CLEARWATER, Fla. – Nov. 14, 2023 — Altruistic Beauty Academy located in downtown Clearwater will be hosting its first graduation for the inaugural class of 2023. The school’s hybrid education model allows students to complete their theory learning off-site with hands-on practical training being supervised on the school’s premises. The practical hands-on experience and business leadership skills taught at the school are designed for students to succeed upon graduation.

“I’m so excited to have our first group of students complete the courses successfully and graduate,” said Christina Sisler, Founder and CEO of Altruistic Beauty Academy. “We want our students to graduate from our programs prepared to advance in the workplace – whether it’s working in a Medispa, Plastic Surgeon’s office, Dermatology Office, Wellness Clinic, Beauty Sales or starting their own business or enhancing the service offerings they may already have. Whatever the case, we provide the leadership skills and practical tools to succeed. We also continue to provide mentorship and workshops for advanced learning available after graduation through our Alumni Program.”

Founder, Christina Sisler has 20+ years’ experience caring for others by educating and working as a nurse in healthcare. Sisler found her calling as a Founder, CEO and Instructor by creating a place for students to get inspired. A primary goal at the school is to open students’ creative thinking skills. Once a student enrolls, they are provided with educational initiatives to get them started with the proper tools to build the self-confidence needed to succeed in the beauty and wellness industry.

Programs offered at the school are:

• Electrolysis Laser Technician
• Clinical Esthetician
• Medical Aesthetician (Dual License Program)
• Massage Therapy
• Permanent Makeup Training Workshop
• Facial Specialist
• CE Courses for license renewals (HIV, Massage Therapy, Cosmetology)
• Medical Courses that include Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician, Medical Administrative Assistant
• American Heart Association Training Site for: Basic Life Support Training, ACLS, HeartSaver CPR, AED, First Aid, and Blood Borne Pathogens

“Potential students are welcome to stop by the school to take a tour to learn more – we welcome visitors to see what we’re about,” added Sisler.

About Altruistic Beauty Academy
Founded in January of 2021, the mission of the school is to provide the highest level of education to the community through their commitment to the students. Their educators are trained in classroom management, distance learning methods and adult education strategies to provide you with the highest quality education experience. Currently the school is applying for accreditation on the programs that can be fully accredited. Other programs students will receive certification(s) upon passing and completing the courses along with the practical hours required. Altruistic Academy is located at 1253 Park St, Clearwater, FL 33756 and can be reached at 727-900-4370 or online

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Oct. 31, 2023 — Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts will be hosting an Educator Appreciation Event on Thursday, November 16th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. The purpose of the event is to honor our teachers and to inform them about the CLASS ACTS educational programming and field trips that the foundation provides for free to the schools in a six-county area on an annual basis.

“Here at the Foundation, we are trying to help children become inspired by the performing arts – as well as potentially identify career opportunities in the arts. Having performances and field trips available and accessible to all is very important to me and my team. It’s why we want to make sure educational opportunities like this are a fun and engaging experience to a diverse audience,” said Bill Edwards, Founder & CEO of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “Some children may not have the opportunity to see a theater performance – so we want to ensure the program is inclusive as well as teach kids about all aspects of the arts.”

The event will be held in the lower lobby of the Mahaffey Theater with space for up to 300 people. Elected officials and dignitaries will be invited to attend. Information about the CLASS ACTS educational youth programming will be available at the event and refreshments will be provided. Teachers will have the opportunity to hear from Bill Edwards about the programs and meet the foundation’s entire team.

“We want our educators and local elected officials to be aware of the free educational programming we offer to the students in our community,” said Amy Miller, President of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “We’re very proud of the curriculum we offer students from Pre-K-12, including visual, literary, music and performing arts. We’ve also added three STEAM programs this year as part of the Bam! Festival series which we are pleased to offer.”

About Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts –
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts was founded as a 501© 3 nonprofit in 2011 and is dedicated to providing arts education programs, community outreach, live performances as well as concerts and all genres of performing arts for the entire community with emphasis on culturally diverse programming for youth and families. The foundation is the support arm for the programming at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater.
BillEdwardsFoundationfortheArts.org
TheMahaffey.com
or call 727.300-2000.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Oct. 11, 2023 — Featured artist, Lance Rodgers will be exhibiting his newest body of work titled: “Sentimental Journey” at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery. The opening reception will be held on Friday, October 13, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at 2323 Central Avenue in St Petersburg, Florida. The public is invited.

Rodgers is known for creating unique narratives. Through his use of realism, he guides the viewer on a visual journey. Some of his artworks are introspections, others are larger, worldly observations often laced with humor and symbolism inviting the viewer to recollect their own experiences. Sentimental Journey is interspersed with narrative paintings Rodgers is known for, as well as abstract expressionist paintings.

“Sentimental Journey is a fond look backwards from then to now. This body of work is a thoughtful, humorous reflection of the past with a hopeful eye to the future,” said Rodgers. “I’m honored to have a second exhibition at Woodfield Fine Art Gallery.”

About the Artist, Lance Rodgers

Lance Rodgers is an award winning contemporary artist with a strong emphasis on painting and photography. Since 1980, Rodgers has displayed his art in numerous galleries, museums and collections in the United States and abroad. His work is on permanent display at The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art, The Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, Arts & Sciences Museum of Ormond Beach, Gulf Coast Museum of Art, the American Embassy in Madrid, Spain as well as numerous private and corporate collections. Rodgers resides and maintains a studio in the Old Southeast Artist Enclave in St. Petersburg, FL. For more information visit https://lancerodgersart.com

About Woodfield Fine Art Gallery

Located at 2323 Central Avenue in St Petersburg, FL  Woodfield Fine Art Gallery is known for representing and providing a retail outlet for Tampa Bay visual artists since 2015. Gallery owner Jim Woodfield continues his original intent of presenting laudable art works of local artists where art patrons can view and buy original art. As an artist, Woodfield understands the intersection between artist, gallery and clientele. For more information about the gallery visit https://www.WoodfieldFineArt.com

TAMPA, Fla. – Sept. 21, 2023 — The Health Council of West Central Florida is holding a series of webinars titled: Pathways to Wellness: Accessing Care. The first webinar,  “Health Insurance 101” will be held on September 29, 2023, from 12pm-1pm and will cover all the basics on the health insurance terminology.

Other topics in the series include: Navigating the Affordable Care Act, Getting to Know Your Federally Qualified Health Center, Covering Kids, and Services for the Uninsured.

“The goal of this series is to help address knowledge gaps for all people regardless of insurance status.  The webinars will highlight an array of available health care services, programs, and payment options available,” said Teresa Kelly, Executive Director.  “Access to care helps people achieve better health outcomes and helps reduce health disparities.  Having insurance is certainly one way to improve access, but a 2022 Forbes Advisor study found that 77% of individuals with insurance did not understand basic health insurance terminology,” she continued.

CLICK HERE to Register

About the Health Council of West Central Florida
The Health Council of West Central Florida, Inc. (HCWCF) serves residents in Hardee, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties. HCWCF is committed to assessing the health status and resources of area residents and assisting communities with solutions to meet emerging needs.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Sept. 5, 2023 — Party on the Plaza returns to the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater on Saturday, October 14 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m (Doors open at 6:30 pm). Proceeds from the event will benefit the youth arts programs.

Party on the Plaza will feature live music by #NOFILTER.  The band features four singer-musicians who cover everything from hits of today to the classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy food vendors, drinks, local vendors and plenty of family-friendly fun, all while taking in the beautiful view of the downtown St. Pete waterfront during this outdoor charity benefit concert.

“#NOFILTER is known for a fast-paced, energetic show that will make October’s Party on the Plaza fun and upbeat for dancing,” said Amy Miller, President of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts. “It’s an exciting time to be involved as we are celebrating the 30th year of our Class Acts Field Trips to the Mahaffey.”

Tickets start at $25 Early-Bird General Admission, and will go up to $30 on 10/07. VIP non-member  tickets are available for $75 ($50 member pricing for VIP) and include priority seating in the VIP Section, complimentary preferred parking, private restrooms, light hors d’oeuvres, one free premium beverage and access to premium liquors. Note: Members of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts can purchase their VIP tickets for $50. VIP tickets are limited. To purchase tickets and learn more about Party on the Plaza click here.

Thank you to our Sponsors, Egan Painting, LLC & Labrador Primary Care Center.

About Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts –
Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts was founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit in 2011 and is dedicated to providing arts education programs, community outreach, live performances as well as concerts and all genres of performing arts for the entire community with emphasis on culturally diverse programming for youth and families. The foundation is the support arm for the programming at the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater. For more information about the foundation visit, BillEdwardsFoundationfortheArts.org   or  TheMahaffey.com  or call (727) 300-2000

About the Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater
The Duke Energy Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theater, under the management of Big3 Entertainment, is one of Tampa Bay’s top-rated performing arts venues. Home to the Florida Orchestra, the world class Mahaffey Theater hosts top-quality national and international artists and performances – pop, rock, comedy, theater, dance, classical and interactive engagements and exhibitions. Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, the 2,031-seat cultural jewel boasts spectacular waterfront views and is located only minutes away from white sandy beaches and world-renowned museums.