June 2009
Hidden Gem Wellington’s Peaceful Waters Sanctuary
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Oasis Compassion Agency Rebuilds Lives Wellington’s Eclipse Salon Goes Organic Isles Home Revels In The Colors Of Florida Comfort Food With Style At Max & Erma’s
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contents
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departments WELLINGTON SOCIAL SCENE
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Hundreds Enjoy A Tasty Evening At Flavors Of Wellington
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Palms West Chamber Installs Chairman, Officers At Gala
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Wellington Regional Hosts ‘Blessing Of The Hands’ Ceremony
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Wellington Gift-Gathering Party Benefits Charitable Trust
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Ultima Fitness Concludes Seventh Annual 90-Day Challenge
46 WELLINGTON AT HOME When Frank and Susan Ginder purchased a winter home in Florida six years ago, they wondered where all their favorite Florida colors had gone — the pastels had gone beige. Luckily, the Ginders were ready to return their Isles of Wellington home to all its colorful Florida glory. BY DEBORAH WELKY
54 WELLINGTON TABLE Designed to look like a nostalgic hangout, Max & Erma’s offers a full menu of comfort foods and a friendly staff that makes every customer feel right at home. BY COURTNEY WATSON
20 WELLINGTON WATCH 34 WELLINGTON BUSINESS 57 WELLINGTON DINING GUIDE 60 WELLINGTON CALENDAR 66 AROUND WELLINGTON ON THE COVER Brightly colored flowers grow in Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Wellington’s new nature preserve. PHOTO BY BILL BARBOSA/ PHOTO DESIGNS INC.
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features 22 WELLINGTON’S HIDDEN GEM 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. BY DEBORAH WELKY
28 EMPOWERING THOSE IN NEED When times are tough, relief agencies are there to help. But the Oasis Compassion Agency provides clients with more than a handout. They restore dignity through lifestyle makeovers. Executive Director Sharon Gill describes the agency as an empowerment program, not a source for handouts. “You never leave Oasis hungry,” she explained. “But if you want to eat, I’m requiring you to invest in yourself.” BY DEBORAH WELKY
36 A WELLINGTON SALON GOES ‘GREEN’ As the world goes green and consumers become more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly products are becoming available to accommodate every aspect of life. At Eclipse Salon & Day Spa in Wellington, owner Jorge Briceno has embraced the green movement by offering a full line of professional organic color services and hair-care products. BY COURTNEY WATSON
41 A SUMMER TRAINING IN GERMANY Dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich, along with longtime student Margaret Duprey, is preparing for a European summer tour to train with Olympic gold medallist Hubertus Schmidt of Germany. Flettrich and Duprey depart for Paderborn, Germany this month — and they have high hopes for their summer excursion. BY LAUREN FISHER
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Wellington The Magazine
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
One Story Ends... And Another Begins volume
6, number 6 | June 2009 publisher
Lew Blatte executive editor
Joshua Manning marketing director
Dawn Rivera graphic designer
Suzanne Summa circulation coordinator
Betty Buglio account managers
Michelle Deegan Nicola Rogers photography
Bill Barbosa Bea Bolton Devin Jacoviello Gary Kane Lisa Keeney Susan Lerner copy editor
Mark Lioi contributors
Jason Budjinski Ron Bukley Denise Fleischman Angie Francalancia Candace Marchsteiner Carol Porter Courtney Watson Deborah Welky Wellington The Magazine
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Fax: (561) 791-0952 www.WellingtonTheMagazine.com
Published by Wellington The Magazine, LLC Barry S. Manning
Upon turning the page, you will find a wonderful issue filled with great feature articles, from a look at Wellington’s magnificent new nature preserve to a story on the good work being done by the Oasis Compassion Agency to a tasty review of the new Max & Erma’s restaurant. But rather than use this space to detail all that is in this month’s magazine, as is my usual custom, I will use it to say farewell. This is my final publisher’s message in my final issue as publisher of Wellington The Magazine. Next month, the magazine I co-founded will continue, but I will not be along for the ride. Life goes in circles. A circle in my life had a beginning and an ending on June 5. On that day in 1977 I married my darling wife Cathie. Thirty years later, on June 5, 2007, she passed away. June 5, 2009 will mark the beginning of a new life. When I started Wellington The Magazine, I was sure the concept of a city/lifestyle magazine would be beneficial for everyone in Wellington — its residents, its businesses and the community itself. And it has. We took a gamble, and it paid off. Our footprint in this community was cast in stone almost immediately, and so many of you are responsible for our success. I thank you for your business, friendship, support in good times and bad. Wellington The Magazine grew because of you, our readers and advertisers. I am now leaving the company in good hands, knowing it has a solid base to sustain itself. I trust it will flourish. I trust in those working here and in those who provide sustenance for its continued success. I am not going away, but simply stepping away from my “baby” and looking toward the future, knowing that other new and exciting challenges lie ahead. What they may be, I’m not entirely certain. But I am certain that by June 5, 2010, my new path will be forged, and I will be racing toward its success with as much zeal, pride and fortitude as I put into the past five and a half years as publisher of Wellington The Magazine. Farewell, but not goodbye.
Publisher
chief executive officer Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2009, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
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Wellington Advertiser List Advertiser Page Acts 2 Worship Center ................................. 25 American Heritage School .......................... 12 American Top Team Wellington ...................35 Ankle & Foot Centre of South Florida ......... 61 Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille .................. 59 Bea Bolton Photography ............................. 59 Bellini Furniture ............................................51 Binks Forest Golf Club................................. 38 Blue Horizon Jets ........................................ 45 Brightstar Healthcare ..................................67 Buca di Beppo.............................................. 57 Café Las Palmas............................................11 Children’s Dental Place ................................31 Claudia Diesti ............................................. 60 Colony Hotel ................................................ 39 Designer’s Touch Jewelry ............................ 25 DJ Computers ..............................................49 Dr. Luis A. Viñas ...........................................15 Dr. Richard Hays .......................................... 61 Eisenman & Eisenman, MDs ...................... 61 Euro Experts..................................................17 Freedom Boat Club ...................................... 65 Floridian Community Bank ......................... 27 Generations Hair Salon ............................... 21 Grayhills & Mohip Dental ...........................44 Hair Spray the Salon......................................6 Illustrated Properties, Boardwalk Group ...... 5 J. Douglas Jewelers .......................................13 JEZ Capital ...................................................26
Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar .............................. 43 La Hacienda Show Stables ..........................20 Learning Express ..........................................53 Mamma Mia’s Trattoria............................... 58 McDermott & Associates ............................ 63 My Community Pharmacy ........................... 32 Nature’s Table Café...................................... 33 Nicole’s Village Tavern ................................ 58 O’Dell Inc. ...................................................42 Pain & Rehab Physicians of Palm Beach ....30 Palm Beach Psychological Associates ........ 63 Palms Wellington Surgical Center................. 7 PGA National .................................................4 Photo Designs ............................................. 63 Robert R. Morris, Attorney at Law............... 61 Roderick C. Moe, CPA ................................. 50 Royal Inn ........................................................ 3 Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry............ 2 Sea Breeze Air Conditioning .......................49 Shop on Impulse ......................................... 45 Shullman Orthodontics ............................... 27 Smiles by Jiveh .............................................68 South Florida Skin & Laser.......................... 18 Stonewood Grill ........................................... 63 Subscription Form ....................................... 65 ToothTown Pediatric Dentistry .....................51 Treasure Consignments...............................64 Two Men & A Truck .....................................49 Ultima Fitness .............................................64 Ultra Cleaners ..............................................49
Van Dell Jewelers ......................................... 32 Visions Hair Salon ....................................... 19 Vital Longevity Water, Susan Lerner........... 60 Wellington Auto Collision.............................51 Wellness Experience ....................................44 Wellington Regional Medical Center.............8 Zen Massage ............................................... 50
SUMMER GOLD SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION #1 Education Place Bainbridge Companies Cambridge School Florida Public Utilities Hi Lites Hair Studio José Rojas, Stylist Kevin Perkins Golf Academy La Mer Nails & Spa Michael’s The Wine Bar Ncognito Fitness/Massage Royal Palm Auto Spa Royal Palm Mazda South Florida Gastroenterology Associates South Florida Science Museum Tom Neumann Insurance WellingTAN Wellington Marketplace Zen Massage
J Douglas
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
Hundreds Enjoy A Tasty Evening At Flavors Of Wellington 2009
Bedonna Flesher, Jon Jackson and Marsha Sloyer of Nature’s Table Café.
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2009 on Friday, May 8 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. More than 20 Wellington dining establishments were on hand to offer up their most tasty samplings. This year’s winners were as follows: Best Taste, Kontiki; Best Plate Presentation, Binks Forest Golf Club; Best Display, Wycliffe Golf & Country Club; and Best Dessert, Gelato on a Stick. For more about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, call (561) 792-6525.
Wycliffe Golf & Country Club won for “Best Display.” Shown here is chef Zoltan Bedecs.
Judges Julie Pickens and Roxanne Stein get ready to sample food from Wycliffe. John Mercer, Michela Perillo-Green and Carmine Priore III.
Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar won the award for “Best Taste.”
John & Toy Wash sample a chocolate dessert.
(Above) Michela Perillo-Green; Dr. Carmine & Marie Priore; Maureen, Sean and Don Gross; and Carmine Priore III. (Below) Event chairs Saundra and John Mercer with the judging panel.
IPC’s Julie Pickens, Chef Francisco Gonzalez and Toy & John Wash with NewsChannel 5’s Roxanne Stein.
(Above) White Horse Tavern’s Meg Krueger and Chef Kaleb Rodgers. (Below) Joshua Manning and Regis Wenham.
(Right) Don Gross picks up his raffle winnings from Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen. (Below) Chamber ambassadors Mark Bozicevic, Bob Salerno, Steve Vlahakis, John Porges and Alec Domb.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Carol Porter
Palms West Chamber Installs New Chairman, Officers At Annual Gala
Dorothy and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.
Kevin DiLallo is sworn in as chairman by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.
The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Installation Gala, themed “A Night at the Oscars,” on Friday, April 24 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. The evening honored incoming chamber chairman Kevin DiLallo, CEO of Wellington Regional Medical Center, and recognized outgoing chairman John Spillane. The incoming board was installed by Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and DiLallo was sworn in by County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.
Bobby Ewing and Bland Eng.
(Above) Joanna Boynton speaks as Ron Tomchin, Chris Santamaria and Eric Gordon look on. (Below) Tensy Caine and Jaene Miranda thank Denise Smith. Outgoing chamber chairman John Spillane.
Ben Boynton and Scott Armand served as auctioneers for the evening.
(Above) Carmine Priore III and his wife Terri; Andrew, Jo-Ann and Kevin DiLallo; Marsha Israel; and Dr. David Soria with his wife Tatiana. (Below) Tom and Regis Wenham with Eric Gordon.
(Above) John Spillane passes the gavel to Kevin DiLallo. (Below) Silvia Garcia and Wellington Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto. (Above) Victoria Santamaria, Anna Niehaus, Wally Sanger and Jess Santamaria. (Below) Tensy Caine and Jaene Miranda serenade Kevin DiLallo.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
Wellington Regional Hosts ‘Blessing Of The Hands’ Ceremony In honor of National Nurses Week, Wellington Regional Medical Center hosted a “blessing of the hands” ceremony on Tuesday, May 12 in the hospital lobby. Participating clerics included Rabbi Bertram Kieffer of Temple Beth Zion, Father Don Munro of St. Rita Catholic Church, Rev. Jacqueline Leveron of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church and Madaline Lawrence, chaplain at WRMC. (Above) Madaline Lawrence, Rabbi Bertram Kieffer, Rev. Jacqueline Leveron and Father Don Munro. (Below) Minister Sandy Stegall helps Rev. Leveron bless the hands of Maggie Korasadowicz.
(Above) Nadine Smith gets her hands blessed by Rabbi Kieffer. (Below) Dr. Carmen Marrero is blessed by Father Munro.
Rev. Jacqueline Leveron blesses Marketing Director Marcia Israel while Minister Sandy Stegall looks on.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
Wellington Gift-Gathering Party Benefits Charitable Trust
Copeland & Mary Davis, Victoria & Jess Santamaria and Dr. Wes Boughner. Dr. Farokh Jiveh, Chris Santamaria and party host Dr. Wes Boughner.
(Above) Ron & Elaine Tomchin with Mair & Scott Armand. (Left) Interact Club volunteers Kara Brackney, Bradford McKeon, Allee Schlitz and Danielle Kimelstein.
Jill Merrill, Regis Wenham and Adrienne Ferrin.
The gift-gathering event “A Little Bit of Calypso Moonlight” was held on Thursday, April 16 at the Wellington home of Dr. Wes Boughner. The purpose of the Caribbean-themed party was to solicit gifts to be auctioned off at a June 14 fundraiser for My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, which will feature a performance by pianist Copeland Davis.
Anita Foster, Chris Santamaria, Jasmine Velez.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
Ultima Fitness Concludes Seventh Annual 90-Day Challenge
Winner Julie Wells (in blue) with John Merrell, Judy Duany and Justin Merrell.
Mike Sexton, Mark & Debbie Plaxen, Lew Blatte and Bob & Karen Cavanagh.
Ultima’s 90-Day Fitness Challenge participants gather for a group photo.
Judy Duany, Lynette Laufenberg, Jude Hayes and John Merrell.
Ultima Fitness/Xtreme Tae Kwon Do announced the winner of its Seventh Annual 90-Day Fitness Challenge on Thursday, April 23 during a customer appreciation party held at Michael’s The Wine Bar. Also participating in the party were fellow Wellington Plaza businesses WellingTAN, European Day Spa and Visions Hair Salon. The winner of the 90-Day Fitness Challenge was Julie Wells, who received a check for $1,000. Other challenge participants were honored and received gift certificates for local businesses.
Employees of Ultima Fitness, WellingTAN, European Day Spa and Visions Hair Salon gather at the party.
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Wellington Watch
BY JOSHUA MANNING
Falling Property Values Will Hit Wellington Coffers Hard Palm Beach County’s municipalities have gotten an early warning that their economic prospects for the coming year will be even gloomier than previously predicted. Preliminary estimates from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office indicate that property values in most county municipalities have suffered an unprecedented decline, which will trans-
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late to even less revenue from property taxes than had been anticipated. Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits took the step of releasing the preliminary figures to alert municipalities to the situation as they get their budgeting process underway. While the preliminary tax roll figures indicate a countywide average decline of about 11 percent, Wellington property values are
expected to drop by about 18 percent. Village Manager Paul Schofield said the further reduction in revenue would take another $1.2 million off the table in this year’s budgeting process. “We expected property values would continue to fall, it’s just they’ve fallen farther this year than we thought they would,” he said. “Last year’s budget was about $103 million, and we were looking at a shortfall of between $5 and $6 million anyway, and now we’re looking at $7 million.” Golf Course Noise Battles Continue — In the ongoing battle between Wellington’s western golf courses and their neighbors, a special magistrate found the Wanderers Club at Wellington in violation of village noise rules on May 21 for operating lawn equipment too early on Sundays. Village rules prohibit the operation of “lawn and garden equipment” before 9 a.m. on Sundays and 7 a.m. on other days. In the past year, the village has fielded many complaints from residents living adjacent to the invitation-only Wanderers Club about greenskeeping noise at early hours and a lack of enforcement on the part of municipal officials. Residents adjacent to the recently restored Binks Forest Golf Course have made similar complaints. In January and February, the Wellington Village Council considered, at the two clubs’ request, a plan to amend the maintenance start time to 6 a.m. seven days a week. The meetings drew a large turnout of residents opposed to the proposal, and the council chose not to approve it. At the May hearing, Wanderers Club attorney Wade Byrd argued that the ordinance should not apply to the club, that it was poorly written and contradictory, and that the course must start its maintenance work at the earliest possible hour in order to stay profitable. “Are you aware of any golf course in the country that can remain in business by starting maintenance after 9 o’clock in the morning?” he asked. Special Magistrate Richard Doody told Byrd his concerns about the viability
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of the business should be taken up with the council, as he had no authority to rule on the ordinance itself. But Doody did not agree with a request to fine the club $250 for each day of violation. He said the village seemed more typically to impose $50 and $100 fines, and that $100 seemed more realistic in view of the offense. “I’m a little bit leery when I get into a situation where I start to look at the economic resources of the respondent and impose a fine that varies with their ability to pay,” Doody said. Binks Forest representatives also appeared at the May hearing for certification of fines, having been found in violation of noise rules seven days a week at a hearing in April. However, club representatives received a continuance until June, saying they were under the impression they were protected by a moratorium and did not have time to prepare.
lage web site at www.ci.wellington.fl.us, asks seven questions, beginning with a request for contact information. That is followed by a series of questions, such as: Do you feel safe in your neighborhood? Do you want to volunteer? Do you need information to prevent pre-foreclosure? A sixth question asks respondents what sort of outreach programs they would be interested in seeing the village provide. The seventh is the most open-ended: “What
could the village do to help you?” Parks & Recreation Director Ivy Rosenberg said the last question is intentionally openended, and village staff will route responses to the appropriate person. Joshua Manning has served as executive editor of the Wellington Town-Crier since 1999. In that position, he monitors life in our community week in and week out.
Wellington Pioneer Passes Away — Early Wellington developer Guerry Stribling died May 8 after a long battle with cancer. Stribling, 75, died at his home in Hawkinsville, Ga. In recognition of his role in laying out the community, Wellington honored Stribling in January by renaming portions of Fairlane Farms and Pierson roads as Stribling Way. In an interview last November, Stribling recalled how he was working in Atlanta in 1971 when Investment Corporation of Florida hired him after optioning the first 7,000 acres from the C. Oliver Wellington family. In March 1972, they received zoning for a planned unit development called Wellington. Several thousand homes had been built by the time he retired in 1986. “He had the vision,” recalled former Wellington councilman Mark Miles, a close friend. “He had the picture in his head of what the community should be, and actually it turned out just about like he envisioned it.” Have A Problem? Tell The Village — Wellington has launched an online survey as part of its effort to identify problem areas and individuals in need of assistance. The survey, which can be reached via the vilWELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Hidden Gem
Peaceful Waters Sanctuary Is A Natural Paradise… And It Saves The Village Money Every Day!
STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY PHOTOS BY BILL BARBOSA AND RON BUKLEY
The vision statement for the Village of Wellington 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, walking trails and horse trails. Spanning the distance between Village Park on Pierson Road and the village’s wastewater treatment plant, the sanctuary was the brainchild of Wellington utilities staffer Bryan Gayoso, who looked out upon the plant’s retention ponds and saw the potential to reconfigure them to accommodate wildlife. “This whole project was really Bryan’s godchild,” Assistant Village Manager John Bonde said. “He saw what Palm Beach County did at the Wakodahatchee Wetlands and modeled the idea after that. Our sanctuary accomplished three things. It helped us get rid of the wastewater while saving money; it provided for cleansing the water using our Best Management Practices policy; and it gave us a passive park. That’s a pretty good deal — three for one.” Today, the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary consists of over 1,000 feet of boardwalk and one mile of walking paths. Carefully selected plants, trees and shrubs act as a natural filter, extracting and utilizing nutrients from the thousands of gallons of treated effluent water that flows through the sanctuary each day. Wellington’s Utilities Department carefully monitors and manages the water level in the park, while recreational activities come under the purview of the Parks & Recreation Department.
Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, officially dedicated on May 31, 2008, is just what its name implies — a quiet retreat just off Pierson Road where residents can take a stroll and glimpse some of Florida’s natural history. Bird watching and nature photography are especially well suited to the area. “Bryan and his whole family were there for the opening, and he was just beaming,” Bonde recalled. “It was incredible, the birds that were out there. My wife, on the other hand, wanted to know what she was doing wrong. She’d been trying to attract purple martins to our yard for years, putting up specially designed birdhouses, and not one time has a purple martin showed an interest in them. I think the birds have adopted Peaceful Waters.” While birdwatchers and joggers routinely use the park, it is also a valuable resource for students. The sturdy handrails and wide planks of the elevated boardwalk make it easy for teachers to keep classes safe during field trips. Teachers who want the entire environmental experience for their class can round out the day by taking students to see how the adjacent wastewater treatment plant functions. From the boardwalk, walkers can step off to three grassy walkways in order to view nature up close and personal. And a covered rest spot about halfway through the sanctuary features a welcoming bench overlooking a patch of wildflowers. Informational panels mounted on the railing every few hundred feet illustrate the birds and animals likely to be seen in the sanctuary, the most common being the white ibis, green (Right) A working Florida wetland, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is not only a natural wonder, it serves a crucial environmental purpose as a cleansing marsh.
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(Above) A snowy egret soars over the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary boardwalk. The sanctuary is located at the back of Wellington’s Village Park off Pierson Road. (Left) Only open a year, the sanctuary has become a favorite spot for birdwatchers. The red-winged blackbird shown here is one of many bird species found there. (Below) The site’s marsh areas serve an important purpose: they clean Wellington’s runoff water before it enters the Everglades.
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heron, cattle egret, anhinga, purple martin, mallard duck and raccoon. Butterflies, collared doves, redwing blackbirds, turkey vultures, coots and the ubiquitous crows are not listed on the panels but also keep watch in the vicinity. Birdhouses and nesting platforms stationed intermittently throughout the park indicate that the winged population of the sanctuary will increase. Best of all, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary saves the village money every day. “You have effluence from your wastewater treatment plant that you have to clean up,” Bonde explained. “You can dump it into injection wells down to the boulder zone — very expensive — or you can put it into a wetland and let Mother Nature take care of cleaning it up.” Bonde is careful to stress that effluent water is not a pollutant. It has already been cleansed of everything except the “super-high” levels of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous. Fertilizers and manure have been blamed for these high nutrient levels, putting stress on the ecology of the Everglades, to which the water eventually flows. “The Everglades had a very low phosphorous level with an ecosystem of animals and reptiles designed around low-nutrient water, but man changed all that,” Bonde explained. “We want to help turn it back the way it was so the plants and animals that are supposed to be there won’t be out of balance.”
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A sandhill crane makes its way along one of the pathways at Peaceful Waters Sanctuary in Wellington.
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‘If a city is all concrete, steel and glass, where do people go to see trees? The Village of Wellington is getting more into passive recreation.’ Assistant Village Manager John Bonde
Peaceful Waters Sanctuary contains plants best suited to absorb those nutrients. “We’ve done studies of the discharge, and you wouldn’t believe the difference,” Bonde said proudly. “We’re improving the water before discharging it into the C-51 Canal. So we’re improving the water in the C-51 with Wellington’s cleaner water, and then it’s cleaned again by other aquatic plants along the route. It’s a green project. The plants love it, and that’s why they grow so well. You don’t want that kind of plant growth out in the Everglades — it doesn’t have those kinds of plants.” Bonde also touts the park’s recreational benefits. “We’re trying to get away from high intensity recreational uses now,” he said. “People want a balance. They want to be able to go to a park and sit at a picnic table. If it’s an urban area, if it’s all ball fields, there’s no place to go anymore. If a city is all concrete, steel and glass, where do people go to see trees? The Village of Wellington is getting more into passive recreation. At Peaceful Waters, wildlife photographers can spend a whole afternoon just shooting. People make use of the trail. They can spend time with their families in that environment.” Peaceful Waters Sanctuary is open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk with access through the southwest corner of Village Park at 11700 Pierson Road. For more information, or to schedule a student field trip tour of the water treatment plant, call Bryan Gayoso at (561) 791-4039. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Empowering Those In Need
The Oasis Compassion Agency Is In The Business Of Rebuilding Lives Story by Deborah Welky  Photos by Susan Lerner (Below, L-R) Makeover consultant Ora Rogers and Oasis Compassion Agency CEO Sharon Gill with makeover winners Pam Spruill, Maria Ibarra, Susan Rogers and Elsie Phillips.
When times are tough, relief agencies are there to help. But the Oasis Compassion Agency provides clients with more than a handout. They restore dignity through lifestyle makeovers. The agency works with families living at or below federal poverty level guidelines, and its clients are referred through the 211 crisis line, churches, the Department of Children & Families or by word of mouth, Executive Director Sharon Gill explained.
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Gill describes the Oasis Compassion Agency as an empowerment program, not a source for handouts. “You never leave Oasis hungry, but if you want to eat, I’m requiring you to invest in yourself,” she said. “I want you to be involved. The way to fight hunger is not feeding people. I learned that when I started the center. The same people would be here every month, nothing changed. So in 2006, I instituted mandatory classes. I believe people rise to the level of expectations you set for them.”
sics, budget, nutrition and so on. But they get one ‘miss’ and then, if they do not come to the classes we set up for them, they’ve shown me they’re not serious. They just want a handout.”
Oasis clients have access to its food pantry once each week for perishables and once each month for non-perishables. They get clothing at the Oasis thrift store for free the first time, then it’s “buy one, get another free.” Counselors help them set goals, build self-esteem, and modify nutrition and appearance. Once a year, women in the program also are invited to apply for a physical makeover complete with hairstyling, manicure, pedicure and a luncheon in their honor.
Pamela Spruill of Greenacres is a married mother of three children ages eight, nine and 11. Her family was living a typical American lifestyle when she lost her restaurant job due to the economy. Then her husband got sick and was out of work for weeks, and the spiral continued downward: mounting bills, no income, car problems and more.
“We teach them how to think bigger than they are currently. Some have never set goals before,” Gill said. “We teach self-reliance. I require that each client take part in our career center. They’re required to take classes — computer ba-
Gill is tough, but she and her volunteers also go far beyond what most relief agencies offer. Oasis is out to change lives for good. On Sunday, April 25, Oasis Compassion Agency supporters gathered at the Players Club in Wellington to support the successes of this year’s makeover winners:
Oasis Compassion Agency makeover winners Pamela Spruill (above) and Elsie Phillips (below).
Spruill found Oasis through a neighbor, and winning a beauty makeover was just the beginning. “Part of the makeover program is career counseling,” she explained. “They try to figure out what we can do to better our situation.” Spruill said she was impressed by the woman who gave her a facial, and learned that she earned her
‘You never leave Oasis hungry, but if you want to eat, I’m requiring you to invest in yourself. I want you to be involved. The way to fight hunger is not feeding people.’ Sharon Gill, Oasis Compassion Agency Executive Director
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‘Oasis has been a true blessing. One thing that was really great is that they have a cooking class designed to help families learn how to cook healthy and inexpensive meals.’
aesthetician’s license in just six months at Palm Beach Community College. “I told Sharon that this might be a good career for me,” she recalled.
Oasis client Pamela Spruill
In the meantime, Spruill has a job sell-
That’s all Gill needed to hear. She and her volunteers went into overdrive trying to get tuition costs sponsored for the motivated young mother, who hopes to be in school as soon as this summer.
ing cosmetics, which she can continue while going to school. “It’s going to be a great career for me,” Spruill said. “I had wanted to go into nursing at one time, but once the kids came, they became the most important thing. Everything else got put on the back burner. Oasis has been a true blessing. One thing that was really great during that rough time is that they have a cooking class designed to help families learn how to cook healthy and inexpensive meals — and they actually send you home with the ingredients.” Elsie Phillips of Lake Worth lost her cafeteria service job last September. The mother of four teenagers found Oasis through her daughter, a student at John I. Leonard High School. “It’s right across the street,” said Phillips, who is being assisted in her dream of opening a daycare center in her home. “I love working with kids. When I was growing up, I used to babysit my neighbor’s kids. Oasis is going to help me set it up and get someone to work with me. I’m not giving up.” Phillips said Oasis helped her with food, clothing, resumes and career counseling. “I’m taking up psychology at home using books sent to the house by Stratford University,” she said. “I already have my childcare management certification from Penn Foster and took 40 hours of a child development course with the Child
‘They fixed all of my teeth and got a dermatologist to help with my cystic acne. That worked out great. I just feel that I have more confidence. I smile more instead of trying to hide my head or walking with my head down.’ 30 JUNE 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
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Oasis client Susan Rogers
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Development Association. When I finish psychology, I’m done. I’ll graduate sometime in August. Sharon Gill has a heart like gold.” Susan Rogers of Lake Worth wanted to get her GED, but spina bifida, scoliosis, major dental problems and severe rosacea were holding her back. In her case, Oasis did what they could to improve her self-image.
and got a dermatologist to help with my cystic acne,” she said. “That worked out great. I just feel that I have more confidence. I smile more instead of trying to hide my head or walking with my head down. Surprisingly, the dental work did not take long at all — about four weeks. I was very happy with Dr. Jiveh.” Gill said Rogers has endured a lot in life, both physically and emotionally. “People aren’t kind,” she said. “She wanted to
smile one day and look up, hold her head up high, laugh and go back to school. She has three beautiful kids, and she wanted to be like everybody else.” Maria Ibarra was working day and night at two different restaurants when she lost both jobs. “Oasis helped me with clothing and food,” said the Royal Palm Beach resident. “And at their career center, I set up a resume that got me an interview. They helped me with interview
“Susan was more of a medical makeover,” Gill said. “She had to have her whole mouth redone. Dr. Farokh Jiveh in Royal Palm Beach did a complete mouth makeover and engaged his network to find a dermatologist. Susan’s goals are the simplest — to get her GED and to be able to afford to take her kids on some outings.” Rogers said she first came to Oasis at the recommendation of a family member and was thrilled to be chosen for a makeover. “They fixed all of my teeth Susan Rogers wants to get her GED, but medical problems have been holding her back. Oasis stepped in to help.
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clothing — a suit and shoes — and by mentoring me and praying with me. I’m presently working steadily two days a week and hoping for more at the Windsor Gardens Hotel on PGA Blvd.” Ibarra uses the money to help support everyone who lives with her — two children ages 22 and 13, and two grandchildren ages five and two. “Oasis has been supporting in every way — mentally, physically and emotionally,” Ibarra said. Gill’s goal is to expand Oasis with a women’s center, a specialized place for physically and emotionally abused women. “We have 400 head-of-household women apply to our agency each year,” she said. “I feel bad we can only help three or four a year with makeovers. We have our thrift shop, food pantry and career center; now we want to open a women’s center so we can do life makeovers all year long. The price tag is $100,000 for rent and staff, and I’m really trying to promote that because I see the need. I see what happens when you teach them a different way to look at themselves.” Gill hopes to have the new center open by December, and she’s got her eye on
‘Oasis helped me with clothing and food. And at their career center, I set up a resume that got me an interview. They helped me with interview clothing — a suit and shoes — and by mentoring me and praying with me. I’m presently working steadily two days a week and hoping for more.’ 32 JUNE 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
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Oasis client Maria Ibarra
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‘We have 400 head-ofhousehold women apply to our agency each year. I feel bad we can only help three or four a year with makeovers.’ Oasis Compassion Agency Executive Director Sharon Gill a 4,500-square-foot bay near her present location in Greenacres. To help make Gill’s dream a reality, send donations to Oasis Compassion Agency, 4872 10th Ave. North, Greenacres, FL 33463, Attn: Sharon Gill. For more information, call (561) 967-4066 or visit www.oasiscompassion.org, and make plans to attend the annual Oasis fundraiser slated for Oct. 24 at the Kravis Center. When Maria Ibarra lost her job, Oasis was there with career counseling and other assistance.
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Wellington Business
Dance Unlimited Wraps Up 21st Season Serving The Wellington Area And Beyond Dance Unlimited has been providing quality dance education for more than 20 years, offering a warm, caring environment for every young dancer who enrolls. The studio’s instructors nurture the students’ love of dance by creating a class filled with positive learning experiences and challenging them in areas where their growing bodies and minds can benefit most. Dance Unlimited offers many different and exciting classes for all ages and levels. Instructors work closely with parents’ schedules and needs, as well as their children’s desires. Patti Contartesi-Butler has served as artistic director at Dance Unlimited since its inception in 1987. She teaches jazz, tap, acrobatics, combo and preschool classes, and also directs the Dance Unlimited performance group, the CenterStage Dance Company. Contartesi-Butler has been teaching
professionally for over 25 years. Before dedicating herself completely to teaching, she had an extensive career in dance and theater in New York City. ContartesiButler brings this experience to Dance Unlimited. “This is our 21st season finishing up this month,” Contartesi-Butler said. “We have an incredible staff of instructors, some of whom have been teaching with me for 14 and 15 years. Our goal is to teach a well-disciplined class, giving the children the opportunity to really learn the true art of dance and maintain an environment where the students are cared for as individuals, and the families feel welcome, as many students spend hours a week in class.” With her love of dance and children, Contartesi-Butler sets the professional tone of pure dance with a true sense of dedication, imagination, understanding
and intensity that make teaching children dance a rewarding and satisfying career. “Dance Unlimited is proud to have trained dancers in the Wellington area in all styles of dance for the past 21 years,” she said. “It has been exciting to watch Wellington grow over the years, and we look forward to seeing new faces join us at Dance Unlimited for our 22nd season.” Dance Unlimited is conveniently located at 10101 Lantana Road in Lake Worth, on the northwest corner of State Road 7 and Lantana Road, directly behind the Hess gas station. For more info., call (561) 641-2063 or visit www.dance-unlimited.com. (Below) Dance Unlimited students end a routine with a big finale.
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a
The Martial arts come ALIVE in Wellington
American Top Team, recognized as one of the top training centers in the world, has opened a new school in Wellington led by famed jiu-jitsu instructor Emyr “Shark” Bussade.
Mall at Wellington Green near the intersection of State Road 7 and Forest Hill Blvd. It was soon obvious that this 2008 NAGA instructor of the year had found the perfect location.
American Top Team is one of the largest and most active Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) teams in the world. The team has over 1,500 members, more than 60 of whom compete professionally in MMA, boxing, grappling and Muay Thai events all over the world, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Pride, K-1, WEC, IFL, Strikeforce and BodogFIGHT.
About working with children, Bussade said, “They rejuvenate me. When they first walk through the doors, they’re kind of shy and don’t know what to expect. But in a month or two, they’re having fun as their self-confidence builds. They give more than they take from you, and they learn respect. It is the way I grew up.”
Wellington’s own American Top Team features expert instruction in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, submission grappling, Muay Thai and kids MMA to produce well-rounded competitors competent in all MMA disciplines. Former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Emyr Bussade leads that expert instruction.
American Top Team has rapidly developed a reputation of success and has consistently produced many champions on an individual and team basis. This success is the direct result of the dedication, hard work and discipline of the students and competitors, combined with the highest level of instruction. American Top Team has assembled a team of 20 black belts and both Olympic and world champions in their respective arts, all training together with one goal in mind: helping you become the best you can be!
Bussade is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, 2008 NAGA coach of the year and Mundials world champion who has competed in Mixed Martial Arts throughout his career. Known as “Shark,” BusAmerican Top Team in Wellington, FL sade trained under the legendary Carlson Gracie as well as ATT leader Ricardo Liborio. While focusing on opening American Top Team’s Wellington academy, Bussade passed up the opportunity to fight in the World Extreme Cagefighting pro card at San Diego Sports Arena to devote his time here — and his time was well spent. He settled on an empty storefront near LA Fitness in front of the
Former Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Emyr Bussade, known as “Shark.”
“There are probably four or five great teams that are capable of putting out world champions,” declared 35-yearold UFC President Dana White in the Miami NewTimes, “and American Top Team is one of them.” Additional information is available by calling (561) 929-1615 or by visiting American Top Team’s web site at www.attwellington.com PAID ADVERTISEMENT WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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A Wellington Salon Goes Eclipse Salon & Day Spa Now Specializes In Organic Hair Products STORY BY COURTNEY WATSON
PHOTOS BY SUSAN LERNER
As the world goes green and consumers become more environmentally conscious, eco-friendly products are becoming available to accommodate every aspect of life. At Eclipse Salon & Day Spa in Wellington, owner Jorge Briceno has embraced the green movement by offering a full line of professional organic color services and hair-care products. At a recent visit, Wellington The Magazine learned about this exciting new service. Briceno believes organic hair processing is the way of the future. Eclipse is the only local salon certified to offer products by Organic Colour Systems, which are free of ammonia and other chemicals typically found in hair dye and products such as shampoo, conditioner, styling gel, volumizer and hairspray. (Left) Eclipse Salon & Day Spa owner Jorge Briceno. (Right) Some of the Organic Colour Systems carried by the salon. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Briceno, who went to cosmetology school in Peru and has trained with top stylists around the world, first became aware of Organic Colour Systems several years ago and enthusiastically supports the products. “I am so happy to be able to offer Organic Colour Systems products in my salon, and the response from my clients has been tremendous. A lot of people are
looking for it,” Briceno said. “I feel very good about this line. It is modern, and it doesn’t damage the hair.” One reason Briceno likes using Organic Colour Systems hair color in his salon is that the oil-based product does not compromise the structure of the hair follicle like a chemical-based color does. The ammonia-free color, which comes in more than 75 shades, does not have
the familiar chemical smell of other coloring products. Briceno has seen many brands come and go during his career as a stylist and salon owner, and insists that Organic Colour Systems is very different. “I love using Organic Colour Systems on my clients because in addition to providing a rich, saturated color that doesn’t fade, the line also repairs damaged hair,” Briceno said. “The hair is shiny and looks well-kept without hours of styling. You can see the results right away, and once clients have experienced this product, they don’t want to go back.” In addition to providing for optimum hair health, Organic Colour Systems also produces long-lasting results. Briceno said it is not uncommon for color to last three months after application, and he said it is the best product he has seen for covering gray hair. Briceno noted that the product line is a great option for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Since the coloring agent does not contain harsh chemicals, there is no stinging or burning experienced during the application or processing. (Below) Eclipse hairstylist and colorist Neda Kucich with owner Jorge Briceno.
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The lack of chemical exposure is a plus for both clients and stylists. “We are always concerned about being exposed to the chemicals, which is an occupational hazard in any salon,” Briceno said. “A major incentive to using the Organic Colour Systems products is the health of my clients and my stylists. Beauty should never be at the expense of health.” Briceno said his business philosophy is to provide the best products and services for his clients and to keep Eclipse a soothing, tranquil and healthy environment for everyone who enters. The Europeanstyle spa is quiet and calming, and beautifully decorated with elegant touches on every surface. The staff of licensed stylists and aestheticians is friendly, professional and knowledgeable.
Briceno said he considers it important that his clients are always in the best possible hands. “One of my visions as a salon owner is to bring the best quality to my clients,” he said. “I want the best product lines, the best stylists, the best of everything. When clients walk in the door, I want them to know that we are going to take excellent care of them.”
Every product carried by Eclipse is premium quality. In addition to Organic Colour Systems, the salon also offers products by L’Oreal and the ultra-exclusive Kérastase, a favorite of Hollywood stylists and celebrities. These premium hair care lines offer products for all hair types and conditions, and using quality hair products is a great way to maintain cut, style and color for healthy, beautiful hair, Briceno said.
‘I am so happy to be able to offer Organic Colour Systems products in my salon. The response from my clients has been tremendous. People are looking for it.’ Jorge Briceno of Eclipse Salon & Day Spa
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(Above) Eclipse Salon & Day Spa staff members include (L-R) owner Jorge Briceno, nail technician Heather King, hair stylist Neda Kucich, hairstylist Deborah Pace, hairstylist Orli Ben-Shimon, skincare specialist Gayle Galclames, hairstylist Pam Michele, massage therapist Stella Figueroa and nail technician Hoa Aurelis. (Right) Aside from hair care, Eclipse offers a full menu of salon services.
In addition to terrific products, Eclipse also offers full salon services. The spa specializes in hair, nails, facials and massages, giving clients the option of stopping in for a single service or relaxing for a full day of beauty. Nail treatments include spa manicures, acrylics, silk wraps, and paraffin wax, as well as a variety of pedicures. The salon also offers waxing and skin care, with many types of facials and add-on treatments, such as oxygen therapy, vitamin C treatment, collagen and seaweed for healing and hydration. Eclipse is a place for full-body beauty, and no visit to the spa
would be complete without experiencing one of the massages and body therapies offered for both men and women. These treatments include massages, body exfoliation and body wraps. From Swedish and shiatsu massages to Dead Sea salt scrubs and seaweed body wraps, the salon is the perfect place to experience allover relaxation and the peace of mind that comes with organic beauty. Eclipse Salon & Day Spa is located in Wellington at the Southfields Plaza, off Lake Worth Road near Polo Park Middle School, at 3975 Isles View Drive, Suites 105-106. For more information, call (561) 204-5858.
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Summer In Germany Wellington’s Todd Flettrich & Margaret Duprey Travel Abroad To Train With Dressage Olympian Hubertus Schmidt
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BY LAUREN FISHER
Dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich is currently preparing for a European summer tour to train with Olympic gold medallist Hubertus Schmidt of Germany. Schmidt has coached Flettrich regularly for the past two years, and Flettrich will spend this summer training and showing Grand Prix horses Danseur, Otto and Amadeus in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.
Dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich has made quite a name for himself in the Grand Prix ring riding Amadeus, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding.
PHOTO BY SUSAN J. STICKLE
Flettrich departs for Paderborn, Germany this month along with longtime student Margaret Duprey, who owns all three of Flettrich’s horses and will also be traveling with her own two mounts, Sopranos and Mojito. Catherine Malone, another longtime student Flettrich student, will bring several horses to Germany for training as well. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Duprey owns Cherry Knoll Farm, based in Wellington and the Pennsylvania town of West Grove. Flettrich and Duprey divide their time between the two locations, spending their winter months at the Florida farm. Wellington’s unique equestrian community and beautiful weather allows for uninterrupted training and showing during the winter months, which is essential to both horse and rider preparation for a summer abroad. Flettrich decided to train with Schmidt after first meeting him in Florida several years ago. “I thought he was a fabulous rider and teacher, and of course his records speak for themselves,” Flettrich said. “At the time, he was a several-time European professional champion. He has a phenomenal record, and he rides with so much feeling. I found him to be a super trainer and just a nice guy.” Flettrich has his sights set on bringing the horses back for competition in Wellington next winter, and said he’ll need more concentrated training and support in order to make sure that happens. (Left) Margaret Duprey rides her mount Mojito.
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“The most important thing for me is just to get in the ring with all of the horses and get them experience,” he said. “Our goal is to be ready for Florida next year and to have enough experience behind us that we can do well.” Every horse show in Europe is a big event, Flettrich said. “They have big award ceremonies, and they do everything on a much grander scale; it is a great experience,” he said. “The thing that I love about the Wellington shows is that they have atmosphere. They have the electricity and the environment that you see at the big shows, and that is what I want to experience in Europe this summer.” Flettrich has a great appreciation for Schmidt’s coaching methods and hopes that his expertise will assist in the consistency of the training for each horse. “Hubertus’ teaching allows you to take your time warming up, and he is very simple in his explanations and his basic riding,” Flettrich detailed. “Every day you warm up, walk, trot, canter, stretching and loosening the horse’s body through relaxation, and then you gradually develop more collection, and develop the horse’s movement throughout the ride. His day-to-day training and riding is very harmonious.” Duprey and Flettrich have set goals for themselves and each of their horses as they approach the summer trip. Flettrich has done very well in the Grand Prix ring over the past four years with Amadeus, a 12-year-old Danish Warmblood gelding. Since he has been riding Amadeus the longest among the three horses, Flettrich hopes to work on the horse’s consistency in the ring while training with Schmidt. Otto, another 12-year-old Danish gelding, is a veteran Grand Prix horse, but is a new mount for Flettrich that Cherry Knoll Farm acquired in December 2008. “He is a grand prix horse with WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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experience, but not with me,” Flettrich explained. “We just got him, and he is a super horse and he is well trained, but I am very different from his other rider. We have to get to know each other and form a partnership.” Flettrich’s third mount Danseur is a nine-year-old gelding that will be making his Grand Prix debut this year. “He has not shown before on the Grand Prix level, so I have to make sure we can perform what we do at home and bring it to the arena,” he said. Duprey has similar goals for her horses, 11-year-old Mojito and eight-year-old Sopranos. “Sopranos has the grand prix movements, but he is a young horse, so I will work with Todd and Hubertus in pulling it all together for the test,” she explained. “I have had Mojito for almost four years, and I just moved him up to Prix St. Georges, so there is definitely room for improvement with him as well. I am always trying to just inch up the improvement goal.” Looking forward to the big trip overseas, Duprey said that the health of the horses is the most important thing and that they always take the training and preparation one day at a time. “Being fit and just keeping the horses exercised and happy is very important,” she explained. “It is a very stressful trip, so keeping their muscles in good shape and keeping them calm is my main concern. I have flown with my horses before, and I just want to make sure that they are the healthiest that they can be.” Flettrich understands how important and beneficial the trip will be, not only for the horses, but for the riders as well.
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“I am very fortunate to have someone support me to do something that I have worked at all of my life,” Flettrich said. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and the older I get, the more I realize that I do not want to stop learning. It is im-
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‘It is a very stressful trip, so keeping their muscles in good shape and keeping them calm is my main concern. I have flown with my horses before, and I want to make sure that they are the healthiest that they can be.’ Dressage rider Margaret Duprey portant not to stop learning. Sometimes when we get stuck at home in the same old day-to-day routine, we stop progressing and developing. If this is something that you love to do, you can’t give up on your dreams. This is my dream, to become a good rider and trainer, and I feel very fortunate that I have the opportunity. I hope that I can continue to learn throughout my life.”
(Left) Margaret Duprey spends some quality time with eight-year-old Sopranos.
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W ELLINGTON at Home
Custom Isles Of Wellington Home Revels In The Colors Of Florida STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY PHOTOS BY BEA BOLTON
When Frank Ginder and Susan Bleda-Ginder came from Nantucket to purchase a winter home in Florida six years ago, they wondered where all their favorite Florida colors had gone — the pastel pinks, the sea foam greens, the buttery yellows. It seemed as if everything around them had gone forest green and beige. Luckily, the Ginders are specialists in the art of transformation!
(Left) Homeowners Frank Ginder and Susan Bleda-Ginder are experts in furniture and design. (Above) Located in the Isles at Wellington, the custom-built Ginder home has its main entrance set to one side, lots of windows to let in the Florida light, plenty of palm trees and its own contemporary “turret.” (Right inset) A glimpse of the colorful flowerboxes outside is visible from the sunny breakfast nook. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Having been in the furniture and design business most of their professional lives, Frank and Susan brought Florida back with a vengeance and a delicious fresh look. Today, their home in the Isles at Wellington vibrates with hot pink, orangey coral, contemporary citrus greens and lemonade yellow. The 4,329-square-foot custom-built home boasts five bedrooms (one is being used as a den) and five full baths. To lighten it up, the Ginders brought in variegated limestone and five-inch-wide maple plank flooring. They installed beach gray granite countertops in the kitchen and nearly white carpeting in the bedrooms. Visitors may be miles from the beach but they’d never know it. “We have original art throughout the house,” Frank noted. “And Susan herself has done some of the works.” (Left) Paintings by Judy Hanselman lead the eye upstairs, while art on pedestals helps ground the room. (Below) In the reading room, a newly crafted Stickley chair and bookcase remind us that good style never goes out of fashion.
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Frank brought out a favorite to show, and Susan shyly shrugs it off. “I’m an interior designer; I’m not a painter, although I can paint,” she said. “I did learn to do encaustic in California. It’s a process where you melt paint into hot beeswax and use a blowtorch. It was fun.” Susan would much rather point out the paintings on the wall along the magnificent curved oak-on-white staircase in the foyer. The paintings were done by Judy Hanselman. “We’ve been working with her for years,” Susan explained. “I give her a piece of fabric and some dimensions of what I need, and she’ll paint accordingly, which designers love. Most artists won’t do that. She primarily does seascapes, landscapes and abstracts, but she’ll do any kind of work in watercolor or acrylics.” Directly to the right of the entrance is the sunny yellow reading room (no TVs allowed) with sofa upholstered in a white cotton/linen blend, a chair and bookcase made by Stickley, a favorite poster and favorite “objets d’art” in glass. To the left, pink coral and lime set the tone of the formal living room, and cabana-look partial drapes by Manuel Canovas soften the edges of plain rectangular windows.
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“They make a very harsh side softer and add another texture to the room,” Susan noted. “Design is all about texture — smooth against rough, hard against soft.” Heading straight down the hallway from the foyer, comfy couches in a large-scale plaid of lime, gold-yellow and coral continue the beach feel. Susan’s art sets off a wall and a shrimp-pink coffee bar entices guests toward the kitchen. “What Susan did is bring originality to our home by mixing the Mission style of the table and chairs in the breakfast nook with a cottage look, and putting all that next to a very contemporary bench,” Frank said. “You can mix all different styles so it doesn’t come out looking like Rooms to Go.” And he should know. Frank worked as a manager for Robb & Stuckey furniture and for Mastercraft in Washington, D.C. In fact, working in the furniture/design business is how they met. Three boys later, they’re still working. (Below) A collection of Rosenthal glass brightens up one corner of the living room. Partial drapes by Manuel Canovas serve to soften the hard lines of the windows.
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“The kids are grown now — they’re ages 26, 23 and 21, but the oldest two have moved back home,” Frank said. “The youngest is still in college.”
Lloyd Wright, but they’re different in that they’re very comfortable,” Frank laughed. “Wright’s chairs had very straight backs.”
“They boomeranged when they found out food costs money,” Susan explained.
He paused to point out the many textures in the room — wood, metal, travertine, glass — together with contemporary furniture.
And who wouldn’t? The Ginders’ kitchen is a cook’s paradise with lots of clean white spaces, plenty of cabinets and a huge pantry, two ovens and, of course, a fridge. “I like to cook. I was going for a ‘French chef’ look in here,” Susan confessed. “We all have our fantasies.” The formal dining room is another contemporary space, with a table made of sycamore and eight clean-lined maple chairs made in Italy. If you hadn’t been told otherwise, you’d swear the woods match down to the grain. “The chairs are in a style similar to that of Frank (Below) The formal dining room features a variety of textures and a sycamore table that is nearly a perfect match to the Italian-made maple chairs that surround it.
The home took six months to decorate, Susan said, due in part to awaiting the arrival of imports. Most of the area rugs are from Tibet, although the Ginders did not have to travel further than the High Point Market in North Carolina to get them. They also shop Market in Atlanta and another buyers’ show in New York. Moving upstairs, the hall to the master bedroom is flanked by two engaging copper-look aluminum paintings by Tony Evans — a fish on the right, an abstract sword on the left. Once in the bedroom, the mood shifts from edgy to comfortable. Plush white armchairs beckon to-
ward a sitting area, while white rockers compete to get you to step outside onto the upstairs porch. “One day I said, ‘let’s sit in all the chairs!’” Susan said. “We were in the house the whole day, trying all the different chairs. Of course, this bedroom has evolved three times, and it will evolve again.” Down a hallway, mirrored doors conceal his-and-hers closets on the way to the master bath, a room that hides its true beauty until dusk. “We call it the Sunset Room because the sun sets right out that window,” Susan said. “The entire sky is lit up with the colors of the wallpaper.” Each of the three smaller bedrooms has its own Florida feel — one in blue and white, one in turquoise, and one in citrus green. Crisp white woodwork throughout the home keeps everything shipshape. In true Florida style, the home also sports a swimming pool and a patio set
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(Above) The aged-copper weathervane horse presiding over a shuttered armoire is Susan’s signature. “Horses are my trademark,” she explained. “You’ll usually find a little horse in every house I do.” (Right) A white and whimsical bedstead is flanked by Susan’s artwork. Cabanastriped bedside tables provide the “wow” factor.
with pavers. Kitschy wood-slat lounge chairs in the shape of fish commandeer one corner. These are a perennial best seller in the couple’s stores and are available in several color combinations. It’s also evident that the Ginders love flowers. In an age defined by the ease of faux, their window boxes are overflowing with live impatiens. Flowers abound throughout the home and around the property. “We put in all those plantings,” Frank said, gesturing to the side yards. “All the trees, all the shrubs.” “I’m growing poinciana trees from seed right now,” Susan added. “I’m going to have so many I’m going to have to give some away.” Although the Ginders are busy preparing for their annual return to Nantucket, the home base of Susan’s design business, their beloved Florida awaits, alive in the colors of their Wellington home. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Wellington Table
Max & Erma’s...
Comfort Food Served Up With Style STORY BY COURTNEY WATSON PHOTOS BY DEVIN JACOVIELLO
Designed to look like a nostalgic local hangout, Max & Erma’s offers a full menu of comfort foods and a friendly staff that makes every customer feel right at home. The growing Ohiobased chain celebrated the February opening of its Royal Palm Beach location by inviting the community to sample classic dishes like Max & Erma’s gourmet burgers, hand-scooped potato skins and fresh-baked cookies. The first 100 guests even received free tortilla soup for a year. Wellington The Magazine recently stopped in for lunch at the restaurant in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza and learned all about the Ohiobased franchise’s tradition of great food, excellent service and commitment to the community. We were greeted by server Jodi Devivo, who led us to
a table in one of the spacious dining rooms, which feature tile mosaics, stained glass and pictures of iconic Americans. The vibrant interior of Max & Erma’s is comfortable and welcoming, outfitted with plenty of interesting things to look at while trying to decide what to order off a diverse menu featuring many taste-tempting delights.
(Above) The barbecue chicken quesadilla off the appetizers menu at Max & Erma’s (Right) Server Jodi Devivo and Manager Steve Astles show off the restaurant’s unique décor.
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After settling into a booth with drinks and a menu, we met restaurant manager Steve Astles, who explained that in addition to offering really good food, Max & Erma’s is also intensely devoted to its community outreach program. In the short time the restaurant has been open, Max & Erma’s has already partnered on projects with the Palm Beach County School District, the Wellington Rotary Club, the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, the Wellington Women’s Club and Wellington Landings Middle School. “Community outreach is a big part of our business,” Astles said. “We love working with members of our community to help make a difference. When we can do something good for those around us, of course we want to.” In addition to being a great place to host community events, Max & Erma’s is an ideal spot for a family outing. The restaurant’s bright, warm atmosphere is child-friendly, with features such as a do-it-yourself ice cream sundae bar sure to appeal to kids of all ages. With an enormous menu offering a wide selection, everyone is sure to find a dish or two they love — from American classics like burgers and fries to spicy quesadillas with a southwestern kick. We couldn’t wait to start sampling the restaurant’s tasty dishes, and Devivo brought us a few of her favorites. The first dish we tried was the phenomenal tortilla soup, a savory southwestern staple that was warm, rich and cheesy. The soup paired perfectly with the next item out of the kitchen, a piping hot order of soft pretzel sticks, served with a spicy side of queso sauce. These items are just a couple of options on Max & Erma’s appetizer menu, which also features a delicious barbecue chicken quesadilla topped with fresh pico de gallo and creamy avocado ranch dressing that lingered on our palates. In addition to soups and appetizers, Max & Erma’s also serves salads, sandwiches, gourmet cheeseburgers, steaks & ribs, chicken, pasta and seafood. One of the restaurant’s most popular traditions is a perpetual happy hour featuring half-priced drinks, house wines and draft beer. Besides adult beverages, Max & Erma’s also offers gourmet sodas and fizzy flavored lemonades and tea.
The next dish we sank our teeth into was the delicious tomato-mozzarella chicken sandwich, which featured a fresh tomato-basil blend spread over toasted ciabatta bread and layered with grilled chicken, mozzarella, fresh basil and oven-roasted tomatoes, served with a baby greens salad. The terrific flavor combination is a winner, and the sandwich pairs perfectly with one of the restaurant’s flavored drinks, such as Watermelon Lemonade, which is hand-shaken and served in a sugar-rimmed glass. For diners craving something fresh, fast and walletfriendly, Max & Erma’s always has lunch and dinner specials. Another terrific option for the health-conscious is one of the restaurant’s many signature salads. There are a variety to choose from, including the southern fried chicken salad and the guilt-free Hula Bowl, a delicious blend of pineapple-soy chicken, mandarin oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, carrots and crunchy noodles served on a bed of fresh greens and topped with fat-free honey mustard dressing. We sampled the apple-pecan salad, which features mixed greens tossed with apples, sweet and spicy pecans, dried cranberries and crumbled bleu cheese in a maple vinaigrette dressing and drizzled with a balsamic reduction. We also loved the Third Street Salad, a fresh mix of salad greens topped with grilled chicken, seasoned almonds, crumbled bleu cheese, hickory-smoked bacon, tomatoes and red onions. After a fantastic meal, we were so full we were sure we couldn’t eat another bite — that is, until Devivo brought out a tray of hot chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia nut cookies, fresh from the oven. We couldn’t resist, and our efforts were rewarded. Like everything else on the menu at Max & Erma’s, dessert was warm, comforting and absolutely delicious! Max & Erma’s is located in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza at 11111 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 383-8878 or visit www.maxandermas.com. (Top to bottom) The tomato-mozzarella chicken sandwich; Max & Erma’s signature tortilla soup; an order of the soft pretzel sticks with warm queso sauce; and the apple-pecan salad, just one of several featured salads.
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Wellington Dining Guide Enjoy the ocean’s freshest, most succulent seafood and mouthwatering cuts of beef at Wellington’s hottest new culinary gem, Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille. One nibble and you’ll be hooked! Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For full menu, visit www.bacalaoseafoodgrille.com or call (561) 753-2836 for more info. Backstreets Neighborhood Bar & Grill serves the finest seafood, steaks, salads, burgers and pizzas as well as daily specials. Stop by on Sunday for a 14-ounce prime rib dinner. Backstreets is located in the Wellington Plaza and is open for lunch and dinner. Call (561) 795-0100 for info. Café Las Palmas, located at 7750 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach, has an international menu with a focus on Cuban and Colombian cuisine. It is open for lunch and dinner, and features live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. For more info., call (561) 697-1786. Campagnolo Italian Restaurant offers a taste of New York’s Little Italy in Wellington. In the Marketplace at Wycliffe, Campagnolo serves family-style Italian cuisine with huge portions meant to share. For an appetizer, try the stuffed artichokes or mussel soup. For an entree, try the Chicken Campagnolo, veal pizzaiola or penne con broccoli rabe. Located at 4115 State Road 7, it is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more info., call (561) 434-9427. Centanni Café & Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach serves up delicious Italian dishes cooked to order. It is located at the corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. near Kmart. Call (561) 792-7677 for info. The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach has added a hip new element to its 60-year tradition of offering the finest steaks and ribs with the Polo Steakhouse. For “ladies that lunch” there is a lighter menu, and now the hotel proudly introduces the Palm Court Al Fresco with lounge seating and billowing curtains in a lush garden setting. Open for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. Located at 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach, call (561) 655-5430 for info. Field of Greens, located at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Pointe at Wellington Green, serves some of the freshest and healthiest food in town. It is a quick, contemporary restaurant specializing in salads and sandwiches. Enjoy customized salads with homemade dressings, as well as signature salads and wraps. For more info., call (561) 795-4345. Gabriel’s Cafe & Grille is Wellington’s oldest restaurant. Serving breakfast and lunch, Gabriel’s is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily in the Wellington Plaza at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. For more info., call (561) 793-0675. Drop by the Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant and relax in a warm, traditional Irish setting complete with oak-barrel tables and a full bar with many types of beer flowing from the tap. Regular live entertainment is offered. The Gypsy’s Horse is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Call (561) 333-3700 for more info. Ironwood Grille, located in the PGA National Resort & Spa, is now open to the public providing an amazing new contemporary American dining experience. The heart of the menu is a tempting list of steaks and fresh seafood. Guests will find room for private dining and a wine room featuring a floor-to-ceiling collection of 2,000 bottles. For reservations, call (561) 227-2681 or visit www.ironwoodgrille.com. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Wellington Dining Guide Social Scene When you are planning an outing to the Isle Casino Pompano Park, make sure to include a first-class dining experience. Start out with a specialty themed buffet or a meal at Farraddays’ Steakhouse, where the bar features live jazz every Friday and Saturday night. For more info., visit www.theislepompanopark.com or call (877) ISLE-2WIN. The Isle Casino is located at 777 Isle of Capri Circle off Powerline Road, south of Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar is located in the Courtyard Shops of Wellington at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. Steaks and seafood are featured, prepared with a Euro-Asian fusion flair. Enjoy the full sushi bar and a glass or bottle of wine from a large and varied list. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more info., call (561) 296-0404. La Fogata Restaurant serves delicious Mexican cuisine. The restaurant, located in Wellington Town Square at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., features a tequila bar. Call (561) 422-1641 for info. Family owned and operated, Mamma Mia’s Trattoria has served South Florida since 1983. Huge portions; open for lunch and dinner; featuring New York style brick oven pizza; specializing in fresh seafood, oakwood-grilled lamb chops, slow-roasted ossobuco and frutti di mare. Mamma Mia’s is located at 8855 Hypoluxo Road at Lyons Road. Call (561) 963-9565 for more info. Max & Erma’s restaurant is now open in Royal Palm Beach serving gourmet hamburgers, steaks, chicken, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Call-ahead seating and carryout available. Max & Erma’s is located at 11111 Southern Blvd. in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza. For more info., call (561) 383-8878 or visit www.maxandermas.com. Fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience at The Melting Pot, where patrons can dip into something different and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience. The Melting Pot, located at 3044 S. Military Trail in Lake Worth, features a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners. It’s a little different, and a lot of fun. For more info., call (561) 967-1009. Michael’s, The Wine Bar, located in the Wellington Plaza, offers wines from around the world selected by an in-house sommelier. Pair your wine selection with the small plate menu offering a variety of items, including pan-seared duck breast and heritage pork tenderloin. Daily wine and food specials, wine flights and tastings enhance this casual, relaxed dining experience. Entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening. Call (561) 202-6525 for more info. Nature’s Table Café is located in the Wellington Marketplace and offers a wholesome menu featuring hearty soups, specialty salads, gourmet wraps, signature sandwiches and fruit yogurt shakes. Free Wi-Fi access is available, as well as online ordering. For more info., visit www.ntcwellington.com or call (561) 383-8343. Continental cuisine, steaks and seafood are on order at Nicole’s Village Tavern, conveniently located at 12300 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. Visit Wednesday night for their prime rib dinner special. For more info., call (561) 793-3456 or visit www.nicoles villagetavern.com.
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The Players Club Restaurant & Bar (13410 South
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Shore Blvd., Wellington) features gourmet cuisine along with a popular piano bar, outside dining, two outside smoking bars, live entertainment and catered events. Call (561) 795-0080 for more information. Got a craving? Master Chef Shingo at Shingo’s Authentic Japanese Restaurant can satisfy that craving with so many sashimi and sushi varieties, you could never taste them all! Try them a la carte or in combo platters. The restaurant also features many other Japanese specialties. Shingo’s is located in the Woods Walk Plaza at the corner of Lake Worth Road and State Road 7. For more info., call (561) 963-5050. Stonewood Grill & Tavern in the Pointe at Wellington Green serves up exciting flavors in a casually sophisticated setting. The gourmet American fare features delicious entrees with the perfect wines to accompany. Call (561) 784-9796 or visit www.stonewoodgrill. com for more info. A family tradition since 1905, Strathmore Bagels is located in the Marketplace at Wycliffe at the corner of State Road 7 and Lake Worth Road. For more info., call (561) 357-0044. Too Bizaare Café wine, sushi bar and gallery in Jupiter has a varied menu and wine list. There are a variety of tapas, and the sushi bar features various sushi and sashimi as well as classic and hand rolls. Specialty dishes include pastas, seafood and chicken dishes. Too Bizaare Café is located at 287 E. Indiantown Road. For more info., call (561) 745-1032 or visit www.toobizaare.com. Drop by the award-winning TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli in the Mall at Wellington Green for breakfast, lunch or dinner. TooJay’s is reminiscent of your favorite New York delicatessen. Specialties include signature overstuffed sandwiches, chicken noodle soup and traditional deli classics. For more information, call (561) 784-9055 or visit www.toojays. com. Trees Wings & Ribs is located at 603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Royal Plaza. Eat in or pick up your order of signature wings, ribs, chicken and more. Tree’s also delivers mouthwatering menu items, and caters events and parties. Visit www.treeswings andribs.com or call (561) 791-1535 for more info. Tub Tim Thai Restaurant in the Marketplace at Wycliffe features authentic Thai cuisine and decor. Thai dishes made with fresh seafood, juicy duck and authentic ingredients are prepared for you to enjoy. For more information, call (561) 641-5550 or visit Tub Tim Thai Restaurant at 4095 State Road 7 at Lake Worth Road. The White Horse Tavern, located at 3401 Equestrian Club Road adjacent to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, features an eclectic Italian-American menu and a patio dining area overlooking a tranquil lake and lush gardens. Hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday for cocktails and dinner from 5 p.m. and Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cal (561) 333-1150 for more info. Zensai Asian Grill & Sushi Bar features Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine offering something for everyone. Sushi is made fresh to order daily in an upscale, soothing atmosphere. The restaurant is located at 10233 Okeechobee Blvd. in the Super Target shopping center. Call (561) 795-8882 or visit www. zensairestaurant.com for more info. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Wellington Calendar THURSDAY, JUNE 4 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will present the 13th Annual Taste of the West & Chocolate Lovers’ Festival on Thursday, June 4 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The food tasting and business expo will feature more than 40 local restaurants and caterers offering samples of their fare with business exhibitors displaying their products and services. There will also be plenty of delectable chocolate samplings. Tickets cost $12 at the door. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com. FRIDAY, JUNE 5 • The Henry Morrison Flagler Museum (One Whitehall Way, Palm Beach) will host “Founder’s Day” on Friday, June 5. Founder’s Day gives visitors free access to the National Historic Landmark. The museum’s extensive collection of art, furniture and historic objects related to life during the Gilded Age will be on display. Call (561) 6552833 or visit www.flaglermuseum.us for info. • The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival will return to the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.) Friday, June 5 through Sunday, June 7. The festival attracts dealers from all over the country who sell a vast array of antiques, collectibles and decorative accessories. Call (561) 640-3433 or visit www.festival ofantiques.com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Summer Kickoff: Camp Rock” on Friday, June 5 at 2 p.m. for ages eight to 15. Celebrate the start of summer with an interactive version of the movie Camp Rock. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. SATURDAY, JUNE 6 • The Palm Beach Kennel Club (1111 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach) will show the Belmont Stakes on Saturday, June 6 at 11:30 a.m. Come out and wager on the third jewel of the Triple Crown, plus enjoy 15 live greyhound races with superfecta wagering, a trackside barbecue, drink specials, prize drawings and more. Admission is $1. Call (561) 683-2222 or visit www.pbkennelclub. com for more info. MONDAY, JUNE 8 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Baby Story Time” on Mondays, June 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 9:30 a.m. for under nine months and at 11:15 a.m. for 10 to18 months. Your baby will love the rhymes, finger plays, songs, books and toys. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Games, Games, Games!” on Mondays, June 8 and 15 at 2 p.m. for ages six to 10. The first week, participants will challenge each other with board and group games. In week two, participants will design and make their own board games. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
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TUESDAY, JUNE 9 • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, June 9 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.
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WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Stories in Sign” on Wednesday, June 10, 17 and 24 at 2 p.m. for ages six and up. Learn a story or two in sign language each week. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Advisory Group Scrapbooking” on Wednesday, June 10 at 4 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Help make a scrapbook of photographs from past teen programs. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a Member Mixer and Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Michael’s The Wine Bar in the Wellington Plaza (12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). RSVP to (561) 793-6525. THURSDAY, JUNE 11 • The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) will meet Thursday, June 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive). Teens ages 12 to 17 can let their opinions be heard at the TAG meeting. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Pizza & Pages: Runaways” on Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. What would you do if you discovered your parents were super-villains? Copies of Brian K. Vaughan’s graphic novel are available at the children’s desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. FRIDAY, JUNE 12 • The Village of Royal Palm Beach will mark its 50th Anniversary with two days of celebrations Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. Friday events include the unveiling of a sculpture at 5 p.m. and a birthday party with free cake at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park on Royal Palm Beach Blvd., followed by a Royal Palm Beach Community Band concert and a free screening of the 1959 movie classic Some Like It Hot. Saturday activities include a 5K run/walk at 7 a.m. starting at Camellia Park; a 10 a.m. time capsule opening; a chili cookoff, cupcake bakeoff and pie-eating contest at Veterans Park with entertainment; a 7 p.m. concert featuring Hot Brass Monkey at the Veterans Park amphitheater; and culminate with a fireworks display at 9 p.m. For more info., visit www.royalpalmbeach.com. SATURDAY, JUNE 13 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Famous Authors Live: David Hagberg” on Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m. for adults. Meet the best-selling author, chat, ask questions and get the scoop on Burned, his new novel based on a true kidnapping story. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Wellington Parks & Recreation will host an Outdoor Summer Concert featuring the local rock band Rumour Hazit on Saturday, June 13 from 7 to 9 p.m. on the Wellington Community Center field. For more info., call (561) 753-2484. • The Cuillo Centre for the Arts (201 Clematis Street, WPB) will host Mod 27’s Improv Comedy on Saturday, June 13 at 9 p.m. General admission is $13, students and seniors $11. Call (561) 8359226 or visit www.mod27.com for more info. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • JUNE 2009
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Wellington Calendar SUNDAY, JUNE 14 • My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust will hold a fundraiser on Sunday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center featuring Copeland Davis on the piano and live/silent auctions. Tickets are $40 and include dinner, wine and soft drinks. For tickets, call (561) 793-7606. MONDAY, JUNE 15 • The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches will hold Camp Shalom Jr. West for children ages two to five at Temple Beth Zion (129 Sparrow Drive, Royal Palm Beach). The camp will run from June 15 through Aug. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with extended-day and part-time options available. For more info., call Sharon at (561) 253-6030 or visit www.campshalom.org. TUESDAY, JUNE 16 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Art for Tweens: Textured Collage” on Tuesday, June 16 at 2 p.m. for ages nine to 12. Create a collage of crayon texture rubbings. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After Hours Networking Barbecue on Wednesday, June 17 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at TD Bank (1031 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach). The event will be a business casual summer barbecue. For more info., call Catherine Engel at (561) 7906200 or e-mail catherine@palmswest.com • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Socrates Café” on Wednesday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Marji Chapman of the Society for Philosophical Inquiry will lead the discussion. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. SATURDAY, JUNE 20 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Father’s Day Concert on Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m. for ages three and up. The Clarion Handbell Choir will perform songs and stories about fathers. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will host Family Fun Day on Saturday, June 20 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Family Fun Day will be held as part of the organization’s 14th Annual Business Expo. The event is free and open to the general public. For more info., contact Tinu Peña at (561) 340-7504 or tpena@motreco.com, or Everett Wheatley at (561) 635-1188 or everettwheatley@yahoo.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Mark Salona & Pam Wyman on Tour” on Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m. for adults. Enjoy songs and piano/guitar instrumentals. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
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SUNDAY, JUNE 21 • The Palm Beach Kennel Club (1111 North Congress Ave., West Palm Beach) will hold a Father’s Day Celebration on Sunday, June 21 at 11:30 a.m. The club will salute all men with free admission and giveaways. Other activities include the Father’s Day race featuring eight top male greyhounds, food and drink specials. Call (561) 6832222 or visit www.pbkennelclub.com for info.
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Wellington Calendar MONDAY, JUNE 22 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Centennial Sue” on Monday, June 22 at 3:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Celebrate Palm Beach County’s birthday with a trip back 100 years to visit Centennial Sue, a turn-ofthe-century schoolteacher. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. TUESDAY, JUNE 23 • The Wellington Village Council will meet at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) on Tuesday, June 23 at 7 p.m. Call (561) 791-4000 for more info. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24 • The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host a member luncheon on Wednesday, June 24 at noon at Kontiki (13860 Wellington Trace in the Wellington Courtyard Shops) RSVP by June 19 to (561) 793-6525. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its “Poetry Discussion Series” on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Engage in a provocative discussion of several published poems. Pick up copies at the information desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. THURSDAY, JUNE 25 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Teen Game Night” on Thursday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Play Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and board games. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. FRIDAY, JUNE 26 • The Rock and Rebels Tour will visit the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Friday, June 26 featuring Kid Rock and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www. livenation.com for more info. SATURDAY, JUNE 27 • Toby Keith and Trace Adkins will be featured in “America’s Toughest Tour” on Saturday, June 27 at the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Call (561) 795-8883 or visit www.live nation.com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Scrapbooking for the Family” on Saturday, June 27 at 2:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Learn new techniques and create your own designs. Bring pictures and memorabilia. Basic supplies will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Mod 27 will present Improv Comedy at the Cuillo Centre for the Arts (201 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach) on Saturday, June 27 at 9 p.m. The cost is $13 for general admission, $11 for students and seniors. Call (561) 835-9226 or visit www.cuillocentre.com for more info.
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MONDAY, JUNE 29 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Bookmaking” on Monday, June 29 at 2 p.m. for ages eight to 12. Create four different types of books in four weeks. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.
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Around Wellington
Team Audi Captures Polo’s Top Crown — The U.S. Open Polo Championship capped the 2009 season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. In the final match on Sunday, April 21, Wellingtonbased Team Audi captured the trophy, defeating Las Monjitas 9-8 in sudden-death overtime. Shown here, USPA Chairman Tom Biddle presents the U.S. Open trophy to Audi team members Marc Ganzi and Facundo, Gonzalito and Nicholas Pieres. Photo courtesy LILA PHOTO
Hot Art… Cool Place — The Wellington Art Society presentWellington Relay — Palm Beach Central High School hosted the American Cancer Society’s 2009 Wellington Relay for Life overnight Friday, April 17. Supporters joined survivors as they made their way around the track raising money for cancer research. Shown here, the relay featured teams from both Palm Beach Central and Wellington high schools. Photos by Carol Porter
ed “Hot Art… Cool Place” on Saturday, May 23 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The indoor fine art and craft sale celebrated all things spring, and included more than 30 area artists showcasing their work. (Above) Linda Rovolis, Jean Talbott, Adrianne Hetherington, Suzanne Redmond and Susan Barnett-Wolin of the Wellington Art Society. (Below) Art teacher Grace Siegel (far right) with students Pearl Layne, Phyllis Wagner and Edith Lavelanet. Photos by denise fleischman
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