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Wellington Regional Medical Center Among Nation’s Top Performing Hospitals for Treatment of Heart Attack Patients

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American College of Cardiology NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award recognizes sustained, high-level performance in quality of care.

Wellington, FL, September 24, 2025 – Wellington Regional Medical Center has received the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award for 2025. Wellington Regional Medical Center is one of only 323 hospitals nationwide to receive the honor.

The award recognizes Wellington Regional Medical Center’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for heart attack patients and signifies that Wellington Regional Medical Center has reached an aggressive goal of treating these patients to standard levels of care as outlined by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association clinical guidelines and recommendations.

To receive the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry Platinum Performance Achievement Award, Wellington Regional Medical Center demonstrated sustained achievement in the Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024) and performed at the highest level for specific performance measures. Full participation in the registry engages hospitals in a robust quality improvement process using data to drive improvements in adherence to guideline recommendations and overall quality of care provided to heart attack patients.

“It is an honor to award Wellington Regional Medical Center with the Platinum Performance Award for their valuable national leadership and dedication to meeting comprehensive performance measures in patient care,” said Michael C. Kontos, MD, FACC, chair of the NCDR Chest Pain–MI Registry Steering Subcommittee, and cardiologist at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. “The receipt of this award indicates that Wellington Regional Medical Center remains committed to providing top quality, guideline-driven care for heart attack patients. Their success ensures patients are receiving the highest quality cardiovascular care.”

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that over 800,000 Americans suffer a heart attack each year. A heart attack occurs when a blood clot in a coronary artery partially or completely blocks blood flow to the heart muscle. Treatment guidelines include administering aspirin upon arrival and discharge, timely restoration of blood flow to the blocked artery, smoking cessation counseling and cardiac rehabilitation, among others.

“Receiving the ACC’s Platinum Performance Achievement Award is a testament to our team’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional, evidence-based cardiac care. This honor reflects the dedication of every clinician, nurse, and support staff member who works tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of treatment during some of their most critical moments,” said Pam Tahan, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Chest Pain ̶ MI Registry empowers healthcare provider teams to consistently treat heart attack patients according to the most current, science-based guidelines and establishes a national standard for understanding and improving the quality, safety and outcomes of care provided for patients with coronary artery disease, specifically high-risk heart attack patients.

About Wellington Regional Medical Center

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by The Joint Commission. Celebrating almost 40 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 www.wellingtonregional.com.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is the global leader in transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all. As the preeminent source of professional medical education for the entire cardiovascular care team since 1949, ACC credentials cardiovascular professionals in over 140 countries who meet stringent qualifications and leads in the formation of health policy, standards and guidelines. Through its world-renowned family of JACC Journals, NCDR registries, ACC Accreditation Services, global network of Member Sections, CardioSmart patient resources and more, the College is committed to ensuring a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes. Learn more at www.ACC.org or follow @ACCinTouch.

Mounts Botanical Garden is Hosting ‘Spooktacular’ Events

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(West Palm Beach, FL – September 23, 2025) Mounts Botanical Garden is inviting families, neighbors, and friends of all ages to two special pre-Halloween events next month.

Sunday, October 12

HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs’ Day in the Garden

9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)

FREE for Mounts Members & AHS Reciprocal Program Members

$20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs, $13 for ages 6 to 17, FREE for children under age 6

Note: Dogs are FREE for Mounts members and $5 for nonmembers.

This dog-and-family-friendly event is held monthly throughout the Garden, but next month Mounts is inviting dogs (and owners if they wish) to dress in Halloween costumes for a relaxed garden stroll. There are many great spots to capture family photos for posting online with #mountsbotanicalgarden.

Guidelines:

+ Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted.

+ No more than one dog per adult will be admitted.

+ Rabies vaccination must be current.

+ Visitors should bring their own water and treats for the puppies.

For details, please visit:

https://www.mounts.org/events

Sunday, October 19

BOOTANICAL Garden Bash

9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3 pm)

FREE for Mounts Members & AHS Reciprocal Program Members

$20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs, $13 for ages 6 to 17, FREE for children under age 6

A spooktacular day of food, fun, music, and family activities in the Garden. Bring the kids in costume and enjoy a festive fall celebration with cute animals, games, treats, and lots of photo ops. Explore Mounts’ 20-acre tropical oasis, beautifully decorated for the season, while enjoying delicious bites from local food vendors and live entertainment.

BOOTANICAL highlights will include a petting zoo, kids activities, candy treasure hunt, facepainting, bubble, games, pumpkin patch, photo ops, live music, and a special presentation showcasing the magic of air-purifying plants, food vendors, and more. For a complete list of activities, visit www.mounts.org.

Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. For more information, visit www.mounts.org.

Attached Images:

1.           HOWL-O-WEEN – October 12

2.           BOOTANICAL Garden Bash – October 19

3.           HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs’ Day in the Garden

4.           HOWL-O-WEEN Dogs’ Day in the Garden

 League of Women Voters PBC: STATE OF THE FLORIDA GIRL REPORT

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League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County

Invites the Public to a FREE Presentation

STATE OF THE FLORIDA GIRL REPORT

Thursday, October 16, 3 to 5 pm

At the Mandel Public Library in Downtown WPB

(West Palm Beach, FL – September 22, 2025) The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County (LWVPBC)today invited the public to an informative, eye-opening presentation at the Mandel Public Library in downtown West Palm Beach:

STATE OF THE FLORIDA GIRL REPORT

A Community Call to Action

Hosted in Partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida

Thursday, October 16, 3 to 5 pm

Elle Harrington, Chief Advancement Officer of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida, will discuss the revealing findings of the 80-page, peer-reviewed study on the pressures that girls face, the toll it takes, and what needs to be done to make a difference. From mental health and academic achievement to safety and support systems, the data reveals urgent trends that demand attention.

A highlight of this informative event will be a dynamic panel featuring Karen Brill, Chair of the Palm Beach County School Board; Annie McGrath, LWVPBC member, educator, Miss South Florida Fair 2025; and a Girl Scout sharing her living experience.

This event is more than a presentation—it’s a launchpad for change. While admission is FREE, advance registration is required due to limited seating. To register, please visit lwvpbc.org.

For additional information, please email SpeakersBureau@lwvpbc.org.

About the League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County:

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County is a nonpartisan political organization of women and men of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging informed and active participation in government through education and advocacy. The League of Women Voters of the United States believes that voting is a fundamental citizen right that must be guaranteed. For more information, please visit lwvpbc.org or facebook.com/lwvpbc.

Wellington Green Announces New Store Opening: Executive Leather

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WELLINGTON, FL – The Mall at Wellington Green is pleased to announce the grand opening of Executive Leather, a specialty retailer offering fine leather goods, exotic belts, and one-of-a-kind accessories for men and women. The 1,210square-footstore officially opened in June 2025.

Founded by husband-and-wife team Vafa Tahernia and Mike Pouran, Executive Leather has been a trusted name in luxury leather craftsmanship since 1991. After more than three decades at the Festival Flea Market in Pompano Beach, the couple relocated their business to Wellington following the sale of the original building.

“We fell in love with the welcoming community here,” said Tahernia. “Wellington is the perfect home for Executive Leather. It’s close to our Boynton Beach home, full of friendly customers, and with no other store in the area offering what we do.”

Executive Leather specializes in custom and ready-made belts crafted from 100% genuine leather and exotic skins such as crocodile, alligator, ostrich, python, lizard, bison, and stingray. The leathers are sourced from Italy, while exotic materials come from Spain, Turkey, and India.

Shoppers can also browse an extensive collection of:

–Belt buckles in sterling silver, Swarovski crystals, marcasite, ivory, and turquoise-inspired styles

–RFID-blocking wallets, business briefcases, and travel accessories

–Leather jewelry including bracelets and bolo ties

–Leather hats for men and women

Customers may create their own belts onsite, choosing from premium leathers, buckles, and style (casual, dress, or professional).

Same-day leather repair services are also available, personally performed by owner Mike Pouran.

Executive Leather’s offerings extend beyond everyday fashion. Many products are ideal for Wellington’s renowned polo and equestrian community, with specialty belts, buckles, and hats designed for riders and horse enthusiasts.

For more information, call (561) 517-8958 or email executiveleather@yahoo.com. Follow on Instagram at instagram.com/executive_leather_goods.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL. For 

more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit shopwellingtongreen.com

Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.   

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. Retailers include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, H&M, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, The Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, CMX Wellington, and more. For information, visit shopwellingtongreen.com.  

Wellington Regional Medical Center Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Governors

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Wellington, FL September 22, 2025–Wellington Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished community leaders, Maggie Zeller and Michael Drahos, to its Board of Governors, effective September 2025. Their extensive professional experience and deep commitment to the Wellington community will bring valuable perspectives to the hospital’s mission of delivering high-quality, compassionate care.

Maggie Zeller, Founder and Independent Health Insurance Advisor at Zeller Health Insurance Solutions LLC, has been a trusted advocate for individuals navigating the complexities of health insurance since 2013. With a career spanning five decades in banking, business development and health insurance, Maggie is known for her integrity, personalized service, and dedication to helping clients find coverage that meets their unique needs.

A Florida resident since 1991 and a member of the western communities since 2002, Maggie is also a passionate community volunteer. She serves on the boards of the Wellington Rotary Club, Wellington Community Foundation, Back to Basics, and the YWCA, exemplifying her belief in giving back through service.

Michael Drahos is a seasoned attorney specializing in maritime medical malpractice defense, with over 15 years of experience representing shipboard medical professionals worldwide. He is a recognized expert in jurisdictional defenses and frequently lectures at cruise industry seminars. Michael also brings a broad legal background in product liability and medical device litigation, serving as regional counsel to a global sports equipment and apparel company.

In addition to his legal career, Michael is a dedicated public servant. Michael served the Wellington Village Council as Vice Mayor in 2018. His civic involvement also includes six years on the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board and two years on the Education Committee. He is also the founder of the Young Professionals of Wellington; a group focused on community advocacy and economic development.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maggie and Michael to our Board of Governors,” said Pam Tahan, Chief Executive Officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center. “Their leadership, expertise, and commitment to our community will be instrumental in guiding our hospital’s continued growth and excellence in patient care.”

For more information about Wellington Regional Medical Center and its leadership, please visit www.wellingtonregional.com.

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.

Wellington Garden Club Meeting

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to Feature a Presentation on “Naturally Florida ~  Embracing Native Plants in Your Garden”

Wellington Garden Club (WGC) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, October 6th, at 10:0 0AM, at the Wellington Community Center, at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The meeting will feature a presentation by Emily Marois on growing native Florida plants in your garden.  She specializes in Florida native plants, edible gardening, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. 

Emily Marois is a UF/IFAS (Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences) Urban Horticulture Extension Agent in Palm Beach County.  She creates and delivers educational programs with the support of other Master Gardeners.  A South Florida native herself, she holds a Master’s degree in Agriculture Education and Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science from the University of Florida.  Her background includes working as a horticulturist at the Naples Botanical Gardens and in the floriculture industry.  She served as Coordinator of the Master Gardener Volunteer Program for Palm Beach County.

The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30AM.  Visitors are asked to check in at the desk upon arrival. Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended.  Please contact the Wellington Garden Club membership chair, Anne Hlasnicek,  

via email: ideasmith@comcast.net.  

Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, and youth education.  For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

FINDING HOPE AFTER TRAUMA

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A Panel Discussion on Rescued: Hope for the Shattered Heart and Soul to be hosted by Beachway Therapy Center on Oct. 24

West Palm Beach, FL – Sept. 20 – Beachway Therapy Center, located in downtown West Palm Beach, is hosting a powerful and uplifting panel discussion on Rescued: Hope for the Shattered Heart and Soul, a book by Tricia Youngs, LMHC. The event will be held on the Beachway campus on Friday, Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. The event is complimentary, but registration is required and can be made here. The event is open to the public but space is limited.

Youngs’ book is more than a memoir, it’s a roadmap for healing. “This book is a guide for anyone ready to break free from the chains of trauma, betrayal, and emotional chaos,”says Youngs.

Drawing from her own experiences with sexual abuse, addiction, narcissistic abuse, and profound loss, as well as over 26 years as a therapist and trauma recovery coach, she shows how even the deepest pain can be transformed into strength, resilience, and hope.

The event will feature:

·       Author & Panelist: Tricia Youngs, LMHC

·       Moderator: Eric Bricker, LMHC

·       Panelists: Jill Bershad, Tim Roberto, Craig Robinson, and Kim Litton

Together, they will share personal accounts of recovery, explore best practices in trauma treatment, and discuss the pathways to reclaim life after addiction and abuse. Attendees will leave with insights, tools, and inspiration for their own journeys, or to support those they love.

Highlights:

  • Understand the basics of trauma psychology and emotional recovery

·       Explore how early abuse and neglect impact current relationships

·       Hear honest, heartfelt stories of recovery and resilience

·       Learn expert perspectives on trauma psychology and healing

·       Find strategies for rebuilding healthy relationships after abuse

·       Complimentary lunch included

About Beachway Therapy Center
With two locations (Princeton, New Jersey and West Palm Beach, Florida), Beachway Therapy Center is recognized as one of the nation’s Top 10 facilities/providers of mental health and substance abuse treatment services. By providing evidence-based treatment programs and innovative holistic practices, the team of skilled, master’s level clinicians are dedicated to empowering patients to heal in a safe, private, and nurturing environment. The center specializes in trauma, dual diagnosis, and mental health treatment programs, and long-term, on-site rehabilitation services.

To view Beachway’s accreditations and certificates, click HERE.

To learn more about Beachway Therapy Center’s facility, staff, and programming, click HERE.

Follow on Instagram @beachwaytherapycenter and @beachwaynj and on Facebook @beachwaytherapy and @beachwaynj.

To listen to Beachway’s ‘Recovery Centered’ podcast, click HERE.

31-Day Breast & Cervical Cancer Screening Challenge

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West Palm Beach, FL, September 18, 2025 – Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, Promise Fund is issuing a breast & cervical cancer screening challenge to communities in Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin Counties: to screen and refer as many women as possible in just 31 days.

The South Florida–based nonprofit is dedicated to increasing survivorship from breast and cervical cancer, and is calling on hospitals, clinics, nonprofits, and grassroots organizations to join forces in this initiative. As part of the October Screening Challenge, we remind women to stay current with life-saving screenings. National experts recommend mammograms beginning at age 40, or earlier with family history, and cervical cancer screening starting at age 21. One in eight women will face breast cancer in her lifetime, and up to 93% of cervical cancers are preventable with screening and HPV vaccination.

The goal is to expand access to these lifesaving screenings and prove the power of early detection.

“How many women can we screen or refer for screening in just 31 days?” asked Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, Founder of Promise Fund. “This is more than a challenge; it’s an opportunity for our community to save lives. Let’s make October count.”

As part of the challenge, Promise Fund will provide free mammograms at locations across Palm Beach, Broward, and Martin Counties. Those interested must register in advance by calling 877-427-7664. If an event is fully booked, members of the community can schedule a screening for a later date.

Upcoming Free Screening Events

  • October 4, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Marie Louise Cancer Foundation, Haitians & Friends United vs. Cancer, Intracoastal Park, 2240 N Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach
  • October 17, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. – St. Joseph Episcopal Church, 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach
  • October 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Healthy Me 411 W Indiantown Rd Jupiter 33458
  • October 29, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Do Good Delray at the Delray Beach Public Library, 100 W. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach

In addition, Promise Fund will host community information tables where women can learn about free and low-cost healthcare services:

  • October 5, 3–5 p.m. – St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 3300 S. Seacrest Blvd, Boynton Beach
  • October 23, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. – Hispanic Unity of Florida, 5811 Johnson Street, Hollywood

Since its founding in 2018, Promise Fund has:

  • Reached 109,000+ individuals through outreach and education
  • Provided access to screenings, diagnostics, and care for 25,000+ women
  • Helped 266 women diagnosed with cancer navigate lifesaving treatment

For more information, visit thepromisefund.org. Follow @thepromisefund on Instagram and @PromiseFundofFL on Facebook.

Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute Introduces Smart Knee Implant

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Jonathan H. Shaw, MD

New technology brings data-driven insights to total knee replacement patients. 

West Palm Beach, FL – [September 17, 2025] – Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute is proud to announce it is now offering Persona IQ®, the world’s first and only smart knee implant, cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the De Novo process for total knee replacement surgery.

Persona IQ combines Zimmer Biomet’s trusted Persona® The Personalized Knee® implant with implantable sensor technology that securely captures and transmits objective data such as step count, walking speed, range of motion, and other mobility metrics after surgery.

“By offering Persona IQ, we are giving patients access to a groundbreaking advancement in joint replacement — one that allows both patients and surgeons to better understand recovery in real time,” said Dr. Jonathan Shaw, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “This technology enhances the standard of care by providing data-driven insights that can support personalized recovery and empower patients throughout their journey.”

Once implanted, Persona IQ continuously records mobility data and wirelessly transmits it to the patient’s personal base station at home. Information is then delivered to a secure, HIPAA-compliant cloud platform, accessible by both the patient and their care team. Persona IQ also integrates seamlessly with mymobility®, Zimmer Biomet’s digital care management platform, to give surgeons and patients a more complete picture of recovery before and after surgery.

“Persona IQ represents an exciting shift toward smart orthopedics,” said Priya Chandradat, CEO OF Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute. “At Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, we are committed to adopting technologies that improve patient outcomes, increase engagement, and make the surgical experience smarter, more connected, and more personalized.”

For more information about Persona IQ, visit: https://www.zimmerbiomet.com/en/patients-caregivers/persona-iq.html

To learn more about Dr. Jonathan Shaw or Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute, visit: https://www.pboi.com/jonathan-shaw-md-orthopaedic-surgeon-palm-beach-gardens-jupiter.html

About Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute

For over thirty years, the doctors of Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute have provided their patients with the highest quality healthcare and treatment possible. Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute is a recognized leader in orthopedics. All PBOI doctors are Board-Certified, and many have completed fellowship training in their respective areas of expertise. With renowned experts in many major orthopedic subspecialties, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute takes pride in offering comprehensive, cutting-edge care across the entire spectrum of musculoskeletal health.

The practice is composed of surgeons who specialize in sports injury, upper extremity, spine disorders, total joint replacements, MAKOplasty, podiatry abnormalities, musculoskeletal disorders, and surgical and non-operative treatment of the neck and spine. This sub-specialization provides patients with the highest quality of health care and treatment for their particular problem.

In order to achieve the finest results, Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute utilizes state-of-the-art diagnostic and procedural equipment, including digital x-ray, ultrasound, and laser technology. Palm Beach Orthopaedic Institute offers comprehensive orthopedic care at multiple surgical facilities and hospitals throughout Palm Beach County, spanning from Wellington to Jupiter.