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October, 2012 – Hi-Tech Plumbing Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer

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 Hi-Tech Plumbing Continues to Support the Fight Against Breast Cancer in 2012

 

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Hi-Techhi-techlogo Plumbing of West Palm Beach, Florida has chosen to launch a countywide month long fundraising event to support the cause.

 

Hi-Tech Plumbing is known for its best practices in providing plumbing, septic, water filtration and drain cleaning services to homeowners & businesses throughout Palm Beach County. They are orchestrating this effort with a commitment to community service and desire to help combat this devastating disease.

 

Jathynia Garcia, co-owner of Hi-Tech Plumbing is pleased to have the opportunity to support this worthy cause on a large scale. “I’m pleased to donate 5% of all our sales  now through the end of October to YOUR BOSOM BUDDIES II in Wellington which is committed to support, educate & bring awareness to those affected by breast cancer,” says Garcia.

 

Watch for pink ribbons, follow us on Facebook and Twitter and other visible signs of  Hi-Tech Plumbing’s fight against breast cancer within the Palm Beach County community.

 

For more information on this, contact Jathynia Garcia, Hi-Tech Plumbing at 561-790-6966 or email her at service@hi-techplumbing.com.

 

 

 

 

 

September, 2012 – Wellington to Host 1st Annual Square Dance October 6th

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Wellington to Host 1st Annual Square Dance October 6th

 

Forget dinner and a movie – Wellington is transforming “date night” into a fun and unique experience with its adult-only First Annual Square Dance on Saturday, October 6th! Wear your country best and enjoy a hearty barbecue dinner and cocktails from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Then, grab your partner as a professional caller leads the room in square dancing from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free on-site child care will be provided for children ages five to 12 years.

 

This event is designed for every skill level from beginners to the experienced dancers. Tickets are $40 per person or a discounted $280 for a table of eight and are on sale now through October 4th at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) and the Wellington Community Center (12150 Forest Hill Boulevard). For more information about this event, please call (561) 791-4005. 

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

September, 2012 – A PERFECT PARTY, INC. TO SUPPORT KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION

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A PERFECT PARTY, INC. TO SUPPORT KIDS CANCER FOUNDATION

In honor of being in business for over 20 years in Palm Beach County, A Perfect Party, Inc. has decided to do what they do best!  On Saturday, September 15th, they will be holding a FAMILY FUN DAY fundraising event at John Prince Park – Center Drive Pavilion from 10-4pm. There will be bounce houses, games, food and fun for all!  100% of the profits from the day will be donated to the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida.

“We wanted to have a big celebration to mark our 20th year of being in business, and we decided to support a local charity that makes a difference in the lives of kids in Palm Beach County,” explains Patrick Lemke, president of Perfect Party Inc., “So, we will be donating 100% of the proceeds from our anniversary celebration to the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida. We are expecting approximately 500 people to come out and have fun with us that day all while helping a good cause. We will have bounce houses, rock walls, bungee trampolines, obstacle courses, face painters, magician, food and more!” 

The Kids Cancer Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) foundation, established in 2001 by a group of doctors, nurses, parents and community leaders. Their mission is to provide hope and support to children and families battling cancer and/or a blood disorder in our community. Everyone is invited to come out to have some fun and to help raise money to help these little warriors in their fight against cancer.

For more information  on A Perfect Party Inc.’s FAMILY FUN DAY event, on the Saturday, September 15th, at John Prince Park, visitwww.aperfectparty.net or call (561) 798-1744. For information about the Kids Cancer Foundation of South Florida visitwww.kidscancersf.org or call (561)371-1298.

September, 2012 – Norton’s Annual ‘Moon festIVAL’ Celebrates Chinese Art and Culture

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Norton’s Annual ‘Moon festIVAL’ Celebrates Chinese Art and Culture, Acclaimed Diane Wolkstein to Perform ‘Monkey King’

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – The Norton Museum of Art’s Seventh Annual Chinese Moon Festival Celebration, also known as the Mid-Autumn Festival, is scheduled for noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012. This celebration of Chinese art and culture is filled with children’s games, family art projects, tours of the Museum’s world-renowned Chinese collections as well as traditional Chinese moon cakes and tea. The afternoon is highlighted by a performance of Monkey King: Journey to the West, featuring renowned storyteller Diane Wolkstein.

The Moon Festival is free with regular Museum admission, though the Norton is honoring Smithsonian magazine’s national Museum Day Live tickets, each of which is valid for two free adult admissions. (Saturdays are also free to West Palm Beach residents!)

The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of China’s most important holidays, (the others being the Chinese New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival). On this day, family and friends gather to admire the bright mid-autumn harvest moon and eat moon cakes. Steeped in tradition and legend, this centuries-old harvest celebration has become an annual all-ages event at the Norton.

“Each year, this event draws families, students, and adults to the Museum to experience different aspects of Chinese culture,” says Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst Curator of Education. “This year, we are truly fortunate to have Diane Wolkstein perform Monkey King.” Through performances, teaching, books, and recordings, Wolkstein has played a major role in the renewed interest in mythology and the modern storytelling movement. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg named June 22, 2007 “Diane Wolkstein Day,” in honor of the artist’s 40 years of storytelling in New York where she initiated America’s first graduate storytelling program, and pioneered a year–round storytelling program for parks and schools.

Monkey King: Journey to the West is one of the three great Chinese epics. Written in the 16th century, the historically-based saga recounts the poignant and humorous adventures of the impetuous, determined, irascible and yet loveable, superhero Monkey King. Wolkstein has performed the story throughout the world to great acclaim, most recently in Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, and The Asian Museum of Art in San Francisco. The tale is appropriate for ages nine and older.

 

Moon Festival schedule:

Noon- 3 p.m. – Chinese Character Writing Workshop with Bei Bei She; all ages welcome

Noon – 4 p.m. – Holiday Lantern and Monkey Mask art projects for children

Noon – 5 p.m.- Self-guided Treasure Hunts in the Chinese Collection galleries

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. – Docent-led tour and Q&A in the Chinese galleries

1 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Pottery demonstration: Artist Matt Fiske creates a Moon Jar.

(Fiske, an Artist in Residence at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach, says of his work: “In much the same way that a jazz musician brings his own unique improvisations to performances of old standard jazz tunes, I have always delighted in reinterpreting historical precedents with my own particular aesthetic sensibilities and concerns.”)

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. – Face Art by Daisy

2 p.m.-3 p.m.  – Curator’s Conversation with Laurie Barnes, Elizabeth B. McGraw Curator of Chinese Art

3 p.m. – 4 p.m.  – Monkey King: Journey to the West, featuring Diane Wolkstein. Seating is limited: Theater doors open one hour before performance.

4 pm. – 4:30 p.m. – Tea and Mooncakes Reception with Diane Wolkstein

The Seventh Annual Moon Festival Celebration is made possible in part by the generous support of John and Heidi Niblack.

About the Norton Museum: The Norton Museum of Art is a major cultural attraction in Florida, and internationally known for its distinguished Permanent Collection featuring American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. The Norton is located at 1451 S. Olive Ave. in West Palm Beach, FL., and  is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed on Mondays and major Holidays). General admission is $12 for adults, $5 for students with a valid ID, and free for Members and children ages 12 and under.  Special group rates are available. West Palm Beach residents receive free admission every Saturday with proof of residency. Palm Beach County residents receive free admission the first Saturday of each month with proof of residency. For additional information, please call (561) 832-5196, or visit www.norton.org.

For additional information, please call 561-832-5196, or visit www.norton.org.

September, 2012 – Events at Whole Foods Market Wellington

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September 2012 Events at Whole Foods Market Wellington

Open 8:00am to 10:00pm Mon-Sat. 9:00am-9:00pm on Sundays

2635 State Road 7, Wellington, FL 33414

 

Events are held at 2635 State Road 7, in the Lifestyle Center and are free of charge unless otherwise noted. Register @http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or at the customer service desk. Refunds, credits, or transfer of classes will not be honored for no-shows or cancellations made fewer than 24 hours before event. All events are subject to change. Classes with low registration may be cancelled.  Any classes cancelled by Whole Foods Market will be refunded. Space is limited. 

 

In Store Events & Classes:

 

The Sushi Stop

Wednesday, September 5th 5:00-6:30 PM, Free

Look for Lina in our Prepared Foods Department to taste a new sushi roll by Genji.  Lina will have free samples of a delicious vegetable roll, called the Vivid Watercolor Roll that will be served with a ginger miso dressing.  No registration necessary, just stop on by.

 

Engine 2 – 28 Day Practice Drill! Challenge Information Class

Monday, September 10th 12:00 pm – 1:30pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

Learn about our upcoming Engine 2 Challenge and how to support your health and wellbeing one forkful at a time!  Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, as she leads an introductory class on the 28 day challenge that will have you reconfiguring your plate in no time. This revolutionary nutrient-packed action plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete and firefighter, and author of the bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet. Instructor: Amanda Fernandez

 

Cooking with Tea class

Thursday, September 13th  6:30-8:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

We know you love to drink tea but how about cooking with it? Come and learn how you can use tea in some of your favorite recipes. Get inside the tea box and outside of the thinking box! Space is limited.

Instructor: Joe Colavito

 

POWER DINNER Featuring Home-style Cuisine from Engine 2

Friday, September 14th 6:00-7:30pm $10 Donation to Whole Kids Foundation

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

Join us for a Nutrient Dense Power Dinner to energize for the Jeff Annas Memorial 5K Run and to learn about our upcoming 28-Day Challenge Program featuring Engine 2.  Guests will enjoy a plant-strong, home-style-inspired meal sure to get your motor running… and keep it going for the long haul! The menu features Shepherd’s Pie, Macaroni and Not Cheese, Dinosaur Kale Salad, and Fruit Bowl with Soy Drizzle. Guests are encouraged to sign up for more information about the 28-Day Challenge Program at the Health Starts Here™ information table in the Café. Dinner will be served in the Lifestyle Center from 6:00-7:30 pm.   100% of proceeds will benefit the Whole Kids Foundation.  To learn more about the Jeff Annas Memorial 5k please visit: www.jeffannas5k.com 

 

Coffee & Tea Club

Saturday, September 15th 10:00 AM -12:00 PM, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

Every month our coffee bar will feature a unique coffee and tea for you to enjoy.  At Whole Foods Market, we strive to find the highest quality products available locally and globally, and we look forward to sharing inspiring coffee & tea stories with you.  All club members that attend will be offered a taste of the featured coffee & tea and may choose one sample of either the featured coffee or tea to bring home or to share with a friend.   All you need to do is sign up and show up to join.  Reusable mug recommended.

 

French Comfort Cooking with Wine Class

Tuesday, September 18th 6:30-8:00pm, $10/person

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

Get ready to kick-start fall with your slow cooker or Dutch oven with the warmth and taste of wine. Enjoy Coq Au Vin a classic French recipe with some crusty bread and a Pot de crème desert, both made with wine. Be inspired and let your senses be delighted. Space is limited. Instructor: Sherri Mraz

 

Sushi 101 for Kids

Wednesday, September 19th 6:30-7:30 PM ages 6-14 years old, $5/Child

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

Hey Kids, Are you ready to roll?  Join our very own in-house sushi company, Genji for a hands-on sushi class.  Bamboo rolling mats, chef hats and sushi 101 handbooks will be provided.  Class will be held in the lifestyle center.  Space is limited.

 

Gluten Free Shopping Tour

Thursday, September 20th 6:30-8:00 PM, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk Join Chef Joe for an informative tour of our Gluten Free products around the store and enjoy samples of Chef Joe’s top picks!  Participants will learn not only where to find these specialty products, but will also have the chance to ask questions about best practices for cooking Gluten Free meals.  Please meet at the Customer Service Desk for the tour. Instructor: Joe Colavito

 

The Sushi Stop

Friday, September 21st 5:00-6:30 PM, Free

Look for Lina in our Prepared Foods Department to taste a different kind sushi.  Lina will have free samples of Genji’s blue crab and asparagus roll served with garlic mayonnaise dipping sauce.  No registration necessary, just stop on by.

 

Engine 2 – 28 Day Practice Drill! Challenge Information Class

Friday, September 21st 6:30 pm – 8pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

Learn about our upcoming Engine 2 Challenge and how to support your health and wellbeing one forkful at a time!  Join our Healthy Eating Specialist, Amanda, as she leads an introductory class on the 28 day challenge that will have you reconfiguring your plate in no time. This revolutionary nutrient-packed action plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete and firefighter, and author of the bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet.

 

“Wow, That’s Grape!” cooking class

Saturday, September 22nd  12:00-1:30pm, $5/person

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

September is Organic Harvest Month -Organic grapes are at their best! Attend this class and learn how to serve a special lunch or dinner celebrating grapes. Menu includes roasted salmon and grapes, quinoa salad with grapes and almonds and if that wasn’t enough grapes finish up with a grape desert. Space is limited. Instructor: Sherri Mraz

 

Savvy Shopper Tour

Monday, September 24th 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, Free

Pre-Registration required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

Join us for our budget friendly tour sure to please your family and your wallet! Our experts will show you how to shop our private label, weekly specials and our family sized savings. Registration required; space is limited. Meet at customer service on the day of the tour.

 

 

Pain! How many people live without it?

Tuesday, September 25th 6:30pm – 7:30pm, Free

If fibromyalgia or arthritis pain is affecting your life, and you are looking for new cutting edge alternatives to medicine, you should attend. Learn the natural secrets of a youthful, pain free life. Presenter: Tim DeCanio, D.C., D.A.C.N.B., Board Certified Chiropractic Neurologist.  Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

 

Gluten Free Cooking

 Wednesday, September 26th 6:30 – 8 PM, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

Join Chef Joe as he demonstrates how to prepare a Gluten Free meal that tastes great and is easy for anyone to prepare!  Bring your appetite and your Gluten Free questions.  Space is limited. Instructor: Joe Colavito

 

Got Sleep?

Thursday, September 27th 7:00 -8PM, Free

Nearly 75% of America reports difficulty sleeping at least a few nights each week.  You don’t have to!  Dr. Ian will share some secrets to getting a better night’s sleep without medication!

Presenter: Dr. Ian Shtulman.  Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

 

 

Mom’s Morning Escape

Friday, September 28th 9:00-11:00 AM, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk.

Moms will receive a free mini-massage, coffee or tea, and muffin from the Coffee Bar.  Please check in at the Customer Service desk to pick up your Mom ’s Morning Escape Voucher, then make your way to the Coffee Bar for breakfast. Also, don’t forget to enjoy a relaxing five minute chair massage by My Massage Corner in the Lifestyle Center (first-come, first-served).  Massage sign-up sheet is located just outside of the Lifestyle Center ). 

*All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

 

Engine 2 – 28 Day Challenge Orientation and Start!

Friday, September 28th 6:30 pm – 8:00pm, Free

Pre-Registration Required @ http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

This revolutionary nutrient-packed action plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete and firefighter, and author of the bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet. Each week, Amanda will create and sample different nutrient dense recipes, as well as talk about ways to continue this eating plan on your own.

Challenge Dates: 9/28, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25

 

Local Artist Celebration: “Bobbin” Salisbury

Friday, October 5th 6:30-8:00 PM, $5 Donation/Person

Meet our current Wellington Art Society local artist, “Bobbin” Salisbury, and join us as we celebrate her beautiful paintings that are inspired by our tropical surroundings.  Participants will enjoy live music, wine and cheese tasting as well as small bites in our lifestyle center prepared by Sherri Mraz, our Lifestyle Center Specialist.  One hundred percent of the event entrance fees will benefit the Wellington Art Society Scholarship Fund. Donations will also be accepted at the entrance.

Pre-Registration Required http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/go/events or stop by the customer service desk

 

About Whole Foods Market® 
Founded in 1980 in Austin , Texas , Whole Foods Market (
wholefoodsmarket.com, NASDAQ: WFM), is the leading natural and organic food retailer. As America ’s first national certified organic grocer, Whole Foods Market was named “ America ’s Healthiest Grocery Store” by Healthmagazine. The company’s motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet”™ captures its mission to ensure customer satisfaction and health, Team Member excellence and happiness, enhanced shareholder value, community support and environmental improvement. Thanks to the company’s more than 69,000 Team Members, Whole Foods Market has been ranked as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for 15 consecutive years. In fiscal year 2011, the company had sales of more than $10 billion and currently has more than 325 stores in the United States , Canada and the United Kingdom.

September, 2012 – Wellington Delivery Dudes

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Press Release From:                         The Wellington Chamber of Commerce

Regarding:                                            Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Wellington Delivery Dudes

Date:                                                      September 7, 2012

Written By:                                             Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group

Photograph By:                                    Monica Kallas – SharpShooter Marketing Group

 

 

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce Welcomes
Wellington Delivery Dudes At A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

 

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Wellington Delivery Dudes have recently started their new business in Wellington and have become new members of the Chamber.  Their goal is to service the community with all of their delivery needs. 

wellingtondeliverydudes
The Wellington Delivery Dudes' Ribbon Cutting. Photo by Monica Kallas.

The company is owned and operated by two young entrepreneurs, Melissa Siegler and Michael Fraunfelter.  Melissa was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina where she attended the University of South Carolina.  She moved to Delray Beach, Florida in 2010.  Michael is from Columbus, Ohio.  He moved to Tampa, Florida in 2000 and then Delray Beach in 2007.  Melissa was good friends with Michael’s fiancé and thus she met Michael.  Both wanted to be entrepreneurs and own a business so they decided to join forces and become partners.  They were both familiar with the delivery business and saw that there was a need for their service in Wellington so they created Wellington Delivery Dudes.

During my interview, Melissa stated, “Whatever you need, no matter what time of day, Wellington Delivery Dudes is going to deliver it to you.”  It appears some area businesses believe the same.  Duffy’s, Bru’s Room, Heritage Hens, Schaefer Drugs, and Taylor Made Cafe are using their services to deliver  meals, goods, and products to customers in the area.   Michael noted that although Wellington Delivery Dudes has been initially focused on working with area restaurants to deliver meals, they intend on being the “go to” company to call when your need anything picked up or delivered.  He foresees doing actual grocery shopping and other errands for Wellington residents who are either too tired after work, are physically unable to leave them homes, or are simply too busy and need some help.

When asked what makes Wellington Delivery Dudes the company to call, Melissa said  “The other delivery service in this area uses a call center which can take 24 – 48 hours to dispatch a driver and they only have a few restaurants.  We are here and we are local.  We always pick up the phone.  Your call goes straight to our cell phones so when you need to talk to us, we’re going to answer that call. We give you a time frame.  If we say 45 minutes, we’re going to be there in 20 – 30 minutes.  That’s our goal.”

Last, they both added, “We want to go above and beyond good service and we’re not limiting ourselves to what it is we deliver.  If you ask for it, you’re going to get it.”

Looking at the energy these two have, I do not doubt this for a moment.

For more information about Wellington Deliver Dudes, visit www.WellingtonDeliveryDudes.com  They can be contacted via email  at info@WellingtonDeliveryDudes.com or by phone at 561.800.4979. Also visit The Wellington Chamber of Commerce at http://WellingtonChamber.com.

September, 2012 – Wellington Aquatics Complex Opens at Noon on Sept. 22nd

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Wellington Aquatics Complex Opens at Noon on Sept. 22nd following Kids Triathlon

 

The Wellington Aquatics Complex, located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, will open to the public at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22nd to accommodate the First Annual Wellington Kids Triathlon.

 

Wellington is accepting registrations through Wednesday, September 19th for this exciting endurance event, which is limited to children born between 1998 and 2008. The top male and female finishers in each age group will receive a trophy and all participants will receive a medal. Registration is $35 and includes a t-shirt for each competitor.

 

Age Division

Year Born

Swim Distance

Bike Distance

Run Distance

Super Seniors

1998-1999

200 yards

4.0 miles

1.25 miles

Seniors

2000-2001

150 yards

4.0 miles

1.25 miles

Super Juniors

2002-2003

100 yards

2.4 miles

0.7 miles

Juniors

2004-2005

50 yards

1.6 miles

0.7 miles

Trikes

2006-2008

25 yards

0.4 miles

0.25 miles

 

Parents and guardians can register by mail, fax, or in-person at Village Park located at 11700 Pierson Road as well as in-person at the Wellington Community Center located at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard. Registration can also be completed online at www.active.com. All competitors must have a USA Triathlon (USAT) membership card, or parents and guardians may purchase a one-day membership for $10 on the day of the race. Registration is limited to the first 250 entries, so register early to secure your spot!

 

For additional details, visit http://www.wellingtonfl.gov/community/parks-and-recreation/special-events/wellington-kids-triathlon.html.

 

For information about other Wellington programs, events, activities, and updates, please visit www.wellingtonfl.gov or watch Channel 18 for the latest happenings.

 

 

September, 2012 – Science of Beer & Wine

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Science of Beer & Wine September 13, 2012

 

The Young Professionals of the South Florida Science Museum invite guests 21 & older to come and explore the science behind beer & wine making at the Museum.  Established brewers like the BX Beer Depot, Brewzzi and PRP Wine will take you through the process with presentations & sample tastings. Museum educators will be on hand to engage guests in challenging games, crafts, and demonstrations including liquid nitrogen beer ice cream. All of this combined with music, food, giveaways and open exploration of the museum is sure to be a fun & educational evening!  Museum members: $20.00, Non-members: $25.00.  Advance tickets also available at www.sfsm.org – Museum members :$15.00, Non-members: $20.00.

 

South

4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL 33405561-832-1988  www.sfsm.org

Florida Science Museum

September, 2012 – Joey’s Outback Adventures

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AW Spotlight

 

Joey’s Outback Adventures

 

By Krista Martinelli

 

What is it about Joey’s Outback Adventures that makes kids and

Francesca and Joey of Joey's Outback
Francesca and Joey of Joey's Outback

 parents want to come back?  Located in the Fresh Market plaza on Forest Hill Boulevard in Wellington, Joey’s is beautifully designed, so that kids can jump, slide and play.  And parents can work (free WiFi), watch TV, enjoy something from the café or even exercise while their kids are having fun. It’s the biggest indoor play place in the area – approximately 14,000 square feet of air-conditioned fun.

 

“We are very family-oriented,” says owner Francesca Friedman.  “It’s good, clean, cool fun, with a variety of different types of fun things to do indoors at Joey’s Outback.”  Many parents have commented that they especially appreciate the fact that there is something for even their really young children as well as their older children.  With things to do for kids from 12 months to 12 years, Joey’s offers a secure gated area with learning toys for kids under 18 months, the “Koala Korner,” – and for kids 5 and under, they have fun and educational toys, tea parties and even costumes for dress up, along with a toddler bounce house.  The bounce house mazes and obstacle courses are great for a variety of ages along with the arcade and video games for the older kids.  Some of the other indoor play places do not offer anything for the older siblings and do not even allow kids in over the age of 6 or 8.

 

Another element that makes the kids want to return to Joey’s

One of the many fun slides at Joey's Outback
One of the many fun slides at Joey's Outback

 Outback are the employees. “Our people – we call them ‘Roo Mates’ – are very interactive with the kids,” says Francesca.  Many of the employees are high school or college students, who are studying to become teachers or child psychologists and have a strong interest in working with the children.  Although safety always comes first, the fun factor is extremely important at Joey’s Outback. Many of the kids will ask for their favorite ‘Roo Mate’ – because they had such a great time with him or her last time they visited.

Owner Francesca Friedman, along with her husband Michael, named Joey’s Outback Adventures after their four-year-old son Joey. “We went around to different play places with Joey, but couldn’t find any that offered ALL of the different elements that would be fun for kids and comfortable for parents.  So, this place is all because of Joey,” explains Francesca.

 

 

Joey’s Outback offers a lot of special events and special evenings. Visit their website and see the details under “Events.” Some of these are still to come, so be sure to get on Joey’s email list for the latest info too.

 

·         Special Needs night – 2nd Monday of each month

·         Adults Only night – 3rd Friday of each month

·         Princess Tea parties – Tuesdays at 4:30pm

·         Family Nights – coming soon on Friday nights for all ages, 4pm to 8pm

·         Music Classes – also coming soon

·         Mommy & Me Classes – “Li’l Koalas”

·         Arts & Crafts Classes – “Picasaroos”

·         PreK workshops

·         Exercise Classes – “Boomercise”

 

Their South Florida Parenting Kids Crown-awarded “Special Needs Night” is greatly appreciated by parents of special needs children.  Joey’s provides their staff who are trained how to monitor and properly interact with special needs kids, giving parents a much-needed break to relax a bit while letting their kids play and exercise in a safe environment. 

Adults Only Night evolved after many adults said that they would enjoy a chance to jump in the bounce houses and slide down the slides, just to be a kid again!  They also get a chance to win “free hops” for the kids with karaoke and limbo contests!

The Princess Tea Parties at Joey’s are adorable.  A special princess comes to visit, finger sandwiches and snacks are served, they play princess trivia, dance and even have a princess parade!  The owners’ son Joey transforms into a prince in a 3-piece white suit and Joey, their mascot, makes a visit.  Reservations are required in advance.  It’s $1 off for the girls who come dressed as princesses.  Visit  www.JoeysOutback.com for more info on these and other current and upcoming events.

 

 

What do children appreciate most about Joey’s?  It’s the variety of different things they can do – including jumps, slides, basketball, obstacle courses, toys, dress-up, arcade games and Wii games. Also, they love Joey’s staff. “We are fussy about our employees here,” says Friedman. She explains that she has found that some employees are terrific with toddlers, but not good at the front desk and vice versa. It takes a short while to find where each employee does their best and really shines.

What do parents appreciate most about Joey’s?  “That it’s clean,” says Friedman right away. “We clean the jumps every day and completely sanitize them every other week. We clean our toys constantly. We clean our carpets constantly. I’m a neat freak. Parents appreciate that.”  The professional cleaning company that they use employs organic products, which parents appreciate too.  The level of security is excellent too – with 29 cameras inside and outside of the building. Children and adults have matching wrist bands and are checked by staff before leaving.

Adults also seem quite happy to find exercise equipment, flat screen TVs, and good quality home-made food (by Francesca) for the birthday parties.  Francesca Friedman is Italian and is known to make excellent baked ziti, meatballs subs, sausage/peppers/onion sandwiches and other good things that you normally would not find at a kid’s birthday party.

Joey’s Outback birthday parties are nice and easy for the

One of the four Joey's Outback birthday party rooms
One of the four Joey's Outback birthday party rooms

 parents. A host and server are provided for each party from Joey’s staff. The parents just bring the “Three C’s” – Cake, Candles and Children! The parties come with two hours in a private party den, either a Joey kangaroo mascot or a princess depending on the party, invitations, souvenir “Joey Cups” for each mate, t-shirt for the birthday kid and no worries – set-up, serving and clean-up.  Parties can be large or small, depending on your guest list. They can open up a curtain to combine two party rooms for the larger parties at Joey’s.

The owners of Joey’s Outback are already proactive about giving back to the community, especially when it comes to children’s causes. This past summer they celebrated “Christmas in July” and collected toys for the Kids Cancer Foundation. They’ve participated in many silent auctions and raffles for school fundraisers and firefighter organizations. Michael and Francesca feel strongly about adoption, since they are so happy with their own adoption of their four-year-old son. Several times a year they present a “Heart Gallery” inside Joey’s Outback, where the Children’s Home Society shows older kids (in a photo gallery) who are up for adoption. “We want to raise awareness about adopting and about foster care,” says Francesca. “It’s unfortunate that you happen to hear about the bad stories, more than the good ones.” They tell a positive story of doing a foster-to-adopt program and having Joey come into their lives. They also have a “Foster Care Free Day” on a regular basis at Joey’s – free admission for foster care children.

Joey’s is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving and Christmas!  They can customize special outings for groups – daycare centers, youth groups, schools, sports teams, religious organizations and other groups. Hop on over to Joey’s Outback in Wellington and have a ball!  And don’t forget your socks and long pants – better for the slides.

 

 

 

Joey’s Outback Adventures

10670 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

Wellington, FL 33414

In the Fresh Market Plaza

(561) 204-4554

See the Joey’s coupon ad on

AroundWellington.com for special savings!

www.JoeysOutback.com

 

School Season Hours at Joey’s

Sunday – Thursday: 11am to 6pm

Friday & Saturday: 11am to 8pm