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Dr. Andrew Shapiro Achieves Remarkable Milestone of 1000 Robotic-Assisted Surgery Cases with da Vinci Robot at Wellington Regional Medical Center

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Photos by Julie Khanna

Wellington, FL – August 29, 2023 — It is with immense pride and admiration that we announce the outstanding achievement of Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a distinguished surgeon in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. Dr. Shapiro has successfully completed an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 surgical procedures utilizing the cutting-edge da Vinci® Robot, cementing his status as a leader in minimally invasive surgical techniques in this region.

The da Vinci Surgical System has revolutionized the landscape of modern surgery, enabling surgeons to perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision, control and flexibility. Dr. Shapiro’s mastery of this advanced technology has not only brought about positive outcomes for his patients but has also elevated the standard of patient care in the region.

Through the integration of robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Shapiro has consistently exhibited unwavering dedication to advancing medical practices, resulting in improved surgical outcomes, reduced hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for patients. His commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation has made him an invaluable asset to the medical community and a beacon of hope for those in need of surgical intervention.

“Reaching this milestone of 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries with the da Vinci Robot is a testament to the transformative potential of advanced medical technology,” said Dr. Shapiro. “It has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me. None of this would have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our exceptional medical team and the continuous support from the hospital staff.”

“We are tremendously proud of Dr. Shapiro’s achievement in reaching this significant milestone,” said Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center. “His dedication to advancing surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes is truly commendable. Dr. Shapiro’s unwavering commitment to patient care is an inspiration to the entire medical staff.”

Dr. Shapiro’s patients have expressed their gratitude for the compassionate care and remarkable results they experienced under his skilled hands. His personalized approach to each case, combined with modern medical technology, has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after surgeons in the region.

As Dr. Shapiro continues to break new ground in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, he remains committed to further advancing medical science and exploring innovative ways to improve patient care. His passion for excellence and commitment to improving the lives of his patients are attributes that have defined his exceptional career.

About Wellington Regional Medical Center   

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services including comprehensive stroke care, comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center, and level III NICU, comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, please visit http://www.wellingtonregional.com.

Adopt-A-Family’s Tree Lighting Celebration to Illuminate Hearts During 39th Annual Holiday Event This December

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PALM BEACH, FL. – The holidays will soon be upon us and what better way to get into the spirit than with one of the most anticipated events of the season, Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches’ Tree Lighting Celebration. 

Now in its 39th year, the event will bring merriment to all while raising critical funds to support those faced with homelessness right here in our community. The event will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at a private club in Palm Beach. Tickets are $400 per person. Tables and sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

Chaired by Karen Fischer, with Nancy Kyle serving as co-chair, the event will welcome guests with a serenade by the voices of The Kings Academy Choir. Guests will then enjoy the signature silent auction featuring a stunning orchid display, an expansive collection of holiday items and gift baskets, and a wine pull raffle where everyone is a winner. After an elegant dinner, an exciting live auction will fill the room with good cheer, all in the name of helping our neighbors in need.

The holiday celebration will continue with the lighting of the Angel Tree, honoring the donors and partners whose generosity assists hundreds of local families and children each year. A testimonial from an agency client will provide insight into the struggles many Palm Beach County families face and why the work of the organization makes such a difference.

“We are proud of the work Adopt-A-Family has done for the past 40 years, and we could not have done it without the unwavering support from our community and longtime donors,” shared CEO Matt Constantine. “What we do is more than a quick solution. We provide much-needed housing solutions and wraparound services that change the lives of families experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and place families on the path to stability for future generations. We truly cannot express enough gratitude for all that our supporters do to enable us to serve our community.”  

For more information, please contact Tori Uhlman at tuhlman@aafpbc.org or call (561) 444-0408. To learn more about Adopt-A-Family please visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org

About Adopt-A-Family

Adopt-A-Family of the Palm Beaches provides programs, services, and solutions to homeless and low-income Palm Beach County families experiencing a crisis. The organization’s mission is to strengthen families with children to achieve stability and self-sufficiency by providing access to all-encompassing services. To accomplish this mission, the agency provides physical housing units, an emergency shelter, rental assistance, homeless prevention services, youth educational programming, mental health services, and job coaching. To learn more about Adopt-A-Family’s work in Palm Beach County, please visit www.adoptafamilypbc.org or contact (561) 253-1361. 

The Wellington Art Society Presents Jessica Ransom

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Director of Artist Services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County

The Wellington Art Society will feature Jessica Ransom to speak at their first meeting on September 13, 2023. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington. The meeting will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. For more information contact: Heather Bergstrom, presidentofwas@gmail.com

Jessica Ransom manages, curates, and oversees installation of all exhibitions as the Director of Artist Services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County is the only organization solely dedicated to supporting arts and culture in the Palm Beaches. In its’ sustaining effort to foster growth of the cultural sector, the Council provides support services to cultural organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for cultural funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism. Jessica serves as the primary contact for professional visual artists in Palm Beach County and leads the Council’s Artist Resource Team. Jessica has held positions throughout the art industry as an art advisor and appraiser, developing clientele for a fine art handling firm, and managing the contemporary art space Culture Lab at City Place. Her experience includes advising private collectors on purchases, sales, and appraisals, overseeing both private and public art installations, and managing all aspects of art loans. Jessica received her master’s in the History of Art and the Art Market from Christie’s Education in New York City. She is the current chairperson of the City of West Palm Beach Art Life committee and is a board member of Impact the Palm Beaches. 

For additional information on the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, please visit their website at www.palmbeachculture.com.

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The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. For further information about the Wellington Art Society, please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

Next Chapter: Naked and Running Around

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By Heidi Hess

The call came in late Monday morning. “She’s gone and I don’t know what to do with myself.” I’m a woman of a certain age and a lot of my friends are going through the same thing. Empty Nest Syndrome. My kids are still in high school but not for long. My bestie has experienced all of these things before me. Her kids are a little older and she has been able to guide me through things… the first time I dropped my daughter off at elementary school and had to watch her walk in and rely on people other than me, the horror of middle school, the turbulent high school years, the heartbreak of cruel people… the list goes on and on. We have always leaned on each other. Today is no exception.  

For a lot of my friends, their houses are empty now and my friend was asking the very question that a lot of moms and dads ask themselves when the kids leave the nest – what do we do now? I tried being rational. “Remember when she drove away in the car for the first time by herself? Did she come back? She was fine, remember?” That didn’t work. I tried comforting her “She’s rooming with her best friend and her boyfriend isn’t far away.” That didn’t work either. 

I know her well enough to know that when all else fails it’s time to get crazy. “So you have two vacant rooms now?” She confirmed that the rooms that her littles had occupied were in fact vacant. “Good. Here’s what you need to do: Get naked, drink sangria, dance and run around the house yelling at the top of your lungs. The first room, turn into a drum circle arena. The second put large tarps on the floor, throw down some paint and roll around in it. This is now your painting room.” 

After she stops laughing, she says she feels better. Who doesn’t feel better after a good laugh? Even though I’m being silly in suggesting those crazy things… she could actually do that. What’s to stop her? Nothing. Our kids get new chapters in their lives and so do we. Will they probably do some crazy things? Lord, I hope so. The great thing about being a bit older is that you care less about what other people think and get a little more brazen in your craziness. 

I just hope that she has the common sense after that bottle of sangria to pull the blinds before she gets naked and runs around the house… hmmm… or not? 

Labor Day Dining and Delights at The Seagate Hotel

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DELRAY BEACH, FL – This Labor Day weekend, September 2-4, enjoy a hassle-free holiday at The Seagate Hotel. 

Celebrate the labor-less weekend with a decadent brunch at the Atlantic Grille. Tuck into seasonal specialties like warm cheddar chive biscuits, fried chicken & waffles, Cajun shrimp hash, and “street corn” avocado toast. Save room for pastry chef Mitsu Nozaki’ssweet tooth-approved desserts, including sweet corn crème brûlée and key lime tart. Brunch is available Saturday and Sunday, from 9am to 3pm.

Satiate your holiday grilling fix at The Seagate Beach Club’s Labor Day BBQ Buffet. Menu offerings include delicious burgers, hot dogs, chicken tenders, corn on the cob, and more. Beer bucket and pitcher specials available, along with complimentary cotton candy and popcorn. Live music from 12-4pm. Beach BBQ Buffet is Saturday through Monday, from 11:30am to 4pm. Cost is $25 for adults, and $15 for children under 12. 

Get your holiday dose of vitamin “sea” during Sunrise Beach Yoga on Saturday, from 8-9am. Held on  The Seagate Beach Club’s private beach, the Vinyasa yoga flow  class will help build  strength, stamina, and flexibility. Sunrise Beach Yoga is $20 per person and open to the public. 

The Seagate Hotel will host a complimentary Parrot Bay Rum Tasting by the pool on Sunday, from 12-4pm, and live music on Monday, from 12-4pm.

Staycationers can also take advantage of The Seagate’s “Stay Golden” hotel package, which offers up to 30-percent off nightly room rates, two poolside cocktails, and a 20-percent discount on dinner at resort-wide restaurants. Minimum one-night stay is required. For booking information, visit seagatedelray.com/golden.

The Seagate Hotel is located at 1000 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561)  665-4800  or visit  seagatedelray.com

ABOUT THE SEAGATE  

The Seagate Hotel in Delray Beach is ideally located less than 30 minutes from the Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach and 40 minutes from Fort Lauderdale International Airport.  The 154-room property is situated on lavish Atlantic Avenue and a frisbee’s toss from the Atlantic Ocean. Wellness warriors will want to book an appointment at the Spa, an  8,000-square-foot retreat that promises to transport guests to another dimension of soulful rejuvenation. The property includes guest access to The Seagate Beach Club with private beach service, a beachside pool and restaurant; and The Seagate Country Club which showcases championship golf (currently under renovation) and racquet sports.  

Fright Nights looking for “family of freaks” new members in casting call

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Who: Fright Nights, the largest haunted house event in West Palm Beach, with four full haunts, carnival rides, live music, and food and entertainment

What: Casting call for scare actors and makeup artists for the 21st annual Fright Nights event in October 2023

When: Casting call begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023

Where: Enter through the main gate at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way, West Palm Beach

Details: Fright Nights is looking for energetic male and female performers to join its “family of freaks.” Participants must be at least 16 years old unless they have a parent who will volunteer to work alongside them. Both paid and volunteer positions are available with all levels of experience. Two forms of ID are required. Event organizers also are seeking makeup artists and makeup helpers. For more information, visit www.myfrightnights.com.

Event info: Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds starts the season with a Behind The Scenes Tour on Oct. 5 and will open on Friday, Oct. 6, and continue to be held on October 7,12,13,14,19, 20, 21, 26, and 28. The Midway will open at 6 and the haunted houses will open at 7 p.m. The carnival of terror offers four new haunted houses along with scare zones, midway carnival rides, live entertainment, video games and virtual reality.

Successful Charity Event Raises Funds and Awareness for Worthy Cause

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Boca Raton, FL, 08/23/23 – Open Hearts for Orphans, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children, announces the success of its first “Festival Days” event in coordination with the Boca Chamber.

“Bourbon, Bubbly, and Bouquets,” sponsored by All Digital Marketing Consultants, a partner agency of Hearst Media, took place Aug. 8, 2023, at STRONG Wellness + Fitness Studio in Boca Raton, drawing a diverse and enthusiastic crowd of supporters, volunteers, and community members.

Event Highlights:

“Bourbon, Bubbly, & Bouquets” raised funds and created awareness for the overall mission of Open Hearts for Orphans. Attendees experienced a memorable evening filled with cocktails served by Warren American Whiskey Kitchen, food from Rafina Greek Taverna in suburban Boca Raton, and a flower bar, giving attendees a chance to contribute to a meaningful cause.

·      Flower Bar:

NY Floral in Boca Raton provided gorgeous stems, and for a donation, attendees could make their own beautiful bouquets to take home and remember the event.

·      Presentations:

Guests heard from the CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans, Lisa Murphy, about the charity’s “Funding Hope, Funding Life, Funding Love” campaign. STRONG Wellness + Fitness Studio owner Christina Mummaw, and Emily Lawless, for Allegiance Home Health, the major sponsor of Boca Chamber Festival Days, also shared messages.

·      Silent Auctions/Raffles:

A wide array of valuable items generously donated by local businesses and supporters allowed attendees to bid on items and contribute to the fundraising efforts through the purchase of raffle tickets.

Community Support:

Open Hearts for Orphans extends heartfelt gratitude to STRONG Wellness & Fitness Studio and All Digital Marketing Consultants, whose unwavering support made the event possible.

Impact:

Through the collective efforts of attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and partners, “Bourbon, Bubbly, & Bouquets” successfully raised $3,000. These funds will be directly channeled into our “Say Yes” adoption grant program, specifically our ARISE program, created to provide Adoption Resources, Information, Stories, & Encouragement, propelling our mission forward locally and creating a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve. The event garnered more community awareness and social media engagement, amplifying our message about the cause in the local area.

“We are overwhelmed with gratitude for the support shown by our community, and we welcome additional donations and funding for challenge grants in our community. The success of ‘Bourbon, Bubbly, & Bouquets’ reiterates the shared commitment we all have towards creating a positive impact in this area. Together, we are making strides towards changing the world, by helping one vulnerable child at a time,” said Lisa Murphy, founder and CEO of Open Hearts for Orphans.

For more information about Open Hearts for Orphans, its mission, and upcoming events, please visit www.openheartsfororphans.org or contact Lisa Murphy at (561) 827-2222. Follow the charity on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT OPEN HEARTS FOR ORPHANS: 

https://openheartsfororphans.org/

Open Hearts for Orphans provides resources for orphaned, abandoned, and at-risk children around the world through medical intervention, meeting basic needs, and providing “Say Yes” grants for families in the adoption process.  Jim and Lisa Murphy founded OHFO in 2016, six years after losing their 2-year-old son Daniel, adopted from China, to congenital heart disease. Lisa shared their son’s life story in a memoir “With an Open Heart.”  The Murphys returned to China three more times to bring children into their home. In 2016 they were given signs for a new chapter to begin and founded Open Hearts for Orphans.

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The Professor’s Corner: College Application and Writing Specialist

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The Professor’s Corner: College Application and Writing Specialist

 Tutoring Outcomes:

Navigating the college process

Composing, editing, and proofreading college essays

Determining majors, evaluating colleges, and writing successful applications

Available for additional tutoring in literature, creative writing, or composition   

More about Me:

I focus on learning about a student’s interests, learning style, and potential. I can guide you through the college application process in a kind and supportive atmosphere. As an English Professor, I love to help people find their voices. With over twenty years of experience in the academic world, I can help a student write strong and successful admissions essays.

Online conferences are preferred

An in-person option is available  

Prices are available upon request 

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Contact: Marcy Katz

marcybkatz@yahoo.com

(561) 715-7433

Bravo TV’s Craig Conover Named Celebrity Chair

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of Annual Clinics Can Help Cribs for Kids Luncheon

Palm Beach, Florida – The 2nd Annual Clinics Can Help Cribs for Kids Luncheon will take place on November 10, 2023, at The Sailfish Club in Palm Beach. The fashion-themed event kicks off at 11 a.m. and will feature shopping experiences from five exclusive vendors, a fashion presentation from Zimmermann, a fabulous live and silent auction and so much more. 

Clinics Can Help is thrilled to announce that Craig Conover, star of Bravo TV’s Southern Charm, will serve as Celebrity Chair. In addition to his role(s) on Bravo, Conover owns the lifestyle brand Sewing Down South, is the author of “Pillow Talk: What’s Wrong with My Sewing? and cohosts the “Pillows and Beer” podcast with Southern Charm alum Austen Kroll. During the event, each guest will be treated to one of Conover’s classic signature pillows as an expression of gratitude for supporting the luncheon.

Conover and his team will work to raise much-needed funding to support the purchase of new Pack ’n Play cribs to protect the lives of newborn and infants. Event Chair Emily Pantelides, Honorary Chair Kathy Theofilos, and International Chair Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger invite sponsors to explore many opportunities to support the cause. Tickets are $250 per person, and tables are $3,000 and include a meet and greet with Conover.

“There are an average of 2,300 deaths a year from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) due to unsafe sleeping environments,” says Clinics Can Help CEO, Owen O’Neill. “We’ve made it our mission to provide a safe place to sleep for every infant and newborn in our community!”

Since its inception, CCH has aided more than 18,000 children and adults with an astonishing $12,000,000 worth of medical equipment and life-saving supplies. The organization works to increase access to health equity leading to bright futures.

To learn more about this event, call 561.640.2995, ext. 110, or email Jay@ClinicsCanHelp.org.

About Clinics Can Help

A vital resource in Palm Beach County and throughout Southeast Florida for families in search of medical equipment such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers, and more, CCH provides access to critical equipment for thousands of children and adults who cannot afford it. The only organization of its kind in Florida and one of only four in the U.S. that provides a vast and diverse array of equipment, CCH makes a difference through a simple process of organized recycling. Please visit www.clinicscanhelp.org or call 561.640.2995.

BARBIE ZUMBA AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN

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WELLINGTON, FL – Hi Barbie! On August 27, from 1–3pm, The Mall at Wellington Green will host a Barbie Zumba master class in The District. 

The fun dance fitness party program combines heart-pumping music with high- and low-intensity Latin dance moves designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance. All ages and levels are welcome. 

Participants are invited to dress in their best Barbie attire for a chance to win exciting prizes.

Cost is $10 per person. Space is limited. 

For more information or reservations, visit shopwellingtongreen.com/event/Barbie-Zumba/2145575196

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 227-6900  or visit shopwellingtongreen.com. 

About The Mall at Wellington Green  

The Mall at Wellington Green in Wellington, FL is a 1.2 million square foot, two-level regional shopping destination, and it features over 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For more information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com

Photo credit: The Mall at Wellington Green