Getting Involved: Volunteer Opps Nearby

As a new resident, I'm really looking for ways to get plugged into the West Palm community. After doing a bit of sleuthing on the internet, I came across a great clearinghouse for volunteer opportunities nationally. A search for volunteer activities within 20 miles of WPB turned up 120 different things to do! They range in time commitments to twenty hours per week to one-time service of three hours or so. Some of the coolest sounding include:

West Palm Beach

• The Children's Coalition - Grants Writer. Help the Coalition research and write proposals for program funding and non-operational costs. The Children's Coalition is an organization that works with at-risk youth in the fields of film, the arts, and environmental education.
• Mounts Botanical Garden - Horticulture Volunteer, Special Events, Giftshop attendant. West Palm Beach's oldest and largest public garden is in dire need of volunteers to repair the damage from last year's hurricane season. Get down and dirty in the mud or keep those fingernails clean by working in the giftshop or staffing special events.
• Peggie Adams Animal Rescue League - Dog walker, cat companion, thrift store clerk. Not only has the Peggie Adams Animal Rescue League been helping animals for decades, this is a multi-dimensional enterprise. What began as a rummage sale to earn more money for the shelter turned into a full-blown thrift store on Dixie Highway! Aside from the interacting with animals, you can make contributions by working at the store or just being a frequent shopper. The League also hosts special events, like the Dog Days of Summer at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.
• Quantum House, Inc. - Bake House specialties like Cinnamon Shortbread and House Chocolates as a Kitchen Volunteer or organize toys and interact with kids as a Playroom Volunteer. Quantum House, Inc. is a temporary residence for families to live while their children are undergoing medical treatments for serious conditions.

Jupiter

• Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary - Dog walker, cat socializer, adoption counselor. Safe Harbor is a comprehensive, no-kill shelter looking for volunteers to cheer the days of countless animals in need of homes. Or, go a step further and become a foster parent or adopt!

Boynton Beach

• Community Caring Center of Boynton Beach - Advocacy Volunteer. Work with other local, state, and national non-profits to advocate for social action issues that affect our communities here in Palm Beach County. The CCC is a large organization that provides food, shelter, and other human services to families in need and has numerous volunteer opportunities to suit a variety of interests. (No website)

There are also one-time event volunteer opportunities in the West Palm area, many of which are organized by the local United Way office. To do your own search, go to www.voluteermatch.org.

Import: Orange Peel Enamel

As I'm on the road again, another import post is due. Again from Etsy.com--a goldmine for unique gifts--OrangePeelEnamel is a one-woman operation in Seattle. The "Orange Peel" part of the name refers to a stage in the enameling process, which is multi-layered and has different states of "maturity." Selling mostly mod pendants in bright, catchy colors and interesting design combinations, the artist occasionally puts up mini-art pieces for sale. Check out her shop at OrangePeelEnamel.etsy.com

Circa Northwood

Thanks to a tip-off from Domino magazine, I uncovered a gem of a furniture store in my very own neighborhood of Northwood. Located near the intersection of Northwood Road and Broadway, Circa Who is a shop chock-full of funky, mod Florida finds from estate sales and the like. Not only are the pieces well-edited and in impeccable condition, they are all surprisingly affordable! I snagged this retro sleeper sofa for just $225, and a fantastic chocolate brown and chrome desk chair for $35. As an added bonus, owner Tracy is incredibly nice, knowledgable, and very helpful. Well worth a special visit, just 1.5 miles north of downtown West Palm.

The Hot Info: 531 Northwood Rd, West Palm Beach, 33407 - (561) 655-5224

Import: Sweetie Pie Press

While I'm still moving and settling into my new West Palm abode, I thought I'd highlight some imported indie finds. Becky from Sweetie Pie Press produces numerous series of great little buttons that actually stay latched onto your bag! My favorites are these birds on graph paper. To buy a set, and see Becky's other items, visit her store at Etsy--the hand-made answer to ebay's unwieldiness.

Intro

I am attempting to do something that may not be possible: live an indie lifestyle in Palm Beach County, Florida. As a recent transplant from hipster-heavy Philadelphia, WPB is a big change...but solid employment beckons, and I'm going for it.

Unassisted Living is what I hope will become a forum for design, music, and living under the radar in South Florida. Please forgive the growing pains over the next few weeks!