WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE – February 2022 by Wellington The Magazine LLC

WELLINGTON FEBRUARY 2022

Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

THE MAGAZINE

Show Jumping Olympian

Laura Kraut

FACES OF Plus

Buck Off Challenge Supports An Important Mission Life At The Gibbs Family Revolves Around Horses Clubhouse At Palm Beach Polo Brings Unique Flavors Principal Edilia De La Vega Puts Focus On Students

WEF

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February 2022

Features

HONOR FLIGHT’S BUCK OFF CHALLENGE RETURNS TO WELLINGTON MARCH 18

contents

Southeast Florida Honor Flight is an all-volunteer organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans to Washington, D.C. Numerous fundraisers are held throughout the year, highlighted by the AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge, a family-friendly mechanical bull-riding competition scheduled for Friday, March 18 in Wellington. BY Y.A. TEITELBAUM

OLYMPIAN LAURA KRAUT HAS COMPETED ALL OVER THE WORLD, BUT WELLINGTON IS HOME Show jumping champion Laura Kraut has spent a lifetime around horses, and it has led her to victory on the highest stages of the sport — including a medal-winning trip to the Olympics in Tokyo last summer. Kraut has been a regular on the Wellington circuit since the 1970s. BY DEBORAH WELKY

FOR THE GIBBS FAMILY, LIFE CENTERS AROUND HORSES AND THE BUSY SCHEDULE OF RIDERS For the Gibbs family, horses are the focal point of their existence.That’s especially the case for Erin Gibbs and two of her children, daughter Jordan and son Dominic. Erin’s husband, Gordon, and their other son, Patrick, are not as involved, but they remain supportive of the equestrian way of life. BY MIKE MAY

FACES OF WEF 2022: MEET SOME OF THE AMAZING ATHLETES AT THE SHOW GROUNDS The Winter Equestrian Festival is back in action at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. From the steady beat of hooves to the graceful movement as a rider and horse soar over a jump, the amazing sportsmanship is a sight to behold.As these riders put their abilities to the test, Wellington The Magazine once again presents our annual Faces of WEF section.

THE RISING GENERATION OF THE MILLAR HORSE DYNASTY CALLS WELLINGTON HOME To say that the iconic Millar name is well-known throughout the equestrian industry would be an understatement. The dynasty of world-class equestrian talents started with Canadian Olympian Ian Millar and has since been passed down to his children, Jonathon Millar and Amy Millar. BY OLIVIA AIRHART

R.J. CLASSICS OFFERS INVENTIVE AND AFFORDABLE FASHION FOR RIDERS R.J. Classics has taken the equestrian community by storm with affordable and inventive clothing. The team behind the name — sisters Michelle Seltzer and Jennifer Eisenberg, along with Russell Smith — have worked tirelessly to build a catalog of equestrian clothing at a variety of price points. BY CASSIDY KLEIN

THE EQUESTRIAN BUSINESS RUNS IN THE FAMILY AT WELLINGTON’S KELIANDA FARM It takes a village to run a successful equestrian business, especially during the flourishing winter season in Wellington. For Kelianda Farm and the Langmeier family, a love for horses runs in the family. BY CASSIDY KLEIN

34 28 19

on the cover

U.S. Olympic show jumper Laura Kraut, profiled this month, rides Baloutinue in Tokyo. PHOTO BY MICHAEL REYNOLDS/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK

Departments WELLINGTON SOCIAL SCENE 12 Rededication Ceremony For Wellington’s Renovated Library 14 Local First Responders Receive Equine Training At Vinceremos 16 The Wellington Seniors Club Hosts Luncheon At Village Park

73 WELLINGTON TABLE The Clubhouse at PBPCC, located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, offers innovative dishes with unforgettable flavors that are both creative and traditional in a unique setting fit for any occasion. BY CALLIE SHARKEY

77 WELLINGTON HEALTH If your goal for 2022 is to “live your best life,” it’s time for a visit to 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring in Wellington and has already developed a devoted following. BY MIKE MAY

85 WELLINGTON SCHOOLS Our new Wellington Schools series continues with a profile of Panther Run Elementary School Principal Edilia De La Vega, who always works hard to keep the focus on the hundreds of students in her care. BY DEBORAH WELKY wellington the magazine | february 2022

from the

publisher FACES OF WEF 2022: RIDERS TAKE CENTER STAGE AT THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL We welcome you to our annual Faces of WEF issue, where we celebrate the amazing riders who have returned to Wellington to take center stage at this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.With the transition of ownership, and everyone ready to get back in the breeches, the festival is packed with renewed vigor. The season is underway and, although protocols are in place, it is wonderful to see all the fans filling the seats throughout all of our equestrian venues once again. Among those amazing riders is show jumping Olympian Laura Kraut, who is on our cover this issue. Kraut has been coming to Wellington each winter since 1978, watching the community grow from its infancy to the international mecca it is today. She shares with us details about her long career, as well as her exciting, medal-winning run in Tokyo last summer.Also featured this issue is the Gibbs family, which includes mom Erin Gibbs, daughter Jordan and son Dominic, who are both up-and-coming riders. Dad Gordon and son Patrick do not ride, but they are on board for the family’s unique equestrian lifestyle. Also this month, we preview the upcoming Buck Off Challenge to benefit Southeast Florida Honor Flight, which returns to Wellington on March 18. Next, we visit Millar Brooke South, the Wellington farm operated by the rising generation of the world-renowned Millar equestrian family; we explore the inventive and affordable fashions available for riders through R.J. Classics; and we take a look behind the scenes at Kelianda Farm, one of Wellington’s leading equestrian operations. This issue,Wellington Real Estate visits two amazing estates — a“Palm Beach chic” home in the heart of Palm Beach Polo presented by Martha Jolicoeur of Douglas Elliman, and the exquisite Lucky Dey Farm estate presented by Josie Latronica and Joe Pugliese of Keller Williams. Wellington Table stops by the Clubhouse at PBPCC to enjoy fine dining with an innovative twist.Wellington Health visits 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring near the Mall at Wellington Green. Finally, our Wellington Schools series continues with a profile of Panther Run Elementary School and its wonderful principal, Edilia De La Vega. As we prepared this issue for press, our team had to pause momentarily to honor the loss of one of our own. Phyllis Manning, co-owner of our parent company, wife of our President & CEO Barry Manning and mother of our Executive Editor Joshua Manning, passed away Jan. 16 after a long illness. She was a sweet, loving and compassionate woman, and the world is a darker place without her. Remember to stay close to your loved ones, particularly this Valentine’s season, as we wish everyone a life filled with joy, health and love.

Dawn Rivera

Dawn Rivera, Publisher

10 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

volume 19, number 2 FEBRUARY 2022

executive editor Joshua I. Manning

publisher

Dawn Rivera

senior graphic designer Stephanie Rodriguez

graphic designers Nancy Pobiak Yolanda Cernicky

account managers Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Joetta Palumbo

bookkeeping

Jill Kaskel Carol Lieberman

photography Abner Pedraza

contributors

Olivia Airhart Erin Davisson Denise Fleischman Cassidy Klein Melanie Kopacz Mike May Callie Sharkey Y.A. Teitelbaum Deborah Welky

WELLINGTON Bringing You The Best Of Wellington Since 2004

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Barry S. Manning Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2022, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

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wellington | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

REDEDICATION CEREMONY FOR WELLINGTON’S RENOVATED LIBRARY

A rededication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Saturday, Dec. 18 at the Wellington branch library. The library recently reopened after a year-long, $4.2 million renovation project. Sponsored by the Friends of the Palm Beach County Library, the rededication included the naming of rooms in the building in honor of former Wellington Mayor Kathy Foster and former Wellington Mayor Tom and Regis Wenham.There were tours of the new CreationStation and co-space locations.

(Left to right) Palm Beach County officials join Wellington representatives for the ribbon-cutting ceremony; Gloria Kelly and Natalie Kelly in the CreationStation; Wellington Vice Mayor John McGovern, Mayor Anne Gerwig and Councilwoman Tanya Siskind with library mascot Dewey; and Tom and Regis Wenham outside the conference room that now bears their name.

(Left to right) Commissioner Melissa McKinlay and Kathy Foster by the room now named for Foster; Library Director Douglas Crane addresses the gathering; Friends of the Palm Beach County Library President Marc Bressman; whistler Rajesh Koppikar performs at the event; and Mayor Anne Gerwig, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Vice Mayor John McGovern, County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, Councilman Michael Drahos, Assistant County Administrator Dorritt Miller, Councilman Michael Napoleone with his son Luca, and (front) former Mayor Kathy Foster with Jack Nelson.

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PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY AND COURTESY VINCEREMOS

LOCAL FIRST RESPONDERS RECEIVE EQUINE TRAINING AT VINCEREMOS

As the area prepared for its annual influx of more than 15,000 horses, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center offered free training sessions for local first responders to better prepare them for any emergency that could involve horses. During three different sessions in December, first responders primarily from the western communities attended a three-part training on basic handling, emergency care and an abbreviated equine therapy session.

(Left to right) Dr. Janet Greenfield Davis of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic gives insight into the physiology of horses; PBCFR Battalion Chief Bruce Arbeit, County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind and PBSO Sgt. Jeff Israel; Vinceremos founder Ruth Menor gives first responders a Horses 101 introduction with help from volunteer Ash Herrmann; and firefighter Michael Meyer leads Rosie through an obstacle course.

(Left to right) Volunteer Coordinator Megan Tessaro coaches driver/engineer Chris Allegianis on harnessing; Dr. Charley McColough and therapeutic riding instructor Sean O’Malley provide details on horse physiology; Capt. Justin Heinrichs works with Sugar on leading without contact; Carly Brown provides some insight into horse psychology and how to read their body language; and attendees of the Dec. 6 training at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center.

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wellington | social scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

THE WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB HOSTS LUNCHEON AT VILLAGE PARK

The Wellington Seniors Club held its first in-person luncheon in nearly two years on Wednesday, Dec. 15 at the Village Park gymnasium on Pierson Road. Elvis impersonator Matt Stone delighted the seniors with a performance, and Wellington Regional Medical Center sponsored dessert.

(Left to right) Liz Monaco, Mina Anafi, Matt Stone, Geri Skrob and Maria Anatra; Senior Services Manager Jenifer Brito, Parks & Recreation Director Eric Juckett and Program Coordinator Kyle Ostroff; Ruth Schmick, Marilyn Lapsley and Ginny Williams; and Ingrid Biegler, Carmen Benetiz and Anneliese Kraizgrun.

(Left to right) Stephanie Parreco and Cecilia Torrisi; Mayra and Richard Hart; Liz Monaco, Mina Anafi, Lucille Puglisi and Carmeline Cannella; Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Vice Mayor John McGovern, Mayor Anne Gerwig and Eileen Kuhnel; and Matt Stone performs as Elvis.

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FUN EVENT SUPPORTS AN IMPORTANT MISSION Southeast Florida Honor Flight’s Buck Off Challenge Returns To Wellington March 18 BY Y.A. TEITELBAUM

Vietnam War veteran Jim Boldon is grateful for his memorable trip aboard a Southeast Florida Honor Flight in 2019. The 73-year-old Boldon reminisced how he had not received any thanks after returning home from the war until his Honor Flight, a one-day trip from Palm Beach International Airport to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to honor war veterans’ service and sacrifices. “It was a brutal war, and not to have any recognition [upon returning home] was not fair,” said Boldon, an U.S. Air Force veteran who has lived in Wellington since 1985.“People weren’t kind to us.” The reaction was the complete opposite when Boldon and about 80 other veterans returned from their Honor Flight.“Our family was at the airport to welcome us home, people were waving flags and cheering,” Boldon said. “It brings tears to your eyes.After being forgotten for almost 40 years, it was absolutely awesome.” Southeast Florida Honor Flight is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans four times a year free of charge to the veteran. Each flight costs about $120,000, according to chairman Janet Hoose. Numerous fundraisers are held throughout the year, highlighted by the

(Left to Right) Event organizer Bobbi Rottman, veterans Frank Malec and Jim Boldon, and Janet Hoose of Southeast Florida Honor Flight at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. PHOTO BY ABNER PEDRAZA

popular AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge, a family-friendly mechanical bull-riding competition scheduled for Friday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center.The event is cosponsored by the Village of Wellington. “The veterans are treated like rock stars on their Honor Flight,” Hoose said. “I’m honored and privileged to help honor these heroes.The Buck Off Challenge is a fun way to raise money to help our veterans.” The AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge is a fundraising event started by Wellington’s Bobbi Rottman of Eques

Solutions, which primarily specializes in bringing the equestrian community and businesses together. Rottman and her team started this event almost 10 years ago, and for the last four years, Southeast Florida Honor Flight has been the beneficiary. They spend wellington the magazine | february 2022 19

“Most of us were in tears. Everywhere we went, we were hugged, bands were playing for us. We were so overcome with the emotion people showed us. It was tremendous.” — Stanley Levin Korean War veteran Stanley Levin.

months going over every detail to make sure the nonprofit receives enormous support from the community and gets the opportunity to educate more people about the organization. “This is a fun and entertaining event that the entire community can participate in, and it is a great tool to raise awareness for Southeast Florida Honor Flight,” said Rottman, a lifelong equestrian who started Eques Solutions in 2008. “The veterans deserve our support and respect, and I’m happy and proud to be able to offer an event that can impact their organization.” Four-person teams compete in the AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge, where individual rides are scored by a panel of celebrity judges and totaled to determine the winning team. Riders are scored on their ability to stay on the bull while keeping one hand in the air at all times, as well as the style of the ride. Higher scores may be achieved for character, team spirit and costumes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams.The entry fee is $100 per team. A limited number of individual VIP reserved seats are available for $75 and includes dinner and a cash bar. General admission/unreserved seating tickets are $15 each. To register a team or purchase tickets, visit www.honorflightsefl.org/events. 20 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

Korean War veteran Stanley Levin distinctly remembers his Honor Flight trip in 2018. “It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had,” said the 92-year-old Levin, who served in the infantry with the U.S. Army.“Most of us were in tears. Everywhere we went, we were hugged, bands were playing for us. We were so overcome with the emotion people showed us. It was tremendous.” Levin, who has lived in Wellington for more than 20 years, also remembers how Honor Flight had family members write letters to the soldiers, which were delivered to them on the plane. And when they returned home to PBIA, they were greeted by thousands of wellwishers.

Vietnam War veteran Frank Malec echoed Levin’s and Boldon’s emotions about the Honor Flight trip, as he vividly remembers being called vile names upon returning home. He appreciated the amount of work done to coordinate the trip that made it a very special occasion. “With Honor Flight, it helped me heal that hurt,” said the 75-year-old Malec, who has lived in Wellington since 1976. “I was amazed that people took time to come and welcome us home. There were kids with signs. I remember a girl gave me her sign. I almost started crying.” Malec admitted he didn’t initially want to go before being persuaded by a friend. “I’m glad I did it, very glad I did it,” said Malec, who served as an infantry squad leader in the U.S.Army. He had simple advice for his fellow veterans regarding Southeast Florida Honor Flight. “I would say, go. It’s very healing. It’s incredible. It’s very beautiful,” Malec said. For more information about Southeast Florida Honor Flight, visit www. honorflightsefl.org or www.facebook. com/honorflight or call (855) FLYAVET (855-359-2838).

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Show jumper Laura Kraut rides at the Olympics in Tokyo last summer. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

Olympian Laura Kraut Has Competed All Around The World, But Wellington Is Still Home BY DEBORAH WELKY

Show jumping champion Laura Kraut has spent a lifetime around horses, and it has led her to victory on the highest stages of the sport. Kraut grew up around horses, taking her first leadline class at the age of three, graduating to ponies, and then to junior hunters.At age 19, she turned her attention to jumpers and never looked back.“I had a really good horse, so that helped,” Kraut said. Now in her 50s, Kraut has been a professional, working in the industry since the 1980s. “Back then, I was basically doing everything. I broke young horses, rode young horses, rode hunters whenever I was given the opportunity, and would do anything I could with jumpers,”Kraut recalled. “The sport was quite a bit different than it is now. Now it’s so big and so busy. You’re a specialist at hunting, jumping, equitation or teaching. It’s not even possible now to do it all well. I got to try everything, and I feel I was very lucky to have had the opportunity to do all of it. I worked with thousands of different horses, and I learned something from each of them.” Kraut credits her initial love of riding to her mother Carol, also a horse lover. “I was around horses before I can even remember,” she said. “My mother rode saddle seat and taught and raised horses. She was all-around in love with

horses and wanted to be near them.” It was her mother, probably cheering her on the most vigorously, who watched as Kraut competed at the recent Olympics in Tokyo as part of the U.S. Show Jumping Team, taking the team silver after an intense jump-off battle against Sweden. “I was a little bit worried that it was going to give her a heart attack,” Kraut laughed. As Kraut remembers, her Olympic experience in Tokyo — delayed one year due to the pandemic — was a bit different than she would have liked. “The people that we met in Tokyo were very friendly and nice, very wellorganized, but, due to COVID-19, our activities were limited,” she said. “We arrived, were driven to a very nice hotel, got up the next morning and met for breakfast, were driven to the venue, got out, rode, got back in the van, and went back to the hotel for the extent of our two weeks in Tokyo. But it was fine. We were lucky because our hotel had a gym, restaurant and room service. However, we would’ve loved to tour the city and, especially, to have seen the other sporting events going on all around us.” The horses may have had the better time. “It was quite warm there, and the venue was beautiful. There were nicely air-conditioned stables, perfect for wellington the magazine | february 2022

WEF

Laura Kraut rides Zeremonie at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. PHOTO BY ISABEL J. KUREK PHOTOGRAPHY

horses,” Kraut said. “We’d get there in the morning about 8:30 to 9 a.m. and spend around two hours riding the horses on a beautiful outside course

with a mile-long gallop up and down hills. So, the horses weren’t stuck going around and around in the ring, they were out and about. My horse loved to

gallop on a hack-out or a trail ride. Oftentimes, we’d work them two times a day, but we were aware of the heat and what effect it might have. The grooms took them for long walks in the grass in the afternoons, so the horses had a really beautiful experience. As for us, we would’ve loved to have been able to see our friends, but we were all in different hotels and on different schedules.Yet, it was nice. We had a lot of team bonding and a great group of people.” At the Tokyo Olympics, Kraut was riding Baloutinue, a Hanoverian gelding owned by St. Bride’s Farm. “He’s just one of the best horses I’ve ever had the privilege to ride,” Kraut said.“When you’re talking about a horse, an equine athlete, or even a human athlete, Olympic competitors rank in the .01 percentage worldwide. Baloutinue has reached that point.”

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WEF “The first time I came to Wellington was in 1978. I was 14 or 15 years old, riding a green pony. That was sort of the beginning of Wellington.” — Laura Kraut

Laura Kraut with her mount Confu in Prague back in 2019.

So few horses have that athletic ability, Kraut said.“It’s intelligence, determination, health and stamina all wrapped up in one package. I’d like to say that we each contributed 50-50 to the win, but I think, without that horse, I would not have an Olympic medal. He contributed a great amount. I guide him and steer him and make sure he’s doing the right things but, in the end, he’s the one who has to jump the jumps,” she explained. Yet it was Kraut who got the honor of standing with her teammates Jessica Springsteen and McLain Ward to accept the silver medal. Now 40 years into her career, Kraut’s competition résumé is impressive. In addition to her win in Tokyo, she was a member of the silver medal team at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen in 2006 and gold winning team at Tryon in 2018. Aside from her recent team silver in Tokyo, she was part of the gold winning team at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. She has also taken part in numerous World Cup Finals and several Nations Cup teams. She is highly ranked on the money list in career earnings, with more than 100 Grand Prix wins. 26

february 2022 | wellington the magazine

Today, Kraut divides her time between Europe and Wellington, where she owns a home in the Aero Club. “The first time I came to Wellington was in 1978,” Kraut recalled. “I was 14 or 15 years old, riding a green pony.That was sort of the beginning of Wellington. South Shore ended at Pierson Road, and I’m pretty sure Pierson was a dirt road. But it was great. I saw Rodney Jenkins and Katie Monahan [now Katie Monahan-Prudent] ride out at the old polo stadium field. I, like everyone, thought,‘This is fantastic! There’s beautiful weather in the winter; the best horses and best riders come.Why wouldn’t you want to be here?’ I absolutely love it.” The biggest difference between Wellington life and her life in Europe is also, seemingly, one of the smallest. “It’s the convenience,” Kraut said. “Here, everything is open all the time. There, the bank or dry cleaners could close for a week, and you don’t know why. We’ve lived there so long that we’ve adjusted, but here, you’re used to being able to get anything you want. Europe is lovely and beautiful, but the convenience is not the same.”

This season in Wellington, Kraut will continue to work with Baloutinue. “I’ll compete with him a bit, but not excessively. I want to continue to get to know him,” Kraut said.“I’ve also brought a lot of young, up-and-coming horses, so I want to develop them. Hopefully, I’ll be able to jump around Wellington, whether at Global or the Ridge, and try to get them exposed to different things — all while enjoying the weather!” That quintessential Florida experience of going to the beach is not a major factor in Kraut’s plans. “I love to go the beach, but I work pretty hard all week,” she said. “Most of my time is taken up with the horses. Monday is usually my day off, so I run around doing all the things I need to do. I’ll go down to the beach for dinners, look at the beach, but if I was a real serious beach person, I’d make time for it. The truth is, I’m happy to hang around in my backyard in Wellington. It’s still a small community, and being here presents a good opportunity to be able to be with our friends and go to dinner and entertain. One of the nicest things about Wellington is that there are plenty of nice restaurants only five or 10 minutes away. It’s a good place to be social.” Learn more about show jumping star Laura Kraut at www.laurakraut. com.

WEF

Erin Gibbs with her son Dominic and her daughter Jordan. PHOTO BY ABNER PEDRAZA

28 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

For The Gibbs Family, Life Revolves Around Horses And The Busy Schedule Of Up-And-Coming Riders BY MIKE MAY

For the Gibbs family, show jumping is the focal point of their existence.That’s especially the case for Erin Gibbs and two of her children, daughter Jordan and son Dominic. Erin’s husband, Gordon, and their other son, Patrick, are not as involved in the horse industry, but they remain supportive of the family’s equestrian way of life, which sees them divide their time between Colorado and Wellington. “We are a horse family. It’s what we breathe, eat, dream, discuss and do every day. Our family is like a three-ring circus, as we are a family with three kids, and three members of our family ride horses. Something is always happening,” Erin said. “Although, when I first was married, my husband rarely had seen a horse in person!” Gordon has come around to the benefits of the equestrian lifestyle, as has Patrick. “They are supportive and love the variety of activities that Wellington and South Florida offers outside of horses, such as tennis, golf, great restaurants, professional sports and everything ocean,” Erin said. “Otherwise, they are mountain boys and fond of hiking, skiing, mountain biking and enjoying the Colorado Rockies.” For Erin and Gordon Gibbs, horses remain a constant in the life of their

Gordon and Erin Gibbs with children Patrick, Dominic and Jordan, enjoying the Florida lifestyle.

family and will remain that way for the foreseeable future. “I’ve raised my children with horses,” Erin said. “We’ve done everything from horses at home to a DIY boarding facility, up to the full board and training experience.”

The family’s equine interest can directly be tied to Erin’s 40-plus years in the presence of horses. “I am a lifelong equestrian and was born with a love for horses,” she explained. “My childhood was spent riding on a very local level in Colorado, wellington the magazine | february 2022 29

WEF

The extended family visits the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to celebrate Erin’s mother’s 80th birthday. Everyone comes to Wellington each March because Erin’s mother and Dominic share a birthday.

but I took what I learned, and combined it with a love of travel to ride all around the world. I’ve had some great adventures.When I finally settled down, married and started a family, I picked up three-day eventing and competed through the Preliminary level in the Midwest.” Erin has always had this passion for horses. “My parents would always say they would not allow me to live in a barn, but really — that’s all I ever wanted,” she said. “My dream was just what my parents didn’t want — to live in my own barn with my family and a lot of animals.” That dream of owning a barn filled with animals eventually came true. “We had that for a while at home in Colorado at our ranch,” Erin said. “The house was attached to an indoor arena.” As her children became immersed in the equestrian world, it gave them a chance to see if they truly liked this unique lifestyle. “When my kids were ready for real lessons, I wanted them to have a tradi30

february 2022 | wellington the magazine

tional and classical hunter/jumper foundation,” Erin explained.“This is what ultimately shaped our journey and brought us to Wellington.” The passion for horses and show jumping that the Gibbs family has crafted has put the family in a unique place here, living among the royalty of the horse world. “To someone who has never ridden a horse, we are experienced,” Erin said. “But to professionals who are teaching, running a top-level barn or competing internationally, we are pretty low-level. I’m a true amateur. My daughter is a competitive junior rider, and my son just turned professional.” Dominic has been racking up some impressive wins on the circuit, including being awarded the Alfred B. Maclay Trophy as the 2020 National ASPCA Maclay Horsemanship Champion, the most prestigious award for junior riders that has been won previously by equestrians who have gone on to compete at the top levels of the sport. He also took third place last year in the WEF Equitation Championship. He trains at Plain

Bay Farm and Beacon Hill Show Stables. His younger sister Jordan is a rising star in the equitation and jumper rings, forging her own path in her upcoming junior career after taking key victories at the North American Youth Championships last summer in Traverse City, Michigan. All this makes the equestrian futures for Dominic and Jordan very promising. “I believe both my daughter and son will someday run a successful equestrian business, but for now, they are in a learning mode, and I enjoy watching them grow,” Erin said. Meanwhile, the family follows an equestrian-centric lifestyle. On Monday through Friday, Jordan goes to the gym for a workout at 6 a.m. At 8 a.m., she heads to the barn.There’s no jumping on Mondays and Tuesdays, jumping lessons take place on Wednesdays, and Thursdays are dedicated to fine-tuning her performance, since her age group competitions are held Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Jordan does attend school Monday through Thursday. Classes start at 2 p.m. As for Dominic, who recently graduated high school, he’s a working student. He leaves the house as early as 5:30 a.m. to get to the Plain Bay Farm barn to feed the horses and muck the stalls. He’s also trying to balance riding for his other barn. He also enjoys working out at the gym, and he gets home for dinner around 7 p.m. A typical weekend competition day can be a long, whirlwind experience. “The kids leave the house before sunrise to practice in the rings and feel out the mood and energy of their horse. Since horse shows are a ‘hurry-up-andwait’ setting, they are usually fitting in all the extra work of the day in between competition rounds, like riding other horses, schoolwork and barn chores,”

L2501

WEF Dominic and Jordan Gibbs are rising stars on the equestrian circuit. PHOTO BY ABNER PEDRAZA

Erin said.“It is not unusual that they will leave before sunrise and get home after dark. As a parent, I show up to watch and cheer — but I don’t get involved in their routines, preparation or coaching. I have a busy job on those days being photographer and videographer. I will usually bring my laptop and find a quiet place in between events to catch up on work.” Erin and Gordon Gibbs feel they have given Dominic and Jordan the best

foundation for a successful career in show jumping. “As parents, we always saw our roles as opening doors for our children, but they had to have the talent, personal drive, work ethic and will to walk through those doors and make things happen for themselves,” Erin said.“To be successful in horse sports, they needed to have the passion to pull us as parents instead of us pushing them. It appears that Jordan and Dominic both have the equestrian equivalent of the will to win.” After the show jumping season ends in Wellington, Dominic will head to Europe this summer to compete there for the first time, while Jordan will stay in the U.S. to gain more experience. This fall, Dominic returns home and will attend the University of Miami. There, he will integrate his riding experiences with business studies, working toward

a future as a professional rider and competitor. Eventually, Jordan may very well follow a similar career path. Moving forward, Erin is content with her current role in the equestrian world. “My personal riding accomplishments are from what seems a lifetime ago — so long that people are sometimes surprised that I ride,” she said. “There just isn’t enough time and money for me to commit to horses in the way I used to because I still work heavily for our family business, in addition to managing the kids and all the logistics it takes to train and compete at the higher levels. At this point, my favorite things are trail rides and travel riding.” The image of a horse continues to personify the way of life for the Gibbs family, and this hectic lifestyle does not appear to be changing anytime soon.

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WEF The Winter Equestrian Festival is back in action at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Once again, riders have come to Wellington from all corners of the globe to compete at the longest and richest horse show series in the world. From the steady beat of hooves to the graceful movement as a rider and horse soar over a jump, the amazing sportsmanship is a sight to behold. As these riders — from world champions to amateurs and juniors — put their abilities to the test, aiming for the blue ribbon, Wellington The Magazine once again presents our annual Faces of WEF section. Over the next few pages, you’ll get a glimpse at just a handful of the incredible riders competing this season, from Olympic-caliber superstars to up-and-coming riders to keep an eye on. Turn the page and enjoy Faces of WEF 2022.

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wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

The daughter of famed rocker Bruce Springsteen, Jessica Springsteen continues to rock the Grand Prix competition arenas around the world. In 2008, she won the ASPCA Maclay National Championship, and the following year topped the George H. Morris Excellence in Equitation Championship. That was just the start of her career on the national and international stage. Last year, Springsteen was selected to compete on the U.S. team in show jumping at the Olympics in Tokyo. While she finished just out of competition for the individual medal round, she was a key part of the U.S. team that won the silver medal in team jumping. Springsteen, along with McLain Ward and Laura Kraut, narrowly missed the gold medal after a thrilling jump-off with Sweden.

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MCLAIN WARD

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Whether it’s Wellington or the Olympics, show jumper McLain Ward is well-prepared for the challenge. Ward started riding after being encouraged to take up the sport by his parents, who were industry professionals. In 1990, at age 14, he became the youngest rider to win the USEF’s Show Jumping Derby. At the 2004 Olympics, Ward won the gold medal as part of the U.S. team — a feat he accomplished again in 2008. He was back at the Olympics in 2016 as part of the silver-winning U.S. team. In 2017, Ward won the Longines FEI World Cup Championship, and in 2018, he was was instrumental in the U.S. winning the team gold medal at the World Equestrian Games. This past year, he secured yet another Olympic medal as part of the silver-winning U.S. team in Tokyo.

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KENT FARRINGTON

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Kent Farrington, who has been riding since age eight, turned professional in 1999 and has been winning ever since. During his first three years as a pro, he earned more than $1 million in prize money and received the Maxine Beard Award. Originally from Chicago, he was on the gold winning U.S. jumping team at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara and took the team bronze at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto. He also won a team bronze at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy. In 2016, Farrington earned Olympic silver with the U.S. team in Rio. Farrington is consistently ranked among the top 10 show jumpers in the world and can frequently be found in the winner’s circle at WEF. Among his wins last year was the $137,000 NetJets Grand Prix CSI3*.

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ASHLEE BOND

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Ashlee Bond is a show jumper who competes for Israel, both around the world and in Wellington. She began competing at the age of six, won her first Grand Prix at age 16, and in 2001 was named Grand Prix Rookie Rider of the Year by both the U.S. Equestrian Federation and the Pacific Coast Horse Association. In 2009, she was in the top 40 on the FEI World Rankings and was No. 2 on the Rolex/USEF Show Jumping Rankings. Over the next decade, Bond claimed wins around the world, such as the $137,000 Adequan WEF Challenge Cup Round 11 in Wellington last year. Bond qualified to represent Israel at the Olympics in Tokyo, when Israel fielded its first show jumping team. She finished 11th overall in the individual finals, making her Israel’s top show jumping Olympian.

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BERTRAM ALLEN

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Rolex rider and Olympian Bertram Allen was raised around horses in County Wexford in southeast Ireland. In 2015, he became the youngest rider to win a round of the Global Champions Tour, and he has been listed among the Top 40 on the FEI World Rankings for the past six years. He represented Ireland at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy, and he has medaled in both individual and team events at the European Championships several times. Allen is a regular at WEF, and his biggest win in Wellington to date was his victory last year in the $401,000 Lugano Diamonds Grand Prix CSI5* riding Pacino Amiro. Last summer, he headed to Tokyo to represent his home nation of Ireland at the Olympics, placing 15th in the individual competition.

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DANIEL DEUSSER

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

German Olympian Daniel Deusser, 40, started riding as a child. In 2002, he represented Germany for the first time at the Young Rider European Championships. It was the beginning of a long and fabulous career. He won a silver medal at the World Cup in Las Vegas in 2007, followed by gold in 2014 in Lyon and bronze at Gothenburg in 2016. He won silver in team jumping at the European Championships in 2013 and 2015, and he was part of the bronze-winning German team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Since 2012, Deusser has trained at Stephex Stables and is a regular at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, where he won the 2021 $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*. Deusser is consistently ranked among the top 10 show jumpers in the world.

PHOTO BY ESP

ELIZABETH TOWELL BOYD

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Elizabeth “Liza” Towell Boyd is one of the country’s top hunter riders and trainers. As a junior, she was named Overall World Champion Hunter Rider three times, was second at the Washington International Equitation Finals and won the Best Child Rider Award there four times, setting a record that remains untouched. Since then, Boyd has had an extremely successful career as both a trainer and rider. She has won more than 25 USHJA international and national hunter derbies, and she won the 2013, 2014 and 2015 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships, as well as the WCHR Professional Finals again in 2017 and 2018. Boyd is frequently in the winner’s circle at WEF hunter events, such as when she won the 2021 $15,000 USHJA International Derby Hunt and Go.

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AMANDA STEEGE

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Hunter rider Amanda Steege grew up in an equestrian family in Massachusetts, with both of her parents working as trainers and instructors. As a junior rider, she was successful in the pony hunters, junior hunters and equitation rings. After graduating at the top of her class at Boston College, Steege found her way back to the show ring and opened Ashmeadow Farm, with locations in New Jersey and Florida. She and her clients have racked up major accolades in the professional and amateur hunter divisions. Steege has a knack for starting young horses and has also found great success in international derbies, including at WEF. She guided Lafitte De Muze to top honors in the 2021 $50,000 WCHR Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular.

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ASHLEY VOGEL

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Ashley Vogel began riding at age 8 when her mother surprised her with lessons at a local barn. It has been 12 years, and her love of horses has not diminished. This is her eighth year competing at WEF. She had some big wins during the 2021 season, including at the Great Charity Challenge, when she was part of the winning Spy Coast and Preston team that took the top prize of $100,000 for the YWCA of Palm Beach County. Vogel posted consistent results throughout the season in the Under 25 series, winning or placing in several competitions, and wrapping up with a second-place finish in the $50,000 Hermès Under 25 Final. Those impressive results tallied up enough points for Vogel to land in the top spot with Bellissimo Z to win the overall 2021 Hermès Under 25 Series title.

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NATALIE JAYNE

wellington the magazine | february 2022

FACES OF WEF

Natalie Jayne comes from a large equestrian family and began riding at eight years old. She is based out of her mother Lynn’s Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois. During her junior career, Jayne has grown into a top rider in equitation classes, both at the Winter Equestrian Festival and around the nation. Jayne trains with Andre Dignelli at Heritage Farm. Last season at WEF, she claimed the top equitation honor riding Heritage Farm’s Charisma to victory in the WEF Equitation Championship, besting a class of 43 riders. It was just the start of an amazing 2021 for Jayne, who again piloted Charisma to victory in October at the prestigious Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East after three days of intense competition in Gladstone, New Jersey.

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Kelly Soleau-Millar rides her mount Abel Crawford. PHOTO BY ALLYSON LAGIOVANE/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

THE RISE OF MILLAR BROOKE SOUTH Next Generation Of The Millar Equestrian Dynasty Now Calls Wellington Home

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To say that the iconic Millar name is well-known throughout the equestrian industry would be an understatement. The dynasty of world-class equestrian talents started with Canadian Olympic athlete Ian Millar and has since been passed down to his children, Jonathon Millar and Amy Millar. The Canadian-based family of show jumping athletes started from humble beginnings in Perth, Ontario, and their enduring legacy for hard work and grit shines through, especially for the hus-

band-and-wife duo of Jonathon Millar and Kelly Soleau-Millar. As the next generation of Millar athletes, they had similar beginnings to that of their predecessors. With big dreams and a work ethic to match, they’ve started a new branch of the Millar family business with their U.S.-based training and sales program, Millar Brooke South. Millar Brooke South came to fruition out of Millar and Soleau-Millar’s ambition to elevate their training, competition and business goals.With a selection

of top young mounts, an ample show schedule at the country’s best venues and an expanding clientele base, their decision to base out of Wellington during the winter months was an easy one. “2020 was the first year we decided to base our business in the United States year-round. In the past, we typically moved up to Canada after the Wellington season, but spending the majority of our time in the U.S. for the last two years was very good for us,” Millar said. wellington the magazine | february 2022 57

Jonathon Millar aboard Isotropic Shadow in competition. PHOTO BY ALLYSON LAGIOVANE/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

This change has worked out very well for them. “It has created a better sense of stability and community amongst our students while allowing us to travel to the best show circuits,” he said.“Overall, the sales horses have been developing so well, and the competitions have been busy throughout the entire year, which allows us to compete at a high level.” Soleau-Millar agreed. “Being based year-round in the U.S., balancing between Wellington and Lexington, Kentucky, has solidified our presence in the industry as accessible trainers,” she said. “Wellington has helped pave the way for our brand, and we are looking forward to working with more people in the sales and training market.” They put a heavy focus on their training program and growing a client roster based on their unique training philosophy — having not one but two internationally experienced professionals providing a two-fold teaching opportunity, allowing their students to learn and develop into more well-rounded athletes. “Any time you have four eyes, it’s better than two,” Millar explained.“We offer an extra set of eyes to help with training challenges. We work, compete and ride 58 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

together, and two different opinions are very useful in our program. Usually, there is not only one solution to a problem, and a lot of our training is developed through experience.” Soleau-Millar echoed her husband’s sentiment, adding, “We may be saying the same thing to a client, but we say it differently, and that may get to the students in a better way because everyone learns differently.” Having trained together for more than a decade, their differing equestrian backgrounds add to the wealth of knowledge they are able to impart to their students. “Jonathon was fortunate to see and train at the top end of the sport, and that’s what he grew up around, and I grew up in a non-horse family, came from a local barn and worked my way up to this level,” Soleau-Millar said. “There is something to be said about both of our experiences developing up to this level. We have learned a lot from each other, and we have always believed that it takes hard work and dedication, no matter where you come from, horse family or not, and that alone has paid off for our clients. Our program is approachable to all levels of the sport. Stu-

dents have the benefit of my experience rising through the levels, and with Jonathon’s background having been trained at the highest levels of the sport, students find our training program equally beneficial and challenging getting direction from both sides.” Heading into their third year based in their new home of Wellington, the Millars’ aspirations and dreams are becoming more concrete with every win. “We will continue to expand our reach into all three rings — hunter, equitation and jumper,” Soleau-Millar said. “We are excited to support our clients while still training our CSI5* horses.” “Last year, we focused on continuing to grow the business and develop the group of horses in our barn, so they continue to move up the levels,” Millar added. “The biggest takeaway from this year was the progress we saw from all of our horses. Isotropic Shadow moved up from 1.15m to successfully competing at the FEI CSI2* level. One of our 7-year-old horses, Cavalier, won the final day of the USHJA Young Jumper Championship 7-Year-Old Final in Traverse City, Michigan. He was also second place overall in the series. In addition to adding another CSI2* mount, Isotropic Cilius R, to our string this year, we will continue to focus on developing the group of horses and clients we have to be the best they can be, all the while adding more talent to our current string of horses.” The Millars are full steam ahead with their training and sales program and continue to find success on the sport’s largest stage as professional athletes. The duo has big plans for their 2022 season in Wellington, from the International Arena to the hunter ring, they have taken up the torch to continue to dominate the sport and impart their vast base of knowledge on the next generation of riders. Learn more about the Millar family at www.millarbrookefarm.com.

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INVENTIVE AND AFFORDABLE FASHION FOR RIDERS R.J. Classics Celebrates Its Diverse, Passionate Customers Through Clothing That Encourages Equestrians Of All Ages To Be Themselves

BY CASSIDY KLEIN

Founded in 1999 and established in 2000, R.J. Classics has taken the equestrian community by storm with affordable and inventive clothing.The team behind the R.J. Classics name — sisters Michelle Seltzer and Jennifer Eisenberg, along with Russell Smith — have worked tirelessly to build an extensive and thoughtful catalog of equestrian clothing at a variety of price points. Today, the brand continues to pay

tribute to its loyal customers with clothing that aims to inspire the next generation of equestrians to be themselves in and out of the saddle. The idea of starting up an equestrian clothing brand came to be when Eisenberg began riding horses at the age of eight. Her mother, Roberta Weintraub, would take her shopping at various retailers, only to find a gap in craftsmanship and affordability among equestrian

clothing brands, leading her to create R.J. Classics in 1999. With the help of their grandfather, who was successful in the men’s suit business at the time, Weintraub had the tools she needed to create a lasting and impressionable startup company. “Our family has been in the clothing industry for at least 50 years, starting with my grandfather,” Seltzer explained. wellington the magazine | february 2022 61

“We had everything we needed to get it off the ground. We had different contacts for fabric, mills, trim and more, so we were really lucky in that way,” Eisenberg added. Most closely related to men’s suits, R.J. Classics started out creating and designing show coats for both men and women. This flagship product laid the groundwork for what consumers could expect from the brand in quality

and price, making the company’s show coats an integral part of the brand’s growth before branching out and creating various types of shirts and breeches. “Our mother started with a very small line of coats, and I think her continuous ability to deliver a quality product on time, and being a reliable source, really laid the foundation for R.J. Classics’ reputation. It has allowed us to

build upon that positive customer experience,” Seltzer said. Now at the helm of the business, Seltzer and Eisenberg, with the help of Smith, are continuing R.J. Classics’ legacy of paying great attention to detail and producing quality products that set them apart from other riding apparel companies. They continue to foster great relationships through the help of loyal retail partners. This past December, R.J. Classics launched its Spring 22 line, featuring an expanded girls offering. This comprehensive collection of ladies and girls show and schooling attire features amazing fits, an array of stunning new color options, high-performance fabrics and fun new patterns. With this new line, the brand launched its “Be You” campaign as a tribute to its loyal customers, who are all unique and diverse in their own way, but share an equal passion for horses.

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R.J. Classics hopes to inspire the current and next generation of equestrians to be the best version of themselves in the saddle that they can be, with the help of clothing that makes them feel comfortable and confident. “Confidence is an amazing emotion and sentiment to achieve, for many different reasons, among young riders and just people in general,” Seltzer said. “Having clothing that fits you well will give you that extra confidence to feel good.” By putting out a line of riding apparel full of bold colors and patterns, R.J. Classics hopes to give equestrians the self-assurance and fearlessness needed to feel their very best, in and out of the saddle. “I hope that our clothing makes riders feel inspired,” Smith said.“To succeed, to take chances and to have fun out there.” R.J. Classics designs its apparel with the rider in mind to ensure the offerings meet the wants and needs of those who

are dedicated to the equestrian lifestyle. “I want the riders wearing our clothing to feel confident and happy. Not just the young riders, but riders of all ages,” Eisenberg said.“It’s something small, but it all contributes to how you might act that day or how you might ride. It just gives you that extra little boost.” R.J. Classics’ commitment to its customers has continued to aid in its growth throughout the last 20 years. Its loyalty to those who affectionately wear the clothing, keen eye for quality in each design and attention to detail has given it a reputation for dependable clothing for equestrians around the world.As the “Be You” campaign sets the stage for a new era of equestrians, Seltzer, Eisenberg, Smith and the entire R.J. Classics team look forward to continuing to provide top-of-the-line clothing for every equestrian. To learn more about R.J. Classics, visit www.rjclassics.com.

“I want the riders wearing our clothing to feel confident and happy. Not just the young riders, but riders of all ages.” — Jennifer Eisenberg

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wellington the magazine | february 2022 63

Kelianda Farm’s McKayla Langmeier rides Bahira S. PHOTO BY ALLYSON LAGIOVANE/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

KELIANDA FARM RUNS IN THE FAMILY A Look Behind The Scenes At One Of Wellington’s Leading Equestrian Operations

The Kelianda Farm team heads south for the winter to enjoy all that Wellington has to offer. PHOTO BY ALLYSON LAGIOVANE/ PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

BY CASSIDY KLEIN

It takes a village to run a successful equestrian business, especially during the flourishing winter season in Wellington. For Kelianda Farm, a love for horses runs in the family. Whether related by blood or brought on the team as an honorary member of the Kelianda family, the hunter-jumper training and sales operation relies on family values and teamwork to navigate the ups and downs of the equestrian industry.

Kelianda Farm prides itself on the family foundation of the high-performance operation. Owned and operated by Linda and Kenny Langmeier, Kelianda Farm is a full-service hunter-jumper show facility offering boarding and training at home and on the road to clientele from all over.The name Kelianda derives from the first two initials of each of Linda’s four siblings in the order they were born. The KE stands for Kevin, LI

stands for Linda, AN stands for Ann Marie and DA stands for Danielle. Head trainer Linda works alongside manager Cyndi Mottolese, as well as her daughter McKayla Langmeier as lead assistant trainer, with additional lead assistant trainer Addyson Cord. This dynamic core group helps keep Kelianda running smoothly during the long show days and busy travel schedule over the course of the year. wellington the magazine | february 2022 65

“Having a family-owned business is great. Everyone shares the same interest, goals and the same passion for the sport,” Linda said. “The disadvantage is that we can continue disagreements over the dinner table,” she added with a laugh. For a large portion of the year, Kelianda Farm is based out of East Granby, Connecticut, traveling the nation to compete at some of the top equestrian venues. The Kelianda Farm team travels south to Wellington each winter to take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided to equestrians while showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Linda is an accomplished horsewoman herself who has been riding since she was five years old. As a junior rider, she won the historic ASPCA Maclay National Championship in 1983, and continued on to win multiple top Grand Prix events throughout the country. She has earned numerous championships at competitions such as the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Lake Placid Horse Shows, the Vermont Summer Festival, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the American Gold Cup, the Washington International Horse Show, the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show. With all the success and achievements throughout her career, Linda has also faced trials and tribulations along the way. “The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was finding a way to combine my business that I started from scratch in my early 20s with my husband’s business,” Linda said. “I then had to learn how to raise a family while maintaining and expanding our business over the last three decades.” Passing down the torch, Linda’s daughter McKayla has followed in her mother’s footsteps to garner many achievements at the young age of 21. 66 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

Linda Langmeier trains Haley Edwardson aboard Deo Volente at the Winter Equestrian Festival. PHOTO BY TORI BILAS/PHELPS MEDIA GROUP

After graduating high school, McKayla moved to Alabama to continue her education at Auburn University, where she competed on the Auburn equestrian NCEA team from 2018 to 2021. Approaching the end of her junior year, McKayla made the decision to take her riding career to the next level and turn professional. “Having McKayla join the team as a professional in 2021 makes our program that much more diverse,” Linda said. McKayla has also built a name for herself in the sport during her time as a junior and now a professional athlete. Some of her top wins include the 2015 ASPCA Maclay National Championship, marking the first time a mother-daughter duo have both held the title. She has also held top titles at events such as HITS Saugerties, Spruce Meadows in Calgary, the Platinum Performance/ USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East,Traverse City Horse Shows and many more. In addition to running a top-notch training program, Kelianda Farm also

owns and operates a successful horse breeding and sales program. Linda started the program with the goal of helping horses reach their full potential. They offer top equitation, hunter and jumper mounts, and Kelianda Farm has found perfect horse-and-rider matches for countless clients, ensuring them a bright future among top competitors. “When choosing horses, we look for the ones with a big, kind eye and a balanced canter,” Linda explained. “Horses that are versatile and through their expression clearly love to do their job.” To add to her long list of responsibilities, Linda is also the director of riding and the head trainer to more than 40 girls enrolled in the Ethel Walker School based out of Simsbury, Connecticut.The school is a private, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades 6 through 12, as well as postgraduate students. “Ethel Walker was stability for me at a time when my kids were young and I didn’t have to travel as much,” Linda said. “Now that my three children are grown, I enjoy being able to mentor the girls as they journey through their middle and high school years.” Looking forward to continuing success in and out of the show ring, Kelianda Farm continues to put its best foot forward. The team looks forward to a fruitful year, kicking off the new year with 12 exciting weeks that encompass the beautiful season of the winter circuit at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival. “I’m looking forward to another successful year watching our students achieve their goals. Selfishly as a mom, I’m so excited to watch McKayla grow as a professional in a sport she has been devoted to her entire life,” Linda said. Follow Kelianda Farm on social media sites at www.facebook.com/ keliandafarms and www.instagram. com/keliandafarm.

Photo by Steve Harwood

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Billiard Room: This unique, custom billiard room offers yet another entertainment option for residents and guests alike.

Loft Area: An upstairs loft offers guests a space of their own to relax, adding to the ample living area in this estate home.

Master Bedroom: One of two ground-floor bedroom suites, this retreat echoes the soothing design scheme used throughout the home.

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wellington | real estate

ESTATE LIVING IN THE HEART OF PALM BEACH POLO This Tasteful Estate On An Oversized Lot Evokes The Feel Of ‘Palm Beach Chic’ PHOTOS COURTESY MARTHA JOLICOEUR

Located in the heart of Palm Beach Polo, this tasteful estate evokes “Palm Beach chic.” Situated on an oversized lot overlooking the Dunes Preserve, the home is ideal for entertaining. Landscaped to perfection, the generous pool with separate Jacuzzi make residents feel like they are on permanent vacation.An outdoor sound system, cabana with refrigerator and ice maker, and a full spa bath with double shower all add up to an unrivaled open-air experience. Featuring recent renovations, including a new roof and impact glass, the “smart home” is tastefully decorated in a bright and light neutral palette. Five bedrooms, six full baths, two half baths and air-conditioned garages offer spacious living.A large office with a fireplace, an oversized loft and a custom billiard room are some of the special touches that make this home unique.A separate bar area is the perfect place for guests to gather before enjoying indoor or outdoor dining options. Fencing and state-of-the-art security systems offer additional peace of mind in this gated community.

Front Exterior: The expansive home sits on an oversized lot in the heart of Palm Beach Polo. Air-conditioned garages provide lots of parking.

Bar Area: A designated bar area leading to indoor dining is the perfect place to welcome guests, or unwind at the end of a busy day. Pool area: Enjoy entertaining by the pool day or night with amenities such as a separate Jacuzzi, cabana, outdoor sound system and AquaLink spa control. wellington the magazine | february 2022 69

wellington | real estate

Palm Beach Polo Property Presented By Martha W. Jolicoeur

Meet Martha W. Jolicoeur Buying or selling a property with Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur assures the highest level of professional real estate consultation in the Wellington community. Jolicoeur understands the importance of customer excellence and prides herself on honesty and fairness while creating relationships with her customers that continue far beyond a transaction. Jolicoeur first established herself in Wellington as a world-class show jumping competitor. Since then, she has combined her passion for horses with her career as one of the area’s top-ranked real estate agents catering to equestrian clientele. Committed to supporting her community, the 2022 season marks her 12th consecutive year sponsoring the Leading Lady Rider Award at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

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wellington | table

FINE DINING WITH INNOVATIVE TWISTS The Clubhouse At Palm Beach Polo Brings Unforgettable Flavors To Wellington At A Venue Great For All Occasions STORY BY CALLIE SHARKEY | PHOTOS BY JENNY SCHARTNER

The Clubhouse at PBPCC, located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, offers dishes that are both creative and traditional in a setting fit for any occasion. With beautiful views of the golf course and elegant décor, guests can enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or colleagues, or reserve larger spaces for special events. Following years of success as the seasonal venue Patio at Polo, husband and wife owners Sheila Motley and Chef Mathew Allen committed to a yearround concept, opening the Clubhouse in the fall of 2019. “After three years, the Patio at Polo lease was finished,” Motley said. “We were lucky enough to build a relationship with the owner, and we shifted to a larger space and are now open yearround.” The Patio at Polo was consistently selling out during the equestrian season, and the couple decided to transition to a full-time concept, which remains busy enough that reservations are recommended. While popular with Palm Beach Polo residents and members, the restaurant is open to the public. “The Clubhouse offers the best event venue in Wellington.We have numerous outdoor spaces, as well as a variety of indoor options,” Motley said. “Our staff is well-versed in hosting small and large groups, as well as team members with successful careers in event planning and catering.”

(Clockwise from top left) The signature Jalapeño Paloma features Camarena tequila, jalapeño simple syrup, fresh grapefruit juice, chili powder and a salt rim, trimmed with a jalapeño slice; pork tenderloin with fingerling potatoes, topped with apple slaw; the lobster roll is served on brioche with a creamy chive mayo; thyme roast chicken with corn, mushroom and chicken jus served with shaved Brussels sprouts, Asian pears, honey vinaigrette and toasted hazelnuts with roasted carrots, beets and parsnips on the side; the crispy skin salmon with tomatoes, olives and capers is one of the most popular dishes on the menu; enjoy a crispy fried egg BLT with garlic aioli; and no restaurant in South Florida is complete without an amazing key lime pie. wellington the magazine | february 2022 73

Husband-and-wife owners Mathew Allen and Sheila Motley offer one of the most unique venues in Wellington. They are shown here with outdoor terrace seating overlooking the golf course.

Having trained staff at your service means that any occasion can be transformed into the event of the year. From quiet dinners to large receptions, the Clubhouse has a dedicated space for any need.The private dining room is perfect for groups of 12 or less, and patrons have options seating up to 100 guests without even having to book the full venue.

february 2022 | wellington the magazine

Guests do not have to be country club members to enjoy the amazing cuisine and exceptional service available. Looking for that special place to celebrate? The Clubhouse has you covered. “The terrace tables make a perfect location for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner,” said Motley, who suggests a 6 p.m. reservation to enjoy the stunning

sunset view. The Clubhouse’s outdoor seating was so coveted even before the pandemic that the restaurant has expanded the amount of available terrace space with golf course views. While the location is lovely, it is the food that makes this restaurant spectacular. The menu is designed around classic dishes with an upscale twist and flawless execution. “The short rib with potato puree and roast Brussels sprouts is very popular here, as well as the salmon with Mediterranean flavors of tomatoes, olives and capers,” Motley said.“My personal favorite is the goat cheese with caramelized onions and honey — it is so delicious it could be a dessert!” Allen hails from Britain, where the cuisine is known for being hearty, but don’t expect to find any casual pub fare at the Clubhouse. The dishes are designed with a community of athletic patrons in mind. Catering to avid golfers

wellington | table and tennis players, along with dedicated equestrians, the menu is bursting with healthy, protein-packed options to keep one fit and feeling satisfied. Allen was born in Colchester, England, and has always been passionate about creating classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. He came to the U.S. at age 18 for an internship with the Orient Express Group at the prestigious Keswick Hall in Virginia.He moved to Palm Beach County in 2010 and then traveled the country as a personal chef, serving many celebrity guests. “We met while working together at the same restaurant in Charlottesville, Virginia, where I worked as the special events and catering manager, and he was the head chef,” Motley said.“We worked together then and still do.When we were ready to leave, I immediately wanted to come to Wellington.” Motley grew up spending winters with her parents here in Wellington,

while showing and competing during the equestrian season.“My parents started coming down when I was a child, so I’ve seen it grow from a tiny town with a little polo to what it is now,” Motley said.“We are so happy to be in this community and raising our son here in Wellington.” The restaurant is more than just a local hotspot. It is becoming a culinary icon in Wellington and in the greater equestrian community. “The Clubhouse offers intimate spaces for 12 guests up to large event capacities of 250-plus guests. The earlier the client books a space the better, so we may customize any needs they may have,” Motley said. From weddings and bar mitzvahs to private dinners, patrons can rest assured they will receive outstanding treatment and there will certainly be something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. The Clubhouse at PBPCC is located

The Clubhouse offers an elegant indoor space for smaller parties.

at 11630 Polo Club Road in Wellington. It is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served the same days from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for non-members and can be arranged by calling (561) 660-3300. For more info., and to view the menu, visit www. theclubhousepbpcc.com.

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wellington | health

MANY OPTIONS TO IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions Is Focused On Keeping Clients Looking And Feeling Their Best

Medical Director Michael Goldberg.

BY MIKE MAY

If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to “live your best life,” it may be time for a visit to the Wellington location of 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring in front of the Mall at Wellington Green and has already developed a loyal and devoted following. The daily foot traffic and stream of clients confirm that many residents of the western communities value what 4Ever Young has to offer.

“There has been a slow and steady growth of patients, but really nice to observe the patients that we have acquired have been repeat patients,” said Polina Tolstunov, co-owner of Wellington’s 4Ever Young franchise with her husband Stan. “They’ve shared that they’re very happy with the modern feel and cleanliness of our med spa. They are having a quality and elevating experience. They have also reported

achieving great results with our skilled cosmetic injectors, as well as having wonderfully welcoming and informative experiences with the rest of our staff.” It’s fair to say that 4Ever Young is in business to help people improve the quality of their lives — and a growing number of Wellington residents appreciate having access to 4Ever Young’s list of products and services. wellington the magazine | february 2022 77

wellington | health

Owners Polina and Stan Tolstunov invite you to visit 4Ever Young in Wellington.

If you are suffering from fatigue, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, loss of productivity, disrupted sleep, difficulty losing weight, anxiety, depression and/or reduced bone density, then 4Ever Young has a solution to your predicament. The services provided by 4Ever Young include IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, growth hormone peptide therapy, microneedling, platelet rich plasma, dermal fillers, Botox and Dysport injections, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, testosterone therapy, and facial and skin care. According to Polina, the Botox injections and fillers have been the most popular services that they provide. Both Stan and Polina truly feel that when clients spend money at 4Ever Young, it’s not a short-term expense. Instead, it’s a long-term investment in their health and well-being. “The body does magical things when treated well,” Stan said. “Also, we want our clients to enjoy our unique atmosphere and benefit from the social experience at 4Ever Young.” “By using our services, you will improve your inner world and your outer appearance,” added Polina, who is a big proponent of 4Ever Young’s hormone replacement therapy. “HRT has been 78

february 2022 | wellington the magazine

transformational for me. I feel more energetic, and my body looks great.” Before anyone starts ordering from the menu of services, 4Ever Young analyzes each client’s bloodwork.That analysis will provide a guide for what services each patient will specifically need to improve their overall health and, more importantly, their overall quality of life. The professionally trained staff at 4Ever Young in Wellington will be able to provide each patient with those necessary procedures, treatments and nutritional supplements. The Tolstunovs invite anyone who hasn’t considered anti-aging procedures before to visit and give them a try. “They’re missing out on an opportunity to look and feel their best, inside and out, at any age,” said Polina, who noted that while she is in her early 40s, she feels like she’s in her mid-20s. Both Stan and Polina practice what they preach at 4Ever Young. The Tolstunovs exercise daily, take supplements, and use the same services and products at 4Ever Young as they offer to their clients. In fact, the Tolstunovs were 4Ever Young clients before opening the Wellington location last year.After moving to South Florida from New Jersey in 2019, they became regulars at the 4Ever Young

location in Boca Raton. They loved the experience so much that they decided to open their own franchise location. One of the strongest endorsements for any business or service always comes from people who have sampled and tried what there is to offer.At 4Ever Young, the testimonials from current clients are powerful and convincing. “From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by the friendliest and freshest faces. The facility is clean, welcoming and serene,” said Kristy, one of their clients. “The staff members were beyond helpful,” added Angel, another client. “They were so nice and made sure we were 100 percent comfortable.” So, if you’re ready to “live your best life” in 2022, make plans to visit 4Ever Young. Stan and Polina Tolstunov, along with their staff, await your arrival. Walkins are always welcome. 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions is located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 50, near the Fresh Market. For more info., e-mail info@4everyoungwellington. com, call (561) 220-3771 or visit www.fyinstitute.com. Find the Wellington location of 4Ever Young on Facebook at www.facebook. com/4everyoungwellington.

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(Clockwise from top left) Aerial View: Lucky Dey Farm sits on 5.39 acres, minutes from the new back entrance to the show grounds. Interior Stall: The barn is equipped with a feed room, fly system, grooms’ quarters, lounge and office. Paddock: A spacious paddock and ring is included on the property. Barn Building: The 12-stall, center-aisle CBS barn includes a one bedroom/one bath apartment.

EXQUISITE LUCKY DEY FARM ESTATE Completely Renovated In 2020, This Equestrian Property Is One Of The Most Sought-After Farms In Wellington PHOTOS COURTESY KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Those seeking a top equestrian property now have an amazing opportunity to settle into one of Wellington’s most sought-after farms. Lucky Dey Farm sits on 5.39 acres at the back entrance of Palm Beach Point, minutes from the new back entrance to the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds.This estate property was completely renovated in 2020 and encompasses a 7,800-square-foot main house (5,700 under air) with an elaborate summer kitchen; an expansive custom outdoor dining and saltwater pool area; a professionally installed vegetable garden with six irrigated boxes; a 1,400-square-foot, 3 bedroom/2 bath guest cottage; a 400-square-foot office/lounge with a fire pit; and a 12-stall center-aisle CBS barn with all the amenities, including a 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment.There is also a new full-home generator for the main house and fiberoptic cable hardwired directly from the AT&T utility box to the main house, office, guest cottage and barn. 80

february 2022 | wellington the magazine

wellington | real estate

Pool Area: The estate includes an expansive custom outdoor dining and saltwater pool area, along with a professionally installed vegetable garden.

(Above left to right) Master Bedroom: The spacious, ground-level master bedroom includes a bath with dual sinks, separate shower and separate tub. Main Kitchen: The kitchen features top-of-the-line appliances and has the benefit of the new main house generator. Screened Patio: The screened patio area includes an expansive, custom outdoor dining area with beautiful views of the estate. Guest House Interior: The estate includes a beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bath, 1,400-square-foot guest house. wellington the magazine | february 2022 81

wellington | real estate

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Josie Latronica began her real estate career in 1988, while her brother Joe Pugliese has been in the construction industry for more than 25 years. Originally from New Jersey, they fell in love with Wellington and made it their home. Josie has expertise working with buyer and sellers from first-time home buyers to the very savvy and experienced, in all price ranges and all property types. With deep knowledge and experience in the local market, along with her master negotiating skills, Josie assists clients in selling, buying, renting and leasing, as well as property management. With expertise in the construction industry, Joe is knowledgeable in tear downs, new construction, landscape architecture and hard scapes. Premium customer service and prompt, financially sound results are of paramount importance to them. When handling the gamut of real estate needs for buyers and sellers alike, Josie is dedicated to providing the utmost professionalism, knowledge and business sense, yet also strives to find the core of what someone really wants in a property. She brings many assets to her career, namely her compassion toward people, extensive experience in the real estate industry, her creativity, intuitiveness, attention to detail, but most of all, the ability to work under pressure and negotiate the fairest and best deal for all parties. She also worked in the title industry for a time and knows how to facilitate a smooth transfer of title. Learn more about Josie Latronica at

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wellington | schools

“I have future doctors, future presidents in my school. People might get bogged down with what’s going on in society, but education is the most important career — building strong, capable, young humans who are socially and emotionally ready to take on the world.” — Edilia De La Vega Principal Edilia De La Vega in front of a panther mural at Panther Run.

EDUCATING OUR FUTURE LEADERS Panther Run Elementary School Principal Edilia De La Vega Keeps Her Focus On The Hundreds Of Students In Her Care STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY | PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Panther Run Elementary School has been serving students in the Wellington area for more than 30 years. The school opened in 1991 on Lake Worth Road as the primary school serving the southern areas of the quickly growing community. Since 2017, the principal has been Edilia De La Vega. She uses her own struggles during her elementary years as motivation for the work she does to

help the hundreds of Wellington students in her care. “My parents migrated to Miami from Cuba and worked blue collar jobs here in the United States,” De La Vega recalled. “They enrolled me, their only child, in a private school run by immigrants, so I was taught in Spanish. When they moved into a more Anglo area, I entered third grade in a public school. I spoke no English and looked

like I came from the Mariel Boatlift. I struggled until the fifth grade, when a teacher named Ms. Green mentored me so much that I was able to catch up. Education was very important in my family, and I graduated high school in the top 10 percent of my class.” De La Vega remembers always wanting to be a teacher. She would spend hours teaching classes with her Barbie dolls sitting in for students. wellington the magazine | february 2022

wellington | schools

Panther Run art teacher Kris Davis, who painted this mural, with Principal Edilia De La Vega.

Eventually, De La Vega earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Barry University, later earning a master’s degree in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and her specialist degree in leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She began teaching first grade in Hialeah when she was 21 years old. After just a year teaching there, Principal Jimmy Lee Brown suggested she look toward a leadership track.“He felt like I had a more global picture for education,” De La Vega said.“I was always trying to build goals for the school.” Although she earned the credentials, that idea stayed on the back burner for a while. Mother to young children, she moved with her husband Ed, now assistant village manager at the Village of Wellington, to Palm Beach County 16 years ago. She started working at the Ideal School, then moved on to Equestrian Trails Elementary School. “I’m the type of person who gives 150 percent,” De La Vega said.“I wanted to become an assistant principal, but I knew it would take a lot of time away from my family. I wanted to be able to commit to the job fully.” When her children were older, De 86 february 2022 | wellington the magazine

La Vega knew it was time. She achieved her dream and became assistant principal at Panther Run in 2011. She stayed in that post until 2017, when she was promoted to principal. Panther Run is an A-rated school known for academic excellence. It has achieved the Five Star Award for the past 22 years, is a Green School of Excellence and has earned the Golden School Award. Fine arts are important at Panther Run, and the art program has also won many awards. The Calypso Cats steel drum band is a community favorite, as is the Symphonic Band. Called ROAR, Panther Run’s positive support program teaches Respect, Ownership, Attitude and Responsibility.“We’re very big about teaching character traits,” De La Vega said. “We have students of the month, buddy ambassadors and we’re very big on building a strong school community. One size does not fit all. If a child is in crisis or in need, they can’t function in a classroom. We get them the help they need to do the academics. It helped us win the Resilience Award.” She cites the current pandemic as the biggest challenge she has had to face as an educator. “It’s a huge bal-

ancing act between taking care of the community by keeping the campus and the children safe, and also meeting the social and emotional needs of our children and staff — all while making sure the school is functioning academically,” De La Vega said.“It was a little bit nerve-wracking at the beginning when we were all just figuring it out.” De La Vega found success by “being organized, planning everything out and creating a template for all that we need to get done.” It’s a 24/7 job as she works to balance academics with the physical and mental health of both students and staff. “Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has taken the forefront more than ever before,” she said. “You need balance. The school will not continue to flourish without it.” She puts a special focus on keeping the needs of her teachers front and center. “For some of our teachers, this pandemic may be the most stressful point in their careers,” De La Vega said. “There’s already a teacher shortage, and we don’t want to lose them.” She also credits the parents for their help and support. “Our parents know the rules and regulations,” she said. “They know the policies. It builds a sense of community and ties in with our schoolwide positive support program.” De La Vega credits Wellington’s Keely Spinelli Grant program with providing the funds needed to help lower-achieving students make gains. She feels it’s this spirit of community that propels Panther Run toward excellence. “We have gifted, high-achieving classes; an accelerated mathematics program; our own ESOL programs for students from other countries,” she said.“We meet the needs of all the children and, ever since they started the rating system, we have been an A-rated school.”

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wellington | schools

“We meet the needs of all the children and, ever since they started the rating system, we have been an A-rated school.” — Edilia De La Vega In addition to academic awards, the school has placed first in all four Heroes for Education 5K runs, consistently attracting the most participants within the entire school district. Again, parental involvement helped. “I may be an over-communicator, but I like to provide as much information as possible to my families,” De La Vega said. “I’m really imbedded in the Wellington community, and I’m a very transparent leader. I meet with my staff weekly to make sure our school is running efficiently, and I never make decisions in isolation.” One of the biggest changes over the years is the technology. “The access to technology is both good and bad,” she said. “In the classroom, it’s great. We’ve bought Smart Boards and so many great programs for our kids. On the other hand, their attention spans have shortened.We need them to be focused and engaged in our classrooms. To that end, we have several teachers certified in Google Classroom. We teach in a way that is more engaging and more competitive, that keeps them abreast of what the teachers need them to learn. We use interactive games and PowerPoint. Some kids even send me theirs to look at.”

Panther Run serves 794 students, and De La Vega makes it a point to learn each of their names. “The kids know the school’s big, so when I welcome them in the morning, they light up,” she said.“They like the connection, and they know they can talk to me. I love elementary school kids.” De La Vega’s goal for Panther Run is “to continue to grow academically and maybe be the top school in the county. I think our children and our staff work really hard at it.” For herself, she’d like to continue to grow in her career.“I like to think globally of how we can make things better. I’m not afraid of change,” she said.“And I love working in the Wellington area; I love the connection to my community.” De La Vega is the mother of two children, now in their 20s, who went through the public school system in Palm Beach County. Just as she is proud of them, she is also proud of her students at Panther Run today. “We’re building the future,” she said. “I have future doctors, future presidents in my school. People might get bogged down with what’s going on in society, but education is the most important career — building strong, capable, young humans who are socially and emotionally ready to take on the world. I may not have given birth to them, but these are my children.” Panther Run is the second recipient of the “Our Schools” Arts Program Grant 2022, a new Wellington Community Foundation initiative. Shown below is Principal Edilia De La Vega with the check.

This year, the Wellington Community Foundation will be delivering a $1,000 grant to each of the 11 schools in Wellington to specifically support the arts program. For more information on this project, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

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