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contents

FEBruArY 2009

62 86

departments WELLINGTON sOCIAL sCENE

Gift-Gathering Party At Wanderers Club Benefits Little smiles

Old-Fashioned Family Fun At The 2009 south Florida Fair

Binks Forest Clubhouse re-Opens After Major renovations

Wellington rotary Gets ready For Art Of Giving Gala

2009 Polo season Kicks Off At The International Polo Club

86 WELLINGTON AT HOME Horses come first for Carolyn and Mike Desfor as they settle into their new Wellington winter home, which they just bought after years of renting seasonal accommodations. BY JANN sEAL

18 WELLINGTON WATCH 34 WELLINGTON BusINEss 96 WELLINGTON TABLE 100 WELLINGTON DINING 104 WELLINGTON CALENDAr 110 ArOuND WELLINGTON ON THE COVER Wellington equestrian leaders Katherine and Mark Bellissimo. Hair by Adrianna Harris of Michael Angelo salon & spa; makeup courtesy Makeup by Gaylee. PHOTO BY BILL BArBOsA/ PHOTO DEsIGNs INC.

features 36 A VIsION FOr THE FuTurE Mark and Katherine Bellissimo aim to make equestrian sports more family oriented, drawing additional spectators and participants to Wellington’s vibrant horse community. BY rON BuKLEY

44 BuILDING AN EquEsTrIAN PArADIsE When a two-time Olympic rider and her trainer husband back an equestrian development, it is bound to be special. such is the case with Wellington’s newest equestrian project, the Wellington Training Club. BY ANGIE FrANCALANCIA

51 FrOM BLuE rIBBONs TO GOLD NECKLACEs Equestrian Jennifer reid has always had a style all her own. Now the 26-year-old hunter/jumper champion has debuted her new jewelry collection at J. Douglas Jewelers in Wellington. BY COurTNEY WATsON

54 IN sEArCH OF A CurE When the shady Ladies Luncheon returns to the special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in March, it will raise money to find a cure for lupus — a cause near and dear to the hearts of several Wellington residents. BY DEBOrAH WELKY

62 LusITANO HOrsE AuCTION rETurNs After a successful debut on American soil in 2008, the Lusitano Collection horse auction returns from Brazil to Palm Beach County at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Feb. 19 and 20. BY sArAH EAKIN

74 HOPE FOr THOsE IN NEED New Hope Charities aims to bridge Palm Beach County’s rich-poor divide — and a growing number of Wellington philanthropists are supporting the Pahokee-based organization. BY DEBOrAH WELKY

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Wellington The Magazine

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Horse Community’s Changing Face volume

The past year was one of many changes for Wellington’s equestrian community, and this month we interview Mark and Katherine Bellissimo, two of the key people behind those changes. The Bellissimos lead the Wellington Equestrian Partners consortium that now owns Wellington’s show grounds and runs the Winter Equestrian Festival. But their goals for the community extend well beyond show jumping and dressage. The Bellissimos envision a multifaceted equestrian community that draws a growing number of spectators to family-friendly events.

6, number 2 | February 2009 publisher

Lew Blatte executive editor

Joshua Manning marketing director

Dawn Rivera creative director

Amy Panzer office manager

Vickye Polizzi circulation coordinator

Betty Buglio account managers

Erica Blatte Nicola Rogers Lisa Stolz Lois Windhorst graphic designer

Suzanne Summa photography

Bill Barbosa Gary Kane Lisa Keeney Susan Lerner copy editor

Mark Lioi contributors

Jason Budjinski Ron Bukley Denise Fleischman Angie Francalancia Candace Marchsteiner Carol Porter Jann Seal Courtney Watson Deborah Welky Wellington The Magazine

12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31 Wellington, FL 33414 Phone: (561) 793-7606 Fax: (561) 791-0952 www.WellingtonTheMagazine.com

A growing equestrian community will require more equestrian amenities, and that’s where the 525-acre Wellington Training Club comes in. Profiled this month, the project — supported by equestrian icons John and Beezie Madden — combines all the benefits of a full horse training complex with the comfort of owning a small farm. Also on the equestrian theme, champion rider Jennifer Reid is branching out into the jewelry design business with help from J. Douglas Jewelers in Wellington, while the prestigious Lusitano Collection horse auction returns to South Florida this month after an impressive debut last year. Way back when, equestrians used to arrive in Wellington in December and gallop away by April. However, more and more serious horse lovers are putting down more permanent stakes in the community. Rather than renting, they are buying small farms to complement their home bases up north. Two such farms are featured in this issue: JT Farm owned by Jimmy and Ellen Toon and Desfor Farms owned by Carolyn and Mike Desfor. Even in these tough times, the spirit of philanthropy is alive and well in Wellington. This issue we explore how area residents are helping raise money for lupus research through the Shady Ladies Luncheon, while others are reaching out to help the poor Glades community of Pahokee by supporting New Hope Charities. Also this month, we welcome the 2009 polo season, stop by the Players Club for a look at the restaurant’s new menu, and bid a sad farewell to our good friend Susan Bradford. Rest in peace. Until next month…

Published by Wellington The Magazine, LLC Barry S. Manning chief executive officer Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2009, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

14 february 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Publisher

Wellington Advertiser List Advertiser Page 3CNC Network Consultants ............................................. 83 Acts 2 Worship Center .......................................................57 Advanced Medical, P.A. .....................................................71 Alex Ringwald, Tennis Pro ................................................60 American Heritage School ............................................... 27 American Top Team-Wellington ........................................73 Ankle & Foot Centre of South Florida .............................. 77 Arbonne, Nora Clemens................................................. 109 Armand Professional Services ......................................... 47 Armory Art Center............................................................107 Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy ...................................... 72 Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille ..................................... 102 Backstreets Bar & Grill ....................................................101 Bainbridge Companies ..................................................... 28 Bank Atlantic Center/Florida Panthers ............................ 61 Binks Forest Golf Club.......................................................52 Black Canyon Grill .......................................................... 100 Blue Horizon Jets.............................................................. 93 Braman BMW ...................................................................111 Café Las Palmas................................................................ 43 California Nails ..................................................................57 Cambridge School ............................................................ 77 Caribbean Choice Restaurant & Bakery ..........................101 Centanni’s Italian Restaurant ...........................................99 Chez Porky’s ................................................................... 102 Children’s Dental Place .................................................... 56 Claudia Diesti ................................................................. 106 Colony Hotel ....................................................................103 Computer Resolutions ..................................................... 93 Designer’s Touch Jewelry .................................................40 DJ Computers ................................................................... 76 Dolce Dental ..................................................................... 70 Doubletree Hotel .............................................................. 65 Dr. Jane Bistline ................................................................ 65 Dr. Richard Hays .............................................................. 92 Dr. Steven Miller ..............................................................105 Eclipse Day Spa ................................................................ 50 Edward Jones Financial Services...................................... 72 Eisenman & Eisenman, MDs ........................................... 77 Euro Experts.......................................................................71 European Day Spa ............................................................. 15 Executive Airlink................................................................ 48 Faith Farm Ministries ..................................................... 109 Family Medical & Wellness .............................................. 79 Fit 2 Run............................................................................ 10

Foreign Affairs Auto.......................................................... 34 GP Wellness .................................................................... 109 Grayhills & Mohip Dental .................................................81 Hair Spray the Salon........................................................... 8 Heath Evans Foundation ..................................................69 Hi Lites Hair Studio..........................................................69 Ideal Elementary School/Dream Middle School ............. 24 Illustrated Properties, Boardwalk Group ........................... 9 Insurance for You............................................................ 109 International Polo Club Palm Beach ................................ 16 Isle Casino......................................................................... 23 J. Douglas Jewelers ............................................................25 King’s Academy .................................................................85 Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar ....................................................31 La Fogata Mexican Cuisine ..............................................99 La Hacienda Show Stables ............................................... 78 Law Offices of Alysia WolfsKeil ........................................90 Learning Express ..............................................................80 Lia Sophia Jewelry, Laura McComas-Tate ...................... 109 Mamma Mia’s Trattoria.................................................. 100 Massage Envy .................................................................... 11 McDermott & Associates ................................................. 92 Nature’s Bouquet Florist .................................................. 95 Nature’s Table Café........................................................... 39 Ncognito Fitness .............................................................. 91 Network Funding .............................................................. 95 New Beginnings Detox ......................................................73 Nicole’s Village Tavern .....................................................99 O’Dell Inc. ........................................................................ 26 Pain & Rehab Physicians of Palm Beach ......................... 59 Palm Beach Opera ............................................................ 29 Palm Beach Pops ...............................................................41 Palm Beach Psychological Associates ............................. 70 Palm Beach Rox .................................................................85 Paradise Tan...................................................................... 56 Paymaster ....................................................................... 109 Perfect Smile Dentistry ..................................................... 19 PGA National .....................................................................12 Photo Designs .................................................................. 84 Pilates Rocks ......................................................................33 Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach/Spa Zen ............................ 6 Players Club ........................................................................ 7 Raymond James Financial, Boyntons ..............................90 Regency Party Rentals ...................................................... 93 Re/Max Direct, Stan Epstein & Debra James ...................17 Robert R. Morris, Attorney at Law.................................. 108

Roderick C. Moe, CPA .......................................................73 Rosarian Academy .............................................................58 Royal Inn ............................................................................. 3 Royal Palm Auto Spa ........................................................49 Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry................................. 2 Sandra Williams Salon ..................................................... 77 Sea Breeze Air Conditioning ............................................ 79 She’s the One ...................................................................69 Shingo’s Japanese Restaurant ........................................101 Shop on Impulse ...............................................................35 Shullman Orthodontics ....................................................60 Smile Designs ................................................................... 89 Smiles by Jiveh ........................................................ 84 & 112 South Florida Gastroenterology Associates .....................53 South Florida Skin & Laser............................................... 91 Southampton Limousine .................................................66 St. Juliana Catholic School ............................................. 108 Stonewood Grill ...............................................................101 Subscription Form ...........................................................107 Susan Lerner Photography ............................................. 104 Tackeria ............................................................................. 48 Tantrums & Couture .........................................................80 Telfair Plantation ................................................................21 Tipsy Salon & Spa..............................................................81 Too Jay’s Deli ...................................................................101 Top Notch Caterers..........................................................103 Treasure Consignments.................................................... 89 U.S. Building Inspectors ...................................................85 Ultima Fitness .................................................................107 Ultra Cleaners ................................................................... 93 Van Dell Jewelers ...............................................................18 Villari’s Studio of Self Defense ....................................... 109 Virtual Snow.................................................................... 106 Viso LASIK Med Spa ............................................................5 Weiss Chiropractic ............................................................66 WellingTAN ....................................................................... 92 Wellington Auto Collision................................................. 77 Wellington Auto Service ................................................. 108 Wellington Dental ........................................................... 109 Wellington Regional Medical Center.................................. 4 Western Communities Internal Medicine........................ 76 White Lotus Collection ..................................................... 89 Window Doctor............................................................... 109 Wycliffe Dental ................................................................ 108 Zen Massage ....................................................................64 Zoo Health Club ............................................................... 92

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRuARy 2009

Wellington Watch

BY JOSHUA MANNING

Golf Courses’ Request For Early Mowing Irks Neighbors Anger over early morning lawn mowing brought dozens of residents to a Wellington Village Council meeting on Jan. 13. Current village noise standards do not permit use of mowers and other landscaping equipment until 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and until 9 a.m. on Sunday. Two private clubs, the Binks Forest Golf Club and the Wanderers Club at Wellington,

18 FEBRuaRy 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MaGaZINE

requested they be allowed to begin mowing at 6 a.m. seven days a week in order to increase available playing time and improve course conditions. But some nearby residents told the council the clubs have long been breaking the current noise ordinance by starting work an hour or more early. Binks Forest resident John Motzer was one of several residents opposing the

proposal. “I have made numerous complaints and nothing is done about it,” he said. “They are out there every day at 6 a.m. on the dot. What they are going to do if they get the OK is go out at 5 a.m. I have lights flashing in the bedroom window when I am trying to sleep.” Lakefield North resident Sam Nebb, who lives near the Wanderers Club, offered similar sentiments. “It’s too early to cut the grass,” he said. “You need to stick to the noise abatement rules that are already on the books.” But attorney Wade Byrd, representing the Wanderers Club, said the facility is hosting two U.S. Golf Association events this summer. “If we don’t have the proper maintenance on the course, it’s a mess,” he said. “It’s an economic situation… A poorly maintained golf course is just like a restaurant. It only takes once before you don’t come back again… We must maintain a world-class maintenance program.” Terry Strongin, a partner in the company that owns the Binks Forest course, told the council that 6 a.m. is not an unusual starting time. “Any compromise in time allowed for mowing could severely impact our revenue and the quality of the course,” he said. “We would not maintain our rates. Revenues would drop. It becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.” Several residents also spoke in favor of the golf courses, particularly Binks Forest, which re-opened last year after a five-year closure. The council directed village staff to meet with all parties in an attempt to hammer out a compromise. Wellington Man Named Corruption Prosecutor — A Wellington attorney will be leading the state’s effort against government corruption in Palm Beach County. Prosecutor Alan Johnson was named Jan. 21 by State Attorney Michael McAuliffe to be the principal public integrity prosecutor for the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County. Johnson is perhaps better known to Wellington residents as a longtime member of the village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board. The new

position is part of a restructuring effort in the State Attorney’s Office by McAuliffe, who was elected to the post in November. Palm Beach County has been rocked by a series of federal prosecutions of elected officials for corruption. Johnson, a 16-year veteran of the State Attorney’s Office, noted that McAuliffe made public integrity a cornerstone of his campaign. “We have no agenda except to be a watchdog for the community... We have had a problem in Palm Beach County not only with actual corruption by individuals, but the public perception that it’s the way we do business in Palm Beach County,” Johnson said. “People need to know that they’re being protected, and this will be a very visible arm of the State Attorney’s Office.”

communities can be contacted regarding their concerns over the SWA’s favored site on State Road 80. Several residents and officials from Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves told the board, which is composed of the members of the Palm Beach County Commission, that they had not been included in the last site selection round, which ranked by preference the three sites under consideration. Highest ranked by a SWA selection committee is

a site at the corner of State Road 80 and U.S. Highway 98 five miles west of 20Mile Bend. Communities east and west object to the site because of its likely visibility from SR 80. Joshua Manning has served as executive editor of the Wellington Town-Crier since 1999. In that position, he monitors life in our community week in and week out.

Wellington Jumps On Red Light Camera Bandwagon — Wellington has become the latest local government with a plan to install cameras at intersections. The Wellington Village Council approved an ordinance Jan. 13 to use the cameras as part of a crackdown on red-light scofflaws. The village is following in the footsteps of Palm Beach County and Royal Palm Beach, which both initiated similar programs last year. The Wellington program will employ the village’s code enforcement system and magistrates to make rulings on violations and levy fines. “These violations will not go on someone’s driving record,” Village Attorney Jeff Kurtz told the council. “Rather, there will be a civil fine imposed by the village.” The ordinance states that the program is intended as a public safety measure and not a revenuegenerating mechanism, but allows that it will at least pay for itself through fines collected, if not turn a profit. The proposed fine schedule would charge a violator $125 each time for the first two infractions, with $250 assessed for a third over a three-year period. County Postpones Landfill Decision — In January, the Solid Waste Authority Governing Board postponed its selection of a landfill site for 60 days so residents of the western communities and the Glades WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRuARy 2009

Challenge Of The Americas To Benefit Breast Cancer Research BY MARY HILTON

Expect to be dazzled by performances in dressage, show jumping and for the first time, reining, at the 2009 Challenge of the Americas set for March 7 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. An annual fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Challenge of the Americas is a spectacular equestrian sport and entertainment event topped with a glittering gala, but the event’s founder and chair Mary Ross recalls its humble beginnings in 2002 as a luncheon event featuring a single exhibition: a pas de trois, a synchronized dressage musical freestyle for three riders.

Carol Lavell, Linda Zang, co-chair Tamara Gerber, Karin Reid Offield, Steffen Peters, Anne Gribbons and chair Mary Ross.

The next year, the event evolved to a six-horse musical quadrille luncheon exhibition, became a nighttime event in 2004, and took on the name “Challenge of the Americas” and a competition format in 2005 when the event featured 18 world-class dressage riders from the U.S., Canada and Latin America on three teams performing individual and team musical freestyles, and dancing was added to the dinner.

“I expanded to the quadrille and then to the team challenge because of interest from other riders,” Ross said. “I loved the fact that other riders wanted to assist in reaching our goals of raising money for breast cancer research. We added the jumpers to reach anothRoss conceived the event as a tribute to er audience, and in 2009 we will be exher mother Jean Cruse, who had died panding to include western reining.” that year from breast cancer. “I chose a pas de trois for the inaugural event be- Ross said she made a conscious decicause I had seen a video of one held in sion to make the challenge gala a glamGermany that made me cry and smile orous dinner/dance and was driven to at the same time — it was beautiful to keep adding more space and activiwatch,” she recalled. “It reminded me ties for the party, which continues to of my feelings after Mom’s death. I break new attendance records year afwould smile at the beauty of my mem- ter year. In 2008, the challenge raised ories and cry because there would be $300,000 in one night almost entirely no more.” through table sales for the gala.

PHOTO BY CEALY TETLEY

20 FEBRUARY 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Ross credits the event’s supporters for the steady growth of the challenge. “More riders became interested in participating, our committee grew, and each year we attracted an increasing number of spectators,” she said. “It is an event that is unique in this part of the world — dressage stepped outside the box and the show jumpers came on board.” In order to raise money, the challenge must have sponsorships and donations to cover its many expenses, and also depends on those who donate their time and skills, including riders, horse owners, coaches, choreographers, soundtrack producers, judges, jump crew, veterinarians and a host of volunteers. For Ross, this means nonstop dedication to the event. “Yes, it’s a year-round project, particularly the thinking and creating part,” she said. “I have to think about how we can expand, what will excite and attract a larger audience, and where are we going to get the money to accomplish all the new things we want to present? The good news is that I have a wonderful committee and excellent co-chairs. Somehow we manage to find the means to do what needs to be done. You also have to remember that most everyone knows someone who has fought, or is fighting, breast cancer, so it’s not as difficult as it would seem to get the people we need to come on board. There are many super and caring individuals out there, and we just seem to be lucky enough to find them.” The 2009 Challenge of the Americas event and dinner/dance takes place Saturday, March 7 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. For more information, including reservations for tables for the challenge gala, VIP box seats and general admission tickets, call (561) 852-2591.

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER

Gift-Gathering Party At Wanderers Club Benefits Little Smiles A gift-gathering party and fundraising event was held Wednesday, Jan. 7 at the Wanderers Club at Wellington to benefit Little Smiles, a local charity that brings joy into the life of ill youngsters. The gift gathering was also geared toward promoting the bigger Stars Ball gala to be held for Little Smiles on Feb. 7 at the Binks Forest Golf Club, chaired by Diana Tashman. Models wore clothing supplied by JuJu Designs and Jos A. Bank. Little Smiles President Bill Tavernise and founder Paul Donohue offered some thoughts, along with Little Smiles clients Justin Syden and Carson Ruffa. For more information about Little Smiles, call (561) 383-7274. Bill Tavernise and Jason Blum.

Event Chair Diana Tashman at the microphone.

Cathy Birelacque, Bernie Madsen, Michela Perillo-Green and Diane Frankle.

Justin Syden with his mom Sheree.

John Ruffa with his son Carson.

Mason Phelps and Kathy Foster model clothing during the fashion show.

Amanda Gegnon, Alison Rogan and Erika Landry.

(Above) Bland and Erika Eng with Terri and Carmine Priore III. (Below) Gene Mische, Kathy Foster, Mike Nelson and Mason Phelps. Sherry and Darell Bowen with John and Linda Herring.

(Above) Four-year-old Jordon Ruelle-Lees with his mother Raina and their friend Maureen Garcia. (Right) Carmine Priore III, Victor Martinelli and George Unger.

22 FEBRUARY 2009 â€˘ WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

Old-Fashioned Family Fun At The 2009 South Florida Fair

Theresa Agricola, International Polo Club President John Wash, Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilman Matt Willhite.

The 2009 South Florida Fair kicked off Thursday, Jan. 15 with a VIP gala before two weeks of old-fashioned fun. On Saturday, Jan. 17, 19-yearold Palm Beach Community College sophomore Cassie Stafford won the 2009 Miss South Florida Fair Pageant. (Above left) The fair’s Vicki Chouris and Rita DeMier with Commissioner Jess Santamaria. (Above right) The Shangri-La Chinese Acrobats perform.

(Above left) Fair Ag Manager Bettye Thompson with Tommy and Ann Hold of Twin H Farms. (Above right) Fair Chairman David Goodlett with CEO Richard Vymlatil and Director Lee Glaze.

(Above left) First runner-up Courtney McKenzie, Miss South Florida Fair Cassie Stafford, second runner-up Nicole Vega and third runner-up Meghan Orsley. (Above right) Stafford is crowned by Jessica Wittenbrink, last year’s fair queen.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER

Binks Forest Clubhouse Re-Opens After Major Renovations

(Above) Bob and Margaret Kruger, Don Stimely, and Darell and Sherry Bowen. (Below) Carmine Priore III, Mason Phelps Jr. and Bill Moroso.

(Above) Terry and Kathy Strongin with Ashley and Joe Maguire. (Below) Bob and Anne Kanjian with Matt Willhite.

(Above) John Mercer and Mike Nelson. (Below) VIPs gather for the ribbon cutting.

The Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington held its official clubhouse re-opening celebration on Friday, Jan. 10. The renovations to the 30,000-square-foot clubhouse and banquet facility are the result of a multi-million-dollar joint venture by Aquila Property Company and Allied Capital. Binks Forest Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive. For more information, call (561) 333-5731 or visit www.binksforestgc.com.

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Wellington Social Scene

Wellington Rotary Club Gets Ready For Art Of Giving Gala

(Above) Tom and Carla Neumann.

(Above) Carl and Ronda Rosenberg with Maureen and Don Gross.

(Above) Leslie and Sanjiv Hingorani.

The Wellington Rotary Club held a gift-gathering cocktail party on Friday, Jan. 16 at the home of Karen Hardin in preparation for the club’s March 21 “Art of Giving” gala to be held at the Armory Art Center in West Palm Beach. The gala will benefit the Rotary Scholarship Foundation, My Brother’s/ Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust and Hospice of Palm Beach County. For more information, or ticket reservations, call Karen Hardin at (561) 333-8709 or Don Gross at (561) 723-8461.

(Left) Chris Santamaria and Jasmine Velez. (Far left) Glenn and Terri Wescott with Mair and Scott Armand.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER

2009 Polo Season Kicks Off At The International Polo Club Members of the Palms West and Wellington chambers of commerce were on hand Sunday, Jan. 11 to celebrate Wellington Day during the opening weekend of polo at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Chamber members joined other VIPs for a relaxing day of brunch followed by a match of the Joe Barry Memorial Cup tournament. Highlights of the afternoon included a visit from the Leap Frog skydiving team and the ceremonial coin toss by Wellington Mayor Darell Bowen. The national anthem was sung by Ciara Emmanuel. On the field, San Saba defeated Isla Carroll 14-13 in overtime. High-goal polo continues every Sunday through April. The International Polo Club is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Mike Nelson, Kathy Foster and Peter Wein.

Ashley and Joe Maguire.

Mayor Darell Bowen performs the coin toss as Ciara Emmanuel and Tim Oâ€™Connor look on.

Dr. Bruce Goldman, Noel Guillama and Ron Smith.

(Above) Melody and Alec Domb. (Below) Linda Soper, Jaene Miranda and Beverly Bryant.

(Above) Samantha Charles and Hannah Hopper enjoy some ice cream. (Below) John and Julie Kime.

30 FEBRUARY 2009 â€˘ WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

(Above) San Saba takes the field. (Below) Ron and Elaine Tomchin, Linda and John Spillane and Aaron Menitoff.

Artist Beverly Bryant with some of her work.

Kontiki

(Above) Angela, Nicholas and Marissa Priore. (Below) San Saba’s Tommy Lee Jones on his mount during the opening ceremonies.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

photo by susan lerner

IN MEMORIAM Remembering Susan Bradford The following, written by Wellington The Magazine contributor Jann Seal, is a tribute to local artist Susan Bradford, who was killed along with her son Alex in a traffic accident in northern Florida on Dec. 28.

Sometimes in life, the things you should have done, or thought about doing, or could have done, get left in the archives of “good thoughts, good words, good feelings… but no action.” This letter is one of those things. We first met because of your remarkable talent. In our first issue of At HOME in Palm Beach County magazine I did a feature on local muralists, and the murals you painted in a home were brought to my attention. When I looked at the walls of the children’s rooms, painted in your unmistakable, whimsical fashion, I was enchanted. Your paintings depicted a child’s dreams, and you were able to capture the innocence of childhood beautifully.

Jann Seal’s unsigned hibiscus painting by the late Susan Bradford.

We worked together often these past several years, you once offered your talents as a mentor to my son-in-law, a former graffiti king of New York City. You saw his talent, and wanted to channel it into a more “respectable” future. You counseled him. You sent him home with canvasses and ideas. You telephoned him with suggestions and offers of apprenticing him. Your generosity seemed bottomless. We profiled you and your beautiful home in the pages of Wellington The Magazine, and you were insistent on acknowledging the women with whom you worked in order to create the magnificent murals on your walls. You wouldn’t pose for a photograph alone. You said that since you didn’t do the paintings alone, it wouldn’t be right to take a picture of you, alone. I received many “artful” connections through you and your wide network of contacts, and you were relentless in your pursuit of coverage for any artist from our area. Your unselfishness was widespread, all in the name of promoting art for the sake of art. It was only a few weeks ago that you sat in my living room at the end of the day, talking about transforming entire communities into canvases for your murals. As we sipped wine, we contemplated images by other muralists who had undertaken such bold and daring challenges, and dreamed of

32 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY2009 2009••WELLINGTON WELLINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE 32

Artist Susan Bradford next to one of her signature murals.

the day when Wellington would agree to being “painted.” You were undaunted by the task and only wanted to move forward with your dream. We also had another task that day. You had given me a gift of a lifetime, a painting of one of my favorite flowers, the hibiscus. It was your way of saying thanks for understanding and acknowledging your dreams. Your gift was far greater than what I had done for you, and I felt humbled. There was one hitch, though. You hadn’t signed the painting! Not having your paints with you, we agreed to meet at another time, for the “grand signoff.” Your schedule got crazy. Mine as well, and the big signing was put off a few times. We both wanted a few hours where we could sit and chat, share some more wine, laugh and find a solution to world peace. In the meantime, my thank-you note to you remained in my head. An intention I never fulfilled until now, when it was too late. My calendar for this week contains a note to call you and remind you of a meeting you expressed interest in attending with me. Instead of that call, I am writing this letter, with tears in my eyes. Please know that wherever you are, your spirit lingers in my home and in my memory. You have left behind a legacy, and I am so deeply honored to be the recipient of your generosity of spirit and talent. My painting remains unsigned, but I know whose gift created it. I know the heart of the woman whose brushstrokes made the petals of my hibiscus come alive. You will continue to remain alive to those of us who knew you, respected you, appreciated you and loved you. With sadness,

Jann Seal

Wellington Business

BY JANN SEAL

Expanding Businesses A Good Sign For Wellington’s Future A spot check of several businesses reveals progress, upward moves, and people standing in line for services. A good product will always find an audience: Looking for a great Valentine’s Day present for that special someone? Well, Capricious Salon & Spa is expanding, which is a good

thing for those of us who love to be pampered! Owners Derna Lopez and Armineh Garakani have taken over the space adjacent to their salon and opened up the wall between the two units at the Chancellor Shoppes. A temporary boutique occupies the space until the newly designed spa can be installed. So while you’re waiting for

your hair, nail, facial, massage, threading or color appointment, do what has always been vital to a woman: shop! Derna and Armineh have a vision for their new salon and want every woman to not only feel they have a retreat to go to that relieves them of their daily pressures, but where they can also be surrounded by a friendly staff who cares about their customers. Men are also a substantial component to their business and feel comfortable in the surroundings as well. Capricious Salon & Spa is located at 12020 South Shore Blvd. and is open seven days during season. Call (561) 7939960 to book your appointment. Rocky Duvall’s Dance Arts Conservatory has shimmied its way down Greenview Shores Blvd. to a new location on Pierson Road. And not only have they moved, but their roster of classes has expanded to include Latin Zumba dance fitness, lyrical yoga with partner stretching, belly dancing and yoga! Their children’s program is still as full as ever, with ballet, tap, jazz and even a hip-hop class for boys. Musical theater is a component that will be welcomed by our talented kids in the community, where not only a good singing voice is important to success, but also the skill of “acting” a song. Conservatory staff has also expanded. To look at the new schedule, visit www.danceartsconservatory.com or call (561) 296-1880. The new address is 12260 Fortune Circle, Suite J1 in Wellington.

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When is the last time your insurance agent called you to discuss your current auto insurance? Has your car aged beyond its replacement value? Is it worth putting collision coverage on it? Have you gone a while without coming face to face with an officer of the law who was eager to write you a speeding ticket? All of these elements are instrumental in determining your automobile insurance rate and should be discussed yearly with your agent. Wellington Allstate Insurance representative Julie Kime, is not only eager to help you, she’ll work double time to see that your rate is

not only competitive, but reflects your driving history. Having done business in Wellington for many years, Julie strives to provide those who share her community with an outstanding level of service and a product that is unequalled. Homeowner’s, renter’s and condominium insurance are also in her repertoire, as well as coverage for boats and motorcycles. And once you’re fully covered, Julie can help you prepare a strategy for your financial goals. Julie Kime’s office is in Wellington Professional One at 12788 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and can be reached by calling (561) 798-0230.

You can be assured of purchasing food with flavor at Joseph’s: Bell & Evans poultry, Cal-Organic produce and premium Angus beef. Fresh lobster, jumbo scallops and shrimp just ready for your scampi sauce, while fresh fish and even stone crabs are bursting from the fish case. Joseph’s bakery products, prepared foods and specialty canned goods round out any grocery shopper’s list, and don’t forget to bag a bottle of wine to add to your dinner. Or if you’re

too tired, they’ll cater whatever menu you wish! Visit Joseph’s Classic Market in the Village Shoppes (Kmart) plaza at 10479 Southern Blvd., or call (561) 204-4405. Jann Seal used to write soap operas; now she lives a soap opera life! In between acts, she works as a modeling consultant, a writer for business publications and as the editor of At HOME magazine.

Believe it or not, now is the time to buy real estate! And helping you with that mortgage is veteran Steve Bilbo of Network Funding LP. Formerly with Chase for seven years, Bilbo opened Network Funding’s Palm Beach County office in October. Unlike mortgage brokers, who funnel business to other companies, Network Funding is a mortgage banker that underwrites, closes and funds its own loans. Network Funding offers conventional, FHA, VA and foreign national loans, and while lending standards have tightened “there is still financing available with 3.5 percent down through FHA and a conventional loan with 10 percent down,” Bilbo said. Having starting in the business 25 years ago as an underwriter, Bilbo noted that the standards in practice 20 years ago were more restrictive than those of today. Another option open to homeowners is refinancing their current mortgage, especially if it has unfavorable terms. “With rates so low today, refinancing is a good option for many who are considering staying in their home for several years,” Bilbo noted. Network Funding can be reached at (561) 939-4848 or visit www.networkfundingflorida.com. Remember that neighborhood market where you shopped with your mother? Good memories and even better food don’t have to be a thing of the past, and we’re fortunate to have an old-fashioned, familyrun market right in our neighborhood. Joseph’s Classic Market has been family owned and operated for three generations, offering fresh meats, seafood and produce. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRuary 2009

FOR THE

FUTURE

STORY BY RON BUKLEY PHOTOS BY BILL BARBOSA

Mark & Katherine Bellissimo See A Vibrant, Growing Equestrian Community Equestrian sports brought the Bellissimo family together. In return, Mark and Katherine Bellissimo aim to make equestrian sports more family oriented, drawing more spectators and participants to Wellington’s vibrant horse community. As managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, Mark Bellissimo is in his second year at the reins of the Winter Equestrian Festival and is overseeing a $230 million investment to transform Wellington’s equestrian economy through improvements to the horse shows and the show grounds, which Bellissimo renamed the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

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But the Bellissimos’ connection to horse sports began with their daughters’ horseback riding as a hobby in Massachusetts. Riding lessons for daughters Paige, now 17, and Nicole, 15, drew Katherine to take up riding as well. “We started riding just for fun and sort of fell in love with it from there,” she recalled. Katherine, 45, and Mark, 46, both grew up in the Boston area and have known each other since their teenage years. They have been married for 21 years. Mark attended Middlebury College and Harvard Business School. He worked on Wall Street and then in Boston in the areas of corporate restructuring and information systems, as well as real estate. Katherine, meanwhile,

(Right) Katherine and Mark Bellissimo at the Wellington show grounds, now renamed the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Photography Credits HAIR DESIGN Adrianna Harris Michael Angelo Salon & Spa (561) 966-1661 MAKEUP Makeup by Gaylee (561) 251-8463 PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Barbosa Photo Designs Inc. www.photodesignsinc.com (561) 242-2455

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37 37

We’re trying to bring in many different types of equestrian activities. It’s an education process we’re doing with the public, that it’s not just about show jumping here, but about the love of the horse and what you do with the horse. Katherine Bellissimo (Above) A mutual love of horses binds the Bellissimo family together.

attended Northwestern University and worked in Boston as a government/community relations consultant. They spent several years in the Miami area while Mark worked as vice president of operations for Vitas Healthcare before returning to Massachusetts. The Bellissimo family settled permanently in Wellington in 2005, and 13-year-old Michael has since taken up polo and traveled to Argentina for junior tournaments. Eldest son Matthew, 18, is a wrestler at St. Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, where all the children study. Katherine said that as her children were growing up in Massachusetts,

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the girls began traveling for horse shows. “We didn’t want to separate the boys and the girls all the time because they were going out to shows, and that’s what brought us down here,” she said. Mark, meanwhile, was CEO of the Brandwise vendor software firm in Massachusetts in 2005, overseeing a merger with a company in Colorado. The family did not care to move out west, Katherine said, so the decision to move to Wellington was easy. “It was at a perfect time when Mark wanted to make a transition as well, and he suggested that we come down here, because the weather

was getting too cold for all of us, even though we all grew up there, and we wanted to ride more,” Katherine explained. The family quickly found itself right at home in Wellington. “We had been coming down here since 2000, so we had exposure to Wellington and the horse show world,” Mark said. “It was harder to travel to Connecticut, Vermont or New York for a show every weekend or every other weekend. Here, the equestrian facility is right in your back yard. In Boston, even for training you’d drive 40 or 50 minutes a day.” Mark also saw the Winter Equestrian Festival as a huge asset to the

Wellington community that had been so far underutilized. While appreciative of the pioneering work of the event’s founder and longtime producer Gene Mische, he envisioned how much more could be made of it with planning, improvements to the facilities and capital backing. To do so Mark formed Wellington Eques-

trian Partners with a few like-minded individuals, particularly equestrians Roger and Jennifer Smith and Dennis and Marsha Dammerman. Since then, a number of other leading equestrian names have joined the partnership. “I like to take complex problems and simplify them, or create structure where there

wasn’t structure,” Mark said. “I try to create a structure around a series of assets. I think that’s what has been done here. The raw stuff was laid out by Gene. I wound up running into Roger Smith and Dennis Dammerman, and we thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great if we take this to the next level?’” In 2007, Wellington Equestrian Partners secured ownership of the show grounds and surrounding properties, renaming them the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The parnership formed a subsidiary called Equestrian Sport Productions, with Mark Bellissimo at the helm, to take over management of the Winter Equestrian Festival starting with the 2008 show series. Extensive renovations to the show grounds also got underway. It has not always been easy. Mark said he has faced numerous challenges in his efforts, including the mistrust of long-established members of the local equestrian community who were reluctant to share the reins with a newcomer. “It has been a taxing time, but we’re obviously very, very excited about Wellington and the future,” he said. He sums up his company’s goal as trying to transform Wellington from the location of a large horse show to one of the leading centers of the world equestrian industry. “That is the core vision, to make it the premier equestrian lifestyle destination in the world,” Mark said.

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The core concept is to make equestrian sport more accessible for families and create more community awareness of the sport. The group has founded the Palm Beach Riding Academy and the non-profit Wellington Equestrian Foundation to generate more family and community interest in riding, Katherine said, which they feel should not be limited to a small number of people. “This is a tremendous asset for not just Wellington, but all of Palm Beach County,” she said.

Katherine feels one of the key goals of their efforts should be to make equestrian sports more available and accessible for anyone who’s interested. “If they’ve never been on a horse in their life, they should have the opportunity to do that,” Katherine said. “So the Palm Beach Riding Academy and the foundation go hand in hand, because the riding academy is there for anybody who wants to show up and take a lesson here on the facility. If you want to become a rider, you have the ability to do that as well. If you don’t have the money, the foundation is going to be setting up scholarships for adults, single mothers or whoever who can’t afford it, as well as junior riders who want to be able to have the opportunity to be a part of what’s going on here.”

rently found in Wellington, such as rodeos, are also under consideration. “We’re trying to bring in many different types of equestrian activities,” Katherine explained. “It’s an education process we’re doing with the public, that it’s not just about show jumping here, but about the love of the horse and what you do with the horse.”

The Winter Equestrian Festival itself has expanded to 12 weeks and other smaller seasonal shows have been added to make the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center a truly year-round venue. This year’s WEF schedule included for the first time the Exquis World Dressage Masters on Jan. 31, which featured the top dressage masters in the world.

The Wellington Equestrian Foundation was the beneficiary of the inaugural Palm Beach Steeplechase held in Wellington on Nov. 29 at the site of the former Palm Beach Polo stadium at South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road, now owned by Wellington Equestrian Partners. With thousands attending, the steeplechase was considered highly successful, although it did not make a great deal of money because of the initial outlay required for a first-time event. However, the Bellissimos have high hopes for the future of steeplechase in Wellington as a way to further broaden the mix of the area’s equestrian activities. “We will definitely do it again next year in November,” Katherine said. “We had 6,000 people turn out. It was a great day. Many people who have never been here or near an equestrian facility came out. This was a first step toward making equestrian sports more accessible to people and make them feel more comfortable. Hopefully they will come out and see some grand prix and do other things here.” Other forms of equestrian sport not curWELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

“That’s one of the biggest events that we’ve ever had,” Katherine said. “We will be on the map in the dressage world,” Mark added. “It’s just a huge, huge event. It’s the first time we’ve ever gotten this caliber of dressage folks on the east coast.” In addition to the weekly WEF riding events, the renovated and expanded facilities include 90 food and retail vendors and family activities including pony rides, petting zoos, entertainment and live music. “In the end, I think it has been a great outcome for everybody,” Mark said of the work Wellington Equestrian Partners has accomplished. “Now we’ve been able to extend the partnership to more equestrian families. In many ways, we consider ourselves to be the stewards. We’re advancing very aggressively to a vision we feel comfortable with.” The intense interest in the project is evidenced by the investment of $10 million in capital improvements by the partnership despite a dubious national economy, Mark said. “It’s an ugly time in the financial market, and people are hurting,” he said. “But I think it’s a good time for us to create a world that is fun and exciting for equestrians, and I think if we can get our message out, then a lot of families can come out here, and this can be a really low-cost way to spend a Saturday night.”

Katherine and Mark grew up in the Boston area and have known each other since their teenage years.

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The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 14440 Pierson Road in Wellington. For show information, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.equestrian sport.com.

WORK GETS UNDERWAY ON NEW WELLINGTON TRAINING CLUB When a two-time Olympic rider and her trainer husband back an equestrian development, the horse world is bound to be stirring about just what makes it special. Such is the case with Wellington’s newest equestrian project. The Wellington Training Club, a planned 525-acre community with a 66-acre training complex featuring a huge covered arena, has the endorsement of trainer John Madden and his wife, two-time show jumping Olympic medallist Beezie Madden.

Work began last month on the property south of 50th Street, which was once contemplated to be the home of the Winter Equestrian Festival itself. The project will provide people who are serious about the well-being of their horses with a large place to train them while enjoying the benefits of owning a small farm, John Madden said. “I’ve always been critical of having horses down in South Florida for a long period of time because there’s just not the space. Horses need more space,” Madden said. “The idea is for the prospective landowners of the Training Club to have room for their horses while having the advantage of owning a smaller property.”

BY ANGIE FRANCALANCIA

The Wellington Training Club will have a maximum of 92 farms of which 80 remain available, ranging in size from 2.5 to 10 acres or more. The owners of those farms will be members of a property owners’ association that will own and manage the facility, including more than 89 acres of amenities focused on horses. “We took the concept of a golf course community and transferred it to an equestrian training facility,” said Mike O’Dell of O’Dell Land Development Consultants, which designed the community with input from the well-known trainer himself. “Their ideas were very, very similar to what I was thinking of,” Madden said, “so they brought me on to consult with them as to what the requirements of the horses would be, and hopefully produce a product that the landowners will appreciate and enjoy.” Madden has been training horses for three decades and owns John Madden Sales Inc. in Cazenovia, N.Y. His wife Beezie, who worked for him for 11 years before the pair married, is one of the most decorated equestrians in history. She’s the

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Wellington Preserve Corp. Chief Operating Officer Karen-Ann Gardier goes over plans for the Wellington Training Center with Susan Giddings and Michael O’Dell of O’Dell Land Development Consultants. PHOTO BY SUSAN LERNER

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

(Above and below) An artist’s rendering of some of the equestrian amenities of the Wellington Training Club, such as two grassed multipurpose fields, four all-weather schooling rings and a 78,000-square-foot covered arena. (Left) John and Beezie Madden at a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony held Jan. 13.

It’s not just a place where you can ride your horse. You can actually work your horses in these areas. And we’ll have these training parks, excellently maintained grass areas, so if you’re riding, you can stop and work your horse on the flat in the park. Top Equestrian Trainer John Madden first woman and American rider to reach the top three in show jumping’s world ranking list and the first woman to win over $1 million in show jumping earnings. She is also a two-time Olympic champion, winning medals in show jumping in the 2004 and 2008 games. The Maddens and other equestrians whose homes are in the north-

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east are able to go to horse shows in that area while utilizing the spacious training facilities on their own farms. To evoke that same feeling of comfort in Florida, the Wellington Training Club will work in a similar way, complementing the nearby Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds. While Wellington’s equestrian area

has many communities of farms, only a few provide equestrian facilities as well, and none with the substantial equestrian amenities of the Wellington Training Club. The project is owned by Wellington Preserve Corp., whose parent company CL Financial Ltd. of Trinidad and Tobago is a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate that operates in bank-

ing and financial services, energy, wine and spirits, and insurance, as well as real estate development. CL Financial is one of the largest privately held corporations in the Caribbean. In Florida, it also developed the W Fort Lauderdale Hotel & Residences and Infinity at Brickell, a 56-story luxury condominium in Miami’s famed downtown business district. Wellington Preserve Corp. Chief Operating Officer Karen-Ann Gardier said her goal was to build a project that meshes with the community. “When we first started, we were simply going to develop the infrastructure,” Gardier said. “However, as we went along, we realized there was a much deeper need for the equestrians in Wellington. We thought that it fit very nicely with what we like to do because it’s community-oriented.” When Madden was brought in, Gardier said the project’s direction was affirmed. “He convinced us that we were on the right track,” she said. Winding throughout the property is a series of bridle trails wide enough to be mistaken for golf fairways, thus the developer’s term for them: “bridle fairways.” “It’s not just a place where you can ride your horse. You can actually work your horses in these areas,” Madden said. “And we’ll have these training parks, excellently maintained grass areas, so if you’re riding, you can stop and work your horse on the flat in the park.” There are three two-acre parks scattered within the property. From each private farm, equestrians will be able to access the fairways and head to the central training complex, which encompasses about 66 acres.

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The complex, a 78,000-square-foot covered arena planned as one of the largest in the area, will give riders an always-weatherproof location to train no matter what South Florida’s weather brings.

Although atypical for South Florida, the covered arena will be built with a laminated wood interior. The soaring, buttressed ceiling will evoke the feeling of a national monument, O’Dell said. Above the arena floor, an elevated walkway will provide a viewing gallery for owners, guests or photographers to catch the action below. That walkway continues out of the arena, becoming a covered bridge across the 10,000-square-foot courtyard and pool area, and connects with the upper level of the community’s clubhouse. Like the equestrian facilities, the clubhouse was designed with the owners in mind. Given that a whirlwind social scene goes together with the equestrian season, the clubhouse has been designed with a main salon big enough to comfortably seat more than 300 people. Owners will be able to host or sponsor events in the clubhouse.

When we first started, we were simply going to develop the infrastructure. However, as we went along, we realized there was a much deeper need for the equestrians in Wellington. We thought that it fit very nicely with what we like to do because it’s community-oriented. Karen-Ann Gardier, Chief Operating Officer, Wellington Preserve Corp.

“The Wellington community hosts numerous galas and charity events during the season,” said Diane Jenkins, president of Jenkins Realty and broker for the Wellington Training Club. “The clubhouse will give owners the ability to sponsor galas in a beautiful building, surrounded by state-of-the-art equestrian facilities. This can provide opportunities found nowhere else.” Off the clubhouse’s main salon is a second ideal spot for viewing the horses — a deck overlooking the club’s two grassed multipurpose fields. In addition, the central complex features four all-weather schooling rings. John Madden said the equestrian complex is the perfect complement to an owner’s private farm. “Each one of the farms will be completely self-contained, meaning they’ll have a ring and all the things people would normally need to train their horses,” he said. “And I think that’s crucial. These shared areas are there for the landowners’ use, but not instead of a place to keep your horses and work your horses on a daily basis.” WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

photo by REBECCA WALTON

Madden said he also envisions being able to develop younger horses at the Wellington Training Club. “I can see in my own instance taking young horses to the show Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, then going home where they’ve got some area to work out,” he said. While Madden expects the Wellington Training Club to appeal to hunters, jumpers and dressage riders, the owners’ common thread will be their dedication to their

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Mike O’Dell, John and Beezie Madden, Mayor Darell Bowen, Karen-Ann Gardier and Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore take part in a Jan. 13 groundbreaking ceremony for the Wellington Training Club.

covered arena in March, and the project will be complete before the end of 2010.

horses. “This will appeal to the people most concerned about doing something for the benefit of the horse, the really serious horse person,” Madden said. Eventually, the POA will maintain the equestrian facilities. Madden envisions that the facilities will be “highly maintained” to keep the grass fields lush and the footing in the rings perfect. O’Dell said construction will begin on the

This year, only a limited number of farms will be placed on the market, Jenkins said. “By next season, we anticipate completion of all the equestrian amenities within the community, and we feel this will have a significant impact on land values,” she said. “For this reason, we plan to offer only a very limited number of the available farms this season.” Equestrians will be attracted by the project’s uniqueness, Jenkins said. “There is nothing like this,” she said. “It’s very exciting.” For sales information on the Wellington Training Club, call Jenkins Realty at (561) 640-4059.

FROM BLUE RIBBONS TO GOLD NECKLACES JENNIFER REID DEBUTS NEW COUTURE LINE AT J. DOUGLAS JEWELERS

STORY BY COURTNEY WATSON PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

hampion equestrian Jennifer Reid has always had a style all her own. The 26-year-old hunter/jumper, who has ridden illustrious horses such as Jiminy Cricket, Playtime and Bonafide to victory, debuted her new jewelry collection in November at J. Douglas Jewelers in Wellington. The Jennifer Reid Couture line features handcrafted gold and diamond pieces that shine with equestrian flair. From glittering horseshoe cufflinks to gleaming gold-and-diamond bit necklaces, Reid’s jewelry is imbued with a unique touch that could only be born in the dreams of a champion. “These pieces are beautiful,” J. Douglas co-owner Gary Schick said. “They appeal to a lot of the people who come in here. Jennifer designed pieces based on trends in the fashion industry and what appeals to her as an equestrian — and people are responding to that.” (Left) Jennifer Reid models her “Champion” necklace. (Below) A gold and diamond bangle bracelet from Jennifer’s jewelry collection.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Reid collaborated with J. Douglas Jewelers to create the collection. Reid sketches each piece, which is then crafted by the jewelers using gold, diamonds and natural sapphires. Pieces are created in white, yellow and pink gold. The collection offers pieces for both men and women. Reid said she was inspired by the equestrian world in which she grew up, and that a strong foxhunting theme is visible throughout the line. “The fox-head cufflinks, fox brooch with citrine and diamonds, buttons, tie tacks, as well as my bit necklace and rein bangle, all come from a foxhunting thought process,” Reid said. “I think that it adds a unique touch — straying from the norm, but keeping it classic.” Jennifer Reid with J. Douglas owner Gary Schick and some of the pieces from her new jewelry collection.

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A rider from the age of seven, Reid

said growing up at horse shows and attending many social and charity events for equestrian causes offered an interesting insight into fashion. She saw many people wearing the same pieces, and it was her own desire to stand out from the crowd that got her thinking about creating her own line of jewelry. If she was disappointed with the variety of equestrian-themed jewelry available, then Reid knew she probably wasn’t the only person ready to see something different. Reid envisioned a small collection of pieces that weren’t mass-produced and would make the wearer confident that they had found something truly special. “I personally like to wear pieces that no one has, or at the very least, pieces that you don’t see people wearing every time you turn around,” Reid

said. “Jewelry should make a statement. It should say something.” Reid, who hails from Wellington and is sponsored by Bainbridge Farm, said her collection was designed to appeal to men and women of all ages, although there are particular creations she expects to find favor with a specific audience. For example, Reid’s stunning 14k white and pink gold bit necklace with .95-carat round diamonds and a bezel-set natural pink sapphire is the perfect piece for an elegant equestrian. One of Reid’s favorite pieces is a beautiful “champion” necklace she would love to see being worn by a confident junior or adult amateur rider unafraid to tell the world that she is proud of herself. “I envisioned a proud parent purchasing this piece for a teen who just won

I personally like to wear pieces that no one has, or at the very least, pieces that you don’t see people wearing every time you turn around. Jewelry should make a statement. It should say something. Equestrian Jennifer Reid a special class, or a fashionista who exudes confidence not only through her attitude, but her appearance as well,” Reid said. “It’s all about a winning attitude.” A winning attitude is something this high-achieving equestrian knows a lot about. In addition to training for horse shows and competitions, Reid is currently enrolled at Cazenovia College in New York, where she is studying fashion design. One of her biggest fashion inspirations is Ralph Lauren, whom she admires for his artistic and thoughtful designs. Reid said Lauren’s style inspired her to create pieces that are

modern interpretations of classic designs. “I think that part of being a strong, confident woman is wearing pieces of fashion that reflect your own unique personal style,” Reid said. “That is what I hope to do here. I want people to put on one of my pieces, smile and walk out the door knowing they are special.” J. Douglas Jewelers is located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington Green Square. For more information, call (561) 333-5353 or visit www.jdouglasjewelers.com.

Reid’s pink with yellow gold and diamond detailed horseshoe cufflinks are designed to bring luck to any gentleman who wears them.

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SEARCH Of A WELLINGTON LUNCHEON WILL RAISE MONEY FOR LUPUS RESEARCH BY DEBORAH WELKY

magine you’re suddenly struck with a set of symptoms so painful, yet seemingly unrelated, that doctors can't diagnose what’s wrong with you. You’re tired all the time, your joints and muscles ache, and even sitting in the sun seems stressful. This is exactly what life was like for Wellington resident Corry Walker.

“I was officially diagnosed after the birth of my son 25 years ago, but looking back, I had symptoms through my late teens and early 20s,” she recalled. “Although it was nothing that would stop me from my everyday activities, I was anemic on and off, the sun bothered me, I had joint pain, but I just thought I’d twisted something. Then, 23 days after my son was born, my joints blew up. I got a fever. I was very, very sick.”

You have to take charge of your own life. I refuse to let my lupus define who I am. I don’t like it when people say ‘you have lupus, so you can’t do X, Y or Z.’ On the other hand, I know my limitations. I look fine, but I don’t have a ton of energy... I don’t remember what it’s like to wake up and not have something bothering me. That’s normal for me, so I don’t pay a lot of attention to it. Corry Walker

(Right) Corry Walker with Dr. David Shapiro.

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(Above) Wellington residents Corry Walker with her son Brian and (right) Angie Paradysz with her daughter Allie, who has lupus, at last year’s Shady Ladies Luncheon in Wellington.

SANDY MCPHERSON/MCPHERSON-BARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY

(Right) Members of the committee planning this year’s Shady Ladies Luncheon include (L-R) Rena Toppe, Beth Beattie, Casey Flannery, Lisa Skiffington, Danielle Norcross and Kelly Sharpe Kirkpatrick.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Then Walker’s kidneys suddenly failed. The final diagnosis: lupus (officially known as systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE). Andrea O’Neill, development director of the Lupus Research Institute, describes lupus as an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system doesn’t recognize “self,” so instead of protecting, it attacks. “It does this in a random fashion, attacking any organ, any system in the body,” she explained. The immune system becomes hyperactive, forming antibodies that attack normal tissues and organs, including the skin, joints, kidneys, the brain, the heart, lungs and blood. Nearly 1.5 million Americans have lupus, more than cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, sickle-cell anemia and cystic fibrosis combined. Yet it doesn’t get much attention. “It is quite a mysterious disease,” O’Neill said. “We do know there is a genetic component, an environmental component, a hormonal component. It does run in families. Many people with lupus are also very sensitive to the sun. And 90 percent of lupus sufferers are women in their childbearing years. It could appear or flare when a girl enters puberty or when a stressful situation occurs such as going to college.” Walker couldn’t even hold her new baby. “My elbows, arms and shoulders were completely arthritic for several months,” she recalled. “I’ve had several flares since then, but that was probably the hardest one.” A good support system of friends and family pitched in and helped out. They transported her monthly to a doctor two and a half hours away — for two years.

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“I was on Prednisone, a type of steroid. It regulates the ‘fight or flight’ response,

Wellington resident Corry Walker has lupus, but tries not to let it control her life.

putting the patient more in control in an unnatural sort of way,” Walker explained. “It’s one of the top drugs lupus patients can use, but when used in high doses, like I needed, there are huge side effects. I had a hip replacement recently, certainly a result of the Prednisone. That drug saved my life, but it’s horrible stuff.” According to the Lupus Research Institute, several medications currently used by lupus sufferers are highly toxic and in the long run can cause more damage than the disease itself. Lupus is a leading cause of kidney disease, stroke and premature cardiovascular disease in women of childbearing age. The unpredictable, highly individualized and discomforting disease can produce complications that are fatal. There is no known cause or cure, and there has not been a new treatment approved for lupus in 50 years. The SLE Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute are working to raise and distribute funds to scientists thinking “out of the box” in hopes of finding a cure, or at least safer treatment. “LRI’s whole philosophy is to look for out-of-the-ordinary proposals and get them some money so they can develop their ideas enough to qualify for NationWELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

al Institute of Health funding,” Walker said. One problem with lupus is that each victim has an individual set of symptoms. “Some have symptoms that are more prevalent,” Walker said. “Others can be

quite sick before they find out what’s wrong with them. Most people have muscle aches and joint pain and trouble with sun… I had red-hot joints I couldn’t use for a month. Others have heart, lung or central nervous system involvement. The big part is getting to know your own disease and getting support for it.”

Walker has devised her own plan for dealing with her condition. Meditation has been a help, as has a careful diet. Since her kidneys only function at 23 percent, she restricts her potassium and protein intake. “You have to take charge of your own life,” she said. “I refuse to let my lupus define who I am. I don’t like it when people say ‘you have lupus, so you can’t do X, Y or Z.’ On the other hand, I know my limitations. I look fine, but I don’t have a ton of energy. I’ve never been able to work a nine-to-five job. I work part-time on my own schedule, and some weeks are better than others. I don’t remember what it’s like to wake up and not have something bothering me. That’s normal for me, so I don’t pay a lot of attention to it.” Now in their 50s, Walker’s friends complain about the limitations imposed by creaky knees and creaky backs. “I learned how to deal with that early on,” she said. “When you’re in pain, you have those moments of clarity, and that’s when decision-making is really easy. I know I have X amount of energy, and I know which people I want to see, what I want to do.” Walker also found ways to interact with her son. “I stopped my skiing and tennis and horseback riding 15 or 20 years ago, but I know horses pretty well, so I shared my love of riding with my son, traveled with him, and now at age 25, he has his own horse business. Overall, I’m pretty happy with what I’ve chosen to do with my life.” Wellington resident Angie Paradysz’s daughter Allie was diagnosed at the young age of 12, although it took months for doctors to reach that conclusion. “It was Christmastime and Allie became

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very sick,” Paradysz recalled. “She ran high fevers — over 100 degrees. She was in intensive care for three weeks and ended up spending two and a half months in the hospital. Once they make the diagnosis, life is much easier because you know what you’re dealing with, but making the diagnosis is difficult. You have to have five of nine possible symptoms.”

We found the lupus foundation at one of our most desperate moments in life. They educated and guided us to the right specialists and the best care. [My husband] Chris and I feel sure the cure is out there. Angie Paradysz

In Allie’s case, the symptoms included high fever, swollen glands and lack of energy. She was tested for mononucleosis, strep throat and a host of other possible illnesses. “No one knew what was wrong,” Paradysz said. “Every department saw her. There were questions, lots of tests. They did heart scans, blood transfusions. Her fever was so high — 104 degrees — that she was put in ice beds. But the treatments didn’t change anything.” Finally a pediatric rheumatologist diagnosed Allie with lupus and put her on Prednisone. The fever that had lasted 28 days was gone within 24 hours, but Allie was additionally diagnosed with thyroid disease and juvenile diabetes. Yet, now 19 and flare-free, Allie is currently a student at Drew University, where she is majoring in English and communications. “I still worry every day,” Paradysz said. “Allie has been lucky in that she’d had no flares since that first Christmastime incident, but it was terrible. You’re completely exhausted. You have no energy. Your entire body thinks it’s sick so it sends out these antibodies and they attack your organs, particularly your kidneys. Yet Allie’s decision was that she was not going to let lupus get her down. She continues to ride her horses; she wants to make a difference.” In the midst of the ordeal, Paradysz and her husband Chris discovered the SLE WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Lupus Foundation, which they credit for providing both information and support in their time of need. “We found the lupus foundation at one of our most desperate moments in life. They educated and guided us to the right specialists and the best care,” Paradysz said. “Chris and I feel sure the cure is out there.” Chris joined the lupus foundation’s board in 2003 and, together with fellow board member Teri Wood, established the Shady Ladies fundraising and support organization in 2006. To date, the “ladies” have raised more than $235,000. “Besides being a fun afternoon, the Shady Ladies Luncheon is a way my daughter’s riding friends can show their support for her,” Paradysz said. “Celebrities donate their sunglasses or sunglass cases or photos, and we auction them off.” This year’s annual Shady Ladies Luncheon will be held Sunday, March 15 in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Tickets are $250 each and can be purchased by calling (561) 626-7874. Paradysz said she is heartened that the SLE Lupus Foundation has made some recent progress in trials of new medications. “Our actions are purely selfish — to help our child get well,” Paradysz said. “And we know what will lead us there — research, research, research!” For more information about the SLE Lupus Foundation, visit www.lupusny.org. For more information about LRI, visit www.lupusresearchinstitute.org, or call O’Neill at (212) 685-4118. 60 FEBRUARY 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Popular in the dressage ring, Lusitano horses are also uniquely suited for carriage driving.

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fter a successful debut on American soil in 2008, the Lusitano Collection horse auction returns from Brazil to Palm Beach County at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center on Feb. 19 and 20. The Lusitano Collection is a trademark created by five of the premier world breeders of the renowned and ancient Lusitano breed. Interagro Lusitanos is the main contributor of horses to the Lusitano Collection, and Interagro manager Cecilia Gonzaga said the collection’s offerings cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

“Their brand, pedigree and the reputation of their breeders is a guarantee that makes these horses what they are: a very precious asset which will only increase in value over time if properly maintained,” Gonzaga said. The Lusitano Collection was presented at Interagro’s farm in Bra-

zil for its first three years. With the advent of the Lusitano Collection in the United States, buyers in America can purchase a horse that has not only passed rigorous veterinary scrutiny, but has completed the time-consuming and costly process of importation. The Lusitano horse was first imported to Brazil in the 1970s, and there the history of the breed took a new turn. Interagro was one of the pioneers of Lusitano breeding outside Portugal. The Interagro breeding program, now the world’s larg-

BY SARAH EAKIN PHoToS BY TuPA

(Below) Astyages Interagro and Apache Interagro demonstrate the graceful beauty of the unique Lusitano breed.

Their brand, pedigree and the reputation of their breeders is a guarantee that makes these horses what they are: a very precious asset which will only increase in value over time if properly maintained. Cecelia Gonzaga

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

est, originally consisted of four mares and one stallion. “Now we have about 600 horses, and the Lusitano has regained the reputation it enjoyed in the past centuries as one of the best saddle horses in the world,” said Interagro founder Paulo Gavião Gonzaga. Historically these majestic horses have strong ties to the royal courts of Europe, the military, bullfighting and the classical

training methods of the Alter Real, the traditional riding school of Portugal. Today Lusitanos are also recognized for their ability to perform well in a variety of modern-day equestrian disciplines — notably the increasingly popular amateur and professional sports of dressage and carriage driving — and for their generous temperament, making them popular with owners who like to ride for pleasure. The Lusitanos from Interagro’s breeding

farm just outside São Paulo have been carefully selected for presentation at the 2009 Lusitano Collection. They are as much ambassadors for the breed as the breeders themselves, and they will be accompanied by a prestigious team including trainers, breeders, the Interagro in-house veterinarian and grooms. Swedish Grand Prix dressage rider Pia Aragão is head of the Interagro Picadeiro in Brazil, where each horse begins its training. She will attend the auction to give advice and input as clients review the horses. “I know all the horses extremely well,” she said. “I know their temperaments and the quality of their gaits.” Interagro also works with Heather Bender, a Palm City dressage trainer and rider who visits Interagro in Brazil during the months preceding the auction. She assists in selecting those horses that are most suitable for the U.S. market. “Interagro understands that their best advertising results from people being successful with their Interagro horses,” Bender explained. “I will also be available during the tryouts so I can meet with buyers; people can tell me what they are seeking, and I can advise them due to my intimate knowledge of the horses we’ve brought.” This year, the Lusitano Collection includes driving horses, breeding prospects and a carefully selected representation of horses already under saddle, a few with experience in dressage competitions in Brazil. “Some of these horses can reach the top,” Aragão said. “There’s no doubt about it. We also have horses that would suit amateurs rather than professionals. They have such wonderful temperaments and are so willing.”

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The 2009 Lusitano Collection, as with previous events, is by invitation only. Clients who are not already based in Wellington for the winter will fly from across the United States and Canada specifically to attend

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

itano Collection has a limited event capacity of 400 attendees.

(Above) Lusitano horse Zero Interagro. Participants can test-ride horses before the auction.

the event. For potential owners, it is a much easier undertaking than traveling to Brazil. Those interested in attending can register online at www.lusitanocollection.com.

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Interested buyers may view, examine and test-ride over two dozen horses during the week prior to the auction. In order to ensure each guest is given proper attention, the 2009 Lus-

At the end of the testing period, guests will enjoy auction festivities including a cocktail party followed by the Showcase Parade of Horses featuring 17-year-old Brazilian Luiza Tavares de Almeida, the youngestever Olympian equestrian, who rode a Lusitano in the 2008 Olympics. Her father, Manuel Tavares de Almeida, is the founder of Coudelaria Rocas do Vouga â€” one of the partners of the Lusitano Collection. Guests will also be treated to musical entertainment and a seated dinner. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the American Cancer Society and the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. For more about the Lusitano Collection, visit www.lusitanocollection. com.

HOME AWAY HOME JT FARM’S JIMMY & ELLEN TOON RELISH THEIR WINTERS IN WELLINGTON

PHOTOS by JENNIFER WOOD/Phelps media group

(Above) The Toons’ home away from home in Wellington. (Below) The barn’s exterior design complements the architectural styling of the home.

hen Jimmy and Ellen Toon decided to buy property in Wellington, they found a second home that could provide both for their family and their horses. Although the Toons have been showing regularly at the Winter Equestrian Festival since 1995, they purchased their property on Appaloosa Trail in 2003. The twoWELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

acre farmette features a big home, an eight-stall barn, a full-size riding ring and paddocks where the horses can graze. The Toons call it home for part of the year, and it offers the perfect place to escape the snow and cold during the winter months. Ellen is one of the most decorated riders in the history of the Winter Equestrian Festival, particularly in the past decade. She has won the Amateur-Owner Hunter 36 & Over WEF Circuit Championship for the past five years in a row. Jimmy has ridden to multiple circuit championships as well, and the couple’s students are among the best in the field of competitors. Jimmy has a thriving sales business where he

matches promising young horses with new owners. JT Farm’s northern base in South Salem, N.Y. is only 50 miles from New York City and features 51 acres, an outdoor grand prix field and an indoor riding ring. While they still have clients who stay in New York for the winter, the Toons have made Wellington their fulltime winter home for the past five years. Ellen has been competing in Wellington since the early 1980s, but her travels south took a ten-year hiatus when her elder son entered school. Jimmy traveled lightly to Wellington in those years, mostly looking for sales horses, but not

The whole community of farmettes is so nice for a horse lover. We can just go out and ride right out the front door; there are fabulous trails and places to ride outside of a ring. Where we’re located is ideal. We’re so close to everything, but it is still very, very quiet. Ellen Toon (Above) Champion riders Jimmy and Ellen Toon. (Right) A view inside the barn at JT Farm’s Wellington location.

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WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

competing. He started attending WEF regularly during the 1990s. Spending more time in New York also made economic sense. “We mostly just had a business and clients who wanted to stay home, so it worked out perfect,” Ellen recalled. Now that the business has shifted toward riders who want to spend time in Florida, the Toons have adapted as well. When they began their search for a new home, they sought a place that would accommodate both their business and their lifestyle. “When we came down before, we rented a house and an apartment for the grooms,” Jimmy recalled. “For the horses, we had to rent paddocks and stalls. I thought it would be nice to utilize that money instead of just throwing it away. We looked for a place, and we really liked the house a lot. The farm was very convenient. The house was the big thing, and then the farm itself is very workable for us. It’s close enough to the show, but it’s enough off the beaten path that you can get away from the show, too. That’s what we like about it.” Since purchasing their farm, the Toons have also come to appreciate what the Wellington community offers residents. “I think, like everybody, we wished we had bought a place sooner,” Ellen said. “It has always been worth the money to invest down here.” Ellen said Wellington feels like a second home to her. “We love the horse community,” she said. “There is no place like this anywhere else. The whole community of farmettes is so nice for a horse lover. We can just go out and ride right out the front door; there are fabulous trails and places to ride outside of a ring. Where we’re located is ideal. We’re so close to everything, but it is still very, very quiet.”

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Jimmy also enjoys certain things about

living in Wellington. “It’s very convenient; everything is right at your fingertips,” he said. “You don’t have to go very far to get anything, which is the nice part about living here.” Seeing the changes that have occurred in Wellington is something that has surprised and pleased the Toons. Ellen noted that the surge in population has benefited residents, bringing shopping and amenities much closer. “The biggest change is that Wellington is now a year-round area. Basically, I don’t ever leave Wellington,” she laughed. “When you’re busy with the horses, showing and family, it’s nice to have everything so conveniently located.” Ellen Toon and Invincible were the 2008 WEF Circuit Champions in the Amateur-Owner 36 & Over Hunters.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Jimmy said he has witnessed the metamorphosis of both the village’s equestrian area and its retail centers. “The town has gotten a lot bigger since I first started coming down here, like in Grand Prix Village, all along Appaloosa Trail, and with all the new shopping centers in town,” he said. “It just keeps spreading out further and further. I remember going to the old Palm Beach Polo to look at horses 20 years ago, and where we are now was just sugarcane area. When the show grounds were first built, who ever thought we would outgrow them? Things have changed a lot.”

Having their own Wellington location allowed the Toons to set up facilities to properly train their horses.

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The Toons have made some improvements since they bought their farm, including expanding the riding ring and reorganizing the paddocks. Jimmy’s sales and

training business is flourishing with imports from Europe and horses he brings along himself. He specializes in young horses and provides horses for the equitation ring. The compact and wellrun facility suits their business and their lifestyle. “We don’t have Italian marble floors or fancy leather couches in the barn or anything,” he said with a smile, “but it’s very comfortable.” The Toons have struck a balance of maintaining their northern farm and showing in Florida. With another year of competition underway, they look forward to spending time in Wellington with all of their equestrian friends and making the most of their “home away from home.” For more about JT Farm, visit www.jtfarm.com.

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New Hope is a little oasis in the middle of a town that doesn’t have a lot going for it. In Pahokee it’s all about the football program. Kids think that’s their ticket out. We try to show them that education is really the key. The best thing the kids can do to help the family is educate themselves. But the first people we have to convince are the parents.

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New Hope Charities Board Member Maria Becker

FOR THOSE IN NEED NEW HOPE CHARITIES AIMS TO BRIDGE PALM BEACH COUNTY’S RICH-POOR DIVIDE BY DEBORAH WELKY

Wellington resident Maria Becker is still amazed that Palm Beach County’s eastern edge boasts the opulent and exclusive Palm Beach, while in its western reaches is Pahokee, one of the poorest cities in America. “Palm Beach County encompasses the richest of the rich and the poorest of the poor,” Becker said. “And if we can’t help ourselves, that’s not a good sign for the rest of America. Especially now, in this economic climate, it’s important that anyone who can help does something.” Becker devotes time to many philanthropic activities, but the one nearest to her heart is New Hope Charities, a multi-functional organization dedicated to strengthening families in the Lake Okeechobee communities. Several key programs are educational, including a no-cost after-school program with transportation for 75 area youths and summer camp program with field trips. (Left) New Hope Charities supporters Susan Warmington, Maria Becker and Patty Cooke are organizing the Wellington Fiesta on Feb. 21 at the Wellington Community Center. (Right) Some of the kids helped by New Hope’s facility in Pahokee. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

New Hope started humbly in 1988 as a grassroots food distribution program. Concerned about the living conditions of families in western Palm Beach County, Lian Fanjul de Azqueta (of the Florida sugar-growing family) spearheaded the program by collecting food for the needy in her mother’s Palm Beach garage. The organization has grown into a familyand community-strengthening charity offering various forms of aid to people of all ages through its Pahokee campus, which features the Family Center and the Chelsea Morrison Health Clinic. “At the end of each month, we distribute 225 bags of food to families in Pahokee and the Glades who meet the federal guidelines on poverty,” said New Hope’s

Programs & Services Director Guillermo Rivera, another Wellington resident. “Each sack will typically contain a tenpound bag of rice, a five-pound bag of sugar, two boxes of mac and cheese, a can of corn, a can of green beans, a can of tuna or chicken, spaghetti, some produce that’s picked locally and a dessert. We collect the food all month and our little pantry gets packed. Then we assemble the bags utilizing about 15 volunteers and hand them out the next day.” Food is delivered to homebound seniors and the handicapped. Many of the families fed by New Hope are the working poor, and some are already receiving food stamps. “But toward the end of the month, they’re pretty much done. Our

One of the biggest problems we had early on was the illiteracy and high dropout rates... In the last year, 21 of our 65 students made the honor roll and 72 percent increased their academic scores by a whole letter grade. I could talk about New Hope’s successes all day long. New Hope’s Programs & Services Director Guillermo Rivera

New Hope’s Guillermo Rivera works with students in one of the organization’s academic programs.

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goal is to buy them a few days of meals to carry them over,” Rivera said. Rivera regrets that New Hope can’t feed more. “We could easily have 500 families, but registration is done in January and they’re accepted on a first-come, first-served basis,” he said. “When we

reach 225, we refer the others to other food pantries that we know of, but as our resources are drying up, the demand is increasing. We do the best we can.”

Hope has been certified by the Nonprofits First program, created to recognize those who meet the high standards set by those organizations.

New Hope’s “best” is pretty darn good. Funded in part by the United Way and the Children’s Services Council, New

“New Hope is a little oasis in the middle of a town that doesn’t have a lot going for it,” said Becker, a member of the organization’s board of directors. “It’s a beautiful facility. You know, in Pahokee it’s all about the football program. Kids think that’s their ticket out. We try to show them that education is really the key. The best thing the kids can do to help the family is educate themselves. But the first people we have to convince are the parents.” Rivera agrees. “One of the biggest problems we had early on was the illiteracy and high dropout rates. We implemented a program that had, at the base, literacy and academic achievement as their goals. I’ve been out there going on 11 years now, and we’ve seen a dramatic increase in children who want an education. In the last year, 21 of our 65 students made the honor roll and 72 percent increased their academic scores by a whole letter grade. I could talk about New Hope’s successes all day long.” But Rivera almost left New Hope after seven months when he was offered another job. “I spoke to the kids in the after-school program and told them I’d be leaving,” he recalled, “and on the way back to my office one little boy — a boy who reminded me of my older brother when he was small — was behind me and he asked, ‘are you really leaving?’ Then, I don’t know. It didn’t happen.”

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Rivera takes a fatherly interest in many of the students — and a fatherly pride as well. “You know, the environment in Pahokee is not real conducive to the pursuit of education,” he said. “As kids get older, there’s football — or pressure to join gangs. When a kid starts doing well

New Hope offers a no-cost after-school program providing organized recreational activities.

academically, they are not looked upon favorably.” New Hope programs open the minds of these kids to life’s possibilities. “We broaden their awareness of the world around them,” Rivera said. “They think of Pahokee as the be-all and end-all. When you take them to other places, they feel no connection; they feel alienated.” Rivera cited the example of a staff-funded field trip to the old Beverly Hills Café, a onetime Wellington casual dining spot. “As part of our Reading Masters program, kids who got Bs or higher were taken out to dinner. When we left Beverly Hills, one said, ‘man, now I know how rich people eat.’” In addition to Reading Masters, the Economic Literacy program rewards children with tokens for reading while it teaches them how to handle such “finances.” They learn about checking and savings accounts, loans, interest, the importance — and travails — of credit. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

“Every kid has what is basically a bank account for their tokens, and they save them up to purchase items such as book bags, Axe cologne which they like, bicycles or iPods,” he said. “If they want to ‘buy’ something, they have to read and give a book report to one of our staff members. Last year, our students read over 1,200 books. And it’s not what they read, it’s that they read. It can be a silly little novel or even a comic. Of course, some of them go right to the end and try to get off that way, but we can always tell.” Rivera is quick to credit the organizations that work with New Hope Charities. “We don’t do it alone,” he said. New Hope provides the building, but Redlands Christian Migrant Association runs the four-star-rated daycare services. Take Stock in Children uses a New Hope office for a mentoring program that gives students a two-year college scholarship if they maintain at least a C average throughout four years of high school. Oakwood provides crisis intervention and offers life skills training on personal development, resisting peer pressure, avoiding drugs and alcohol, etc. A doctor mans the New Hope clinic every Friday, providing free medical services to any child or adult enrolled in any New Hope program, and one of Rivera’s goals for 2009 is to expand medical services to five days a week. The charity also works closely with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

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Rivera added that the Center for Creative Education sends two artists every week to teach art education, ceramics and mural painting. “For a while, they were teaching percussion,” he said. “They had drums, cowbells, triangles. At first, it was kind of a mess — torture — it sounded awful. But, little by little, it got better and better. Not only did the kids learn how to beat on a drum, but they learned

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the origins of that drum, the ceremonial significance of that drum. All these little bits of information help them understand the world a little more. Our collaborations are our strongest asset.” Rivera also credits the staff. “We try to hire folks who are part of the community so the kids see these good role models at supermarket,” he explained. “We’ve got a dedicated crew out there that sometimes go into their own pockets to buy a kid a pair of sneakers.” The members of New Hope’s board of directors are also keenly aware of the community’s needs and work hard to meet them. Becker said Berta Pons has been with the group since its inception, and Aero Club residents Kevin Enterlein and Terry Clark have mentored New Hope students and got some of them summer jobs at places like Wellington Regional Medical Center. “They helped them create resumes, fill WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

photo by Tony arruza

out their applications; they showed them how to dress, how to present themselves; told them what was expected from them on the job. Things like that are not so easy when you’re living in Pahokee,” Rivera said. “And, at the end of the summer, the students were given a little stipend.” Raising money is always a concern for New Hope Charities. Becker said the organization’s 15th annual holiday bazaar,

traditionally held in Palm Beach, raised $250,000 in 2008. A holiday toy drive was also a huge success with 2,500 toys purchased and distributed. And coming up on Feb. 21 is the Third Annual Wellington Fiesta, scheduled this year at the Wellington Community Center. Becker is chairing that event along with volunteer Patty Cooke and Susan Warmington of SteinMart, a company that donates $35,000 per year to help with clothing distribution. “The fiesta is not a dress-up affair,” Becker said. “It costs $75 per person and it’s a casual, local event held at a time when everyone is getting tired of wearing tuxes. We’re honoring Jaene Miranda of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce. She has been very sweet about doing things for New Hope.” When 17-year-old singer and actress Jojo was headlining the chamber’s WestFest

event last year, Miranda arranged to fly her out to the family center and meet the kids, Becker explained. “Jojo talked about the importance of education and how, even though she’s a singer and has done movies, she’s applying to college no matter where her career takes her,” she said. “And the kids all got tickets to WestFest.” Becker said she hopes the fiesta will generate more awareness of New Hope Charities and more support. “Many people don’t realize that just 20 minutes from beautiful Wellington there is a city considered one of the poorest in the nation,” she said. “The beauty here is that it literally is neighbors helping neighbors.” For more information about New Hope Charities, or for tickets to the Feb. 21 Wellington Fiesta, call (561) 924-7986.

(Above) A New Hope student enjoys arts and crafts time.

photo by Tony arruza

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(Left) The after-school program includes free transportation.

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(Above) As viewed from the front entry, the dining room space maintains a classic setting. A Reef Bay table and sideboard are complemented by woven water hyacinth chairs. The equestrian art throughout the home was brought from the couple’s Pennsylvania home, plus items from True Treasures and Decorators Resource.

ELLINGTON at Home

STORY BY JANN SEAL PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

Horses Come First For Carolyn & Mike Desfor As They Settle Into Their New Wellington Winter Home ellington is far removed from Chester Springs, Pennsylvania both in geography and climate. For many years, Carolyn Desfor and her husband Mike traveled south from their 46-acre Desfor Farms in Chester Springs so Carolyn could compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival, and it reached a point where renting accommodations had gotten old. Last April, they visited over 50 properties in Wellington in their search for a permanent winter base, and when they saw a home on Belmont Trace, and especially the property, they were convinced that the move was “in the stars.”

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(Left) Mike and Carolyn Desfor with Rapid Fire, a champion in the Children’s Jumper Division.

Opening up the dining room and dual-purposing the space created an airy backdrop for the contrasting bold furniture. The contrast continues with a light tile and A large leather sofa anchors thefloor family restaining of room and provides thethe base from which all designed. the wood on the adjacent rooms were the ceilingtasteful and The Desfors prefer conservative, furnishings and colors the withtrim. classic lines.

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(Left) The office is an ideal location to meet with clients or view tapes of equestrian competitions. It gives the at-home equestrian business a professional surrounding.

Carolyn, who competes on the professional level and was a Grand Prix winner in 2003, also trains amateurs and juniors for hunter, jumper and equitation events. Hence, they needed a location where horses could board and train, and clients could stay while in Wellington for the competitions. “For us, it’s all about the horses,” Mike laughed. And to tour their property, you would understand. The beauty of their current location is that their partners’ home is located next door, and both can share the numerous rings that are situated between the homes and the stables. “We love the Winter Equestrian Festival so much that renting a home was no longer viable,” Carolyn explained. Carolyn lives in Wellington from December through April while Mike commutes back and forth from Pennsylvania. “We wanted a premium location in Wellington, since Wellington itself is premium,” she said. “We can compete against the world here, so there is nowhere else for a rider to be during the winter.”

(Below left) Ribbons abound, indicating show-grounds success! (Below right) Equestrian-themed accessories are evident throughout the home, yet do not dominate the décor.

The Desfors are shoppers. Not only did they look at every home on the market prior to making a purchase, but they also went to every furniture store in the area before settling on Bassett Furniture in Wellington. “Other stores scared us,” Carolyn recalled. “The salespeople hovered and followed us around.”

Carolyn wanted comfort, a place to come back to, relax in, entertain and do business in. While our contractor Mark Miles attended to the exterior changes, we had Peter [Glickman] overseeing the interior. We knew we could leave the area during the summer and feel comfortable that our home was in good hands, both inside and out. Mike Desfor 88 FEBRUARY 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

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But meeting Bassett lead designer Peter Glickman put an end to their search. “Peter said he’d make our lives easy by putting it all together for us — and he did,” Mike said. The Desfors fell in love with the flagstone fireplace that greets visitors as they come through the front door of the house, originally built by Vista Homes. “There are so many touches in this house that give us that ‘up north’ feeling,” Carolyn said. “And the fireplace, open on three sides, is one of them.” Brazilian cherry hardwood floors, chair railings and dark wood cabinetry in the open kitchen are just a few of the features that impressed the Desfors. But things needed to be done before the couple could actually make the house their winter home. Most of the changes to the property were exterior: a slab and overhang extending from the pool to accommodate a summer kitchen and provide a viewing area for those watching the riders nearby, adding four stalls to the barn, a complete overhaul of the jumping field, and the addition of fences and landscaping. But inside was where the couple and their guests would be living, and that needed attention as well. “Carolyn wanted comfort, a place to come back to, relax in, entertain and do business in,” Mike explained. “While our contractor Mark Miles attended to the exterior changes, we had Peter overseeing the interior. We knew we could leave the area during the summer and feel comfortable that our home was in good hands, both inside and out.”

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Naturally, the décor was influenced by the equestrian theme. “Our clients like the familiarity of our home,” Carolyn said. “They fly in from far away on the weekends, and it’s like coming home to them. We have a lot of teenagers and their parents, and the house and the décor fit them perfectly.”

Classic and comfortable was the look Glickman tried to achieve on the interior. The couple wanted a casual elegance in a scale and proportion that would fit the existing rooms. Exacting measurements were taken prior to the Desfors actually sitting down and selecting their pieces, but once the shopping started, the home was furnished on paper in less than six hours. Keeping within budget and on time characterize Glickman’s detail-oriented approach, and he found the Desfors extremely easy to work with. Settling on the right colors, the mix of furnishings and the flow from room to room was the initial challenge, but once they were set, the rest was painless. The couple set a color theme of browns, golds and greens, and the largest piece, a leather sectional sofa in the family room, The view through the breakfast room encompasses the lush jumping field. New plantings will soon give the field a “finished” appearance.

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While the formal living room is basically unused, Carolyn hopes to convert it into her office/library. A secretary has been ordered, and by the end of the season Bassett’s Peter Glickman will be adding antique chairs, lending a feminine look to the space.

was actually the most difficult choice they made. “Mike wanted fabric, and I wanted leather,” Carolyn laughed, recalling their backand-forth discussions about it. “I had to keep reminding him that we’d be coming into the house directly from the barns and the ring, that our pants would be ‘horsey’ and our boots dirty, and that teenagers would be staying in the house, and they’re not particularly careful about where they sit or what they bring in with them from the outside, and our two dogs would be making themselves comfortable whether we were looking or not.” Their choices kept bringing them back to the leather sectional, and that’s what anchors their family room today.

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Once the brown leather was chosen, they added conservative, tasteful classic fur-

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nishings and colors to play off the large sectional. They fell in love with four kitchen chairs that just happened to have been discontinued. “Those chairs were our favorite things that we saw in the store,” Mike said. Glickman went on a quest, and within weeks had located the chairs in locations across the United States. Made of cured rattan frames with water hyacinth caning, the four dinette chairs are complemented by adjacent barstools. While the furnishings are now in and the house bustles with a full schedule of owners and guests, there is still some work to do. Landscaping was being added as we met, and LV Superior Landscaping not only planted the flowerbeds, but installed bougainvillea arches in the jumping field and the hedges surrounding it. “We’ve enjoyed working with everyone who has come onto our property these past few months,” Mike said as we walked across the lawn toward the barn to meet the stars of this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival. “It has been a pleasure and made our winter relocation all the more comfortable. Of course, you can’t beat the weather, either!” (Opposite) Both Mike and Carolyn enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of their Belmont Trace residence and are thrilled with the rapid progress of the renovations to their home. (Below) Watching the action from his newly painted stall, Marcus the Warmblood keeps watch over the property!

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Red Cross Polo Luncheon Returns On March 1 POLO JOINS WITH PHILANTHROPY AS THE GREATER PALM BEACH AREA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS CELEBRATES ITS 19TH ANNUAL POLO LUNCHEON AND AUCTION ON SUNDAY, MARCH 1 AT 11:30 A.M. This spectacular event, held at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, is always a highlight of the Palm Beach social season. Known for attracting prominent politicos, A-list celebrities, world-class socialites and the world’s top polo players, the Red Cross polo brunch is an event not to be missed. Beginning with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, the event will then feature a silent auction boasting a collection of spectacular and unique international items such as exotic vacations and priceless jewels. Following the silent auction, guests will enter the main tent for a grand brunch, live entertainment and live auction featuring more extraordinary items, including luxury yachting excursions and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. All proceeds will benefit the Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Veranda VIP seating is available. For ticket pricing and more information, call (561) 833-7711 or visit www. redcross-pbc.org. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

Wellington Table

NEW SEASON, NEW MENU AT THE PLAYERS CLUB

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STORY BY COURTNEY WATSON PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

et against the backdrop of sprawling green polo fields in the heart of Wellington, the Players Club is a longtime favorite of many local and seasonal residents. The upscale eatery offers superb dining built upon a nouveau American menu that features both classic dishes and gourmet fare made from the finest ingredients. Although the Players Club offers all the ambiance patrons expect from a restaurant of its caliber, the combination of incredible cuisine and a supper-club atmosphere create a distinctive dining experience. Our evening began at an intimate table in the club’s downstairs dining room, where we were greeted with a golden basket of artisan breads. In the early evening, the restaurant was quiet and serene, the perfect setting for a romantic dinner or a meal with close friends. All around, conversation flowed as fellow patrons took in the fine fare, excellent drinks and unmatchable atmosphere both inside and out on the newly renovated patio. There are several different areas in which one can dine at the Players Club. Those looking for a little more action will be at home in the upstairs piano bar, where the party has been known to rage until the wee hours, or in the comfortable bar adjacent to the dining room. The downstairs room at the Players Club sets a tranquil mood that permeates the entire restaurant. Ensconced in yards of fine white linen and bathed in candlelight, the large room is the epitome of understated class and elegance.

(Above) Executive Chef Charles Campbell holds court in the kitchen and dining rooms at the Players Club. (Below) The blackened yellowfin tuna entrée makes for a dramatic presentation with the Creole black bean and rice cake, asparagus and cilantro lime aioli. The seared ahi tuna stack is in the background.

With rich wooden furnishings and spectacular views of lush landscaping and foliage, the dining room immediately sets high expectations for the quality of the meal. Luckily, the Players Club doesn’t disappoint. (Left) The Players Club offers diners dramatic views to accompany the restaurant’s food. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

(Above) The seafood cioppino linguini features Maine lobster, shrimp, mussels and fresh fish over a bed of linguini. It is one of the exciting new additions to the Players Club menu. (Below) The Maine lobster cocktail appetizer also joins the menu this season. (Bottom right) The chocolate lava cake features a warm molten chocolate center and is topped with chocolate ice cream.

The first appetizer brought to our table was a dazzling seared ahi tuna. Its presentation paled only in comparison to its vibrant taste. The beautifully seared tuna with its rich pink center was layered between crispy wontons that provided texture and added depth of flavor to the dish. A bed of crisp Asian slaw further enhanced the taste of the appetizer, as well as adding eye-popping visual appeal to the tasty starter. The stack of seared ahi tuna is not the only amazing seafood appetizer on the menu. Another wonderful choice is the Maine lobster cocktail, which tastes even better than it looks. Featuring large pieces of sweet Maine lobster, the dish is cleverly served in a large martini glass. The inventive presentation made the experience of tasting all the more delectable. With the appetizers thoroughly enjoyed and cleared away, it was time to move on to the main courses. One of the more exciting additions to the winter menu at the Players Club is the seafood cioppino linguini. A palate-tingling fusion of Maine lobster, shrimp, mussels and fresh fish, the dish is sure to be an instant favorite for seafood lovers. Served over a bed of linguini, the seafood cioppino offers an appealing combination of delicate seafood flavors that are naturally complemented by robust Italian ingredients for an overall effect that will wow even the most discerning critic.

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All menu items served at the Players Club are the creations of Executive Chef Charles Campbell, whose culinary philosophy is rooted in the belief that simple, fresh, highquality ingredients prepared with thought and care are the true superstars of any meal. It is with that philosophy that Campbell creates each season’s new menu. The current menu features a bounty of fresh seafood choices served in a variety of ways, all as appealing to the eye as they are tantalizing to the taste buds.

Another new dish not to be missed is the blackened yellowfin tuna. With two pieces of expertly seared tuna pointing skyward like a trident rising from the sea, served alongside a Creole black bean and rice cake, the blackened yellowfin tuna was the evening’s most aesthetically spectacular dish. Vibrant green asparagus and a touch of tart cilantro lime aioli added an extra bit of drama and flair to the plate. While the Players Club has rolled out a new menu for the winter season, regulars will still find plenty of their old favorites on order. In addition to classic steaks, chicken and lamb dishes, the Players Club

continues to offer its most popular soups, salads and side orders. Patrons will still find many excellent mainstays on the winter menu, with the added bonus of terrific seafood fare. And of course, one thing never to be missed at the Players Club is dessert. My companions and I were delighted to feast our eyes on two absolutely phenomenal desserts that were as stunning as they were delicious. Set atop a dreamy lattice of caramel was a thick slice of rich carrot cake topped with white cream cheese frosting and a liberal splash of caramel sauce. The nutty cake had a comforting, homemade aroma made even better with strawberries, blueberries and a large dollop of whipped cream. We were also dazzled by the Players Clubâ€™s signature chocolate lava cake, which features a warm molten chocolate center and is topped with chocolate ice cream. Like every other dish served at the Players Club, it tastes even better than it looks! The Players Club is located at 13410 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-0080 or visit www. playersclubrestaurant.com.

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Wellington Dining Guide Social Scene Enjoy the ocean’s freshest, most succulent seafood and mouthwatering cuts of beef at Wellington’s hottest new culinary gem, Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille. One nibble and you’ll be hooked! Open Tuesday through Sunday for lunch and dinner. For full menu, visit www.bacalaoseafoodgrille.com or call (561) 753-2836 for more info. Backstreets Neighborhood Bar & Grill serves the finest seafood, steaks, salads, burgers and pizzas as well as daily specials. Stop by on Sunday for a 14-ounce prime rib dinner. Backstreets is located in the Wellington Plaza and is open for lunch and dinner. Call (561) 795-0100 for info. Black Canyon Grill is an American-style restaurant with a Southwestern flair. The open grill kitchen allows diners to see their food being prepared with the finest ingredients. The full bar features specialty margaritas and the house’s famous 42-ounce Black Canyon Margarita. Located at 12041 Southern Blvd. near Albertson’s at the corner of Southern and Crestwood boulevards. For more info., call (561) 296-1147. Café Las Palmas, located at 7750 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach, has an international menu with a focus on Cuban and Colombian cuisine. It is open for lunch and dinner, and features live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. For more info., call (561) 697-1786. Campagnolo Italian Restaurant offers a taste of New York’s Little Italy in Wellington. In the Marketplace at Wycliffe, Campagnolo serves family-style Italian cuisine with huge portions meant to share. For an appetizer, try the stuffed artichokes or mussel soup. For an entree, try the chicken Campagnolo, veal pizzaiola or penne con broccoli rabe. Located at 4115 State Road 7, it is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. For more info., call (561) 434-9427. Caribbean Choice Bakery & Restaurant has opened its third location at 955 Sansbury Way featuring roti and wraps, patties and delicacies made with fresh, traditional ingredients. Enjoy authentic dishes such as oxtail, curry goat, jerk chicken, escoveitch fish and more. You don’t have to leave Palm Beach County to get a taste of the islands! For more info., call (561) 784-3737 or visit www.caribbeanchoicebakery.com. Chez Porky’s BBQ & Louisiana Kitchen recently opened near Fresh Market in Wellington Green Square at 10610 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Enjoy great food and a full wine and liquor bar surrounded by flatscreen TVs broadcasting sporting events. For more info., call (561) 333-7199. Centanni Café & Restaurant in Royal Palm Beach serves up delicious Italian dishes cooked to order. It is located at the corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. near Kmart. Call (561) 792-7677 for info. The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach has added a hip new element to its 60-year tradition of offering the finest steaks and ribs with the Polo Steakhouse. For “ladies that lunch” there is a lighter menu, and now the hotel proudly introduces the Palm Court Al Fresco with lounge seating and billowing curtains in a lush garden setting. Open for breakfast, weekend brunch, lunch and dinner. Located at 155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach, call (561) 655-5430 for more info.

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Field of Greens, located at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Pointe at Wellington Green, serves some of the freshest and healthiest food in town. It is a quick, contemporary restaurant specializing in salads and sandwiches. Enjoy customized salads with home-

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Shingo’s

Authentic Japanese Restaurant

(561) 963-5050 (Located in the Woods Walk Plaza) 9859-19 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, FL 33467 Business Hours 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (Tues-Fri) 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. (Tues-Sun) Closed on Mondays

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Wellington Dining Guide Social Scene made dressings, as well as signature salads and wraps. For more info., call (561) 795-4345. Gabriel’s Cafe & Grille is Wellington’s oldest restaurant. Serving breakfast and lunch, Gabriel’s is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily in the Wellington Plaza at the intersection of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. For more info., call (561) 793-0675. Drop by the Gypsy’s Horse Irish Pub & Restaurant and relax in a warm, traditional Irish setting complete with oak-barrel tables and a full bar with many types of beer flowing from the tap. Regular live entertainment is offered. The Gypsy’s Horse is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Call (561) 333-3700 for more info. Ironwood Grille, located in the PGA National Resort & Spa, is now open to the public providing an amazing new contemporary American dining experience. The heart of the menu is a tempting list of steaks and fresh seafood. Guests will find room for private dining and a wine room featuring a floor-to-ceiling collection of 2,000 bottles. For reservations, call (561) 227-2681 or visit www.ironwoodgrille.com. When you are planning an outing to the Isle Casino Pompano Park, make sure to include a first-class dining experience. Start out with a specialty themed buffet or a meal at Farraddays’ Steakhouse, where the bar features live jazz every Friday and Saturday night. For more info., visit www.theislepompano park.com or call (877) ISLE-2WIN. The Isle Casino is located at 777 Isle of Capri Circle off Powerline Road, south of Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar is located in the Courtyard Shops of Wellington at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. Steaks and seafood are featured, prepared with a Euro-Asian fusion flair. Enjoy the full sushi bar and a glass or bottle of wine from a large and varied list. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more info., call (561) 296-0404. La Fogata Restaurant serves delicious Mexican cuisine. The restaurant, located in Wellington Town Square at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., features a tequila bar. Call (561) 422-1641 for info. Lutina’s Pizza serves up New York-style Italian cuisine in a casual atmosphere located in the Shoppes at Chancellor, 12020 South Shore Blvd., Wellington. Call (561) 422-2929 for info. Family owned and operated, Mamma Mia’s Trattoria has served South Florida since 1983. Huge portions; open for lunch and dinner; featuring New York style brick oven pizza; specializing in fresh seafood, oakwood-grilled lamb chops, slow-roasted ossobuco and frutti di mare. Mamma Mia is located at 8855 Hypoluxo Road at Lyons Road. Call (561) 963-9565 for more info. Fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience at The Melting Pot, where patrons can dip into something different and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience. The Melting Pot, located at 3044 S. Military Trail in Lake Worth, features a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners. It’s a little different, and a lot of fun. For more info., call (561) 967-1009.

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Nature’s Table Café is located in the Wellington Marketplace and offers a wholesome menu featuring hearty soups, specialty salads, gourmet wraps,

signature sandwiches and fruit yogurt shakes. Free Wi-Fi access is available, as well as online ordering. For more info., visit www.ntcwellington.com or call (561) 383-8343. Continental cuisine, steaks and seafood are on order at Nicole’s Village Tavern, conveniently located at 12300 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. Visit Wednesday night for their prime rib dinner special. For more info., call (561) 793-3456 or visit www.nicoles villagetavern.com. 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 information. Got a craving? Master Chef Shingo at Shingo’s Authentic Japanese Restaurant can satisfy that craving with so many sashimi and sushi varieties, you could never taste them all! Try them a la carte or in combo platters. The restaurant also features many other Japanese specialties. Shingo’s is located in the Woods Walk Plaza at the corner of Lake Worth Road and State Road 7. For more info., call (561) 963-5050. Stonewood Grill & Tavern in the Pointe at Wellington Green serves up exciting flavors in a casually sophisticated setting. The gourmet American fare features delicious entrees with the perfect wines to accompany. Call (561) 784-9796 or visit www.stonewoodgrill. com for more info. A family tradition since 1905, Strathmore Bagels is located in the Marketplace at Wycliffe at the corner of State Road 7 and Lake Worth Road. For more info., call (561) 357-0044. Too Bizaare Café wine, sushi bar and gallery in Jupiter has a varied menu and wine list. There are a variety of tapas, and the sushi bar features various sushi and sashimi as well as classic and hand rolls. Specialty dishes include pastas, seafood and chicken dishes. Too Bizaare Café is located at 287 E. Indiantown Road. For more info., call (561) 745-1032 or visit www.toobizaare.com. Drop by TooJay’s Original Gourmet Deli in the Mall at Wellington Green, one of 25 locations in Florida, for lunch or dinner and try their award-winning cuisine. For more info., call (561) 784-9055 or visit www. toojays.com. Trees Wings & Ribs is located at 603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Royal Plaza. Eat in or pick up your order of signature wings, ribs, chicken and more. Tree’s also delivers mouthwatering menu items, and caters events and parties. Visit www.treeswingsand ribs.com or call (561) 791-1535 for more info. Tub Tim Thai Restaurant in the Marketplace at Wycliffe features authentic Thai cuisine and decor. Thai dishes made with fresh seafood, juicy duck and authentic ingredients are prepared for you to enjoy. For more info., call (561) 641-5550 or visit Tub Tim at 4095 State Road 7 at Lake Worth Road. Zensai Asian Grill & Sushi Bar features Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine offering something for everyone. Sushi is made fresh to order daily in an upscale, soothing atmosphere. The restaurant is located at 10233 Okeechobee Blvd. in the Super Target shopping center. Call (561) 795-8882 or visit www. zensairestaurant.com for more info. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARy 2009

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Wellington Calendar Wednesday, Feb. 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its Discover the World Book Discussion Series for adults Wednesday, Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. Thursday, Feb. 5 • The Wellington Women’s Club invites the public to attend a dinner meeting on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. The special guest will be internationally known public speaker Paul Martinelli, business partner of Bob Proctor, a philosopher and one of the main instructors in the popular DVD The Secret. The guest fee is $30 and includes a full dinner and the program. RSVP to Mair Armand at (561) 635-0011 or mair@armandpest.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Teen Writing Workshop for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Feb. 5 at 6:30 p.m. Crissa-Jean Chappell, author of Total Constant Order, will offer writing advice and answer questions. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, Feb. 6 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Science Club: Matters of the Heart” on Fridays, Feb. 6 and 13 at 3:30 p.m. for ages eight and up. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, take a look at the heart and the role it plays. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register. • The Equestrian Idol Talent Show & Bash to benefit the Equus Foundation will be held on Friday, Feb. 6 in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The event is a casual evening of feasting and revelry with cocktails, dinner, a live auction and a musical talent show performed by multitalented equestrians. For more info., call (203) 259-1550.

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saTurday, Feb. 7 • Wellington High School Boys Soccer Team has partnered with the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington) for a golf tournament on Saturday, Feb. 7. The scramble-format tourney begins with a 1 p.m. shotgun start, with dinner and raffles to follow — all for just $100 per golfer. Binks will throw in a second round for free. For more info., call Michael Bach at (561) 4203461 or Jo-Ann DiLallo at (561) 791-7742. • Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and girls between the ages of five and 14 are invited to take part in Wellington’s Annual Father-Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Village Park gymnasium (11700 Pierson Road). Tickets cost $50 per resident couple and $62.50 per non-resident couple. Additional single tickets will be sold at $20 per resident and $25 per nonresident. For more info., call (561) 791-4005. • The Stars Ball 2009 will be held at the Binks Forest Golf Club on Saturday, Feb. 7 starting at 6 p.m. to benefit Little Smiles, a charitable organization that strives to fulfill the dreams of children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters. At the Stars Ball, a handful of these “little stars” arrive by limousine for a simulated “Oscar night.” As the stars enjoy their own private party, guests enjoy an evening of dining and dancing. To sponsor or attend, call (561) 383-7274 or visit www.littlesmiles.org.

Sunday, Feb. 8 • A golf tournament to benefit the Wellington High School Baseball Program will be held Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). Registration will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a putting contest and raffle. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. A barbecue dinner and awards presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. Early registration is $110 per player or $125 per player on the day of the event. The registration fee includes green fees, a golf cart, beverages, a gift bag, buffet dinner and a replay ticket. For more info., call (561) 795-6744. Monday, Feb. 9 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon on Monday, Feb. 9 at 11:45 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12165 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) Tickets are $15 for members and $25 for non-members. For more info., contact Anitra Harmon at (561) 790-6200 or anitra@palmswest.com. TueSday, Feb. 10 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Teen Cooking Demonstration on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Local chef Justin Basta will demonstrate how to make a Valentine’s Day meal to impress your date or your mom. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Wine Workshop for adults on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 6:30 p.m. Bob Burchill, “the Wine Guy,” will discuss choosing and enjoying wines. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. For more info., call (561) 7914000. WedneSday, Feb. 11 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Meet the Author: Tim Dorsey” for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. Meet the bestselling author of Nuclear Jellyfish, the just-released title in the Serge A. Storms series. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register. ThurSday, Feb. 12 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a Teen Advisory Group meeting on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Join other teens for conversation, good ideas and snacks provided by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Pizza & Pages: The Gospel According to Larry” for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Can Josh keep his Internet celebrity alter-ego Larry a secret for much longer? Copies of Janet Tashjian’s book will be available at the children’s desk. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will hold its 2009 Equestrian of the Year Cocktail Party on Thursday, Feb. 12 at Grant Farms in Wellington. A $100 minimum donation will be accepted for entry. For more info., call campaign coordinator Melissa Mulvihill at (561) 775-9954 or event chair Mary Ann Grant at (561) 301-5817. WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY 2009

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Wellington Calendar Friday, Feb. 13 • The Palm Beach Jewelry, Art & Antique Show will be held at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) Friday, Feb. 13 to Tuesday, Feb. 17. Call (561) 8225440 or visit www.palmbeachshow.com for info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold a “Heartfelt Valentine” class for ages two to four on Friday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m. Create your own special Valentine’s Day cards inspired by heartfelt stories. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Saturday, Feb. 14 • Michelob Ultra, sponsored by former highgoal patron Adolphus A. Busch IV, will play EFG Bank in the 2009 Outback 40-goal Challenge on Saturday, Feb. 14 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Proceeds from the gate, a VIP dinner, and silent and live auctions will benefit the Polo Players Support Group. For more info., visit www.internationalpoloclub.com. Monday, Feb. 16 • Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops will present “The Great Ladies of Swing: Ella Fitzgerald, Peggy Lee, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn” on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 16 and 17 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) featuring Dee Daniels. For info., visit www.palmbeachpops. org or call (561) 832-7677. tueSday, Feb. 17 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Anime Grab Bag for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. Get a sneak peek at some of the coolest new anime titles. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. WedneSday, Feb. 18 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After Hours Networking event on Wednesday, Feb. 18 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Motor City Car Wash (135 S. State Road 7, Royal Palm Beach). For more info., contact Catherine Engle at (561) 790-6200 or catherine@palmswest.com. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold Socrates Café for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion on thought-provoking topics, led by physicist Marji Chapman. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

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thurSday, Feb. 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold “Artist Series: Complete the Picture” on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 3:30 p.m. for ages seven and up. The pictures are incomplete; guests will use their drawing skills to fill in the missing pieces. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The 2009 polo season will continue Thursday, Feb. 19 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the start of the 26-goal C.V. Whitney Cup. Tournament play will continue until Sunday, March 8. The International Polo Club is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For tickets, brunch reservations or more information, call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpolo club.com.

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Wellington Calendar Friday, Feb. 20 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature its Discover the World Book Discussion Series for adults on Friday, Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. Barbara Harnick will lead a discussion of Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace… One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. Call (561) 790-6070 for info. • The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center will host its 23rd Annual Benefit Auction “Strides of Hope” on Friday, Feb. 20 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For more info., call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.com. Tuesday, Feb. 24 • The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. For info., call (561) 791-4000. Wednesday, Feb. 25 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will hold its “Poetry Discussion Series” for adults on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. Engage in a provocative discussion of several published poems. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, Feb. 27 • The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington will host the Nations Cup on Friday, Feb. 27. The Federation Equestre International Nations Cup Series is the oldest and most prestigious team show jumping competition in the world. Like the Olympics and the World Equestrian Championships, it is a competition in which official national teams compete against each other. Call (561) 793-5867 or visit www. equestriansport.com for more info. • Palm Beach Opera will present Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) Friday, Feb. 27 through Monday, March 2. Call (561) 833-7888 or go to www.kravis.org for more info. saTurday, Feb. 28 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!” on Saturday, Feb. 28 at 10:15 and 11:15 a.m. for ages two and up. The event will include stories and activities in honor of Dr. Seuss’ birthday. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Your Bosom Buddies II will host its 2009 Pink Ribbon Gala on Saturday, Feb. 28 at Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington. It will be an evening of elegant dining, music by the Fabulons and a silent auction. All proceeds will go to the fight against breast cancer. Tickets are $100 per person. For more info., call (561) 422-6034 or visit www.yourbosombuddiesii.org.

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sunday, March 1 • The 19th Annual Red Cross Polo Luncheon & Auction, hosted by the American Red Cross Greater Palm Beach Area Chapter, will be held on Sunday, March 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. Enjoy a fabulous lunch, world-class polo, and silent and live auctions to benefit the Red Cross. Tickets cost $250 per person. For more info., call (561) 833-7711 or visit www.redcross-pbc.org.

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Around Wellington

Chamber Breaks Ground On New Building — The Palms West Chamber of Commerce held a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday, Jan. 17 on a new, permanent chamber office building in Loxahatchee Groves. The chamber has been operating for 14 years in a portable, modular building on the site in Loxahatchee Groves Park where the new building will be built. The new building will expand the chamber’s floor space from 2,600 to 4,000 square feet. Much of the increase in size is due to the incorporation of a 1,000-square-foot conference room and a smaller executive conference room, key features that will be available for use by community groups. PHOTO BY CAROL PORTER

Young Poets — Area children recently discovered a love of poetry during a four-week session at the Wellington library. During the first class in early December, children read numerous poems and selected their favorite ones to recite from memory. The children created imaginative props without grownup help using a table full of craft supplies during the second and third classes. The final class on Dec. 29 meant dress rehearsal and delivery instructions for that evening’s recital. In all, 13 children ages six to 12 bravely faced a full room of families and friends who rewarded them with cheers and applause. PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER

(Above) Aihber Khan recites the poem “Being Lost.” (Below) Elliott and Hannah Trzasko display their poetry props.

Children’s Hospital At Palms West — Palms West Hospital unveiled a new sign in December to mark its pediatric facilities as the Children’s Hospital at Palms West. Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng said that the hospital has worked hard in the last few years to develop a facility delivering first-rate pediatric services. “The only thing missing was a name and separate distinction of being a children’s hospital,” he said. Shown here, doctors Larry Bergman, Ira Stein and Alberto Marante unveil the new sign. PHOTO BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER 110 FEBRUARY 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE