Thursday, May 8, 2025
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Reading and Writing and Your Kids!

By Heidi Hess

Well, we are now counting down the days for the 2024/2025 school year. For me, it is the end of an era. My son will be graduating high school and starting college in the late summer. I have mixed feelings about this, as I’m sure you can imagine. I’m proud of both of my kids. Their journeys have been, and continue to be, completely different – unique. Just like them. They have their own style, mannerisms… things that have nothing to do with me and as strange as it seems, I am quite proud of that. Why? Simply put it means that I gave them enough space to figure things out on their own. As a stay at home mom, that is hard.

I think it’s really important to, at a certain point, let the kids decide or do for themselves. The things that make us us … should be determined by each individual person. My job is to monitor, to make sure their choices are healthy (no, you aren’t drinking Monster) and safe (nothing good happens in parking lots after midnight. Your curfew is midnight), and then to lay down the foundation. Besides helping them develop good healthy friendships and making good choices, I’ve really tried to instill a love of literature or just reading in general. It’s one of the things I’ve insisted upon.

Wanna watch a movie? Did we read the book first? Extra time on our hands – read a book. Trip to the library and can we get some DVD’s? You can get two DVD’s and as many books as you want. Time for bed – snuggling and a book. Too much TV? Book. Summer vacation – rewards for reading books. You see where I’m going with this…

And now, my son, packing for a trip to Universal, is being forced to listen to an audio book I have playing in the background. His taste in many things (movies, books, music) tends to be a little darker than normal, but the apple doesn’t fall to far from the tree. I’m listening to Reincarnation Blue by Michael Poore. There is a lot of dark humor and has made me laugh out loud. My son, who is more interested in his music lately, peaks his head around the corner – “What is this?” I tell him. Humm… he seems interested. They say that everyone likes to read, you just have to find your book. But now it has me questioning, does the book choose you?

I think I’ve harped on this before in my column, but if you want your kids to read, they need to catch you reading. And I have the solution. Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival is happening Saturday, June 14, 2025 in the Mall at Wellington Green. Think of it as an adult book fair. Although, it’s really for all ages and it’s absolutely free. That’s right – something to do on a summer day and it’s indoors and FREE admission. Find your new author obsession. Buy a book and have it signed. Bring the kids and have them watch you engage with the author and then – here’s the real challenge – read the book and make sure they see you reading it.

You don’t have to wear the same clothes or even agree on political view points, but it’s important that your kids see you, or in my case, hear you reading.

The Skinny on Tirzepatide

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By Jaime Joshi Elder 

When patients come into Advanced Surgical Physicians, they run the gamut of the emotional spectrum. Anxiety and fear when first diagnosed, cautious optimism during treatment and wild hope and joy when realizing they are in remission. 

Andrew Shapiro, MD also noticed that when his breast cancer patients would come in, they would struggle with weight gain due to hormonal therapy and more often than not, this would have an adverse effect on their mental health. 

Dr. Andrew Shapiro

As the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center and leader of the Breast Cancer Support Group at Wellington Regional Medical Center, Dr. Shapiro wanted to do more for his patients and he started researching deeper into the advancements in GLP-1 receptor agonists. 

This research eventually led to establishing a weight-loss program at Advanced Surgical Physicians which quickly opened to the entire community and not just breast cancer patients. 

The program uses Tirzepatide, a medication that has shown promising results for weight loss and blood sugar control and can be found in GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound and Mounjaro. 

It is a once-weekly injectable medication that works by mimicking two natural hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones help regulate appetite, blood sugar levels, and metabolism and work in several ways to promote weight loss:

  • Decreased appetite: It helps you feel full longer after eating, so you’re less likely to overeat.
  • Slower digestion: It slows down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines, which also helps you feel full for longer.
  • Improved blood sugar control: It increases insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels, which can help with weight loss and reduce the risk of complications from diabetes.

In addition to significant weight loss – studies have shown that people taking Tirzepatide can lose an average of 15-20% of their body weight in 72 weeks – the drug can also improve blood sugar control by lowering A1C (measure of average blood sugar) levels over time and also reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke as a result of both of these outcomes. 

As with any medication, there are side effects and the most common ones for Tirzepatide include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.

Patients may also experience fatigue, dizziness, injection site reactions, and, if nutritional intake isn’t maintained during significant weight loss, hair loss.

Mild allergic reactions are also possible and Dr. Shapiro emphasizes that these side effects are often mild and temporary and can often be managed with over-the-counter remedies, proper hydration, and a balanced diet.

Initially, the Advanced Surgical Physicians weight loss program was for patients of the practice but now, the program is open to adults who are overweight or obese and have a BMI of 27 or higher and eligibility depending on medical history such as type 1 diabetes, a history of pancreatitis or thyroid cancer.

A proud veteran and strong supporter of the community, Dr. Shapiro is offering a special discount for first responders, teachers and military members, both active and retired. 

To learn more about the Tirzepatide, the weight-loss program and the discount, contact Advanced Surgical Physicians directly at: 561-333-1335.

Roasted Vegetables: A Colorful Sidedish

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Serves 6

Ingredients

  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cremini mushrooms
  • 2 cups chopped butternut squash
  • 1 zucchini, sliced and quartered
  • 1 yellow squash, sliced and quartered
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, or more, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
  • Place broccoli florets, mushrooms, butternut squash, zucchini, squash, bell pepper and onion in a single layer onto the prepared baking sheet. Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and thyme; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Gently toss to combine.
  • Place into oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.*
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

*Baking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the vegetables.

Puppy Yoga at Retro Fitness in Wellington

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On April 26, 2025 Retro Fitness Wellington presented “Puppy Yoga” and encouraged donations for Barky Pines Animal Rescue.

USPA Open Championship Finals

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Father vs Son

Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

For the second consecutive year father, Adolfo Cambiaso’s team La Dolfina/Tamera faced off against his son’s team La Dolfina/Catamount.

The results were different this year with Tamera coming out ahead 12-8.

With a very even first half and a tie score of 6-6, Tamera turned on the power during the second half by outscoring Catamount 6-2.

Tamera’s team was made up of the game’s MVP Alejandro Poma, 10-goaler Adolfo Cambiaso, Matt Cappola and Diego Cavanagh.

10-goaler Poroto Cambiaso, Scott Devon, Rufina Merlos and Jesse Bray played for Catamount.

This win was the 10th time that Adolfo Cambiaso was part of the winning team.

Well known sportscaster Chris Fowler of ESPN served as the game’s analyst and broadcaster.

Norman Love Confections Unveils Ten Limited-Edition Flavors Just In Time For Mother’s Day

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The award-winning, luxury chocolatier also debuts a special Mom’s Day Cake available only in retail locations

Delray Beach and Boca Raton, FL (April 24, 2025)— Norman Love Confections, the premier chocolatier specializing in edible artistry, has curated 10 new flavors for Mother’s Day (Sunday, May 11.)  The company’s limited-edition 2025 Mother’s Day Collection features a delicious assortment of elegant, new flavors that are the perfect gifts for that special mom, grandmother or mother-in-law in your life.

“Moms deserve the extraordinary —a luxury chocolate experience as unforgettable as they are,” said Lisa Fisher, CEO of Norman Love Confections. “Crafted with the precision of a chocolatier and the soul of an artist, our creations are more than confections — they’re truly designed with love.”

Available online at NormanLoveConfections.com as of this week, the Mother’s Day 2025 Collection includes:

·      Sweet Tea–Southern charm meets luxury in this smooth, fragrant sweet tea ganache in a white chocolate shell. Light, refreshing and perfectly balanced with a twist of fresh lemon.

·      Apple Pie–Inspired by homemade comfort, this piece captures the warm, spiced essence of Mom’s apple pie in a luscious white chocolate shell. With notes of cinnamon, baked apple, and a buttery finish, it’s a nostalgic bite of love and sweetness.

·      Lemon Bar–This piece captures the bright, tangy sweetness of the classic dessert with a vibrant lemon curd ganache, all nestled in a silky white chocolate shell. Sweet, tart, and irresistibly smooth.

·      Sangria–Bold red wine and vibrant fruit notes in a rich, jammy ganache, encased in decadent dark chocolate. Sophisticated and juicy, it’s a spirited bite that lingers with warmth and depth.

·      Vanilla Cupcake–A playful twist on a classic treat, this Vanilla Cupcake bonbon features a rich vanilla bean ganache with hints of buttercream sweetness, all wrapped in smooth dark chocolate. It’s nostalgic, indulgent, and delightfully unexpected.

·      German Chocolate Cake–Inspired by the beloved dessert, German Chocolate Cake, this piece has layers rich chocolate ganache with toasted coconut, enrobed in creamy milk chocolate. It’s a decadent, indulgent bite of cake in confection form.

·      Rum Cake–The warmth of spiced rum and buttery vanilla cake in a smooth, indulgent ganache, wrapped in creamy milk chocolate. Rich, festive, and full of charm in every bite.

·      Waffles & Syrup–Like a cozy meal around the breakfast table with Mom; this piece packs all the flavor of a plate of homemade waffles & syrup. Encased in creamy milk chocolate, Waffles & Syrup is sweet, nostalgic and perfectly comforting.

·      Caramel Turtle–Layers of silky caramel and toasted pecans nestled in a smooth dark chocolate shell. Rich, nutty, and indulgently gooey—an elevated take on a classic treat.

·      Peanut Butter Pie–Fluffy peanut butter ganache with the crunch of graham cracker crust, all wrapped in smooth milk chocolate. Rich, nutty, and irresistibly decadent—just like a slice of the real thing.

Additionally, a special Mother’s Day cake is available this year– a Fraisier Cake, which is a French strawberry vanilla cake, with layers of rich vanilla cream, fresh strawberries and vanilla cake. It’s lavishly garnished with edible chocolate tulips, white chocolate Chantilly and chocolate decorations.

Norman Love Confections has been named Best Premium Chocolate in the United States six times over the past 20 years, and prides itself on sourcing the highest-quality ingredients from around the world, and transforming them into stunning, gourmet works of art.

The 2025 Mother’s Day Collection gift boxes, select novelties and curated bundles will be available for purchase online at www.NormanLoveConfections.com through May 7 and all gift boxes and novelties will be available at Norman Love Confections salons in Fort Myers, Naples, Estero, Sarasota and Delray Beach beginning Monday, April 28.  The Boca Raton salon is scheduled to open in early May and will carry the Mother’s Day collection as well.

For a list of salon and other retail locations, click here. To learn more, visit normanloveconfections.com, and follow on socials @normanloveconfections.

Summer Restaurant Specials

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WINE & SPIRITS KITCHEN 

HAPPY HOUR – Daily 3-6PM 

One of the best happy hours in Delray is waiting for you at Wine & Spirits Kitchen. Every day from 3PM to 6PM, guests can enjoy $6 select wines, $5 well drinks, and $4 beers—plus 50% off all spirits (excluding allocated bottles). Feeling hungry? Don’t miss the fan-favorite $6 prime rib sliders—tender, juicy, and stacked with flavor. Pair them with creamy mac & cheese or other bar bites and settle into the ultimate late afternoon unwind.

INDUSTRY MONDAYS  – 6PM – close 

Wine & Spirits Kitchen shows some love to hospitality professionals every Monday with extended specials from 3PM to close. Guests in the industry can take advantage of 50% off all food (some exclusions apply), 50% off all spirits (excluding allocated bottles), plus $6 wines, $5 mixed drinks, and $4 beers. It’s the ideal setting to relax post-shift or gear up for the night with great food, strong drinks, and laid-back vibes.

WINE & CHEESE SATURDAYS 

Every Saturday, Wine & Spirits Kitchen invites guests to sip, snack, and learn with their signature Wine & Cheese Saturdays. The fun kicks off at 2PM with an interactive cheese class, followed by a wine class at 3PM. Each session is $25 and designed for both curious beginners and seasoned enthusiasts. Whether attending one or both, it’s a flavorful way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

MATCH IT WEDNESDAYS – 3PM – close 

Wine lovers are invited to take advantage of Match It Wednesday, a midweek special that doubles the value of any wine card purchase! Load any denomination and receive a matching amount to explore Wine & Spirits Kitchen’s impressive lineup of 170+ wines on tap. Whether you’re trying something new or pouring your favorite vintage, Match It Wednesday is your weekly reason to raise a glass.

411 E. Atlantic Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 |  (561) 243-9463

@wineroomdelray | thewineroomonline.com

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DRIFTWOOD

HAPPY HOUR – Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 6PM

Known for its inventive cocktails and chef-driven comfort food, Driftwood now offers Happy Hour Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 6PM. Guests can sip $8 handcrafted cocktails like the Rip Current or Jamaican Sorrel Spritzer, $10 bourbon classics, $4 domestic beers, $6 local craft brews, and $5 house wines.On the menu: craveable small plates like birria empanadas, dry-rubbed wings, beer-battered pickles, and Quincey Cattle sliders—stacked with American cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, and special sauce. With free parking and a relaxed, coastal vibe, Driftwood’s Happy Hour is the perfect way to wind down.


2005 S. Federal Hwy, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 | (561) 733-4782
Driftwood Website |

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AMAR MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN & BAR 

HABIBI HOUR – Daily | 4–6PM

Aptly named after the Arabic word for “love,” Habibi Hour is a heartfelt celebration of flavor. Enjoy 50% off almost every item on Amar’s crave-worthy hot and cold mezze list—plus half off wine, beer, and select cocktails. It’s the perfect excuse to gather, graze, and sip your way through the Mediterranean.

HABIBI WINE NITES – Wednesdays | 4–close

Wine down every Wednesday with 50% off all bottles during Habibi Wine Nites at Amar. Whether you’re into bold reds, crisp whites, or refreshing rosés, it’s the midweek moment you didn’t know you needed.

25 SE 6th Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | (561) 865-5653 

amardelray.com | @amardelray

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GESTO

SUMMER HAPPY HOUR –  Daily | 4–6PM

Just in time for summer, Gesto rolls out its first-ever Happy Hour! Enjoy half-priced wine by the glass and, beer along with 25% off their entire lineup of apps, salads, and sourdough hybrid pizzas using the finest Italian flour, Jersey-grown tomatoes, and wood-fired cooking.
When:

VINO WEDNESDAYS -Wednesdays | 4–close

Cheers to midweek indulgence with 50% off all wine bottles every Wednesday.

522 East Atlantic Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33483 | 561.403.2665 

www.gestopizzeria.com | @gestopizzeria

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Palm Beach Autographs Hosts Florida Panthers Autograph Signing Extravaganza 

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WELLINGTON, FL – The 2024 Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers skated into Palm Beach Autographs at The Mall at Wellington Green last weekend where they signed autographs and spent quality time mingling and hanging out with their fans. 

Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe, left winger Jonah Gadjovich,and right winger Evan Rodrigues spent a rousing afternoon posing for photos, signing memorabilia, and even getting into an occasional fight pose with die-hard fans and families (and a few jersey-clad canines) who waited for hours in line to see their favorite players.


“We always look forward to doing these in-store signings with the Florida Panthers,” said Jim Dodson, owner of Palm Beach Autographs. “It’s really fun for the fans and the players really enjoy it, too.” The event also included a silent auction featuring must-have memorabilia like a 2023-24 Panthers team signed poster as well as a hat trick mystery box containing autographed items.  


Palm Beach Autographs is located at The Mall at Wellington Green, 10300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more information, call (561) 340-2921 or visit palmbeachautographs.com.

Top 10 Hot Gift Items for Mother’s Day,

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Sunday, May 11, 2025

At the Mall at Wellington Green

Wellington, FL—Mother’s Day is May 11, 2025, and The Mall at Wellington Green has designed a curated gift guide with items hand-selected to honor Mom on her special day. With 160+ stores (of which 60 are small businesses offering one-of-a-kind items), the Wellington retail destination offers a variety of options at a wide range of price points. 

The top 10 hot items for moms this year include: 

ALT Fragrances

Fleur Noire (100 ML)

$49.00

Inspired by cult favorite, Black Opium, but offered for a fraction of the price, this clean, vegan and cruelty- free fragrance has hundreds of five-star reviews for a reason. With base notes of vanilla, patchouli, cashmere wood and cedar, this is a sweet and cozy scent that still manages to turn heads. 

Lifetime Kitchen

Riedel Veloce- Red/ White Wine Tasting Set

$179.99

Cheers moms! Wine-loving matriarchs are guaranteed to appreciate this tasting set. This Riedel set, perfect for gifting, contains four glasses, each for a different type of wine: Cabernet, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Each glass is designed to elevate the flavor and aroma of the wine it is intended for, creating a unique tasting experience. 

Brow Art 23

Gift Card

($25+)

Give the gift of self-care this Mother’s Day. Offering a variety of services including eyebrow threading, eyelash extensions, henna tattoos, makeup, facials and more, there is a treatment for every woman at Brow Art 23. All treatments are provided by one of the brand’s trusted and certified beauticians.

Yuly 360

Mastery Dress

$88.00

Perfect for active moms on the go, the Yuly 360 Mastery Dress is a versatile piece designed for tennis and pickleball that is also perfectly suitable for everyday wear. Made with antibacterial, quick-dry fabric, it enhances performance and allows for easy dressing up. Available in sizes XS-L. 

BH2.O

Women’s Birkenstock Arizona Stealth Sandals

$55.00

With summer around the corner, these best-selling Birkenstock sandals make an ideal gift. The Arizona sandal is made from ultra-lightweight, water-friendly material, making them the perfect choice for those south Florida beach and pool days. Plus, the signature contoured foot bed on these slides makes them ultra comfortable. 

Bath and Body Works

Lavender Vanilla Gift Set

$38.95

This dreamy gift set includes an essential oil mist, ultimate hydration body cream, gentle foaming hand soap and a hand cream, all in Bath and Body Works’ signature lavender vanilla scent, formulated to inspire tranquility and promote relaxation.

Brighton

Meridian Mom Petite Stretch Bracelet

$98.00

This delicately styled bracelet sends a message of love to mom every day. This silver-plated piece offers a comfortable stretch and a gorgeous finish, perfect for stacking with other jewelry or as a stand-alone statement piece. 

Ella Bella Collection

Ella Bella Face Serum

$65.00

Owned by a mother-daughter duo, Leila Najjar and Giovanna Biatti Najjar, Ella Bella offers high-quality, homemade soaps, lotions and skin products. Ella Bella’s face serum is made with a unique, organic blend of botanical oils and is rich in vitamin E. Ideal for all complexions, this miracle product helps minimize signs of aging and wrinkles, leaving the skin hydrated and healthy. 

Great American Cookies

Mother’s Day Daisies Cookie Cake (16-inch round)

$41.99

Treat mom to something sweet this Mother’s Day with this cookie cake! This treat is completely customizable, with a choice from five delicious cookie cake batter flavors and countless combinations of icing colors. Serves 8-12 people. 

Macy’s

Coach Soft Tabby Small Leather Shoulder Bag

$395.00

Macy’s offers a plethora of women’s apparel, with something in stock for every mom out there, such as this gorgeous Coach bag. Crafted in smooth leather with sturdy and bright brass hardware, the Tabby shoulder bag is a durable, yet luxurious accessory to be cherished for years. Coming with a removable strap and handle, this is a versatile piece, easily transitioned from day to night. 

The Mall at Wellington Green will also host its 7th Annual Mother’s Day Fashion Show and Tea Party on May 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Grand Court. Featuring clothing and accessories from mall retailers modeled by mom and child duos, this free event is a fan favorite every year. No registration is required to attend. 

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. Retailers 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