Wellington The Magazine March 2009

March 2009

Nicolas Roldan

Home-Grown Polo Star

Gene Mische: A Lasting Legacy Good Food, Great Gaming At Isle Casino Wellington Hot-Rodder Dave Richards The Eclectic Flavors Of Kontiki

contents

MArCH 2009

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departments WELLINGTON SOCIAL SCENE

18

Boy Scouts Honor Wellington regional’s Kevin DiLallo

20

‘Little Stars’ Steal The Show At Little Smiles’ Stars Ball

22

USET Foundation Honors Olympians, Special Award Winners

25

JustWorld’s Dinner At Belle Herbe Farm A Huge Success

26

Jen White Kane Crowned Equestrian Idol At Equus Benefit

74 WELLINGTON AT HOME Karen Hardin’s eclectic taste in art comes to life in her Stonehaven home. After years of gathering unique items from around the world, Hardin’s home offers a showcase for her collection. BY DEBOrAH WELKY

84 WELLINGTON TABLE Kontiki Wine & raw Bar, a new Euro-Asian fusion restaurant open in Wellington’s Courtyard Shops, offers everything from sushi to ossobuco — and does so extremely well.

BY JANN SEAL

34 WELLINGTON WATCH 88 WELLINGTON DINING GUIDE 92 WELLINGTON CALENDAr 98 ArOUND WELLINGTON ON THE COVER Eight-goal polo player Nicolas roldan with Ventura at Pony Express Farm.

Hair/makeup by Lisa Michele Winters.

PHOTO BY BILL BArBOSA/ PHOTO DESIGNS INC.

features 36 A HOME-GrOWN POLO STAr When 1,200 elementary students showed up at the International Polo Club in January, one of those on hand to offer a demonstration was world-famous eight-goaler Nicolas roldan, who not much more than a decade ago was attending Palm Beach County schools, but now finds himself on the other side of the field trip.

BY DEBOrAH WELKY

44 AN ExPErT IN EqUINE LAW If you’ve got a horse, you need a good horse lawyer. Henry Portner specializes in equine law, equine litigation and equine taxation as the partner in charge of Equine Legal resources, a law firm based in Palm Beach County with offices throughout the country.

BY MArY HILTON

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

BY KENNETH KrAUS

58 GrEAT GAMING, GOOD FOOD Wellington’s Michael Bloom, general manager of the Isle Casino & racing at Pompano Park, invites you to try your luck… and be sure to stay for dinner.

BY DEBOrAH WELKY

62 ZErO TO 300 IN FIVE SECONDS Wellington resident Dave richards spends a good deal of his free time pursuing a different kind of horse interest: horsepower. The nitromethane-powered funny car dragster he co-owns with his brother is speeding up the International Hot rod Association rankings.

BY rON BUKLEY

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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Wellington The Magazine

A MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER

Great Polo Players Make It Look Easy... volume

6, number 3 | March 2009 publisher

Lew Blatte executive editor

Joshua Manning marketing director

Dawn Rivera creative director

Amy Panzer office manager

Vickye Polizzi circulation coordinator

Betty Buglio

Polo is not an easy sport to master. While the top players who grace Wellington’s many polo fields make the game look easy, it requires a complex horse-and-rider relationship, amazing muscle power, razor-sharp aim and near-perfect timing. Don’t look for me on a polo pony… I assure you, I can only be found on the sidelines. However, there’s a growing legion of home-grown Wellington polo players.

Among the best of this native generation is Nicolas Roldan. Just 26 years old, Roldan has already earned an eight-goal rating and aims to be one of the select few to attain polo’s coveted ten-goal status. As Wellington gets ready to once again host the United States Polo Association’s U.S. Open, we caught up with Roldan for a chat.

account managers

Erica Blatte Nicola Rogers Lisa Stolz 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

Stadium Jumping founder Gene Mische, profiled in this issue, is one of the key figures who put Wellington on the equestrian map. While Mische no longer runs the Winter Equestrian Festival, he is still active promoting horse shows around the country — and he remains proud of the mark he left on our community. There are hundreds of fascinating people who make Wellington home, and among them is equine law expert Henry Portner, also featured this month. His firm Equine Legal Resources is national in scope, but Portner loves the time he spends in this tropical equestrian paradise.

If you’re looking for an entertaining day trip, plan a visit to the Isle Casino at Pompano Park. Famous for harness racing, Pompano Park now offers so much more.

In this issue, we interview Wellington resident Michael Bloom, general manager of the Isle Casino, about the growing entertainment complex. Meanwhile, Wellington resident Dave Richards gambles every time he gets behind the wheel. Richards coowns and often drives a competition-class dragster that goes from zero to 300 mph in about five seconds. Wellington The Magazine chats with Dave and his brother Paul about their hot-rod dreams.

Wellington at Home visits the Stonehaven estate of my good friend Karen Hardin, who uses her residence to showcase the art she has collected from around the world.

Wellington Table samples the eclectic fare at Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar, a new EuroAsian fusion restaurant now open in Wellington. All this, and more, in the March issue of Wellington The Magazine.

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 March 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Publisher

Wellington Advertiser List Advertiser Page Acts 2 Worship Center ................................................49 Advanced Medical, P.A. ...............................................55 American Heritage School .........................................28 American Top Team-Wellington ................................. 81 Ankle & Foot Centre of South Florida ....................... 96 Arbonne, Nora Clemens.............................................97 Armand Professional Services ...................................79 Armory Art Center.......................................................48 Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy ................................48 Bacalao Tapas & Seafood Grille ................................. 87 Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon ............................................68 Bainbridge Companies ............................................... 10 Bank Atlantic Center/Florida Panthers ......................39 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction ....................... 16 Binks Forest Golf Club................................................50 Blue Horizon Jets........................................................ 95 Braman BMW ............................................................ 99 Café Las Palmas...........................................................31 Cambridge School ...................................................... 77 Camp Fusion ...............................................................70 Chez Porky’s ............................................................... 87 Children’s Dental Place .............................................. 53 Claudia Diesti .............................................................92 Colony Hotel ............................................................... 91 Dance Unlimited.........................................................68 Denny’s Kids .................................................................8 Designer’s Touch Jewelry ...........................................47 DJ Computers ............................................................ 90 Dolce Dental ...............................................................64 Doll Factory ................................................................. 73 Doubletree Hotel ........................................................ 32 Dr. Jane Bistline ..........................................................26 Dr. Richard Hays ....................................................... 96 Eclipse Day Spa ...........................................................55 Eisenman & Eisenman, MDs .................................... 96 Equestrianrentals.com ............................................... 54 Equine Legal Resources ............................................. 72 Euro Experts................................................................93 European Day Spa .......................................................15 Fit 2 Run......................................................................24 Florida Public Utilities ............................................... 40 GP Wellness ................................................................97

Grayhills & Mohip Dental ..........................................67 Hair Spray the Salon.................................................. 69 Heath Evans Foundation ............................................ 91 Hi Lites Hair Studio....................................................67 Ideal Elementary School/Dream Middle School .........4 Illustrated Properties, Boardwalk Group .....................7 Illustrated Properties, Crowe Team ............................ 25 Insurance for You........................................................97 International Polo Club Palm Beach .......................... 27 Isle Casino..................................................................... 5 J. Douglas Jewelers ..................................................... 41 JAW Construction .......................................................97 Jose Rojas, Stylist........................................................ 71 Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar ............................................. 43 La Fogata Mexican Cuisine ....................................... 90 La Hacienda Show Stables .........................................46 Learning Express ........................................................49 Mamma Mia’s Trattoria..............................................89 Max & Erma’s Restaurant .......................................... 72 McDermott & Associates ........................................... 61 My Suit Girl ................................................................. 95 Nature’s Bouquet Florist ............................................ 57 Nature’s Table Café.......................................................6 Ncognito Fitness ........................................................79 Network Funding ........................................................70 Nicole’s Village Tavern ...............................................88 O’Dell Inc. .................................................................. 56 Pain & Rehab Physicians of Palm Beach ................... 61 Palm Beach Day Academy .......................................... 71 Palm Beach Psychological Associates ...................... 96 Palms MRI Imaging Center ........................................ 83 Paymaster ...................................................................97 Perfect Smile Dentistry ............................................... 35 PGA National .............................................................. 23 Photo Designs ............................................................82 Pilates Rocks ............................................................... 17 Plastic Surgery of Palm Beach/Spa Zen .................... 21 Players Club ..................................................................9 Regency Party Rentals ................................................89 Robert R. Morris, Attorney at Law..............................94 Roderick C. Moe, CPA ................................................ 95 Rosarian Academy ...................................................... 78

Royal Inn ....................................................................... 3 Royal Palm Auto Spa ..................................................94 Royal Palm Mazda ......................................................70 Sadati Center for Aesthetic Dentistry...........................2 Salon Professional Academy ...................................... 73 Sandra Williams Salon ...............................................80 Sea Breeze Air Conditioning ...................................... 77 She’s the One ............................................................. 54 Shingo’s Japanese Restaurant ................................... 72 Shop on Impulse ........................................................ 52 Shullman Orthodontics .............................................. 95 Smile Designs ............................................................. 57 Smiles by Jiveh ..........................................................100 Snayd Irrigation ..........................................................68 South Florida Gastroenterology Associates .............. 41 South Florida Skin & Laser......................................... 65 Southampton Limousine ........................................... 81 Spotlight of Wellington............................................... 73 Stonewood Grill ......................................................... 90 Subscription Form ......................................................97 Susan Lerner Photography .........................................93 Telfair Plantation ......................................................... 19 Tony the Tiger DJ ....................................................... 90 Too Jay’s Deli ..............................................................88 Top Notch Caterers..................................................... 91 Treasure Consignments.............................................. 54 Ultima Fitness ............................................................92 Ultra Cleaners ............................................................. 77 Van Dell Jewelers ........................................................ 34 Vibe Fitness ................................................................ 71 Visions Hair Salon ...................................................... 83 Viso LASIK Med Spa ....................................................11 Weiss Chiropractic ......................................................68 WellingTAN ................................................................. 78 Wellington Auto Collision...........................................80 Wellington Auto Service ............................................. 72 Wellington Dental .......................................................97 Wellington Regional Medical Center.......................... 12 Wild West for MS Cure ............................................... 33 Wycliffe Dental ............................................................80 Zen Massage .............................................................. 81 Zoo Health Club .........................................................80

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Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER

Local Boy Scouts Honor Wellington Regional’s Kevin DiLallo

JoAnn & Kevin DiLallo with Universal Health Services CEO Alan Miller and his wife Jill.

Charlene and Dr. Jeffrey Bishop, Woody and Darlene White, and Laureen Freire.

Seema Dass, Curt and Dr. Melissa Carlson, Dr. Kishore Dass and Marsha Israel.

Colleagues, community leaders and friends gathered at the Binks Forest Golf Club on Friday, Jan. 30 to honor Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Kevin DiLallo. DiLallo was named the 2009 Tradewinds District Distinguished Citizen for his contributions and role as a community leader in support of local youth. Event organizer Rocky Goins described DiLallo as a man who embodies the timeless fundamental teachings and character of the Boy Scouts. DiLallo was a scout in his hometown of Fairview, New Jersey. His sons Matthew, 21, Marcus, 19, and Andrew, 17, were also scouts. Money raised through the event will benefit Boy Scout programs.

Mercedes Kelly, John and Amy Mattessich, and Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto.

Venturing Crew 2125 color guard Matthew Gagne, Sean McGee, Tori Goins and Kristen Hausman, all Wellington High School students.

(Above) Tom and Regis Wenham, Drs. Linda and Gordon Johnson and Dr. Mario Blanco. (Below) Alan Miller with a photo of himself as a Life Scout from Troop 133 in Brooklyn, New York.

(Above) Councilman Matt and Alexis Willhite with baby Mark, and Victoria and Commissioner Jess Santamaria. (Below) WHS Project Graduation moms Alicia Foster, Cindy Lutz, Marianne Ferraresi, JoAnn DiLallo, Evie Markerson, Therese Stewart and Donna Baxter.

(Above) Maria and Dr. Michael Mikolajczak with Andrea and Erik Olson. (Below) Master of Ceremonies Richard Rendina, CEO of the Rendina Companies.

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Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

‘Little Stars’ Steal The Show At Little Smiles’ Stars Ball At Binks

Former Wellington mayor Tom Wenham gets an autograph from Natalie Davila.

Palms West Hospital CEO Bland Eng and wife Erika get a thank you plaque signed by the kids.

The Stars Ball 2009 was held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Binks Forest Golf Club to benefit Little Smiles, a charitable organization that strives to fulfill the dreams of children in local hospitals, hospices and shelters. At the ball, a handful of these “little stars” arrived by limousine for a simulated “Oscar night.”

As the stars enjoyed their own private party, guests enjoyed an evening of dining and dancing. For more info., call (561) 383-7274 or visit www.littlesmiles.org.

Diamond Smith gets interviewed on the red carpet by WILD 95.5 FM’s Virginia Lang.

Regis Wenham, Commissioner Jess and Victoria Santamaria, and Laurie and Irwin Cohen.

(Above) Dr. Melissa Singer and Carson Ruffa share a dance.

(Below) WILD 95.5’s Virginia Lang (left) models a dress for bidder Melanie Simko.

(Above) Peter Caufield gets interviewed by WILD 95.5’s Kevin Rolston as Jason Pennington looks on. (Below) Members of the Little Smiles Board of Directors gather for a group photo.

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(Above) Myles and Diana Tashman, Julie Pickens, Toy and John Wash, and Janet and William Pearson. (Below) State Sen. Dave Aronberg with Wally Sanger, high bidder for “A Day in the Life of a Senator,” with Diamond Smith.

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER WOOD

USET Foundation Honors Olympians, Special Award Winners

(Above left) USET Foundation President Jane Clark presents Frances Steinwedell with an award for her 30 years of generosity. (Above right) Steffen Peters, Akiko Yamazaki, Courtney King-Dye, Michael Barisone, Dr. Rick Mitchell and Gil Merrick at the Olympic dressage award presentation.

Jane Clark with Robert and Sandra Mockoviak, Anne Kursinski, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Peter Wetherill and Lizzy Chesson at the Olympic show jumping award presentation.

John and Beezie Madden with Jenny and Kermit Sutton.

Jason Dye and Courtney King-Dye.

(Above) Jane Clark, Laura Noyes and Julien LeCompte of Hermes. (Below) Laura Kraut and Peter Wetherill with USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins.

(Above) Margaret Duprey, Ron Neal and Julie Montgomery. (Below) Jim Thompson, Tracey Weinberg and Dick Thompson.

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The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation Board of Trustees hosted a cocktail reception on Friday, Jan. 30 to honor the 2008 Olympians and the recipients of the foundation’s Gold Medal Club Anniversary Awards, the Lionel Guerrand-Hermes Trophy and the Whitney Stone Cup. The reception was held at the Players Club in Wellington. A special award was presented to Frances Steinwedell, who has been giving at the Gold Medal Club level for 30 years. The presentations were led by USET Foundation President Jane Clark and Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins.

(Above) Dr. Rick and Julie Mitchell with Gil Merrick. (Below) DD and Michael Matz with Helen Groves.

Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WALTON

JustWorld’s Fundraising Dinner At Belle Herbe Farm A Huge Success

(Above) Ellen Toon with Wellington Mayor (Above) Gene Mische with Lynn and Ray Darell Bowen. (Below) Little. (Below) Michael Kerins and Jenny Mac and Brenley Cone. Oz Leroy.

(Above) Martha Jolicoeur and Douglas Mutch.

(Below) Former Wellington mayor Tom Wenham with hostess Maria Newman.

The sixth annual JustWorld International Fundraising Dinner held Friday, Jan. 23 at Maria Newman’s Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington proved more popular than ever, attracting 420 guests and raising approximately $100,000 for project sites in Brazil, Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and Senegal. Guests were greeted by fire dancers, tropical drinks and hors d’oeurves as they arrived for the Polynesian-themed evening. JustWorld supports 12 projects in five countries, helping more than 2,000 children each year. For more information, visit www.justworldinternational.org.

(Above) Chris and Molly Cawley.

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Wellington Social Scene

PHOTOS BY REBECCA WALTON

Jen White Kane Crowned Equestrian Idol At Equus Foundation Benefit

(Above left) 2009 Equestrian Idol winner Jen White Kane. (Above center) Judges Mark Leone, Susie Schoellkopf and Jimmy Torano. (Above right) Lynn Coakley and David Taylor.

(Above left) Jen White Kane receives her award from Jenny Belnap and Clea Newman. (Above middle) Heather Caristo, Peter Pletcher and Daniel Arendt. (Above right) Nick Skelton and Laura Kraut.

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On Friday, Feb. 6, Jen White Kane was named most talented performer in the 2009 Equestrian Idol Musical Talent Show. The event was held in the Grand Marque Tent at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington as a benefit for the Equus Foundation. The Newman’s Own Foundation was the presenting sponsor. The tent was filled to capacity as guests enjoyed the open bar, ate hors d’oeuvres and bid on the silent auction items. A delicious Pacific Rim buffet dinner followed, and then the entertainment began. This year’s hopefuls included newcomers Dianne Bricker and Jen White Kane, and returning performers Heather Caristo, Hillary Dobbs, Patricia Griffith, Casey Hodges, Brian Lookabill and Chad Watridge. The Equus Foundation has awarded over $1.1 million in grants since 2003 to charities that help horses and help horses help people. For more info., visit www.equusfoundation.org.

GREAT MUSIC, WestFest has “everything you want” this year as Vertical Horizon will headline the 16th annual Palms West Chamber of Commerce festival set for March 14-15 at Okeeheelee Park.

and a variety of community programs and contests on Sunday, including a fire safety lesson provided by Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

man. The cultural stage will present Hispanic artists on Saturday including international recording artist Lalo Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican-born salsero and Grammy Award winner.

In addition to the fire safety lesson, PBCFR will be competing against the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in a fiery battle to determine who can make the best organic beef burger. Why organic? For the second year in a row, WestFest has been designated a “green” event by the Palm Beach County Commission, and more than 2,000 trees will be given away to Sunday’s attendees, courtesy of Florida Yards & Neighborhoods.

Presented by Florida Public Utilities, Royal Palm Auto Mall, and the Gehring Group, WestFest follows the Palms West Chamber’s other “green” event, the South Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference, set for March 9-12.

Vertical Horizon, whose debut “Everything You Want” made it to the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 list, is set to play on Saturday, March 14, but they are not alone in the lineup for WestFest 2009. In celebration of the chamber’s 25th anniversary, a third stage is being added to deliver a tantalizing feast of music for the public.

Acts backing up Vertical Horizon on the main stage include local favorites Jacob Jeffries, Big Bang Radio, Zepplica, Maksmimiak, the Electric Ghetto Hippies, JXD and the Datura Street Band, featuring Lake Worth Mayor Jeff Clemens as its front-

On Sunday, the cultural stage will feature the sounds of local Palm Beach County school bands, who will play as part of the event’s charitable component WestFest Angels. The band fest at WestFest includes local jazz and concert bands playing to support the local music programs at their respective schools. The third community stage will feature dance teams on Saturday

A new addition to WestFest this year is a multi-media juried art show sponsored by the Wellington Art Society. Cash prizes will be awarded for best in show as well as first through third places.

Great musical acts at this year’s WestFest include headliner Vertical Horizon (above). Puerto Rican-born salsero Lalo Rodriguez (left) and local favorite Big Bang Radio (top).

The festival will take place March 14-15 at Okeeheelee Park.

WestFest information and tickets are available online at www.westfestpalmbeach.com.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $15 for a two-day pass, or $30 for a family fourpack. Children 7 and under are admitted free. For more information, call the Palms West Chamber at (561) 790-6200.

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The Race Is On For Easter Seals’ Derby Day Party And they’re off: the Easter Seals Derby Day Party event plans are on track for the viewing of the 135th “Run for the Roses.” Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, this southern-style derby celebration will take place at the International Polo Club Palm Beach and will benefit children with special needs at Easter Seals’ Igoe-Amar Child Development Center in West Palm Beach.

Event chairs Brenda and Robert Castellano, Barbara and Richard Gilbert, Suzi and Richard Goldsmith, Lorrain and Malcolm Hall, and Barbara and James Kravitz have been jockeying some exciting plans for the event.

Guests will enjoy a live televised view of the race, old-fashioned fun wagering, mint juleps and a Dixieland band, followed by a silent auction, dinner and dancing.

Easter Seals Executive Director Rhonda Clinton said the charity is thrilled to bring back the derby party to celebrate the end of the season. “This event is great fun, and we are so pleased to honor past chairmen of the event for their continued dedication to our children with special needs,” she said.

Honorary chairs are Dr. Elizabeth Bowden, Norma and Simon Fireman, Arlette and Robert Gordon, and Herme de Wyman Miro. Junior chairs are Sue Gibson, Laura and Marc Sherman, and Suzy and Scott Rehl. Judith Morrell and Cynthia Maronet will serve as auction chairs.

Barbara and James Kravitz are also residents of Wellington, while Suzi and Richard Goldsmith are from Manalapan, and Lorrain and Malcolm Hall reside in Palm Beach.

Tickets to the Easter Seals Derby Day Party are $325 per person. Proceeds will benefit programs and services for The strategy of five chair-couples was children with special needs and discreated by Barbara Gilbert. A resi- abilities at Easter Seals. dent of Jupiter, Barbara’s vision was to involve supporters from all ar- The Easter Seals Igoe-Amar Child eas of Palm Beach County to engage Development Center is Palm Beach new patrons in the mission of Easter County’s only full-time educational/ therapeutic preschool program for Seals. children ages birth to five who live with Brenda Castellano is a part-time resi- challenges such as Down syndrome, dent of Wellington. She and her hus- cerebral palsy, genetic and seizure band Robert have 18 horses, all of disorders, hearing and speech or lanwhich are kept on their five-acre farm guage dysfunctions, and developmenin Wellington. The Castellanos, along tal delays. The center prepares these with their triplets Robert, Brendan children for success in school through and Sean, 15, and twin daughters Con- early intervention services combined nor and Diana, nine, split their time with pediatric speech, physical, occubetween their homes in West Palm pational and behavioral therapies.

Beach, Miami Beach and Wellington. All of their children play polo, as For more information, or for tickets, does Robert. Brenda and her husband call Easter Seals at (561) 640-9521 or own multiple development companies visit www.fl.easterseals.com. across the United States.

(L-R) Easter Seals Derby Day Party chairwomen Suzi Goldsmith, Barbara Kravitz, Barbara Gilbert, Brenda Castellano and Lorrain Hall.

PHOTO BY CEALY TETLEY

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PHOTO COURTESY LUCIEN CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

St. David’s To Host Golf Tournament, Dinner & Auction Gala On March 23 St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington will host its inaugural Charity Golf Tournament, Dinner & Auction at the Binks Forest Golf Club on March 23 to benefit the church’s outreach programs and Child Life Institute.

Registration and lunch starts at 10 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at noon — with free refreshments served on the course. A 4:30 p.m. reception includes a wine and cheese tasting, an open premium bar and a silent auction. At 6:30 p.m., enjoy a prime rib buffet dinner and “Death by Chocolate,” as well as golf awards, a live auction and dancing. All this — golf, cocktails and dinner — for $175 per person. Not a golfer?

Cocktails and dinner cost only $50 per person.

Church outreach volunteers support: School supplies donation drive for Belle Glade elementary school children.

Angel Tree donation drive (clothing, books and toys) for Belle Glade children nine months to five years old, with a visit from St. David’s Santa and elves.

Distribution of toiletry kits to the homeless at St. George’s in Riviera Beach twice a year.

Feeding the hungry and homeless twice a month: once at St. George’s in Riviera Beach and once at the Palanca Pantry at Holy Redeemer in Lake Worth.

Donations of canned food and staples yearly to the Palanca Pantry utilizing Publix’s “Buy One, Get One Free” program.

Participating in a blood drive at the church twice a year.

St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church The nonprofit Child Life Institute provides outreach programs help needy children, free supportive educational programs and the homeless and the hungry all year long. services to assist children facing serious

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Outreach Chair Joyce Parker with her husband Tom, Child Life Institute Director Jim Sugarman and Executive Committee Chairs Samantha and Leo Conroy at a January cocktail reception hosted by Bob and Shirley Fenner to update plans for the March 23 charity golf tournament.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN

illnesses and their families and to prevent childhood injuries in Palm Beach, Martin, Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie and Hendry counties. Its programs serve over 4,000 children annually.

For more information on the St. David’s-inthe-Pines Charity Golf Tournament, Dinner and Auction, visit www.saintdavids inthepines.org and select the “Golf Tournament” link, call event co-chair Tim Hadsell at (561) 439-4607 or send an e-mail to stdavidscharity@cs.com.

Wellington Watch

BY JOSHUA MANNING

Attorney Howard Coates Joins Wellington Village Council Attorney Howard Coates was appointed Jan. 27 to fill a vacant seat on the Wellington Village Council. Coates narrowly edged out Wellington Equestrian Committee Member Donald Dufresne in the council’s selection process. Council members ranked their five favorites out of 15 applicants, each awarding five points to their top choice, four points to their next

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choice and so on. Coates received a total of 14 points, while Dufresne received 13.

Wellington’s former public works director Ken Roundtree came in third with 11 points. Once the rankings were announced, the council unanimously ratified Coates’ appointment. The one-year vacancy was created by the resignation of Bob Margolis. Coates, who narrowly lost

a council race last March to Councilman Matt Willhite and in November lost a state house bid to State Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, said that taking a place on the council feels like the end of a long journey. “I lost a very close election in March, went right back into another campaign, and basically I’m ending up back where I wanted to be to begin with,” said Coates, who was the top pick of Mayor Darell Bowen and Councilman Dr. Carmine Priore. “There are three or four issues that are important to me,” he added. “First and foremost is the issue that compelled me to run for the council in the first place — preserving the quality of life out here in Wellington… We need to be careful of the growth decisions that we make and the impact that they’re going to have on our community.” On one of the key issues before the council, Coates said he is inclined to favor locating a Palm Beach Community College campus at Wellington’s K-Park site. “I’m a big advocate of education. When you look at a public use for the property that we’re talking about here, in terms of the long-term benefit an educational facility provides, I think it’s almost immeasurable,” he said.

“I’m not just talking about the economic numbers of job creation… I’m talking about providing the ability of people to get a good education locally and put that education to work going forward.”

Dump Foes Dominate Forum — About 55 residents came to the Wellington Community Center on Feb. 17, mostly to tell Solid Waste Authority representatives they staunchly oppose plans for a new westarea county landfill. The county’s trash authority scheduled three meetings, in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Belle Glade, after western leaders complained that their communities had been left out of the site selection process. The SWA is seeking a site on which to develop a new landfill because its current facility, located at Jog Road and 45th Street, is expected to reach capacity in 2015. After a selection process last year, the SWA narrowed its

options to two sites: a site at the corner of State Road 80 and U.S. Highway 98 five miles west of 20-Mile Bend, and one on the north side of County Road 880 about four miles west of 20-Mile Bend. SWA officials admit that both sites, being offered by their owners at pre-negotiation prices of around $60 million, are worth less than a third of that. But residents mostly voiced fears about garbage odors, falling property values, and about wear, tear and congestion on Southern Blvd., the projected hauling route to either site. SWA Executive Director Mark Hammond took pains to describe the high standards that would go into the new site. He also noted that with the new landfill about 12 miles distant from Wellington, residents would not even know it is there. Members of the Palm Beach County Commission also sit as the SWA Governing Board and will make the final decision on a new landfill site. Commissioner Jess Santamaria attended the Feb. 17 forum. He advocates restarting from scratch on the site selection process, particularly because of the asking price for the available sites. “The price is not acceptable,” he said. “And that’s why I want to start over and open it to anywhere — I don’t care where it is, but it has got to be a fair price and it has got to have no negative impacts on the environment.” The SWA board will hold another hearing on landfill alternatives on March 18. For more info., visit www.swa.org.

within the village,” said Leatherman, who received specialized training in investigating housing assistance fraud. In December, Capt. Greg Richter, commander of the PBSO’s Wellington substation, said cracking down on violators of subsidized housing rules and combating criminal activity in Section 8 housing areas is one of his top priorities. Leatherman said the arrests are the first of several that he expects will be made in the near future. “We

were asked if this is a big case, and we don’t know if it’s a big case because these are the first,” he said. “We don’t have anything to judge it by, but we do have several other active investigations.”

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.

PBSO Focusing On Housing Fraud — The recent arrest of six people centering on Section 8 housing fraud in Wellington is the result of a new type of investigation in the county. On Jan. 21, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies and special agents with the Department of Housing & Urban Development made six arrests based on investigations conducted

by Deputy Michael Leatherman. Charges include public assistance fraud, conspiracy and grand theft of over $136,900 from HUD in housing assistance checks.

“There are so many people in need of the services that we wanted to check into what is going on with the Section 8 residents WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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Home-Grown

POLO STAR

BY DEBORAH WELKY

EIGHT-GOALER NICOLAS ROLDAN ON LIVING AND PLAYING IN WELLINGTON On a January afternoon, approximately 1,200 students from local elementary schools enjoyed a unique field trip — one that actually involved a field. And of course, in Wellington, that would be a polo field.

For the fifth year, the International Polo Club Palm Beach has hosted fourth graders in an effort to entertain, garner support and maybe even fan the flames of a budding polo star.

One of those on hand to offer a demonstration was world-famous eight-goaler Nicolas Roldan, who not much more than a decade ago was attending Palm Beach County schools, but now finds himself on the other side of the field trip.

36 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

“This is a great way to give kids a chance to explore polo firsthand,” said Roldan, who attended Wellington elementary and middle schools and spent a year at Cardinal Newman High School before completing his high school education through private tutors.

“It exposes the sport to a group of spectators who wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to see it. It gets kids rattled up about it.”

Scores of students from New Ho-

Rising polo star Nicolas Roldan grew up in Wellington and is eager to help in getting the next generation interested in the sport.

PHOTO BY BILL BARBOSA/PHOTO DESIGNS INC. WELLINGTON WELLINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE• •MARCH MARCH2009 2009

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photo courtesy LILA PHOTO

Nicolas Roldan is surrounded by elementary school students and junior polo players after a January exhibition match at the International Polo Club.

rizons, Equestrian Trails, Binks Forest, Elbridge Gale, Panther Run and Wellington elementary schools were duly rattled. They watched an abbreviated two-chukker game, participated in a divot stomp and silver dollar search sponsored by Whole Foods, received complimentary tickets for upcoming Sunday matches, got to ooh and ah over a guest appear-

ance by several of the Budweiser Clydesdales, and jockeyed for position as they sought autographs of the players following the match.

Those players included some of the top players in North America — Todd Offen, Brandon Phillips, Jeff Blake and Roldan. In addition, four local young equestrians were also on hand — Christina Fires-

My number-one challenge is to get to ten goals... then to keep the consistency of staying at ten. It’s a tough thing, trying to stay at ten goals for a long time. I think staying at ten for 10 to 15 years is good. But I don’t want to jump the gun.

Just getting there is a huge honor.

Eight-Goaler Nicolas Roldan 38 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

tone, age 13; Mathew Coppola, 14; Michael Bellissimo, 13; and Michael Armour, 14.

“By putting on a special exhibition match for our area’s youth, we hope that we not only gain more enthusiasts, but perhaps future players,” International Polo Club President John Wash explained.

Roldan said the day’s results were promising. “I hope to say quite a few were interested. They all looked very intrigued with the sport and very excited,” he said.

“I’m hoping we convinced a good number to come out and try it for themselves.”

Try it for themselves? Isn’t polo kind of a bring-your-own-horse

event? “Horseback-riding lessons are a great start,” Roldan laughed. “Then there’s the Polo Training Foundation — a polo school that was organized for kids who want to start. Polo is much more accessible now than it used to be. You call PTF up; they supply the horses, and you just need to show up and try it out.”

Polo is a family fact of life for Roldan, as both his grandfather and his father

(six-goaler Raul Roldan) played the game in their homeland of Argentina.

It was their background and training that helped Nicolas to attain his eightgoal handicap by age 22 — an amazing achievement when you consider that there are only about 25 eight-goalers worldwide and maybe 11 ten-goalers. Yet reaching that ten-goal mark, polo’s top handicap, is the 26-year-old Roldan’s top priority.

“My number-one challenge is to get to ten goals,” he said. “Then to keep the consistency of staying at ten. It’s a tough thing, trying to stay at ten goals for a long time.

I think staying at ten for 10 to 15 years is good. But I don’t want to jump the gun.

Just getting there is a huge honor. I do plan on getting to ten though, and I hope it will be sooner rather than later.”

As one of the sport’s top players, Roldan enjoys competing on the world’s best fields. Argentina tops his list, but “Wellington is right after Argentina as the best place to play polo in the world. IPC is the biggest polo club in the world, and Wellington offers access to about 35 to 40 fields,” he said. “The competition here is amazing, unbelievable — all the best unite here to compete for the U.S. Open. The club is world class.”

This year Roldan and his Pony Express teammates face several formidable opponents in the 26-goal season at IPC. “Lechuza [Caracas] is going to be a tough team this year. Audi is another tough Nicolas Roldan in action at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY HOLLY GANNON

40 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

41

(Above) Nicolas Roldan signs polo balls for elementary school students after a two-chukker January exhibition match designed to get young Wellington kids interested in the sport of polo.

(Below) Roldan with Matthew Cohen.

PHOTOS COURTESY LILA PHOTO

42 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

The Polo Training Foundation Can Help You Learn The Sport The Polo Training Foundation offers both youth clinics and a polo training camp for juniors.

lets while dismounted, learn skills while mounted, progressing to coached scrimmage games.

Participants in PTF clinics are taught the concepts, rules and principles of polo through instructional videos, open discussion and handson learning. Students learn the rules of the game and learn to identify and demonstrate the four basic mallet strokes. They will be taught key polo concepts and fundamentals of polo strategy. Students practice these concepts with foot mal-

Participants in the Brushy Creek Ranch Junior Camp live on a ranch in Texas, totally involved in every facet of the sport. Adult clinics, instructor and umpire training, and a PTF Florida Junior Polo program are also available.

For further information, visit www. polotraining.org or call (888) 7837656.

team,” Roldan said. “Honestly, they’re all very similar — very strong — I think every game is going to be tough. There’s not one team that stands out.”

Yet Roldan admits that a good portion of his success will depend upon the horses he rides. Two of his favorites are Ventura and Wembley.

“The horse is a big part of the game — maybe 75 percent — but the athlete, the jock, the rider is also important,” he said.

“I think in other horse sports like jumping, it’s more the horse than the rider, but in polo, the player has to have skill as well.”

If he’s not in the saddle, this “jock” may very well be on the links in the foursome ahead of you. “I’m a big sports fan,” Roldan said. “I like to play ice hockey, golf and tennis. ‘Down time’ for me is playing some sport — or training. And I love the beach — I like to surf. Of course, surfing conditions aren’t great right now — the swell is small. So I’m sticking to land. I’ll golf at Wanderers, Palm Beach Polo or Binks — they’re all top courses.

They’re great.”

Of course, the only thing missing from those pursuits is the roar of the crowd.

In polo, it does play an important part.

“It’s a good feeling to know you have the support of the spectators,” Roldan said.

“The louder the crowd, the better feeling it is, the more motivated everyone gets.

Players tend to get a little bit cockier, and they up their games a little bit. I’d even like the cheering to be a little bit louder.

Polo has been known as a sport of elegance and luxury. I think I can see us doing a good job getting different crowds of people — more rowdy, louder. Tiger Woods is a phenomenal example — golf was a very quiet, prim and proper game, and Tiger brought it to a different level.”

A homegrown ten-goaler just might do it for the Wellington crowds.

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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HENRY PORTNER

BRINGS EQUINE LEGAL RESOURCES TO WELLINGTON AND DISCOVERS LIFE IN PARADISE STORY BY MARY HILTON PHOTOS BY GARY KANE

Revving his motorcycle, Henry Portner grins as he takes off up A1A along the coast, enjoying a moment when he is not connected to his arsenal of communications devices.

As a busy attorney, Portner manages to stay in communication with his clients virtually around the clock by taking full advantage of the latest technology.

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Although a horse lover, when Henry Portner wants to escape, he revs his motorcycle and heads out into the Florida sunshine.

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“Actually, with laptops and portable printers, some of my clients have accused me of having my office in my car,” Portner joked with his well-known wry sense of humor.

the country. His career spans 25 years of high-powered transactions and litigation representing clients in diverse businesses ranging from racehorses to real estate.

Henry Portner specializes in equine law, equine litigation and equine taxation as the partner in charge of Equine Legal Resources, a law firm based in Palm Beach County with offices throughout

Portner and his wife Karen, who were high school sweethearts and married in 1971, lived in horse-country communities in the northeastern U.S. for nearly three decades, then moved to South

Florida and settled in Wellington last April.

“My business life has not changed, but living in Wellington is like a respite,” Portner said. “I can still escape, get away from it all, but I remain close to everything. It’s a great combination.”

Portner said a typical workweek is a “pressure cooker,” but notes that it’s a role he has come to expect as an attorney. He communicates with clients non-stop via cell phones, fax machines, overnight mail, e-mail and voicemail. He only shuts off his cell phone when he’s with a client. Portner also tries to answer all calls on the same day. “That’s a promise that I made to my father many years ago, because he used to cuss when his lawyer never returned phone calls,” he explained.

Portner’s house is networked so he has the full capability of printers, copiers, scanners and computers, enabling him to work whether he’s in the office or at home.

The highlight of Portner’s career so far was an appearance before the United States Supreme Court on a Fifth Amendment issue. That’s quite an accomplishment, but Portner explained that he is still waiting for his “dream client.”

“My dream client is the one who takes me in his corporate jet and we play golf around the world,” Portner chuckled.

“I’ve been fortunate in having a very diverse practice, being both a litigator as well as a transaction attorney. I’ve had many interesting cases, and even more so, many very interesting clients.”

Karen Portner said her husband has a passion for fighting for the rights of the underdog. “He enjoys immersing himself in innovative, emerging fields of the law, which actually brought us to Florida and eventually to the Wellington area,” she said.

46 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Wellington’s equestrian element has had a significant effect on Portner’s career, increasingly involving his practice in equine litigation.

“Unfortunately, there is a darker side of the business, and people continue to be taken advantage of,” he observed. “I am now focused in on the practice of equine law, so much so that I have acquired a significant library on equine law and practice, and have devoted a lot of time and energy to our web site, www.equinelegalresources.com. All kidding aside, I believe I have every possible form of contract imaginable in equine

Unfortunately, there is a darker side of the business, and people continue to be taken advantage of. I am now focused in on the practice of equine law, so much so that I have acquired a significant library on equine law and practice, and have devoted a lot of time and energy to our web site, www.equinelegalresources.com.

Attorney Henry Portner

Henry Portner’s Equine Legal Resources firm makes sure his clients do not get caught up in what he calls “the darker side of the business.”

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

47

law — from a syndication to the sale of equestrian estate property.”

Portner recently finished crafting a special dressage horse lease for a collegebound student who wanted to lease her competition horse to a trainer who would continue showing the horse.

“Obviously, we were concerned about the care of the horse, and that the horse be used solely for dressage competitions,” he explained. “Mortality and major medical insurances were also considered and incorporated into the lease as an obligation of the trainer.”

Currently on Portner’s agenda are two veterinary malpractice cases. “It’s sad, but in both instances the horses had to be put down,” he said. “Needless to say, these are difficult cases for all parties concerned.”

Portner has been part of the horse world most of his life. He and Karen previously lived in Pennsylvania where their home was on a dedicated horse trail, and then in Chester County, where, like Wellington, there were large equestrian properties and equestrian activities including the annual Devon Horse Show. The Portners chose Wellington as their new home not only for the equestrian facet they love, but also for the spectrum of sports, arts and conveniences.

48 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

“There are so many golf courses within a few miles of our home that we’ve stopped counting,” Portner said. “It’s a short drive to the ocean. We have worldclass shopping at Wellington Green and on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Literally, you can shop ’til you drop. There are restaurants for every conceivable taste and budget — we’ll never run out of new places to try. There are concert halls in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami with world-class entertainment — all within an hour’s drive. We literally have been thrilled about our move to this area. It has been rejuvenating.”

There are so many golf courses within a few miles of our home that we’ve stopped counting.

It’s a short drive to the ocean.

We have world-class shopping at Wellington Green and on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach.

Literally, you can shop ’til you drop.

Attorney Henry Portner

The Portners have easily adopted a new lifestyle. Karen said she and her husband share a disposition that has kept them together and allowed them to make life changes seamlessly. “I think that Henry and I would agree that a sense of humor and the ability to compromise and be flexible when coping with changes in one’s life is key to a marriage that spans almost 40 years,” she said.

The Portners are rapidly becoming active participants in the Wellington community. Henry joined the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and the Portners joined the Wellington Art Society as a couple.

Karen, a special education teacher with the School District of Palm Beach County, has an active interest in the arts and enjoys printmaking and other crafts such as glass fusing. She has been a committee member and fundraiser for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for the past ten years and continues her role in Wellington. The Portners have found their new neighbors friendly and welcoming, and they enjoy taking walks with them and getting together casually.

The Portners are exciting about experiencing their first Wellington winter equestrian season and have booked WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

49

tickets and tables for some of the most prominent sporting and social events. “It appears that our weekends will be filled with some pretty exciting sport — polo, show jumping, dressage and other equestrian events,” Portner said.

“What’s even more exciting is that they are so close that I can just hop on my bike, and in a couple minutes, I’m in the thick of everything equestrian!”

Henry Portner and his wife Karen were high school sweethearts. They married in 1971.

50 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

The pair are avid cyclists and in less than a year they’ve traveled hundreds of miles in Wellington, taking an intimate look at the new home. “What you see is a growing suburban-to-rural community that is very beautiful, that encourages a family lifestyle with good schools, recreational activities, and has a diverse population in age and background,” Portner said. “Wellington is active, upscale. It has

access to important medical and hospital facilities.”

Portner notes that the biking excursions are actually what he and his wife have enjoyed most since moving to Wellington. “The biking paths and routes are limitless,” he said. “It truly is a biking paradise. I especially enjoy riding on the back roads where the nurseries and equestrian properties are located. Of course, every once in a while, I get on my real bike — my motorcycle — and do my favorite ride along A1A, right along the ocean. I feel like I’m riding in heaven.”

Equine Legal Resources is located in West Palm Beach at 777 South Flagler Drive, Suite 800 (West Tower). For more info., call (561) 400-0027 or visit www. equinelegalresources.com.

A LASTING

BY KENNETH KRAUS

GENE MISCHE, FOUNDER OF THE WINTER EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL, LOOKS BACK… AND TOWARD THE FUTURE ene Mische, founder of Stadium Jumping, celebrates nearly 60 years in the equestrian industry this year. It is a career that changed the face of equestrian sport in America and secured Wellington’s place in it.

Mische and his company produce and manage some of the most prestigious shows in America, including the American Invitational, the New Albany Classic, the Lake Placid Horse Shows, the Charlotte Jumper Classic and the American Gold Cup, among others. Over the years, Mische has produced the World Cup Finals, the Olympic Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials and the World Equestrian Games Show Jumping Team Selection Trials.

The Wellington community continues to reap the benefits of Mische’s crowning achievement each season as thousands of competitors and their accompanying sup-

Gene Mische wearing the Jimmy Williams hat, symbolic of his Lifetime Achievement Award, at the 2009 USEF Annual Meeting.

PHOTO COURTESY GEOFF OLIVER BUGBEE/USEF WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

51

port teams arrive for the Winter Equestrian Festival, the largest and longest consecutively running equestrian event in the world.

With the 2009 season well underway, Mische is on the road to recovery following his biggest setback to date, a tough battle with colon cancer. “I feel better

right now than I have in many years,” he noted optimistically.

Since the sale of the Winter Equestrian Festival dates to Mark Bellissimo’s Wellington Equestrian Partners last year, Mische has had a chance to watch this new group in action. “I think they’ve made tremendous strides in just one

year,” Mische said. “They made a few mistakes last year, but we all make mistakes in this business. I made many in the years gone by. As long as you learn from those mistakes, that’s a positive thing.”

While he does give the new show promoter credit for some improvements, Mische is not sure about the decision to merge lower-level events into the Winter Equestrian Festival. “That really does bother me, the watering-down of the Winter Equestrian Festival with all of the lower divisions. I’m not sure that’s a good idea,” he said, noting a particular concern regarding hosting such shows in the International Arena. “That venue should be for only the best of the best.

When you go to a Major League baseball game, you don’t have the Little League playing in the same ballpark.”

But then again, for Mische it has always been about the big leagues. Over the past 36 years, he has changed the face of horse sports in the U.S. “I think I’m most proud of the American Invitational,” he said. “It has been a continuously running event since 1972.

It’s really one of the few show jumping events in this country to this day.”

And an international event in 1989 remains one of Mische’s crowning achievements. “I think the World Cup that we produced in Tampa was one of the best ever held,” he recalled. “The atmosphere we created there, the multiple events that we showcased at the same grounds, the great dinner we had with Doc Severinsen at the Performing Arts Center. It was a wonderful event.”

Two years ago Stadium Jumping brought show jumping back to Cleveland with the return of the American Gold Cup.

52 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

“The Cleveland area loves show jumping so much, and the people there proved it

I hope when they judge me, they look at the overall contributions I’ve made and Stadium Jumping has made to the sport and to the industry. We were the innovators of so many things the horse world takes for granted these days.

Stadium Jumping’s Gene Mische

Mische speaks to reporters during the 2007 Winter Equestrian Festival, the last year his company Stadium Jumping produced the Wellington show series.

PHOTO BY KENNETH KRAUS/PhelpsSports.com

by turning out in droves during our first two years back there,” he said proudly.

The sport has advanced greatly since Mische first appeared on the scene, but a lack of promotion still frustrates him.

“Show jumping has made great strides, with the number of events we hold in this country, the amount of prize money we offer each week, but I think where we’ve really fallen down is in our promotions,” he said.

Mische said he would like to see more show jumping events televised. “Somehow, we have to get more television. I have never been able to solve that one, though,” he laughed. “I have to take my hat off to Anheuser-Busch for their participation over the years. Without their sponsorship, we would have had very little TV at all. They were the driving force behind all of the coverage during our Stadium Jumping events, and the horse world owes them a great debt of gratitude.”

While Stadium Jumping is no longer active in Wellington horse shows, Mische himself remains an advisor to the Winter Equestrian Festival. He noted, however, that the company he created 37 years ago still has great potential.

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“Stadium Jumping’s future is very strong, and I think Michael Morrissey is the perfect man to lead this company forward,” Mische said of his nephew, the company’s CEO. “We’re putting a much bigger focus this year on the events in Tampa. The American Gold Cup production in Cleveland was very, very successful. We continue our involvement with the New Albany Classic in Ohio, one of the premier events in the nation, and there’s no faster rising and more exciting event than the Charlotte Jumper Classic.”

What does Mische feel his lasting legacy will be? “I don’t know if there’s any one thing,” he said. “I hope when they judge me, they look at the overall contributions I’ve made and Stadium Jumping has made to the sport and to the industry. We were the innovators of so many things the horse world takes for granted Mische takes some time to enjoy his first love: riding.

PHOTO BY KENNETH KRAUS/PhelpsSports.com

54 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

I think the World Cup that we produced in Tampa was one of the best ever held.

The atmosphere we created there, the multiple events that we showcased at the same grounds, the great dinner we had with Doc Severinsen at the Performing Arts Center. It was a wonderful event.

Gene Mische

these days. We were the first company to ever have multiple shows, for more than one week, on a single show grounds.

Now look at what you see across the nation: huge circuits of four, five, six, seven and 12 weeks, all in one place.”

Today, most in the industry take for granted a number of Mische’s creations and innovations, he said.

“We created the idea of back-to-back classes, something that made the work of the hunter riders and the people who work with them so much easier,” he said. “We did away with Green Jumpers and created the system of Preliminary, Intermediate and Open Jumpers, a system that created a more sensible and workable bridge to the Open Jumpers.

We created the numerical scoring system for hunters, and we were the first company to ever hold a hunter classic.”

Mische also said he worked hard to boost the prize money in show jumping events. “I think Stadium Jumping was very responsible for the increases we’ve seen in prize money offered over the years,” he said. “And, I’m proud to say that we always did that with the idea of WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

55

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56 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Stadium Jumping founder Gene Mische (center) receives a special award at last year’s Winter Equestrian Festival.

PHOTO BY KENNETH KRAUS/PhelpsSports.com

keeping the entry fees and various other fees in line, so that the prize money increase actually meant something.”

The equestrian community has recognized Mische for his contributions. He was honored in January with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2009 United States Equestrian Federation Annual Meeting. “He has changed the face of the sport,” said USEF President David O’Connor at the award presentation.

Mische said he would be happy to be remembered for any one of the many contributions he’s made to the sport over the years.

“I feel that I’ve been blessed to be a part of this great sport,” he said. “I had a great staff that helped me along the way, and the good news is, most of them are still with me as we move forward into the future, so I hope that we can continue to make worthwhile contributions to the industry.”

Stadium Jumping’s future is very strong, and I think Michael Morrissey is the perfect man to lead this company forward.

We’re putting a much bigger focus this year on the events in Tampa. The American Gold Cup production in Cleveland was very, very successful... and there’s no faster rising and more exciting event than the Charlotte Jumper Classic.

Gene Mische WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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58 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

GREAT GAMING,

GOOD FOOD & LOTS OF FUN

STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

Wellington’s Michael Bloom Invites You To Try Your Luck At The Isle Casino ike so many other Wellington residents, they were drawn here by a combination of the weather and the equestrian lifestyle. Michael Bloom and his wife Janet Conary Bloom left the cold of Connecticut and effectively “transferred” their Darlingwood Farm to Saddle Trail.

Now, while Janet works to train her Holsteiner gelding to jump, Michael oversees horses of a different kind in his job as general manager of the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park.

The magnificent grand entrance to the Isle Casino.

(Right) Wheel of Fortune is one of the more popular machines.

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Casino General Manager and Wellington resident Michael Bloom with the Burning Wheels $1 slot machines, where a lucky winner could head home with a new car.

Established in 1963 as a track for live harness racing, the track also ran Quarterhorse racing until 1992. But it is predominantly known for the harness track — the only one in Florida — and for the fun of betting on the ponies.

“You wager the same as you would at a Thoroughbred track — win, place or show,” Bloom explained. “And with our televised simulcasts, you can bet on dog races, jai alai or even other harness tracks at the same time. It can make for a fun evening.”

For those of us whose knowledge of horseracing and casinos is based primarily on what we’ve seen in movies, it’s important to know that “fun” is the operative word at the Isle. Gone are the smoke-filled rooms where stubby cigars and low-slung fedoras

created an air of intimidation for the novice. Today, 55 percent of this casino’s gamblers are women, and flip-flops and shorts are as welcome as a suit and tie ever were.

“We look at casinos differently now,” Bloom explained. “Entertainment is the name of the game. We have live entertainment in our Fling lounge seven days a week. You can watch live harness racing 140 days a year. You can eat at our fabulous buffet or our authentic Jewish deli or in our steak restaurant. Those are the nongaming products that create that shell of entertainment and fun. You can play live poker or the slot machines — there’s a lot to do. You meet new friends, meet existing friends — it builds a sense of fun. That’s really all we’re trying to conceive.”

At the Isle, most guests are age 50 and up, so the entertainment is geared that way. This is no Disney cruise. DJs play a lot of Jimmy Buffet; there’s line dancing on Tuesdays and Latin music on Thursdays. On Sundays, there’s a mix of different genres, and of course, there are always Sinatra tunes.

Food offerings are so plentiful that Bloom said he’s never had a request for a special meal. Whatever your diet or food preference, the Isle delivers. “We have such a wide array — fish, chicken, pasta — food that fits everyone’s tastes and eating habits,” Bloom said.

Note to the casual visitor: be aware that

We look at casinos differently now. Entertainment is the name of the game. We have live entertainment in our Fling lounge seven days a week. You can watch live harness racing 140 days a year or eat at our fabulous buffet or our authentic Jewish deli or in our steak restaurant. You can play live poker or the slot machines — there’s a lot to do.

Casino Manager Michael Bloom 60 MARCH 2009 • WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE

those who frequent the steak restaurant tend to dress a bit nicer than flip-flops and a t-shirt.

Of course, it’s not all food and dancing.

Last year, the Isle paid out jackpots in excess of a quarter million dollars. People have won cars. When Wellington The Magazine visited, there was a car carousel on the floor featuring a chance to win a Pontiac Solstice.

Is that why high rollers frequent the Isle?

“The reason a serious gambler comes is the same reason a novice comes,” Bloom said. “Our food products are excellent; our

slots are some of newest on the market.

It’s a warm and comfortable place to play, especially if you’re a non-smoker.”

A non-smoker?

“Our facility was built for all people,” Bloom said, confirming that the entire facility is smoke-free. “We have something for everyone. We get a lot of repeat business. Once they realize it’s a clean, safe, friendly, fun environment with ample free parking and great customer service, they come back.”

The Isle is easy to find, too. It’s just a mile away either from Florida’s Turnpike or I-95. From Wellington, head south on the turnpike, get off at Martin Luther King Blvd., go through the traffic light to Atlantic Blvd., make a left on Atlantic Blvd., a right on Powerline Road and you’re there.

You’ll see the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park on your left. You might even choose to valet park as it’s free, too.

If the Pompano Beach location isn’t convenient for you, try one of the Isle’s other locations — there are 15 in all, including one in the Bahamas and one in the United Kingdom. They’re all a part of the Isle of Capri corporation.

As for the Blooms, their four horses, their Jack Russell terrier and the cat that “rules the roost,” they’re not going anywhere.

“It’s a pleasure to be in Florida where a few cold days in the winter can be looked at as ‘refreshing,’ and to live in Wellington and be associated with all the good things that happen in the horse community,” Bloom said.

For the Blooms, moving from Connecticut was a gamble that paid off.

For more information on the Isle Casino & Racing at Pompano Park, located at 777 Isle of Capri Circle in Pompano Beach, call (877) ISLE-2WIN or visit www.theisle pompanopark.com.

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Medical Arts Pavilion III 1397 Medical Park Boulevard, Suite 480, Wellington, Florida (561) 791-1141 or (888) 553-0545 www.BestPainClinic.com WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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IT’S ALL ABOUT THE HORSEPOWER WELLINGTON RACING TEAM SEEKS TO PUT ITS MARK ON THE HOT ROD WORLD STORY BY RON BUKLEY PHOTOS BY SUSAN LERNER

Wellington resident Dave Richards spends a good deal of his free time in an Acreage garage, pursuing a different kind of horse interest: horsepower.

Dave and his older brother Paul co-own a competition-class, nitromethane-powered funny car dragster that accelerates from zero to more than 300 mph in about five seconds and took their driver Paul Lee to fourth place in last year’s International Hot Rod Association rankings.

Dave’s father Gary started the family drag racing legacy and was a champion racer in the 1970s and 1980s, but stopped in the late 1980s when his wife Peggy contracted breast cancer.

Dave Richards gets ready to take his competition-class, nitromethane-powered funny car dragster for a spin at the Palm Beach International Raceway.

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“We didn’t have insurance, so he had to sell a lot of the aspects of the racecar to pay for her health,” Dave said. “We still had the racecar, basically just the frame.

We sold the engine parts and the body that goes on top of the car.”

Their mother survived cancer, and in 1999 the family decided to give it another go, but in 2001 they had a catastrophic engine failure and the car burned to the

frame. “It ruined everything, so again, we were back to square one,” Dave recalled.

“We had just the frame. The frame didn’t melt, but everything else — the wires, the carbon-fiber body, everything — it was just total devastation. After that, we were done for a while. Then, four years ago, we got the itch again.”

On a shoestring budget, the brothers got their car running again, and after com-

peting in eight of the ten IHRA races last season, they reached fourth in points.

While top competitors spend $3 million to $5 million per season, the Richards brothers got by last year on a budget of only about $250,000, Dave said, in great part because their team is made up of volunteers who love the sport. Most members of the eight-member team live in the area. “Most of us have day jobs like myself,” said Dave, who operates a swimming pool service.

Thanks to last year’s successful season, the Richards team is now able to afford spare parts for the engine. “We’ve done better and better with each race we’ve gone to,” said Paul, a West Palm Beach resident. “We generate a little more money and get a little more sponsorship dollars. The more sponsorship dollars we get, the more parts we buy.”

The nitromethane-powered dragster, painted in the black and yellow colors of the team’s main sponsor Tire Kingdom, utilizes a 500-cubic-inch Chrysler hemispherical engine pumped up to about eight times the power of the stock engine, Paul explained.

“We make up a little bit with bore and stroke and piston size and blower,” Paul said. “The motor without any special exotic fuels or anything would probably put out 1,200 horsepower the way it is.

Once that blower starts spinning, and we put the nitromethane in there, we’re up to almost 10,000 horsepower.”

The car’s fuel blend is 85 to 90 percent nitromethane and 10 to 15 percent methanol, Paul said. Nitromethane, a volatile chemical similar in molecular structure to the explosive nitroglycerine, needs the flammability of methanol to set it off.

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“Nitromethane is a liquid, and it takes detonation to burn,” Paul said, “so if we had nitromethane in a bucket and we threw a match in it, it probably wouldn’t

You cannot move in there. You can move maybe an inch to the right or left. My dad used to say, ‘once that body comes down, you’ll calm down,’ and I’m thinking that’s when I was going to get nervous.

But it’s weird how when that body comes down and you’re all alone, it’s kind of comforting. A false sense of security is what it is, when you think that firewall is all that’s between you and the engine.

Dave Richards

Wellington racecar driver Dave Richards in the fireproof clothing he wears behind the wheel.

do anything, but if I took a hammer and hit a drop of nitromethane, it would probably blow the head off the hammer.”

Due to the enormous amounts of stress put on the engine, it must be completely disassembled and inspected after each run it makes on the track. The team can do the job in less than an hour, Dave said.

“Hopefully, everything is good, and we put it back together,” he said. “On race days, we can tear it apart four times. Seventy-five minutes is how long you have from the time after the run, you pull it into the pit, jack it up, take it apart, put it back together, warm it up and you have to be back at the starting line again.

That includes putting a clutch in it, too.

When the clutch comes out, it is still about 1,300 degrees minimum.”

After a run, the driver deploys a parachute to stop the car. “You can stop it with brakes, but it’s not very easy to do,” Dave said.

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(Above left) The team’s racecar body is emblazed with sponsor logos.

(Above right) An engine closeup. Crew members take the engine apart and put it back together again after each run.

“It takes off at six Gs and it stops at negative-five Gs when you’ve finished the run,” Paul added.

Dave is taking over some of the driving duties this season beginning in March, so they can expand their racing potential to two funny cars and a rail dragster. He said he was not as nervous on his first run as he expected, considering he was strapped into a cockpit inches behind an 8,000-horsepower engine.

“You have a head-and-neck device, which is required,” Dave said. “You cannot move in there.

You can move maybe an inch to the right or left. My dad used to say, ‘once that body comes down, you’ll calm down,’ and I’m thinking that’s when I was going to get nervous. But it’s weird how when that body comes down and you’re all alone, it’s kind of comforting.

A false sense of security is what it is, when you think that firewall is all that’s between you and the engine. With the helmet and

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the radio plugged in, it’s kind of a monotone.”

The radio allows the driver to communicate with the crew, who can advise him of his situation on the track. “They let me know what’s wrong, if anything,” Dave said.

“It’s a good thing if I don’t hear anything but ‘good job.’”

Inside the car, the firewall has small windows that will show the driver if a fire develops in the engine compartment. If fire breaks out, there are fire extinguishers on hand. If the engine explodes, it’s a totally different story.

“You’ll definitely hear it blow up, and the body will probably go sailing,” Dave said. “If it’s a little fire, there’s a handle on the brake for the fire bottles. These nozzles are plumbed in through the car.”

Although they have been doing progressively better on the circuit, the brothers still have to watch their expenses closely, Paul said.

“Since we’re limited on sponsorship dollars, we run it extremely low-budget,” he said. “We run it race to race, we qualify, and that gets us enough money to get to the next race. The team also receives sponsorship from Tire Kingdom and Florida Brake & Truck Parts, but if the car doesn’t qualify, they generally don’t go to the next race.”

“They pay you $10,000 if you qualify and $4,000 for each winning run,” Dave added. “The winner gets $25,000 to $30,000 for each race.”

Paul used to have a kitchen remodeling service, but gave that up after injuring his back. “I was only putting part time into the car,” he said. “I decided I’m going to go full bore, concentrate solely on the car, and we went from being able to go to three races to going to eight races this past year, and we finished fourth in the points.”

Dave also gets credit as a spon-

sor through his pool service, Pro Pools, which he runs to pay his salary as driver.

Through their success of the past year, the team has also acquired a top-fuel dragster, which they will run for the first time at a competition March 12-15 in Gainesville. “Basically, I just take that motor straight out and plop it in the rail of the dragster,” Paul said.

“Part of buying the dragster is so that we can continue to race and have [driver] Paul Lee involved with us,” Dave added.

“We’re going to keep growing the operation in hopes of everyone actually being able to make a living from doing this, because it’s what we love to do.”

This season they hope to run eight to ten races on the National Hot Rod Association tour and hopefully ten races in the IHRA tour. “We’re basically going to do the entire IHRA tour with the dragster in hopes of winning the championship,” Dave said.

“And getting more sponsorships,” Paul added. “We’ll go to any race they’ll pay us to go to.”

WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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(Below) A Chinese general stands in contrast to the whimsical art in the entry way.

(Bottom) A bougainvillea in full bloom stands outside the Hardin home. (Opposite) A variety of art is displayed in the formal dining room.

ELLINGTON at Home

STORY BY DEBORAH WELKY PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

Karen Hardin’s Eclectic Taste In Art Comes To Life In Her Stonehaven Home alking in the door, you are immediately taken by a floor-to-ceiling mural of sun, sky, animals and plants that dominates the living room. It is captivating not only in its subject matter, but also in its size and scope. As you study it, you find yourself secretly admiring someone who can take a white, two-story wall and make that kind of artistic commitment.

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Stonehaven resident Karen Hardin is that kind of someone. And your tour of the “Hardin gallery” has just begun.

“I’ve been a collector since I was 19,” Hardin said. “My uncle was an international banker who lived all over the world, and I stayed with him for two and a half months when he was in Rio de Janeiro. I bought two pieces at an art street festival — not traditional art, but primitive Haitian pieces by two different artists in two different mediums — and that was the beginning.”

Hardin’s love for primitive works stayed with her through the years — and through several moves.

In addition to her native Atlanta, Hardin has lived in Sedona, Ariz.,

People say they feel a lot of energy here. It’s a happy house. Art makes you happy — and it’s a learning experience.

Karen Hardin

(Above) The dramatic two-story mural in the living room was painted by Margarita Streinesberger. It provides a tranquil, tropical environment for Hardin’s entertaining.

(Right) The panther, made from the bristles of a broom, emerges from the mural, almost bringing it to life.

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Santa Rosa in Florida’s panhandle, New York and New Jersey. But she doesn’t take credit for the mural.

“I knew what I wanted and [muralist] Margarita Streinesberger had the same vision,” Hardin said.

Streinesberger completed the large painting, plus two smaller alcoves and the dining room ceiling, in just seven days. “She took the colors from my chandelier and now, no matter what position you’re sitting in at the table, you can ‘see the sunset,’” Hardin smiled.

The chandelier, an Ulla Darni work, is stunning in itself. Using translucent paints she invented, Darni applies geometric, freeform or floral designs to glass. The artist creates sconces, lamps and chandeliers. At 36 inches across, Hardin’s one-of-a-kind piece was one of her larger projects. It hangs majestically over a table made from a nonOne can find art is in every corner of the Hardin home, from Tiffany-style lamps, sculptures to vases and two-dimensional paintings.

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This piece of intricate beaded artwork shows the range of Hardin’s eclectic art collection.

producing grapevine perhaps a century old, topped by a sheet of thick glass.

Eight hand-carved chairs from Spain surround it.

Between the dining room and the foyer, an original Karen Rossi metal mobile hangs in a pass-through. Rossi is best known for her “Fanciful Flights” ornaments sold commercially, but Hardin’s works by Rossi are signed originals.

“She stayed with me for a while when I lived in Santa Rosa,” Hardin explained.

The art lover also commissioned Rossi to create a cutout metal wall plaque which hangs at the entrance of her home today, welcoming all to “Casa de Hardin” and featuring Hardin’s pets.

Recently, Hardin’s taste has been leaning toward the Asian, and this, too, is reflected in her current home in Stonehaven, located across the street from Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Her office has a “prosperity corner,” set up in accordance with feng shui guidelines, although a huge sequined, beaded WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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If you’re lucky, you may be invited to spend the night in Hardin’s Hawaiian-themed guest room.

Haitian flag featuring the “Goddess of the Sea” shares space over Hardin’s desk with the Paul Harris Fellow award she received from the Wellington Rotary Club.

Eclectic as the room is, two sequined elephant pillows echo the craftsmanship of the flag, while her Chihuahuas, Honey and Elvis, settle in on Oriental rugs.

Her master bedroom has Asian accessories that include two lotus lamps and a 400-year-old “happy Buddha” whose original home was a temple in Burma.

An Asian carved bed and side tables seem to float like boats on an unusual koi pond area rug. “The rug is made of silk and it took two men 18 months to create,” she explains, taking the role of docent in her own private art museum.

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In keeping with the theme, a sitting room next to the kitchen boasts a 155-gallon bow-front fish tank, home to ten exotic goldfish, four eel-like weather

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loaches and a rosy red minnow. “They all get along and are happy because it’s not crowded,” Hardin said.

Everyone at Casa de Hardin seems happy, right down to Honey and Elvis. “People say they feel a lot of energy here,” Hardin said. “It’s a happy house. Art makes you happy — and it’s a learning experience.”

Hardin herself continues the learning process as a volunteer. For years, she was chair of staffing for the nine-day Atlanta Arts Festival, recruiting and coordinating the 1,900 volunteers necessary to handle the festival’s two million visitors. In the early 1990s, she chaired the Grayton Beach Fine Arts Festival in the Florida panhandle and locally, she The Asian-themed master bedroom features two lotus flower lamps and a carved bed and side tables that seem to float like boats on an unusual handmade silk area rug designed to look like a koi pond.

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has volunteered with the Wellington Art Festival.

To relax, Hardin retreats to her own private island: a unique, imaginative room she created in a small “golf cart” garage.

She covered the large retractable door with a “grass” wall — in reality, a shower curtain from Bed, Bath & Beyond — and brought in silk plants, Chinese lanterns and more Buddhas. But the pièce de résistance is her stand-alone sauna.

“People ask if it’s available,” Hardin said, but this spa is strictly private.

If you’re lucky, you may be invited to spend the night in another paradise — the Hawaiian guest room — where colors are bright, the doorknobs sport leis, the beds wear grass skirts and a lava lamp lends a soft blue glow.

“This house is very deceiving,” Hardin said. “It’s 3,600 square feet, but it looks smaller.”

Maybe so, but it’s huge on charm, a perfect reflection of its art-loving curator.

Art lover Karen Hardin in front of the living room mural.

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Wellington Table

KONTIKI WINE & RAW BAR

THE FLAVORS MAY BE ECLECTIC, BUT THEY’RE GREAT TOGETHER (Above) The popular lobster teriyaki’s plump tail is brushed with teriyaki and served with a spicy “bomb” sauce. In front, the lobster bomb tempura roll is served with a spicy mayonnaise sauce.

(Below) Kontiki’s dining room is filled with décor imported from the far reaches of the world.

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et’s hope that Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar, a new Euro-Asian fusion restaurant open in Wellington, never finds its true identity, because any restaurant that offers everything from sushi to ossobuco — and does it extremely well — deserves our loyalty.

STORY BY JANN SEAL PHOTOS BY LISA KEENEY

Sue Porter, owner of Tub Tim Thai Restaurant in the Marketplace at Wycliffe, and her sister Vanida Coquin, owner of Too Bizarre Café in Jupiter, have joined forces to create Kontiki. With an amalgam of décors from around the world, and glorious food creations that six chefs put together and lavishly present, Kontiki yields a dining extravaganza never seen before in our area.

Diners will be immediately impressed with the décor upon entering this lovely and large restaurant in the Courtyard Shops at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. Everything is new, and most of it is imported from the far reaches of the world: magnificent chandeliers from Italy, artwork from Thailand, furnishings reminiscent of old Europe, and sleek barstools that alternate with ones that are more ornate. The search for an identity is suddenly no longer a source of puzzlement. A joy yielded by the potpourri of furnishings takes over, and you know you’re in for a special treat.

We were greeted by Sue and Vanida, and immediately placed before us was a baked brie platter, the brie wrapped in a delicate puff pastry and swimming in a raspberry coulis. The presentation was a work of art, with bread, crackers and fresh fruit also included. Two Thai iced teas were served with the appetizers, and we were in heaven. But the appetizers were just beginning.

A parade followed, as all six chefs from the sushi bar to the kitchen were busily preparing their specialties for us.

(Above) Sisters Vanida Coquin (left) and Sue Porter know their food and present a table laden with Kontiki delights. (Below) Kontiki’s firecracker shrimp is marinated in a red pepper sauce and perfectly balanced by a sweet mango/mandarin orange sauce.

Firecracker shrimp, spicy shrimp marinated in a red pepper sauce and served with a mango/mandarin orange sauce, was a delicate mix of hot and sweet. Lump crab is used in their generous grilled crab cake, served with a whole-grain mustard aioli. Did we mention the steamed greenlip mussels served in a tomato herb broth, or the lightly fried calamari served with a tomato, kalamata olive and artichoke 8585

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side? Or the red curry jumbo shrimp?

How about the jumbo shrimp pad thai, shrimp crusted with peanuts and noodles delicately flavored with scallions, tourmaline and yucca palm... it’s their most popular dish.

A variety of sushi offerings were also presented, including a spicy tuna with Japanese mint leaves, and our favorite: the lobster bomb roll accompanied by a spicy mayonnaise. Tuna jalapeño is another favorite of customers, with the delicate slices of fresh tuna served with slices of the hot pepper. “We try to make all the dishes colorful, and the presentation is very important to us,” Sue said while the chefs nodded in agreement in the background.

(Above) Kontiki’s veal ossobuco is as succulent and tender as it is delicious.

(Below) The tuna jalapeño dish puts a unique spin on a traditional Japanese classic.

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Sue and Vanida shop at the local Whole Foods Market to be sure only the freshest ingredients are used in their dishes. They lean toward the organic in most of their products, and both scour local vegetable

markets as well. With that in mind, every dish can be made as a creative work of art and taste. “Our chefs are all artists!” Vanida explained.

When first approaching the space that became Kontiki, the sisters knew it would have to be gutted in order to achieve the look they were going for. They personally put in place the Mexican tiles used as kick pads around the sushi bar. “We wanted it done right, and done once,” Sue said, “so we did it ourselves.”

Stained glass film covers the glass front of the restaurant. “We like the word eclectic,” Vanida noted.

After filling up on the terrific appetizers, it came as a shock when the entrees started arriving at the table. When an enormous ossobuco arrived, surrounded by mashed potatoes and broccoli and swimming in a deep, rich gravy, I knew the restaurant

Thai iced teas and the baked brie platter with fresh fruit were delicious and artfully presented.

would be a hit. Where else can all tastes be satisfied, and so well? Only Kontiki fills that bill.

With a bustling kitchen and customers streaming in, Sue and Vanida have their plates full! Yet these two industrious sisters are busily tending to their other restaurants as well, with Sue starting her morning at Tub Tim, then swinging over to Kontiki, leaving her husband at the Tub Tim helm. Vanida, who has traveled the world eating good food, would always find time to speak with restaurant owners, quizzing them on their food preparation.

The two women have merged their expertise and experience in an unforgettable and welcome dining experience. Kontiki and the space it occupies have truly come together with winning recipes.

Kontiki is open every day for lunch and dinner, and reservations are not required.

Eating there is required for anyone who enjoys food with a twist!

Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar is located in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace. For more information, call (561) 296-0404.

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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.

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 information, call (561) 4349427.

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.

Field of Greens, located at 10140 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Pointe at Wellington Green, serves some of the freshest and healthiest food in town. It is a quick, contemporary restaurant specializing in salads and sandwiches. Enjoy customized salads with homemade dressings, as well as signature salads and wraps. For more info., call (561) 795-4345.

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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.theislepompanopark.com or call (877) ISLE-2WIN. The Isle Casino is located at 777 Isle of Capri Circle off Powerline Road, south of Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach.

Kontiki Wine & Raw Bar is located in the Courtyard Shops of Wellington at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd. Steaks and seafood are featured, prepared with a Euro-Asian fusion flair. Enjoy the full sushi bar and a glass or bottle of wine from a large and varied list. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. For more info., call (561) 296-0404.

La Fogata Restaurant serves delicious Mexican cuisine. The restaurant, located in Wellington Town Square at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd., features a tequila bar. Call (561) 422-1641 for info.

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.

Max & Erma’s restaurant is now opening Royal Palm Beach serving gourmet hamburgers, steaks, chicken, pasta, salads and sandwiches. Call-ahead seating and carryout available. It is located at 11111 Southern Blvd. in the Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza.

For more info., call (561) 383-8878 or visit www.max andermas.com.

Fondue becomes a memorable four-course dining experience at The Melting Pot, where patrons can dip into something different and discover all the ingredients for a unique dining experience. The Melting Pot, located at 3044 S. Military Trail in Lake Worth, features a relaxed atmosphere, private tables, attentive service, fine wines and signature fondue dinners. It’s a little different, and a lot of fun. For more info., call (561) 967-1009.

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 WELLINGTON THE MAGAZINE • MARCH 2009

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Wellington Dining Guide Social Scene 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.

Voted Best of the West!

Happy Hour Sunday - Thursday 4:30 - 6:30 PM Tuesdays House Margaritas 99¢ (with purchase of entrée no coupons)

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.treeswings andribs.com or call (561) 791-1535 for more information.

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.

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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.

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Wellington Calendar Wednesday, March 4 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present its Discover the World Book Discussion Series on Wednesday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Sara Harris will lead a discussion of Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

Thursday, March 5 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present a Teen Writing Workshop on Thursday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 through 17.

Debbie Reed Fischer, author of Braless in Wonderland, will offer writing advice and answer questions. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The 2009 polo season will continue Thursday, March 5 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the start of the 26-goal USPA Piaget Gold Cup. Gold Cup play will continue until Sunday, March 29. 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.

Friday, March 6 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “One Potato, Two” on Friday, March 6 at 11 a.m. for ages two and up. The program will feature stories, finger plays, songs and crafts. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Maltz Jupiter Theatre (1001 E. Indiantown Road, Jupiter) will present Salute to Broadway on Friday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Visit www.jupitertheatre.org or call (561) 7432666 for more info. saTurday, March 7 • The Second Annual W.B. Ingalls Memorial Prostate Health & Cancer Seminar will be held Saturday, March 7 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuition is $20 per person; $30 per couple. Register by calling (561) 776-6666 or visit www.myhir.org.

• The 2009 Challenge of the Americas and the Challenge Gala Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday, March 7 at International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington. A fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the format showcases the excitement of the high jump and the elegance of the musical freestyle. For more info., call Mary Ross at (561) 852-2591.

Monday, March 9 • The 2009 South Florida Green, Energy & Climate Conference/Expo will take place March 9-11 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). Organized by the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, the expo will showcase a wide range of green products and service offerings. For more info., call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.floridagreen conference.com.

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Tuesday, March 10 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Anime Grab Bag” on Tuesday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Library. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington Village Council will meet on Tuesday, March 10 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. For more info., call (561) 791-4000.

Wednesday, March 11 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Craft Club: Egg-spectacular” on Wednesday, March 11 at 4:15 p.m. for ages nine and up. Be inspired by Faberge and other egg artists and decorate your own egg shapes with jewels and colors. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach) will host “Unforgettable: The Timeless Music of Nat King Cole” Wednesday and Thursday, March 11 and 12 at 8 p.m. The John Pizzarelli Quartet will appear with Bob Lappin and the Palm Beach Pops to remember Cole’s timeless music. Call (561) 832-7677 or visit www.palmbeachpops.org for more info.

Thursday, March 12 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Pizza & Pages: Heir Apparent” on Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. for ages 12 to 17. Giannine is stuck inside a virtual reality role-playing game and must win it to be set free.

Copies of Vivian Vande Velde’s book are available at the children’s desk. Pizza will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, March 13 • The Palm Beach Home Show will be held Friday through Sunday, March 13-15 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The show features more than 100,000 square feet of home design and remodeling products and services. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $4 for children. Call (800) 321-6164 for more info. saTurday, March 14 • The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host the WestFest Land & Sea Festival on Saturday and Sunday, March 14 and 15 at Okeeheelee Park (7715 Forest Hill Blvd.). Now in its 16th year, WestFest will feature national musical acts, local artists, food, amusements for children, crafters and much more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. General admission is $10, a two-day pass is $15 and a daily family four-pack is $30. Call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.palmswest.com for more info.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Learn to Let Go of Your Clutter” on Saturday, March 14 at 2 p.m. for adults.

Kathy Andio will offer practical decluttering tips.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. sunday, March 15 • The Fourth Annual Shady Ladies Luncheon will be held Sunday, March 15 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

The luncheon will feature live and silent auctions offering celebrity sunglasses. Proceeds will benefit the Lupus Research Institute. For more info., visit www.lupusresearchinstitute.org.

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Wellington Calendar Tuesday, March 17 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “It’s a Little Bit of Blarney” on Tuesday, March 17 at 3:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Wear green and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, March 18 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Socrates Café” on Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. The Society for Philosophical Inquiry initiated the concept for this discussion led by Marji Chapman. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Thursday, March 19 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Young Artists’ Series: Color Wheel” on Thursday, March 19 at 3:30 p.m. for ages five and up. Test your ability to mix paint colors using only the primary colors and create your own color wheel. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Friday, March 20 • The West Palm Beach Home & Garden Show will be held Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The show will feature more than 500 exhibitors. Enjoy a great day out and gather ideas, investigate new products, learn from the professionals and meet home and garden celebrities. For more info., call (561) 7912573 or visit www.southfloridahomeshow.com.

• The Palm Beach Fine Craft Show will take place Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center (650 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach). The cost is $15 general admission, $13 for seniors, free for children under 12 and $10 each for groups of 10 or more. For more info., call (561) 267-2632 or visit www.craftsamericashows.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present its Discover the World Book Discussion Series on Friday, March 20 at 2 p.m. for adults. Barbara Harnick will lead a discussion of Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info.

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saTurday, March 21 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present Storyteller Linda Spitzer on Saturday, March 21 at 11:15 a.m. for ages three and up. Come hear as she captivates listeners using puppets, magic, voices and more. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “Meet the Author: Mitchell Graham” on Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. for adults. Chat with this fantasy and mystery author, ask questions and get the scoop on his novel Majestic Descending. A book signing will follow. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

• The Rotary Club of Wellington will present its Art of Giving Gala on Saturday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Armory Art Center (1700 Parker Avenue, West Palm Beach). There will be many artsy surprises throughout the evening. Tickets are $175 per person. For info., call Karen Hardin at (561) 324-1149 or e-mail kjhsedona@aol.com.

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Wellington Calendar Monday, March 23 • St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church will host its Annual Charity Golf Tournament, Dinner & Auction on Monday, March 23 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. The event will start at 10 a.m. with registration and lunch, followed by a noon shotgun start. The tournament will benefit St. David’s outreach projects and the Child Life Institute. For more info., call Tim Hadsell at (561) 439-4607 or visit www.saintdavidsinthepines.org.

Tuesday, March 24 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host its “Poetry Discussion Series” on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:30 p.m. for adults. Engage in a provocative discussion of published poems.

Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

Wednesday, March 25 • The Wellington Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Excellence Awards and installation of officers at noon on Wednesday, March 25 at the Binks Forest Golf Club. RSVP by calling (561) 792-6525.

• The Palms West Chamber of Commerce will host an After-Hours Mixer on Wednesday, March 25 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at BleachBright Smiles, located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 177 in Wellington. Tickets are $10 for members and $20 for non-members. Call Catherine Engel at (561) 790-6200 for more info.

• The 2009 polo season will continue Wednesday, March 25 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with the start of the 26-goal U.S. Open Polo Championship. The 105th edition of the U.S. Open will continue until Sunday, April 26. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.inter nationalpoloclub.com.

Thursday, March 26 • The 24th Annual Palm Beach Boat Show will be held Thursday, March 26 through Sunday, March 29 on the Intracoastal Waterway along Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach For more info., call (954) 764-7262 or visit www. showmanagement.com.

• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “What the Chelm?” on Thursday, March 26 at 2:30 p.m. for adults. Marjorie Gottlieb Wolfe will relate stories about the fictional town of Chelm, known as the city of Jewish fools where the people act funny. Call (561) 7906070 to pre-register.

Friday, March 27 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will present “From Yellow Dog Democrats to Red State Republicans: Florida & Its Politics Since 1940” on Friday, March 27 at 2 p.m. for adults featuring University of Florida Professor David Colburn. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register.

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saTurday, March 28 • The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show will be held Saturday and Sunday March 28 and 29 at the Americraft Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds. General admission is $20.

Call (703) 321-4890 or visit www.metrocooking. com for more info.

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Around Wellington

Dads & Daughters Party — Wellington’s Annual Father-Daughter Dance was held Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Village Park gymnasium.

Dads and their daughters had a great time sharing a night of dancing, a delicious dinner, games and pictures. Each couple received keepsakes to cherish the memories of the evening. PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER Lauren Mundy with her dad David.

Dr. David Simon with his daughter Lexi.

St. Peter’s Celebrates 30 Years — St. Peter’s United Methodist Church celebrated its 30th anniversary in February. Members and friends of the congregation enjoyed an elegant dinner on Saturday, Feb. 7 and a special worship service on Sunday, Feb. 8. During the Feb. 7 gala, Wellington Vice Mayor Dr. Carmine Priore, Councilwoman Lizbeth Benacquisto and Councilman Matt Willhite presented a proclamation to Rev. Dr. Rainer Richter. Music was provided by Higher Ground, a contemporary praise band from Coral Springs, and the highlight of the evening was a message from Bishop William Willimon.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER

Assistant Pastor Rachel Lever with Bishop William Willimon and Rev. Rainer Richter.

Wellington Quilters Collaborate — The Wellington Community Center buzzed with chatter on Friday, Feb. 6 as the Wellington Quilters and the National Council of Jewish Women’s Palm Beach Section collaborated in an effort to provide handmade quilts to battered women and their children. In addition to the quilts, members filled the donated suitcases David Albright served as master of ceremonies. with household goods such as dishes and glasses for the NCJW’s Luggage for Independence project.

PHOTOS BY CANDACE MARCHSTEINER

(Left) Josephine Landolfi sews on binding.

(Right) Kathy Yoder and Peggy Houck display the quilters’ signature labels.

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