--The Northern Palm beach County Chamber of Commerce produces two of the county’s top art shows each spring locally. The ArtiGras Fine Arts Festival will celebrate its 25th year on President’s Day weekend, February 12-15, 2010 at Abacoa Town Center. Visitors will enjoy art demonstrations, celebrity doodle artwork and collectable, interactive art activities for children, live music, great food and much more. A month later, the 22nd annual Art Fest by the Sea will feature over 300 artists in a beautiful landscape along A!S in Juno Beach. One of the primary goals of these events is to help promote art education in our community. One of the ways this is accomplished is by raising money for donations to school art programs. A primary resource is the silent auction held at the annual Kick-Off Party and Private Art preview The Chamber is seeking donations of a single item or package for the silent auction with a value of $#100 or more. Donations may be sent to the NPB Chamber of Commerce. Forms are available by calling (561 748-3945.

--An Alzheimer and Memory Care Support Group[ has formed at La Posada Nursing Center, 3500 Masterpiece Way, Palm Beach Gardens (northside of the Gardens Mall. It meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month beginning January 13, 2010 at the Harmony Family Room, at 1:30p. Support groups such as this can provide an opportunity for family friends, caregivers and others to meet regularly for mutual emotional support to exc;exchange coping skills, etc in matters relating to Alzheimer’s.

--More than 300 people attended the opening reception for three new exhibits at Lighthouse Center for the Arts, Tequesta, on January 14. The exhibits: “The Art of Film,” “Contempo” and “Bra-Vo” “The Art of Film” and “Bra-Vo” are opening until February 11. “Contempo” closes on February 6. “The Art of Film” presentation by Irwin Berman is a collection of photographs enhanced by barium application, with the final images appearing in X-ray radiographs. “Contempo” is a collection of various artists works and was a juried show. “Bra-Vo unveiled a collection of 49 colorful, humorous and thought-provoking “Artigras” creations by artists in the fight against breast cancer.

--Soiree a La Cage” gala raised $400,000 for The Maltz Jupiter Theatre January 22. The 7th annual event was staged in honor of “La Cage aux Follies” at Admiral’s Cove Clubhouse. The money raised, despite the economy, demonstrated the special concern many have for the shows and programs produced at The Maltz, a fitting tribute to the quality of productions here.

--The 3rd Annual Give a Smile to a Child golf tournament is set for Saturday, April 17 at the redesigned Palm Beach Gardens Municipal Golf Course. Pre-registration entry will continue through March 31 at $150 per player or $500 for a foursome. For more details, call 561-707-7813, or visit www.giveasmiletochild.com.

--Active groups current and forming in Abacoa include Bike Club, Garden Club, Doggie Play Group, Empty Nesters and Senior Exercise Class. Call 561-624-7788 for details or e-mail ckendrick@abacoa.com.