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St. Jude Hosting FREE 5k Walk/Run Event at WPB’s Waterfront on Sept 23rd

WHO:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

WHAT:  St. Jude Walk/Run

The annual St. Jude Walk/Run, presented by VoLo Foundation, is an inspiring, family-friendly event that brings to life the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here in the local community.

Walkers, volunteers and spectators will get a chance to experience elements of the hospital while rallying together at the Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront for a fun 5K to help cure childhood cancer. Download the St. Jude Walk/Run mobile app to participate!

WHEN: Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7 a.m.

WHERE:  Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront – 141 S Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL

WHY:  St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Our purpose is clear: Finding cures. Saving children. St. Jude is working to drive the overall survival rate for childhood cancer to 90 percent, and it won’t stop until no child dies from cancer. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. 

ADMISSION: Registration is FREE, but fundraising is encouraged! Register at stjude.org/walk_run_register

CONTACT INFO: Please visit St. Jude Walk/Run – Palm Beach, FL: Event Details or contact Kara Patterson at 561.516.0396 or kara.patterson@alsac.stjude.org for more information.

Kapow – May events (Derby Watch Party and May the 4th Be with You)

Thursday, May 4th | 11:30am – midnight – Kapow Boca and West Palm Beach 

Not too long ago, within this very galaxy, Star Wars enthusiasts discovered the perfect occasion to express their deep obsession: May the 4th, also known as Star Wars Day. And this year, at Kapow Noodle Bar in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, the celebration reaches new heights with a thrilling blend of cosplay, exciting giveaways, and delightful surprises. Enthusiasts can indulge in the ultimate movie trilogy while raising a glass of Star Wars-themed cocktails, joyfully proclaiming, “May the 4th be with you!”

Kentucky Derby Watch party 

Saturday, May 6th  | 5pm – Kapow Boca 

Dust off your seersuckers and don your stylish Derby hats, as Kapow Noodle Bar Boca Raton presents its highly anticipated 4th Annual Derby watch party. Prepare to immerse yourself in the exhilarating spectacle of the fastest two minutes in sports, while also getting a chance to win fabulous loot and prizes! Calling all fashion-forward attendees, the best-dressed couple will be awarded a generous $500 prize. As an added bonus, the first 50 guests who RSVP will be treated to a complimentary Redemption Bourbon Mint Julep, and all attendees can savor this classic cocktail for just $10 throughout the event. Join us for an unforgettable Derby experience at Kapow Boca!

MORE INFO: 

Kapow Noodle Bar

431 Plaza Real, Boca Raton, FL 33432 | 561.3477322 

519 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 | 561.246.3827  ​​

Kapownoodlebar.com | @kapownoodlebar | Facebook

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony in Wellington

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Wellington and the American Legion Post 390 – Wellington will honor all veterans with a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 29, 2023. Veterans are invited to walk in a Memorial Day Parade beginning at 8:15 AM at Wellington’s Village Hall, located at 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard. The parade ends at Wellington’s Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and South Shore Boulevard, and will be followed at 8:30 AM by the Memorial Day Ceremony.
 
If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, you will have an opportunity to register at the Wellington tent, on the morning of the event, to be recognized during the ceremony. To become a part of this event or to walk in in the parade, please contact Michelle Garvey, Assistant Community Events Director, at (561) 791-4082.
 
For more information about the American Legion Post 390 − Wellington, please contact wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com.

As another way to stay informed on the latest news and updates from the Village, residents are invited to sign up for Wellington information and updates at www.wellingtonfl.gov/Newsletter.

Tips for Being an Online Business Reviewer

By Jessica Brody

Have you ever been to a place of business that was so great you felt like you’d found a treasure and wanted to share it with the world? It’s like you’ve stumbled upon a place you can’t believe everyone wasn’t already aware of.

Boosting a business with reviews and ratings is how many of those places thrive and succeed. So if you want to make sure those doors stay open so you can keep going back, help them out by leaving a review in as many places as you can.

How and Where to Start

There are many places to leave reviews, but here are a few of the biggest ones to get you started:

Google Local Guides

Google Local Guides is the largest online business review platform with over 158 million in US traffic alone. When a customer is looking for a type of business, the review will normally show up during that search. It has a 1–5 star rating system and allows you to upload photos and videos.

To leave a review, look for the business’s Google Business profile. Then click on write a review. You’ll see a pop-up titled “Rate and Review.” You can leave just a “star” rating, but it’s far more helpful to write a short review as well.

Amazon Reviews

Amazon Reviews comes in second with around 85 million a month in US traffic. Far more than book reviews, Amazon’s e-commerce is heavily dependent on customer reviews. Once you’ve purchased an item, you’ll find a spot on the product’s page to rate and review. Again, it’s a 1-5 star rating system with space for a review with a title.

Uploading user photos greatly helps anyone who is thinking of purchasing that product. Amazon is vigilant about stopping companies from incentivizing positive reviews (coupons or gift cards exchanged for positive reviews) so if a company approaches you to do that, Amazon asks that you report that vendor immediately.

Facebook Business Pages

Facebook Business Pages are excellent for learning about a company and sharing your experience with them. With over 85 million a month in US traffic, it’s right up there with Amazon as far as the number of people reading and posting reviews.

There are no “star” ratings on Facebook’s business pages review options. Instead, you go to the business’s page and on the left side of the screen, you’ll find a menu with an option for reviews. Once you’ve clicked that, you’ll see a prompt to its right asking you if you would recommend this place. If you want to leave a positive review, click yes.

If your experience was negative, click “no.” You then write your review as normal. Facebook also allows you to choose from relevant tags. Then simply select “Post” and you’re done.

Review Do’s and Don’ts

Before leaving a negative review, try contacting the owner or manager first and see if the problem you encountered can be resolved. It’s only fair to allow them the chance to make things right. Their livelihood depends on the feedback they receive that is shared publicly, so always give them the opportunity to make things right if they can. It’s not wholly fair to disparage an entire business based on what may have been one food item that you didn’t care for, or one errant employee that may not reflect the company’s policy.

Reach out using clear written communication strategies, especially if you’re requesting that some sort of action be taken. Include a proper introduction that is brief but lets the business know why you are writing. Support that with one or two body paragraphs that provide specifics regarding why you are requesting a service or exchange. And in your conclusion, restate what you have requested and include a contact method. If that business fails to respond, then, by all means, go ahead and warn others of a place that is potentially problematic.

Reviews that Get Views

Reviews with photos and videos are by far the ones people rely on the most heavily. You’ll be taken far more seriously if your photo is uploaded properly, though. Fortunately, migrating content from PDF to JPG is easy. Once it’s converted, you can resize the image online for free. It’s also simple to adjust the size and dimensions and it only takes seconds to do. Use an online grammar aid, too if your spelling and grammar could use a little help. 

And don’t just review companies that offer online shopping. Local businesses need good exposure, too, so take the time to visit and review your experience. If you’re not sure where to find local shops in your hometown or when you travel, look for areas where there are quite a few shops, restaurants, and cafes within walking distance. These areas tend to attract smaller, local business owners.

Be a Responsible Reviewer

Leaving reviews online for businesses shouldn’t be done for any other reason than to honestly inform potential customers about what they can expect when visiting that business. It’s how many businesses succeed or fail, so it’s a bigger responsibility than one might think at first glance. But, it’s a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to businesses that have gone above and beyond to give you excellent service and a great way to pay it forward for all those reviews that guided you in the past.

Are you looking for interesting content about Wellington and the communities beyond? Then check out Around Wellington!

Jessica Brody created Our Best Friends so others could find a place to share stories and photos of their beloved animal companions.

WHAT TO BRING TO SUNFEST

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Find Out What’s Allowed and Not Allowed Inside the Gates

(West Palm Beach, Fla.) – SunFest 2023 is just days away and fans are packing their bags in preparation! There are a few items that are allowed inside the gates and items that SunFest workers suggest fans leave at home.

“We are so excited to welcome fans back to the waterfront starting on May 5,” said Paul Jamieson, Executive Director of SunFest. “Whether planning to join us at the festival for one day or all three, we recommend fans pack light, bring sunscreen and a refillable water bottle to drink plenty of water while they’re enjoying themselves at SunFest.”

Items allowed inside the gates:

  • Small bags/ backpacks no larger than 12” x 12” x 6”
  • Non-glass, empty, refillable water bottles, cups or containers
  • Food for infants or those with medical conditions in non-glass containers
  • Service animals for patrons with disabilities
  • Single collapsible lawn chairs
  • Blankets
  • Umbrellas may be brought in, but fans may be asked to put them down in concert areas to allow guests access to stage viewing
  • Non-professional cameras – no removable lens
  • Wheelchairs/medical scooters
  • Strollers

Items to leave at home:

  • Coolers, outside food or beverage including water, glass bottles or glass containers
  • Pets
  • Frisbees, scooters, wagons, skateboards, bicycles or skates
  • Professional still or video cameras
  • Selfie sticks
  • Glow and laser products
  • Sports balls and water guns
  • Weapons, knives, firearms or explosive products are not permitted
  • Drones

 
SunFest is an enforced drone-free event. All bags and items are subject to inspection. SunFest reserves the right to deny entry or remove from the festival anyone in violation of these policies. Fans are also asked to be vigilant and take care in handling their cellphones. SunFest has a lost & found where fans can file a claim and browse lost items. 

SunFest is a rain or shine event. No refunds are given due to inclement weather. More information on the ticket policy can be found on the SunFest website. Buyer beware. Fans are asked to purchase tickets from a trusted source such as online at www.sunfest.com or at the SunFest gates during event hours, listed below. 

●      Friday, May 5th    5 p.m. – 11 p.m.

●      Saturday, May 6th   Noon – 11 p.m.

●      Sunday, May 7th    Noon – 10 p.m.

SunFest is produced by SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc., a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. SunFest of Palm Beach County, Inc. consists of a 19-member board of directors; 25 committees; nearly 2,400 volunteers; a full-time, year-round staff of 5; and approximately 75 corporate sponsors. SunFest is funded in part by the Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council through the Palm Beach County Cultural Council. SunFest is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

Fans are encouraged to download the app to stay up-to-date on everything that is happening at SunFest. Tickets are still available for SunFest 2023! To purchase tickets to this year’s waterfront music festival, go to www.sunfest.com/tickets. For more information about SunFest, please visit https://www.sunfest.com/join-our-email-list. For questions or comments email info@sunfest.com.

Is A Healthy Mindset The Key To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed?

By Dr. Vincent Apicella

As we enter into Mental Health Awareness Month, I want to acknowledge and empathize with the millions of Americans suffering from anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and the many other mental health conditions affecting our society. These conditions dramatically impact the lives of patients and their families. They require intensive treatment, therapy, and maintaining consistent guidance from healthcare professionals. However, for the purposes of this article, I’d like to bring awareness to general mental well-being rather than any particular diagnosis or disorder.

Many people quietly suffer from the feeling of being overwhelmed. Not only is this a growing phenomenon, it’s one that is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis. Ask anyone how they feel lately, and chances are many would describe themselves as “overwhelmed”. Although feeling overwhelmed is a common symptom of anxiety and depression, many of us assume it’s an isolated feeling and never seek help, much less a diagnosis.

Studies have shown that the vast majority of Americans feel overwhelmed, lack fulfillment, motivation, and struggle to find direction in life. This means many of us are suffering while ignoring symptoms assuming they’re normal. We’ve grown accustomed to answering “how are you?” with “I’m fine” , or spend countless hours feeling so overwhelmed, we don’t know what to do. Most will never receive a diagnosis, nor would they benefit from treatment with prescription drugs. Often times, the root cause can be traced back to an unhealthy mindset – a lack of purpose or the self-doubt that comes with believing our problems can’t be solved. Why does this happen? Why do we get so caught up in fear-based thoughts, hold onto guilt, and allow ourselves to become so overwhelmed by life?


While most research will point to early childhood trauma or emotional and physical abuse, we are also infected with a cultural environment that has polluted our positive growth mindset.

We need to ask ourselves whether the age of Google and Amazon has robbed us of our resiliency to find solutions and to work for them. Has our political party system taught us to blame others and encouraged divisiveness rather than holding ourselves accountable? Have we reached the point where we allow artificial intelligence to replace our own critical thinking skills? Has social media lead us to become so insecure with ourselves that we now lack the ability to be vulnerable and share who we truly are with the world? When we add these things together, it’s easy to see how one could feel so constantly overwhelmed.

I’d like to offer 7 simple steps to help create a healthier mindset. While I wish I could go into more detail, this article is simply too short; I suppose one could use the aforementioned Google or some other form of AI to learn more, though I believe the following is a great foundation to build upon a more empowered and positive mindset.

  1. Unplug from the noise. Reduce exposure to digital media and screen time.
  2. Discover your why. Put in the work to identify your purpose. What drives you to get out of bed each day?
  3. Practice removing limiting beliefs and negative self talk.
  4. Step into the resistance. Whatever is ailing you the most is likely the answer to moving forward.
  5. Evaluate your support group. If you are the average of the people you spend the most time with, ask yourself if they are honoring you on your journey toward better health.
  6. Remember what you are grateful for everyday.
  7. Commit to learning. Spend time in books, podcasts, and journaling.

These 7 tips combined with a healthy diet, consistent physical activity, and restorative sleep can dramatically change your mental wellbeing and add purpose and fulfillment to your life.

If you have symptoms of mental health disorders, you should seek professional guidance immediately. Our mental health and wellbeing has perhaps the most impactful influence on our quality of life. Remember we’re all in this together. I encourage you to make a conscious decision every day to focus on growth, fulfillment, gratitude, and creating positive change in the world. Together, we can conquer our sense of being overwhelmed and find the answers we seek.

Stay healthy and thrive with kindness and purpose.

A Month of Recognition

By Jason Miller

Life is short and while nothing is ever guaranteed, there are somethings that remain consistent. Family, specifically mothers play a large role in defining one’s character during youth. It’s important to appreciate mothers and all of their responsibilities that they take alongside the burdens, helping everyone. Taking a moment to live in somebody else’s shoes and be more open minded about life is one aspect of the holiday celebrating mothers. 

The current version of Mother’s Day that is widely acknowledged originated in Philadelphia by Anna Jarvis whose mother had organized women’s groups to promote friendship and health and on May 12, 1907 she held a memorial service for her late mother. It was traditionally a day of honor but this evolved into something that was out of her control through mass marketing of the event. So in honor of her original wishes, this is dedicated to what she envisioned as a simple recognition of the women who had done so much and sacrificed what they had for their families and their communities. 

The hyper focus on commercialization of the holiday takes away from the inherent value. While for many of us in the current day have access to technology we should use this advancement for furthering prosperity. Back in the day when the holiday first originated in the 1900s there was a large emphasis on writing letters and more physical means since that’s all they had at the time but nowadays it can be as easy as posting pictures of your mothers, aunts or even grandmothers. Any attempt of reaching out and giving attention to those who had served you is an indication of respect which is the foundation for the holiday. 

Being somebody that is on the younger side, it’s always nice to hear stories from my mother and learn of things that I am not always knowledgeable of. Spending time just talking about the past or how to do things and approach situations that I’ve never encountered before – it’s simple things that make all the difference. Asking others about themselves is an easy way to connect and show genuineness. 

Well for Mother’s Day in the spirit of celebration there are a variety of ways that you can implement ineffective methodology to celebrate with your loved ones with some examples being the following…

  1. A family gathering. Being surrounded with those you were raised with allows for a day of nostalgia
  2. Partake in favorite hobbies. Allowing one’s mother to choose the event
  3. Spas. Unwinding and getting away from the mundane tasks in life allows for some reflection

You don’t have to be a mother to acknowledge all of the hard work that they have done. This day is dedicated to respecting and honoring mothers but not just them- any significant female figure in one’s life since that was the core of the foundation of the holiday back in the 1900s. Understanding others allows you to have a better notion of the world in general and therefore will benefit everyone.

What’s the Scoop?

By Tricia Roberts

Choosing the best cat litter for your furry friend can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits, it’s a challenge to know what brand or type of litter is best.

There are several things to consider when selecting cat litter. For cat owners, odor control, clumping ability and cost are usually major factors. But there are also features that matter to your cat like dust control and texture. Cats with respiratory issues require a dust-free cat litter. Cats with sensitive noses might prefer an unscented option over something that smells like flowers. Some cats are even picky about texture and actually care if litter fine or coarse.

So how do you choose? Here are some of the best litters on the market, according to customer reviews, and what makes them stand out.

  1. Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Ultra Clumping Cat Litter

Made from natural clay and 99.9% dust free, this clumping cat litter is a great choice for cats with respiratory problems. It forms solid clumps when wet, making it easy to scoop and maintain cleanliness. It is unscented and hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for cats with sensitive noses or allergies.


2. World’s Best Cat Litter

This litter, made from corn, is a great option for cat owners looking for an eco-friendly option. This dust-free litter forms tight clumps when wet and is flushable, making it disposal simple. Another excellent choice for cats with respiratory issues, it’s available in scented and unscented varieties.

3. Purina Tidy Cats Breeze Cat Litter

Designed to be used with the Purina Tidy Cats Breeze litter box, these anti-tracking pellets are made from paper. Solid waste is collected in a separate tray under the litter box. As mentioned in the name, this low-dust system is made to make cleaning the litter box a breeze.

4. Arm & Hammer Clump & Seal Platinum Cat Litter

This clumping litter claims to eliminate odors for up to seven days. The litter is 100% dust -free and forms tight clumps when wet which makes scooping easy. This is the way to go for cat owners who want a long-lasting and odor-eliminating option.

5. Fresh Step Extreme Clumping Cat Litter

From one of the most recognized brands in cat litter, this affordable option is made to eliminate odors for up to ten days. Another great option for cats with respiratory problems, it’s easy to scoop and made from natural clay.

Much of the process to determine the best cat litter for you and your pet will probably be trial and error, but hopefully this gives you a good place to start. As far as what your cat prefers, you’ll have to ask her.

4 Benefits of Switching to Farm-To-Table Living

By Charmaine Peters, Farm Director at Arden

Are you tired of eating processed food that’s been sitting on grocery store shelves for days or even weeks? Do you want to make a positive impact on the environment and your health? If so, it may be time to consider switching to a farm-to-table lifestyle.

Farm-to-table living involves sourcing your food directly from local farmers and producers, rather than relying on big chain grocery stores and packaged food that takes weeks to reach your home.

There are so many benefits to transitioning to a farm-to-table lifestyle. Here are four that I hope will help you make the switch:

  1. Reducing Your Carbon Footprint and Preserving the Planet

Eating farm-to-table is great for the environment and for reducing your carbon footprint. The average food item can travel close to 1,500 miles before being consumed. Between the trucks and trains shipping your food cross-country to your drive home from the grocery store, the produce you eat has a much larger negative environmental impact than you might think. Locally grown produce has a much smaller carbon footprint. By purchasing directly from the farmer, you are also helping to protect their farmland and keeping rural areas alive for growing seasons to come.

  • Farm-To-Table Living is Healthy Living

If you’re going to make the switch to farm-to-table eating, do it for you! Locally sourced food is often more nutritious than produce you find in your neighborhood grocery store. To prevent produce from going bad in transit to grocery stores, fruits and vegetables are picked before they are completely ripe and nutrient rich, so that they can be ripe and fresh for consumers all year long. When you buy directly from farmers and producers, you are getting the freshest version of that food with the most nutrients to keep your body fueled and healthy. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help reduce chronic fatigue and keep your energy levels high all day.

  • Supporting Local Businesses in South Florida

The farm-to-table movement is a great way to support local businesses in South Florida, especially local farms, farmers markets, and shops. Palm Beach County has plenty of options to get locally sourced produce and now is the best time to find your favorite place to frequent this summer. It will also give you a chance to meet local farmers and learn how they grow your food. Check out this blog for a list of farmer’s markets in the Wellington area.

  • Creating More Variety In Your Diet

If you think that farm-to-table eating restricts your menu, think again! Seasonal varieties of fruits and vegetables keeps your plate interesting year-round. Out-of-season produce increases your carbon footprint, but sticking to in-season fruits and vegetables is not only a great lesson in how to expand your palette, but also in learning how to make the most of the freshest ingredients in your growing zone.

Farm-to-table living is a great and accessible way to make an impact in your community and in your own life. This summer is the perfect time to get started and see the difference!