this Month

On our cover are Nicholas and Christen Thompson, founders of the Palm Beach Imagination Library, the local affiliate of the international early literacy program founded by famed entertainer Dolly Parton. The Thompsons hold their largest annual fundraiser here in Royal Palm Beach every November. Next, we look forward to the huge expansion and renovation of the beloved Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. We take a look at that long-planned project in this issue.

Also saluted this issue are local philanthropists John and Julie Kime, who have been deeply involved in the western communities for decades. They are graduates and longtime supporters of Palm Beach State College and were recently honored by having their name attached to the new Dental and Health Innovation building on the Loxahatchee Groves campus. Learn more about them in this issue.

Our Palm Beach County cultural series continues in this issue with a look at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, where Japanese culture comes to life through programs, exhibits and its signature 16 acres of Japanese gardens. Finally, if life has you stressed out, you might want to look into the new Mindful Meditation Club meeting at South University right here in Royal Palm Beach, also featured in this issue.

Do you know someone who should be featured in Royal Palm The Magazine? Drop us a note at www.royalpalmthemagazine.com/contact and tell us more!

Dawn Rivera,

Publisher

ROYAL PALM THE MAGAZINE – July/August 2026 ON THE COVER Palm Beach County Imagination Library founders Nicholas and Christen Thompson. Photo by Tracey Benson Photography | Long-Awaited Project Will Expand And Renovate Royal Palm Beach’s Recreation Center | Palm Beach County’s Imagination Library Supports Young Readers | PBSC’s New Dental And Health Innovation Building Honors Julie And John Kime | The Morikami Is Your Doorway To The Land Of The Rising Sun | New Local Group Helps People Learn The Art Of Mindful Meditation