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Wellington Regional Medical Center acquires new robotic tool in fight against lung cancer

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Wellington, Fl. (May 08, 2024)– Wellington Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the acquisition of innovative robotic-assisted technology, the Ion Endoluminal System. This system represents a significant breakthrough in minimally invasive bronchoscopy procedures, enabling doctors to diagnose and treat lung cancer at earlier stages than previously possible.

Developed by Intuitive, the maker of da Vinci, the Ion system empowers physicians to navigate deep into the peripheral lung with unparalleled stability and precision. By providing enhanced capabilities for biopsy procedures, the Ion system offers a critical advantage in detecting and addressing lung nodules, ultimately leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention for lung cancer patients.

Dr. Mark Meyer, Thoracic Surgeon at Wellington Regional Medical Center, expressed excitement about the potential impact of the Ion Endoluminal System, stating, “The acquisition of the Ion system marks a significant milestone in our ability to diagnose and treat lung cancer. With its advanced robotic-assisted technology, we can now reach and treat biopsy nodules in the peripheral lung with remarkable accuracy, allowing for earlier detection and intervention.”

CEO Pam Tahan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the hospital’s commitment to advancing patient care through modern technology. “At Wellington Regional Medical Center, we are dedicated to investing in innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes. The addition of the Ion Endoluminal System underscores our commitment to early detection and treatment of lung cancer, ultimately saving lives and improving quality of life for our patients.”

The introduction of the Ion Endoluminal System at Wellington Regional Medical Center represents a significant leap forward in the fight against lung cancer. By offering minimally invasive bronchoscopy procedures with enhanced precision and efficiency, the hospital is poised to revolutionize the standard of care for lung cancer patients in the region.

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.

City of West Palm Beach Presents Award to GreenMarket Master Chef Showcase Winner

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First-ever season-long competition made its debut during the GreenMarket’s 29th Season

WEST PALM BEACH, FL (April 30, 2023) — West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James presented an award to Chef Manfred Schmidtke on behalf of Chef and owner of Palm Beach Catering, Joey Leuze, as the winner of the first-ever West Palm Beach GreenMarket Master Chef Showcase. The presentation happened during the City Commission Meeting on Monday, April 29, 2024. Chef Eddie Zapil, from Fern Street Wine Bar & Kitchen, competed against Leuze on Saturday, April 6, 2024. As the silver medal winner, he was also on-site to receive recognition for his skills. Leuze had to travel unexpectedly and was unable to attend.

The bracket-style competition was a new addition to the GreenMarket’s 2023-24 Season, with competitors consisting of local chefs and GreenMarket vendors, both current and past vendors. The competition began on the Market’s Opening Day on October 7, 2023, and was held the first Saturday of every month throughout the season. Chef Leuze’s preparation of duck in six unique ways for the final round delighted the judge’s taste buds, leading to a winning title.

“This competition was an incredible opportunity to highlight and support the chefs behind our GreenMarket vendors and local restaurants,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “We are grateful to our community events team for introducing this fun competition to the Market this season, our competitors for their participation, and marketgoers for cheering on their favorite chefs each month.”

Before coming to West Palm Beach in 2008, Chef Leuze got his start cooking at his mom’s French restaurant in Germany. He later worked as a chef on luxury yachts in the French Riviera. His cuisine is focused on fresh ingredients from local farms and is heavily inspired by his European background. As a previous GreenMarket vendor, Chef Leuze continues to source many of his ingredients from the GreenMarket, which are then enjoyed by attendees at Palm Beach-based galas and events.

“The first-ever, season-long Master Chef Showcase brought extra excitement to the Market this year,” said Mary Pinak, Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “The event created an incredible sense of community among the chefs and fans who witnessed their culinary geniuses at work. We are thinking of ways to bring back an enhanced Master Chef Showcase next year.”

Before the finale, each Showcase round featured winning chefs from past rounds, challenging their skills across different cuisines to prepare a pre-selected protein choice — chicken, pork, beef, or fish — which was unbeknownst to the chefs until the day of the competition. For the finals, Chef Joey and Chef Eddie had free reign to prepare their dish of choice. Competitors chopped, sautéed, and served their dishes to a panel of judges comprised of community leaders. Judges picked the winning dish based on presentation, flavor, and originality, advancing the winning chefs to the Showcase finals.

For more information about the West Palm Beach GreenMarket, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook @CityofWPB and on Twitter and Instagram @thecityofwpb. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.

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Sponsors for the 2023 – 2024 GreenMarket season included: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, Land Rover Palm Beach, Paradise Exteriors, NextHome Real Estate Executives, Humana, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Nordic Tree Water, NW Mutual – McKernan Financial Group, WPB Magazine, West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency, WPB Food Tours, The Palm Beach Post, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1 and WPBF 25 News.

About the City of West Palm Beach:  
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and/or Linked-in. To stay up-to-date on the City’s community events, please visit the events pages on Facebook and Instagram.

Cugini Wine Club

An Interview with Chrissy Sauers

By Krista Martinelli

While I have tasted the wonderful varieties of Cugini Wine before, I didn’t know much about the Cugini Wine Club.  Fortunately, I had the opportunity to talk with Chrissy Sauers, the very friendly and helpful president of the Club.  If you love great wine and going to wine tastings, the Cugini Wine Club is right up your alley. 

AW: First, tell us about Cugini’s vineyard and where it’s located.  How many years has it been operating?

The Cugini Winery lies in the middle of Calabria surrounded by beautiful vineyards and olive groves with plants that date back to the 1700’s. Long considered an area staple, the Cugini Winery, owned and operated by the Reyers  and Sposato families, has been bottling wine and olive oil for the surrounding villages for hundreds of years. 

Recently, the family successfully expanded their olive oil production for importing to the United States. Naturally, the international importing of their wine was the next logical step.

AW: How does the Cugini Wine Club work? 

The Cugini Wine Club is the premier wine club of Wellington – we’re not like a typical wine club, where wine gets shipped to your house and there’s very little interaction between club members. Our club’s focus isn’t only about an incredible wine selection or expanding your palate, joining our wine club provides you the opportunity to make new friends who share a love for wine. 

You can join with a monthly or bimonthly membership, signing up to buy a minimum of 6 bottles of wine and receiving a 25% discount on all the wines.  Delivery is optional; however, most of our members enjoy the social interaction and new friendships that come along with the complimentary monthly wine tastings/ pick-up events that we hold at our wine tasting rooms.

AW: Tell us about your tasting room in Wellington.  How does someone schedule a private wine tasting? 

We are located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club. Our tasting room faces the golf course. We have three tastings rooms that host 2-6 guests each. Then we have our amazing Guild room; we can fit about 20 guests in this room. We host many of our events in this room such as our Italian Opera Dinner, Paint n Sip, Wick and Wine event. The Guild room is often referred to as our “speak easy” as it gives off those vibes and is tucked away. We even have a bookshelf that is actually a door. It really feels as though you are walking into something exclusive, and you are! We also have a large courtyard, adjacent to the golf course, in the evening it’s the perfect backdrop for all elegant events. We hosted an amazing black tie event there for over 40 people this past January. Wine tastings and events can be scheduled on our website. Cuginiwinery.com

AW: For a wine connoisseur, why does being a member make sense?

The benefits offered to our club members are plentiful, the main one being direct access to high quality, delicious wine from a family-operated winery in Italy. Our wines do not contain any added Nitrates or Sulfates. So our members enjoy wines that do not cause headaches, stuffy noses, flushed cheeks, etc. In brief, you’re getting real quality wine at a very reasonable price.

You also get two free wine tastings a year at our tasting rooms.  You can arrange for your friends, family or business colleagues to come and enjoy an exclusive event like this.  The wine tastings include Cugini wines, cheese, charcuterie boards and dessert.  For a small fee, you can also add on cordials at the end of the wine tasting.

A basic wine tasting for 6 would cost around $300 or more and our members receive two complimentary tastings for 6 guests, twice a year. Additionally, members can use our cellar to host parties, events, and to conduct meetings. 

AW: Do you have a favorite Cugini wine?  Tell us about the different wines.

I do! I love all of our wines, but my favorite would have to be the Vulcan, made from Magliocco grape (a red Italian wine grape variety that is grown mostly in the Calabria region of southern Italy). It’s spicy scented, smooth, and an easy red wine with a warm and balanced flavor. Pairs well with spiced lamb, pork and braised short ribs.

We have a variety of wines; red, white, and rose varietals. We also have sparkling and bubbly wines. We have recently expanded to offering RTD’s to our members and in our tastings. These are wine-based mixed drinks, such as espresso martinis, Moscow mules, Mai Tai’s, Skinny Margaritas, etc.

A lot of people comment that they like our chardonnays because they are not oaky.  In fact, they are made in stainless steel tanks, instead of wooden barrels, rendering a unique crisp flavor. 

AW: You put on a monthly event for members to pick up their wine, right?  What are those events like? 

The wine club community is a welcoming and inclusive group of like-minded individuals who enjoy discussing and discovering new wines together—we’re a community of friends and family. The club provides our members with opportunities to meet new people, socialize, and network . . . all while enjoying amazing wine and company! We do this through many events, such as our monthly happy hour and wine pickup event for members. This complimentary monthly event is for members and a guest to sample wine and retrieve their order for that month.

The event feels very exclusive, and guests are often impressed with the speak easy type of Wine Guild room.  Members and their guests have an opportunity to purchase additional wines and also our wonderful varieties of olive oil.

AW: What are some of the bonuses that come with being a Cugini Wine Club member?

Every member of the wine club is invited to attend exclusive events such as:

•             VIP tailgating at the National Polo Center

•             Exclusive Monthly Events, just for members! Such as Lobster Feasts!

  • The ability to stop by anytime and have a drink.  All of the members have our phone numbers.  Someone is always there on Friday and Saturday evenings.  Other times can always be arranged too.

AW: What are some of the things members have said about Cugini wines that have stood out to you?

Most members really enjoy the quality of our wines, the fact that our wines do not cause headaches (no added nitrates/sulfates) and our prices are reasonable. But mostly, our members love to socialize! We provide so many opportunities to make new friends. Members love using their complimentary tastings to bring their friends and family to our cellar!

It’s really the quality of the wine for the low price that people comment on.  And that exclusive feeling that you get from being a member…it’s a wonderful thing!

AW: What’s the best way for someone to be introduced to Cugini wines?  Scheduling a tasting? 

Yes! Come for a tasting or one of our amazing events!

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Visit www.CuginiWinery.com for more information or to join the Cugini Wine Club.

Arts Garage in Delray Beach to Present DISSONANCE A Play About Race, Love and Friendship Friday, June 14, 8pm

(Delray Beach, FL – May 2, 2024) Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO of Arts Garage, today reminded culture fans that the nonprofit organization’s next theatre production is another thought-provoking, community driven, and socially relevant show from professional, cutting-edge playwrights.

“Arts Garage is thrilled to offer plays that are packed with timely themes and dynamic performances,” says Waldo. “DISSONANCE is a powerful production that will be followed by a thoughtful and revealing post-show talk-back session.”

June 14 (Friday) at 8 pm

DISSONANCE

Two Women. Twenty Years. One Difficult Conversation.

Written by and Starring Marci J. Duncan and Kerry Sandell

Angela, a Black woman, and Lauren, a White woman, have been friends for 20 years. They met in graduate school, became godmothers to each other’s children, and most recently, started a new business, but they have never had a candid conversation about race…until now. As they open their cafe in a historically Black neighborhood, they uncover deeply held perceptions about race and must decide if being brutally honest and devastatingly vulnerable is worth the risk of their friendship’s potential end. On the heels of George Floyd’s murder and the summer of 2020, these women allow themselves to have the hard conversation and become closer than ever in result. Directed by James WebbDISSONANCE has been described as “a roll up your sleeves, dig in for the long haul, and show the whole of your heart moment for both actors—and they deliver tenfold.”
Tickets: $45

How to Purchase Tickets:

Tickets for DISSONANCE are available for purchase by calling the Arts Garage at561.450.6357 or by going online to www.ArtsGarage.org.

About Arts Garage:

Arts Garage delivers innovative, diverse, meaningful, and accessible visual and performing arts experiences to Delray Beach and South Florida. “Connecting our community to the world through the Arts”—this vision drives all decision-making at Arts Garage, which brings local, emerging artists and established global performers into the local multi-cultural community (students and adults, locals and tourists, people of all ages, income levels, backgrounds) who share a love of the arts.

Diversity is a hallmark of Arts Garage, which provides multicultural programming that promotes inclusion in the arts. #DiscoverDiversity isn’t just a tagline—it is the cornerstone of our outreach programs, staffing, and marketing. Arts Garage is located at 94 NE 2nd Avenue in Delray Beach’s popular Pineapple Grove (33444). For more information, please call 561.450.6357 or visit www.artsgarage.org.

Attached Images:

DISSONANCE

Available for Interview:

Marjorie Waldo, President & CEO

Arts Garage

561.665.5857 / marjorie@artsgarage.org

Media Contact:

Gary Schweikhart, PR-BS, Inc.

561.756.4298 / gary@pr-bs.net

Join us on May 11, 2024 | 9:00 AM Village Park, 11700 Pierson Road

On behalf of the Village of Wellington Council, staff, board and committee members, and residents, we extend this invitation to join us in celebrating the groundbreaking of Wellington’s new Aquatics Center.

Please note that the groundbreaking ceremony will take place outdoors. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothes, and applying sunscreen as needed.

We look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

Kindly RSVP to ensure we can make appropriate arrangements for your attendance.

RSVP TODAY

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Delray Beach, FL – This May, celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month at Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida.

The zen oasis will showcase a plethora of adult and family-friendly programming, as well as two new art exhibits including the doll-centric Musha-Ningyō: Avatars of the Samurai Spirit and hapa.me, which features powerful portraits of Americans who self-identify as being part Asian or Pacific Islander. 

Throughout May, the museum is rolling out a list of cultural endeavours, from introspective garden walks to after-hours revelry and taiko drumming at Sunset StrollOcha (green tea) lovers will enjoy The Way of Tea: Sado Demonstration on May 11, which showcases a luxurious tea ceremony from start to sip. 

On Mother’s Day, treat your haha (“mom” in Japanese) to lunch at the Cornell Café. The museum’s Pan-Asian restaurant will showcase a spicy salmon poke bowl holiday feast ($22), along with breathtaking views of Morikami Lake and Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew.

For more information on May events, visit morikami.org/event-calendar.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach. For more information, call (561) 495-0233 or visit morikami.org.

Garden photography HERE

Additional photography attached

Images courtesy of Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

About Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

In 1977, Sukeji “George” Morikami (1886-1976) arranged to donate his land for use as a park for the enjoyment by citizens of his adopted country. Four decades later, a quarter of a million people a year, from all over the world, visit the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. The legacy of George Morikami’s simple act of generosity and friendship continues to have a profound effect on the lives of those who experience the world of Japanese culture through the museum’s gallery exhibitions, educational programs, and Roji-en, the Garden of the Drops of Dew. 

DADA TO HOST CENTENNIAL BASH ON MAY 18 HONORING THE TARRIMORE HOUSE’S MILESTONE ANNIVERSARY

–Highlights will include musical performances by local talent, children’s entertainment/competitions, and a photography exhibit hosted in partnership with the Delray Beach Historical Society.–

DELRAY BEACH, FL—On May 18, Dada will host an honorary evening filled with history, music, art, and gastronomy in celebration of the 100-year anniversary of Delray Beach’s Tarrimore House where the award-winning restaurant has been ensconced since 2000. 

 The fun begins at 5 p.m. when the public passes through a fenced-in area set up along the restaurant’s northern perimeter on NW 1st Street. Here, they will find a range of activities and dining options that cater to every taste. From chargrilled cuisines like steak and seafood to a full bar serving cocktails and the evening’s signature libation, the “This Old House,” there is something for everyone. Additional dining in a tented space on-premise will also be available. And let’s not forget the live performances on the outdoor stage by S.D. Spady Elementary Chorus, The State Of, and The No Name Ska Band that promise a night of stellar entertainment.   From 6 to 7:30 p.m., parents with little ones in tow can head over to the parking lot across the street for interactive children’s activities like an obstacle course, a bounce house, face painting, plein-air painting moderated by The Peach, a West Palm Beach arts collective, and a sidewalk chalk art competition with creative prizes.  Dada’s indoor and alfresco dining areas will be open from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m., and reservations are required. Executive chef Daniel Dore will prepare past favorites along with dishes from the daily menu. Guests will enjoy more musical entertainment in the restaurant’s living room by Dada’s Raul Vallecillo, who will be dressed in Salvador Dali-inspired regalia followed by Zoo Peculiar, a South Florida-based rock trio that lives up to its eccentric stage name.  The restaurant, in partnership with the Delray Beach Historical Society, will also host an exhibition of photography and other works from the 1920s depicting the dynamism of the era when Tarrimore House was built.  Click HERE for indoor/outdoor images of Dada. “This Old House” cocktail photo and press release are attached separately.  # # # ABOUT DADANamed after the farcical art movement of the early twentieth century, Dada is located in close proximity to Delray Beach’s bustling Pineapple Grove Arts District. Ensconced inside one of the city’s oldest residences, the historic Tarrimore House built in 1924, the award-winning restaurant hosts 140 seats (80 inside, 60 outside), an intimate cocktail bar that seats 6, and two en plein-air dining settings dotted with vintage playground toys—one anchored beneath a towering, 100-year-old banyan tree, the other nestled along the home’s mature vine-covered exterior overlooking a lush herb garden. The menu, authored by executive chef and Lantana native Daniel Dore, focuses on palate-pleasing dishes that reflect a reverence for fresh, wholesome ingredients and Dore’s adoration for travel.  Dada opens daily for dinner at 5 p.m. Between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., the restaurant hosts a daily “sunset special” offering of one complimentary entrée for each entrée purchased (up to $18 value off; dine-in only).  Sunday brunch, hosted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., features time-honored classics with some recognizing chef Dore’s Sunshine State roots. Crowd-pleasers include breakfast bread pudding on ciabatta bread ($11), braised short rib hash with sunny-side-up eggs and horseradish sauce ($17), and coffee-rubbed steak and eggs featuring the butcher’s cut of the day, Subculture Coffee, two eggs, and fried potatoes (MP).  Dada is located at 52 N. Swinton Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33444. For more information, call 561-330-3232 or visit sub-culture.org/dada/. Follow on social media at @dadadelray. 

Mother’s Day Bliss at The Seagate Hotel & Spa

DELRAY BEACH, FL – This Mother’s Day, The Seagate Hotel & Spa will showcase world-class pampering and holistic experiences for everyone’s favorite MVP (Most Valuable Parent).

Tucked inside the venerable Delray Beach hotel, the 8,000-square-foot Spa will celebrate the power duos that make motherhood magical. Treat the special lady in your life to a luxurious “Time-for-Two” holiday massage and receive two complimentary après-spa sips plus all-day access to The Seagate’s sybaritic pool. Available on May 11-12.

Mother’s Day Spa Special:

Time-for-Two Massage

Relax and reconnect with a trio of side-by-side massages

intended to transport you to a destination of absolute bliss

Choose from: 

Aromatherapy Massage

60 Minutes $480 | 90 Minutes $580

Hot Shell Massage

60 Minutes $440 | 90 Minutes $540

Seagate Custom Massage

60 Minutes $440 | 90 Minutes $540

Feeling zen? Mommy dearest can start her day peacefully at “Morning with Mom” poolside yoga on May 12 at 8am. Guests will power up with a 60-minute morning Vinyasa flow to help build strength, flexibility, and concentration. The class will conclude with a body and soul-soothing sound bath. Afterward, enjoy a delicious gratis cocktail from The Seagate Pool Bar and namaste the day away. Cost is $25 per person and includes free valet parking.

For “Time-for-Two” massage reservations, visit seagatedelray.com or call (561) 665-4950.

For “Morning with Mom” poolside yoga reservations, visit tinyurl.com/bddx4stt.

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

Spa Photography

Spa Video

Courtesy of The Seagate Hotel

MAY PROGRAMMING AT THE MALL AT WELLINGTON GREEN

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WELLINGTON, FL The Mall at Wellington Green will host a variety of events this May. From educational and philanthropic events to live performances and fashion shows, there is something going on for anyone and everyone at the mall this month!

Strokes for Strokes

May 4

1pm 3pm

Grand Court

The Wellington Regional Medical Center will join the mall for an afternoon of education and awareness surrounding strokes. In addition to learning crucial information about the condition, attendees will also enjoy an exclusive opportunity to create a personalized painting alongside an instructor. To RSVP for the painting event, email pamela.rada@uhsinc.com

All About Moms Fashion Show

May 9
6:00–7:30pm

Grand Court

Free

The Grand Court will transform into a megawatt fashion show featuring local “supermoms” and their kids, who will rule the runway in the latest Spring fashions from mall retailers including Chico’s, Macy’s, Dawn Bacchus, and Tommy Bahama. Enjoy live music, hair and makeup beauty tips, and exciting gift card giveaways.

Puppy Pals Live!

May 11

12pm and 3pm

Grand Court

Free

Sit, stay, and heel for a howling good time! Puppy Pals is coming to Wellington, for two shows featuring adopted and rescue dogs performing spectacular tricks. As seen on America’s Got Talent, this heartwarming dog show is full of fun surprises and tail-wagging antics that would even make Lassie sit up and take notice.  

Pre-Mother’s Day Zumba Dance Party with Jaime
May 11
10:30–11:30am 
The District at Wellington Green
Free
Livin’ La Vida Zumba! Treat mom to a complimentary Zumba workout party with fitness instructor Jaime whose high- and low-intensity Latin dance-based program is designed to burn calories and boost cardio endurance.

Mommy & Me Magical Morning

May 29

10:30–11:30am

Grand Court

Free

Magic, muggles, and more! Mothers and children ages 5 and under should join the mall for Mommy & Me Magical Morning. Attendees will enjoy a magic show, light bites and refreshments, and an exciting free giveaway. 

Zumbini with Regina Rossi

Every Wednesday 

11–11:45am

The District at Wellington Green

Free

Shake and shimmy with your baby at Zumbini! This fun, early childhood education program uses the power of music and movement to promote cognitive, social, and motor skill development for children ages 0-4. Register at zumbini.com/instructor/Regina-Rossi/806. For more information, email Zumbini instructor Regina Rossi at RME411@gmail.com or call (561) 244-0282. 

OneBlood Blood Drive

May 10, 11, and 12

11am-6pm

East Parking Lot

The Big Red Bus will be parked in the East Parking Lot and will be accepting blood donations. Every pint of blood donated has the potential to save three lives, and donors will receive a Chick-fil-A gift card. For more information, visit oneblood.org

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.

Meet Albany: New York’s Capital City

Next time you visit New York City, consider taking a road trip to upstate New York to discover the bounty the Empire State delivers. From the fertile Hudson Valley to the picturesque Catskills Mountains, there’s much to see along the way. With affordable accommodations and an abundance of eateries and activities, Albany makes an ideal homebase for your upstate New York explorations. Located within 30 miles of historic Schenectady and Saratoga Springs of horse racing fame, day trips are a breeze. You can even get to Lake George within an hour. But before you start those day trips, check out all the fun things to do in the city of Albany.

Experience the Tulip Festival

Springtime in Albany brings a celebration of the city’s rich Dutch heritage at the annual Tulip Festival.  Thousands of people flock to Washington Park to see more than 100,000 tulip blooms. The festival follows Dutch traditions like sweeping the street. There’s even a tulip queen.

Spend an Afternoon in Washington Park

If you can’t make it to Albany in the spring, Washington Park is a worthwhile stop in any season. Designed by Frederick Law Olmstead of Central Park fame, the 84-acre Washington Park provides the backdrop for outdoor adventures in the heart of the city. From biking paths to walking trails and a fully stocked lake for fishing, there’s plenty to do. The park also includes basketball courts, tennis courts, handball courts and seasonal ice skating.

Tour the New York State Capitol

Take a guided tour of the New York State Capitol on State Street and Washington Avenue in downtown Albany. This eye-catching building showcases three unique architectural styles: Classical Romanesque, Renaissance Classical and Victorian Romanesque. Traveling with the family? While the kids might not focus on architectural styles, stories of lawmakers stepping into giant fireplaces to take private calls definitely entertain. Challenge the kids to find familiar faces in the carvings above the stately staircase. Some to look for include George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Visit the New York State Museum

Part of the Empire State Plaza, the New York State Museum connects to the capitol via an underground corridor. Local artisans often set up tables showcasing their creations hereYou’ll also find places for a quick lunch.

The free New York State Museum displays an impressive collection of New York’s stories. Focusing on New York’s indigenous wildlife, natural history and stories through the state’s history, the museum’s engaging exhibits bring history to life. Don’t miss a ride on the carousel located on the museum’s fourth floor.

Check out The Egg

In downtown Albany it’s impossible to miss “the Egg.” A popular performing arts center, the unusual shape of this structure on State Street looks more like a sculpture than a building. While it’s a great photo to capture, inside’s where the magic happens with live music concerts, dance performances and musical theater.

Take in the View from the Corning Tower Observation Deck

Elevators whisk you up to the top of the 42-story Corning Tower Observation Deck for spectacular views of the Empire State Plaza and downtown Albany. On a clear day, the Hudson River Valley, the foothills of the Adirondacks, the Catskills and even the Berkshires of western Massachusetts come into view.

Cruise the Hudson River

Henry Hudson once cruised the waters of his namesake river in 1609. Today, you can cruise the same water on a Dutch Apple Cruise. These sightseeing cruises share the stories of this iconic river while you take in the beauty of the capitol region. You’ll be voyaging on boats inspired by 19th-century Hudson River ferry boats crafted from Adirondack white cedar.

Shop and Dine on Lark Street

Explore the shops and eateries outside Washington Park in a historic neighborhood where brownstones line the streets. Here Lark Street boasts locally owned shops, cozy cafes, a variety of ethnic foods and takeout pizza—a delight for kids of all ages!

Your Guide to Albany

For more details on these special Albany experiences and more, order a copy of 100 Things to Do in Albany Before You Die written by my friend and colleague, Sandra Foyt who has lived in Albany for over 25 years.