FACES OF
Don’t Miss Inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana Dressage Festival Back And Better Than Ever McDevitt Family Continues Electric Legacy Duck Donuts Arrives Bringing Tasty Treats
US Equestrian Open Of Dressage Makes Debut
Beautiful, Healthy You!
Brad P. Glick, DO, MPH and Associates
Brad P. Glick, DO, MPH, FAAD
Irina Milman, DO, FAAD
Paloma Reiter, DO, FAAD
Justin Rubin, DO, FAAD
Sheril Campbell, LA, MA
(Licensed Aesthetician)
Brianna Victoria, LA, MA
(Licensed Aesthetician)
Paloma Reiter DO, MHS
Justin Rubin DO, FAAD Irina Milman DO, FAAD
• 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes – unmatched safety on every slope
• Aluminum frames – lightweight, rust-resistant durability
• Backup camera – for easier maneuvering
• 150 amp-hour battery – up to 60+ miles of range on one charge!
• 72V Lithium battery – 5-year full replacement warranty
• Surround sound Bluetooth – ride to your favorite soundtrack
• Radial tires – for the smoothest, most comfortable ride
• All karts come with a 4-year bumper-to-bumper warranty
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher
Dawn Rivera
senior graphic designer
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designer
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
administration
Christina Charles
Shanta Daibee
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Shannon Anastasio
Matthew Auerbach
Jim Barnes
Denise Fleischman
Margaret Hunt
Frank Koester
Mike May
Alicia McLaughlin
Y.A. Teitelbaum
WELLINGTON
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33 Wellington, FL 33414
Phone: (561) 793-7606
Fax: (561) 793-1470 www.wellingtonthemagazine.com published by Wellington The Magazine, LLC
chairman/ceo
Barry S. Manning
Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2025, 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.
GALBANI FESTA ITALIANA ARRIVES IN WELLINGTON
The inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will be held Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30. This unique event will create an experience rich in Italian culture. BY JENNIFER SARDONE-SHINER
DRESSAGE FESTIVAL BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER
Held annually here in Wellington, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival attracts top-level riders, trainers and horses from around the globe.
US EQUESTRIAN OPEN OF DRESSAGE MAKES DEBUT
This year, US Equestrian is staging a year-long series of 24 qualifying events as a build-up to the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage. BY MIKE MAY
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
As we do each March, our Faces of Dressage pictorial feature puts a spotlight on just a few of the many amazing riders competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival this season.
SECOND GENERATION CONTINUES MCDEVITT LEGACY IN WELLINGTON
Wellington’s McDevitt family has been serving the electrical needs of the community since the 1980s, now in its second generation owning T.W. McDevitt Electric. BY MIKE MAY
USET GOLD MEDAL CLUB
The USET Foundation recently celebrated award recipients and donation milestones at its Gold Medal Club reception. BY ALICE COLLINS
WELLINGTON TODAY
Wellington continues advancing projects that support the overarching vision to make this community the most sustainable, connected and resilient global community of choice. BY JIM BARNES
WELLINGTON TABLE
Made-to-order donut chain Duck Donuts has arrived in the western communities, “sprinkling happiness” through sweet treats at its new location in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center. BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
In our annual Faces of Dressage issue, we celebrate the elegant Olympic sport of dressage, which is on full display at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival held at Equestrian Village here in Wellington. We offer an overview of this year’s AGDF, as well as a look at the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage series. And, of course, our Faces of Dressage pictorial spotlights just a handful of amazing riders to keep an eye on.
Also in this issue, we preview the inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana, which will be held at the Wellington Amphitheater later this month. We speak to Cynthia “Tigger” Montague of BioStar regarding her love and support for the Challenge of the Americas (COTA) fundraising event, and we learn about the awards presented at the recent USET Foundation Gold Medal Club reception held here in Wellington.
Our Wellington Family series continues with a profile of the McDevitt family, which has been serving the electrical needs of the community for two generations. In Wellington Today, Village Manager Jim Barnes describes some of the many programs and initiatives designed to make Wellington more sustainable, connected and resilient. Finally, Wellington Table samples the sweet treats available at Duck Donuts, which opened recently in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza.
I hope you’re enjoying our wonderful spring weather, and if you haven’t had the chance to yet, make plans to visit one of Wellington’s worldfamous equestrian venues before the season draws to a close. There’s always something exciting to see!
Dawn Rivera
Dawn Rivera, Publisher
GREAT CHARITY CHALLENGE AWARDS BIG MONEY TO DOZENS OF NONPROFITS
The 16th annual Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, returned to the Wellington International showgrounds on Saturday, Feb. 1. The event raised more than $2 million for dozens of Palm Beach County nonprofits. In this unique equestrian event, 35 teams of three riders competed, hoping for the best time to raise money for the organization they were riding for. The top prize went to the Arc of Palm Beach County, which secured $100,000 thanks to the winning team of Tony Stormanns, Taylor Cawley and Eloise Eisner, sponsored by Louisburg Farm and Portfolio Horses. Second place went to Friends of Palm Beach and third place was awarded to Charlie’s Fund. Riders donned costumes to match this year’s “Global Music” theme. All the participating nonprofits received at least $15,000. Several thousand spectators filled the stands to watch. A Parade of Pets opened the competition, which also featured winners raising money for local organizations. In addition, Wellington students performed musical numbers and displayed artwork at the event.
(Left) Representatives of the top three teams — the Arc of Palm Beach County, Friends of Palm Beach and Charlie’s Fund — during the check presentation. (Right) Winning riders Tony Stormanns, Eloise Eisner and Taylor Cawley speak after taking first place for the Arc of Palm Beach County.
(Left to right) Wellington Fine Arts Academy students perform; riders for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in their groovy outfits; the team for Help Our Wounded Foundation; and KISS-themed riders for the Leeds Foundation.
(Left to right) Joni Paavola and Lina Karlsson with a mini friend; fans of Little Smiles cheer on their riders; and Taylor Cawley, one of the top riders, with GCC co-founder Paige Bellissimo Nuñez.
Charlotte Gill speaks on behalf of the Arc of Palm Beach County, joined by Mercer and Juliet.
(Left) The winning team with representatives from the Arc of Palm Beach County, joined by Great Charity Challenge co-founder Paige Bellissimo Nuñez and Mayor Michael Napoleone. (Right) The Pet Cottage won first place in the Pet Parade event.
Winning riders Eloise Eisner, Taylor Crawley and Tony Stormanns won $100,000 for the Arc of Palm Beach County.
Costumed riders soar over jumps to win money for local charities.
‘GROOVY’ KIDS LIP SYNC EVENT RAISES MONEY FOR DANNY & RON’S RESCUE
It was “lights, camera, Woodstock!” at the 16th annual Kids Lip Sync fundraiser benefiting Danny & Ron’s Rescue on Sunday, Feb. 16 at Wellington’s Mida Farms. Performers and attendees alike pulled on their go-go boots and bellbottoms in keeping with the “Woofstock” theme, ready to help fund Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta’s canine rescue organization that has placed nearly 15,000 dogs in loving homes since its inception nearly 20 years ago. Capping off the elaborate event was a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Gaynor, singing her signature hit, “I Will Survive.” Visit www.dannyronsrescue.org to support this local nonprofit.
(Left) Danny & Ron’s Rescue founders Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw with Grammy Award-winning artist Gloria Gaynor. (Right) Burr Collier, Caroline Moran, Ron Danta, Hilary Gerhardt, Rick Gerhardt, Neill Sites and Danny Robertshaw.
(Left to right) Team Upper Echelon Academy won the Most Creative award, shown here with Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw; Lilianne Stransky, Gloria Gaynor and Liliana Rivera; event judges Tara and Mark Rein; Ty Simpson, Javan Dalman, Kevin Gallagher and Meghan Kaupp; and lip sync performers Sloan Letimonier and Cocofrancesca Kralick.
(Left to right) Clayton Maillet receives the Compassion for Animals Award in honor of Sophie Coppedge Walker; Ki-Juan Minors performs “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough;” Swinging Swaying PBIA team members; Team Skyland Farm’s Lily and Chloe won Best Lip Sync for their performance of Sonny & Cher’s “I Got You Babe;” and Upper Echelon Academy prepares for their sunflower act during the “flower auction.”
(Left to right) Jimmy Torano presents the Best Dressed Male Award to Dean Schink; Fay Albernas receives the Best Dressed Female Award from Jimmy Torano; Cara Cheska interviews Carsyn Korotkin following her live performance of “You Don’t Own Me;” Gloria Gaynor performs her signature hit “I Will Survive;” and Team Grease Lightning won for Best Production.
(Left to right) Team Sweet Crew won the Most Money Raised and Best Choreography awards; the Best Costume Design Award went to the Beatle Babes; Cara Cheska with team Animal House; and Steve Williams, Cara Cheska, Stacey Arani, Ron Danta, Gloria Gaynor and Danny Robertshaw.
MIT
Catherine Zhao
Harvard University
Viktoria Ekstrand
Mekhi Hicks
Stanford University
Calvin Mathew
Matthew Rodriguez
Allen Ting
Duke University
Jennifer Belton
Apollo Lee
Shreyan Singha
Johns Hopkins University
Rajam Arunprakash
Iris Fan
Northwestern University
Sebastian Gomez
Lila Vangiessen
Fiona Zheng
University of Pennsylvania
Emma Hrzich
Akshay Kumar
Ronak Patel
University of Chicago
Samantha Almonte Pineda
Kayli Harris
Christina Rimbos
Sophia Reynoso
Jack Wigginton
Gabrielle Wiltshire
Brown University
Sihwan Chang
Rice University
Nicholas Diaz
University of Notre Dame
Jake Stansbury
Carnegie Mellon University
Guilherme Salles
University of Oxford
Xuzhou Ren
US Military Academy
West Point
Koda Travers
US Naval Academy
Aubrey Caprara
Emma Pudney
CLASSIC BREW FEST BRINGS BEER FANS AND BREWERIES TO WELLINGTON
Wellington’s Classic Brew Fest returned to the Wellington Town Center Promenade on Saturday, Feb. 8. The festival featured more than 35 breweries offering beer and hard cider. Approximately 100 different types of samples were on hand from across the nation. VIP guests enjoyed an extra hour of tastings, a VIP section set up with special tastings and a food buffet. Guests also got to try their hand at ax throwing and corn hole, and visit a number of vendors on site. Learn more at www.wellingtonclassicbrewfest.com.
(Left to right) Jenna Moffett, Katie Alonso and Nataly Alvarez enjoy a toast; Bryce Blecher, Allie Driver, and Brie and Mike Raikis share a few pints; Barbara and Ken Jones enjoy the brews and vendors; Nick Griffin, Chris Englert and Tyler Thomasson; and Jess McCavanagh and Lexi Lautzker.
(Left to right) Terry Martin, Bridget and Jason Eichmiller, Eddie Caraballo and Beatriz Hernandez; Tonya Morgan, Jack Yerxa and John Sprenger man the check-in table; Danielle and Jeff Dyson enjoy the Wellington Brew Fest; and Kim Fetky, Jacky Lovvonn and Jenn Bocchino at the photo booth.
Build,
With
WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY RECEPTION CAPS POP-UP GALLERY EVENT AT MALL
The Wellington Art Society hosted HeART & Soul, a pop-up gallery at the Mall at Wellington Green showcasing original artwork from Wednesday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 16. A reception was held Saturday, Feb. 15 in the mall’s District event space to acknowledge the award-winning artists. Attendees gathered to enjoy live music and food with the opportunity to win an art piece through a raffle. Learn more about the Wellington Art Society at www.wellingtonartsociety.org.
(Left to right) Helen Kaufman with her award-winning floral art; award winner Dinah Mirson with her painting of her dog Fernando; award winner Marcia Greene with her beautiful glass art; Leslie Pfeiffer with her award-winning painting; and as part of the five-day event, the Wellington Art Society hosted a Paint & Sip Party.
(Left to right) Wellington Art Society members gather for a group photo; award winners Helen Kaufman, Diane Hodges, Dinah Mirson, Wellington Art Society President Heather Bergstrom, Leslie Pfeiffer, Norma “Neema” Medina and Marcia Greene; Norma “Neema” Medina with her award-winning wool chicken; and award winner Diane Hodges with her wooden horse sculpture.
MACY’S | DILLARD’S | TOMMY BAHAMA | PANDORA | BRIGHTON
ELLA BELLA | YULY 360 | EYES OF WELLINGTON
WELLINGTON HOSTS DADDY DAUGHTER PROM AT VILLAGE PARK GYMNASIUM
The Village of Wellington held its annual Father Daughter Dance on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Village Park gymnasium. This year’s theme was a “Daddy Daughter Prom” and included dinner, dessert, dancing, games, photos and more. The young ladies got a chance to meet Cinderella and Prince Charming, courtesy of All Kids Entertainment.
(Left to right) Alex and Brent Roy, Mila and Mike Rudnt, and Addyson and Brian Dever; Donald and Valentina Barnett enjoy dessert; Sadie and Jason Besner; and Victoria and Ken D’Agostino.
(Left to right) Peter and Ava Totillo; Emma and Ian Roberts; Melvin, Mariana and Gabriela Corredor; Eva and Igor Ozeryansky; and Carl and Jasmine Fluery.
The Vision
Care You Trust You Want,
Lee S. Freidman, MD
Randy S. Katz, MD
Steven M. Naids, MD
Megan A. Rowlands, MD
James M. Walsh, OD
SOPHIE GHEDIN
A REALTOR THAT SPEAKS YOUR LANGUAGE!
Benvenuti! Inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana Arrives In Wellington
On March 29-30
BY JENNIFER SARDONE-SHINER
The inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington will be held at the Wellington Amphitheater on Saturday, March 29 and Sunday, March 30.
This unique event will create an experience rich in Italian culture through food, music, art and tradition. There will be food booths serving up all the Italian favorites, such as sausage and peppers, pasta, pizza, Italian ice, zeppoles and more.
There will be stage entertainment all weekend on the Beachside Golf Cars Stage, and the mistress of ceremonies
will be Virginia Sinicki of the KVJ Show on 97.9 WRMF. Performing will be Italian American entertainers or tributes to them. There will be performers all day Saturday and Sunday. Saturday night will feature Blonde Ambition, a tribute to Madonna. Sunday will feature a Rat Pack tribute. Other performers include Franco Corso, the voice of romance, Angelo Venuto, and Philippe Harari.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets for seating. Special VIP seating is also available for purchase at Eventbrite.com. There will be
a stage pod for four people with a table, and VIP villas with a table and seating for eight. Both offer bar service.
Among the special areas to highlight will be the Aperol Spritz Piazza, the place to be seen. Toast to your Italian American heritage with a Birra Moretti Italian beer in the Moretti Beer Garden. In addition, there will be the Schumacher Auto Group Family Picnic Area for festival goers to sit and eat while enjoying the concerts.
Another highlight will be the La Cucina Galbani Cooking Stage, which
Saturday night will feature Blonde Ambition, a tribute to Madonna. Sunday will feature a Rat Pack tribute. Other performers include Franco Corso, the voice of romance, Angelo Venuto, and Philippe Harari.
Galbani celebrity chef Marco Sciortino will be showcasing his signature dishes, blending authentic Italian flavors with his own innovative twists.
will feature nationally known chefs, including Galbani celebrity chef Marco Sciortino. Known for his dynamic personality and culinary mastery, Chef Marco will be showcasing his signature dishes, blending authentic Italian flavors with his own innovative twists. Festivalgoers are in for a treat, as he brings his passion for Italian cuisine to life, offering mouthwatering creations that highlight the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Galbani products.
Local favorite Anthony Acampa from “Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At” and many others will also be featured. Do not miss a taste of the free Voga Wine seminars by wine connoisseurs throughout the weekend. On Saturday, there will be a pizza-eating contest by the Sicilian Oven, and Galbani will host a celebrity cheese stacking competition for charity.
For the entire family, there will be festival rides and carnival games for all ages. Little Smiles, the official festival charity, will be on site with fun activities for kids. This nonprofit organization works tirelessly to bring smiles to children’s faces by allowing them to be kids during difficult times.
Festival organizers thank inaugural sponsors Galbani, Beachside Golf Cars, the Schumacher Auto Group, Aperol Spritz, American Bath and Shower, Stormtight Windows, Birra Moretti, Voga Italia, Fat’s Where the Flavor’s At, and Tom Cerrito of Cerrito Electric, who spearheaded getting this festival to Wellington.
Admission to the festival is $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted free with an adult. Sponsorships are available, and special VIP seating will be available at Eventbrite.com. Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
To learn more about the inaugural Galbani Festa Italiana of Wellington, visit www.wellingtonfestaitaliana.com.
Entertainer Franco Corso.
Blonde Ambition Tribute to Madonna.
Entertainer Philippe Harari.
Galbani celebrity chef Marco Sciortino.
At Risk for Colon Cancer?
Find Out With a Colon Cancer Health Risk Assessment
Wellington Regional Medical Center offers an online colon cancer health risk assessment. This quick health profiler can help you discover important information about your colon cancer risk factors – those health characteristics that increase your chance of developing this type of cancer.
The results will be sent to you through email.
To make an appointment with a colorectal specialist, please contact our free physician referral service at 561-798-9880.
To take the assessment, scan the QR code here.
AGDF
Dressage Festival Back And Better Than Ever In 2025
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s premier international dressage events and a winter stalwart for top competition with unbeatable weather. Held annually here in Wellington, AGDF attracts top-level riders, trainers and horses from around the globe, including seasoned Olympians and rising stars.
Now in its 14th year at Equestrian Village, AGDF runs for 10 weeks with international, small and large tour, as well as national and para dressage offerings.
“AGDF prides itself on inclusivity and variation where a rider can come up through the ranks of the sport, and where opportunities abound,” AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur explained.
In its 2025 run, AGDF now boasts four qualifiers for the 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup Final, taking place in April in Basel, Switzerland. Additionally, the circuit will include its regular roster of evening freestyle performances during Friday Night Stars, as well as a CDIO Nations Cup, a para dressage Nations Cup, a CDI5* event, and the ever-popular Palm Beach Derby, in which riders are paired with an unfamiliar horse, given five minutes to warm up and then tackle a Prix St. Georges test.
Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks became a crowd favorite in Wellington during the 2024 season. She was crowned queen of the international
stadium after winning the FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle, presented by Palm Beach Equine Clinic, during opening week.
“It was huge for me because I did my first senior classes [in Wellington] last year, and I never thought that I would be here in this position today,” beamed Hendricks after her win.
She has been a regular at AGDF since her debut season as a junior in 2015. “I was just happy if we got through the Grand Prix, and now I’ve won — it’s unreal,” she said.
Baur said that Hendricks is a perfect example of what the dressage festival can do.
“She came here in 2015 as a junior and left as No. 1 junior in the world after the season,” he said. “Now she’s back here winning Grand Prix. You cannot compare that to anywhere else in the world, which is what makes it really special here.”
One of the most notable additions to the 2025 AGDF is that the festival has been selected as a host event for the newly launched US Equestrian Open of Dressage. AGDF will be home to seven qualifiers during the event’s inaugural year.
“The Adequan Global Dressage Festival is proud to be a part of the US Equestrian Open of Dressage and contribute to the growth of the sport of dressage in the U.S.,” Baur said. “Our team is excited to see dressage continue to shine in Wellington through
Felicitas Hendricks of Germany aboard Drombusch OLD, winners of the 2024 Douglas Elliman Real Estate CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle. © SUSAN J. STICKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
AGDF
elite competition, thrilling Friday Night Stars action, and development opportunities for both horse and rider that further strengthen the future of dressage in North America.”
The series will offer $200,000 in prize money, which will be distributed at the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final held in California in November. The innovative addition to the North American schedule showcases top dressage sport from coast to coast.
The Adequan Global Dressage Festival prides itself on being a hub for international sport during the winter months, most notably for the CDIO3* Nations Cup, in which teams from all corners of the world come together and represent their home nations in a sport that is most often individual. In 2024, Germany extended its unbeaten run at the AGDF Nations Cup to four consecutive victories.
Throughout the season, several opportunities are also presented to embrace the up-and-coming equine talents of the sport in the $10,000 Fu-
ture Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. Georges series and the $15,000 Lövsta Future Challenge series.
A popular part of the European circuit, the Lövsta Future Challenge, which is open to horses from eight to 11 years old, is intended to provide the opportunity for riders to bring their upand-coming international quality horses into a championship-type environment without the pressures of a CDI, like having to stable away from home. All qualifying rounds, held throughout AGDF 2024, used the FEI Intermediate II test before the final presents a step up in difficulty with the FEI Young Horse Grand Prix test.
“I felt like this series would be a great way to move up at the end of the season, to try a few I2s, and we were wondering whether he was ready for the Grand Prix,” said Nicholia Clarke, winner of the 2024 Lövsta Future Challenge with Komsi Komsa. “With these young horses, we’re all wondering how they’ll handle the CDI ring, so we gave it a go, and it feels great to come out on top.”
Upcoming “can’t miss” season highlights include:
• AGDF 8, Feb. 26 to March 2, featuring the Palm Beach Derby, CDI-W FEI World Cup Dressage and the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.
• AGDF 9, March 6-9, featuring a Para Dressage CPEDI3*.
• AGDF 10, March 12-16, featuring a CDI5* and the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.
• AGDF 12, March 26-30, featuring a CDI4* and the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.
As one of the longest dressage circuits in the world, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival has created a lasting home in the equestrian landscape of Wellington and North America as a whole. It’s not just a competition; it’s a celebration of the artistry and athleticism of the dressage horse through the attraction of top talent and fostering growth of the sport worldwide.
For more about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, as well as Friday Night Stars hospitality opportunities, visit www. globaldressagefestival.com.
The Stillpoint Farm 2024 FEI Nations Cup podium finishers Germany, the United States and Sweden with Tuny Page of Stillpoint Farm and FEI foreign judge Michael Osinski. © SUSAN J. STICKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Seeking Justice After a Hit-and-Run
By: Robert C. Johnson, Partner
In Florida, over 25% of all reported crashes in 2024 involved hit-and-run incidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, in 2024, there were 375,133 reported crashes, resulting in 2,965 fatalities and 242,544 injuries. Among these, an alarming 96,127 were hit-and-runs.
Hit-and-run accidents can be particularly devastating, as victims often struggle to identify the responsible party and obtain justice. If you or a loved one has been affected by a hit-and-run, it’s essential to act fast. Document the scene, report the incident to authorities, and seek medical attention. If you have a Dash Camera, save the recording in a safe, reliable place. Additionally, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve, even if the at-fault driver is never identified.
Understanding your rights is crucial in these challenging situations. If you or a loved one is in a hit-and-run accident, the legal professionals at Pike and Lustig are here to help you seek the justice and support you deserve. With offices throughout South Florida, our dedicated attorneys have extensive experience handling hit-and-run cases and are committed to standing by your side every step of the way.
Source: https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/ Areas
MAIN OFFICE: 1209 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-291-8298 | Fax: 561-855-7710
WELLINGTON: 12012 South Shore Blvd., Suite 107, Wellington, FL 33414
MIAMI:
777 Brickell Avenue, Suite 500, Miami, FL 33131 305-697-9799 | Fax: 305-809-8009
US Equestrian Open Of Dressage Making Its Debut In 2025
BY MIKE MAY
This year, US Equestrian is staging a series of 24 qualifying events as a buildup to the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage. This year-long competition series started in early January in Thermal, California, before moving here to Wellington, host of seven events through the end of March. The series will conclude where it began, with a finale in Thermal at the Desert Dressage II CDI5* set for Nov. 13-16.
Of the 24 qualifiers, 16 of them are being held in Florida — seven in Wellington, five in Ocala, three in Myakka City and one in West Palm Beach. The other eight qualifiers are being held in Del Mar, California (three qualifiers); Thermal, California; Lexington, Virginia; Sherwood, Oregon; Devon, Pennsylvania; and Mill Spring, North Carolina.
According to Laura Roberts, managing director of dressage at US Equestrian, she is excited about the chance to fully promote the sport of dressage and put dressage athletes and horses on a higher-profile pedestal.
“This is a great opportunity to showcase top dressage sport from coast to coast of the United States, but particu-
larly out west in the buildup to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games,” Roberts said. “The US Equestrian Open of Dressage Series and Final are open to all FEI-registered athletes and horses, both from the U.S. and abroad. Each competition gives the athletes a platform to showcase their talents and compete with their peers across the country. With unprecedented prize money on the line, we look forward to witnessing exceptional performances and crowning the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage champion.”
One of the local dressage riders in this competition is Kevin Kohmann, who is based at Wellington’s Diamante Farms. After the first two weeks of the qualifiers, Kohmann had a strong start and was in first place. At late February, he was in a three-way tie for 21st. One of Kohmann’s competitors in this national dressage competition is his wife, Devon Kane, who is in a three-way tie for 15th. She, too, is based out of Diamante Farms.
Kohmann said that the key to success in high-level dressage is to have a horse that knows and trusts its rider. Likewise, the rider must know and
trust his or her horse. “It’s teamwork at this level. It’s a friendship between the rider and the horse,” said Kohmann, who is also trying to qualify for the World Cup of Dressage, which will be held this year in Basel, Switzerland, from April 1-6.
After seven qualifying events for the US Equestrian Open of Dressage, the top 25 riders in the standings come from six different countries (Germany, the United States, Canada, Sweden, Spain and Argentina). Seventeen of them are from the United States.
After those seven qualifying events, there’s only a six-point differential between the top eight riders. The leaderboard features a three-way tie for first between Evelyn Eger of Germany, Geñay Vaughn of the United States and Denielle Gallagher of Canada, each with 40 points. There is also a threeway tie for fourth between Felicitas Hendricks of Germany, Adrienne Lyle of the United States and Anna Marek of the United States, each with 37 points. Meanwhile, there’s a two-way tie for seventh between Americans Kristina Harrison-Antell and Eline Eckroth, each with 34 points.
Kevin Kohmann rides Giulietta during this year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington. © SUSAN J. STICKLE PHOTOGRAPHY
AGDF
According to local dressage expert Kenneth Braddick of Dressage-News. com, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage is off to a strong start, but he expects to see updates in future years, such as the location of the final. This year, the final will be held in California, as a nod to the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Florida has become the center of dressage in all the Americas, with most U.S. and foreign riders competing in Florida,” he said. “The thought is to stage a Thanksgiving show at Global in Wellington with a real festive atmosphere, plus perhaps with more prize money.”
Again, of all the 24 qualifier events for the 2025 US Equestrian Open of Dressage, 16 of them are in Florida with Wellington hosting seven.
Through the middle of February, the US Equestrian Open of Dressage had
“With unprecedented prize money on the line, we look forward to witnessing exceptional performances and crowning the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage champion.”
—
US Equestrian Managing Director of Dressage Laura Roberts
already hosted eight qualifiers — three of which took place in Wellington.
The dressage series will reward athletes with $200,000 in prize money, which will be distributed at the US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final in November. An additional $50,000 series incentive will also be awarded for high-point scorers.
Upcoming Wellington events on the
calendar of qualifying competitions include the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W & CDI3* Feb. 26 to March 2; the Global Dressage Festival 10 CDI3* & CDI5*, March 11-16; and the Global Dressage Festival 12 CDI3* & CDI4*, March 26-30.
Learn more about the new US Equestrian Open of Dressage series at www. usequestrianopen.org.
95%
job placement rate for nursing graduates
$10
95% billion annual economic impact on Palm Beach County million awarded in scholarships since 2018
$1.1 scholarships awarded by the Foundation, 2021-2023 ranking for outstanding services for veterans nationwide amongst two-year colleges TOP 10 of emergency responders in Palm Beach County complete their training at PBSC 85% million secured to advance medical innovation, providing real-world training for future healthcare professionals $15
Faces Of DRESSAGE
Each winter, the majestic sport of dressage is on display here in Wellington, home of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. The Olympic sport of dressage — often compared to “dancing with horses” — showcases the grace, beauty and elegance of a horse and rider pair working together as one. Top riders from around the world have returned to participate in North America’s most prestigious dressage series. AGDF opened in January and continues at Equestrian Village through this month. As part of this year’s series, the festival now boasts four qualifiers for the 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup Final, in addition to its regular roster of evening freestyle performances during Friday Night Stars, as well as a CDIO Nations Cup, a para dressage Nations Cup, a CDI5* event and the ever-popular Palm Beach Derby. From elite dressage riders to the sport’s up-andcoming riders, to the uplifting sport of para-dressage, all levels of this unique discipline are on display here in Wellington. In Faces of Dressage 2025, we highlight just a few of these riders.
PHOTOS BY SUSAN J. STICKLE
Photo by SusanJStickle.com
The ever-impressive Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén represents her native Sweden and has competed at seven Olympics. She placed fourth in team dressage in 1992 in Barcelona and 2008 in Beijing. She also placed eighth in 2016 in Rio. VilhelmsonSilfvén has also competed at seven editions of the Dressage World Cup finals. In 2011, she helped create the Lövsta Future Challenge with Louise Nathhorst and support from Antonia Ax:son Johnson through Lövsta Stuteri. Vilhelmson-Silfvén has been spending her winters in Wellington for years and is a regular at the AGDF. She can frequently be found on the podium, such as during this year’s Week 5, when she piloted Hyatt to the top spot in the BluCreeq Spirits CDI3* Grand Prix Special, logging their second combination high score of the week.
Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén
A top Grand Prix rider and trainer, Endel Ots trains and develops young dressage horses when he isn’t competing himself. Originally from Wisconsin, Ots trained with Olympian Hubertus Schmidt in Germany before arriving in Wellington, where he studied under Lars Petersen. He was the alternate for the U.S. Dressage Team at the 2011 Pan American Games and is a USDF bronze, silver and gold medalist. Today, Ots operates his own training and sale business in Wellington. Last year at the AGDF, Ots and Bohemian won the FEI CDI3* Grand Prix during the final week of competition. The duo also contributed to the fourth place U.S. finish at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup Aachen CDIO5*. Ots and Bohemian served as the traveling reserve for Team USA at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
German dressage rider Christoph Koschel approaches his sport with the following philosophy: “Recognize the feel and diversity of each and every horse. See the positives and be able to adjust.” He competed at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, winning the bronze in team dressage, and the 2011 European Dressage Championships in Rotterdam, where he won silver in the team competition. Both times he was riding Donnperignon. Koschel is well known as a trainer of top teams and riders, including his niece, Felicitas Hendricks, and Wellington’s Kevin Kohmann. He has also had success at the AGDF himself. In 2022, he rode Dünensee to win the Grand Prix Special CDI4* during the final week of competition.
Christoph Koschel
Rebecca Hart is a para-equestrian originally from Pittsburgh. Hart was born with a rare genetic disorder, Familial Spastic Paraplegia. Her life with horses has been extraordinary, as she went to the Paralympic Games four times, in 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2024. In 2016, she placed ninth individually. However, 2024 was her time to shine at the Paralympic Games in Paris, where Hart won two individual gold medals in Championship Test Grade III and Freestyle Test Grade III, and also won the team gold for the United States alongside teammates Roxanne Trunnell and Fiona Howard. A local favorite, she is back in the show ring at the para-dressage events in Wellington this season.
Rebecca Hart
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
Germany’s Felicitas Hendricks is back for another AGDF season after a career high in 2024, scoring her first Friday Night Stars CDI5* victory here in 2024. The 24-yearold began competing in Wellington in her early teens and has grown to become one of the most recognized U25 dressage athletes worldwide, racking up a string of victories with Drombusch OLD. Hendricks won the 2023 European Under 25 Championships in Pilisjaszfalu, Hungary. Coached by her uncle, Christoph Koschel, Hendricks first came to Florida as a junior rider. She made her international debut at AGDF in 2015, and after her huge season last year, Hendricks continues to shine. She won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix, sponsored by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, on the opening day of this year’s AGDF Week 3.
Felicitas Hendricks
Born and raised in England with her American mother and British father, para-equestrian Fiona Howard began riding at age three. As part of the British Junior Reining Team, Howard was 14 when she earned a bronze medal at the FEI European Reining Championships. Howard, who battles the neuromuscular disease dystonia, rode in her first para-dressage tests in 2021. Coached by Paralympian Kate Shoemaker, she returned to the FEI arena as a Grade II para-dressage athlete in 2022. At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, Howard won individual gold in the Championship Test Grade II and the Freestyle Test Grade II with her mount Diamond Dunes, and she also won the team gold alongside Rebecca Hart and Roxanne Trunnell.
iona Howard
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
Germany’s Michael Klimke comes from an Olympic family. His father Reiner won six gold medals and two bronze medals in dressage across six editions of the Olympic Games from 1960 to 1988. His sister Ingrid rides for Germany in both eventing and dressage, and won two gold medals and one silver medal across five Olympic Games between 2000 and 2016. In 2000, Klimke was the German Male Dressage Champion and placed second in 1990 at the World Cup Finals. After just missing the German Olympic team in 2000, he shifted his focus to his law practice. After a 10-year hiatus, he returned to competition in 2015. He is back in Wellington this season for the AGDF, where Klimke rode Harmony’s Dante’s Peak to victory in the Donato Farms CDI3* Grand Prix during Week 3 of this year’s festival.
Michael Klimke
Adrienne Lyle has a long list of accomplishments as a top rider and coach. She represented Team USA at the Olympic Games in London, and while representing Team USA in Tokyo, she helped bring home the team silver medal with her longtime partner Salvino. She rode her current partner Helix at the Olympic Games in Paris last summer. Lyle also placed fourth in team dressage at the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Normandy and was part of the silver medal team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon. Lyle is currently the highest-ranked American rider on the FEI Dressage World Rankings. She is back in action in Wellington this season, where Lyle and Helix most recently won the FEI World Cup Grand Prix, sponsored by Dutta Corp., on opening day of AGDF Week 5.
Adrienne Lyle
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
Roxanne Trunnell represents the United States in para-dressage. She contracted a virus in 2009 that caused swelling in her brain, putting her in a coma and resulted in her requiring a wheelchair. Since then, she has accomplished a great deal in her riding career. She won three medals at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, including individual gold medals in the Championship Test Grade I and Freestyle Test Grade I events, as well as a bronze medal in the team open event. At the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, she won the silver medal in Championship Test Grade I and was part of the team that took home the gold medal for the United States, alongside Rebecca Hart and Fiona Howard.
anne
Trunnell
Germany’s Frederic Wandres has an impressive résumé. He competed at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, where he received a bronze medal with the German team. He was on the long list for Tokyo and won a gold medal in 2019 at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. At the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck, Wandres earned silver in team dressage. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, he was part of the gold medal German team with Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Isabell Werth. He finished 13th in the individual final riding Bluetooth OLD. Last season in Wellington, he had great success with Bluetooth OLD, winning the CDI5* FEI Grand Prix during AGDF Week 10. Wandres will be offering a masterclass March 12 at Equestrian Village.
Frederic Wandres
FACES OF DRESSAGE 2025
Two Generations Continue The McDevitt Electric Legacy In Wellington
STORY BY MIKE MAY | PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER
Wellington’s McDevitt family has been serving the electrical needs of the community since the 1980s, now in its second generation owning T.W. McDevitt Electric, and an extended family that continues to serve the area in a variety of ways.
Originally named McDevitt Electric, the business was started in 1988 by Thomas McDevitt Sr., now 76, and his wife Pamela, now 75.
Prior to starting this successful and well-respected family-run business, Thomas Sr. had seven years of experience as an electrician on New York’s Long Island. He also co-owned a corporate cleaning business here in Palm Beach County.
Thomas Sr. and Pamela’s two children, Thomas McDevitt Jr. and Stacey McDevitt Juckett, grew up in the Wellington area and helped out in the family business.
Back in the 1990s, Stacey worked as a secretary for McDevitt Electric during her high school years and when she was home during her summer breaks from the University of Florida. Back then, her duties included answering the phone, speaking with customers and sending out bills. Stacey still lives in the western communities with her husband Michael and their son, also Michael. She now works as an oncology nurse.
Before taking over the business
from his parents, Thomas Jr. started a lighting company called Brite Ideas. Now 47, he owns and operates T.W. McDevitt Electric with his 44-year-old wife Faith.
Thomas Sr. and Pamela are still involved with the business from time to time.
“When we are in Wellington, my wife and I will go out and do night light checks for customers,” Thomas Sr. explained. “I will also help with paperwork issues in the office.”
Family affiliations at T.W. McDevitt Electric remain deep and strong. Connie Gibson, who is Thomas Jr.’s cousin, currently handles payroll, quarterly reports and retail sales tax numbers. One of Faith’s aunts, Darlene French, also works as a secretary for the family company.
For the last 17 years, Faith has worked as a secretary, which involves scheduling, staff coordination, pulling permits, ordering supplies and getting paperwork completed. Faith and Thomas Jr.’s eldest daughter, Kaylee, now 25, works on Wednesdays and Thursdays as a secretary in the office. She is busy the rest of the week with nursing school.
Thomas Jr. and Faith also have two younger daughters — 18-year-old Ava and 15-year-old Madison. Both are students at Wellington High School. There’s no word, yet, on whether they
will get involved in running the family business.
Among the interesting parts of the evolution of T.W. McDevitt Electric was the transition from father to son. According to Faith, her father-in-law ran a profitable business, but he did everything with a pen and paper.
“There was no computer involved in helping to run the business,” Faith said. “I don’t know how he ran such a successful business for so long and so well without a computer. He only accepted cash or a check. When Thomas Jr. took over, I inserted all of the customers’ names, addresses and phone numbers into a computer database.”
Now, T.W. McDevitt Electric has expanded payment options — cash, check, credit card and Zelle. There’s a web site now as well.
Thomas Jr. still operates his lighting company Brite Ideas out of the family firm’s location on Fairlane Farms Road. Having Brite Ideas in the same office helps save time and money.
“Every morning, instead of going to Home Depot to buy lighting accessories for a job that day, we have them in stock at Brite Ideas,” Faith explained.
According to Thomas Jr., the keys to the firm’s success are simple and straight forward. “The customer is always right, and service is everything,” he said. “For every appointment, I don’t arrive on time. Instead, I arrive early.”
Thomas Sr. and Pamela agree with their son. Pamela’s memories of the early days are fresh in her mind.
“When customers called, we responded. If my husband had to go out immediately to help, he would go. And sometimes, I would go with him,” she recalled. “If a customer called and left a message, we’d call back quickly.”
Thomas Sr. has similar feelings about the keys to the success of growing the business in those early days. “We did honest work with fair pricing,” he said.
That’s still the company mantra. If you ask Thomas Jr., the company is still doing honest work with fair pricing. As a result, there’s never a dull moment in the office.
“The phone rings nonstop, and it’s every day,” he said.
But the McDevitts are not complaining.
While Thomas Jr. owns and operates T.W. McDevitt Electric, he has a strong supporting cast of employees who make house calls and do the work for the company’s more than 1,000 customers.
“We have 10 service techs, seven vans, three secretaries and a bucket truck,” he said.
Even though the company’s official operating hours are Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., someone can be reached at any time of the day on any day of the week — and that person is usually Faith.
“If anybody calls after hours, their call can be transferred to Faith’s cell phone. Customers don’t hesitate to call
at night,” Thomas Jr. said. “If it’s a true emergency, we will help immediately.
During the winter season here in Wellington, I have two crews ready to work on Saturdays. And we will respond to a call on a Sunday, if necessary.”
Throughout the year, they are busy with new installations and service calls.
“About 60 percent of our business is service calls,” Thomas Jr. said.
A large percentage of the company’s business is connected with Wellington’s vast equestrian community.
“About 70 percent of our business is affiliated with the equestrian world,” Thomas Jr. said. “Every year, we run the electric [wiring] for a number of new horse barns. In fact, I have two crews totally dedicated to horse barns and new homes in Wellington.”
Members of the McDevitt family include Kaylee, Pamela, Madison, Faith, Thomas Jr., Ava and Thomas Sr.
On a daily basis, the company’s work typically ranges from repairing breakers/wiring operating to air conditioners, installing landscape lighting, pole lighting, generator installs, panel changes, meter repairs and more.
Another key to the success of T.W. McDevitt Electric is that the company invests in its employees.
“We pay for our employees to go to
“The customer is always right, and service is everything. For every appointment, I don’t arrive on time. Instead, I arrive early.”
school to become better electricians,” Thomas Jr. said. “It helps build loyalty with my employees.”
— Thomas McDevitt Jr.
As busy as Thomas Jr. and Faith are with running the operation, they do carve out time to spend with their children.
“We love to get out and ride our jet skis in Jupiter,” Thomas Jr. said of their favorite recreational activity.
“We also like going fishing on charter boats, spending time at the beach and traveling with the family,” Faith said.
“Family is everything,” Thomas Jr. added.
That emphasis on family has been a McDevitt hallmark since the 1980s and will always be the case, both at home and in the office.
T.W. McDevitt Electric is located at 3101 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 7, in Wellington. Learn more about this familyowned firm by calling (561) 798-2355 or visiting www.twmcdevittelectric.com.
The McDevitt family with one of the T.W. McDevitt Electric trucks.
March 7, 2025
7-9 PM | VIP Entry 6 PM
Sip, savor, and raise a glass at a new premier cocktail and culinary experience in Wellington. Sample a variety of expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet food pairings from local South Florida chefs and restaurants, while enjoying a vibrant outdoor atmosphere with music and entertainment.
VIPs gain exclusive access to premium and limited edition liquors, the VIP lounge, and early entry to the event.
TICKETS (21+ ONLY)
$75 GENERAL ADMISSION
$125 VIP EXPERIENCE
10300 FOREST HILL BOULEVARD
Proceeds bene t Panther Ridge Conservation Center & Wellington Rotary Foundation.
COTA Is A Canvas Of Expression For Tigger Montague
One night every year in March, genres of all different types of music can be heard echoing throughout the neighborhoods surrounding the normally quiet and reserved Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Attendees, meanwhile, are eager to find their seats for one of Wellington’s most beloved events of the season, the Challenge of the Americas (COTA), which returns this year on Friday, March 7.
Among the community members decked out in head-to-toe pink is longtime supporter and highly decorated quadrille choreographer, Cynthia “Tigger” Montague, tactfully corralling
her team of six horse-and-rider pairs as they prepare to put their month’s worth of rehearsals and year-long plan into motion under the lights of the Grand Prix arena in front of a sold-out crowd.
A highlight of the winter season, COTA invites all community members, equestrian or not, to enjoy an evening of dressage unlike anything seen on the competition calendar.
Five teams of six Grand Prix horseand-rider pairs perform highly choreographed and synchronized routines to music in elaborate, thematic costumes in front of a cheering crowd, before a
charitable gala concludes the evening’s activities.
For Tigger, the evening is not only a celebration of creativity and a showcase of the fun side of the sport of dressage, but also a time for Wellington residents to come together in support of a charitable cause: breast cancer research, which for many, hits close to home.
2025 marks Tigger’s 10th year of involvement with COTA, along with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for P.I.N.K., organizations dedicated to raising donations for breast cancer research. COTA’s suc-
BioStar founder Cynthia “Tigger” Montague at home with her dogs. © MANE SOURCE MEDIA/PHELPS
cess has meant that a research grant in COTA’s name has been established for continued genetic marker research.
“The first time I saw COTA, I wanted to be involved,” Tigger recalled. “I didn’t know anyone connected to it other than my good friend, Jim Koford, who was riding on one of the quadrille teams. At the time, there were only three teams, but he put my name in the hat in case they ever wanted another quadrille team, and the following year, I got asked to choreograph my first-ever Grand Prix quadrille.”
With a background in theater, all of Tigger’s now seven quadrille performances are easily distinguished by their unique look and innovative movements.
“My first year, our theme was Star Wars, and I absolutely broke protocol because the quadrilles up until that time performed in traditional dressage shadbellies, and I said, ‘Yeah, no shadbellies. We are doing costumes.’ Thankfully, the organizer, Mary Ross, allowed me to break protocol, and we ended up winning,” she said.
Over the past decade, Tigger, whose company BioStar is one of the sponsors of the event, has helped to grow what started as a small afternoon luncheon into a nationally recognized exhibition that harnesses the dedication and charity of the Wellington equestrian community through a medium close to her heart.
“What would I be without the COTA quadrille?” Tigger exclaimed. “COTA is my creative fountain and my sanity. It has gotten me through the loss of my life partner in 2024. When I was feeling really sad, I could just go to the music and get lost in it.”
From her first year to now her eighth, each of Tigger’s quadrilles have taken inspiration from the theater with a strong storyline, memorable music and the ultimate goal of connecting with the audience. Her ability to continually come up with innovative choreography is a testament to her devotion to the event and what it has turned into.
“I have a very clear vision for each BioStar quadrille at COTA. I really want to push myself to see what is possible. COTA is a blank canvas, and you can put anything you want on it,” she said.
“This is an opportunity to try different things, and I have thrown a lot of things out that when we go through rehearsals, just don’t work, and I am OK with that. You have to have some degree of flexibility, and you have to trust the riders. Once we have the music, and they know the choreography, I am just watching. That allows them to figure it out, get into character, and own the performance.”
As Wellington continues to grow and evolve, Tigger is excited to see the event grow with it and introduce new people to the magic of COTA. “I think it has brought fun to dressage sport in Wellington,” she said. “Fun, and a communal feeling of working for something more important than ourselves.”
And, of course, the event serves as
a big, giant party for everyone in the community.
“Each year, I hope that we can continue to bring new people to our event,” Tigger said. “People who have never seen a dressage horse or the sport. I hope we keep upping the ante and raising more money, and that eventually we can pull in a greater portion of the equestrian community as a whole: hunters, jumpers, driving, eventing, western, etc. I hope this becomes an event for everyone to participate in and enjoy.”
When asked about this year’s quadrille theme, Tigger hinted, “This year’s choreography is action packed… that’s all I will say. The eagle will fly.”
Learn more about COTA 2025 at www.challengeoftheamericas.com.
Wellington’s Largest Selection of Gold & Diamond Jewelry
• Fine Jewelry
• Engagement Rings
• Diamond Studs
• Diamond Bracelets
• Fine Watches
• Diamond Necklaces
• Custom Designs
HOURS: Mon. - Sat. 10:00am - 5:00pm | Sun. Closed
We Buy & Sell Estate Jewelry
We Buy Old Gold & Diamonds Highest Prices Paid Repairs on Premises
(By Trader Joe’s)
All Michele Watches 25% OFF
SATURDAY | MAY 3 | 3:00 PM
Get ready to experience the excitement, style, and grace of the Derby Race Day like never before at Wellington’s Premier Derby Celebration returning again to the exquisite Diamante Farms! Immerse yourself in the splendor of horse racing culture and the charm of Southern sophistication at this unforgettable event.
Slip into your most elegant attire, crown the day with your fanciest hat, and prepare to root for your top pick in an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and festivity. This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Proceeds will benefit the Wellington Community Foundation, supporting vital initiatives close to home.
Treat your palate to an exquisite culinary adventure crafted by the talented Executive Chefs. Savor delectable dishes while sipping signature beverages, including the quintessential mint juleps, as the excitement builds.
Whether you’re a racing aficionado or simply looking for a lively evening filled with good company and great entertainment, this celebration will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Mark your calendars, saddle up, and join us for an evening of elegance, gastronomy, and philanthropy. Together, let’s make this Derby Party another resounding success and continue to support the heart of our community.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of racing, revelry, and giving back—where every moment is a winner.
USET Foundation Honors Award Winners At Wellington Reception
The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation celebrated award recipients and donation milestones at its Gold Medal Club reception held Jan. 17 at the National Polo Center in Wellington.
The 2025 Whitney Stone Cup was presented to Rebecca Hart, who won three gold medals at the 2024 Paralympic Games riding Floratina in Paris. The award acknowledges the para dressage athlete as an active competitor whose consistent excellence in international competition and sportsmanlike conduct exemplifies the USET Foundation’s and US Equestrian’s (USEF’s) highest ideals.
“I am incredibly honored to be selected for this trophy,” said Hart, a Grade III athlete who resides and trains in Loxahatchee. “It is an incredible testament to just how far para dressage has come as an equestrian discipline.
(Above) The 2025 USET Foundation Award recipients: Kat Fuqua (left) was presented with the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy; Rebecca Hart (middle) was awarded the Whitney Stone Cup; and Zacharie Vinios received the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award.
(Inset) Zacharie Vinios, pictured with her husband Louis Vinios, was named the co-recipient of the 2025 R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award.
I have loved helping to bring adaptive sport forward and hope to continue to do so. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the USET Foundation, USEF, and my owners and sponsors.”
Kat Fuqua, who has the unique distinction of competing in both show jumping and dressage at the international levels, was awarded the 2025 Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy. This prestigious award is presented an-
nually to a junior or young rider in an Olympic discipline who exemplifies the USET’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship.
“I’m really excited because the riders who have received this award previously have gone on to achieve unbelievable accomplishments as professionals,” said Fuqua, 17, who divides her time between Wellington; Atlanta, Georgia; and Tecklenburg, Germany.
STORY BY ALICE COLLINS | PHOTOS BY JUMP MEDIA
“The fact that I’m on that list alongside those athletes is really special.”
Fuqua swept the Young Rider division for athletes aged 16 to 21 at the 2024 FEI North American Youth Championships in Traverse City, Michigan, claiming all three gold medals on offer riding Dreamgirl.
Patti Scialfa Springsteen and Zacharie Vinios were named the co-recipients of this year’s R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award. This annual honor pays homage to the late Bruce Duchossois by annually recognizing a member or members of the USET Foundation Board of Trustees who embody his leadership and generosity.
Vinios, a Wellington resident, and Scialfa Springsteen, of Colts Neck, New Jersey, have both made outstanding contributions to the USET Founda-
tion’s philanthropic efforts since joining the board.
A renowned singer and songwriter, Scialfa Springsteen’s involvement began through supporting her daughter and Olympic team silver medalist, Jessica Springsteen. Scialfa Springsteen has been instrumental in raising significant funds through the “Pathway to the Podium” campaign and by cochairing several benefit galas alongside her husband, famed musician Bruce Springsteen.
“I am deeply grateful to the USET Foundation for this recognition,” Scialfa Springsteen said. “To receive this award in memory of Bruce Duchossois, a remarkable horseperson and steward of the sport, is truly humbling.”
Vinios and her husband, Louis, own the impressive training facility, Five Rings Farm, in Wellington. It served as
the venue for “Victory in Versailles,” a fundraising event that helped the USET Foundation raise more than $2 million for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Vinios generously opens Five Rings Farm to USEF and USET Foundation programs and events, including clinics and team training camps.
“As a country, we are so fortunate to have the USET Foundation funding our equestrian sports and programs and supporting our U.S. teams,” Vinios said. “I have seen the fruition of the USET Foundation’s efforts and the incredible support and enthusiasm they have generated for our teams and our country.”
The USET Foundation also recognized its longest-standing Gold Medal Club donors during the reception. These are individuals who contribute $1,000 or more annually to the organization, providing a financial base that helps ensure the foundation’s support of U.S. equestrian athletes.
Gold Medal Club donor anniversaries were celebrated for 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years. Jane MacElree and Robert Ridland/Moore Memorial Trust both reached the 40-year mark and were among those recognized for their continuous and vital support.
For more information, or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses, visit www.uset.org/ donate.
(Below) Robert Ridland (center) was one of two donors celebrating their 40-year anniversary as members of the USET Foundation’s Gold Medal Club. He is pictured with W. James McNerney Jr. (left) and Kristi Mitchem (right).
Rebecca Hart (center) is presented with the 2025 Whitney Stone Cup by USET Foundation President & CEO Kristi Mitchem (left) and USET Foundation Chair W. James McNerney Jr.
Se Habla Español
John F. Froehlich
Betty De La Rua
BY JIM BARNES, WELLINGTON VILLAGE MANAGER
In 2025, the Village of Wellington will continue advancing a number of initiatives that support the overarching vision to make this community the most sustainable, connected and resilient global community of choice.
Major Initiatives Moving Forward To Strengthen Wellington’s Future
With 2025 underway, I am excited to share progress on the plans and projects that are taking shape and strengthening our community’s future. Our vision for Wellington remains clear: to be the most sustainable, connected and resilient global community of choice. This year, we are advancing numerous significant initiatives to support this vision, ensuring that our exceptional community continues to thrive.
We are proud to announce that for the sixth consecutive year, our millage rate has remained flat at 2.47, and that rate reflects the average rate of the last 15 years. This milestone reflects our strong economic foundation and the
successful implementation of various measures that will secure our community’s fiscal sustainability for years to come. These fiscal policies and measures are vital for the village, as they enable us to provide safety, services, amenities and high-quality infrastructure, even in extremely challenging times.
One of our most ambitious projects has been the continued improvement and expansion of the Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat. The acquisition of the adjacent Moncada property has allowed us to expand the preserve, allowing for greater wa-
WELLINGTON RESIDENTS
The Town-Crier Newspaper is the only community newspaper regularly covering the Village of Wellington, and you can get it delivered directly to your mailbox for FREE just by requesting to be placed on the mailing list.
Name:
ter storage and resource protection. This project demonstrates our longterm commitment to environmental sustainability and enhances a project that was born out of a partnership among the village, the South Florida Water Management District and the State of Florida.
Addressing the health and well-being of our community is also a top priority. We continue to develop and maintain programs for our youth, seniors and special needs community. These programs focus on community connections, youth educational programming and transportation. Through these efforts, we aim to create a healthier, more vibrant community where everyone feels connected and engaged.
Additionally, the village’s proposed land sale of the K-Park property to Related Ross and Education In Motion will lead to the creation of a premier mixed-use project that embodies both
educational and economic vibrancy. Moreover, we are advancing the plans to complete our new aquatics facility with recreational and competitive components for all ages at Village Park. Also co-located at Village Park is the Wellington Sports Academy, a stateof-the-art training facility for youth and adults in all sports disciplines. These projects, in addition to the 21 sports fields, two gymnasiums, roller hockey rinks and playground, will create a dynamic hub for leisure and community activities, further cementing Wellington’s status as a resilient and desirable place for residents and visitors.
As we embark on these ambitious journeys together, I want to thank the Wellington community, our Wellington Village Council and our dedicated village team members. Your hard work and commitment ensure that our vision becomes reality. Here’s to a successful 2025 in Wellington!
The new Wellington Aquatics Complex and the Wellington Sports Academy are now under construction at the southern end of Village Park near the entrance from 120th Avenue South. Shown below is a rendering of the aquatics facility and aerial photos of the construction.
issues of Wellington The Magazine mailed directly to your home or office for just $24 and keep up with all that our unique community has to offer. (Please Print Neatly)
Duck Donuts Brings Warm, Made-To-Order Happiness To RPB
BY SHANNON ANASTASIO
Made-to-order donut chain Duck Donuts has arrived in the western communities, “sprinkling happiness” through sweet treats at its new location in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center.
Duck Donuts
11051 Southern Blvd., Suite 200 | Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 (561) 791-6464 | www.duckdonuts.com/royal-palm-beach
Duck Donuts, the beloved chain known for its warm, delicious and made-toorder donuts, recently opened its doors in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center. It is the perfect spot to satisfy your sweet tooth while indulging in a unique, family-friendly experience that promises to delight people of all ages.
Duck Donuts has garnered a loyal following across the country, thanks to its signature donut-making process that allows customers to create their own customized treat. Whether you’re a fan of classic chocolate icing with sprinkles or prefer something more adventurous, like maple icing topped with crispy bacon, the possibilities are endless. The Royal Palm Beach location is no exception, offering the same mouth-watering experience in a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
The grand opening event in January was a hit, drawing in eager customers from across the western communities. The first guest in line was treated to a fantastic prize — a dozen donuts free every month for a year. The next 50 guests were welcomed with the Sprinkling Happiness Package, which includes two dozen donuts and a bucket of coffee for a future visit. It was a celebration of warmth, sweetness and community spirit, as friends and families lined up to be part of this exciting, fun event.
Spencer Carpenter and Kevin Harris, childhood best friends and the local owners of this new Duck Donuts location, were thrilled to open their doors to the community. Both are passionate about supporting local businesses and giving back to the community. Carpenter, with his background in financial services and real estate investment, and Harris, an entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in the public and private sectors, make a dynamic duo who bring an infectious enthusiasm and dedication to this new venture.
“We are excited to open a small business in this thriving community and look forward to serving warm, delicious and made-to-order donuts,” Harris said when the store opened. “Spencer and I have spent our careers in business while serving our community, and we look forward to continuing those efforts through our ownership of Duck Donuts Royal Palm Beach.”
Donut Stack
Caramel Macchiato
(Above) The store blends the brand’s iconic beach theme with a modern, sleek aesthetic. (Top) Emil Pedral, Ethan Ojofeitimi and Jay Dart ready to serve up made-to-order, custom donuts.
A visit to Duck Donuts is a sensory experience. The 1,440-square-foot shop boasts the franchise’s reimagined design, which blends the brand’s iconic beach theme with a modern, sleek aesthetic. The cheerful, family-friendly vibe makes it an inviting place for guests to relax, enjoy a treat and watch the magic happen. From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted with the irresistible scent of fresh, vanilla cake donuts being made right before your eyes.
In addition to its iconic donuts, you can pair your donut with Duck Donuts’
signature coffee blends or indulge in a donut breakfast sandwich or a unique donut sundae. Frozen beverages and milkshakes are also on the menu for those seeking something cool to balance out the warmth of the donuts. If you’re in the mood for a gift, the shop also offers a selection of fun retail items that embody the brand’s playful spirit.
As part of the brand’s larger commitment to creating a unique and personalized experience for each guest, the Royal Palm Beach location invites donut lovers to join their QuackChat text messaging program. By texting “DOZEN” to 50282, guests receive a welcome offer for a free donut and can stay up to date on the latest specials, events and seasonal topping updates directly on their phones.
From 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day, customers can walk into Duck Donuts Royal Palm Beach and expect the same highquality, made-to-order treats that the franchise is known for. And with its commitment to quality, freshness and community, the new location is destined to become a beloved hotspot for both locals and visitors alike.
So, whether you’re craving a warm donut to start your day, seeking a sweet treat to share with friends or just looking for a fun family outing, Duck Donuts is the place to be. Join the community in celebrating this exciting new offering, and get ready to indulge in the warmest, most delicious donuts you’ve ever tasted. You’ll leave with a smile on your face, and maybe even a few extra donuts for later. After all, according to Duck Donuts, it’s all about “Sprinkling Happiness!”
Duck Donuts Royal Palm Beach is in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center at 11051 Southern Blvd., Suite 200. For more info., call (561) 791-6464 or visit www. duckdonuts.com/royal-palm-beach.
Find Duck Donuts in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping center near Pet Supplies Plus.
Dr. Kelly DiStefano
WELLINGTON REJUVENATION CENTER
OUR MISSION IS: To help our patients look and feel their best through all stages of life and to provide affordable aesthetics to our community.
WHY DO CLIENTS CHOOSE YOU: Our clients choose Wellington Rejuvenation Center because of the family feeling atmosphere we provide in our offices. We use only the best products and devices at our practices and believe that patient knowledge and transparency is very important. Our office staff makes everyone feel welcome at each visit!
WE ARE UNIQUE BECAUSE: At WRC we are able to provide quality, reliable services at an affordable price to the community. We have a positive reputation in the community, and strong patient loyalty.
I AM EXCITED ABOUT 2025 BECAUSE: We have expanded our New Jersey businesses and brand with the addition of our 3rd location: Wellington Rejuvenation Center. The new spa is officially open and accepting new patients in Royal Palm Beach.
MY REAL JOB DESCRIPTION IS: Mother, wife, friend, and doctor.
MY BIGGEST TIP FOR CLIENTS: Is to make sure they are seeking aesthetic treatments for themselves, and to do what makes them happy. This helps patients feel comfortable, at ease, and positive about the overall experience. It is also never too late to start a medical-grade skincare routine, with SPF of course.
WHEN I AM NOT IN THE OFFICE: I am spending time with my family and friends. I run a book club and enjoy staying active by exercising regularly. These activities keep my mind sharp and my body healthy. I also spend lots of time researching and expanding my knowledge on the latest trends in the aesthetics world.
Dr. Kelly DiStefano with husband Ed Fritz, owners of Wellington Rejuvenation Center