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Peace

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Peace 

By John F. Rifenberg

I’m at that stage in life where my body works at it owns pace and wisdom. Some of these body parts work whenever they feel like it. That’s not counting the heart burn, bloating of the stomach and a restless lower track. Then there’s the rattling in my mind as I try to think. Then, other parts of my body don’t work when I want them to. [Let your mind wander with that thought]. I’m not sure what is happening within my body and mind. I do know it’s getting noisy inside of me. Besides that my mind is starting to rattle, at least I hope that’s what I hear.  The body is making all kinds of sounds, some you may have experience and the rest is just noise. It’s usually called the aches and pains of living. I’m sure that we all go through this or a degree of this. And none of this sound is in stereo. It seems to me, I have lost control of my body and mind or maybe I never had any control at all? I always have lived my life as I saw fit.

          Somehow I need to find some harmony and peace between my mind and my body.  Harmony is a secret saint. It’s the part of your life that you may not notice till it’s gone. Then you look back at your life and it’s a great period of time for you. Sometimes it’s just great when the sun comes up in the morning and then falls from the sky at night. Harmony is a step towards peace.

          Peace is different, it doesn’t need to be in a place where there’s no noise, or no problems with white doves flying in the sky. Maybe it’s a place where the sound of hard work, and the noise of life happens daily.  I think it means being in the middle of the storm called life and yet, being calm in your heart.

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John Rifenberg is co-chairman of the writing group of Royal Palm Beach. He has just finished his newest book “The Alphabet Out of Order,” which is an assortment of stories and poems, including his award winning short stories. 

 

Color Purple Comedy Hour with The Voice’s Erin Willett at Seminole Casino Coconut Creek

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Color Purple Comedy Hour” at

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek on

Thursday, November 29

 

Coconut Creek, FL – Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is pleased to welcome the “Color Purple Comedy Hour” on Thursday, November 29, in Legends Lounge at 8 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network® (PanCAN).

Hosted by singer Erin Willett of NBC’s The Voice, the comedic event will also feature comedians Dustin Chafin and Jimmy Shubert. Live entertainment will be provided by Jenny Love.

Willett was introduced to the world on Season 2 of The Voice. She performs frequently with her band and recently released the PanCAN anthem, Hope’s Alive. After losing her father to the disease in 2011, Willett helps raise awareness of the disease as a PanCAN Influencer of Hope.

A Kilgore, Texas native, Dustin Chafin has been featured in the New York Underground Comedy Festival and headlines regularly at premier New York City venues such as Caroline’s on Broadway, Comic Strip Live and the Broadway Comedy Club. He was once a staff writer for the Syfy channel and a contributing writer for The Chris Rock Show, Dennis Miller Live, Chappelle’s Show, and Blue Collar TV.

Chafin is also a regular on Sirius and XM Satellite Radio where he’s been featured on Jim Breuer Unleashed, Blue Collar Radio, and Howard Stern Radio.

Jimmy Shubert, who hails from Philadelphia, is considered one of the busiest comedians working today. He’s been a headliner at comedy clubs, casinos, and theaters across the country.

Additionally, Shubert has built an impressive resume as an actor, both in film and on television. He currently can be seen in the movie “American Nightmares” on Cinemax and he just completed film the new movie, “Puppy Love.” His brand new hour-long special – “Zero Tolerance” – will soon be seen on a premium cable network.

Shubert’s comedy routine is usually performed with an observational point of view, in comedic short-story form, and typically focuses on poking fun at pop culture.

The “Color Purple Comedy Hour” is part of Seminole Casino Coconut Creek’s “Coco For A Cure” program, which raises awareness and funds throughout November for the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Tickets are $25 per person (minimum donation). For more information or to purchase tickets, call Customer Care at (954) 585-5379.

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at 5550 NW 40th Street, Coconut Creek.

About Pancreatic Cancer Action Network®

Founded in 1999, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network® (PanCAN) is dedicated to fighting the world’s toughest cancer. Its urgent mission is to save lives and attack pancreatic cancer on all fronts: research, clinical initiatives, patient services and advocacy. The organization’s effort is amplified by a nationwide network of grassroots support. It is determined to improve patient outcomes today and to double survival by 2020.

About Seminole Casino Coconut Creek 

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek presents the market’s most fully-integrated, energized, stylish and upscale local’s casino experience featuring nearly 2,000 slot machines, from classic favorites to trendy new themes, plus 70 live table games with real dealers and real cards, including blackjack, baccarat and poker. Under its roof, the casino offers world-class dining including its award-winning steakhouse, NYY Steak, as well as Sorrisi Italian restaurant, the New York-style 1st Street Deli and authentic Asian cuisine at The BOL. Guests can enjoy live music from a variety of performers and dance the night away to the latest mixes from the area’s top DJs at Legends Lounge, Nectar and Sunset Grill. The Pavilion, a 1,200-seat capacity entertainment venue, has been a home to acts such as Wayne Newton, Dionne Warwick, Sophia Loren and many more. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is located at the corner of U.S. 441 (State Road 7) and Sample Road in Coconut Creek, Florida. For more information, call (954) 977-6700 or visit CasinoCoco.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/seminolecasinocococreek, follow us on Twitter @CasinoCoco , Instagram @seminolecasinococonutcreek, and YouTubeyoutube.com/SeminoleCasinoCC.

Family Friendly Holiday Events in Wellington

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Family Friendly Holiday Events in Wellington

Looking to get into the Holiday spirit this December? Look no further than your Great Hometown! The Village of Wellington has a whole host of fun, family activities scheduled for you and your loved ones throughout the month.

Saturday, December 1st | Holiday Tree Lighting & King Guys “The Cool Yule Band”

Start your December festivities off with a holiday tree lighting and concert on Saturday, December 1st at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The tree lighting is set to occur at 6:30 p.m. followed by a concert by King Guys – The Cool Yule Band, playing a mix of all of your favorite holiday music.  Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases.  A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus!  Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information. 

Friday, December 7th | Free Movie Night: The Star (PG)

Bring out the family for a free showing of The Star (PG) on Friday, December 7th at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard). The movie begins at 7:30 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.

Sunday, December 9th | 35th Annual Wellington Holiday Parade

The Annual Wellington Holiday Parade, hosted by the Village of Wellington and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, returns on Sunday, December 9th.  Enjoy a free day of fun and festivities with a holiday park at the Wellington Amphitheater from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and a judged parade filled with imaginative floats, marching bands, characters, dance troupes, and more.  The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. and will wind its way down Forest Hill Boulevard from Wellington Trace to Ken Adams Way.  Vendors will be on-site with goodies available for purchase. Grab your family and join us for this fantastic holiday event. Visit www.cpbcchamber.com for more information.

Saturday, December 15th | Lakeside Family Fun Day

The next event in Wellington’s Lakeside Family Fun Days series is set to occur on Saturday, December 15th on Lake Wellington, located behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). The event will feature a variety of FREE activities for the entire family to enjoy between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., including kayaking, paddle boarding, a bounce house, a rock wall, glitter tattoos, lawn games, fishing, Plaster Time Crafts, and more.  Try Goat Yoga between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (pre-register at www.downwardgoat.com) and take photos with Santa between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (bring a camera). Guests can also visit with Courtyard Animal Hospital and are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the Wellington Community Services tent for the Hometown Holiday Toy Drive.  Tickets for Wellington’s Annual Father Daughter Dance, returning on Saturday, January 26th, will also be available for purchase.  Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Lakeside for more information.

Saturday, December 15th | Holiday Boat Parade

Come watch as local residents and boating enthusiasts light up the Lake with Wellington’s Annual Holiday Boat Parade on Lake Wellington.  Visible from behind the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard), boats will launch from the Meadowland Cove boat launch at 6:20 p.m. and are expected to pass behind the Wellington Community Center around 6:25 p.m. Approximately 30 festive, decorated boats are expected to cruise in the parade. Those interested in participating should contact Jack Brownson at jbrownson@comcast.net for more information.

Saturday, December 15th | N2 Nation’s “Motown Magic” Holiday Show

Attend a holiday spectacular you won’t soon forget.  Join N2 Nation on Saturday, December 15th, at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 Forest Hill Boulevard), for a special Motown Magic Holiday Show. Food trucks will be available on site for food and beverage purchases. A number of children’s characters will also be on hand for photo opportunities, plus enjoy a very special visit with the big man in red himself—Santa Claus! Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets for seating. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/Amphitheater for more information.

Sunday, December 16th | 7th Annual Wellington Holiday Run 5K

The 7th Annual Wellington Holiday Run 5K returns to Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) on Sunday, December 16th. The race begins at 7:00 a.m. and participants are encouraged to bring out an unwrapped toy to be donated to families in the Wellington community as part of the annual Hometown Holiday Toy Drive.  All participants will be provided with jingle bells to wear prior to the start of the race. For more details and registration information, visit www.active.com.

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch WellingtonTV for the latest happenings.

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/enews.

Local Band Takes the Stage at Village Music Block Party

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D-Railed Will Play at the Village Music Block Party on Sat., 11/24/18

For more information about the Block Party at Village Music Wellington, visit their website or call  561-798-5334.  

 

A Look at Yoga and Heart Health

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A Look at Yoga and Heart Health

By Stephanie Bogden

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is one or more conditions of the heart that involves narrowed or blocked blood vessels, structural problems, and/or blood clots, as stated by the American Heart Association. The most common types of cardiovascular disease are damage or disease of the heart’s major blood vessels, improper beating of the heart, sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, and high blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends living a healthy lifestyle in order to prevent heart disease, which includes getting enough physical activity. So how does practicing yoga measure up to this recommendation? “Exercise that revs up your heart rate isn’t the only kind of physical activity that can help prevent or manage heart disease. The calming exercise of yoga is good for the heart, too,” states John Hopkins Medicine in an article titled, “The Yoga-Heart Connection.”

Yoga is a discipline that originated in ancient India which includes breath control, physical postures, and simple meditation. The practice of yoga has been known to have many health benefits, including a decrease in stress and anxiety. This is good news for individuals with heart disease because a decrease in stress means a decrease in the presence of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in the blood. Cortisol and adrenaline narrow the arteries and increase blood pressure. Therefore, practicing yoga may help decrease blood pressure, as well as blood cholesterol, blood glucose levels, and heart rate. Julie Corliss, the executive editor for Harvard Health Publishing, wrote, “A review of yoga and cardiovascular disease published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology indicates that yoga may help lower heart disease risk as much as conventional exercises, such as walking.”

Here are three great yoga pose suggestions for a healthy heart:

  • Janu Sirsasana (Head-to-Knee Forward Fold)
  • Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you. Keeping the right leg extended forward, bend the left knee out to the side and place the bottom of the left foot against the right inner thigh. Inhale reaching the arms up overhead and exhale lengthen the spine to fold forward over your right leg into a comfortable stretch. You can stay breathing in this pose for a few minutes before transitioning to the other side.

  • Setu Bandha Sarvangasana (Bridge Pose)  
  • Lie supine on the floor with knees bent and feet approximately a fist distance apart. Slide the heels in toward the glutes and allow the palms of your hands to rest down by your hips. Gently tuck the shoulder blades underneath the spine so the heart center feels open. Press the heels and shoulders down to lift the hips up off of the floor. Take a few deep breaths in this position while mindfully energizing the inner thighs. When you are ready to exit the posture, articulate through the spine as you lower one vertebra down at a time until the pelvis has grounded. 

  • Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog)
  • Begin on your hands and knees with your knees placed directly underneath your hips. Extend the hands forward on the floor slightly in front of the shoulders, spreading all ten fingers wide and equally distributing your weight across the hands. Then tuck your toes under and float your hips up by slowly extending the knees until your body is in an upside-down V formation. Relax your heels toward the ground and slide your shoulder blades toward your tailbone. Feel the length in your spine as you hold this posture for five to eight breaths. Always consult your doctor before starting new physical activities, including a yoga practice. For more information on yoga and heart health, please refer to the works cited for this article below.

Thanksgiving Interfaith Service

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Thanksgiving Interfaith Service

United in the spirit of gratitude, join local faith communities for an uplifting hour of music and inspiration. Leaders from Jewish, Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Baha’i, Buddhist and other traditions will be share the meaning of thanksgiving. Lake Worth Interfaith Network (LWIN) invites people of all faiths and no faith to this fourteenth annual Thanksgiving Day Service of Gratitude. After the 60 minute service, a food project packaging rice and beans for local food pantries will be held, in cooperation with CROS Ministries.

This year’s service will be held on Thursday, November 26th at 10 AM at First Congregational Church, 1415 North K Street in Lake Worth.

LWIN is a group of individuals and faith-based communities dedicated to promoting acceptance and understanding among our diverse spiritual traditions through devotions, education and compassionate action.

Science Center Unveils Newly Renovated Backyard

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Science Center Unveils Newly Renovated Backyard

What used to be a complete eye sore in the far end of the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is now a completely renovated children’s paradise! Florida Power and Light donated $100,000 to the $1.2 million project, designed entirely and revamped the 5-acre space, with all of the little people in mind. My 2-year-old daughter and I had the distinct pleasure of being one of the first to experience this outdoor oasis, alongside a number of other VIPs and students from the Benjamin School at the ribbon cutting and let me tell you she napped like a champ that day! 

 

 

The property now boasts an 18-hole miniature golf area, voted one of the top in the country by The Travel Channel…a spot I cannot wait to bring my 6-year-old son and husband to experience. As you make your way around the solar powered trees, the area has 15 interactive exhibits to choose from! You can pan for gems and fossils at the “Gem Panning Station” or dig for shark teeth in the “Shark Tooth Excavation Pit.” Then make your way around to learn about how to tell time as a human dial or experience the laws of motion, at the “Bottle Rocket Launch Pad.” Don’t forget to visit the far end of the trail and say hello to the long-necked Brachiosaurus in the “Physics Forest.”

 

“Our new backyard installation is a place where fun and learning are inseparable and where the natural landscape invites curious minds to explore this area full of hills to roll down and water to splash in,” said Kate Arrizza CEO of the Science Center. 

 

I would have to say my daughter and I had the best time at the state of the art splash pad! We’ve frequented many a splash pad in Palm Beach County and this one takes the cake! With a number of sprinkling flowers, leaves and even an octopus, plus a bucket that fills up and dumps out (the perfect respite to cool off on a hot Florida day), I couldn’t get her to pack up and leave, once it was time to go! Another favorite was the “Bubbleology” area, because let’s face it…who doesn’t love bubbles?! I may or may not have had more fun than my little one making giant-sized bubbles! 

 

The outdoor oasis located just east of I-95 and Southern Boulevard, is one just one of the many projects on the docket as part of a $45-million dollar expansion. Next up? A $600,000 Cox Amphitheater, set to break ground in early 2019 and should take about 6 months to complete. The area is just what South Florida was missing, a perfect landscape to explore and relax with the entire family! We can’t wait to come back! 

 

 

Small Business Saturday

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Shop Small with Us on Small Business Saturday

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – It’s no secret that supporting local businesses makes an impact on local economies. And you can’t get more local than PGA Commons! With 90% of the stores and restaurants owned by local residents, PGA Commons should be your top shopping destination on Small Business Saturday. 

Need more reasons to support the Palm Beach Gardens plaza? For every $100 you spend on Small Business Saturday, you’ll get a $10 gift card from participating stores and restaurants. Vic & Angelo’s, Prosecco Café, Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, Onessimo Fine Art Gallery, Smoke Inn PBG, Polished Nail Spa, Blowtox, The Tux Shop, and Flourish Massage will offer $10 gift cards to be used at a later date. The Cooper Restaurant is giving 20% off all lunch checks until 3 p.m. T is for Table is offering 10% off every sale.

“The support from our community on Small Business Saturday and every other day, helps create more jobs, and builds a stronger economy,” said Jon Channing, managing member of PGA Commons. “Customers can feel proud knowing they’re moving the needle for locally-owned businesses in our area.”

Give small businesses a big boost. Visit PGA Commons on Saturday, November 24 for Small Business Saturday.

BALLET PALM BEACH to Present Everyone’s Favorite Holiday Classic THE NUTCRACKER

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BALLET PALM BEACH

To Present Everyone’s Favorite Holiday Classic

THE NUTCRACKER

At the Kravis Center, Nov. 30-Dec. 1

At The King’s Academy, Dec. 13-16

 

(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – November 14, 2018) Colleen Smith, Artistic Director of Ballet Palm Beach today announced that the highly acclaimed professional ballet company will present everyone’s favorite holiday classic at two different locations this season.

November 30-December 1

+ Friday at 7:30 pm

+ Saturday at 2 pm & 7:30 pm

The Nutcracker

Ballet Palm Beach leaps into the season with holiday classic, The Nutcracker, the coming-of-age story of Marie who receives a mysterious gift on Christmas Eve. Adventures ensue as Tchaikovsky’s score draws Marie into a terrifying battle with the Mouse King, past a mystical snowstorm, and to the prince’s Enchanted Kingdom.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts – Dreyfoos Hall

701 Okeechobee Boulevard in West Palm Beach

December 13-16

+ Thursday at 7 pm

+ Friday at 7 pm

+ Saturday at 1 pm & 7 pm

+ Sunday at 4 pm                

The Nutcracker

The King’s Academy

Page Family Center for the Performing Arts

8401 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach

The Ballet Palm Beach production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker will feature 18 professional dancers and character artists, along with 59 students from Ballet Palm Beach Academy. This is the second time the dance company will present this grandly re-imagined production that reviewers hailed as “an extraordinary show” (Michelle Wright, What’s Trending Palm Beach) and “a repeat favorite at the holidays” (Greg Stepanich, Palm Beach ArtsPaper).

“After a successful premiere last year, I am excited to present our Nutcracker this season,” says Smith. “This timeless and much-loved ballet matches the incredible talent of Palm Beach County’s professional ballet dancers to a magnificent venue and creates a memorable holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.”

For a video sneak peek of The Nutcracker by Palm Beach Ballet, please visit: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQSPDYbNUCM.

How to Purchase Tickets to The Nutcracker:

For information about prices and how to purchase tickets, please call Ballet Palm Beach at 561.630.8235 or visitwww.balletpalmbeach.org.

For tickets to performances at the Kravis Center, please call 561.832.7469 or 800.572.8471, or visit www.kravis.org.

For tickets to performances at The King’s Academy, please call 888.718.4253 or visit www.TKAFineArts.net.

About Ballet Palm Beach:

Ballet Palm Beach (BPB), the professional ballet company of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ballet company dedicated to preserving the art of classical ballet by cultivating new visions in choreography, impacting the next generation through the discipline of dance, and enriching the community through this universal art form. Established in 2001, the company has become a fixture in Palm Beach County. Each year BPB produces main stage ballets as well as outreach shows, both locally and abroad. For more information about the professional company or its school, Ballet Palm Beach Academy, or to support BPB’s outreach efforts call 561.630.8235 or visit www.balletpalmbeach.org.

TooJay’s Deli CEO takes World Kindness Day to New Heights and Raises More Than $14,000 for Feeding Florida

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TooJay’s Deli President and CEO takes World Kindness Day to New Heights and Raises More Than $14,000 for Feeding Florida

Donation will fund more than 155,000 meals for families in need

 Photo 1: Feeding South Florida (a member of the Feeding Florida network of food banks) President and CEO Paco Vélez pointing to TooJay’s President and CEO Max Piet on top of the Lake Worth restaurant.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (November 14, 2018) – TooJay’s Deli President and CEO Max Piet raised the stakes on World Kindness Day by climbing onto the roof of the company’s Lake Worth restaurant and refusing to come down until $10,000 was raised to help Feeding Florida stock its pantries. Thanks to the generous support of donors, the fundraising goal was surpassed and more than $14,000 was raised.

                                           

“Our TooJay’s team was committed to going above-and-beyond the ordinary on World Kindness Day by inspiring others to help Feeding Florida end food insecurity in our great state,” said Max Piet, president and CEO of TooJay’s, who spent 9 hours atop the roof, calling and emailing friends and family until $14,000 was raised. “We thank all the individuals and businesses who joined us and made generous donations to Feeding Florida.” TooJay’s team members also got involved by making contributions to the event.

Feeding Florida is a statewide network of Feeding America food banks providing a healthy, adequate and consistent food supply to those in need. Every dollar donated provides 11 meals through the Feeding Florida network. TooJay’s donation will fund more than 155,000 meals for food insecure families.

On World Kindness Day, TooJay’s collected funds for the cause through its website and donations guests made on their checks. In addition, TooJay’s classic large black and white cookies turned orange and white for the day in honor of Feeding Florida, with proceeds from every orange and white cookie sold donated to the organization.

“The Feeding Florida network was so excited to join the TooJay’s community on World Kindness Day as we united to raise $14,000 to support our statewide network of food banks,” said Robin Safley, executive director of Feeding Florida. “We appreciate everyone who contributed from those who stopped into their local TooJay’s to make a donation or buy a cookie to those near and far who contributed online. These efforts are so appreciated as they allow us to provide a healthy, adequate, and consistent food supply to our neighbors facing food insecurity.”

Founded in 1981, TooJay’s has grown to 28 restaurants throughout Florida and currently serves guests in Palm Beach and Broward counties, the Treasure Coast, the West Coast of Florida, the Orlando area, The Villages and Polk County. Three new restaurants are expected to open in Naples, Fort Lauderdale and Dania Beach during the first half of 2019.

TooJay’s received the 2018 and 2017 Dining Award for Best Deli from Orlando Magazine, two Foodie Awards for Best Deli and Best Take-Out from the Orlando Sentinel, the 2016 Best of South Florida Award for Best Deli from the Sun Sentinel and ranked eighth in the country for Family Dining by Consumer Reports.

For more information about TooJay’s, visit TooJays.com. Follow TooJay’s at twitter.com/therealTooJays and instagram.com/toojaysdeli or visit the Facebook fan page, which has over 90 thousand fans, and become a fan at facebook.com/TooJaysDeli.