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Wellington Social Scene Wellington Celebrates Opening Of Long-Awaited Amphitheater Wellington Rotary Club Installs President, Officers For 2010-11 Western Executives Dinner Benefits Bennie Blades Foundation New Monthly Event Series Debuts At Wellington Marketplace Plaza Churches, Residents Team Up To Beautify Village Neighborhood
46 Wellington Table For a special treat for your sweet tooth, Christy’s NY Cheesecake offers delicious, preservative-free baked goods that leave you wanting more. Now open in its new, larger location at the Pointe at Wellington Green, Christy’s has been Wellington’s hometown bakery for more than five years. The new location is sunny and vibrant with large windows to let natural light in. The décor is bright with pops of pink, and every table has a bundle of beautiful, locally grown flowers. But the most eye-catching piece is the glass counter filled with brightly colored indulgences. BY lauren miró
20 WELLINGTON WATCH 49 Wellington DINING GUIDE 51 Wellington Calendar 54 around wellington
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features 22 S.F. Science museum Goes Preschool A new set of classes for children at the South Florida Science Museum is proving Wellington resident Theresa Kewley’s axiom that no one is too young to learn science. The classes, organized and taught by Kewley, make up the first early-learning program at the South Florida Science Museum, designed for ages 18 months to 4 years. By ron bukley
30 Elbridge Gale Kids Take to The Stage After-school programs have come a long way since the days of homework help and craft projects. Students at Elbridge Gale Elementary School recently put on a fully staged production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. It was part of a program that has become a major draw for the school, located on Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. by Deborah Welky
35 Wellington Students Think Pink When a handful of Wellington students wanted to do something to fight breast cancer, they could have staged a single fundraiser, or perhaps join an event sponsored by another organization. Instead, they decided to start their own club. That group — thinkPINKkids Wellington — has since expanded to several area schools from its inception at Wellington High School. By Lauren miró
40 My First Winter Equestrian Festival This year, rider Leah DeMartini was able to remain in Wellington for the duration of the Winter Equestrian Festival. It was an experience that paid off in many ways, inside and outside the show ring.
42 Susan Russell Sculpts Young Minds ON THE COVER Marika Dumancas portrayed Jasmine in Elbridge Gale Elementary School’s after-school production of Aladdin Jr. Photo By Adam Marshall BellaMia Portrait Studios
For three decades, Susan Russell has been caring for Wellington’s youngest residents. The passage of time has done nothing to dim her resolve to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment. Her two preschool/daycare facilities in Wellington paved the way for the many that have followed. That is why she is our eighth nominee for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. By matthew auerbach WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • august 2010
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Wellington The Magazine
A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER
You’re Never To Old (Or Young) To Learn! volume
It’s August, and in Florida, that means the new school year is about to get underway. This month, we feature a number of stories on an educational theme, from budding preschool scientists to high schoolers giving back to the community.
7, number 8 | august 2010
publisher/executive editor
Joshua I. Manning associate publisher
Dawn Rivera graphic designer
Suzanne Summa circulation coordinator
Betty Buglio bookkeeping
Carol Lieberman account managers
Evie Edwards Wanda Glockson Scott Hyber Nicola Jimenez photography
Bill Barbosa Bea Bolton Gary Kane Susan Lerner Abner Pedraza Gregory Ratner
The South Florida Science Museum has long been an important educational institution for students across Palm Beach County. Thousands of school kids take part in its programs each year. But up until now, the museum hasn’t offered anything for the preschool set. That’s something Wellington’s Theresa Kewley has been working to change. Based on the belief that you’re never too young to learn science, Kewley has developed a curriculum designed for ages 18 months to four years. From “Exploring the Everglades” to “Ocean Friends,” it’s a program we’re proud to feature in this month’s magazine. Our Wellington Entrepreneur of the Year program continues, also on an educational theme, as we profile Susan Russell, our eighth nominee. For the past 30 years, Russell has run two preschools serving Wellington’s youngest residents. Her Little Place Neighborhood Kids Preschool and Little Place Too laid the groundwork for the dozens of other preschool options that followed. Today, Russell is busy teaching the children of her first generation of students.
contributors
Matthew Auerbach Jason Budjinski Ron Bukley Denise Fleischman Lauren Miró Carol Porter Deborah Welky Wellington The Magazine
12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Fax: (561) 793-1470 www.WellingtonTheMagazine.com
Published by Wellington The Magazine, LLC Barry S. Manning chairman/chief executive officer Maureen Budjinski vice president Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2010, 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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If an after-school program makes you think of homework help and craft projects, you haven’t visited Wellington’s Elbridge Gale Elementary School. While Elbridge Gale’s after-school program has many of the traditional offerings, its drama program has really made the school stand out. In this month’s issue, we show some of what went into the school’s recent production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. When a group of Wellington High School students wanted to give back to the community, they didn’t just stage one fundraiser, they formed thinkPINKkids Wellington, a student-run organization that raises money for breast cancer support and research through an entire slate of fundraisers all year long. It’s an idea that has since spread to several other Wellington-area schools. Meet the kids behind this wonderful organization in this month’s issue. Also in August, Wellington Table visits the new, larger location of Christy’s NY Cheesecake, Wellington’s hometown bakery; and rider Leah DeMartini recalls the lessons of her first Winter Equestrian Festival. All this and six Wellington Social Scene pages in this month’s issue of Wellington The Magazine! Joshua Manning Publisher/Executive Editor
fi
Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman and Lauren Miró
Wellington Celebrates Grand Opening Of Long-Awaited Amphitheater
Village of Wellington, Palms West Chamber and Schumacher Automotive representatives gather on stage.
Amanda Major, Lizzy the Clown (Veronica Morris), Milushka Vargas and Valerie Matlock celebrate the grand opening.
Village Manager Paul Schofield, Councilwoman Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Matt Willhite (holding son Mark), Jennifer Johnson (holding Katie Lynne), Councilman Howard Coates and P.W. Chamber CEO Jaene Miranda with a celebratory cake.
William Stepherson, Doug Moreland and Terry Knowles at the grill.
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Rainy weather couldn’t dampen the celebratory mood on Saturday, July 3 as the Village of Wellington opened its new Wellington Amphitheater with a party cosponsored by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and Schumacher Automotive. The 3,200-square-foot amphitheater in front of the Wellington Community Center is a key piece of the new “Town Center.” It joins the newly renovated pool, the Wellington Community Center, Scott’s Place playground and a new village hall under construction.
Shari, Naomi, Joshua and Dr. Tomer Haik give out toothbrushes and dental information.
The completed amphitheater stands ready the day before the big party.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Lauren Mirรณ
Wellington Rotary Club Installs President, Officers For 2010-11
Tom Wenham, Carl Rosenberg and Jess Santamaria receive Paul Harris Fellow awards. (L-R) Frank Young, Tom Wenham, Barry Manning, Deby Dahlgren, Carl Rosenberg, Jess Santamaria and Don Gross.
(Front) Debbie Sanacore, Pat Curry and Julie Tannehill; (back) Irma Saenz, Deby Dahlgren and Judy Tannehill.
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Wellington Rotary President-Elect Karen Hardin, District Governor Louis Venuti and Wellington Rotary President Juan Ortega.
Maggie Zeller and Susan Giddings.
Frank Young (left) and Ben Boynton (right) give the Frank T. Gladney Award to Beverly Perham as her husband Don looks on.
The Wellington Rotary Club held its annual installation dinner on Friday, June 25 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. President Juan Ortega and the 201011 Board of Directors were installed. For more information about the Wellington Rotary Club, visit www. wellingtonrotary.org.
Visiting RPB Rotarians Scott Armand and Terri Wescott.
Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
Western Executives Dinner Party Benefits Bennie Blades Foundation Western Executives hosted a dinner party Saturday, July 10 at the White Horse Tavern in Wellington to benefit the Bennie Blades 36 Foundation, which works with underprivileged kids. Each month, Western Executives hosts a dinner party to benefit a different charity. For more info., visit www. westernexecutives.net. Troy and Ingrid Webster of Western Executives with White Horse Tavern General Manager Susanne Russell and retired football star Bennie Blades.
Alan and Ellen Fabricant, Betsy Carroll, Ingrid Webster and Penny Sullivan.
Penny Sullivan, Betsy Carroll and Paula Webb.
Bob Michael, Jaime Goodman, John Carroll and Bennie Blades.
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Judith Lauro and Linda Basch.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Denise Fleischman
New Monthly Event Series Debuts At Wellington Marketplace Plaza
Patrice Bowes welcomes guests.
Wellington Florist’s Dean Varvarigos at his booth.
Floridian Community Bank gave away snow cones and popcorn to kids.
Catie Asip sings as part of the competition.
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A talent show was held Saturday, July 17 in the parking lot of the Wellington Marketplace. In addition to a slate of performers, local car aficionados were on hand to show off their classics, local businesses offered freebies and raffles, and there was a DJ and a bounce house for the kids. The show is part of a planned series of themed events to be held at the shopping center on the third Saturday of each month.
Arlene Lilly sits at the Consign and Design booth.
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Wellington Social Scene
Photos by Lauren Miró
Churches, Residents Team Up To Beautify Wellington Neighborhood
Jennifer and Jordan Naszkiewicz paint one of the houses.
David Stoltz and Luke Mayer tear out a bush while Scott Kent looks on.
Volunteers take a break from cleaning a yard at one of the homes.
Cameron Meldrim and Jordan Adler pressure wash a driveway.
Volunteers, homeowners, landlords and neighbors rolled up their sleeves and went to work painting, landscaping and pressure washing in Wellington on Saturday, July 10 as part of a neighborhood beautification project run by the Safe Neighborhoods office. Volunteers from Lifechurch.tv joined with the community to correct code violations and clean up the neighborhood around Periwinkle Place and Lily Court. For information about future projects, call the Safe Neighborhoods office at (561) 791-4796.
David Pervenecki puts his brush to good use.
Councilwoman Anne Gerwig takes part in the beautification project.
Bank of America announces the South Florida Science Museum’s newest traveling exhibit
Science in Toyland combines the fun of playing games with problem solving to demonstrate scientific principles, and provides children with a rich mix of discovery and experimentation in a safe and dynamic environment.
SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM 4801 Dreher Trail North West Palm Beach, FL 33405
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For more information call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsm.org
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Wellington Watch
BY joshua manning, lauren miró & ron bukley
Pilot Program Offers Reduced Cab Fare To Wellington Seniors Wellington is helping senior citizens get where they need to go with a pilot program offering cab rides to those who no longer drive. A total of 158 residents signed up for the program, which began July 1 and continues through Aug. 15. Seniors who are at least 60 years old will receive six one-way taxi rides provided by Wellington Cab and Wellington Towncar at a cost of $2 per ride. The program is good for travel anywhere within Wellington’s immediate vicinity. An alternative method of transportation was high among the priorities of the Senior Citizen Task Force, a Wellington-appointed temporary committee that held meetings in 2006 to reach out to the senior population. “Many of the seniors need a way to get around if they are not able to drive,” Wellington’s Strategic Planning Director Martin Hodgkins said. “If they have to get some sort of treatment done where they can’t drive afterward, they need a
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way to get home.” Under the program, seniors get a voucher card that includes an account number. They share the number with Wellington Cab or Wellington Towncar when they call for a ride. Wellington allotted $10,000 for the project and picks up $13 of each fare. Wellington Cab owner Dennis Reilly said he hopes to see the program extended and expanded to provide rides to other residents in need. “This program is going to have a very positive effect on the village,” he said. “Once word gets around town, it’s going to be great.” The village will analyze the pilot program when it’s finished and decide whether or not to extend it. County OKs CRALLS For Med District — In what one commissioner described as a “gift” to Wellington, the Palm Beach County Commission in July approved a traffic request needed by the village to create a medical arts district centered around
the Wellington Regional Medical Center campus. The “gift” was a CRALLS (constrained roadway at lower levels of service) designation on State Road 7, which would let the project proceed without requiring a number of roadway improvements. The medical arts district calls for almost 1 million square feet more space for medical-related uses than is currently approved. County staff recommended denial of the request. While county staff concedes that the mixed use/integrated development idea is a good concept, it is just a concept at this point, with no master plan or binding agreement in place. The project is one part of the larger Wellington Economic Development Initiative. “We’re looking to develop an employment center not just for Wellington, but the surrounding communities,” Strategic Planning Director Martin Hodgkins said of the medical arts district, which village officials estimate will take 20 years to
complete. Commissioner Steven Abrams said the project has merit but is not ready to be approved and asked why it could not wait until planning is further along. “This is sort of a chicken or the egg situation,” Hodgkins replied. “It’s possible all the property owners might not agree. We want this as an incentive to get the property owners to participate.” Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen urged commissioners to approve the change. “We have a great plan here before you today that will create great jobs and improve the medical facility,” he said. “We ask you to give it serious consideration and a chance to take it to the next higher level.” Commissioner Jess Santamaria said he doesn’t care for CRALLS, but if it is good for the community, he would support it, although he felt the approval is being requested too soon. “There is a lot of work to be done,” he said. “We need something clear, specific.” The commissioners voted 5-2 to send the idea to the Department of Community Affairs in Tallahassee for
input. Santamaria and Commissioner Karen Marcus were opposed. “It’s kind of spinning wheels, sending it up there and getting a denial,” Marcus said. Wellington Sets Tax Rate Up 5 Percent — The Wellington Village Council last month approved a preliminary property tax rate increase for the 2010-11 fiscal year. Council members voted July 13 to approve a tax rate of 2.63 mills, up 5.2 percent from last year’s rate of 2.5 mills. State law requires the village to set its preliminary tax and assessment rates in July. Municipalities may lower the rates before final adoption in September, but cannot raise them. Next year’s Wellington budget is proposed to be $75.3 million, down about 9 percent from $82.9 million this year. Public hearings on the proposed budget and tax rates will be held in September, when the council will make its final decision. While the tax rate may go up, the amount of money Wellington will receive in taxes next year will decline by
$1.18 million due to falling property values. The rate increase was opposed by the Realtor’s Association of the Palm Beaches. Vice Mayor Matt Willhite defended the change and noted that there weren’t any taxpayers at the meeting protesting the rate. He said residents are willing to pay to maintain their quality of life. “I’ve looked through the numbers, and it’s about $5 a month that we’re proposing as a tax increase to our residents,” he said, noting that residents are “asking for the levels of service and the quality of life that we provide them.” Councilwoman Anne Gerwig noted that she will pay less in taxes this year than she did last year. “When I look at my taxes going down, I don’t see that as a tax increase,” she said. The council voted to approve the rate increase 4-1 with Councilman Howard Coates opposed. The council also approved a $25-per-unit increase in the Acme Improvement District’s drainage assessment. Solid waste collection and recycling rates will remain unchanged.
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Theresa Kewley shows a six-month-old alligator named Andy to three-year-old Ella Rose Belkys and her five-yearold brother Ethan during an “Explore the Everglades” class at the South Florida Science Museum.
22 August 2010 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
You’re Never Too Young To Learn Science! Wellington’s Theresa Kewley Brings Early Learning Program To The South Florida Science Museum Story by Ron Bukley Photos by Susan Lerner
A new set of classes for children at the South Florida Science Museum is proving Wellington resident Theresa Kewley’s axiom that no one is too young to learn science. The classes, organized and taught by Kewley, make up the first early learning program at the South Florida Science Museum, designed for ages 18 months to 4 years. “This spring we started a Museum and Me program,” Kewley said. “It’s taught in seven-week sessions one day a week, depending on the theme you would like.” Current themes include “Learning Space Exploration,” “Ocean Friends” and “Explore the Everglades.” Between sessions, the course schedule rotates. “We switch it up because parents like to just come Tuesday, just come Wednesday or just come Thursday,” she said. “We’ve designed the program so they might just be in ‘Ocean Friends’ for this seven weeks and then the next seven weeks it would be ‘Space’ and
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the following seven weeks ‘Everglades,’ so they can get through all of them on the day that they like.” The courses, which last from 10 to 11:15 a.m., cost $75 each. The program was put together by Kewley at the museum’s behest on the theory that it’s never too early to learn about science. “I call science the great equalizer,” Kewley said. “Not every child can read at age 4, 5, 6 or 7. Not every child can do math at those ages, but from a very early age, children can do science. They start exploring their environment when they’re still in their mother’s womb.” Kewley designed the classes to be as hands-on as possible. “We believe that children learn best through inquiry-based learning, where they are touching, feeling, tasting, exploring cause and effect, chain (Left) Caroline Christo ponders the live turtle she holds in her hands.
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reactions, all of these things,” she said. “They are doing all this on their own.” For example, kids in the Learning Space Exploration class learn about moon craters using a tub of flour with cinnamon spread on top to add definition. “Every child was given a ball of different size and weight, and they threw it in the flour,” Kewley said. “I talked to them about asteroids, and I had a real meteorite that they got to hold, touch and see. Then they created their own craters and had so much fun. We got covered with flour.” The young students also learned why the moon is full of craters. “The reason the moon is covered with those craters and the earth isn’t, even though meteorites hit us as well, is because there’s no wind to blow it away,” she said, noting the moon’s lack of atmosphere. To finish the class, children step in ink
pads and put their footprints on a piece of paper to take home — their own “footstep on the moon.” “When I teach something, I’m trying to do it at many different levels,” Kewley said. “The auditory learners get it because of me saying it, the visual learners get it because they see it, the hands-on learners get it because they’re doing it. It’s really neat to take one topic and appeal to all the children and all their senses.” The “Explore the Everglades” class incorporates live reptiles into the lessons. “We had a baby alligator touch tank,” she said. “The children got to touch the baby alligator and hear him bark.” They also get to touch and examine turtles and tortoises. Kewley explained the difference between a water turtle, which has flippers, and a land tortoise, which has the stocky legs for walking. “It’s not just pictures; they’re touching,” she said. “It’s so much fun for them.”
Although the age span is broad, all the children enjoy it equally. “Parents say they haven’t had any issues with the different ages being together,” Kewley said. “The mommies, the daddies, the grandparents tell me it’s their science class as well. They’re learning as much as their children are learning.” In a recent “Ocean Friends” class, students attended a planetarium show at the museum about saving ocean reefs. After the movie, they finger-painted posters with waves and used stamps to make fish jumping in the ocean waves. “Then we have the touch tanks, where they get to touch the sea stars and slipper lobsters and all the other ocean animals that we have,” Kewley said. The youngsters have even participated in Three-year-old Matthew Dubbrin gets his chance to pet six-month-old alligator Andy.
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‘There really wasn’t a mommy-and-me class that you could go to that was just about science. When I created this, I was only going to do one class. We had such an overwhelming response that I now teach three classes. Next session we’re going to expand to four classes.’ Theresa Kewley
squid dissections using a squid similar to those served in restaurants.
goal of the nonprofit museum is to instill a love of science in children at an early age.
“I pull what’s called the mantle out of the top part of his body, and it looks like a feather,” Kewley explained. “Then we show them how a squid, instead of eight legs like an octopus, appears to have 10 legs because two of them are tentacles and the rest are legs.”
“They should not be exposed to science for the first time when they start public school,” Kewley said, comparing the early learning science programs to kinder gyms and music programs where children can get an early start at athletics or the arts.
Then they open up the squid’s body and find the squid’s ink sac containing the fluid it shoots out as a defense mechanism. She then takes the featherlike mantle and gives it to each child to write their name or draw something using ink out of the squid.
“There really wasn’t a mommy-and-me class that you could go to that was just about science,” she said. “When I created this, I was only going to do one class. We had such an overwhelming response that I now teach three classes. Next session we’re going to expand to four classes.”
“It’s something the kids can’t do anywhere else,” Kewley said. “Believe it or not, a long time ago, this is what people did. They used the ink out of the squid.”
Kewley said she is happy the community has embraced the idea.
The classes are affordable because the
“Many of my mommies are from the Wellington area,” she said, explaining that many followed her from when she was
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a pre-kindergarten teacher for five years and associate director for two years at the Cambridge School on Royal Fern Drive. “They’re not my only children and only parents, but I do have quite a few of my Wellington parents.” Kewley, 34, sought out the museum because she had always loved science. “My mother is a physics teacher,” she said. “She just retired after 42 years of teaching. I love science, and I love that I’m instilling these scientific principles at such an early age.” Kewley learned about the opening from one of her Cambridge parents, Dr. Rachel Docekal, deputy director of the museum. Kewley has been at the South Florida Science Museum since January. “When I came, there were no early childhood programs at the museum,” Kewley said. “Their program started at kindergarten, and [Docekal] was excited to bring
me to the museum because of my background in early childhood learning.” Just six months on, the program is well underway. “I wrote the curriculum. I put together the classroom, ordered all the supplies, everything,” Kewley said. “And I teach the classes, which is the best part.” Now into the third session of the course set, in September Kewley will introduce new class topics. Ideas she is tossing around include kitchen chemistry and wacky weather. “What’s great is kids have the run of museum after the class,” she said. “Most of them pack a lunch and eat here.” The South Florida Science Museum, at 4801 Dreher Trail N. in West Palm Beach’s Dreher Park, offers a wide variety of classes and exhibits for all ages. For more information about South Florida Science Museum programs, visit www.sfsm.org or call (561) 832-1988.
Theresa Kewley with Kate Arrizza, director of education at the South Florida Science Museum.
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Shelley Sandler Realtor/Associate
(561) 371-1075
shelleysells4u@bellsouth.net
Illustrated Properties
WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • August 2010
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Scenes from Aladdin Jr., produced by the afterschool program at Wellington’s Elbridge Gale Elementary School. The production was staged in the theater at Palm Beach Central High School.
Photos by Adam Marshall BellaMia Portrait Studios www.bellamiastudios.com (561) 737-5493
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Story By Deborah Welky
Photos By Adam Marshall/BellaMia Portrait Studios
After-school programs have come a long way since the days of homework help and craft projects. Students at Elbridge Gale Elementary School recently put on what can only be called a “major production.” It is part of a program that has become a major draw for the school, located on Royal Fern Drive in Wellington. “We offer cheerleading, sports and academic assistance, but the main thing now is drama,” said Patty Vico-Montalvo, afterschool program director. “We have children who want to come to our school because they’ve heard about our after-school program.” Aladdin Jr., a Disney musical script, was performed May 28 after nearly a year of work by students and program coordinators. “We hold auditions in September and October and then rehearse twice a week through May,” Vico-Montalvo explained. “We try to pick a play that features boys, and Aladdin had that
in both the main character and the soldiers. The exciting thing this year was that we formed a relationship with the Palm Beach Central High School drama department and it became kind of a ‘big brother’ thing. The high school boys helped out because we needed extra princes, and we needed to have Aladdin carried.” In the end, not only was the title character carried down the aisle on a prop that had been used previously in a PBCHS production, but high school students did the lighting, sound and sets for two dress rehearsals and the night of the show. The play was staged at Palm Beach Central. “The children did a great job, and the directors were amazing,” Vico-Montalvo said. WELLINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••August August2010 2010 WELLINGTON
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The directors were Anai Colyer, Erin Guthrie and Shenise Nunez, who also did the choreography. Costumes were designed and produced by Suinda Ferrer. “I kind of inherited the job,” Ferrer said. “Last year, we did Beauty and the Beast and one of the regular teachers knew how to sew. But he left and there was no one else to do it. I asked him for tips, and then made about 30 costumes.” Although a few of the costumes had to be rented, Ferrer created most herself. “I looked at the actual characters from the Disney movies, and then adapted it into something I could actually make,” she said. “It was a challenge because I never had any sewing classes. I measured the kids, constructed the costumes, then held a second fitting to make sure they (Left) Adults leading the Aladdin Jr. production included (L-R) Suinda Ferrer, Anai Colyer, Patty Vico-Montalvo, Shenise Nunez and Erin Guthrie.
photo by abner pedraza
fit. But some of the kids grew between November and May.” It also seemed as if dress rehearsals are notoriously hard on apparel. “I was sewing 10 minutes before the play,” laughed Ferrer, who also gave credit to Yanerys Vitier, a teacher at Elbridge Gale and one of the activity leaders. “Sometimes I’d leave costumes pinned up, and I’d come back and they were sewn.” The excitement of the stage was felt by both the children and the adults. “I can’t wait to do the next one,” co-director Colyer said. “By the time it was done, I was ready to start the next one. We had sixth graders pleading to come back to the school.” In Elbridge Gale’s after-school program, no one is turned down for a dramatic role. “Anyone who wanted to be in it was in it,” Colyer said. “When they showed up
to audition, we told them to go home and memorize a little script. And the ones who really wanted to be in it, did. Because they had memorized their scripts, we knew they would work hard and try because they’d already worked hard and tried.” Colyer said the experience was personally enriching as well. “I had been singing and acting for years, and I helped out with Beauty and the Beast last year, but now, with two more classes until I get my degree at Palm Beach State College, I’m looking at drama as one of my future options,” she said. And she’s not the only one. Several students have been accepted to the Bak Middle School of the Arts — two for theater and one for the visual arts. “Our ‘Jasmine’ character had never had acting or vocal lessons, and now she’s going to Bak,” Vico-Montalvo said. “She didn’t even know she had it in her!”
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(Above) Most of the performers were part of the after-school program at Elbridge Gale Elementary. (Right inset) The production starred Tauben Brenner as Aladdin and Marika Dumancas as Jasmine.
“Marika Dumancas (Jasmine) was new to the after-school program that year,” co-director Guthrie recalled. “When she sang and then did her cold reading, we just looked at each other and said, ‘We’ve found our Jasmine.’ She was amazing from the get-go. She sang beautifully, took direction well, did everything we asked her to do.” As a director, Guthrie said that the most challenging part for her was “having 40-some-odd kids on stage at one time, which happens twice during the play. You’ve got to tell this group they’re in this position and that group they’re in that position. But the kids were good at following directions.” Like the other adults, Guthrie is looking forward to next year’s production. “It was a really awesome experience for me,” she said. “I’d been acting for four years, but then to have a chance to help direct a show and be on the other end of the spectrum was educational for me personally. And my co-directors were great. 34 August 2010 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
We all just clicked and worked so well together. We each were able to have our own thoughts, yet work together artistically — an awesome team. And Shenise [Nunez] was so much more than just a choreographer.” A graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, choreographer/co-director Nunez is now studying theater at Palm Beach State College. “I had been Sandy in Grease and appeared in High School Musical, and I fell in love with the theater,” she said. “I’ve been dancing since I was nine years old and heard from Erin that Elbridge Gale has been doing musicals. I was invited to step in when their choreographer had to leave.” Nunez also said the Elbridge Gale kids were great. “Oh, my gosh! They did a fabulous job for being so young,” she said. “They were like high school students. I am definitely going to work on the afterschool program’s musical next year.” Parents of dramatically inclined stu-
dents can get them involved in one of the program’s two drama groups — one for grades K-2 and the other for grades 3-5. Aladdin Jr. was presented by the 3-5 group. “We try to coach the K-2 kids who saw our musical the previous year to get them ready so, by the time they’re in the third grade, they can land a part in the musical,” Colyer said. “We’re hoping that our drama program continues to grow,” Vico-Montalvo said. “We’re trying to fill in a gap because the school base no longer is able to offer a lot of arts and extracurricular activities.” The staff and students of Elbridge Gale Elementary School once again have proven that, despite various constraints and cutbacks, art will thrive — and ultimately triumph.
Summer
Gold
Photo by Susan lerner
Spectacular Values For You
Photos By Gary Kane
Photos By Gary Kane
Photos By Gary Kane
Photos By Gary Kane
Wellington Students Join Together To Fight Breast Cancer By Lauren Miró
thinkPINKkids
Photos Courtesy thinkPINKkids Wellington
(Above) Wellington High School’s thinkPINKkids officers Secretary Eliza Schlein, Vice President Ben Aqua, Treasurer Travis Michaud and President Lindsay Rosenthal at last May’s second annual 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer. (Background) Students at Hidden Oaks Elementary School in Lake Worth tie up their fundraising effort for thinkPINKkids by creating a pink ribbon.
When a handful of Wellington students wanted to do something to fight breast cancer, they could have staged a single fundraiser, or perhaps join an event sponsored by another organization. Instead, they decided to start their own club. That group — thinkPINKkids Wellington — has since expanded to several area schools from its inception at Wellington High School. A student-run organization, thinkPINKkids helps to bring the community together through various events, planned and organized by students and parent volunteers. It promotes awareness and helps fund research to find a cure for the disease. Wellington High School senior Ben Aqua, the vice president of the club, and his mother Dr. Amy Aqua,
were inspired to bring the idea home while at a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y. “Some of the kids there had started their own club,” Amy Aqua recalled. “They were throwing out bracelets that said thinkPINKkids on them.” ThinkPINKkids was born as a way for kids to give WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • August 2010
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(Above) Students participating in Think Pink Day at New Horizons Elementary School earlier this year. (Right) Wellington Landings Middle School’s Hot Shots are ready for the February 2010 dodgeball tournament.
back and help fund breast cancer research. It originated in Bloomington, Minn., when two eighth-grade boys decided to donate a portion of the money they earned doing summer jobs to fight breast cancer. The clubs operate mostly through schools, hosting fundraisers and donating the money to research groups and to help those afflicted by the disease.
Parent sponsor Janet Rosenthal said the club hits home for many students because several have someone in their lives who has been affected by breast cancer.
man of the department of cancer biology at Scripps. The club also donated $2,000 to Your Bosom Buddies II, a Wellingtonbased breast cancer support group.
The Aquas had several family members and friends affected by breast cancer and decided to start a Wellington branch. The Wellington chapter is the first one in Florida, and the Aqua family hopes to help it expand throughout the state.
“It used to be that breast cancer affected 1 in 11 women,” she said. “Now it’s one in eight. It’s becoming a lot more common for these kids to know someone who has it or who has been affected by it.”
“We wanted to keep our donations local,” Amy Aqua said. “Kids can relate to where the money is going. It made sense. It puts a face to the cause.”
Club President Lindsay Rosenthal noted that the club at Wellington High School has between 30 and 40 active members. 36 August 2010 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE
In its first year, the club raised about $10,000. It donated $7,000 to Dr. John Cleveland of the Scripps Research Institute. Cleveland is a professor and chair-
In April 2009, the club kicked off its first fundraiser with Think Pink Day at Binks Forest, New Horizons and Elbridge Gale elementary schools. Aptly named “Dollars for No Collars,” students who donat-
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ed to the club could ditch their uniform and wear pink or red instead. Through this project, the club was not only able to raise money, but also spread the message to other schools and get other kids involved. “We had a lot of success putting together the activities for our club at the high school level,” Lindsay Rosenthal said. “We wanted to encourage students at all levels to help with our cause.” The event raised $1,000, and this year it expanded to include Panther Run and Wellington elementary schools. Meanwhile, Hidden Oaks Elementary School in Lake Worth also took up the cause and sold bracelets and T-shirts to raise more than $1,000. Scenes from last May’s second annual 5K Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer: (Top left) Casey Smith, Nilda Pagan-Panos, Elizabeth Edwards, Susan Edwards, Annie Belton, and Eric, Amy, Jake and Camille Hudson. (Center left) Dr. Howell Goldfarb, Dr. Andrew Schlein, Dr. Debra Weinstein and Wendy Melnikoff. (Below) Front Row: Annabel Martinez, Maribel Martinez and Dr. Amy Aqua; back row: Bryan Hernandez, Yosvani Hernandez, Olaine Padilla, Fernando Martinez, Alexandra Martinez, Dr. Michael Bruck and Liat Bruck.
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The club has hosted the 5K “Walk to Win the Battle Against Breast Cancer” at Wellington High School for two years. The event grew from 350 participants in its first year, to nearly 500 this past May. Participants walked the track to raise money and also enjoyed family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. This year, the club raised more than $10,500 from the event. “It has been a really successful event,” Amy Aqua said. “Everyone’s willing to come out and walk for a good cause. It’s just a sea of pink.” Lindsay Rosenthal said the club hopes to increase its donations this year and give $3,000 to Your Bosom Buddies II and $10,000 to Scripps. Another successful event was the group’s dodgeball tournament. “It was a huge success,” Ben Aqua said. “All the kids and spectators had a great time.” Local middle and high school teams dressed up and hurled dodgeballs at each other in order to raise money for the cause. The event had 150 participants and over 250 spectators, earning the club $1,500 in donations. As the school year begins again, thinkPINKkids Wellington hopes to continue its success with a bigger and better year. The club will work with the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Bak Middle School of the Arts to start branches of thinkPINKkids. The club also hopes to reach out to other local schools and spread the word, Ben Aqua said. All of the favorite events will return, including the walk and the dodgeball tournament, but look for new, fun and exciting fundraisers from this unique local organization. For more information about thinkPINKkids Wellington, visit www.thinkpinkkids.com or e-mail TPKwellington@comcast.net. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • August 2010
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First Person: My First Winter Equestrian Festival Experience The Winter Equestrian Festival, the largest and longest show jumping competition in the world, is known for its unparalleled facility and world-class riders and horses. This year I was able to remain in Wellington for the duration of the festival, allowing me to take advantage of several opportunities, from acquiring knowledge from my trainer Susie Humes, to developing better relationships with my horses, and watching and learning from the best in the world. Susie has helped me develop as a rider
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on both hunters and jumpers. That development only continued as I entered the gates of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Riding more consistently than ever before, I was able to refine skills and build strengths, furthering the relationships I have with my horses. Never before have I had the opportunity to ride as much or as often, and that time in the saddle has paid off in full. Throughout the winter, I grew as a rider and a horsewoman by competing
By Leah DeMartini
at the WEF level. It made for an awesome learning experience and a successful season. Whether it was a horse that had been with me for quite some time, or one that just arrived, the experience gained from getting to know all of my horses was memorable. Going into WEF, the one thing I wanted was to get everything I could from the experience. My sights were not set on jumping around the grand prix, or taking home the blue in the $50,000 Hunter Derby, but rather to advance steadily
and successfully, learning as much as I could along the way. Looking back, I feel as though I was able to accomplish that goal. I moved up from the Low Junior Jumpers to the High Junior Jumpers, with Unari and Cypria 6; I was champion in the Small Junior Hunters 16-17 with Glass Castle; and I was thrilled with how the first round of the $50,000 Chronicle of the Horse/USHJA International Hunter Derby went aboard Vida Blue. Riding is just one piece of the puzzle. True horsemanship is just as valuable as the actual time a rider spends in the tack. Knowing your horses, truly knowing what makes them tick, is something that is irreplaceable in the show ring. I am incredibly grateful to Susie for teaching me the ropes of becoming a horsewoman; time and again she has stressed the importance of horsemanship to a successful riding career, whether as a professional or an amateur. Reflecting on the many things I took with me from my time at WEF, perhaps the most important thing I learned was that consistency and repetition are key for the riders and horses. To me, WEF was very beneficial in practicing that consistency and repetition through a 12week circuit that allowed me to stay in one place for such a long period of time. Learning to ride by feel is far more easily said than done; it takes time, dedication and the desire to learn. Mastering this concept of riding remains quite the challenge. I am grateful for the team I have behind me. My parents, trainer Susie Humes, our rider Andrew Lustig, and the veterinarians and farriers who keep my horses happy and healthy, are the keys to my success. WEF 2010 was an experience of a lifetime, and I cannot wait to return next year! Leah DeMartini rides Elm Rock LLC’s Vida Blue (above right) and Elm Rock LLC’s Cypria 6 (left). Photos by Jessica Nemzoff/PMG WELLINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••August August2010 2010 WELLINGTON
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Susan Russell
Three Decades Sculpting Young Wellington Minds Story by Matthew Auerbach Photos by Susan Lerner
I
t can be heard in her voice. Whenever Susan Russell talks about kids, her passion, commitment and concern come through. For three decades, Russell has been intrinsically involved in the caring and welfare of Wellington’s youngest residents. The passage of time has done nothing to dim her resolve to provide a nurturing and inspiring environment for kids and parents.
Russell’s two preschool/daycare facilities in Wellington paved the way for the many that have followed. That is why she is Wellington The Magazine’s eighth nominee for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
In 1985, an addition was built on the Little Place. But even that was not enough to meet the demand. “In 1986, there was a proposal for another daycare center,” Russell said. “We beat out 10 other applications.”
A native of Ohio, Russell grew up on New York’s Long Island. After moving to Manhattan, where she gained experience running various businesses in managerial positions, Russell was transferred to Connecticut. That’s where she met her husband Larry, an engineer for Sikorsky Helicopter. The couple married in 1976. A year later, Larry was transferred to West Palm Beach and the newlyweds settled in Wellington.
The second site, located at 2995 Greenbriar Blvd., became the Little Place Too. If Russell and her staff had any concerns they had spread themselves too thin, those concerns vanished immediately. “We had 100 kids the first day,” she said.
“There was nothing here,” Russell recalled. “There was one four-way stop sign at Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. Squire’s Deli was here, too. We’d have to drive to Lake Worth to go grocery shopping. There wasn’t even an elementary school in the village.” By 1978, Wellington and the Russells were expanding: the first daycare center was set to open and Susan had given birth to her first of two sons. “I applied for a job at the Little Place Neighborhood Kids Preschool for two reasons: I wanted to work, and I needed a situation that would allow me to stay with my son,” Russell said. “Thanks to my experience as a manager and my natural interest in the welfare of kids, I got the job.” From the start, it was obvious the Little Place, located at 1040 Wellington Trace, filled a need in the western communities. “The day we opened our doors, we knew we had hit upon something necessary,” she said. “We were pulling in clients from Wellington and Greenacres as well as kids from Loxahatchee and The Acreage. We were always filled, and there was always a huge waiting list.”
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These days, Russell oversees a staff of 45 in both facilities. What she looks for in potential employees are the qualities she exhibits. “We always treat them as if they’re our own children,” she said. “Going the extra mile is a basic tenet of the job. We make sure all our preschoolers are reading by the time they leave. My staff knows where I stand: If I have to choose between you and a child, you lose.” Russell’s co-workers are adept at a lot more than teaching. “They’re all loving and caring people,” she said. “Having the appropriate education, credentials and references are very important, but so is knowing how to treat a boo-boo, when to take a kid to the bathroom and how to care for them when they’re not feeling well.” Russell knows firsthand how the duties of those running a daycare center have changed through the years. “When we first started, the situations were a lot simpler,” Russell said. “These days, so many more kids are from divorced families or have special needs. Parenting has changed so much since we started. So many more are working. Sadly, we spend more time with some kids than their parents do.”
Wellington Entrepreneur
Susan Russell runs the Little Place Neighborhood Kids Preschool and the Little Place Too.
Wellington The Magazine will feature one entrepreneur each month during 2010 and, with the help of our readers, award the first “Wellington’s Entrepreneur of the Year” award to one of the featured business owners at the end of 2010. To nominate a Wellington business owner who you find inspiring, visit www.wellingtonthemagazine.com. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2010
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Changes have affected the behind-thescenes work as well. “We have to stay on top of all the new educational, academic and behavioral procedures that come out,” she said. Despite the workload and constant focus on the children, employee turnover is
low. “An overwhelming number of staff members have been here for many years, which I find very gratifying,” Russell said. “We’ve grown up together, raised our kids together, and now we’re raising our grandkids together. We’re truly a family.” Today, Russell is taking care of the chil-
dren of her first clients. “So many of the kids who grew up in either of the two preschools are now parents who’ve brought their children to us,” she said. “Not only does that show me they trust us to do a good job, it also shows me the benefits of establishing personal relationships with family members. They in turn have referred new people to us.” Both preschools are fully accredited and all teachers are state certified. “We are inspected once a year by the state to make sure we’re meeting all academic requirements,” Russell noted. Every child gets breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack provided by a statelicensed catering company. Spanish and karate are offered as well as a full range of subjects, all in an attempt to help produce well-rounded children. (Left) Susan Russell with students whose parents were also students at the school. (L-R) Ava McDevitt, Riley Rosner-McKesson, Morgan Russell and Heaven Miller.
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Russell makes sure the kids aren’t the only ones getting educated. “I bring specialists in on a fairly regular basis to teach my staff the latest instructional methods,” she said. Through the years, many more preschools and daycare facilities have arrived in Wellington. Russell’s attitude has always been “the more, the merrier.” “Competition was inevitable as more and more elementary schools were being built in Wellington,” Russell said. “But luckily, we’ve never seen a drop-off.” Russell has high praise for the local equestrian community as well. “Many equestrian families take advantage of our services,” she said. “They basically made the village become what it is now. They’ve purchased homes, built farms and continue to be essential to Wellington’s success.” Russell’s formula for success is simple. “Make sure there’s a need for your business,” she said. “Make sure you know the intricacies of starting a business. Put the time in. Get to know the area. Talk to local business people. Success isn’t magic; it’s about hard work and good timing.” (Above) Susan Russell with her granddaughter Avery Russell.
While Russell may one day cut back on the hours she spends at the two preschools, retiring is out of the question. “Being involved with all our kids keeps me young,” Russell said. “I built these businesses, and I’m very protective of them. I still get the same satisfied feeling when former students drop by and tell me they’ve remained in touch with friends they met here. With all that’s changed in Wellington over the years, the Little Place and the Little Place Too have kept so many families connected to one another.” For more info., call the Little Place at (561) 793-5860 or the Little Place Too at (561) 790-0808.
(Inset) Susan Russell with staffers who attended the school or had kids who attended. (Front row) Joanna Merkle, Haley Vann, Sandra Miller and Jennifer Russell; (back row) Ana Villoldo and Susan Russell.
Ron Miranda stands in front of the bar area at Nicole’s Pasta & Grill, located on South Shore Blvd. in the Mizner Place plaza. WELLINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••AUGUST AUGUST2010 2010 WELLINGTON
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Wellington Table
(Above) Christy’s tiramisu cake. (Below) A vanilla butter cream cake with strawberries on top; seven-layer cookies and a chocolate butter cream cake.
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Christy’s NY Cheesecake
Wellington’s Hometown Bakery Has A New Home Story by Lauren Miró Photos by Abner Pedraza
For a special treat for your sweet tooth, Christy’s NY Cheesecake offers delicious, preservative-free baked goods that leave you wanting more. Now open in its new, larger location at the Pointe at Wellington Green, Christy’s has been Wellington’s hometown bakery for more than five years. Owner Christina Waters grew up in Queens, N.Y., surrounded by a family of bakers. “I used to stand at the ironing board with my grandmother down in the basement and roll out elephant ears with her,” Waters recalled. “I was very little then. My mother and grandmother were home bakers.” Waters has also had a lifelong love of horses and visited Wellington often for the winter equestrian season. She made her move permanent eight years ago. “It was hot the first summer,” she said. “I wasn’t used to it, but after that I was fine.” When Waters decided that she wanted to make Wellington her year-round home, she searched around for a unique niche to fill. As the community grew around her, Waters noticed several things were lacking. “All of these schools were popping up and all of these churches were being built,” she said. “I watched everything in Wellington grow, but I kept looking for the small things, like a local bakery or produce shop. We didn’t have anything like that here. At the least I thought I could cover the bakery end.” Armed with a lifelong knowledge of baking, she opened Christy’s NY Cheesecake on South Shore Blvd. five years ago. “I grew up near three very good cheesecake places in Whitestone, Queens,” she said. “All of my friends worked there. We all ate there and had our own recipes. There was nothing here for that.” The business was successful, and Waters began looking for a larger location. On June 5, the bakery reopened near the Mall at Wellington Green with a cel-
Christy’s NY Cheesecake owner Christina Waters holds a tiramisu cake.
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ebration featuring cupcake contests, cake decorating exhibits and giveaways. The new location is sunny and vibrant with large windows to let natural light in. The décor is bright with pops of pink, and every table has a bundle of beautiful, locally grown flowers. But the most eyecatching piece is the glass counter filled with brightly colored indulgences. The larger location has room for tables and chairs inside, as well as a patio for customers to relax outdoors and enjoy the music with a cup of coffee. The change has given the bakery a café-like feel, and Waters added evening hours to provide a casual place for people to go after dinner. Aside from its signature cheesecake, the hometown bakery features freshly made cookies, pastries, pies, cakes and other sweets. All of the goodies are made fresh on the premises early each morning. Waters has expanded her menu to include quiches, egg white quiches, fresh breads, multigrain breads, muffins and other healthy options. “People think of us as a sweet spot and an occasional indulgence, where we could be an everyday occasion,” she said. “Breakfast is the most important part of your day.” For the breakfast crowd, Christy’s offers Danishes, croissants, several quiche varieties, fruit cups, granola, yogurt, cereal and more. Waters is both health-conscious and locally minded. She uses no preservatives or artificial sweeteners. Instead, she uses Florida sugar, local honey and buys locally grown produce as much as possible
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at area farmers markets. “It’s about eating better,” she said. “It’s about eating right. We buy local as often as we can, and we participate in the local farmers markets.” Everything is delicious. Making a choice can be overwhelming and satisfying, so try a little bit of everything. Try the cheesecake ($11.95 and up) for a creamy delight taken right from a quintessential New York bakery. If cheesecake isn’t for you, Waters offers butter cream cakes (starting at $17.95) and quarter sheet cakes ($24.95 and up) in a variety of flavors and decorations for any occasion. For smaller indulgences, have a cookie. There are dozens to choose from, in all flavors and colors, and you can even buy them buy the pound ($10 to $12.50). No matter what you choose, you’re guaranteed a sweet and satisfying bite that doesn’t leave you with a sugar crash later. For a bigger bite, try a jumbo cookie in chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin ($1). You can even get jumbo cupcakes in a variety of flavors ($1.75). To beat the heat of the summer, enjoy an Italian ice ($1.50$2.95) or a gelato ($2.95). For something more substantial, Christy’s offers muffins ($1.50), croissant sandwiches and breads. Waters will even deliver a breakfast platter ($25) to your home or office with a variety of goodies. And while the food may keep you coming back, the warm reception from Waters and her staff will keep your visits longer. Waters strives to develop relationships with her customers, who often come in for a bite and a chat.
“I think it’s part of my social upbringing,” she said. “I think we kind of lose our sense of community here. Everyone drives, and you’re separated. It’s hot, so everyone does their thing and goes home.” Waters noted that local business owners are more likely to know their customers and develop a sense of community with them. “When they come in here, I think people are more inclined to stop and chat, although I don’t always get all my work done when that happens,” she quipped. “I know my customers. People like to be heard, and they like to know their community. It’s a sense of belonging to something.” And Waters hopes to continue fostering a sense of community by providing a place where customers can come in, have a cup of coffee, a pastry and a conversation if they’d like. “It’s simple,” she said. “It’s just hard work, good ingredients and a sense of community.” Christy’s NY Cheesecake, in the Pointe at Wellington Green at 10160 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 110, is open seven days a week. Call (561) 795-3244 for more info. (Below) An assortment of homemade cookies. (Below left) Blueberry muffins. (Below right) A fresh-made canoli.
Wellington Dining Guide Agliolio Fresh Pasta & Wine Bar is Wellington’s newest gathering place for a fine dining experience at casual dining prices. Create your own “Pasta-Bility” with Agliolio’s 100-percent fresh pastas and homemade sauces full of bold and fresh flavors. Ask about the “Perfect Pair” entrees. Agliolio offers an extensive wine list by the glass and the bottle. For more info., call (561) 798-7770 or visit Agliolio in the Wellington Plaza at 12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd. at the corner of Wellington Trace. Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant is located on Forest Hill Blvd. near the Mall at Wellington Green. Specializing in family-style Italian cuisine, Buca di Beppo is known for its large portions designed to serve several people. If you’ve got a large party, reserve the Pope’s Room; for a unique experience, reserve the table in the kitchen. For more info., call (561) 7903287 or visit www.bucadibeppo.com. 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. Enjoy a delicious drink, a beautiful water view, fantastic music and authentic Mexican food all without packing your suitcase at El Toro Mexican Family Restaurant adjacent to the Royal Inn at the corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. Dine in or enjoy the patio bar. For more info., call (561) 296-7102. 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. Grand Buffet is located in the Royal Plaza at the corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards featuring an all-you-can-eat Chinese and Japanese buffet. Enjoy a 40-foot-long sushi bar, barbecue bar, teriyaki bar, salad bar, dessert bar and hibachi station. Meeting and party rooms are available. For more info., call (561) 784-9902. 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 taps. 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. Hilary’s Restaurant, an authentic kosher-style diner in Royal Palm Beach, serves breakfast and lunch any day of the week and dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Good food, generous portions and great service make Hilary’s a hometown favorite. It is located in the Royal Plaza at the corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. For more info., call (561) 790-7301. I’m Greek Today features a menu with a strong emphasis on one of the world’s healthiest diets — food that is simple and elegant, fresh, timeless and Mediterranean. Enjoy authentic Greek cuisine as well as wines from around the world. I’m Greek Today is loWELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • august 2010
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Wellington Dining Guide cated in Southern Palm Crossing at 11051 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 333-4233 or visit www.imgreektoday.com. Jason’s Deli is where all the food is free of artificial trans fats, MSG and high-fructose corn syrup. Enjoy wonderful sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and fruit. You can even build your own sandwich! Jason’s Deli is located at 2605 State Road 7 near Whole Foods Market in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 333-1263 or visit www.jasonsdeli.com. Joe’s American Bar & Grill, a neighborhood staple for traditional American cuisine, is now open in the Mall at Wellington Green near the food court. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch are served featuring a menu full of items prepared using the freshest quality ingredients. Joe’s is a favorite for a casual lunch, a family dinner or a gathering of friends. Visit Joe’s at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington. For more info., visit www.joesamerican.com or call (561) 7987433. Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar is located in the Courtyard Shops 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 the Wellington Town Square at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., features a tequila bar. Call (561) 422-1641 for info. Lock Stock and Barrel Restaurant, located at 3208
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Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach, is your neighborhood grill for steaks, chops and seafood. Enjoy a full bar with wines and cocktails that complement wonderful appetizers, salads and sandwiches for lunch, as well as a selection of the finest steaks, chops and featured seafood entrees. A children’s menu is available. For info., call (561) 649-4545 or visit www.lockstockandbarrelrestaurant.com.
outside smoking bars, live entertainment and catered events. Call (561) 795-0080 for more info.
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 lambchops, 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.
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.
Mitch’s Westside Bagels Too is a little slice of Brooklyn right here in Wellington, located at 2465 State Road 7. Enjoy the delicious fresh breakfast or lunch. The bagels are baked fresh daily right in the store. All deli meats are prepared fresh on site. Enjoy legendary salads like tuna, whitefish and chicken. Catering is available. For more info., call (561) 422-6114 or visit www.mitchswestsidebagels.com. Other locations are in Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and Coral Springs. Nicole’s Pasta & Grill, originally Nicole’s Village Tavern, is located at 12300 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. Recent changes have added a full menu of popular Italian dishes while maintaining a number of favorites from the old menu. For more info., call (561) 793-3456 or visit www.nicolesvillagetavern.com. The Players Club Restaurant & Bar (13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington) features gourmet cuisine along with a popular piano bar, outside dining, two
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at Ristorante Vino, located at 12041 Southern Blvd. at the corner of Crestwood Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The restaurant opens for dinner at 5 p.m. seven nights a week. For reservations, call (561) 790-3232.
Sushi Yama Siam is located at 12785 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza at the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. Specializing in sushi, Sushi Yama Siam also offers exciting appetizers, sushi rolls, temaki, tempura, katsu, stir-fry, curry and signature rolls. For more info., call (561) 747-6875. 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 info., call (561) 784-9055 or visit www.toojays.com. Tree’s 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.treeswingsand ribs.com or call (561) 791-1535 for more info.
Wellington Calendar Wednesday, Aug. 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Once Upon a Time: Cinderella” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “You Wouldn’t Want to… Be in the First Submarine!” for age 9 and up on Wednesday, Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register. Friday, Aug. 6 • “Art Rocks,” an exploration of the many ways music and the visual arts intertwine, will be featured Friday, Aug. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the ClayGlass-Metal-Stone Cooperative Gallery (605 Lake Ave., Lake Worth). The exhibit will be on display Aug. 6-20. All attendees at the Aug. 6 event are invited to pick up a drum and create their own music. For more info., call (215) 205-9441. Saturday, Aug. 7 • The second annual Soldier Festival to benefit Forgotten Soldiers Outreach will be held Saturday, Aug. 7 at Bru’s Room Sports Grill (1333 N. Congress Ave., Boynton Beach). Car wash hours will be 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All other activities will start at 5 p.m. There will be kids’ activities, guest bartenders, music, a silent auction and raffles. Tickets will be available for $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door, which includes one drink, balloon tree prize and a surf ’n’ turf dinner. For info., visit www.forgotten soldiers.org.
Monday, Aug. 9 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, Aug. 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). The luncheon will feature Palm Beach County Commission candidates. Call Anitra Harmon at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail anitra@palmswest.com for more info. Tuesday, Aug. 10 • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. Wednesday, Aug. 11 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Once Upon a Time: Snow White” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will host its monthly meeting Wednesday, Aug. 11 at the PGA Doubletree Hotel (4431 PGA Blvd., Palm Beach Gardens). Networking will take place from 6 to 6:30 p.m. with the dinner and program beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $35, and guests are welcome. RSVP to Sharon Maupin at (561) 624-3816. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Writers’ Critique Workshop for adults on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 6:30 p.m. Share,
offer and accept constructive criticism and comments to improve your fiction, nonfiction and poetry in a supportive atmosphere led by Florida Writers Association member Mark Adduci. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Thursday, Aug. 12 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Back to School” for age 5 and up on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 11:15 a.m. Get back in the groove for school with funny stories and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Norton Museum of Art (1451 South Olive Ave., West Palm Beach) will host “Art After Dark” from 5 to 9 p.m. the second Thursday of every month. Museum visitors can enjoy the museum after hours with live music, food and drink, gallery tours, film screenings and more. Call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will offer “Pizza, Pages & Parody” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Compare Meyer’s Twilight to Harvard Lampoon’s hilarious Nightlight available at the children’s desk. Food will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host a Candidates Forum with the candidates for the Palm Beach County School Board in districts 2, 3 and 6 on Thursday, Aug. 12 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call Tracey Benson at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail tracey@palmswest.com for info.
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Wellington Calendar Friday, Aug. 13 • The Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth) will present The Magical Land of Oz on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 13 and 14. Call (561)586-6410 or visit www.lakeworthplayhouse. org for more info. Saturday, Aug. 14 • The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will host its annual Bon Festival on Saturday, Aug. 14 from 4 to 9 p.m. Bon is inspired by Obon, Japan’s traditional three-day holiday honoring ancestors. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info. Tuesday, Aug. 17 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bookmaking: For the Birds” for age 10 and up Tuesdays, Aug. 17 and 24 at 4 p.m. Make a creative book with feathers to display your favorite poem or story. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Open Mic Night for adults on Tuesday, Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Perform poetry, short prose, an essay, a dance, play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all ages. Pick up the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. Wednesday, Aug. 18 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Once Upon a Time: Beauty and the Beast” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Financial Planning in Tough Times” on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Maisie Ross of the Palm Beach County Extension Service will discuss basic rules for economic survival, offer tips for stretching the dollar and advice for weathering a financial storm. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Socrates Café” for adults on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion led by Marji Chapman. Call (561) 7906070 for more info. Thursday, Aug. 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Candy Sushi” for age 12 and up on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 6:30 p.m. Create your own candy sushi with various sweet treats. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, Aug. 20 • The Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens (4000 Morikami Park Road, Delray Beach) will feature “Sushi & Stroll” on Friday, Aug. 20 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Call (561) 495-0233 or visit www.morikami.org for more info. Saturday, Aug. 21 • Buckler’s Craft Fair & Food Drive will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22 at the South
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Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center (9067 Southern Blvd.). This event features one-of-a-kind items, custom home décor, delicious fudge and gourmet delights, jewelry, furniture, country and traditional crafts, folk art, hair accessories, candles, baby items, artwork, pet items, wearable art and garden decor. Call (386) 860-0092 or visit www. bucklercraftfair.com for more info. • Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement Inc. (CAFCI) will host its 15th annual business expo on Saturday, Aug. 21 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). For more info., or to purchase a table, call (561) 791-1618 or (561) 315-3598. Monday, Aug. 23 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Lego Mania” for age 8 and up on Monday, Aug. 23 at 3:30 p.m. Challenge yourselves to create your own vehicle or building out of Lego pieces. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. Tuesday, Aug. 24 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. Play Nintendo Wii and board games. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Wednesday, Aug. 25 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Once Upon a Time: Sleeping Beauty” for children of all ages on Wednesday, Aug. 25 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister. Thursday, Aug. 26 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Later, ’Gators” for age 5 and up on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 3:30 p.m. Get your “gator” on with tales about these reptiles. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Saturday, Aug. 28 • Our Kids World Family Fun Fest will be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Aug. 28-29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Designed for children 12 and under, this unique two-day event offers something for all children. Participate in hands-on educational activities, be entertained by the entertainment stage, meet your favorite sports mascots and television characters, or have fun bouncing around in the Fun Zone. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for kids. Visit www.adayforkids.com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Scrapbooking for the Family” for age 5 and up on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 2:30 p.m. Preserve your summer memories by learning new techniques and how to create your own designs. Bring photos and memorabilia. Basic supplies will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host its third annual Wild West Poker Tournament at the Binks Forest Golf Club on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. RSVP to Marc Schlags at (561) 790-6200 or marc@palmswest.com. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • august 2010
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Around Wellington
Big Pool Party — As part of its Hometown Holiday Weekend, the Village of Wellington held the official grand re-opening of the Wellington Aquatic Complex on Saturday, July 3. There were plenty of giveaways for everyone, including fans, towels, water bottles and more, as well as raffles for free summer passes. photos by Denise Fleischman
(Above) Ericka Reeves comes down the slide. (Below) Wellington Village Council members Matt Willhite, Anne Gerwig (holding Mark Willhite) and Howard Coates with free year pass winners Jessica Costan and Jack Honeycutt.
Lifeguard Competition — Wellington’s lifeguards took second place in the fifth annual American Red Cross lifeguard competition held Sunday, July 18 at the newly renovated Wellington Aquatic Complex. Five teams from South Florida demonstrated their physical skills, knowledge and quick thinking in a series of competitions to showcase their abilities as professional lifeguards.
(Above) Lifeguards from the Wellington team with their trophies. (Below) George Klein of Wellington performs CPR on a dummy as part of the Ironguard competition.
Photos by Lauren Miró
Patriot Memorial — A large steel beam, warped in the wreckage
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony — Home Away from Home held a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house Thursday, July 14 at its new childcare center in Wellington. In attendance were Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, who were shown around the facility. For more info., www. homeawayfromhomechildcare.com. Shown below (L-R) are Mayor Bowen, owners Larissa and Juan Silva, and Vice Mayor Willhite. Photo by Carol Porter
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of 9/11, will serve as the centerpiece of the Village of Wellington’s planned “Patriot Memorial.” Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite and members of Wellington’s staff traveled to New York City in July to select a piece of the World Trade Center wreckage to bring home. The village was authorized by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to receive the 36-foot-by-8-foot steel beam. Shown below is Willhite with Port Authority officials.
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