KidsHealth®, one of the largest resources online for medically reviewed health information written for parents, kids, and teens. For more articles like this, visit KidsHealth.org or TeensHealth.org. © 1995- 2023. The Nemours Foundation/KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.

Award-Winning Maternity Care

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For life’s most important moments, you deserve a hospital network that can deliver a higher level of maternity care. Our commitment to providing you with peace of mind begins with our level II and III designated NICUs, highly skilled physicians and nurses, advanced technology, and spa-like private suites that results in comprehensive care throughout your journey from prenatal to post-delivery.

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25 Things to Do Before Your Baby is Born

Preparing for the arrival of a new baby is an exciting and transformative journey. As the due date approaches, there are several important tasks and preparations to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood. Here's a checklist of 25 things to do before your baby is born:

1. Create a Nursery: Design a comfortable and safe space for your baby to sleep and play in. Stock up on essential items like a crib, changing table, and storage for baby's belongings.

2. Pack a Hospital Bag: Prepare a bag with essentials for your hospital stay, including comfortable clothes, toiletries, snacks, and important documents.

3. Attend Parenting Classes: Gain knowledge about childbirth, baby care, and parenting by attending classes or workshops.

4. Choose a Pediatrician: Research and select a pediatrician for your baby's medical care after birth.

5. Install the Car Seat: Ensure the car seat is properly installed in your vehicle for the safe transport of your baby.

6. Plan Parental Leave: Coordinate with your employer to determine your parental leave options and plan your time away from work.

7. Set Up a Baby Registry: Create a baby registry with essential items you'll need, so friends and family can help you prepare.

8. Stock Up on Essentials: Diapers, wipes, baby clothes, formula (if needed), and other necessities should be stocked up in advance.

9. Prepare Meals: Cook and freeze meals for postbirth when time for cooking might be limited.

10. Wash Baby Clothes and Linens: Wash and organize baby clothes, blankets, and linens.

11. Baby-Proof Your Home: Identify potential hazards and baby-proof your living space to ensure a safe environment.

12. Choose a Birth Announcement: Decide how you'd like to announce your baby's arrival to family and friends.

13. Install Baby Monitor: Set up a baby monitor to keep an eye on your little one while they sleep.

14. Plan Pets' Care: Make arrangements for your pets' care during your hospital stay and when you first bring the baby home.

15. Stock Baby Essentials: Purchase bottles, pacifiers, baby toiletries, and other essentials.

Pre-Wash Bottle and Pacifier: Sterilize and wash bottles, pacifiers, etc. your baby will use.

17. Set Up Feeding Area: If breastfeeding, create a cozy and comfortable space for nursing.

18. Organize Paperwork: Make sure important documents, like birth certificates and insurance information, are organized and easily accessible.

19. Purchase Nursing Bras/Clothes: If breastfeeding, invest in comfortable nursing bras and clothes.

20. Plan for Postpartum Care: Arrange for support during the postpartum period, as you recover from childbirth.

21. Learn Baby Soothing Techniques: Research and learn techniques to soothe and comfort your baby.

22. Practice Installing the Car Seat: Ensure you know how to properly install/adjust the car seat.

23. Prepare for Visitors: Plan guidelines for visitors during the early days, considering your need for rest and bonding time.

24. Take Maternity/Paternity Photos: Capture this special time with maternity or paternity photos.

25. Relax and Bond: Take time to relax, bond with your partner, and mentally prepare for the beautiful journey of parenthood.

Remember that every parent's journey is unique, so adapt this checklist to your specific needs and circumstances. By taking care of these preparations, you can welcome your baby into a loving and wellprepared environment.

Top baby names so far this year

Picking the perfect name for your newborn is no easy task! Here are the top baby names so far in 2023 based on popularity at babycenter.com.

In a world where education is not confined to the walls of a classroom, after-school enrichment programs emerge as vibrant avenues for young learners to explore, grow, and excel. These programs extend far beyond textbooks and traditional curricula, offering a multitude of benefits that contribute to a child's holistic development. Beyond the school bell, children have the opportunity to immerse themselves in activities that foster skills, confidence, and experiences that resonate well into their future.

1. Enhanced Time Management: Enrichment programs often require students to manage their time effectively to balance their regular schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and the program itself. This skill is valuable in both academic and personal pursuits.

2. Fosters Critical Thinking: Enrichment programs often engage students in activities that encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. These skills can transfer to various aspects of their lives.

3. Cultivates Responsibility: Through participation in enrichment programs, children learn to take responsibility for their commitments, assignments, and tasks, fostering a sense of accountability that can benefit them as they grow.

Benefits of After-School Enrichment Programs

4. Nurtures Curiosity: Enrichment programs typically expose children to new and diverse subjects, sparking curiosity and a desire to learn beyond what's covered in standard curricula.

5. Develops Presentation Skills: Many enrichment programs involve presentations, performances, or projects that require children to communicate effectively and present their ideas in front of others.

6. Promotes Adaptability: Enrichment programs often introduce children to unfamiliar environments, challenges, and peers. This helps them become more adaptable and open to new experiences.

7. Encourages Lifelong Learning: By experiencing education as an enjoyable and engaging activity outside of regular school hours, children are more likely to develop a lifelong love for learning.

8. Cultural and Global Exposure: Some enrichment programs might focus on cultural exchange, global awareness, or language immersion, helping children become more culturally sensitive and globally aware.

9. Develops Resilience: Enrichment programs can present challenges that require perseverance and

determination to overcome, which in turn helps children develop resilience in the face of obstacles.

10. Exploration of Passion: Enrichment programs provide a platform for children to explore their passions, hobbies, and interests in a structured and supportive environment.

11. Exposure to Role Models: Enrichment programs might bring in guest speakers or mentors who serve as positive role models, inspiring children to pursue their goals.

12. Enhances Communication Skills: Many enrichment activities involve collaborative projects, discussions, or teamwork, improving children's communication skills and ability to work effectively with others.

13. Civic Engagement: Some enrichment programs emphasize community service or social awareness, encouraging children to actively

engage in making a positive impact on society.

14. Cognitive Development: Enrichment activities, particularly those involving puzzles, strategy games, or hands-on experiments, contribute to cognitive development and intellectual growth.

15. Reduces Screen Time: Enrichment programs provide a productive alternative to excessive screen time, encouraging children to engage in real-world activities and interactions.

16. Prepares for Future Challenges: The diverse challenges presented in enrichment programs can help prepare children for future academic, personal, and professional challenges.

Remember that the specific benefits can vary depending on the type of enrichment program and the individual child's engagement and experience.

ENRICHMENT

Actor’s Workshop & Repertory Company

(Actor’s Rep)  Check out all we have to offer for our youth, including: Young Actors Guild, Youth Acting For The Camera, Page To Stage for improved reading comprehension for all ages and taught by a certified Speech-Language Pathologist, Teen Acting, Teen Improv, Special FX makeup for children & Families, Young Audience Performances, singing, BAK Mock Theater Audition, DSOA Audition Prep, and so much more.  Check our website for new class listings and shows.  Located in West Palm Beach. For more information visit www. actorsrep.org or call 1-561-833-7529.

artNEST Studios  has unique, enriching and FUN Art Workshops for kids ages 3-12, baby classes during the week and on weekends!

From 3D Art, to Painting, Clay, Messy Play, Create your own Squishies and Stuffies and more, your

child will find something that will unleash their natural creativity and enhance developmental skills! We are not your traditional Art Studio, our Splash Room is just one of the unique experiences you'll find with us. Located in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.  For more information visit artneststudios.com or call 561-562-8897.

Center for Creative Education

The Foundations

School is a K-5 private school located in West Palm Beach that focuses on providing students the foundational skills they need and breaks the barriers of traditional learning through creativity and the arts. Our unique approach has proven successful in the classroom, with 89% of our third grade students reading on or above grade level. We use a sliding-fee scale to determine how much the family contributes to their tuition and apply significant scholarships to cover the balance. For more information, call 561-805-9927, visit www.cceflorida.org or email Deniece Williams at deniecew@ cceflorida.org.

PB Parenting Palm Beach County’s Parenting Resource

Cox Science Center and Aquarium offers in person and distance learning opportunities for ages pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. They also offer exciting programs such as Code Palm Beach, Neuro Explorers, Gems Club and so much more. Located in West Palm Beach. For more information call 561-832-1988 or visit www. coxsciencecenter.org.

Florida School for Dance Education has an open-enrollment program for children ages 2–11 that promotes discipline, creativity and a love for dance while encouraging each child to reach their highest potential. Classes focus on building a solid foundation in technique with an emphasis on proper placement and safe progressions of

movement while remaining sensitive to the developmental needs of younger dancers. The Children’s Division includes Dancing with Mommy, Creative Movement, PreBallet 1 and 2 and Level 1 and The Student Division consists of Levels 2 through 3X. Located in Palm Beach Gardens. For more information call 561-627-9708 or visit www. floridaschoolfordanceeducation.com.

Genie’s Gymnastics

15,000 square feet of gymnastics fun! Gymnastics, Tumbling, Cheerleading and Recreational / Competitive Teams. They have all the necessary equipment for womens gymnastics plus an in ground trampoline, ground pit, tumble trak, training bar and lots of training mats. Located in Lake Worth. For more information call 561-868-0288 or visit www. geniesgymnastics.com.

ENRICHMENT Guide

Kids Choice Sports, Dance & Fitness offers a wide range of programs all under one roof! Our multi-sport facility includes Gymnastics, Cheer, Dance, Ninja Zone, Martial Arts, and more for children of all ages! We offer great camps, extra special birthday parties, and a monthly Parents' Night Out. We hope to see you soon! Located in Boca Raton. For more information call 561.998.4225 or visit http://www.gokidschoice.com.

Lake Worth Playhouse

The Arts Academy at the Lake Worth Playhouse offers performing arts classes in our historic building in Lake Worth

Fall Fun at Museumthe

Beach.  Enrollment is now open for our Fall 2023 classes, including Improv and Dance for Adults and Improv, Musical Theater, Acting and Audition Workshops for kids and teens. Hone your skills or pick up some new ones in classes geared for all ages and skill levels. For more information, call us at 561-586-6169, ext. 217 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse.org and click on education.

The Goldner Conservatory at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre  offers students a variety of classes, productions, and camp programs for grades Pre-K -12. Theatre classes include group and private sessions in musical theatre, acting, dance, camera

work, and auditioning. Students receive dedicated instruction from experienced theatre professionals in an intimate and supportive environment.  Arts education builds confidence, improves communication and listening skills, assists with social and emotional development, and encourages students to flourish. Classes are held at the Juno Beach Studio. Productions and camps are held at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre. For more information or to register, visit: www. jupitertheatre.org/conservatory or call: (561) 972-6106.

Movement Arts Dance Academy

Conveniently located in Royal Palm Beach, Movement Arts

Dance Academy is proudly entering its 17th season of dance!  We offer weekday and Saturday dance classes for beginner through advanced dancers age 2 and up in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theater,

Acro and more!  Our dance studio is a family, and it is our mission to ensure dancers of all levels have an enjoyable and memorable experience while learning dance and other life skills, such as creativity and teamwork, in a fostering yet challenging environment.  Join our Dance Family today!  For more information call 561-792-9757 or visit www. movementartsdanceacademy.com.

Sandoway Discovery Center

Discover the wonders of marine life at Sandoway Discovery Center! We provide captivating field trips and outreach programs suitable for all ages. Join our exciting public programs, including thrilling shark and ray feedings, up-close

ENRICHMENT Guide

and Seaside Scholars are tailored for different age groups. Explore more at sandoway.org or find us at 142 S. Ocean Blvd. in Delray Beach. Unleash the adventure with us!

At the Schoolhouse

Children’s Museum & Learning Center, we are proud to be more than just a Museum!  We offer an array of educational programming for children ages 18 months – 7 years.  These developmentally appropriate, interactive programs focus on your child’s developmental growth all with an eye towards future academic success.  We feature hands-on, sensory based exploration and play intertwined with a literature, art, science, music and/or dance focus.  For more information call 561.742.6780 or visit www. schoolhousemuseum.org.

Space of Mind

Space of Mind is a boutique educational experience, designed for our modern, social world. We provide a creative and personalized educational environment that fosters social, emotional and academic growth for all kinds of learners. We offer a full-time K-12 schoolhouse, college advising & prep, virtual and dropin homeschooling, homeschool curriculum development, academic & life skills coaching, workshops, camps, travel and really creative community programs. Our campus is composed of an uncommon assortment of hands-on creative learning spaces, where people find inspiration including visual arts,

fitness, music & media production, mind & body, performing arts, and culinary arts. Come join us to relieve stress and unleash your creative freedom! Located in Delray Beach. For more information call 561-8948772 or visit www.findspaceofmind.com.

The Study Lounge  is where education meets fun! We are an innovative learning environment that meets and surpasses the academic, social, and emotional needs of tweens and teens! We offer unlimited homework help so you can drop the kids off after school and say goodbye to hw fights and school stress! Our awesome tutors are here to motivate, organize and keep your kids on track. If you need more intense help, you can schedule a one-on-one session. We also offer a hybrid middle school program for students with learning difference and a full day support program for FLVS. Homeschool doesn't have to be isolating anymore! Our after-school enrichment activities include martial arts, art class, a kid's medical program, and a weekly chemistry workshop. Come check out our one-of-a-kind learning lounge complete with cafe. Located in Delray Marketplace. For more information call 561-822-6018 or visit www. thestudylounge.com.

HaMakom at Temple

Beth Am

HaMakom at Temple

Beth Am is the place for youth Pre-K through 12th grade to learn, grow, and experience Jewish education in an exploratory and creative setting. We put the students’ learning in their own

hands, and teachers create active learners who enhance the classroom experience. Our secret to success is focusing on making lessons relevant so students remain engaged and building community so students look forward to their time together. Sessions meet Sunday mornings and Tuesday afternoons; Hebrew is taught one-on-one at each child’s pace. For more information on all of the programs HaMakom offers, contact Alissa Frankel at 561.747.1109

Young Singers of the Palm Beaches  is Palm Beach County's awardwinning communitybased children's choir. It is their mission to teach life skills through music by giving children an atmosphere of artistic excellence in which they develop teamwork and leadership skills, form supportive friendships, and serve as ambassadors in their community.

Their core choir is based at the Kravis Center for grades 2-12. They have a South County Choir which rehearses at the Boynton Beach Cultural Center for grades 2-5. Both choirs are taught by seasoned professionals and have performance opportunities. To learn more about how to join Young Singers visit their website at www.yspb.org/audition.

TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP TO STARDOM!

Seeking non-union singers and actors of all gender identities; age range 7-13 years old. Performers must be no older than 13 years old through the run of the production.

This is an unpaid, volunteer position.

Rehearsals begin: November 7, 2023

Dress Rehearsal: November 26, 2023

Previews begin: November 28, 2023

Opens: November 30, 2023

Closes: December 10, 2023

Performers will play carolers on stage and will be asked to sing in three or four part harmonies. Experience singing in harmony is a plus but not required to audition. Performers may also be asked to play hand bells, create sounds throughout the play, and move props on stage. Speaking roles; including the role of “Tiny Tim” and other children are also available.

FIRST STEP TO STARDOM

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre is seeking young non-union volunteer performers ages 7–13 for its reimagining of the Charles Dickens' holiday classic!

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Auditions begin at 10am

Check in begins at 9:30am

Audition Location: Maltz Jupiter Theatre, 1001 East Indiantown Rd | Jupiter, FL 33477. Please enter through the main entrance of the Theatre.

What to Prepare: Please be ready to sing the Soprano/Melody vocal part for “In the Bleak Midwinter” plus an additional part that feels comfortable in your voice.

You will not need to have the words memorized for the audition; you may use your music.

What to Bring: Two headshots and resumes stapled back to back (if available). You may also upload your headshot and resume to the registration website below.

Pre-registration not required but preferred www.jupitertheatre.org/fsts.

BY AMY BERGMAN

Is Labor Day Really the Other New Years?

Labor Day has always been a reboot time on my calendar. For many parents, it is a starting point when our kids begin a new school year, bringing with it a new family schedule each fall. For others, it denotes the end of summer and a change of season. But lately, I’ve been thinking about Labor Day and the beginning of September, in a new way.

Perhaps it is, as Mel Robbins, A New York Times Bestselling author, podcaster and selfpublishing phenom and Gretchen Rubin, Author of Outer Order, Inner Calm (www. gretchenrubin.com/books/outer-order-innercalm/) says, “another New Year’s, a time to set some goals and to think about your own

labor-your own work life.” This could be as small as cleaning out that top drawer of your desk, creating a new filing system (are you a filer or a piler?), or as large as switching careers (something I just did last summer!).

Our labor, or work, can happen anywhere and can take on many forms. Whether we work in an office building, home office, coffee shop or from the front seat of our car, we all work somewhere doing some type of work. So, this September, I ask: What is working in your work? What is not working at all? What changes would you like to see happen? What new skills might you want to learn in the year to come? Perhaps if you’re working in a job that for whatever reason isn’t fulfilling, it can be great to start a side hustle. Learn more about that by

listening to the podcast Side Hustle School (www.sidehustleschool.com/podcasts/).

Maybe you want to streamline and simplify how to run your household, creating systems that truly work for you and family at this stage of life. Labor Day is the perfect time to devote a day to thinking about how we want the coming year to look like for us professionally as well as personally. Is it another time to reboot. Interestingly enough, this September is also when the Jewish people will celebrate the Jewish New Year. There’s so much opportunity this month, let’s reset a bit and enjoy the “fruits of our labors”.

For more inspiration and thoughts on Labor Day, listen to the Happier podcast episode #184, How to be Happier in our Work Lives (www.gretchenrubin.com/ podcast-episode/184-happier-labor-day/).

For help in resetting and organizing your home office or workplace, send me a message (amy@amyzingspaces.com) and I will set up a complimentary consultation.

Amyzing Spaces provides professional organization for your home & office! Amy Bergman is a professional organizer serving Palm Beach County who has always had a passion for organizing & simplifying things in life. She would love to help you make your space Amyzing!!! Check out her website at www.amyzingspaces.com, and you will see how she works with her clients to organize spaces in their homes & offices, creating systems that work for them so they can achieve more calm in their space and be even more productive & efficient with their time. You can also follow her on Facebook & Instagram. She posts excellent organizational tips and resources there as well.

TRAVELS

& Places to go

Celebrity Cruises Continues Caribbean Expansion With The Announcement Of New Itineraries

Bringing Four Ships To Three Florida Ports

Celebrity Cruises, the award-winning premium cruise line pioneering resort travel at sea, is thrilled to unveil all-new Caribbean offerings for the Winter 2024-2025 season on board four stellar ships –Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox, and Celebrity Summit. Embarking from three Florida ports: Central Florida’s Port Canaveral, West Florida’s Port Tampa Bay, and South Florida’s Port Everglades, travelers will enjoy more than 40 new itineraries, all open for booking. Catering to the diverse needs of today’s consumer, the new program offers a wide range of experiences, from rejuvenating quick getaways to weekly 7-night cruises, and up to 9-night escapes. Transporting guests to tropical hotspots from Belize and Bimini to Grand Cayman and San Juan, a select number of itineraries also offer the opportunity to visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

“We are so excited to unveil this new program. It provides our guests with more options to experience the natural beauty of the Caribbean,

which is elevated by our personalized experiences on board,” says Laura Hodges Bethge, President of Celebrity Cruises. “As part of this expansion, we are thrilled to add Port Canaveral to our list of home ports – it is a perfect market to reach a wide mix of both in- and out-of-state travelers looking for fun in the Caribbean sun.”

More Opportunities to Sail from South Florida and Visit Perfect Day at CocoCay

As part of the new program, Celebrity will expand its offerings from Fort Lauderdale’s Port Everglades, to include more opportunities to set sail on two awardwinning ships: Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Summit. From October 23, 2024, to March 8, 2025, travelers can enjoy five new sailings on Apex, ranging from 6- to 7-night itineraries visiting destinations like St. Maarten, San Juan, Grand Cayman, and Mexico, as well as select sailings to Perfect Day at CocoCay.

A vibrant private island paradise nestled in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay offers the best of beach-side bliss and sun-soaked excitement. With

something for everyone, guests can enjoy miles of pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, take a dip in the largest freshwater pool in The Bahamas, and swim up to the bar for a refreshing tropical cocktail. Plus, guests can experience the ultimate in relaxation and privacy at Coco Beach Club that features a heated infinity pool, specialty restaurant, 20 exclusive overwater cabanas, and more. Debuting in January 2024, Perfect Day at CocoCay will introduce Hideaway Beach – an adults-only paradise, with private cabanas and a new signature food outlet.

Additionally, from February 25, 2025, to April 10, 2025, Summit will offer five new itineraries ranging from 5- to 9-night across the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

"As one of Celebrity Cruises’ homeports, we are excited about the new sailings on Apex and Summit. In addition to the line’s ‘resort at sea’ experience, their cruise guests can expect to experience unrivalled customer service and ease of sailing at Port Everglades,” said Port Everglades CEO and Port Director Jonathan Daniels.

Celebrity Comes to Port Canaveral

For the first time ever, Celebrity Cruises will sail out of Orlando’s Port Canaveral with 20 new itineraries, from November 21, 2024, to April 19, 2025, on board the intimate Celebrity Equinox. With most

itineraries spanning 7-nights, travelers will have the opportunity to visit highly sought-after Caribbean destinations like the Bahamas, Belize, Grand Cayman, Mexico, San Juan, and St. Maarten. Just in time for the Spring Break season, two sailings on March 1st and March 15th, 2025, will visit Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Refreshed Caribbean Offerings from Port Tampa Bay

Celebrity Cruises will revamp its current Caribbean program out of Port Tampa Bay. Guests can now enjoy more frequent opportunities to set sail with 6to 7-night cruises on board Celebrity Constellation. The new program expands the brand’s offerings with four new itineraries and a total of 14 sailings for the season from January 2, 2025, to April 6, 2025. These itineraries will visit destinations like Belize, Honduras, Key West, Mexico, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras, scheduled for March 1, 2025.

"There has never been a better time to sail Celebrity Cruises from Port Tampa Bay. We are excited for Celebrity’s new offerings and our continued successful partnership,” said Paul Anderson, Port Tampa Bay President and CEO. “Celebrity Constellation is a beautiful ship that provides travelers with an unforgettable cruise experience, all the while being located just steps from Tampa’s top attractions.”

For more information on Celebrity Cruises, or to book a Celebrity cruise, visit www.celebrity.com.

EVENTS & Things to Do

Entertainment Center Weekdays only MONDAYFRIDAY starting at 10 AM -1PM For each toddler, Ages 6 and under are $10, For each toddler, one guardian jumps for $2.  For more info www. jumpadrenaline.com/lake-worth

Introducing “Let’s Pretend” at the Schoolhouse Children's Museum– a magical class where little ones aged 3-7 can explore the world of drama, create costume accessories, and embark on imaginative adventures as various characters! Join us for a single classes or sign up for the 6 week series. Limited spots available:

•Members: $10 per class, $48 -6 weeks series

•Non-Members: $12 per class (plus admission) $60 - 6 week series Class starts September 7 Call to register!Learn more www. schoolhousemuseum.org.

There is still time to sing with our YSPB family this season! Young Singers is holding auditions at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts on Wednesday, September 6th. We are welcoming grades 2-12, for both our Kravis and South County choirs. For more information visit our website at yspb.org/audition. Come sing with us!

Schedule a Tour at Gardens School of Technology Arts. Call 561-290-7661 to schedule a tour of our campus. Gardens SOTA is a charter program for K-8. Learn more at www.mysota.net. We look forward to meeting you.

Mouse Trap Car Workshops

Join us for an interactive, hands on workshop to build a car powered by a mousetrap from scratch!

Saturday Workshops: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

September 16th | September 23rd | October 21st

Monday/Tuesday Workshops Evening Split Workshop: 6 pm - 8 pm *each evening November 6th & 7th

$30 per person, ages 9+ only please (parents must accompany ages 9 - 23) Each registration includes one kit. To register please visit: https://www. coxsciencecenter.org/.../mousetrap-car-workshop

Temple Beth Am invites you to celebrate the holidays: Saturday, September 16 3:30 PM Rosh Hashanah

Children's Service

(for kids ages 0-5 and their familes) Perry Como Pavillion at Ocean Cay Park in Jupiter, 4:30 PM Family-Friendly Tashlich Service on the BeachOcean Cay Park in Jupiter (Marcinski Road and A1A). Monday, September 25 1:30 PM Yom Kippur Family Servives at Temple Beth Am (for 1st-6th grade and their familes) 3 PM Yom Kippur Services at Temple Beth Am for kids 0-5 and their familes. Call Alissa Frankel at 561.747.1109 for more information or to RSVP for any of the events. Free and open to the public. RSVP online at www.bit.ly/3L6aU4N

College and Career Fair - Palm Beach County School District - For high school students interested in learning more about postsecondary options. Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds 9067 Southern Boulevard. Featuring representatives from:Public and private colleges and universities (including HBCUs and HSIs) from in and out of state.Vocational programs. Military branches. Trio EOC (PBSC) to present FAFSA info sessions.For more info Dr. Charlene Beckford at charlene.beckford@palmbeachschools.org

Hispanic Hertiage Celebration - The Village of Palm Springs presents a night of lively music, delicious food, and fun filled activities. Bring the family out immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the Hispanic community. Sept. 22 from 5:30 PM - 8 PM. Taco Eating Competition - 7:30 PM, Pinata Breaking 7 PM, For more info www.vpsfl. org or call 5610584-8200.

Nights at the Museum Sept. 29th - Fantastic Flight. Guests of all ages can enjoy extended hours of exploration at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Each Night at the Museum is a different theme, which includes various interactive science crafts, activities, exhibits, planetarium shows, and a chance to view the night sky in Palm

Beach County's only public observatory (weather permitting). Activities Include: Fly Sticks, Clothespin Plane, Aero plane Design Challenge, Clay Aero plane, Aeuronautics: Helicopter Lab and more Admission to Nights at the Museum: $18.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors, $16.95 for children (312), FREE for children under 3, and $12.95 for adult members (child members are FREE). Learn more at https://www.coxsciencecenter.org/nights-at-themuseum.

Mark your calendar! The 27th annual National Walk & Roll to School Day is Wednesday, October 4, 2023. The District encourages any students traveling to and/ or from school by walking, riding, or rolling to be accompanied by an adult at all times. Palm Beach County School District police along with PBC Sheriffs Officer and PBC crossing guards will be present at intersections to assist in getting students across the street safely.

Space of Mind "An Anti-Social Social Club" Launching this Fall!

If you’re not social, this is the social club for you. A one-stopshop for social skills, friends and fun... Twice monthly hangouts – once on the Space of Mind campus for some creative skill-based fun and once out on the town, living our best lives with the skills we’re building. Learn more at https:// findspaceofmind.com/social-club/ Want the latest events?

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