WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE - 20TH SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY EDITION

WELLINGTON THEMAGAZINE CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

Join Us As We Remember Some Of The Amazing Stories From Our Magazine Over The Past 20 Years

In the quiet embrace of Wellington, a publication emerged two decades ago that would weave the stories of our village into a colorful tapestry. Wellington The Magazine, has grown during that time to become a testament to the richness of community spirit and the power of storytelling. As we commemorate our 20th anniversary, let’s take a moment to look back on the journey, celebrate the milestones, and cast a hopeful gaze into the future.

In this 20th anniversary special issue, we have gone back through 240 issues of Wellington The Magazine to highlight some of the amazing stories told on our pages over the past 20 years. As you move from year to year, you will be able to recall profiles of fascinating people, poignant community milestones and brilliant echoes of days gone by. Along the way, you’ll find every front cover we produced from our Premiere Edition in January 2004 until the completion of our 20th year in December 2023.

Wellington The Magazine was born in 2004 with a vision to capture the essence of this vibrant community, launching with a feature on Wellington’s unique Aero Club neighborhood and an array of stories on shopping, eating and living in Wellington. The magazine has become a unique voice for the community, chronicling local events, profiling noteworthy personalities and celebrating the achievements that have made Wellington a fas-

cinating and tight-knit community.

Thumbing through hundreds of pages and skimming through story after story gives us such a sense of pride in the team that brought this publication to life, anchored in the idea that Wellington needed a monthly lifestyle magazine of its own. Even today, planning and visualizing all the content, layout and design elements still exhilarate us. Across 20 years of magazine pages, we see familiar faces, some who have moved away and some who are no longer with us. Yet their stories and legacies live on.

Over the past 20 years, Wellington The Magazine has achieved many milestones. In our first issue, we laid out an array of content categories and departments, refining each periodically to make sure we were providing the stories that our readers want. This has included features on local businesses, community events, personality profiles and human-interest pieces that have resonated with readers,

creating a bond that goes beyond ink and paper. We have profiled local entrepreneurs, sampled the fare at countless area restaurants and brought readers into many amazing homes in Wellington. We have profiled world-renowned equestrians, along with the stars of our own community — artists, business leaders, health professionals, educators and more.

As the community evolved, so did the magazine. It adapted to changing times, embracing digital platforms and multimedia storytelling while staying true to its roots. This evolution mirrored the transformation of Wellington itself, becoming not just a magazine but a living, breathing part of the village’s journey.

Two decades later, Wellington The Magazine’s impact isn’t confined to its pages. Through events, partnerships and community engagement initiatives, it has fostered a sense of belonging among residents. It has become a platform for dialogue, a catalyst for positive change and

a unifying force that goes beyond neighborhood boundaries. One of the magazine’s most significant achievements has been amplifying neighborhood voices. Through interviews, profiles and photography, it has given a platform to residents, business owners and community leaders, creating a vibrant mosaic of perspectives that define Wellington.

Although it is fun to look back, we must never lose sight of envisioning the next 20 years. As we stand on the cusp of a new era, Wellington The Magazine is poised to embrace technological advancements that will redefine storytelling. From virtual reality experiences to interactive features, the magazine will continue to evolve, ensuring that it remains a relevant and engaging source of information for the community. The next two decades hold the promise of further expanding the magazine’s scope. As the community grows, so will the stories to be told. We explore new avenues,

delve into untold narratives and continue to be the bridge connecting residents with the heartbeat of Wellington.

In an era of constant change, the magazine will not only adapt, but lead the way in fostering innovation. From community-driven initiatives to collaborations with local artists and businesses, Wellington The Magazine will be at the forefront of initiatives that shape our community’s future, yet we will always stay true to our roots, telling the stories of people, places and milestones that make Wellington unique.

As we applaud the journey so far, we are equally excited about the untold stories and unimagined possibilities of the future. Together, as a community, we look forward to the continued growth, evolution and impact that Wellington The Magazine will have on the lives of residents and our vibrant village. Here’s to two decades of storytelling — and to many more chapters yet to be written.

2004 In our debut year, Wellington The Magazine launched with a feature on the Aero Club and Aero Club HOA President Bob Morris on the cover. Feature series in 2004 included Wellington Celebrity Shopper, which took local celebrities on retail shopping sprees, and Wellington Culture Club, which profiled our amazing cultural organizations. Other departments were Wellington Gourmet and Wellington at Home.

BOB MORRIS: FLYIN’ HIGH... AND LOVING IT!

Bob Morris, president of the Aero Club Property Owners’ Association, talks about his love for his hand-restored experimental airplane and living in one of Wellington’s most unique neighborhoods.

TERRIFIC TWOSOME: MASON PHELPS & BEVERLY WILKES

Based in Wellington, the partnership of Mason Phelps Jr. and Beverly Lake Wilkes has become one of the nation’s most powerful fundraising teams for equestrian causes.

EXPLORE THE SECRET GARDENS OF WELLINGTON

Explore two of Wellington’s hidden treasures as Pinewood residents

Linda DeSanti and Pat Coatti invite you inside their secret gardens.

THE DINING DIVAS, KAREN CAVANAGH & JOANIE LAUTHER

In our first-ever dining issue, Karen Cavanagh and Joanie Lauther visit Wellington restaurants Stonewood Grill, La Vecchia Lanterna, Nicole’s Village Tavern and the Players Club.

WELLINGTON’S OWN ‘LITTLE MERMAID,’ PAT CURRY

Sunny Florida has its own version of the Rockettes, who also perform in synchronized style, except the Weeki Wachee Mermaids do it under 30 feet of water. Wellington Realtor and former Wellington Elementary School aide pat Curry was once one of those mermaids.

MEET WELLINGTON LANDINGS PRINCIPAL MARIO CROCETTI

Principal of Wellington Landings Middle School since 1997, Mario Crocetti never knows what each new day will bring. In a district that routinely shuffles administrators, Crocetti’s tenure has been long and successful.

THE VERDICT IS IN: COUNTY JUDGES FROM WELLINGTON

Palm Beach County judges Edward Fine, Barry Cohen and Jorge Labarga talk about their life on the bench and why they chose Wellington as home.

WELLINGTON CELEBRITY SHOPPER FEATURING MARIE PRIORE

Marie Priore, wife of Wellington Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore, ignored the stormy weather to shop up a storm as this month’s celebrity shopper.

WELLINGTON A REAL ESTATE HOTSPOT FOR THREE DECADES

For 30 years running, Wellington has been one of the nation’s leading real estate boom towns. Join us as we recall the community’s journey from the Flying C.O.W. Ranch to real estate cash cow.

2005 After a quick celebration of our first year, 2005 included amazing covers featuring equestrian stars of tomorrow and polo visionary Bill Ylvisaker, along with a salute to hospital volunteers and a fun Kids & Pets Contest. Our Wellington Celebrity Shopper series continued, now paired with a dining component. Other feature series included Wellington Business and Wellington Spa Experience.

YOUNG EQUESTRIAN SUPERSTARS FROM WELLINGTON

From polo to dressage to show jumping, the equestrian stars of tomorrow are growing up today in Wellington.

We speak with dressage rider Amanda Stearns, show jumper Kenzie Duckett and polo player Julio Gracida.

WELLINGTON’S EQUESTRIAN VISIONARY BILL YLVISAKER

In the late 1970s, polo-playing real estate developer Bill Ylvisaker looked at acre upon acre of marshland and dreamed of a sprawling equestrian community. Wellington today is one man’s dream, 30 years later.

ANDY KOBOSKO IS BUILDING KOBOSKO’S CROSSING

For years, self-styled “cantaloupe man” Andy Kobosko has run his landmark farmer’s market on Forest Hill Blvd., but the times are changing.

‘PALM BEACH ROX’ WITH ROXANNA CELLA

Wellington resident Roxanna Cella thinks Palm Beach County is the place to be, and she’s showcasing the reasons why in 30-minute television installments.

TOUR THE NEW WELLINGTON VETERANS MEMORIAL

Mayor Tom Wenham, a Korean War veteran, explains how the new Wellington Veterans Memorial holds a special place in his heart.

INSPIRING STORIES OF WELLINGTON SURVIVORS

Are those little inconveniences getting you down? Meeting Ashley Tiberio, Karen Karlin and Dennis Witkowski — the Wellington Survivors we profile this month — will put it all in perspective. They’ve faced life-threatening situations and persevered.

MEET THE WOMAN IN BLACK

She’s known for walking around town in her unique outfits, but Ray Suzan Strauss is more interested in talking about her new book, MagicSpell

KATHY JARAMILLO’S NEW, MILLION-DOLLAR SMILE

A year ago, Kathy Jaramillo won Dr. Farokh Jiveh’s Holiday Smile Giveaway, and now she’s really earned her million-dollar smile.

COMING SOON: WELLINGTON’S FIRST HOTEL

A Hampton Inn will soon open near the Mall at Wellington Green as the village’s first hotel, and WellingtonTheMagazine got an exclusive, hard-hat tour.

2006 Wellington Fashion debuted in 2006 with a pictorial featuring Ashley Maguire. Also on the cover were show jumping star Margie Goldstein-Engle, breast cancer survivor Shari Zipp, two state senators and Santa Claus. Wellington Spa Experience chose one lucky reader each month to enjoy a day at a local spa. Meanwhile, the year-long Project Tara series began, as the community came together to support Tara Connel through a lifechanging experience.

THE THERAPEUTIC POWER OF HORSES

In her many years running the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, founder Ruth Menor has seen firsthand how horses can work miracles.

MARGIE GOLDSTEIN-ENGLE IS LIVING HER DREAM

Wellington resident and show jumping champion Margie Goldstein-Engle is one of the lucky few who get to live their dream, and there’s no end to the dream in sight.

WELLINGTON’S NEWS ANCHOR JIM SACKETT

Since 1978, longtime Wellington resident Jim Sackett of WPTV NewsChannel 5 has been the continuous face of local news in Palm Beach County.

PALMS WEST HOSPITAL’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

This year, Palms West Hospital celebrated its 20th anniversary. Although today it seems natural to have a comprehensive medical facility down the street, the birth of the hospital was not without complications.

25 YEARS AT WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY

Wellington Elementary School celebrated its 25th anniversary this year, and we meet Barbara Otto, Beth Smalling and Ginny Vattiat, three of the school’s pioneering teachers, who talk about life then and now.

BIG PLANS FOR WELLINGTON’S EQUESTRIAN AREA

Take a first look at the proposed Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, a $100 million vision its creators say will further burnish Wellington’s reputation as the world capital of equestrian sport.

YOUR BOSOM BUDDIES II: WOMEN HELPING WOMEN

Wellington’s breast cancer support group is all about women standing together, caring for each other, and transforming each other into stronger individuals. It’s a sisterhood, traveling the cancer journey together.

FRANK & HERTA SUESS: A PRESCRIPTION FOR SUCCESS

Wellington entrepreneurs Frank and Herta Suess have quietly built up a multi-million-dollar medical supply business in Wellington’s horse country.

RICHARD ROBINSON IS WELLINGTON’S SANTA CLAUS

While Richard Robinson is most familiar in his role as “Wellington’s bartender,” the genial gent reveals his true identity every holiday season: he’s Santa Claus.

2007 In 2007, our long-running Wellington Celebrity Shopper feature came to an end with other business-related features taking its place. Featured on the cover was tennis legend Dick Stockton, equestrian Heather Caristo, “Apprentice” contestant Marisa DeMato, Wellington’s bicycle man Stan Kilbas and celebrity chef Stephen Asprinio.

COMMISSIONER JESS SANTAMARIA, PUBLIC SERVANT

After decades as a community activist, Jess Santamaria begins his new role as a county commissioner. His goal: a complete makeover of Palm Beach County politics.

‘LEFTY’ RIPA: 60 YEARS AS ROTARIAN

One of the values that 96-year-old Wellington resident Sebastian “Lefty” Ripa has held most dear throughout his long life is dedication, especially to his beloved Rotary Club.

PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WITH PAUL SCHOFIELD

Community Services Director Paul Schofield is one of the guiding forces of Wellington, shaping its future with his decades of experience in planning and development.

KEEPING THEIR SON’S MEMORY ALIVE

Mark and Peggy Candreva hope to keep the memory of their late son Joshua alive by helping other young people in his name.

THE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB’S NEW FACE

John Wash is the first to admit that he’s never been on a polo pony. But the new manager at Wellington’s International Polo Club brings decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s top clubs.

JIM BARNES: OVERSEEING WELLINGTON’S GREEN SPACE

How many parks does Wellington boast? If you said 29, give yourself a gold star. It’s one of South Florida’s largest municipal park systems, and it’s overseen by Jim Barnes, director of the Leisure Services Department.

PALMS WEST CHAMBER: SAME SHIP, NEW CAPTAIN

It has been nearly a year since local businesswomen Jaene Miranda took over day-to-day operations at the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. She has slowly been putting her own spin on the venerable institution.

BINKS FOREST COMES BACK TO LIFE

Like many golfers, Jordan Paul was won over by the Binks Forest Golf Club’s design and beauty. Now this Florida investor is bringing the long-neglected landmark back to life.

THE ICE MAN LIVES IN WELLINGTON

If you came of age in the early 1990s, Vanilla Ice’s anthem “Ice, Ice Baby” is nostalgically familiar. Today, the Ice Man is living in Wellington and catering to a new generation of rap lovers.

2008 Here at Wellington The Magazine , 2008 was a year of fashion and horses. Featured on the cover were polo player Jeff Blake, dressage rider Monica Burssens and a perky Pomeranian named Little Lovey. Wellington Table arrived as a regular feature section, visiting eateries such as Field of Greens, Tree’s Wings and more. Our Wellington at Home series continued to take readers on residentguided tours through their homes.

MEET THE FACES OF AUTISM IN WELLINGTON

Nationwide, the autism diagnosis rate has skyrocketed. In this issue, we meet two Wellington families with autistic children and learn about the growing number of local services that aim to help.

FROM THE STREETS OF BROOKLYN TO WELLINGTON

Wellington may be 1,221 miles from Brooklyn, but a group of former New Yorkers have harkened back to their youth, forming the Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball League.

PALM BEACH DRESSAGE DERBY MARKS 25 YEARS

Twenty-five years ago, a small group of dedicated equestrians created what has grown into one of the nation’s top dressage competitions: the Palm Beach Dressage Derby.

CHATTING WITH POLO SUPERSTAR ADOLFO CAMBIASO

Polo superstar Adolfo Cambiaso, considered by many to be the best player in a generation, talks about his life, the game and his time in Wellington.

MEET FIVE YOUNG WELLINGTON ENTREPRENEURS

Meet five Wellington High School graduates who have reached business success at an early age. We feature Beth Beattie, Danielle Norcross, Juan Sebastian Hoyos, Brett Allen and Jen Dunnell Allen.

WALLY SANGER AND CYCLING ON THE OPEN ROAD

When local businessman Wally Sanger needs a break, he takes his touring bike and hits the road. In fact, he’s now getting ready to bike across the country.

SIPPING WELLINGTON’S SIGNATURE DRINKS

Visiting restaurants and bars can be hard work, but the staff at WellingtonTheMagazine took up the grueling task of calling on several popular watering holes to sample their “signature drinks.”

WELLINGTON’S ROMMY REVSON, UNLIKELY INVENTOR

Scünci, scrunchie, scrunchy — whatever you call it, it has been holding ponytails in place since 1986. Now, the first one ever created is on its way to the Smithsonian. For inventor Rommy Revson, it’s a sweet victory.

MEET DRESSAGE RIDER DEVON KANE OF DIAMANTE FARM

Devon Kane, a 22-year-old dressage rider from San Antonio, Texas, manages her family’s Diamante Farm, one of Wellington’s most successful dressage operations.

2009 In 2009, we saluted longtime local firefighters and held a contest that honored “Mother of the Year” Suzanne Schissler. Equestrians on the front cover included polo player Nic Roldan, jumper Georgina Bloomberg and show jumping judge Jenny Ross. We also looked at the many exciting changes going on at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Wellington Table visited Kontiki, Devine Bistro and more.

WEF FOUNDER GENE MISCHE’S LASTING LEGACY

Gene Mische, founder of Stadium Jumping, celebrates nearly 60 years in the equestrian industry this year. It is a career that changed the face of equestrian sport in America and secured Wellington’s place in it.

VILLAGE INITIATIVE TARGETS PROBLEM AREAS

Wellington’s so-called “transitional neighborhoods” are getting more attention than just cops and code enforcement these days. The village has invested about $1 million in a program known as Safe Neighborhoods. Its goals are not only to reduce crime, but also to improve property values and engage community residents through recreation, family activities and civic efforts.

DAVE RICHARDS: ZERO TO 300 IN FIVE SECONDS

Wellington resident Dave Richards spends a good deal of his free time pursuing a different kind of horse interest: horsepower. The nitromethane-powered funny car dragster he co-owns with his brother is speeding up the International Hot Rod Association rankings.

FROM BRONCO FOOTBALL STAR TO GATOR LINEBACKER

Hard work pays off. That’s the message University of Florida freshman linebacker Jon Bostic would like to send to students currently attending his Wellington alma mater, Palm Beach Central High School.

A HIDDEN GEM: PEACEFUL WATERS SANCTUARY

Wellington’s vision statement promises the balance of a “unique hometown, family atmosphere with an attractive natural environment and recreational, cultural and educational activities with facilities for all ages.” Residents get all those things when they visit the new Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, an eight-acre wetlands park with elevated nature boardwalks and walking trails.

WELLINGTON AT HOME VISITS WITH JIM CORBIN

Family heirlooms and art from around the world add unique flair to Wellington pioneer Jim Corbin’s home in the Hunter’s Chase section of Palm Beach Polo, which we visit as part of our Wellington at Home series.

LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS SHARE THEIR STORIES

Did you know you might be living next door to a hero? This month, WellingtonTheMagazine profiles eight Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue workers who have logged 20 years or more in fire service — and they all live in the Wellington area.

CareYou Can Count

When it comes to your family’s health, you can count on our dedication to deliver compassionate, quality care every time.

Wellington Regional is here with award-winning services, including cardiovascular, maternity and Level III NICU, emergency medicine, an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation by the American College of Cardiology, an Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV, an Accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence by MBSAQIP and much more.

2010 Scott’s Place playground opened in 2010, and the GPL arrived. Equestrians on the cover included course designer Bobby Murphy, polo player Brandon Phillips and Lizabeth Olszewski of Horses Healing Hearts. The special feature series was Wellington Entrepreneur, which profiled 12 business leaders. Wellington Table visited Agliolio, Taylor Made Café and more.

A HERO GETS A NEW WELLINGTON HOME

Army veteran Steven Holloway will likely spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair after a sniper’s bullet severed his spinal cord while he was serving in Iraq. He now lives in a townhouse with his wife and three children, but the home is not fully wheelchair accessible. Homes for Our Troops is about to change that.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF POLO IN WELLINGTON

While polo has had its peaks and valleys since its arrival here in 1979, Wellington remains the epicenter of the sport in the United States, mainly because the best players in the world play here. And much of that can be credited to Palm Beach Polo founder William Ylvisaker.

WELLINGTON PHARMACIST CHUCK SCHAEFER

Schaefer Drugs has been open in Wellington since 1979, and the person responsible for its success is owner Chuck Schaefer. For 30 years, Schaefer has been making customer service his top priority. That is why he is the first nominee for WellingtonTheMagazine’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

SCOTT’S PLACE PLAYGROUND SPRINGS TO LIFE

It has been many years since Barbara and Del Williamson lost their six-year-old son Scott, but all this time, they’ve been searching for a fitting way to honor his short life. Their dream is now reality for disabled children and their families living in Wellington.

GAY POLO TOURNAMENT COMING TO WELLINGTON

The traditional sport of polo will take on a new field of players April 3 when the Gay Polo League — the only polo organization of its kind — will host the first International Gay Polo Tournament at the Grand Champions Polo Club.

SEVERAL NEW BUILDINGS CELEBRATE THE FAITH

Spiritual faith is alive and well in the Wellington area, a fact shown by new religious structures planned or recently completed. This issue features four such projects — two Catholic churches, a Jewish temple and a community center celebrating the Baha’i faith.

ROSA FERNANDEZ: WELLINGTON’S FIRST PEDIATRICIAN

Before Wellington Regional Medical Center and Palms West Hospital; before dozens of medical buildings and urgent care facilities, there was Dr. Rosa Fernandez, who holds the distinction of being the area’s first pediatrician.

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2011 The new Wellington Municipal Complex opened in 2011, and the horse world lost legendary show promoter Gene Mische. Equestrians on the cover included polo players Julio Arellano and Sunny Hale, along with Nicole and Paige Bellissimo. Others were meteorologist Stephanie Abrams, YouTube star Ricky Ficarelli, Miss Florida USA Karina Brez and county singer Emily Brooke. The special feature series was Wellington Star, and Wellington Table visited Oli’s Fashion Cuisine, Bonefish Mac’s, Franco and more.

A LOOK AT WELLINGTON’S NEW HEADQUARTERS

The Village of Wellington has a bigger building to operate out of after opening its new municipal complex, consolidating most of the village’s operations under one roof, from code enforcement to the council chambers.

WEF EVENT GCC TO RAISE $1 MILLION FOR CHARITY

Thirty lucky charities are getting the opportunity to win major prize money during the 2011 FTI Great Charity Challenge. It is the second year of this unique event founded by the Bellissimo family.

CHATTING WITH SHOW JUMPING GREAT MCLAIN WARD

McLain Ward is entering his third decade atop the show jumping equestrian scene. With two Olympic team gold medals to his name, Ward is once again competing in Wellington, chasing a chance at that elusive individual title.

MEET MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST WINNER JOAN SELLMAN

Joan Sellman has lived a long life full of fun, adventure and love. And as the winner of WellingtonTheMagazine’s Mother’s Day contest, she will get to enjoy another adventure, sailing away on a fun-filled cruise, courtesy of Celebration Cruise Line.

HOSPITALS MARK 25 YEARS OF HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP

Palms West Hospital and Wellington Regional Medical Center — the two medical campuses serving the Wellington area — are both celebrating their silver anniversaries this year after opening in 1986.

WELLINGTON STAR: WHS BASEBALL ACE ANDREW ISTLER

Considered by many to be the best pitching prospect in Palm Beach County, Wellington’s Andrew Istler was recruited by a number of colleges before accepting a scholarship from Duke, making him this month’s Wellington Star.

WELLINGTON RESIDENTS HELP HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

For a quarter-century, Habitat for Humanity of Palm Beach County has been providing simple, safe, affordable homes for families in need — and two Wellington residents are instrumental in the local chapter’s success.

WELLINGTON STAR: YOUNG SINGER EMILY BROOKE

Young country music singer and Wellington resident Emily Brooke is gaining recognition across the nation as an up-and-coming performer, having shared the stage with some of Nashville’s biggest acts. She is this month’s Wellington Star.

Adorning Life’s Moments.

Wellington Florist has been proudly serving Wellington and the Palm Beaches since the early days in 1991. We are a LOCAL family owned business voted BEST FLORIST in Palm Beach County 2021 - 2023. The Varvarigos family has a long history of working with flowers. We take pride in the freshness of our products. Many of the premium flowers come from Holland through Dutch brokers living in the United States who have been to the farms, know the industry, and know exactly which farms have the best flowers at different times of the year.

Third generation owner and operator J.P. Varvarigos and our talented crew of 25 are committed to offering only the finest floral, plant, and orchid arrangements, backed by service that is detail oriented and dependable. We deliver same day throughout Palm Beach County and all of our arrangements come with our 7-day guarantee.

Wellington Florist, founded by Melinda and Dean Varvarigos in 1991.

2012 Wellington The Magazine celebrated 100 issues in 2012. Equestrians on the cover included polo player Gonzalito Pieres and jumper Laura Kraut. Also on the cover was Dr. David Soria, covaledictorians Crystal and Felicia Yan, Tom Wenham, and musicians Michaela Paige and Cassadee Pope. The special feature section was Wellington Woman, and Wellington Table visited Strathmore Bagels, Short Stacks and the Palm Beach Yacht Club.

A MILESTONE: 100 ISSUES OF WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

The April 2012 issue marks a major milestone for WellingtonTheMagazine— 100 issues of “bringing you the best of Wellington.” To celebrate, we decided to take a look back at how it all began — and look ahead toward what the future holds.

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL’S TWIN CO-VALEDICTORIANS

Wellington twins Crystal and Felicia Yan have a long history of academic excellence, topped off this May when they presided as co-valedictorians of the 2012 graduating class at Wellington High School. They will head to the University of Pennsylvania, where they will study molecular biology.

GROUP AIMS TO ‘PRESERVE WELLINGTON’S WAY OF LIFE’

When Tom Wenham ran for mayor, his fliers read, “Preserving Wellington’s Way of Life.” Wenham believes his new role as executive director of the Wellington Preservation Coalition is just an extension of that goal. The coalition, created over the summer, aims to be a voice for all residents, protecting the community’s assets.

TOMMY CHEATHAM MARKS 20 YEARS IN WELLINGTON

Wellington Tennis Center Director Tommy Cheatham has held just two jobs in his life — and that’s exactly how he wants it. From his first job in Texas, he headed to Wellington 20 years ago to run the tennis programs at the young community’s two country clubs. That job has morphed to his current position as Wellington’s official tennis pro.

WELLINGTON BOYS & GIRLS CLUB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

Longtime Wellington Boys & Girls Club supporters Dr. Edward and Maria Becker are chairing the group’s 25th anniversary gala, which will be held this December at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. The milestone comes at a crucial juncture for this important local institution.

LOCAL SINGERS FEATURED ON HIT NBC SHOW ‘THE VOICE’

Popular television singing competition TheVoicehas launched two talented Wellington singers to national stardom as they battle it out for a shot at the big time. On Season 3 of the NBC show, Cassadee Pope and Michaela Paige are representing their hometown in their quest to be named “The Voice.”

WELLINGTON WOMAN: BEVERLY PERHAM OF BACK TO BASICS

For 28 years, Beverly Perham, our final Woman of the Year Award nominee has made it her mission to provide thousands of disadvantaged children with sneakers, socks and underwear through her organization, Back to Basics.

2013 Our feature sections Faces of Polo, Faces of WEF and Faces of Dressage debuted in 2013. Equestrians on the cover included polo players Facundo Pieres and Melissa Ganzi, dressage rider Todd Flettrich and dressage patron Kimberly Van Kempen Boyer. The special feature section was Wellington Volunteer, saluting some of the amazing people who give of themselves. The Indulge feature visited local salons and spas, while Wellington Table visited First Watch, Jojo’s Raw Bar, Lindburgers and more.

INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

The International Polo Club Palm Beach opens its 10th anniversary season this month. Our special feature section tells the history of the club and the sport in Wellington, along with featurettes on brunch, polo fashion, the sport itself and more.

‘FACES OF POLO’ HIGHLIGHTS SOME OF THE TOP PLAYERS

Polo’s many parts come together to create the perfect experience — brunch, tailgating, divot stomping and more. But it’s the athletes who bring the sport to life. Our “Faces of Polo” feature this month highlights some of the sport’s top names.

OLYMPIAN COURTNEY KING-DYE NOW A SAFETY ACTIVIST

After representing the United States at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, dressage rider Courtney King-Dye found herself battling for her life. Overcoming adversity, she is now a helmet safety activist changing the sport she loves.

TEMPLE BETH TORAH BIDS FAREWELL TO RABBI PINSKY

It’s a bittersweet time for Rabbi Stephen Pinsky, who is retiring this month as spiritual leader of Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah after 17 years of service. Along the way, he has made lifelong connections while greatly expanding the thriving congregation.

REVOLUTIONARY ADVANCES IN IMPLANT DENTISTRY

Dr. Farokh Jiveh has made it his mission to inform the public of rapid improvements in dental technology, such as recent advances in dental implants. New technology has allowed dental professionals to help their patients achieve brighter, healthier smiles.

WORKING TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS

The newly formed Merrell Family Foundation aims to prevent future tragedies by raising public awareness about the realities of mental illness. The nonprofit was founded by Wellington resident and Ultima Fitness owner Jill Merrell after her husband John died after battling mental health issues.

HOME CONSTRUCTION ON THE UPSWING IN WELLINGTON

Real estate is on the move again in Wellington, and the growing trend can be seen in new home construction. Local builders note that Wellington is one of the first Florida communities to be making a strong comeback after the Great Recession.

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2014 In our 10th anniversary year, the Wellington Hero series profiled some amazing people doing good deeds in the community, and a six-month series crowned “Wellington’s Next Top Model.” Equestrians on the cover included polo players Sebastian Merlos and Nic Roldan, as well as dressage Olympian Robert Dover. Also on the cover were baseball star Jarrod Saltalamaccia, as well as Geroge DuPont and Brenda Lynn of the Museum of Polo. Wellington Table visited PDQ, Black Pearl, Don Ramon and more.

TALKING WITH DRESSAGE ICON, OLYMPIAN ROBERT DOVER

Dressage star Robert Dover is now passing his wisdom on to a new generation of riders as chef d’equipe of the United States National Dressage Team.

LIFECHURCH.TV IS BUILDING THE CHURCH OF TOMORROW

Using a non-traditional approach, the mission of LifeChurch.tv is simple — to lead people to become devoted Christians, using technology to make it happen.

COMMUNITY REMEMBERS POLO ICON CARLOS GRACIDA

Remembered as an affable and well-respected man with a smile for all who crossed his path, Carlos Gracida helped change the face of polo with his speed, grace and precision on the field.

PIZZAZZ HAIR DESIGN CELEBRATES 40TH ANNIVERSARY

Pizzazz Hair Design & Spa has grown up with the western communities, offering stylish cuts, great spa services and a friendly face to clients for nearly 40 years.

FAMILY IS KEY FOR MARLINS’ JARROD SALTALAMACCHIA

For baseball star Jarrod Saltalamacchia, joining the Miami Marlins meant coming home to Wellington, where he can spend more time as father to daughters

Sidney, 7, Hunter, 6, and Sloane, 3, and husband to wife Ashley.

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES, THE RADIO CLUB IS THERE

In 1998, Wellington put out an appeal for volunteer communicators to help with the newly formed Emergency Operations Center. Only one volunteer — Larry Lazar — showed up, but one was all it took to form the Wellington Radio Club.

CHIP MCKENNEY BRINGS HIS EXPERTISE TO WELLINGTON

A new face will become more familiar in Wellington’s social and equestrian scenes this year — that of Chip McKenney, who recently moved from the West Coast to join Phelps Media Group as a partner and chief executive officer.

WELLINGTON BUSINESS ICON THE TACKERIA TURNS 40

Back in the 1970s, Tony Coppola thought it might be a good idea to start a tack business in the fledgling Wellington community. He started out in a trailer, and 40 years later, Coppola’s huge equestrian emporium is still going strong.

2015 The Wellington Neighborhood special feature series in 2015 highlighted many of the unique places to live in Wellington. In July, the cover was updated to debut the new WellingtonTheMagazine logo. Equestrians on the cover included polo players Luis Escobar and Memo Gracida, jumper Georgina Bloomberg and dressage rider Ashley Holzer. Also on the cover were Florida Chief Justice Jorge Labarga and local pioneer Ken Adams. Wellington Table visited BurgerFi, Tub Tim Thai and more.

RECORD-BREAKING YEAR FOR GLOBAL DRESSAGE FESTIVAL

One of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival is hosting its fourth annual series in 2015 with 10 weeks of fantastic equestrian sport in Wellington.

EMILY BROOKE ENJOYS HER ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ EXPERIENCE

A Wellington High School student, home-grown singer Emily Brooke, one of the stars of this year’s Hollywood Week on American Idol XIV, has enjoyed her amazing journey on the blockbuster television show.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS CHART WELLINGTON’S FUTURE

Wellington leaders from the past, present and future gathered in February for the Wellington’s Future Forum, hosted at the Wanderers Club by the Young Professionals of Wellington.

WELLINGTON’S JORGE LABARGA, FLORIDA’S CHIEF JUSTICE

You may remember him as Circuit Court Judge Jorge Labarga, a key player in the disputed 2000 presidential election. Today, the longtime Wellington resident is Chief Justice Jorge Labarga, appointed to oversee the Florida Supreme Court.

THE MERRELL FAMILY IS ON A MISSION TO HELP OTHERS

The Merrell family has been part of the Wellington community since 1979 and has seen more than its fair share of tragedies. Today, however, the Merrells are using their experiences — and the lessons learned from them — to better their lives and those of others through Ultima Fitness and the Wellness Center at Ultima Fitness.

A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE WITH PIONEER KEN ADAMS

It was the regal sport of fox hunting that first brought Ken Adams and his wife Arle to Wellington in the 1970s, and from that beginning, Adams put his indelible stamp on the young community.

BETH TOWNSEND APPEARS ON ‘CHRISTMAS CAKE WARS’

Wellington resident Beth Townsend has put a difficult childhood behind her, making a name for herself in the cake decorating industry, and earning a spot on the current Food Network show Christmas Cake Wars. New episodes are airing Mondays at 9 p.m. on the Food Network throughout the holiday season.

WHS DEBATE PROGRAM TEACHES KEY LIFE SKILLS

Debate students at Wellington High School did their community proud this year, racking up many awards. Yet coach Paul Gaba knows that what they’ve achieved is worth far more than honors, ribbons and trophies.

2016 In 2016, our Wellington Education series put the spotlight on amazing teachers from local schools. Equestrians on the cover included polo player Jeff Hall, jumper McLain Ward and dressage rider Allison Brock. Also gracing the cover were State Attorney Dave Aronberg, five mayors of Wellington and a special fold-out featuring the Rio 2016 medal-winning United States Equestrian Team. Wellington Table visited Oli’s Fashion Cuisine, Gabriel’s Café and Bolay.

POLO A YEAR-ROUND EXPERIENCE AT GRAND CHAMPIONS

Near the corner of Lake Worth Road and South Shore Blvd., lies the Grand Champions Polo Club. Owned by Marc and Melissa Ganzi, the club is beautiful and elegant, and what happens there is truly special. Unlike other venues, at Grand Champions, polo is played year-round.

50 YEARS OF HAIR FASHION: FROM SASSOON TO ARROJO

Visions Salon held a unique hair fashion show event, “50 Years of Hair Fashion: From Sassoon to Arrojo,” in late January to benefit the American Cancer Society. The fashion show boasted models displaying styles from the 1960s through some of today’s latest trends.

WELLINGTON’S EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM A SUCCESS

Student grades are going up at schools across Wellington. Somewhere up above, Keely Spinelli, the former principal at Binks Forest who passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2008, is smiling. That’s because the Wellington Education Grant named after Spinelli is working hard to help students across the community.

WHS WEIGHTLIFTING TEAMMATES CAPTURE STATE CROWNS

There’s a banner in the Wellington High School gymnasium with the names of Chloe Odom and LeeAnn Hewitt on it. The banner lists Odom and Hewitt as state champions in girls weightlifting. It’s a history-making banner that puts the Wolverines’ girls weightlifting program in elite company.

OUR MAYORS: VISIONARY LEADERS SHAPED THE VILLAGE

It was just 20 years ago that Wellington made the jump from a collection of neighborhoods to an incorporated community. Since then, it has been two decades of amazing growth and impressive milestones. The winter equestrian capital of the world boasts A-rated schools, great shopping, amazing parks and spectacular amenities. Visionary mayors set the course to make it all a reality.

TOUR THE BRAND-NEW WELLINGTON NATIONAL GOLF CLUB

Most Wellington residents are aware that a golf course, once rated among the best in the nation, is located on Binks Forest Drive. The course was recently purchased and is now home to the new Wellington National Golf Club.

CHEF CLAY CARNES WINS BIG ON ‘CUTTHROAT KITCHEN’

Wellingtonian Clay Carnes is a well-known local chef and social media devotee, and as of this past summer, the winner of Food Network’s CutthroatKitchen:TimeWarpTournament

2017 Local interior designers were featured in 2017 in a series called Wellington Designer. Equestrians on the cover included polo player Hilario Ulloa, jumper Emanuel Andrade and dressage patron Ann Romney. Also on the cover were PBSO Chief Deputy Michael Gauger, Teacher of the Year Avangeline Aguirre and Great Charity Challenge Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin. Wellington Table checked out “signatures dishes” at restaurants across the community.

PHILANTHROPY IS PERSONAL FOR BRANDON PHILLIPS

Brandon Phillips, honorary chair of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Jan. 16 Polo for a Purpose event, approaches philanthropy the same way he does the polo field: Surround yourself with a great team, make it fun and bring your competitive spirit.

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION YEAR IN REVIEW

The Wellington Community Foundation is celebrating its first anniversary of helping residents in need. The foundation was re-imagined a year ago as an independent organization with a mission to support a wide array of community projects.

DISABILITY HASN’T STOPPED BOWLER HEATHER PAMPENA

Almost every Saturday from July through November for the last 20 years, Heather Pampena practices and competes with the Wellington Strikers bowling team. Born with a chromosome disorder, it hasn’t stopped the 33-year-old left-hander.

DR. EVANGELINE AGUIRRE NAMED TEACHER OF THE YEAR

Palm Beach Central High School’s Dr. Evangeline Aguirre got the surprise of her life recently when Palm Beach County School Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa, Palm Beach County School Board Chairman Chuck Shaw and School Board Member Marcia Andrews showed up at her school to honor her as the county’s teacher of the year.

WRMC DESIGNATED A COMPREHENSIVE STROKE CENTER

Recognizing the prevalence of stroke-related hospital visits, Wellington Regional Medical Center made a commitment to the community to become a Comprehensive Stroke Center, which allows the hospital to care for some of the most complex cases.

BRONCO BAND BRINGS HOME THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

The Palm Beach Central High School marching band triumphed over the competition to claim the state championship crown for the 2016-17 school year. The Bronco band won the Class 3A crown at the Florida Marching Band Championships for the first time in school history.

THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN BENEFIT FROM BACK TO BASICS

Back to Basics, a Wellington-based charitable organization, has helped hundreds of thousands of children in need in Palm Beach and Martin counties over the course of three decades. Founded by Beverly Perham, the nonprofit is now in its 34th year.

2018 In 2018, a feature series called Wellington Senior profiled local senior citizens. Equestrians on the cover included polo patron Gillian Johnston, jumper Kent Farrington and dressage rider Adrienne Lyle. Other cover luminaries included Michael Stone of WEF, Chief Assistant State Attorney Alan Johnson and Beginning Teacher of the Year Amelia Forem. Wellington Table visited Champions Bistro, Kaluz, Kabuki and more.

HEATED VINYASA YOGA CLASSES AND MORE AT ZOIA YOGA

Zoia Yoga & Wellness recently opened in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza in Wellington. The boutique yoga studio offers heated vinyasa yoga classes for all levels of experience, explained owner Jhaleh Jiveh.

WPTV’S ROXANNE STEIN PUTS HER FOCUS ON WELLINGTON

Along with providing the people of Palm Beach County with their news for nearly 25 years, Roxanne Stein has made her mark on the Wellington community. Stein recently retired as a news anchor at WPTV News Channel 5 and promptly took over as president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

MADDIE BROWN COMPETING ON NBC’S ‘WORLD OF DANCE’

Wellington’s deep reservoir of untapped talent continues to find its way to shine. Most recently, an up-and-coming star from the community is being featured this summer on NBC’s “World of Dance.”

Madison “Maddie” Brown, a 12-year-old Wellington native, can be seen on Season 2 of the hit show.

MEET CHIEF ASSISTANT STATE ATTORNEY ALAN JOHNSON

When he is playing in the band Americana Jones, Wellington resident Alan Johnson dons a hat and boots. Most days, though, he wears a suit to the office, where he is the Chief Assistant State Attorney of Palm Beach County.

JOE DIMAGGIO CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL EYES WELLINGTON

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital will open a pediatric specialty center in Wellington in early 2019. The new facility will be the largest specialty center outside of the four-floor freestanding hospital in Broward County.

BROOKS KOEPKA: FROM WELLINGTON TO THE WORLD STAGE

Did you know that current U.S. Open and PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka grew up in Wellington and got his start at the junior golf program at a local public golf course?

NEW HISTORICAL SOCIETY WORKS TO PRESERVE THE PAST

Knowing an area’s history provides a foundation for the culture and allows for a deeper understanding of the modern-day community. But Wellington is a young community. When does it become important to think of its past as history? The newly founded Wellington Historical Society believes that the time is now.

BRAD PEACOCK: WELLINGTON’S OWN WORLD SERIES CHAMP

Brad Peacock has three priorities in his life: family, friends and baseball — and the past year has been full of milestones for the Houston Astros pitcher and Wellington resident.

2019 Equestrians on the cover in 2019 included polo player Mariano Aguerre, jumper Adrienne Sternlicht and dressage rider Kasey Perry-Glass. The GPL celebrated its 10th anniversary in Wellington, and the first winners of the Arle & Ken Adams Scholarships were featured. Team Wellington shined the spotlight on each village department, while Wellington Table visited the Poké Company, Whit’s Frozen Custard and SoBol.

CARLUCHO ARELLANO: A MAN ON A MISSION FOR THE USPA

Ripples of change are percolating through the world of American polo, and Wellington’s Carlucho Arellano, the executive director of services for the United States Polo Association, is focused on making a big and positive impact on polo in the U.S.

MEET NOREEN O’SULLIVAN, LEADER OF GOLD COAST DRESSAGE

The Gold Coast Dressage Association turned 35 this year and kicked off its anniversary by cooking up an asado at the Palm Beach Equine facility. The event also marked a milestone for longtime GCDA President and Show Manager Noreen O’Sullivan.

GPL TOURNAMENT RETURNS FOR 10TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT

The International Gay Polo Tournament, hosted by the Gay Polo League in Wellington, keeps getting bigger and better, and the upcoming 10th anniversary celebration is maintaining that tradition, based on the vision of GPL founder Chip McKenney.

JULIE KIME CONTINUES HER LONG SUPPORT FOR B&G CLUB

Julie Kime may be four years into her retirement, but she is far from finished contributing to the community. Following a tour 32 years ago, she fell so in love with the children at the Boys & Girls Club that she became a tireless and consistent voice for them.

AMERICAN HERITAGE WELCOMES NEW SCIENCE BUILDING

American Heritage School, the number-one private school in Palm Beach County for the highest number of National Merit Scholars, is expanding its academic footprint and looking to improve its already high-level commitment to scientific learning.

YOUTH HELP WELLINGTON WIN THE LET’S MOVE CHALLENGE

What does it take to log 12,849,676 minutes of physical activity across the Village of Wellington to win the Palm Health Foundation’s 2019 Let’s Move challenge? According to Paulette Edwards, Wellington’s community services director, the key was community engagement.

BRICKS BUSTING BOREDOM USES LEGOS TO HELP KIDS IN NEED

While many younger sisters might not want to follow in their brother’s footsteps, Wellington High School junior Sarah Clein relishes the job of taking over the responsibility of the local nonprofit Bricks Busting Boredom, founded by her sibling Daniel Clein.

2020 It was a pandemic year that disrupted ordinary life, including one issue of Wellington The Magazine. However, the focus was on coming together to support the healthcare community and those in need. Equestrians on the cover included polo player Facundo Pieres, jumper Alex Ganato and dressage rider Rebecca Hart. Wellington Program looked at different village-sponsored things to do. Wellington Table visited Village Music Café and PapiChulo.

KATHY FOSTER & TOM WENHAM ADDED TO FOUNDER’S PLAQUE

Kathy Foster and Tom Wenham, both former mayors of Wellington and members of the first Wellington Village Council, will soon have their names added to the Wellington Founder’s Plaque — an honor reserved for those instrumental in making Wellington the community it is today.

CLASS OF 2020: PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR PROM FASHION

WellingtonTheMagazine set out on a mission to do something special for graduating seniors during unprecedented times — something no one else was doing and that would be meaningful for years to come. This goal led to the amazing prom-themed fashion pictorial that spreads over the pages of the June 2020 magazine. Although it could never replace an actual prom experience, it was a great way to help them celebrate their wonderful accomplishments.

‘FRANK DIMINO CAMPUS’ UNVEILED AT JOE DIMAGGIO FACILITY

The Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, a medical home close to home for Palm Beach County children with specialized and/or acute medical needs, is now located on the “Frank DiMino Campus” in Wellington, named after a local philanthropist.

NEW PROMENADE TRANSFORMS LAKE WELLINGTON WATERFRONT

Have you taken a stroll along the new Wellington Town Center Promenade? If not, head on over to the Wellington Community Center and look behind the building for the newly renovated and expanded waterfront. One thing that hasn’t changed is the view — it’s still stunning.

TANYA QUICKEL HONORED BY SPECIAL DISTRICTS ASSOCIATION

Wellington’s Director of Administrative & Financial Services and Assistant Village Manager Tanya Quickel was recently honored by the Florida Association of Special Districts as the group’s Most Valuable Member.

JULIANA WANDELL GRADUATES FROM FAU WITH DUAL DEGREES AT AGE 17

Wellington teenager Juliana Wandell graduated from Florida Atlantic University with dual bachelor’s degrees in computer engineering and computer science. At age 17, she became FAU’s youngest student ever to accomplish this feat. Wandell, who goes by the nickname “Jewels,” has been on her accelerated educational trajectory for a long time — since she was 24 months old.

DR. GORDON JOHNSON STUDIES COVID-19 WHILE HELPING HIS COMMUNITY

Recipient of the Palm Beach County Medical Society’s 2020 Heroes in Medicine Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Gordon Johnson of Wellington nowadays spends his time giving back to the community.

2021 In 2021, Celebrate Wellington shined a spotlight on the organizations and people that make Wellington special. Equestrians on the cover included polo player Jeff Hall, jumper Lillie Keenan and dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén. Joining them were tennis pro Chuck Gill and photographer Danielle Judd, who shared her 50 Over 50 project with readers. Wellington Table visited Devine Bistro and Raja Indian Cuisine.

SCIENCE & ART COMBINE IN THE HANDS OF DR. JEFFREY WISNICKI

The combination of art and science that defines plastic surgery also defines the impressive career of Dr. Jeffrey L. Wisnicki, who has been serving patients in the western communities and beyond for decades with natural-looking results and a high patient comfort level.

A TRIBUTE TO INNOVATIVE EQUESTRIAN LEADER MASON PHELPS

They say it is difficult to shop for the person who has everything. This aptly relates the sentiment one feels when composing a tribute to a man of as many words and lives as the late Mason Phelps Jr. As an equestrian athlete, philanthropist, entrepreneur, businessman, event manager and personality, he was never defined by just one role.

MERGER CREATES CROSS-CULTURAL BUSINESS ORGANIZATION

Diversity and inclusion are key objectives for business organizations. That’s why the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County chose an era of unprecedented changes as the perfect time for a merger.

WELLINGTON FLORIST CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN THE COMMUNITY

J.P. Varvarigos was born and raised in the floral business. As an adult, he runs Wellington Florist, recently voted the best florist in Palm Beach County. The store was opened 30 years ago by his parents, Dean and Melinda Varvarigos, and has since grown into a community institution.

WHS CREATES BLAST, A NEW COURSE IN BLACK LEADERSHIP

Wellington High School has created an innovative course known as BLAST, which stands for the Black Leadership & Achievement Student Team. When teacher Nancy Toussaint and student McKenzie Henry realized that Black students were under-represented in WHS leadership programs, they both wanted to make the school more inclusive.

LET THE GAMES BEGIN: AN INSIDE VIEW OF THE TOKYO OLYMPICS

All eyes were on Tokyo as the Olympic Games were held following an unprecedented one-year delay. It was a record-setting showing for the United States Equestrian Team. Annan Hepner of the Phelps Media Group brings readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at what it was like to cover an Olympics unlike any other.

PAUL SCHOFIELD PROUD OF HIS TWO DECADES OF SERVICE

Wellington Village Manager Paul Schofield is proud of his two decades of service to the community, including 13 years in the top job. He is retiring this month but is leaving the village in capable hands.

Palm Beach Point • Hack to WEF

Elegant 10-acre farm conveniently located on a cul-de-sac with easy access to the front gate of Palm Beach Point. This equestrian estate has recently been renovated & is move-in ready. The residence boasts a center-island kitchen with gas cooking, media/game room with bar, new wood floors throughout, updated bathrooms & more. The expanded 12 stall barn & staff apartment was just remodeled. The riders will love the new 105' x 215' riding arena and the 5-acre grass field with perimeter exercise track. There are currently 4 paddocks with ample room for more turnouts. This is one of the few properties in the subdivision where construction of a covered arena and up to 24 stalls would be allowed due to the number of acres, all added value and within true hacking distance to WEF! Now Offered at $10,950,000

2022 The year 2022 was exciting, with the debut of the Our Wellington Awards and a year-long feature series profiling Wellington’s public schools and their principals. Equestrians featured on the cover included polo player Juan Britos, jumper Laura Kraut and dressage rider Sabine Schut-Kery. Wellington Table visited Maxwell’s Plum and the Clubhouse at Palm Beach Polo.

SEVEN AXES BRINGS THE UNIQUE SPORT OF AXE THROWING

You can now add a new activity to the diverse list of recreational interests in the Wellington area. If you visit Seven Axes, which opened in mid-November, you’ll be able to practice and hone your axe-throwing skills on a regular basis.

LOCAL NONPROFIT UNIFIED DREAM HELPS AREA VETERANS

The biggest battle that many veterans face is not the enemy they found on battlefields. Instead, it’s at home in their own communities as they attempt to reintegrate into regular society. Luckily, fellow veteran Jake Hampu and Unified Dream is there to help.

CRUNCH FITNESS ARRIVES WITH A STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITY

When you walk through the front doors of central Wellington’s newest fitness club, you will be “inspired to perspire.” The club is called Crunch Wellington, and it officially opened its doors on June 3 with a grand opening celebration and ribbon- cutting ceremony on June 11.

WELLINGTON SCHOOLS RETURN TO THE STAGE AFTER PAUSE

For two years, the local fine arts and theater programs at schools across Wellington were on a pandemic pause. However, that all changed this spring when the local theater productions roared back to life to excited audiences at schools near you.

WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL PLANS A NEW EQUESTRIAN PARADISE

Wellington International, the world-renowned equestrian venue, changed hands in 2021 and is entering its next chapter with Global Equestrian Group at the helm. Along with its private equity partner Waterland, the Denmark-based firm has impressive plans for its first foray into the U.S. market.

16TH SEASON UNDERWAY AT THE GRAND CHAMPIONS POLO CLUB

The Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington is celebrating its 16th anniversary this season. One of the nation’s busiest and most innovative polo clubs, it will host an array of high-, medium- and low-goal polo tournaments.

FROM OPRAH TO ‘SHARK TANK,’ BOARDERIE IS ON A ROLL

It has been an outstanding end to a successful year for the locally owned cheese and charcuterie board company Boarderie, which offers beautiful and taste-tempting products for the holiday season and all year round.

2023 Equestrians featured on our covers in 2023 included polo players Lucas Escobar and Hope Arellano, jumper Daniel Bluman and dressage rider Sarah Lockman Tubman. Also on our cover was Wellington power couple Mickey and Lizz Smith representing the second set of Our Wellington Award winners. Wellington Today with Village Manager Jim Barnes was featured, and new eateries profiled in Wellington Table included Fujisan and Ideal Nutrition.

NPC OPENS INAUGURAL SEASON WITH VISIONARIES AT THE HELM

As the National Polo Center-Wellington prepares for what will undoubtedly be a historic first season, get to know the faces behind the facility, and the key people who have worked tirelessly to turn a promising vision into reality.

WHS BAND MARCHES IN LONDON’S NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE

First invited to London’s New Year’s Day Parade in 2020, the award-winning Mighty Wolverine Sound, Wellington High School’s marching band, was finally able to make the trip this year. It was the trip of a lifetime for the 75 students and 33 chaperones.

NRI WORKING TO REDUCE THE NATION’S NURSING SHORTAGE

Residents of Palm Beach County, specifically those living in the western communities who want to work as a nurse, have a locally owned and operated school where they can acquire the necessary qualifications to get a job in the nursing profession. They can get their nursing degree from the NRI Institute of Health Sciences.

BUCKEYE PLUMBING: FOUR DECADES OF SUPERIOR SERVICE

It’s time to cut the cake and break out the champagne. Buckeye Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving clients in the western communities and beyond. If you look at how this longtime local business has grown in the last 40 years, the changes have been meteoric.

ROWING ON THE LAKE WITH THE FLORIDA ROWING CENTER

For nearly 40 years, the Florida Rowing Center has been located at Lake Wellington. From mid-December until late April, Lake Wellington has been utilized as a rowing destination for hundreds of avid rowing participants from across the United States and around the world. Rowing’s presence in Wellington will soon be more visible and wide-reaching, thanks to new owners Tracy and Howard Kirkpatrick.

WELLINGTON TABLE: SWANK FARM SEASON PREVIEW

As the local growing season comes into full swing, Swank Specialty Produce is once again set to captivate the hearts and palates of area food enthusiasts with its highly anticipated Swank Table series and Farmers Market. This year promises a lineup of extraordinary chefs and a series of immersive culinary experiences.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

Resilient, determined, passionate and a true leader. These adjectives describe 18-year-old Wellington resident Alonza Lloyd, who was named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

Embracing Technology

While Maintaining Our Roots

As technology continues to advance, it is likely to have a significant impact on the magazine publishing industry. We will explore all the potential possibilities while always striving to maintain our community roots, allowing us to connect with our readers, advertisers and business leaders at the forefront of our village, so together we can prepare for the changes ahead.

HERE’S TO THE NEXT 20 YEARS!

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