Impromp2, The Community Blog

From NAMI of Palm Beach County

Watch the program on WPBT2 in Miami on October 4 at 1pm

Visit NAMI of Palm Beach County here

MINDS ON THE EDGE: Facing Mental Illness zeros in on wrenching situations playing out every day in hospital ERs, on city streets and school campuses, in courtrooms and in jails, as Americans struggle with serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The dramatic scenario of this Fred Friendly Seminars program reveals personal dilemmas facing individuals and families, medical practices that can be obstacles to treatment, and public polices that are falling short.

Moderated by Frank Sesno, the program features Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Nobel-Prize-winning neuroscientist Eric Kandel, Pulitzer-nominated journalist Pete Earley, and other panelists from law, medicine, and public policy — including several who have personally faced the challenges of mental illness and offer their riveting insights.

Dade Community Foundation Survey / FYI Miami

The Foundation is seeking information to better understand the emerging economic and operating landscape facing nonprofits and the community they serve.  Help them out by completing this survey on the impact current economic conditions are having on local nonprofits.

 

Survey closes this Friday, October 2nd.
Click here to access the survey.

The Story of Florida's State Parks Tonight at 7:30 pm on WPBT2

The Story of Florida's State Parks, WPBT2, Tonight at 7:30 p.m. explores the history and beauty of Falling Waters State Park. This park near Chipley, in Northwest Florida, has the state's highest waterfall and plunges seventy feet into a sinkhole formation.

http://channel2.typepad.com/florida_parks/sneak-peek.html

Despite Economic Crisis, Residents Still Love Miami

Gallup and Knight Foundation Study Explores the Ties that Bind People to Place

Attachment to the Miami Area Increases Significantly, Particularly Among African-Americans

MIAMI, FLA. (Sept. 29, 2009) – A Gallup study of the Miami area and 25 other U.S. communities has found that the worst economic crisis in decades does not play a key role in residents' passion and loyalty for Miami.

“While the pain from the recession is deep, other factors far outweigh economics when it comes to determining how emotionally attached people are to their communities,” said Warren Wright, managing partner for Gallup, which conducted the study with funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

In 2009, the second of a three-year study, emotional attachment to the Miami area increased significantly.

The increase was largest amongst African-Americans, those living in lower-income, urban areas, the study found.

The Future of Florida's State Parks?

At the screening for The Story of Florida's State Parks, held at Palmetto Bay Village Center, Florida Park Service Director Mike Bullock discusses the future growth of the Florida Parks system.

Watch the Story of Florida's State Parks on WPBT2

THE STORY OF FLORIDA’S PARKS

Monday, September 28 - Wednesday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m.

The Story of Florida’s State Parks is a three-part television series that chronicles the dramatic times and remarkable characters behind the formation of Florida’s award winning state park system. A compelling narrative and untold stories are visualized through images of the wonders of the state parks. The Story of Florida’s State Parks captures in high definition images the unspoiled essence of the parks from the white sand beaches of Perdido Key to the shorelines of Amelia Island and south to the glorious sunsets at Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West. 

Visit the official website

THE NATIONAL PARKS: AMERICA’S BEST IDEA

 
Sunday, September 27 - Friday, October 2 at 8 p.m.
Special sneak preview of episode one at 2 p.m. on September 27

The six-part documentary series, directed by Ken Burns and co-produced with Dayton Duncan, who also wrote the script, is the story of an idea as uniquely American as the Declaration of Independence and just as radical: that the most special places in the nation should be preserved, not for royalty or the rich, but for everyone. The astonishing beauty of Yosemite Valley and Yellowstone give birth to the radical idea of creating national parks for the enjoyment of everyone. Through economic catastrophes, wars, new technology and inventions, American families create unforgettable memories, passing on a love of the parks to the next generation.

Learn more about The National Parks

This program is brought to you locally by Palmetto Bay Village Center and the Seminole Tribe of Indians of Florida.

Maggie Gyllenhaal Hosts New Season of PBS’s Emmy® Award-Winning Series Independent Lens

The Emmy® Award-winning PBS series Independent Lens announced today that critically acclaimed actress Maggie Gyllenhaal will host the upcoming 2009/2010 season, making her debut when the series premieres on Tuesday, October 13th, 2009. Past seasons of Independent Lens have been presented by award-winning actors Edie Falco, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle and Susan Sarandon.

“We are very pleased to be working with Maggie Gyllenhaal in this capacity. She is one of the finest actresses working in independent film today. The characters she has created on screen are indelibly crafted in honesty and truth; we are delighted that she will be hosting our upcoming season,” said series producer Lois Vossen.

“I'm a passionate believer in the power of independent film. Independent Lens filmmakers ignore the rules of commercial programming and spend years pursuing diverse stories about people not normally seen on TV. I am truly honored to present their work as the new host of Independent Lens,” said Gyllenhaal.

United Way of Broward County Seeks Volunteers for 18th Annual Day of Caring

Over 1,000 volunteers from across Broward County are being sought to show how they “Live United” at the United Way of Broward County’s Day of Caring on October 9, 2009 from 7 a.m. – 4 p.m.  The event will be held at Women In Distress’ new Jim and Jan Moran Family Center campus in Deerfield Beach.

“We are so excited about this year’s Day of Caring at Women in Distress’ new location,” said Dr. Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, United Way of Broward County president & CEO. “It will be the largest Day of Caring this community has seen in years. The new facility is huge and it’s going to take the support of hundreds of volunteers to make it a success.”

At the Day of Caring, volunteers will renovate, paint and clean the new facilities. Food and drinks will be provided. Sponsors include Publix Super Markets Charities, JM Family Enterprises, Inc., Memorial Healthcare System, Waste Management, Broward Health, Coca Cola, Frito Lay, Maroone, Arbill, Atlantic Ice, Cummings Construction, Artist Nadine Egan Floyd, Artist Janie Casoria, The Media Lab/Power Images, FPL/IBEW #759, City of Cooper City, Pack Rat, USA Parking, Chiquita, AT&T, CWA Local 3104 & 3120 and Pompano Citi Centre. 

For information on how to get involved, please visit www.unitedwaybroward.org/caring or contact Dianne Maddalena at 954-462-4850 ext. 119 or by email at dmaddalena@unitedwaybroward.org.

SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE'S 5TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY

On Saturday, September 26, 2009, the Historical Museum of Southern Florida will participate in the fifth annual Museum Day, presented by Smithsonian magazine. A celebration of culture, learning and the dissemination of knowledge,Smithsonian's Museum day reflects the spirit of the magazine, and emulates the free-admission policy of the Washington, DC-based Smithsonian properties. Doors will be open free of charge to Smithsonian magazine readers and Smithsonian.com visitors at museums and cultural institutions nationwide.