Wellington The Magazine September 2011

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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contents

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September 2011

Features 20 Wellington To Dedicate New Patriot Memorial

After nearly two years of planning, Wellington will dedicate its new Patriot Memorial at a weekend full of events marking the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The memorial is located between the new Wellington municipal complex and Scott’s Place playground.

By Ron Bukley

24 Meet Dog Contest Winner Wilson Longears

With his kind eyes and long, drooping ears, Wilson Longears won over hearts and is the winner of Wellington The Magazine’s Cutest Dog Contest. From a life destined to be a bait dog to one of a lapdog, it is a true rags-to-riches story. By Lauren Miró

27 Saluting Our Hometown Military Heroes

The yellow ribbons might not be as common nowadays, but right down the street from where you live, one of your neighbors has a son or daughter in military service. This month, we tell the stories of local men and women dedicated to defending America.

By Deborah Welky

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44 Yoga Studio Offers Free Classes To Area Vets

After serving our country, some veterans find themselves suffering from stress, anger and/or depression, often struggling as they find ways to deal with these issues. Moksha Yoga Studio in Wellington has begun offering free yoga classes through the Connected Warriors program as a way to give back to the veteran community. By Jessica Gregoire

48 Wellington Star: Miss Florida USA Karina Brez

Miss Florida USA 2012 Karina Brez’s story is one of struggle and sacrifice. From her parents’ struggle to leave their native country for a better life to her own transformation from thrifty teen to successful businesswoman, Brez is an example of the American dream — and that’s why this Wellington woman is this month’s Wellington Star. By Lauren Miró

Departments 12 14 16 18

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Wellington Social Scene Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Kickoff Party In RPB Visions Event Benefits Making Strides Against Breast Cancer The Mall At Wellington Green Hosts A ‘Back-To-School Bash’ Wellington Marketplace Tenants Host Swap Meet/Garage Sale

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Wellington Home Radiating Old-World charm right here in Wellington, we visit a beautiful custom-designed Mallet Hill home that wraps around a brick-paved courtyard, giving almost every room a great view of the pool and patio. By Lauren Miró

58 Wellington Table

Solo Mexican Cantina, now open in the Mall at Wellington Green, is a twist on American-Mexican cuisine in a relaxed environment, featuring large portions in a convenient location. By Lauren Miró

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Wellington Watch Wellington Dining Guide Wellington Calendar Around Wellington ON THE COVER Miss Florida USA Karina Brez photographed at Marco Bernal Dressage International in Wellington. Photo assistant Tristine Davis.

Hair and makeup by Nikki Copeland-Curtis with hair assistant Danny Benz.

PHOTO BY BILL BARBOSA/PHOTO DESIGNS INC.

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wellington the magazine

A Message from the Publisher

Join Us In Honoring Military Heroes volume

This issue, we take the time to salute active-duty military personnel who grew up in the Wellington area. These graduates of local high schools are the same kids you saw play in local rec leagues and the same teenagers who bagged your groceries.

Today, they travel around the world defending America. Special thanks to all these wonderful military family members who contacted us through Facebook to tell their stories and help us salute these true hometown heroes. To help these military men and women once they return home, we also feature the unique Connected Warriors yoga program, offered locally by Moksha Yoga Studio in Wellington.

8, number 9 | September 2011

publisher/executive editor

Joshua I. Manning

associate publisher

Dawn Rivera graphic designer

Suzanne Summa bookkeeping

Carol Lieberman account managers

Betty Buglio Evie Edwards Wanda Glockson photography

Bill Barbosa Bill Carley Alan Fabricant Susan Lerner Abner Pedraza Gregory Ratner contributors

Matthew Auerbach Jason Budjinski Ron Bukley Chris Felker Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire Lauren Miró Al Pantone Deborah Welky

On Sept. 11, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation, Wellington will mark the occasion with the dedication of the village’s new Patriot Memorial — the culmination of two years worth of planning and work. This issue we preview Wellington’s plans for Patriot Day weekend and take a look at this new local landmark.

This month’s Wellington Star, and our cover model, is Miss Florida USA Karina Brez. Winning her title in July, this charismatic young Wellington businesswoman is living the American Dream. We trace her story from her parents’ decision to move across the world for a better life, to her decision to get a late start on her pageant career, winning a top title just a year after starting out. Brez hopes to use her title to support the wonderful local equestrian nonprofit Horses Healing Hearts.

Wellington Home this month visits a Mallet Hill courtyard estate radiating Old World charm. Wellington Table stops by the new Solo Mexican Cantina in the Mall at Wellington Green to chat with owner Lirim Jacobi about his unique Mexican-American concept restaurant.

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

Finally, I’d like to thank all the people who took part in Wellington The Magazine’s Cutest Dog Contest, run in conjunction with the Town-Crier newspaper and CrowdTogether.com. We’re thrilled with the strong participation and honored to introduce Wellington to our first-place winner Wilson Longears, an adorable basset hound with a true rags-to-riches story. Keep an eye out for more Wellington The Magazine contests in the near future.

Joshua Manning Publisher/Executive Editor

vice president Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2011, 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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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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wellington social scene Photos by Denise Fleischman Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Kickoff Party In RPB

(Left) Your Bosom Buddies II support group members. (Right) Cathy Bush and Event Chair Lorna Johnson with Martha Gilmartin of the American Cancer Society.

The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Pink Party Kickoff was held Wednesday, Aug. 17 at the Madison Green Golf Club. “Put on Your Pink Bra” is the theme for the 5K American Cancer Society walk slated for Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Meyer Amphitheater.

For more info., visit www. putonyourpinkbra.com/ palmbeach or call (561) 6500145.

(Left to right) Kate Alvarado, Shari Zipp and Joan Webb; Gina Cavarretta and Melissa DeLisa enjoy a French pink martini; Heather Aho and Abbe Felton; Danielle Colascione, Michelle Marton and Shona Castillo; and Catherine Ast, Lorie Stinson and Debbie Hart show their pink bras.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

wellington social scene Photos by Denise Fleischman Visions Event Benefits Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

(Left) Martha Gilmartin of the American Cancer Society accepts a check from Visions owner Tom Monticello, Sherri Giles and Clarissa Cornelius. (Right) Hunter Carr accepts donations for lemonade.

Visions Hair Salon held its fourth annual haircut-athon Sunday, Aug. 14 to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. There were raffle prizes and refreshments, and all money raised from lemonade sales, salon hair services and pink nail polish sales went directly to the American Cancer Society. Visions is sponsoring a team for the 5K walk, set for Oct. 22 in downtown West Palm Beach.

(Left to right) Visions staff members and supporters who took part in the benefit; Marilyn (Dee Maeyens) and Elvis (Al Maeyens) visit; Sue Chasteen gives Hannah Smith a haircut; and Gaby Pugliese helped Breanna Stanford donate her ponytail to Locks of Love.

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wellington social scene Photos by Denise Fleischman The Mall At Wellington Green Hosts A ‘Back-To-School Bash’ The Mall at Wellington Green celebrated the back-toschool shopping season with a MallStars Kids Club “Backto-School Bash” on Saturday, Aug. 6. Local vendors offered services for kids, and several stores offered special deals.

For more about the mall, visit www.shopwellingtongreen. com.

(Left) Kim Dillacrusis, Sheri Smallwood, winner Malini Sawh and Jessica Jerchower take part in a game show. (Right) Lindsay and Leah Ogden get their faces painted by Adrianna Lopez.

(Left to right) Home Away From Home Child Care Director Linda Gilbert gives Denise McIntyre some information; Lauren Belinsky of Whole Foods Market makes healthful lunch suggestions; Jadin Holmberg and Kolby Wilson make a craft; and Jacob and Jasmine Nave play a game show with host Robert Guerra.

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wellington social scene Photos by Lauren Miró Wellington Marketplace Tenants Host Swap Meet/Garage Sale

(Left) Anne Cardozo and Brianna Nardi of Realm of Fae sell items. (Right) Nature’s Table Café owner Bedonna Flesher at the Wellington Marketplace booth.

A community swap meet/garage sale was held Saturday, Aug. 6 in the parking lot of the Wellington Marketplace.

Shopping center tenants offered guests deals and discounts. Additionally, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office offered child finger-printing, bike safety tips and car seat inspections. The event was co-sponsored by the Asphalt Angels Car Club, which raffled off prizes during the event. For more info., visit www. thewellingtonmarketplace.com.

(Left to right) Tutoring Club of Wellington owners Denise and Roger Thomas; Explorer Patrick Shields, Sheriff’s Deputy Mark Smith and Lt. Robert Freytes with McGruff; Crystal Stone and Eric Ocando of Dance All Night; and Ashley Hammond, Stacy Jacobson and Karina Abarca of Youfit Health Club.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

wellington watch

By Joshua Manning, Lauren Miró and Ron Bukley

Wellington Council Rejects RV Ordinance

Shelley Sandler

An ordinance that would have allowed commercial RV parks in parts of the Wellington Equestrian Preserve during the winter season, as well as residential RVs in some areas, was rejected last month by the Wellington Village Council. The ordinance would have allowed personal RVs on properties with 5 or more acres, as well as RV parks on parcels of 50 acres or more that also feature an equestrian venue.

The council voted 3-2 on Aug. 23 to reject the idea, with Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilwoman Anne Gerwig supporting the idea, and Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Carmine Priore and Councilman Howard Coates opposed. The proposal would have allowed one recreational vehicle for temporary use on properties of more than 5 acres. Larger equestrian parks would have required council approval, buffering, bridle trail access and be reserved for on-site participants only. During public comment, only one of a dozen speakers supported the ordinance. Several speakers were concerned about the proposed definition of an equestrian venue, while others expressed concerns about crime and other problems they asserted would be brought by RV parks. Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, supported the idea, noting that an RV location is a crucial amenity provided by world-class equestrian destinations. Coates was concerned about accusations that the ordinance was being made to benefit one property owner. “I would not consider making any change that is this significant without having any flavor of where the residents stand,” he said. “If tonight is any indication, then there is absolutely no support.”

(561) 371-1075

Election Stays In March — The Wellington Village Council decided Aug. 23 not to move its municipal elections to November’s general election, keeping them in March.

Village Manager Paul Schofield warned that keeping them in March could come at a significantly higher cost.

Councilwoman Anne Gerwig said that she felt odd extending her own term by eight months. “It just feels a little self-serving,” she said. “This seems for me a little odd for us to vote to extend our own terms.” Though Councilman Howard Coates said he understood the reasons for having a March election, he was concerned about cost and voter turnout. “If I’m sitting on council,” he said, “I would rather be elected by 70 percent of Wellington voters than 13 percent. If I can achieve that by pushing the election into November, then I’ll do that.” Ultimately, a motion made by Coates to move the election to November starting in 2016 failed for lack of a second. As it stands, the election is still set for Tuesday, March 13. However, that could change once a date is finalized for Florida’s presidential primary.

Green Designation — Wellington is currently in pursuit of a state green designation. The designation, given by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC) recognizes both municipalities and counties as “green” for their environmentally minded practices.

“We’ve worked very hard in the past on environmental practices and policies,” Wellington Planner Bill Nemser said.

“If we were given this recognition, I believe we would be one of the first — if not the first — in Palm Beach County.” Currently, Wellington is working with FGBC coordinators to tackle the evaluation process. “It’s a checklist,” Nemser said. “You accrue points for each practice. There are categories that include everything from administrative practices to transportation to ordinances.” Nemser expects Wellington will get certification.

“We have been proactive in our policies,” he said. “We have so much open space and conservation area.”

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Wellington Patriot Memorial Dedication Marks Tenth Anniversary Of 9/11 Story by Ron Bukley Photos by Susan Lerner

After nearly two years of planning, Wellington will dedicate its new Patriot Memorial at a weekend full of events marking the tenth anniversary of 9/11.

On Sunday, Sept. 11, National Patriot Day, Wellington and the Fire Chiefs Association of Palm Beach County will honor the victims of the attacks on Sept.

11, 2001 with events highlighted by the dedication of the new memorial, which features a section of steel from the World Trade Center.

“The nation is observing a very solemn event that we should all take time to think about,” Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said. “But it is a celebration for Wellington over the construction of this project. Sept. 11 itself is a national day of recognition, so we are honored to have the Fire Chiefs Association select Wellington to mark the tenth anniversary right here locally. I think that’s an honor for Wellington.”

The dedication marks nearly two years of planning. Wellington Vice Mayor Matt Willhite, a captain with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, initiated the project, which is located between the new Wellington municipal complex and Scott’s Place playground in Wellington’s Town Center off Forest Hill Blvd.

“It’s coming together quite nicely for the unveiling,” Willhite said. “We continue to garner support. We’ve done 20

September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

some good fundraising to help build this thing. It’s going to be a good weekend, and it’s going to be a good economic benefit to Wellington, let alone the fact that we’re commemorating the tenth anniversary of the attacks on our country.”

The weekend will begin Friday, Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. with the inaugural Honor our Heroes Golf Tournament to be held at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). “The golf tournament will raise scholarship money for someone to enroll in the fire and/or police academy,” Wellington’s Nicole Evangelista said.

On Friday at 7:30 p.m., Wellington will show the movie World Trade Center at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Saturday morning features the annual Jeff Annas Memorial 5K Run, staged by the Palm Beach County Firemen’s Benevolent Association. Annas was a Palm Beach County firefighter and paramedic for 25 years. A runner, he started to organize his own running event in 2007, but died in 2008. “This is the third year the race has been held to raise money for the benevolent fund,” Evangelista said. “Last year it was held at Okeeheelee Park, and this year it was brought to Wellington.”

The event runs from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The entry fee is $25 for pre-registration

The new Wellington Patriot Memorial is located between the Wellington municipal complex and Scott’s Place playground. It features a 36-foot by 8-foot piece of the World Trade Center as its central element.

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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or $30 the day of the event, which includes a barbecue lunch from Whole Foods Market.

That evening, the band Brass Evolution will perform from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater.

The big event on Sunday will start at 8:30 a.m. “We’re going to have a parade featuring uniformed personnel, law enforcement, fire-rescue and various agencies throughout Palm Beach County,” Evangelista said. “This is the countywide remembrance ceremony.

Last year it was held in Jupiter, at Abacoa. It goes around every year, staged by the Fire Chiefs Association of Palm Beach County. This year Wellington was selected. It’s the first year it’s going to be in the western communities.”

The parade will start at 8:30 a.m. on Montauk Drive and proceed east on Forest Hill Blvd. to the amphitheater. A ceremony will start at 9 a.m. The featured speaker will be Ron Parker, a retired New York firefighter who was called to respond to the events on 9/11. “He has a lot of information and firsthand experience on the events of that day,” Evangelista said.

Officials from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will also speak.

WPTV NewsChannel 5 anchor Jim Sackett will serve as master of ceremonies.

“At 10:30 a.m., we will look to go to the Patriot Memorial for a dedication ceremony in which we will light the eternal fire, which is part of the memorial,” Evangelista said. “Some comments will be made by council members, and there will be a musical tribute.”

Pool admission will be free for the entire weekend.

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‘The residents of Wellington for many decades, because of this project, will be able to remember what happened and won’t forget,’ Deputy Village Manager John Bonde said.

“We encourage people to come out and be a part of the events,” Evangelista said. “One of the special features of this is that we were able to get an actual artifact from the south tower of the World Trade Center. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey released pieces that were part of the federal investigation. We applied and were selected, and they have since stopped distributing pieces. We were very lucky to get a piece of history here in Wellington.”

Director of Operations Jim Barnes said the 36-foot by 8-foot World Trade Center artifact, which is suspended in the air on three columns, is the central feature of the memorial.

“The memorial site includes a fountain and reflecting pool, which has a water feature for the fountain portion, and the upper portion is actually an eternal flame,” Barnes said.

A pergola runs along one side of the park, and under the pergola are four glass panels that have the names of all the victims who died in the 9/11 attacks. “It lists them by location, whether it was the Pentagon, the Pennsylvania flight or the Twin Towers,” Barnes said.

Other areas feature a combination of cement, pavers and landscaping interspersed with benches.

Willhite said people already have been stopping to visit the memorial. “People are intrigued by it, they’re interested in it and they’re touched by it,” he said.

While he was at the memorial recently, checking the progress of the project, Willhite met a woman there who is a part-time Wellington resident and also lived in New York the day of the attack.

“While we were talking, she started crying,” he said. “This thing touches people no matter where you’re from.

She lived uptown when it happened, she came out of her building, looked down toward lower Manhattan where the World Trade Center was and saw the smoke.”

Although it is a local memorial, Willhite said it signifies the unity of an entire nation. “Time will tell that this is going to be a beneficial thing to history to help people remember, and to teach future generations about what happened that day,” he said.

Bonde noted that the memorial does not only mark the events of that tragic day ten years ago, but also the significant impact it had all over the world. “Right here in Wellington, we have a project that was designed, created and built to recognize that,” he said.

The dedication weekend will celebrate the completion of a successful project that puts in place something that will be there for future generations to benefit from, he said.

“We think the residents of Wellington for many decades, because of this project, will be able to remember what happened and won’t forget,” Bonde said.

Never Forget

The memorial features panels of etched glass with the names of those who perished on Sept. 11, 2001.

(Inset photos) Other views of the World Trade Center artifacts and a look at the dedication plaque.

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Rescued basset hound Wilson Longears, winner of our Cutest Dog contest.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Meet Dog Contest Winner Wilson Longears Story by Lauren Miró  Photos by Susan Lerner

With his kind eyes and long, drooping ears, Wilson Longears won over hearts and is the winner of Wellington The Magazine’s Cutest Dog Contest. From a life destined to be a bait dog to one of a lapdog, it is a true rags-to-riches story.

Owners Jessica Cox and Jack Mancini aren’t sure where Wilson’s life began, but it was certainly a bad stroke of luck that found the purebred basset hound in the hands of a dog-fighting ring in South Carolina. “There is a lot of dog fighting that goes on there,” Cox said.

“Wilson would have been a bait dog.”

A bait dog is used in dog fighting to test the fighting instinct of dogs, or build their confidence before a fight.

Typically, a bait dog is restrained, its snout taped, and thrown into the ring to be mauled.

It was another stroke of luck, good luck this time, that may have saved Wilson’s life. “Fortunately [the police] were tipped off prior to the fight,” Cox said.

“So Wilson was rescued along with six pit bulls.”

Though he was saved from almost certain death, Wilson still had a ways to go before finding his forever home in Wellington. Initially, he was sent to a shelter where dogs are routinely put down. “He was ready to be put down when he was saved,” Mancini said.

South Carolina-based Danny and Ron’s Rescue stepped in. Horse trainers Ron Danta and Danny Robertshaw run the rescue shelter and routinely bring the dogs, along with their horses, to Wellington to find new owners. “Danny and Ron have a relationship with the sheriff in South Carolina,” Cox explained. “When they break up a dog fight, they notify Danny and Ron.” Wilson was taken in by the rescue, and soon Cox stumbled across a photo of

him on Facebook and fell in love. “Both of my grandparents raised basset hounds,” she said. “I never had a dog of my own. I only had cats. So when I saw him, I really wanted him. They had this picture of him behind chain link. He looked like a prisoner of war.”

So, she eagerly contacted Danny and Ron’s to offer Wilson a home. “Once we heard his story,” she said, “we knew we had to have him and bring him down here where he could have a happy life.”

But Cox wasn’t the only one who’d fallen for Wilson’s face. “Shortly after we contacted them, we found that there were about 50 people who wanted him,” Mancini said. “Probably because he’s such a cool dog.”

But the rescuers chose Cox and Mancini to give Wilson a loving home.

In May, almost six weeks after they’d first seen his photo, Wilson hitched a ride from Aiken, S.C. to Wellington.

Since his arrival, Wilson has settled in nicely, joining rescued German shepherd Jazz and the family’s two cats.

A far cry from his life before, Wilson now enjoys basking in the sun, sitting in his owners’ laps and hiding bones throughout the house. He is safe and

definitely loved. “He’s a great dog,” Cox said. “He’s very sweet and friendly; he just loves curling up next to you.”

Cox and Mancini decided to enter Wilson in the contest not only because he was cute, but also to bring exposure to Danny and Ron’s. “They do such a great job,” Mancini said. “We didn’t know how well [Wilson] would do. But we thought that we had the opportunity to promote Danny and Ron’s and all the good work that they do.”

Visit www.dannyandronsrescue.com to learn more about the program.

Wellington The Magazine thanks everyone who entered our Cutest Dog Contest!

We had a tremendous response from our readers and online friends. Special thanks to our partners at Crowd Together.com for helping our efforts in choosing “Wellington’s Cutest Dog.” Also, a special thank-you to Laura Barber of Barber’s Baskets for putting together great prize baskets for all of our winners: grand-prize winner Wilson Longears, second-place winner Bailey Cooper and third-place winner Rusty.

They each were awarded a beautiful basket filled with assorted doggie treats and toys. Each winner also received a ribbon to wear proudly!

Contest winner Wilson Longears with his “forever family” in Wellington.

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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Saluting Our Hometown Heroes

By Deborah Welky

The yellow ribbons might not be as common nowadays, but right down the street from where you live, one of your neighbors has a son or daughter in military service. These graduates of local high schools are the same kids you saw on the basketball court, the same teenagers who bagged your groceries, the same young people you ran into at the movie theater. Now they’re defending America and unsure of what the next day may bring. These are their stories.

Brad Miles Lieutenant Brad Miles was studying abroad in Sweden when he decided he didn’t want to pursue a career in which he was “sitting behind a desk for the rest of my life.” What he really wanted to do was fly jets for the U.S. Navy.

So the University of Central Florida student, a 1998 Wellington High School graduate, went to a recruiting station to talk things over. “They tried to sign me up for another program, but I finally talked to the right person,” Miles said. “I was guaranteed a spot in flight school upon graduation.”

Although his current assignment benefits his young family — wife Brooke and sons Cade, 7, and Brayden, 6 — Miles plans to return to his Super Hornet following shore duty. And he plans to stay in the U.S. Navy “as long as I can keep flying.”

A 1998 Wellington High School graduate, Lieutenant Brad Miles flies jets for the U.S. Navy.

He attended Officer Candidates School in Pensacola and soon achieved his dream of becoming an F/A-18 Super Hornet pilot deployed to Iraq by way of the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman.

Currently serving a three-year shore duty, Miles is stationed in Key West as a TOPGUN Adversary and professional adversary instructor.

He flies an F-5 Tiger II and uses foreign air tactics in military drills to sharpen the skills of Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force pilots. “We simulate the tactics of the enemy as much as possible,” said Miles, who also teaches others to act as adversaries. |wellington the magazine| September 2011

27

Taylor Overton U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Taylor Overton was a student at Wellington Christian School except for his last year of high school (2007), when he attended Seminole Ridge. His parents, Larry and Karen, live on Collecting Canal Road in Loxahatchee Groves.

Since June 2010, he has been on deployment in Okinawa, Japan, working as an amphibious assault vehicle crewman. When he returns, he will report back to his duty station, Camp Lejeune, N.C. — and to his wife, Amanda.

“We met through common friends in December 2008, and he left for basic training on June 1, 2010,” Amanda said. She became his wife on Sept. 4, 2010, but knew what was ahead. “His parents said he had always wanted to join the military, and Taylor told me he wanted to join ‘the best of the best,’ and that’s why he chose the Marines.”

“I joined the Marine Corps to make a difference,” Overton said via e-mail. “I feel there are so many people in this world who take the rights we have for granted and, by serving my country, I feel that I have earned them and respect them even more. I also understand what those who have come before me went through.”

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Taylor Overton was a student at Wellington Christian School. Since June 2010, he has been on deployment in Okinawa, Japan.

Overton is currently in the Marine Corps until his contract is up, but will likely re-enlist. When he feels that his service to the United States has been satisfactorily completed, Overton hopes to become a wildlife officer.

“

I joined the Marine Corps to make a difference. I feel there are so many people in this world who take the rights we have for granted.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

”

Jordan Buss Jordan Chamberlin Buss graduated from Wellington High School in 2005 and went to work as a manager at Sal’s Pizzeria Ristorante in Wellington, where he became close with the owner. Inspired by the retired Navy vet’s stories, Buss took the entrance exam and scored high enough to qualify for training as a U.S. Navy diver.

Buss had to wait nine months for the next round of diver basic training to start, but he was able to work out with the Navy in the meantime.

Unfortunately, he hurt his shoulder during a workout shortly before starting the program.

Disappointed and unwilling to wait another nine months, Buss decided to go through regular basic training. “I joined to fight for our country,” Buss said. “I wanted to make a commitment.

Also, I wanted to travel and needed a change of pace.”

“He was 21, and it was time to get out of Wellington and do something with his life,” his mother, Beverly, agreed.

So his career path changed from diver to aviation mechanic. With a rank of E-4, Buss worked on F/A-18 Super Hornets, doing structural repairs and making sure the flight controls were in tip-top condition. His plan was to put in 20 years with the Navy, then retire and go into the restaurant business.

However, fate intervened again. This past March, Buss got ill and wasn’t getting better. His fiancé, Whitney Schultheis, urged him to see a physician, and the diagnosis was fairly serious — Crohn’s disease. No longer able to travel worldwide without complications, he is due to receive a medical discharge next year.

“He’s been in the hospital three times with blood transfusions, and he just started eating again,” said his mother. “It makes me want to cry.”

But Buss looks forward, not back. When released, his new plan is to go to college for business management so he can realize another dream — that of owning a surf shack-type restaurant on the beach.

Jordan Chamberlin Buss graduated from Wellington High School in 2005, later joining the U.S. Navy, where he has worked as an aviation mechanic.

“

I joined to fight for our country.

I wanted to make a commitment.

Also, I wanted to travel and needed a change of pace.

”

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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Jena Taliau Jena Taliau graduated from Wellington High School in 2006 but, according to her mother Rose, was never the type to want to sit in a classroom.

Nevertheless, her mother confesses that both she and her husband, Tuileva, were surprised when their daughter announced she was joining the military.

The apple hadn’t fallen far from the tree. “She’s from a military family,” Rose said. “Her father is retired Navy. He was a master chief career counselor, and I was in personnel, human resources, for 11 years.”

The family moved around a lot, and that wanderlust must have filtered into Taliau’s blood.

Today, she is an E5 Information Technology Specialist Second Class assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz.

“She does message traffic — information technology, computers and radio communications,” her mother explained.

“Directional orders and emergency messages, she routes them to the correct person.”

It’s not an easy job when you consider that the USS Nimitz is home to 5,000 sailors. In addition, Taliau recently qualified as a communication watch officer, the second female ever to achieve this qualification aboard the Nimitz.

A 2006 Wellington High School graduate, Jena Taliau serves in the U.S. Navy and will soon be transferred to a recruiting station in southern California.

“

It’s pretty good recognition to get selected as a recruiter because they want to have the best representation.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

”

“I think she had been talking to the Air Force when my husband convinced her to join the Navy instead,” Rose said. “One thing that’s really cool about the Navy is that, even though you have to live in tight quarters, you get to see the world.

She’s been to Japan, India, Thailand and Hawaii.”

With nearly five years of service under her belt, Taliau re-upped, but said she wanted to do something different, so she applied for recruiting duty. She will be transferring to a recruiting station in southern California soon, coming full circle.

She was born in a naval hospital in San Diego.

“It’s pretty good recognition to get selected as a recruiter because they want to have the best representation,” Rose explained. “Can you tell I’m a proud mom?”

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Derek Piper Derek Piper worked at Nicole’s Village Tavern in Wellington before he decided to join the U.S. Army in 2007. “He went in so he could change his life and put it on the right track, and he did,” said his father, Dean. “He turned from a teenager into a man.”

Now 26, Piper is an E-4 mechanic and recovery specialist. “That means that if one of our vehicles is broken down in the middle of a combat zone, he’s the one assigned to get it out of there — immediately,” his father explained. “I just saw him for six days last month before I dropped him off at the airport in North Carolina. He was shipping out to Germany, and he will be there three years.”

Piper’s wife, Lee-Ann (Ehrenberg) Piper, is also from Wellington. The couple recently had a son, Cole, born at the end of March. “She’s a military wife, which is probably a harder job,” Dean said.

“But Derek loves his job. When he first got in, he went to South Korea for a year, then got shipped out to Iraq for year, then he signed on for an additional eight years so he could make sure that his wife was taken care of and everything was secure on the home front.”

Piper’s father also works to help out on the home front. “I own an Internet radio station — an all-military veteran station — and we work with a lot of different veterans organizations to help them as much as we can. It’s primarily a talk show with some music,” Dean explained.

The UEC Military Freedom Network can be found at www.uecmfn.com. You can bet Derek Piper is tuning in whenever he can from Germany.

“Of course Derek would rather be home with his family, but he loves the Army,” his father said.

“He likes the structure the Army provides for him. He likes the idea of traveling and defending his country. He’s very patriotic and he feels he is doing the American people some good and helping others.”

Derek Piper, shown here with newborn son Cole, joined the U.S. Army in 2007.

“

He went in so he could change his life and put it on the right track, and he did. He turned from a teenager into a man.

”

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

33

Victoria Hatch Victoria (Tori) Hatch, daughter of former Palm Beach County Commissioner Ken Foster, enlisted in the U.S. Army right after graduating from Palm Beach Central High School.

“In our family, we have a history of military service,” Foster explained. “It’s a long-standing tradition. Myself, my brothers, my nephews and my kids were or will be in the military. We think that service to our country is important.”

So although Foster was not surprised when his daughter enlisted, the end result was rather surprising. During basic training on how to react if you’re gassed, while experiencing the effects of the gas chamber, Tori stumbled, injured her knee and was carried out by a young lieutenant.

It was love at first sight. Tori married Lt. Graham Hatch earlier this year but, in order to do so, she had to leave the Army because he was a higherranking officer. In July, she gave birth to their child.

Victoria (Tori) Hatch enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after graduating from Palm Beach Central High School.

“

In our family, we have a history of military service.

It’s a long-standing tradition.

”

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

“She loved the Army,” Foster said. “She was going to be an Arabic interpreter after she finished her basic training. Now she’s an Army wife, living in a townhouse in Germany. It’s very tough on her.

The Germans don’t quite treat the Americans the way we were treated when we were their liberators. They won’t speak English even though they can, so, at age 21, she’s totally by herself with a newborn.”

Tori’s husband, Graham, is stationed in Afghanistan. On her birthday, Aug. 14, his 21-man unit lost two mechanics to an incendiary device that had been planted overnight in their abandoned Humvee. The family worried themselves sick until they heard from Graham.

“Nasty stuff,” Foster said. “But I visited in July, and we Skype every day and speak over the Internet. I get to see the baby and can do snapshots as we’re talking so I have lots of pictures of the baby and of her.”

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|wellington the magazine| September 2011

35

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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PIZZA

Pizza lovers will argue whether it’s the best cheese or the perfect crust that makes the perfect pie. At Pizzano’s Pizza, a mom-and-pop pizzeria whose owners know good Italian, you don’t have to choose.

Margaret and Al Dinuzzo took over the tiny pizza place in the Royal Plaza at the northeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards a year ago. The pair had owned a pizzeria in Connecticut where pies were baked in a brick oven. At Pizzano’s the pizza is baked uniquely, the pies come out more quickly, and Margaret still makes the sauce fresh. Al, who spent his childhood in Italy, used a cousin’s recipe for his dough, adapting it for the quicker-cooking ovens.

The homemade pies, with generous sprinklings of toppings, are winning a loyal following. “We took the time to perfect the dough,” Al Dinuzzo said. They serve regular or thin-crust – like authentic pizzas in Italy.

In addition to pizzas, Pizzano’s serves up a small selection of pasta dishes-try the spaghetti and meatballs; it’s just like homemade-and a selection of hot grinders. Not to be confused with subs, Pizzano’s grinders are hot stuffed crust meals. They take pizza dough, then stuff it with combinations of cheeses and meats or vegetables, roll it into a pocket and bake it. They’re served with marinara sauce. The chicken Parmesan is one of the best sellers, Margaret says. You can also get a traditional 10-inch hot sub.

The small pizzeria has become known for its events as well as the homemade fare.

A bulletin board full of snapshots shows birthday parties, team parties, and even a heart-shaped pizza for a non-traditional I Love You. Check out their menu at pizzanospizzeria.com.

“And we don’t put just a little bit of toppings on it,” Margaret Dinuzzo added. “Our pizza’s loaded.”

Pizzano’s is not only family-owned but also family-operated. Most days, Margaret and Al are behind the counter and in the kitchen. “It feels at home in the kitchen,” Margaret says.

For folks in the western communities looking for an alternative to chain pizzas, Pizzano’s delivers – to everyone. They take pizzas as far west as the FPL power plant, north to Northlake Boulevard, east to Florida’s Turnpike, and south throughout Wellington.

“And we go to their house, not just a meeting at the corner,” said Margaret, noting how difficult it is for people in the far reaches of The Acreage to get delivery.

How can they serve such a large area? They keep a driver on call for every shift. If there are several deliveries to be made, the additional driver comes in.

Specialty pizzas include a meat lovers, Hawaiian, veggie, white pizza, barbecue chicken, Philly cheesesteak and meatball deluxe. But feel free to mix and match your own toppings.

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|wellington the magazine| September 2011

37

Good Food at the Right Price It’s midmorning, and Hilary’s is buzzing with regulars, many who will eat several meals a week at the Royal Palm Beach institution.

“Here he is,” a waitress calls as a big man in overalls enters and saunters to a table. Yes, he was expected. She’ll have his beverage to the table before he opens the menu. He waves to Mark, who’s running the register, and to owner Mary Rakoff, across the room.

Another man and two ladies enter, pausing briefly by the register, and Mark grabs a towel. “How we doing, Steve? Hold on, let me get your table cleaned up for you,” he says.

There are other tables available, but Steve has his favorite, and the proprietors know it, like they know most of the orders before the regulars place them.

“We have something we call a leaf plate – a scoop of chicken salad and fruit for lunch, so it’s not a big, heavy meal.And then we have our gourmet wraps like the European wrap with roasted red peppers, feta, artichoke hearts, tomatoes, red onion and Greek olives.”

Hilary’s is a mixture of Florida and New York. While the round tables and wicker chairs evoke a Florida lanai, the movie art and Broadway playbills let you know where the flavor comes from.

The dinner menu is the kind of stuff you might have eaten around the family table – beef brisket in onion au jus, mile high meatloaf, chicken Parmesan or stuffed cabbage. There’s also fresh seafood, hand cut steaks, and a different nightly special each weeknight.

The Rakoffs – Mary, and sons Mark, Shawn and Steven, have been serving their friends and neighbors from the restaurant in the Royal Plaza at the northeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Southern boulevards for the past 10 years. Mary’s husband, the late Hilary Rakoff, a life-long chef who infused the menu with family recipes and tastes from his childhood in New York, opened Hilary’s in 2001.

But for many, Hilary’s is as much about the company as it is the food. On Thursday’s the bowlers come in, and on Fridays, it’s the golfers, Mark says. And then there’s the ROMEO’s – Retired Old Men Eating Out.

“Serving Comfort Food” is their slogan. It’s a place known for its $3.99 and $4.99 breakfast specials as well as New York style overstuffed sandwiches on homemade rye bread.

One of the few places serving at 6 a.m. Mary knows the rhythm of the regulars, the seasonal residents and the shift workers.

“All the people know us,” Mary says. “The customers are family. “They come for the breakfast special, and they come back for corned beef, Ruebens and such,” Mary says. “If they want breakfast for dinner, they can get it. Whatever they’re in the mood to eat, they can always get it.”

“We used to have a man come in at 6:30 or 7 o’clock for a corned beef sandwich. He was just getting off work in the morning,” she said.

The menu is extensive with grilled items, a dozen different salads, and a variety of homemade and overstuffed deli sandwiches. And that doesn’t even include the daily specials, gourmet wraps, or lighter items.

“You should hear this place when they come in,” Mark says.

She walks across the room and hugs another diner. “I just got back last night,” the woman says, as she and Mary chat about the family.

“This place is home,” she says.

561.790.7301

Located in the Royal Plaza, Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Corner of Southern

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September June 2011 |wellington 2011 |wellington the magazine| the magazine|

The Gypsy’s Horse brings Ireland to Wellington In what once was its own remote corner of Palm Beach County, folks in Wellington always have found a place where everybody knows their name.

Colin Jackson insists the greeting come with an Irish brogue.

beer and banter, The Gypsy’s Horse provides something difficult to find in most South Florida eateries – a unique menu.

“All the recipes are from home,” Jackson says

So finding no traditional pubs around, he opened one six years ago. He is coproprietor with Paul Rowan.

He built the heavy wood tables himself, and imported the chairs from Ireland. The beer barrels serving as high toppers actually once held whiskey. He installed a tiny stage in the corner for live music and ensured that the bar was as stocked as any in the Old Country. And he made sure that regulars could have their own inscribed pint to drink from.

Throwing a nod to the surrounding equestrian life, he christened it The Gypsy’s Horse. It’s tucked inside the original Wellington Mall, but most people enter through the outside, where an open-air patio provides additional seating.

“It is a traditional Irish pub,” Jackson says. “Around 5 o’clock the bar is full of people who will be here 2 to 3 times a week.”

Tacked above the barstools are a couple rows of small gold plaques inscribed with the names of those people in the exclusive 25 Club.

“We have 25 different drafts. You must drink one of each in a week,” Jackson says.

“It’s only a pint. You wouldn’t believe the number of people who have tried and failed. Some people have tried to do it in a day,” he says with a knowing smile.

You’ll find Guinness and Murphys and Harp among the traditional pub brews. There’s also Strongbow Cider and Magners Cider, Stella, and Yuengling. But in addition to

Come during happy hour and try some Irish samples, such as Scotch eggs – a hardboiled egg wrapped in a sausage mixture - or Grandma Rita’s Irish Sausage – a cheese and potato-filled sausage wrapped in bacon. And yes, Grandma Rita is real.

She’s the chef’s grandmother, whose recipes flavor the menu.

“We have a lovely 14-ounce strip sizzling Gaelic steak (Don’t ask. The sauce is a secret), and another very popular dish is the braised pork shanks in a cream sauce,” Jackson says.

On this menu, The Pie Shop doesn’t refer to desserts. There’s shepherd’s pie, chicken potpie, beef-n-Guinness pie and traditional Cornish pasties in which seasoned meat and veggies are served in puff pastry. In fact the pies are so popular, Jackson has taken to freezing some so folks can take them home for another night’s meal.

And what Irish menu could be complete without potatoes? The Gypsy’s Horse menu says, “The Potato Famine is Over.” Get yours stuffed with your favorite toppings.

“We have this one we called The Dubliner. It’s filled with corned beef and onions and cheese. The thing is addicting,” Jackson says.

As in true pub fashion, you don’t need to be hungry to visit, though. There’s live music every Friday and Saturday with no cover charge. On the far side of the bar is a pool table and dartboards. And on Thursdays, the karaoke microphone is open.

“We have a lot of fun here,” Jackson says.

561.333.3700

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Located in the Original Wellington Mall, Behind Suntrust Bank

|wellington |wellington the magazine| the magazine| September June 2011

39

El Toro

The Best Mexican Food In Town!

El Toro – Authentic Mexican Restaurant Overlooking Lake

The sun glistens across the water and a light breeze ruffles the palm fronds on the edges of the patio dining area. A small group is gathered around the bar under the wide tiki hut.As the waiter approaches, the air fills with the appetizing aroma of seasoned beef and the unmistakable sizzle of fresh-made fajitas. The only thing more appealing than El Toro Mexican Family Restaurant’s authentic Mexican food is being able to enjoy it on the outdoor patio overlooking the lake. Overlooking wide Lake Challenger in Royal Palm Beach, El Toro is the only waterfront restaurant in the central western communities.

Marinaded steak goes on the grill along with onions and green peppers.

It’s cooked slowly enough for the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender. More vegetables are added to provide crisp-tender crunch.

It’s served sizzling on a griddle that has been basting in a flame. Alongside are fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole and rice and beans.

“Everyone loves the patio when the weather is nice,” said owner/manager Angelina Johnson. “And even from the inside, you can see out to the water.”

“We brought a lot of our recipes from home,” Johnson says. “Some of the other favorites are carne asada, (char-broiled skirt steak garnished with guacamole,) pollo azado (char-broiled breast of chicken smothered with mushrooms and covered with Monterrey Jack and cheddar,) and our seafood Fruta Del Mar,” she said.

Wide picture windows give El Toro diners lots of light and the feel of a shaded Cantina. El Toro opened on the waterfront spot inside the Royal Inn on Royal Palm Beach Boulevard in 2006. It’s open for lunch and dinner, and includes a private party room that can hold up to 70.

While the setting is a far distance from the Guadalajara homeland of Johnson and the rest of the Hernandez family who run El Toro, the authentic Mexican recipes are not. Sizzling fajitas are among the most popular on both the lunch and dinner menus, Johnson says. A peak in the very large kitchen, and it’s understandable why El Toro serves so many.

El Toro’s flour tortillas are as light as the sun streaming through the windows.

The steak is fork-tender, and the flavor of the marinade comes through.

“And nobody makes the salsa like us,” she says, adding, “Nothing is from the can.”

Another delicious surprise is the rice and refried beans. The rice has a nutty flavor, and these two traditional sides are light and flavorful. After lunch, you’ll feel satisfied. Having spent a little time in the sun-filled retreat, you’ll be able to return to your day. But you won’t want to.

TIKI BAR LAKE VIEW

561.296.7102

675 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., (Corner of Southern, Located at the Royal Inn Hotel)

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September June 2011 |wellington 2011 |wellington the magazine| the magazine|

Tree’s Wings & Ribs It is all about the FOOD! Dine in, take out or delivery.

Buffalo wings might have been created in a restaurant in New York, but they were perfected in a small kitchen in Royal Palm Beach where restaurateur Andy Maynard created a system for turning out perfectly juicy, yet crispy wings.

Tree’s Wings and Ribs was perfecting their formula long before wings were a staple on every casual dining restaurant menu. The comfortable, family restaurant with big wooden tables opened in the Royal Plaza at Royal Palm Beach and Southern Boulevards in 1995. It was one of the first places around the area to offer take-out and delivery.

“We have our own proprietary way of doing wings,” Maynard said. “We’ve perfected a three-fryer cooking system.” Don’t ask him to tell you more. It is a restaurant secret. The system, coupled with sauces made in the restaurant, makes Tree’s the “go to” place for wing aficionados.

Original owner Glenn “Tree”Thompson formulated both the unusual cooking system and the flavorful sauces. A year later Maynard bought him out. He has operated by the credo, “Don’t mess with success,” tweaking the system only to keep up with the growing volume.

Perhaps the best testament to Tree’s is its awards: It has been voted Best Wings in Forum Publishing’s Best of the West contest for 12 years in a row. Tree’s also won the People’s Choice award for best ribs at the WIRK Rib Round-up at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

“He deliberately and purposefully put in a multitude of unusual ingredients so nobody could copy it,” Maynard said. They make batches daily at the restaurant.

For such a small place, the menu is huge. Popular starters include jalapeno poppers and mozzarella stix, said General Manager Erin Peel. “And we have ginormous nachos. The dish feeds the whole table,” she said. Another favorite is the smoked marlin dip – one of the few places in South Florida that uses actual smoked marlin in its housemade recipe.

There’s also a selection of seafood dishes, burgers, and salads. But most customers know what they want even before they’re seated. They return to Tree’s time and again for the succulent wings and ribs.

With beer specials, Tree’s Wings is the perfect place to sit back and watch a ball game. Tree’s also caters to families. With two separate dining areas – one set aside just for grown-ups - everybody can have dinner the way they want it, whether it’s all facing the big screen or with the kids around a big family table.

If your favorite family table is at your own house, Tree’s has a few special deals on the take-out menu, including the famous Family Deal of the Decade. It’s a combo of wings, ribs and sides sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Now, customers are eating for less at Tree’s since every order earns a spin of Tree’s prize wheel for “Tree’s Dollars.” Win anywhere between $1 and $10 to put toward your next order. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Tree’s serves only baby back ribs. These ribs get their tenderness and flavor through a slow-cook, multi-step process that’s another restaurant secret. And then of course, there’s Tree’s delectable barbecue sauce. Tree himself concocted it.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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Dr. Patty Forsythe Cares For Pets At All Paws Animal Clinic

By Al Pantone

Dr. Patty Forsythe remembers the first time she took her dog to the veterinarian. She was 5 years old and lived in Pennsylvania at the time. “I remember that like it was yesterday and thought, ‘This is what I want to do,’” she recalled.

Forsythe earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1985, working in Delaware for about a decade before moving to Florida. Today, Forsythe runs All Paws Animal Clinic, which she started with her husband and practice manager, Rob Squires, in 2002.

At the clinic, Forsythe offers general health and wellness checkups for pets. She recommends that pets go to the vet once a year to make sure they stay healthy.

The clinic also does vaccinations for protection against rabies and distemper, a viral infection in dogs and cats that is highly contagious and potentially deadly. All Paws uses a vaccination protocol that allows animals to get vaccinated every three years. “They don’t need to have those every year,” Forsythe noted.

One of the more popular procedures at the clinic is nonanesthetic dental cleanings. Technicians come in twice a month to do dental cleanings with the animals placed on their laps, instead of sedated on a table. “They can ultrasonically clean and polish the teeth just like we do under general anesthesia,” Forsythe explained.

This is easier because general anesthesia can have complications and usually requires the animal to not eat for a period of time. Anesthesia is required when an animal is uncooperative or needs an advanced procedure, such as a tooth extraction. All Paws offers a courtesy exam to see if an animal is a candidate for non-anesthetic dental cleaning.

The clinic offers a boarding center for cats, which the staff calls the Cat Nap Inn. Guests at the inn are given their own spacious “kitty condos” to sleep in and are let out to play in a common area during the day.

The facility is equipped to handle many procedures and 44 September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Dr. Patty Forsythe of All Paws Animal Clinic

illnesses in animals. “We see a lot of skin and ear problems, and we have a lot of success with getting those cleared up,” Forsythe said.

All Paws is also able to perform many surgical procedures, such as spaying and neutering, lump removal and bladder stone removal. The clinic also has a digital X-ray device, which is used to show Forsythe the results of an X-ray right away on a computer screen, as opposed to having film that needs to be developed.

Also in the All Paws building is Fancy Tails Pet Grooming, an independent business owned and operated by Katie Doogue.

She and Forsythe work together to provide great service to their customers. “She’s a wonderful groomer, and she does a great job,” Forsythe said.

Above all, Forsythe is dedicated to excellent customer service for all her clients, both human and animal. She has an after-hours cell phone for clients to call to ask if they need to bring their pet to a hospital in case of an emergency. The clinic always calls clients back the next day for a follow-up, and Forsythe is always looking for ways to improve based on customer feedback. “That’s what can make or break a business, as far as I’m concerned — customer satisfaction,” she said.

Forsythe and her husband live in Royal Palm Beach with their dog Grady.

All Paws Animal Clinic is located at 1011 North State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 790-9225 or visit www.allpawsanimal.com.

Wellington Yoga Studio Offers Free Classes To Area Veterans Story by Jessica Gregoire Photos by Abner Pedraza

After serving our country, some veterans find themselves suffering from stress, anger and/or depression, often struggling as they find ways to deal with these issues. With limited resources available to assist veterans assimilating back into society, it can be a more difficult process.

Connected Warriors instructor Ralph Iovino works with student Dwane Elmore.

Moksha Yoga Studio in Wellington has begun offering free yoga classes through the Connected Warriors program as a way to give back to the veteran community.

Yoga instructor Ralph Iovino, veterans’ liaison with Connected Warriors, has been teaching the veterans yoga class at Moksha since it began four months ago.

He believes that yoga provides a major healing benefit for veterans.

“Many veterans complain when they come home about hyper-vigilance, problems sleeping and anger,” Iovino said. “Yoga calms the emotions, and it helps with anxiety, stress and helps them sleep better.”

The class focuses on teaching participants how to move and heal their bodies and minds through exercise, movement and improved breathing and feeling. “We teach them how to connect the body with the mind,” Iovino explained. “This helps them become more happy to be alive, breathe and be more appreciative of life.”

The class is specially designed for veterans, and the exercises are tailored to their needs and issues. “We try to stay away from mentioning certain triggers like the corps pose,” Iovino said. “We have been trained to not mention certain things in front of the veterans and to modify our wording to calming phrases like final relaxation pose.”

Classes provide veterans with a healing environment by relaxing and calming their nerves, Iovino said. “We try to calm our voice and use gentle movements to relieve their stress,” he explained. “If their eyes are closed, we try to be very aware of how to approach |wellington the magazine| September 2011

45

them, and if we go behind their backs, we try to let them know we’re there.”

Even if a veteran has never done yoga before, Iovino modifies all the yoga poses to meet their level of experience and physical capability. “When they first come into class and they are nervous, I start with a seated position and try to quiet the body and the mind,” Iovino said. “Then I take them through warrior poses.”

Veterans who have been attending the class since it began at Moksha have already improved their mental and physical health, Iovino said. “As the teacher, I see their bodies getting much stronger,” he said.

Moksha Yoga Studio owner and founder Cora Rosen partnered with Connected Warriors to provide the free weekly yoga class to veterans and their family members every Monday.

Yoga instructor Ralph Iovino co-founded the Connected Warriors program.

Connected Warriors was founded by Iovino and his former yoga instructor, Connected Warriors Vice President Judy Weaver. The program provides free yoga classes to veterans at yoga centers in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Greenacres and now Wellington.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

As a former Marine and Vietnam veteran, Iovino understands the benefits. “I’m a veteran, and I experienced what yoga did for me,” he said. “So I wanted to give something back with yoga.”

Classes are offered once a week for an hour and 15 minutes.

“Right now, we only have a few who come to our classes here at Moksha,” Iovino said. “We are hoping for more veterans to participate.”

Veterans who attend the Connected Warriors class also receive a free yoga mat, which they can take home to use outside of class. “If all they can do is once a week, it’s better than nothing. But I try to recommend [that they] do it three times a week.” Iovino explained. “I teach them how to do different poses, and I encourage them to do them at home.”

By offering classes at Moksha Yoga Studio, Connected Warriors is able to continue expanding and giving back to all veterans who served our country.

Moksha Yoga Studio is located at 3340 Fairlane Farms Road, Unit 5, Wellington. For more information, visit www.mokshayogastudio. com or call (561) 427-1767. For more about Connected Warriors, visit www.theconnectedwarriors.org or call (954) 465-3329.

Moksha Yoga Studio owner Cora Rosen.

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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wellington star Photo By Bill Barbosa Photo Designs Inc.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Miss Florida USA 2012 Karina Brez is a Wellington resident who attended the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Click Here To Learn More About Karina’s Charity

Miss Florida USA Karina Brez Is Living The American Dream

By Lauren Miró

Miss Florida USA 2012 Karina Brez’s story is one of struggle and sacrifice.

From her parents’ struggle to leave their native country for a better life to her own transformation from thrifty teen to successful businesswoman, Brez is an example of the American dream.

and when he fell, all the people in line behind him tried to force their way through.”

Brez, 24, was born in the Ukraine during the fall of communism. Her parents, successful jewelers, wanted a better life for their daughter and left everything behind to follow that dream with the help of a Jewish aid organization.

“He didn’t know when there would be another chance,” Brez said. “It was the last day.”

With the train station about a halfhour away, Brez’s mother, Rimma, raced out of the house still in her nightgown, got a police escort and arrived at the station just as the last train of the day was pulling out.

But the saga had only just begun.

When her father, Alex, arrived at the government office, he faced a dayslong line and was about to step into the building when the doors began to close. On his last chance at securing a better life, Brez’s father forced his way into the building.

“The guards began beating him over the head,” Brez said. “He fell down,

So, when Brez was only just over a year old, her family packed all the possessions they could fit into six suitcases. “My parents were leaving their business behind,” Brez said.

“They didn’t know what they would do to make money once they got to America. So they brought enough clothes for me to last a few years as I grew and items they could sell to make some money.”

But when they arrived at the airport, they were told that only four suitcases would be allowed. “We had literally five minutes to decide what to keep and what to get rid of,” Brez said. “So my parents took as many clothes as they could out of the suitcases and put them on. They were like the Michelin man. They stuffed clothes into my stroller and into their pockets. We didn’t know what we would need.”

images provided courtesy Miss Florida USA, Photographer Don Seidman

The story of their coming to America is something out of a movie. “It was a 16-hour train ride for my dad to turn in our papers to leave,” Brez said. “And when he got to the train station, he realized he’d left the papers at home.”

With the guards busy controlling the mob, Brez’s father picked himself up and took his papers to be processed for their journey to America.

After spending some time in Austria and then Italy, the family arrived in (Right) Karina Brez at the Miss Florida USA pageant. |wellington the magazine| September 2011

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A horse lover, Karina Brez volunteers with the equestrian nonprofit Horses Healing Hearts.

Queens, N.Y. a few months later. And though they were in the land of opportunity, they faced bumps along the way.

To make ends meet, Brez’s father washed cars for $2 an hour, while her mother cut hair out of their home. Brez believes that having her house filled with people from all walks of life helped make her the social person she is today.

It was on a vacation when Brez discovered the “paradise” that is South Florida. Her mother had planned to open a hair salon at the base of the World Trade Center, but decided to take a family vacation before making the big career move.

“We just fell in love with it,” Brez said. “My parents were used to the cold in New York and the Ukraine, but this was like paradise. We were on the beach in Lantana, and I just ran up to a palm tree and hugged it. I told them I wasn’t going anywhere.”

Soon after, the family moved to West Palm Beach, where Brez’s father took any job he could, including jewelry repair.

He began working in large jewelry exchanges and eventually cultivated a business.

Brez attended the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts for costume design, and was an active member of the debate team. While at a competition at Wellington High School, she fell in love with the area and suggested her family move.

After graduation, Brez attended the Gemological Institute of America and started her own business, Palm Beach Gemologist.

Brez credits her penchant for hard work and perseverance to the story of her parents. “I remember growing up, we didn’t have a lot,” she said. “We shopped at thrift stores and had to watch our spending. My parents taught me the value of a dollar and how to save.”

Though a successful businesswoman, Brez wanted more. “I photo credits - wellington the magazine’s shoot with Miss Florida USA Karina Brez Photography Bill Barbosa, Photographer Tristine Davis, Photography Assistant Photo Designs Inc. Hair & Makeup Nikki Copeland-Curtis Danny Benz, Hair Assistant Location Marco Bernal Dressage International in Wellington

Photo By Bill Barbosa Photo Designs Inc.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Horse Maybach, a 10-year-old Westfalen owned by Marco Bernal

wellington star dreamed I was on stage at the Miss Universe pageant,” she said. “I woke up and thought that it might be something I want to do.”

So about a year ago, she began looking into pageants, hiding it from her parents who, she felt, wouldn’t approve.

Brez went into her first pageant with no formal training and lost. But she’d gotten a taste of the life and was determined to do better next time. She hired Vida Sheffield of the Powerhouse Divas and learned to walk, talk and act like a beauty queen.

With only a year of training, Brez took the title of Miss Florida USA 2012 in July. She was honored and excited to win. And her parents? They couldn’t be prouder. “When they called my name, I looked out into the audience, and my parents looked so happy,” she said. “Afterward, my mom was backstage, and she gave me a look that just said, ‘I raised you right.’”

Though Brez knows that she can’t change the world singlehandedly, she’s hoping to change life for children who are affected by substance abuse. After a close friend was killed by a husband who abused alcohol, she saw the affects it had on

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their child. She volunteers with Horses Healing Hearts, an organization that uses horses as emotional therapy for children affected by substance abuse. Brez said she hopes to make a better future for these kids and more like them.

“These kids are growing up without guidance; they’re watching their parents abuse alcohol or drugs,” she said.

“You work with one child, one horse, one day at a time.

Everyone has a different story, but if I can help these kids in what they’re going through, I know I’m making the world a little better.”

Her dream would be to expand the organization and find it a permanent home. “These children need a place to call home,” she said. “I’d love for them to have a small stable with a room where they could gather to talk, to draw, and to be able to return to.”

Brez hopes that as she reigns as Miss Florida USA 2012, she can bring the message to the state, and maybe even the nation. Next summer, she will compete for the title of Miss USA, which would give her cause even more exposure.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity,” she said. “It would be a dream come true.”

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wellington home

(Above) The family room is bright and airy with 14-foot wood-beam ceilings and marble floors. It offers plenty of seating, including an eat-in breakfast area looking out into the kitchen.

(Left) The focal point of this elegant foyer is the marble staircase with iron railing.

The entrance to the home is through a custom-made arched door, while a set of double doors lead into the office. Located near the stairs is the unique half bath built in a half-circle.

(Right) The vibrant dining room is a striking red brick color with elegant French doors that open up to a terrace with a view of the fountain. Guests enter the dining room through an archway with beautiful columns on either side.

Separating the dining room from the kitchen is a butler pantry, and down the hall is a wet bar.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Courtyard Home In Wellington’s Mallet Hill Radiates Old-World Charm

By Lauren Miró

Radiating Old-World charm right here in Wellington, this beautiful custom-designed Mallet Hill home wraps around a brick-paved courtyard, giving almost every room a great view of the pool and patio. The two-story home has four bedrooms and six bathrooms in about 6,800 square feet, all located on just less than two acres. The home was custom built and designed by its owners, and features an attached two-car garage as well as a detached five-car garage, complete with custom wood-beam ceilings, brick archways and marble-top cabinets. What makes this home truly unique is that it offers a separate cottage with an upstairs bedroom, full bath and living room area. The home itself has marble floors with high, wood-beam ceilings and other custom features that set it apart. There are two bedrooms upstairs and a master suite on the ground floor, as well as a formal living room, office, sitting room and foyer.

|wellingtonthe themagazine| magazine|September September2011 2011 |wellington

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wellington home (Left) This large upstairs bedroom opens out onto a large, private patio that overlooks the courtyard and pool. A second bedroom faces the front of the home with a balcony over the front entrance. Both boast wooden floors, 10-foot ceilings, a full bathroom each and walk-in closets.

(Below) The first floor master bedroom has prime location in the house, with big French doors that open to the courtyard and pool.

The room has his and hers bathrooms, completely separate from one another, with large walk-in closets in each bathroom. The master suite also includes a sitting room with plush leather chairs perfect for relaxing and taking in the view, or grabbing a book from the built-in hutch.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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wellington home (Left) This custom kitchen features handmade cherry wood cabinets, granite countertops and marble floors. It is made for cooking with double ovens, a gas range, subzero refrigerator and an island sink. The kitchen has a cut-out window that looks into the family room with a small eat-in area with bar stools.

(Right) This large courtyard is the centerpiece of the home, which wraps around it in a “U� shape. The courtyard is meticulously landscaped with gates to allow privacy. It features a Chicago brick patio leading out to a large pool with attached wading pool, and plenty of room for lounging, grilling and entertaining.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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wellington table 58

Authentic Flavors, Large Portions At The New Solo Mexican Cantina Story by Lauren Miró Photos by Abner Pedraza

For great Mexican food right here in Wellington, Solo Mexican Cantina offers food and drinks with an authentic flavor. Newly opened in the Mall at Wellington Green, the restaurant is a twist on American-Mexican cuisine in a relaxed environment.

Prominent restaurateur Lirim Jacobi opened the restaurant in July as a new concept, offering authentic Mexican dishes alongside traditional American food.

September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

“Mexican food is becoming a large trend,” Jacobi said. “Everyone loves it. We thought it would be a good addition to the mall, offering guests something that they don’t have here.”

Jacobi’s business model is simple: offer guests great food in large portions at an affordable price.

“The prices are very reasonable,” he said. “The portions are huge, and the food is great. We

(Right) Solo Mexican Cantina Chef Jaimes Froylan Ham, Executive Chef Frankie Pacheco, Manager Laura Chong and owner Lirim Jacobi.

hired an authentic Mexican chef, and we put out a great product. The food is healthy, everything is made fresh in house, and we’re constantly tweaking our menu to make the dishes better.”

Customers can dine in or take out, and take advantage of a catering menu.

Solo Mexican Cantina opens at 11 a.m. seven days a week for lunch, dinner and after-dinner drinks. In addition to food, guests can take advantage of a full bar and a list of specialty margaritas.

The restaurant offers happy hour from 3 to 7 p.m. every day, and mall employees are offered a discount.

“It’s a great place to come and have some great food and drinks,” Jacobi said. “We’re open after mall hours, and Thursday through Sunday nights we have a DJ.” The atmosphere of the restaurant is upscale modern. The walls are adorned with beautiful glass tile and decorative mirrors. Guests can

choose a high-top table, booth or regular table, or sit at the large bar. There are televisions throughout, offering a great location to watch your favorite team, or to just have a night out with friends.

“It has a nice, upscale feel,” Jacobi said. “I worked with great designers.”

Solo Mexican Cantina also strives to be active in the community, and has already hosted a number of events supporting local organizations.

“Our goal is to be very active in the community,” Jacobi said. “We want to give back, and hopefully we can grow together.”

And with 20 years of experience in the restaurant business, Jacobi knows the many benefits of giving back to the community.

“Already, customers are very supportive,” Jacobi said. “We listen to them and try to give them what they want. So far, they have been very happy.”

(Left) Try the special margarita varieties at the modern-looking bar area at Solo Mexican Cantina.

(Below, left to right) Compadre Enchiladas feature steak or chicken finished with melted cheese, salsa roja and cheese sauce; the Chimichunga features barbacoa beef, rice, beans, onions, peppers and cheese, wrapped in a tortilla and fried; and the popular Mexican-style pizza.

|wellington the magazine| September 2011

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wellington table

“

We want to give them fresh and authentic food. And we do what we do with passion and love, so I know we will be successful.

Owner Lirim Jacobi

The reason for that is simple: great food.

Customers can choose from classic Mexican dishes, as well as a few American favorites such as burgers and fries.

One classic dish is the burrito, available with chicken, beef, shrimp or pork, topped with cheese and red salsa, and served with rice, black beans, guacamole and sour cream, all for $8 to $10.

Or for something a bit lighter, try the Baja Tortilla Salad ($10), a salad complete with avocado, sofrito beans, lettuce, tomato, corn, sour cream and salsa tossed with carne asada and served in a large tortilla bowl. The meal blends the freshest vegetables with tasty carne asada for traditional Mexican flavors served in a new way.

Another popular dish is the Compadre Enchiladas ($13). Choose the steak or chicken, finished with melted cheese, salsa and topped with queso cheese sauce. Add rice and beans for a traditional Mexican meal.

Probably the most traditional Mexican food is the taco. Solo Mexican Cantina offers the Solo Cantina Fiesta Tacos ($7-$9): two tacos served in a soft tortilla, filled with your choice of skirt steak, ground beef or chicken,

”

chopped tomatoes, onions and chilies.

Top it off with shredded queso, sour cream and guacamole sauce on the side.

For a large but delicious meal, select the chimichunga ($12), juicy barbacoa beef, rice, beans, onions and peppers wrapped in a tortilla and fried. The meal is served with guacamole, tri-color salsa and sour cream.

But it’s not just the food that makes the restaurant stand out. Solo Mexican Cantina offers a variety of specialty margaritas that guarantee a good time.

Try the watermelon margarita ($10), a delicious medley of Espolón Blanco tequila, muddled watermelon and agave nectar, water and fresh lime juice. The combination makes for a delicious and refreshing drink.

But no matter what you choose, you’re likely to have a great time.

“We care about the customer,” Jacobi said. “We want to give them fresh and authentic food. And we do what we do with passion and love, so I know we will be successful.”

Solo Mexican Cantina is located inside the Mall at Wellington Green, across from the food court near the Patio Verde entrance. For more information or reservations, call (561) 791-8886 or visit www.solocantina.com.

(Right, top to bottom) The Fiesta Tacos feature two tacos served in a soft tortilla, filled with your choice of skirt steak, ground beef or chicken, chopped tomatoes, onions and chilies. Top it off with shredded queso, sour cream and guacamole sauce on the side; the popular watermelon margarita from the bar; and the burrito features a choice of beef, shrimp, chicken or pork topped with cheese and red salsa.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

wellington dining guide Agliolio Fresh Pasta & Wine Bar offers 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) 790-3287 or visit www.bucadibeppo.com.

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 more information.

Pangea Bistro in the Pointe at Wellington Green offers a taste of the best food from all around the world. Pangea is open seven days a week, serving lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday and brunch on Sunday. For reservations, call (561) 7939394 or visit www.pangeabistro.net.

The Players Club Restaurant & Bar (13410 South 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 info.

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 located in Southern Palm Crossing at 11051 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 333-4233 or visit www.imgreektoday.com.

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.stone woodgrill.com for more info.

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. Call (561) 792-7677 for info.

Enjoy wonderful sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads and fruit at Jason’s Deli, located at 2605 State Road 7 near Whole Foods Market in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 333-1263 or visit www.jasonsdeli. com.

Christy’s NY Cheesecake offers delicious baked goods that leave you wanting more. Christy’s is now open in its new, larger location at the Pointe at Wellington Green at 10160 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 110.

Call (561) 795-3244 for more info.

Joe’s American Bar & Grill, in the Mall at Wellington Green near the food court, is a favorite for a casual lunch, a family dinner or a gathering of friends.

For more info., visit www.joesamerican.com or call (561) 798-7433.

For a quick pick-me-up on the go, or a place to relax over a cup of coffee, visit Cofftea Café in the Courtyard Shops at the corner of Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace. For info., call (561) 798-4050.

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 more information.

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 information.

Oli’s Fashion Cuisine & Bar is now open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks on Forest Hill Blvd. near the Mall at Wellington Green, offering all the quality and style of Palm Beach in the heart of Wellington.

For more info., call (561) 792-2220 or visit www.olis restaurant.com.

The White Horse Tavern serves up bold, hearty flavors from a convenient location adjacent to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Located at 3401 Equestrian Club Road in Wellington, White Horse Tavern opens for dinner at 5 p.m. nightly. For more info., call (561) 333-1150.

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.

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.

All new Bistro at Players...

An authentic yet casual French Bistro Cuisine

BistrO at Players

The new Bistro at Players is exactly what Wellington needed! Outstanding menu, fairly priced and great service."

— Bill Simmons, Wellington

"This Bistro has a wide variety of choices at more than reasonable prices. Foods Great!”

— Sandy Johnson, Royal Palm

"Players Club was always a special occasion spot for my family and I. Not anymore, we can eat here 7 nights a week at these prices."

— Jennifer Spazia, Wellington F.L.

561.795.0080

13410 South Shore Blvd., Wellington |wellington the magazine| September 2011

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wellington calendar Friday, Sept. 2 • Wellington will present a free screening of XMen: First Class (PG-13) Friday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Sunday, Sept. 4 • The Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hike Jonathan Dickinson State Park on Sunday, Sept. 4. Meet at 8 a.m. at the entrance on U.S. 1, approximately one mile north of the Palm Beach County line in Martin County. Get together for lunch afterward at the Dune Dog Café. Call Mary at (561) 391-7942 for more info.

Monday, Sept. 5 • The Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will hold its annual Ice Cream Social on Monday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Okeeheelee Nature Center (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). In addition, the video A National Parks Odyssey will be shown. Call Paul at (561) 963-9906 for more info.

Tuesday, Sept. 6 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Fall Story Times” for age 5 and under beginning Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 10:15 a.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for days and times and to pre-register.

Friday, Sept. 9 • The Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will host a golf tournament Friday, Sept. 9 at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). The tournament will kick off Wellington’s Patriot Day weekend commemoration. The tournament will have a 1 p.m. shotgun start followed by a barbecue dinner and awards, and a silent auction. The cost to enter the tournament is $100 per person or $35 for the barbecue dinner and awards festivities only. For more info., call John Isola at (561) 795-2721, Mike Pancia at (561) 304-5403 or Ed Portman at (561) 602-4409, or e-mail wellington legion390@gmail.com.

• Wellington will present a free screening of World Trade Center (PG-13) on Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Saturday, Sept. 10 • Wellington will host the Jeff Annas Memorial 5K Run on Saturday, Sept. 10 from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater and Patriot Memorial (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The entry fee is $25 for pre-registration and $30 the day of the event, which includes a barbecue lunch sponsored by Whole Foods Market. Call (561) 753-2484 for additional information.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear” for age 2 and up on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 10:15 a.m. Bring your favorite bear to hear stories about some of their friends. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Wellington will hold a free concert with Brass Evolution on Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Sunday, Sept. 11 • Wellington will host its Parade of Heroes and 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to conclude Patriot Day weekend on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), followed by the Patriot Memorial Dedication Ceremony from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Call (561) 791-4000 for more info.

• Royal Palm Beach will hold a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. at the Veterans Park amphitheater on Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The event will begin with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a motivational presentation.

Enjoy free refreshments and a live musical performance provided by Third Row Center after the ceremony. For more info., call (561) 790-5149 or visit www.royalpalmbeach.com.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Monday, Sept. 12 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly luncheon Monday, Sept. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at the Stonewood Grill & Tavern (10120 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington). Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. Call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@palms west.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Bilingual Story Time” for ages 3 to 6 on Mondays, Sept. 12, 19 and 26 at 1 p.m. Participants will read and sing in Spanish and English, and create a craft. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Start Your Engines” for ages 9 to 12 on Monday, Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. Rev up your afternoon with Mario Kart. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host a Teen Advisory Group Meeting for ages 12 to 17 on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Anime Grab Bag” for ages 12 to 17 on Monday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. View new anime titles from the library’s grab bag. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Tuesday, Sept. 13 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the Government Center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host its Business Planning Academy on Tuesday, Sept.

13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Palm Beach Atlantic University (1047 State Road 7, Wellington). Tickets cost $50 for chamber members and $125 for non-members. For more info., call Mary Lou Bedford at (561) 790-6200 or e-mail marylou@palmswest.com.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for info.

Wednesday, Sept. 14 • Palm Beach Partners will host the fifth annual Matchmaker Conference & Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at the Airport Hilton in West Palm Beach.

The coalition comprises the school district, municipal, county, state and nonprofit agencies that have aligned to optimize opportunities for small businesses in South Florida. To register, visit www.pbmatch maker.com. Call (561) 434-8508 or e-mail michelle. andrewin@palmbeachschools.org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Wellington’s Socrates Café” for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion led by Marji Chapman. Find out this month’s thought-provoking topic when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Teens Start Smart: College Planning” for grade six and up on Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. (part I); Monday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. (part II); Saturday, Sept. 17 at 11 a.m. (part III); and Monday, Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. (part IV), sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, Sept. 15 • The Wellington Rotary Club will host a GiftGathering Party on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m. at Mayacoo Lakes Country Club in support of Rotary’s “A Night to Remember” fundraiser on Oct. 22 at Breakers West Country Club. For more info., call Maggie Zeller at (561) 615-1656 or (561) 715-9262.

Friday, Sept. 16 • The Palm Beach Marine Flea Market & Seafood Festival will be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 16 to 18 at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all days.

The event includes a nautical flea market, boat auction, kids marine zone, seafood and entertainment.

Visit www.flnauticalfleamarket.com for more info.

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wellington calendar • Wellington will present a free screening of Mr. Popper’s Penguins (PG) Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 7532484 for more info.

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John F. Froehlich

Accounting Audit IRS Representation Business Profit Coaching Tax Services: Domestic & International Cost Segregation Studies for Commercial & Residential Real Estate

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

Sunday, Sept. 18 • The Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will stroll the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat (3499 Flying Cow Road, Wellington) on Sunday, Sept. 18. Stroll a few miles on a paved walkway through this newly created natural area. Meet at 8 a.m. at the entrance on Flying Cow Road, about four miles south of Southern Blvd. Call Sherry (561) 963-9906 for more info.

Monday, Sept. 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Old Florida Fun!” for ages 9 to 12 on Monday, Sept. 19 at 4 p.m. Want to try your hand at sponge-fishing or see what it was like to be a barefoot mailman? These games and activities will give you a taste of Old Florida. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Betty De La Rua

For over 20 years Froehlich and De La Rua have proudly served businesses and residents in the western communities. We’ll work with you to reassure you that your financial records are in order... that you receive the maximum benefit available.

Se Habla Español

Saturday, Sept. 17 • Keep Palm Beach County Beautiful is seeking help from volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

17. Volunteers will gather at multiple locations. Most events begin at 8 a.m. For a list of sites, dates and times, visit www.keeppbcbeautiful.org or call (561) 686-6646.

• The Loxahatchee chapter of the Florida Trail Association will walk Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.) on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 a.m. Call Daisy at (561) 439-5780 for more info.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host “Farm-Your-Backyard: Vegetable Garden” on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mounts horticulturists will teach this hands-on workshop on how to successfully grow your own vegetables. Admission is $30 for members, $40 for non-members. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Chess Club” on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m. for age 8 and up. Chess fans unite to practice strategy skills with other players. Basic game knowledge is required. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

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Tuesday, Sept. 20 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive will host “Open Mic Night” for adults on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m. Perform poetry, short prose, an essay or a dance. Play an instrument or sing a song for an audience of all for ages. Pick up the rules when you pre-register. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Wednesday, Sept. 21 • The Wellington Rotary Club will celebrate United Nations Peace Day on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Rotary Peace Park (near the Wellington library on Royal Fern Drive). For more info., visit www.wellingtonrotary.org.

• Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host an “Evening Walk with the Director” on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.

Garden Director Allen Sistrunk will share information about the garden’s history and future vision, plus stories of folklore and ethno-botanical uses of South Florida plants. Admission is free for members, $5 for non-members. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org for more info.

Thursday, Sept. 22 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Fantastic Nails” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Sept. 22 at 6 p.m. Decorate your nails with out-of-this-world designs. Call (561) 790-6070 to preregister.

Friday, Sept. 23 • Wellington will host its Laugh Out Loud Comedy Series on Friday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. at the

Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

Monday, Sept. 26 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “School Sleuths: Art Auction” for ages 9 to 12 on Monday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m. School is back in session and the “school sleuths” are back in action.

This time sleuths will be spotting the fakes and saving the art auction. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Call (561) 791-4000 for info.

Tuesday, Sept. 27 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Introduction to Irish Dancing” for adults Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 6:30 p.m. Marie Marzi with the Aranmore Academy of Irish Dance guides you through beginner steps based on traditional dance forms. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Royal Palm Beach Summer Community Band Concert Series will conclude Tuesday, Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way). Refreshments will be served during intermission. For more info., call (561) 790-5149.

Thursday, Sept. 29 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Teen Game Night” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. Play Nintendo Wii and board games. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Saturday, Oct. 1 • The St. Rita Parish Festival will return Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 1 and 2 featuring new items and crafts. The festival will be held at the parish (13645 Paddock Drive, Wellington), and vendors are currently being sought. For more info., call Caroline at (561) 798-2853.

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So whether you’re a high profile socialite or just someone who desires a little private pampering, Claudia is the only choice!

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architectural − editorial − events − fine art − marketing − portraits − theater − special projects

Saturday, Sept. 24 • The 21st annual Gigantic Garage Sale presented by the United Way of Palm Beach County and the South Florida Fair will be held Saturday, Sept.

24 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd). Many local nonprofit organizations will be participating. Admission is $5 for early buyers from 7 to 8 a.m. and $3 thereafter.

To book a booth or for more info., call (561) 7905219.

• The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will hold a workshop titled “Writing a Query Letter” on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m. for writers who want to learn how to craft an attentiongetting query letter. The art of researching agents and publishers will also be discussed, as well as the business side of publication. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Drop-in Story Times” for age 2 and up on Saturdays, Sept. 24 through Oct. 29 at 10:15 a.m.

Celebrate the family at weekly morning story times.

Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Cumbia: Traditional Colombian Dance” for adults on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.

Enjoy a demonstration of this folkloric Colombian dance and learn a few steps. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• Wellington will offer a free concert featuring Burnt Biscuit on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Bring your own seating. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.

• Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) will hold its annual Friendship Ball on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center (151 Civic Way).

For more info., call Lawrence Eagan at (561) 7910162. For more information about CAFCI, visit www. cafcipbc.org.

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photographing people, places and things... |wellington the magazine| September 2011

65

around wellington

Photos by Denise Fleischman

American Legion Tourney — Members of the Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 are planning a golf tournament to be held Friday, Sept. 9 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. Shown here at a planning meeting are Binks Forest Golf Club Director of Catering Wendy Buchanan, American Legion Post 390 Commander Tom Clapp, Post Adjutant Mary Castillo, Vice Commander Mike Pancia, Past Commander Tom Wenham, Sergeant-at-Arms John Isola, Tournament Director Ed Portman and Binks Forest Event Coordinator Susan Turturici.

Steel Pony On Stage — The Wellington Amphitheater featured a performance by the band Steel Pony (above) on Aug. 20. The Brass Evolution is scheduled to perform Saturday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. as part of the village’s Patriot Day Weekend celebration. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl. gov.

Quilters Bee Donation — The Wellington Quilters Bee presented 64 quilts and 15 afghans to representatives from the Children’s Home Society on Thursday, Aug. 18. Shown here are Wellington Quilters Bee members with their quilts.

WHS Band Carwash — The Wellington High School Wolverine Band Booster Association held a carwash Sunday, Aug. 14 in the parking lot of the Blockbuster Video in Wellington Plaza to benefit the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound. Shown here, Natalie Thurston, Valeria Alfaro, Alex Gillette and Matt Genore clean a car.

(Left) Players at the Al Packer Ford West table.

(Right) Raffle winner Karen Shupler with Josh Alderman of the Palm Beach Kennel Club and Jessica Clasby of the Palms West Chamber.

Poker Tournament — The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held its 2011 Poker Tournament on Saturday, July 30 at the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Approximately 170 people gathered to play poker.

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September 2011 |wellington the magazine|

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