SUSTAINABLE INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Have you ever thought about or heard about sustainable investing?
If not, here is some information about what it means and how one can approach it. First, sustainable investing refers to socially responsible investing (SRI) as well as environmental, social and governance data investment (ESG).
A sustainable investment strategy considers environmental, social and corporate governance criteria to generate long-term competitive financial returns as well as a positive social impact.
There are two ways to look at these investment strategies. Do you want to eliminate from your portfolio certain industries because of what they do (SRI) or are you more interested in investing in
companies that do good which is called (ESG)?
SRI, or Impact Investing, generally refers to making investments based on one’s values - avoiding companies that don’t fit your morals. Some companies that are often excluded are those that make their profits from tobacco, fossil fuel, firearms, and alcohol but at the end of the day, you are the judge.
ESG investing is focused on how the company operates. Does the company have a positive or negative impact on climate change, what is the company culture, and what is the corporate structure in relation to its stakeholders?
To accomplish your goals, consider an asset manager’s history and whether they have dedicated the
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necessary resources to provide ongoing research and analysis.
To maintain returns while investing sustainably, seek out a fund that is benchmarked to a broad-based index. This shows the manager’s goal is to provide market-like or better than market returns.
Research has shown that companies that best manage their environmental and social impact and follow good governance practices (ESG) are more profitable in the medium and long term. The growth in sustainable investment opportunities has been substantial as individuals choose to find investments that align with their goals.
The Global Sustainable Investment Alliance reports a 34 per cent increase in these investments over the last two years.
HOME LIBRARY
HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT OF CREATING A LIBRARY IN YOUR HOME?
Home libraries are a dedicated space to relax and enjoy reading time. If you love books and have a lot of them, it is a great way to
enjoy your collection. It is also a personal statement about what you’re interested in; books and mementos can serve as a history
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of your life.
It is wonderful if you have a room that can be designated as the library but that really isn’t necessary. What’s most important is to create a cozy space for your collection. A library can be created in many different spaces since a room can be multi-functional. Sometimes there is space under a staircase or in a quiet nook, maybe a wall in the dining room or the hall. A fireplace can often be surrounded by bookshelves to create a library. Even a bedroom can be an interesting place to create your library; it could even be used as a wall unit above your headboard. All it takes is a little imagination.
Your personal library isn’t necessarily just for books. It is a place to show off collections, photos, albums, plants and even art. It can all be incorporated in the design. It is really about your own interests, which is what makes it personal.
You might want to include a desk in your library wall or a hidden space to hide games and other important knick-knacks.
Keep in mind that a library should feel like a cozy retreat for reading. Depending on the space, consider
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the color palette. Deep rich colors are relaxing in a library, but it all depends on the library’s location and the design of your home. Wood paneled libraries are traditional but there are many ways to create a relaxing space, depending on your own individual aesthetic. If you have a window with surrounding bookshelves, a window seat makes the perfect addition. Add a comfortable oversized chair if you have space.
Don’t forget to consider lighting, which depends on the size and location of your library. Use picture lights mounted at the top of the shelves to illuminate books and add a dramatic effect. For a traditional look, use wall sconces.
For actual reading, recessed lighting is appropriate as it can be dimmed by preference. Table lamps are always appropriate as are floor lamps depending on the location and available space in your own library.
Whether your home is large or small, there is always a space for a personal library.
HEALTH & FOOD
Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.
Sugar intake is a concern for many.
A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.
To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.
The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.
The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.
The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.
The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.
BANANA DATE NUT BREAD
• 3 ripe bananas mashed
• 2 eggs
• 1 stick butter
• 1 cup unbleached flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped
• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan
• Cream butter and date mixture
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well
• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture
• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts
• Pour mixture into the bread pan
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack
Identity theft is when someone uses your personal or financial information without your permission. They might steal your name and address, credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security number or medical insurance account numbers. The information could then be used to make purchases, get new cards in your name, open a phone, electricity, or gas account, or even steal your tax refund or medical benefits
No one wants to be the subject of identity theft. If it happens to you, there are steps you can take, and the government is there to help at Identitytheft.com.
The important thing is to take all
the necessary steps to prevent it.
✔ Keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards and any other documents that have personal information in a secure place. If getting rid of them, be sure to shred them.
✔ Do not give out your Social Security number other than to the IRS, your bank, and your employer without asking why they need it. If they have a valid reason, try offering just the last 4 digits.
✔ If you are logging in to an on-line account, use a strong password.
✔ Do not give your personal information to someone who calls, emails, or texts you. They could
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be a scammer trying to steal your information.
In addition to taking steps to protect your information, there are things to do to detect identity theft.
✔ Track what bills you owe and when they are due. If you stop getting a bill, that could be a sign someone changed your address or other information.
✔ Review your bills for charges that don’t belong to you.
✔ Check your bank account for withdrawals not made by you.
✔ Get and review your credit reports, as accounts you don’t
recognize could be a sign of identity theft.
Many companies sell identity theft protection services that may include credit monitoring, identity monitoring, identity recovery services, and identity theft insurance. These services may be offered by your bank or credit union, credit card provider, employer’s benefits program, or insurance company. Also, there are credit monitoring services like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion that offer these services as well.
Identity monitoring services may notify you of a change of address request, court or arrest records, orders for new utility, cable or wire services, application for a payday loan, information on websites that sell stolen identity information.
Most will not notify you if someone uses your information to file a tax return and collect your refund, get Medicare benefits, get Medicaid benefits, get welfare benefits, claim Social Security benefits, claim unemployment benefits.
2026 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
Cognizant Classic
FEB 26 - MAR 1
MARCH 5 - 8
MARCH 5 - 8
MARCH 12 - 15
MARCH 19 - 22
MARCH 26 - 29
APRIL 2 - 5
APRIL 9 - 12
APRIL 16 - 19
APRIL 23 - 26
APRIL 30 - MAY 3
MAY 7 - 10
+ Signature Event
PGA National Resort (The Champion Course)
Palm Beach Gardens, FL • USA
Arnold Palmer Invitational
Arnold Palmer’s Bau Hill Club & Lodge
Orlando, FL • USA
Puerto Rico Open
Grand Reserve Golf Club
Rio Grande, Puerto Rico
THE PLAYERS Championship
TPC Sawgrass (THE PLAYERS Stadium Course)
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL • USA
Valspar Championship
Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course)
Palm Harbor, FL • USA
Texas Children’s Houston Open
Memorial Park Golf Course
Houston, TX • USA
Valero Texas Open
TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course)
San Antonio, TX • USA
Masters Tournament
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta, GA • USA
RBC Heritage
Harbour Town Golf Links
Hilton Head Island, SC • USA
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
TPC Louisiana
Avondale, LA • USA
Miami Championship
Trump National Doral (Blue Monster)
Miami, FL • USA
Truist Championship
Quail Hollow Club
Charlotte, NC • USA
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
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2026 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATES TOURNAMENT
ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classis
MAY 7 - 10
MAY 14 - 17
MAY 21 - 24
MAY 28 - 31
Dunes Golf and Beach Club
Myrtle Beach, SC • USA
PGA Championship
Aronimink Golf Club
Newton Square, PA • USA
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson
TPC Craig Ranch
McKinney, TX • USA
Charles Schwab Challenge
Colonial Country Club
Fort Worth, TX • USA
+ Signature Event
# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored
^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour
* Schedule subject to change
PREVIOUS WINNER
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
CBS, NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM
2026 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
2026 LPGA
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
MARCH
MARCH 1 - 30
| TASTE ATLANTIC CITY
Enjoy a fixed price, three-course meal at any of our world-class signature restaurants. For more info visit: goldennugget.com
March 7 | Beer FEST
The Big Brew Beer Festival is a perfect opportunity for beer aficionados to meet and hang out. With over 150 unique tastings it’s a great place to discover new beers and speak to brewery representatives. For more info visit: bigbrewnj.com
MARCH 26 - 29 | FILM FESTIVAL
The Garden State film festival is held together by the philosophy of promoting an engendering independent films and new and inspiring filmmakers, and they have garnered support from Hollywood heavyweights like Glenn Close, Frank Vincent, Michael Uslan and James Gandolfini. For more info visit: gsff.org
APRIL
APRIL 1 - 30
| TULIP FESTIVAL
Holland Ridge Farms is a family-owned flower grower and flower farm in New Jersey. Our U-Pick Tulip season opens when the millions of bulbs we planted in the fall burst into bloom. Rows and rows of colorful tulips as far as the eye can see! For more info visit: hollandridgefarms.com
APRIL 25 | MEXICAN MADNESS
All-You-Can-Eat Mexican Food. Margaritas. Live Music! Restaurants Compete for Best Mexican Food! If you like Atlantic City Wing Fest, you will love Atlantic City Mexican Madness, the inaugural throwdown of more than 15 South Jersey and Philadelphia-area restaurants competing for ultimate Mexican Food bragging rights. For more info visit: goldennugget.com
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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MAY
MAY 15 - 17 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival debuted in November 2012 in the national historic landmark city of Cape May, a picturesque beach town. You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed. For more info visit: exitzerojazzfestival.com
MAY 29 - 31 | FILM FESTIVAL
New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival features amazing celebrities, amazing horror films and vendors from around the horror world. Additionally, there will be Q & A sessions, vendors, and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhorrorcon.com
JUNE
JUNE 6 - 14 | RENAISSANCE FAIR
Come enjoy over 30 unique Merchants, Vendors and Crafters that make up Crossford’s Artisan Village. There’s delicious food, drinks and snacks await! See what treats you can find about the shire. Colorful characters, charming artists and playful scenes are here to entertain you all day!. For more info visit: njrenfaire.com
JUNE 18 - 21 | COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
This three-day event will host 30+ of the industry’s biggest stars and up-and-comers on multiple stages. With the combination of country music and the scenic backdrop of the Wildwood shores, this family-friendly, three-day fest is a summer vacation destination. For more info visit: barefootcountrymusicfest.com
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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JUNE 26 - 28 | ROCK, RIBS, & RIDGES FESTIVAL
A two-day celebration of great Southern Rock music, finger-lickin’ barbeque and good times at Sussex County FairGrounds! For more info visit: rockribsandridges.com
JULY
JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY
It’s exciting. It’s epic! This Annual Jersey City Freedom Fireworks Festival takes place right on the Hudson River! Come one, come all to the biggest Independence Day celebration in New Jersey for a full day filled with live music on two stages, super fun amusement rides, and a mouth-watering myriad of eats and drinks. For more info visit: freedomandfireworks.com
JULY
18 - 19 | CARNIVAL
Atlantic City Carnival Weekend is coming you’re invited to be part of the color, culture, and vibes that take over the streets, the beach, and the boardwalk!
For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/m9cks49k
AUGUST
AUG 1 - 3 | CLAM FESTIVAL
The Annual Clam Fest will feature a Beer, Wine and Sangria Garden on the corner of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues with portions of Waterwitch and Bay Avenues closed to street traffic to accommodate rides, games, children’s activities, specialty vendors and food trucks. For more info visit: highlandsnj.com
AUG
1 -
8 | STATE FARE
The New Jersey State Fair includes 4-H shows and exhibits, horse shows, carnival, performing art, family entertainment, demo derby, exhibits, food, and more. This is a great way to enjoy the summer with your family!
For more info visit: sussexcountyfairgrounds.org
LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE
CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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SEPTEMBER
SEPT
26 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
Celebrate the Middlesex County Jazz Festival! Enjoy great jazz and experience the communities of New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Edison, Perth Amboy, Carteret, and Metuchen with their great music, food, and friendliness. For more info visit: middlesexcountyjazzfestival.org
OCTOBER
OCT 3 - 4 | CRANBERRY FEST
The Downtown Bordentown Association is proud to sponsor the Annual Cranberry Festival of Fine Arts and Crafts on Farnsworth. Featuring over 100 juried crafters, artists and makers, the Cranberry Festival annually draws over 40,000 visitors to historic Bordentown City, N.J. For more info visit: btowncranfest.com
OCT 23 - 25 | JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Exit Zero Jazz Festival debuted in November 2012 in the national historic landmark city of Cape May, a picturesque beach town. You might find yourself one minute second-lining to a New Orleans brass band, and, in the next, snaking through town behind a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco. The joy of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival is in the discovery of incredible music and musicians you may never have known existed. For more info visit: exitzerojazzfestival.com
NOVEMBER
NOV 14 | FREESTYLE FREE FOR ALL
Experience high-energy performances, iconic throwback vibes, and an unforgettable night of dancing on the Jersey Shore. While the official lineup will be announced soon, fans can expect classic freestyle artists, legendary vocalists, and crowd-favorite performers bringing nonstop hits to the stage. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4z3ayraz
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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CENTRAL NEW JERSEY
PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS ARE UNCERTAIN. DUE TO THE CURRENT SITUATIONS, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.
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DECEMBER
DEC 1 - 31 | WINTER WONDERLIGHTS
Welcome to Winter WonderLights, NJ’s largest animated holiday light show drive thru! If you’re looking for the perfect festive Christmas light experience near you, you’ll find it in East Brunswick! Our dazzling drive-thru event features over 2 million animated lights, offering something truly magical for everyone. For more info visit: winterwonderlightshows.com
JANUARY JANTBA | FLY FISHING SHOW
An entertaining and informative consumer show dedicated to connecting customers with business owners, manufacturers and other fly fishing professionals. For more info visit: thearticulatefly.com
FEBRUARY
FEB TBA | HOME & GARDEN SHOW
New Jersey’s premier home & garden event features over 200 exhibitors with the area’s top services & products. Attend expert presentations, meet kitchen and bath designers, improve your home’s curb appeal, find outdoor furniture for spring, shop home decor, attend a painting class, enjoy the kid’s activity area and more! For more info visit: newjerseyhomeshow.com
2027 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
MAY 24 - SUN 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 24 - SUN 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 25 - MON 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 12:00 PM First Round
MAY 26 - TUE 8:15 PM First Round
MAY 27 - WED 12:00 PM Second Round
MAY 27 - WED 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 10:00 AM Second Round
MAY 28 - THU 8:15 PM Second Round
MAY 29 - FRI 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 29 - FRI 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 12:00 PM Third Round
MAY 30 - SAT 8:15 PM Third Round
MAY 31 - SUN 12:00 PM Fourth Round
MAY 31 - SUN 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 12:00 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 1 - MON 8:15 PM Fourth Round
JUNE 2 - TUE 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 2 - TUE 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 12:00 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 3 - WED 8:15 PM Quarterfinals
JUNE 4 - THUR 2:30 PM Ladies Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 2:30 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 5 - FRI 8:15 PM Mens Semifinals
JUNE 6 - SAT 3:00 PM Ladies Singles Final, Mens Double Final
JUNE 7 - SUN 3:00 PM Mens Singles Final, Ladies Doubles Final
DATE
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
* Schedule subject to change
JUNE 29 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JUNE 30 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1st Round
JULY 1 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round
JULY 2 - THU 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2rd Round
JULY 3 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 4 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round
JULY 5 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round
JULY 6 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies’ 4th Round
JULY 7- TUE 11:00 AM Ladies' and Gentlemen's Quarterfinals
JULY 8 - WED 11:00 AM Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Quarterfinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Ladies’ Semifinals
JULY 9 - THU 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Semifinals
JULY 10 - FRI 11:00 AM Ladies’ Singles Final & Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles
JULY 11 - SAT 11:00 AM Gentlemen’s Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles
2026 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE
HISTORIC TOWNS IN
Florida
If you happen to be driving through Florida, there are several interesting and historic towns worth visiting. St. Augustine, the oldest town in America, is located on the northeast coast of the state, just south of Jacksonville. Then head south to enjoy the Lake Wales Ridge, which includes the towns of Sebring, Lake Placid and Avon.
First settled in 1565 by the Spanish and predating both Jamestown and Plymouth Rock, St Augustine was first seen by Admiral Pedro Menendez de Aviles. Visit Castillo de San Marcos, a 17th century Spanish stone fortress, and the cobblestoned historic downtown that includes over 30 historic houses. Remember, this is the city known for the Fountain of Youth, so be sure to see the Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park where
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visitors can drink from the spring. Next, head south to Lake Wales, which has an ‘old Florida” vibe and is one of the most scenic areas in the state. Known for its cypress trees, citrus groves and abundance of freshwater lakes, Lake Wales can’t be missed! Enjoy the history of these towns and don’t miss Highlands State Park for hiking, biking, birding and a variety of rare and native plants.
Sebring has undergone a major restoration of its historic downtown. There is a lot to see and do, particularly if you are a history buff. Sebring was founded in 1912 by Ohio pottery manufacturer George E. Sebring and is now designated as a 1920’s Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places. Known as “The City on the Circle” because of its design
which is based on the ancient Egyptian city of Heliopolis. With a circular park, all roads radiate from there which makes Sebring very distinctive.
Lake Placid was founded in 1927 and has two nicknames: the “Town of Murals” and “The Caladium Capital of the World”. It is known for its art scene with over 50 murals throughout the town, it is a sight to behold. Some of the murals are as large as 175 feet
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ENJOY YOUR
Travels
wide and 30 feet tall and depict the town’s history including the town’s Native American heritage. There is also the Historical Society Depot Museum located in the original railroad depot. And don’t miss the interesting boutiques and restaurants in the downtown area.
Avon Park is known as the “City of Charm” because of its historic downtown and small town feel. It was founded in 1886 and is the oldest town in the region, It was named after Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Visit the Avon Park Depot Museum and the Museum of Florida Arts and Culture. Babe Ruth and Clark Gable stayed at the historic Hotel Jacarinda downtown.
WELLNESS TRENDS FOR 2026
In 2026, there will be a focus on fitness and AI will be a part of this trend. It will revolutionize the industry through personalization, instant feedback and data tracking. The fitness trend has shifted from short-term goals to long-term lifestyle concerns. People are focused on the number of years lived in good health, not just lifespan. There is an emphasis on fundamentals like strength training, consistent sleep, stress reduction and a nutrient rich diet as well as preventative health care.
Technology plays a part in this shift toward mind and body fitness as real time data becomes available. Wearable technology, artificial intelligence and advanced
analytics give individuals a unique understanding of their body.
Wearables like Apple Watches, WHOOP, and Oura Rings increase our knowledge of how our bodies are functioning. Not only do wearables count steps and steadiness, but they are also capable of tracking sleep quality and recovery, heart rate variations, skin temperature and other variables. With all this information, personalized programs can be developed that incorporate diet, exercise and recovery.
The American College of Sports Medicine ranked wearable technology as the #1 fitness trend because of its ability to integrate
nutrition, sleep, mental health, and physical performance. AI can analyze all the data and recognize patterns. Imagine being informed that your recovery is lagging or your walking isn’t steady. Then it tells you how to correct through exercise or adjustments to sleep routines, nutrition or stress management strategies.
There is also a new emphasis on recovery from a workout. It is now considered a critical component of any fitness program as it enhances performance, longevity and overall
wellness. Gyms today often offer meditation corners, hyperbaric chambers, red light therapy, cold plunge pools, and cryotherapy stations. Additionally, there are somatic healing offerings. These include yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and dance - all of which focus on the mind body connection.
The latest trends in fitness are holistic and recognize that mental and emotional health are inseparable from physical performance.
