Five days of hands-on STEAM fun, interactive demonstrations, and winter break adventures for families in Central New York

SYRACUSE, New York – (February 11, 2026) – Fun is in full swing at WonderWorks Destiny as the team gears up for their annual Science Week event, from February 16-20, 2026. Winter break is right around the corner for CNY schools, making it a great time for families and locals to check out WonderWorks and all it has to offer. The upside-down house helps keep the fun and learning going all throughout winter break and beyond. From interactive science demonstrations to a 50% off ropes course ticket deal on select days, WonderWorks has everything you need to make the most out of a Syracuse stay-cation.

“Take your family’s February break to the next level with a visit to WonderWorks!” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny. “Our entire team looks forward to this special week every year, and we’re ready to have a blast with guests at both our regular attractions and our exciting science sessions throughout the week.”

Guests will not want to miss all the fun offered during Science Week. Young explorers can unleash their inner scientist with five exciting days of interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) sessions, demonstrations and activities. This annual event offers students and families the opportunity to engage their mind and spark creativity during the school break, in a fun affordable way.

The schedule of events for the week includes:

• Meteorology Monday on February 16, 2026 – Get blown away on Meteorology Monday from 1 pm to 3 pm to kick off Science Week. This day will be dedicated to learning more about wintery weather facts, trying DIY weather experiments, exploring natural phenomena and more.
• Egg Drop on February 17, 2026 – Watch out below! Take part in WonderWorks’ annual Egg Drop Contest from noon until 2 pm to see if you’ve got what it takes. Participants will put their engineering skills to the test and attempt to prevent their egg from breaking as it hits the ground. Supplies will be provided and participation is free.
• Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash on February 18, 2026 – Swing by the WonderWorks table at Destiny USA’s Winter Break Bash, taking place from noon until 2 pm in the Canyon area of the mall (right below the Canyon Climb Ropes Course). The WonderWorks team will be helping attendees create dancing art through an electrifying science experiment, handing out Professor Wonder activity sheets, giving away special coupon offers, and more. This is a free event hosted by the mall and will feature lots more fun activities from other stores.
• Color Me Curious on February 19, 2026 – The Science Week fun heads back inside WonderWorks on Thursday from 1 pm to 3 pm. With a stroke of genius, put the “A” back in STEAM! Guests can try their hand at creating pop art, watch a mesmerizing, colorful elephant toothpaste explosion, and more on this creative, hands-on day.
• Animal Wonders with Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Feb 20, 2026 – Science Week will conclude with a special guest session from 1 pm to 3 pm that participants will not want to miss! Guaranteed to get guests up close and personal with animal biofacts, this event will examine animal tracks, pelts, skulls, teeth, and more. This session is held in partnership with Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

Monday, Thursday, and Friday’s Science Week sessions begin at 1 pm and cost only $5 to participate in, while Tuesday and Wednesday’s sessions begin at 12 pm and are free for all. WonderWorks Destiny Annual Passholders can experience all five sessions for free as a perk of their pass. Guests can pre-register to reserve their spot online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/science-week/.

“It may be cold outside, but it’s always warm in the mall! Winter is one of the best times to experience WonderWorks, with special events like Science Week, great ways to save on tickets, and more,” said Jon Cascella, general manager at WonderWorks Destiny.

Mark the family calendars now for your next WonderWorks visit! With winter being one of the best times to visit the upside-down house, locals and visitors alike will want to check out the best indoor amusement park in Central New York. The indoor attraction provides a place to stay warm, stay active, and explore.

Be sure to take full advantage of the exclusive Wonder Wednesdays deal, running through the end of February 2026. Wonder Wednesdays provides guests with the opportunity to score 50% off tickets to the Canyon Climb Ropes Course at the door, every Wednesday through February 25, 2026. Guests will not want to miss this chance to check out the Canyon Climb at a great rate The Canyon Climb ropes course is the world’s largest suspended indoor ropes course, standing 70 feet tall. Climbers will get to explore three levels of ropes as they take on over 81 different obstacles. Closed-toed shoes and proper dress is required to go on the ropes course, and there are height and weight restrictions in place. To get more information, visit the site online: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny/the-experience/canyon-climb/.

WonderWorks Destiny offers a variety of educational programs and promotions throughout the year for local students and families to enjoy. They provide group rates, birthday parties, homeschool days, corporate event packages, and an annual pass. They have over 100 interactive exhibits covering topics such as extreme weather, space exploration, light and sound, and more. The upside-down laboratory is also home to a thrilling laser tag arena, an imagination lab, a youth art gallery, and a physical challenge zone, including the 4D XD Motion Theater, the Astronaut Training Challenge, and more. For more information and current hours of operation, visit the site at: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/destiny.

About WonderWorks

WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment into one venue. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 71 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment and experience zero gravity in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks is in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. For more information, visit WonderWorksDestiny.com, and follow @WonderWorksDestiny on Facebook, @WonderWorksDUSA on X (Twitter), @WonderWorks_dusa on Instagram, and @WonderWorksOfficial on TikTok.

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Enjoy the Magic of UPLIFTNY25 –
A Day to Remember in Central Park

Coverage by New India Magazine

Dear Family and Friends,

On Saturday, June 21st, over 5,000 New Yorkers from all walks of life gathered at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park for our transformative event UPLIFTNY25 — a powerful celebration of International Yoga Day and the Summer Solstice created by Meera Gandhi and team.

Watch this short exciting video now:

The day was filled with transformative energy:

• Yoga and meditation led by Inga Benson, Madame Gandhi, and Tirlok Malik
• Music from Madame Gandhi, DJ Rekha and Daybreaker
• Spiritual healing, astrological insights, and wisdom from Bhushan Deodhar, Miriam Belov, and Darryl Gaines
• Community, joy, and inspiration — with support from the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness & Recreation and the Indian Consulate in New York

UPLIFTNY25 was covered widely by several news outlets

Again We’ve captured the essence of this unforgettable day in a short 1-minute video — we’d love for you to re-live the magic:

Watch now:

Thank you to all who joined us in uplifting hearts and minds through wellness, compassion, and unity. Join us again next year on June 21st, 2026 in Central Park!

Meera Gandhi and
The Giving Back Foundation Team

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https://youtu.be/yrBW2PDvOB8

Dear Friends and Members,

GREATFULNESS, we are so fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity in our lives to be grateful. In my life…the more grateful I am the happier I am, and those who I am grateful for, seem to be as well. Being grateful is a gift, it’s even a FREE GIFT, THAT IS PRICELESS. 

So, as we go through our day let’s step back, sometimes, if not often and live/appreciate our opportunity to share our gratefulness. 

What I truly believe is that GRATEFULNESS IS LOVE.

Please save these dates and join us. For details go to www.pausetheworldforpeace.org.  

Our International Day of Peace and NYC Climate Week Kick-Offs Weekend consists of:

September 19th City Hall/NYC Press Conference 11 AM EST

September 20th Times Square Concert 11 AM EST

September 21st. 12Noon Moment/Minute of Silence worldwide…Cease Fire, Acts of Peace, Creation Human Peace Circle, Plant Peace Pole, Sunday…

Good News Corporation, our nonprofit is very GREATFUL to be working closely with OMMM, AY YOUNG, MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARK LEVINE AND PASTOR MONROSE, FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NYC ADAMS ADMINISTRATION. These are people who care about PEACE & MOTHER EARTH and are willing to do something about it.

You are all our revered community so we want to share our unlisted, One Hour Earth Day Special with you from April 22, 2025…we had 1.5 + million watch the 4 1/2 hour Special LIVE. 

This is our 1 hour 2 minutes and 9 second Earth Day Show: https://youtu.be/rp8nhuTYra8

Please support our nonprofit, 501 C 3, Good News Corporation at http://goodnewsplanet.com/peacedayparty/peace-day-donations/

Additional Good News:

Arte Olio explains their

SENSATIONAL Olive Oil at dinner

at Scarpettas, NY…GRAZIE

HARRISON FORD

TELLS A JOKE

ABOUT BROCCOLI

How Ice Cream was Invented…

Giorgia Fumanti returns to her 

home town in Italy, come see 

her perform in Times Square on 

September 20, 2025, 

www.pausetheworldforpeace.org

Lastly, if you care about your money, please tune in to WOR 710 Radio on Sunday at 10:30 AM. Here you can listen and call in to Legal Expert and Elder Care Lawyer, 14 Year NYS Representative and Dr. Phil, ET, Good Morning America…Guest Lawyer, Ann-Margaret Carrozza, ESQ. 

Ann is BRILLIANT, AND YOUR MONEY IS BRILLIANT, AND YOU ARE BRILLIANT IF YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO PROTECT IT.

Paul Sladkus is Ann’s Co-Host. Email me paul.sladkus1@gmail.com if you want me to ask her a question, or just call in (800-321-0710) and listen; it might be one of the most important programs in you and your family’s life.

Ann-Margaret Carrozza,

Asset Protection Lawyer,

WOR 710 AM

CALL IN Radio

LIVE Every

Sunday at 1030am

STAY WELL

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: “All we are is what we are with each other.” Zeal 

With Respect. Love and May Peace Prevail on Earth,  For Information Contact: 

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual,

Founder, Good News Corporation 501 C 3 212 647 1212 paul.sladkus1@gmail.com  and our Good News and Peace Worldwide Team who make our Peace Day 9/21 happen.

www.pausetheworldforpeace.org,www.goodnewsplanet.TV, www.youtube.com/goodnewsbroadcast

Social Networks: www.Facebook.com/PaulSladkus, LinkedIn Paul Sladkus, Twitter/X Good News to Go, Instagram PausetheWorld

LET’S GROW TOGETHER. GOOD NEWS MOTTO: ALL WE ARE IS WHAT WE ARE WITH EACH OTHER. ZEAL

For more information contact: 

Reverend Paul Sladkus, All Faiths and Spiritual 212 647 1212

New York, NY, Montauk, NY

PS – SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR FRIENDS AND MEMBERS: Looking for a vacation rental, SHORT TERM, in Montauk, this year and or entire summer in 2026, here is our listing https://pausetheworldforpeace.org/2025/04/16/36000-2br-one-of-a-kind-summer-rental-opportunty-historic-montauk-manor-montauk/  call me. Paul 917 687 1790

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#ariacker #ariackerman

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https://shorturl.at/QZyEm

SHOW UP THIS SPRING.

Earth Day is here!

For those of you in NYC, we’re looking forward to seeing you at our Earth Day 2025 Festival this Thursday, April 17 in Union Square! We’ll be there from 12 to 6 pm. RSVP on our website here.

For those of you around the world, you can continue to look out for our Earth Day 2025 Virtual Stage programming being released throughout the month!

– The Earth Day Initiative team

https://shorturl.at/3bxQN

EARTH DAY 2025 FESTIVAL
Thursday, April 17
12-6 pm
NYC’s Union Square (at Broadway and E. 17th Street)
More details here.

We have dozens of environmental organizations, climate campaigns, green living experts, and performers joining us for our festival this Thursday! Check out some of the great groups here:

• World Wildlife Fund is one of the leading conservation organizations in the world. Come find out more about their work protecting endangered species and our communities.

• Can soft plastics be recycled? Yes, with Clear Drop® SPC, which turns waste into recyclable blocks. Enter the raffle to win yours here.

• Have you considered how your investments impact the planet? Come talk with Domini about how your investment dollars can contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

• Plastech Products are steps above biodegradable with plant-based home compostable products. They’re 100% Certified Compostable ZERO-plastic products for a cleaner, sustainable planet today and for generations ahead.

• Youth climate activists from Fridays for Future NYC are activating people to turn out to the Our City, Our Fight march on 4/19.

• JUST ICE Tea always chooses organic because it’s better for our tea drinkers, our farm workers, and the planet. “That’s our Message in a Bottle.”

EARTH DAY 2025 VIRTUAL STAGE

Check out our virtual stage programming, being released all month long!

• Flip the Script: Single-Use Plastics on Screen in Television and Film – WATCH NOW
  Sarah Yarkin (she/her), Actor + Alysia Reiner (she/her), Actress, Activist & Earth Day Initiative Board Member + Amelia Hanson (she/they), Plastic Pollution Coalition Project Manager

• Clean Energy and Resilience – WATCH NOW Megyn Price, Actor, Writer, and Director + Nelson Yip, Con Ed Director Strategic Planning – Resilience

• NYC Students Host a Mayoral Forum on Climate – WATCH NOW
  Shiv Soin, Co-Executive Director, TreeAge + Alyssa Shearer, Programming Director, March for Science NYC

• Electronics Waste: How to Go Green with Reused – STAY TUNED
  Lauren Benton, Back Market General Manager US + John Oppermann, Earth Day Initiative Executive Director

• Where Have Our Winters Gone? – STAY TUNED
  Bea Kim, Professional Snowboarder + Protect Our Winters Athlete Alliance Member + Erin Sprague, CEO Protect Our Winters

• A Conversation with Mary Robinson on Women’s Climate Leadership – STAY TUNED

  Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland, Co-Founder of Project Dandelion, Member of The Elders + John Oppermann, Executive Director of Earth Day Initiative

Featured Virtual Stage Partner: Back Market is here to help make tech reliable, affordable, and better for the planet, too. Get the tech you need with up to 92% less carbon emissions than new. They work hand-in-hand with professional refurbishers to guarantee that every device has been tested and restored to perfect working condition according to industry standards. All for up to 70% less than brand new.

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EARTHDAY.ORG ANNOUNCES GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER & ACTRESS ANTONIQUE SMITH AS OFFICIAL AMBASSADOR, EARTH DAY 2025

EARTHDAY.ORG (EDO), the global leader in Earth Day advocacy, observed by over one billion people worldwide every April 22, is thrilled to announce that critically acclaimed singer, actress, CEO, and co-founder of the non-profit climate organization Climate Revival, Antonique Smith, has been named official ambassador for Earth Action Day 2025.

“Every year, we look for new ways to activate and empower people to join the Earth Day movement,” says Kathleen Rogers, President of EARTHDAY.ORG. “This year, we’re excited to have Antonique Smith as official Earth Day Ambassador. Her passion and platform will inspire and motivate individuals to take action—no matter how big or small. Together, we will send a clear message to our elected leaders that we love Earth and will protect it.”

This year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, and with climate change impacting us all, there’s no better time for collective action to protect our planet.
“Art is in the middle of the word earth, so it’s an honor to use my gifts to make this Earth Day meaningful,” said Antonique Smith. “I’ve dedicated my life to protecting God’s creation, so being named the 2025 Earth Day ambassador is a responsibility I take seriously. I believe in our ability to overcome any challenge. This Earth Day is crucial because our right to clean air, water, and life is at stake. I’m excited to unite the world around Earth Action Day and show that everyone can make a difference. The foundation of it all is love—if we set aside our differences and lean into love for each other and this planet, we can create the world we all hope for.””

Everyone can make a difference. Follow Antonique’s journey as Earth Day’s Ambassador on social media, using #EarthActionDay to showcase your actions for the planet. From signing petitions and letters to your elected leaders demanding they support renewable energy, to reducing your plastic use, registering to vote for climate-conscious officials, organizing an Earth Day rally, roundtable, teach-in or displaying the official Earth Day Poster at your town hall, school, or library, every single action counts. Details here: Earth Action Day.

“We are facing a global climate crisis, and we need an ambassador who represents those suffering from it,” said Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., Hip Hop Caucus President & CEO. “Antonique Smith is not only talented but has also personally experienced the climate crisis, such as with Superstorm Sandy. As a celebrity and CEO leading a climate organization, Antonique understands what’s at stake. Her love and action are what this moment needs, making her a phenomenal choice to raise awareness for Earth Day’s 55th anniversary.”

Antonique has been a passionate climate activist for over 11 years. In 2024, she co-founded Climate Revival, empowering communities of faith and people of color to fight for environmental justice through storytelling, music, and art.

On Thursday, March 6, she will speak on the unjust costs of climate change at the 10th Anniversary HBCU Climate Change Conference in New Orleans, performing “Love Song To The Earth” at 11:15 AM CST. Sunday, March 9, at 2 PM CST, she will be in Houston leading a Climate Revival concert then participating in the March for Future Generations on Monday, March 10, at 11:00 AM CST.

On April 19, she will join a massive beach cleanup in Santa Monica, in collaboration, with Heal the Bay, EARTHDAY.ORG partners. Volunteers will cleanup washed up trash and debris from the LA wildfires. The event begins at 10:00 AM. PST, with Antonique helping the cleanup effort and speaking at 2:00 PM.

Additionally, on Earth Day, April 22, Antonique will perform “Love Song to the Earth” live in Times Square, NYC, at 12:00 PM EST, in collaboration with EARTHDAY.ORG partners, OMMM and the Good News Planet.

“We are so excited to have Antonique Smith join, perform and enhance our concert and broadcast. Her belief in EARTHDAY.ORG tells us that she is the right talent to speak up for Mother Earth. ” Paul Sladkus, Founder of the Times Square Earth and Peace Day Concerts.

Antonique will be participating in events in-person and virtual globally, and starting March 22, 2025, Antonique will begin sharing messages on social media to engage with people worldwide who are taking action for Earth Action Day. From Pakistan to Peru, Armenia to America, Norway to Nicaragua, EARTHDAY.ORG wants to hear from you! Use #EarthActionDay to share how you’re making an impact.

“The point is that everyone can act this Earth Day and every day, to show that we truly care about our planet and want to protect it,” Tom Cosgrove, Chief Creative & Content Officer of EARTHDAY.ORG.

Whatever you do for EARTH ACTION DAY use our Social Media Kit to amplify, share and repost about your actions – let’s make some noise!

About EARTHDAY.ORG: Founded in 1970 by the organizers of the first Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG has grown into the world’s largest environmental movement, mobilizing over one billion people annually to protect the planet and its people. Our mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental community globally. This year Earth Day marks its 55th anniversary and has designated this year’s Earth Day theme as Our Power, Our Planet. Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.

About: Antonique Smith is an acclaimed Grammy-nominated singer, actress, and activist, known for her roles as Faith Evans in Notorious and Mimi Marquez in Rent on Broadway. Recently, she released a reimagined version of Love Song to the Earth, reflecting her dedication to climate activism. Through her nonprofit, Climate Revival, she empowers communities of faith and people of color to tackle environmental issues using storytelling, music, and art.

Here are the interview questions for the for Good News Broadcast interview:

1. What is Earth Action Day, and how does it align with the mission of EarthDay.org?
2. This year’s theme is “OUR POWER, OUR PLANET.” What does this theme signify, and what inspired the decision behind it?
3. Can you highlight some of the most impactful Earth Day initiatives or events that are happening globally this year? What makes them stand out?
4. How can individuals get involved in Earth Day and contribute to the movement? Could you share some practical actions people can take to reduce their environmental footprint on a daily basis?
5. What role do you think renewable energy will play in our future? What are the most significant developments in this area that you foresee over the next 5 to 10 years?
6. How does EarthDay.org collaborate with businesses, governments, and communities to promote sustainability? What has been the response from these sectors in recent years?
7. Earth Day is often a time to reflect on the state of our planet. In your opinion, what are the most urgent environmental issues we need to address right now, and how can we work together to solve them?
8. How has EarthDay.org used storytelling to inspire action on environmental issues? Can you share any success stories from previous campaigns that have made a measurable impact?
9. Looking ahead to Earth Day 2025, what are your goals for the campaign? How can we create lasting, positive change in environmental practices globally by that time?
10. How does EarthDay.org use digital platforms and innovative media to engage and inspire a global audience in environmental action? What strategies have been most effective in reaching diverse communities?

As discussed, we’d also like to mention our campaigns, i.e. Quizzies, Tool Kits, Fact Sheets. We have so much we want to cover, so we thought this is a good way for us to organize our thoughts. Let me know if there is anything I can clarify. Looking forward to this conversation!

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We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve made it as FINALISTS of the prestigious Pharrell Williams Black Ambition Out of thousands of applicants, we’re among the top 40 finalists competing for a chance to win up to $1M to support our mission at Battery Tour.

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The U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) is an incredible opportunity for Soldiers to represent the United States in top national and international athletic competitions—including the upcoming Summer Olympics. WCAP Soldiers come from all components of the Army, including the Army Reserve. These athletes are selected for their ability to perform at the highest level of their sports while also serving the country.

US Army Reserve website: https://www.usar.army.mil/

Since its inception, WCAP has helped hundreds of Soldier-athletes achieve their goals and make their Olympic dreams a reality. Soldiers receive specialized coaching and access to state-of-the-art training facilities, sports medicine, and physical therapy to help them perform at their best. Additionally, they earn the same great pay and benefits that come with being in the Army Reserve, including education and professional development support, home loan assistance, and family benefits.

Army Reserve service has a built-in support system for these elite athletes that is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Service helps strengthen Soldiers’ dedication to training, ensuring they are ready for whatever challenges come their way, whether in their career or sport. Soldier-athletes are stronger because of the larger Army team.

Soldier-athletes are among the best in their sport, with a growing medal count (100+) to prove it. Some of the WCAP Sports include:

·         Boxing

·         Cycling

·         Track & Field

·         Soccer

·         Shooting

·         Swimming & many others

Join Army Reserve Captain Sarah Beard as she discusses her experience in the Army Reserve and WCAP competing in 3-Position 50m Rifle and 10m Air Rifle events. In addition to earning multiple international medals over the course of her career, Captain Beard qualified as the 2020 Olympic Team Alternate in 10m Air Rifle and can speak on the once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete for a spot in the Olympic Games.

Interview is courtesy: U.S. Army Reserve

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