Wellington Figure Skating Team Fuels Success With Friendship

By Patrick Sherry

On less than an inch of sharp blades and in complete unison, Olivia Kotel, 13, and Rylin Reaves, 14, combine high-intensity athleticism with artistry. Their friendship started at the same ice rink while training under the same coaches, and now the two are chasing the same dream to reach figure skating’s biggest competitions together.

The two Wellington teenagers train nearly every day at Palm Beach Skate Zone off Lake Worth Road. Both began their figure skating journeys as young children and have been diligently training ever since.

Kotel and Reaves were already close friends before they began their partnership two years ago.

The two first teamed up for a performance at Skate Zone’s annual holiday show. Recognizing their friendship and chemistry on the ice, their parents and coaches suggested they become a pairs team.

“We’ve always skated together,” Kotel said. “We have the same coaches, so it was just a decision that we made because we did a show one year.”

Pairs skating is one of the most physically demanding and difficult disciplines in figure skating. In it, a male and female skater perform in unison, showcasing synchronicity and athleticism through the execution of complex elements.

Pairs teams incorporate all elements seen in singles skating, like jumps, footwork and spins. Its main differentiator is the inclusion of side-by-side jumps, overhead lifts and throw jumps, in which the male assists the female into the air, allowing her to complete and land a jump.

Before partnering, Reaves admitted that he was initially jealous of Kotel’s skating abilities. While he is hesitant to say whether he has surpassed her yet, they both acknowledge that they have strengths that complement each other. Their combined skills push them to grow and learn together.

“I used to be jealous of her because she was a lot better than me,” Reaves said. “When she was younger, she had a lot higher jumps than me, and I remember there was a good couple-month period where I was jealous of her… But then we became really close. One thing led to another, and we started skating together.”

To transition from singles to pairs skating, they had to learn new elements and how to coordinate their movements, all while being in tune with music.

Kotel and Reaves said the biggest adjustment was learning how to synchronize their skating, especially during side-by-side jumps. Yet, they acclimated quickly to the changes, which they attribute to the similar techniques learned from the same coaches.

Moving as one is now even second nature to them. They’ve developed a natural sense of each other’s movements by relying on visual or audio cues to match timing and complete elements seamlessly.

“When we started, we were very slow and hesitant, and we really didn’t match crossovers or side-by-side moves,” Kotel said. “This year, we have more power in the little in-between things, and we’re more connected. I feel like that makes us stand out compared to other teams.”

Kotel and Reaves participate in multiple individual and pairs competitions across the country each year. As a pairs team, they currently compete as juveniles on the figure skating championship track. During the season, the two participate in U.S. Figure Skating’s National Qualifying Series (NQS), which brings together nearly 1,500 skaters from around the country to compete at multiple qualifying events. The NQS allows skaters to develop their rankings within the sport and serves as one of the pipelines to qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Last year, the team made it to the NQS U.S. Pairs Final. This earned them spots at National Development Camp and on the National Development Team. The camp was a multi-day training program for top-performing skaters in the NQS. It took place around the same time as the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, so young competitive skaters could watch the competition live and train with high-level coaches in a group environment.

The pair explain that becoming a part of the National Development Team is one of the highlights of their competitive careers so far. They added it was a privilege to watch elite figure skaters in competition and learn from world-class coaches.

“It was definitely challenging, learning different views coaches have on certain elements and connecting what our coaches have taught us with what they were saying,” Reaves explained. “It was challenging, but I feel like we got a lot out of it, and it was very fun.”

Kotel and Reaves recently kicked off the NQS competitive season with other skaters from Palm Beach Skate Zone. This year, they will be performing to the song “Hallelujah” that they reworked from last year’s holiday show. They usually perform to upbeat music, but they are excited to take on the challenge because it was a crowd favorite.

This year, they have their sights on reaching the National Development Team Championship competition. As they continue to develop as skaters, they are learning and incorporating more difficult elements while focusing on improving artistry. To help them achieve all this are their parents and coaches, who are supporting them along the way. They describe their coaches almost as second parents because of how much time they spend together.

Jennifer Kane, one of their coaches, believes that their close bond makes Kotel and Reaves a great team.

“Rylin and Olivia are both very strong skaters independently. As a pairs team, they have a very common ground in their skating skills,” Kane said. “They have this natural capability to match each other in their movements and skating style, and their speed and power are equivalent. When they started skating together two years ago, it just seemed so natural.”

The two bring that connection to every competition. Reaves said their friendship motivates them to improve and continue to show their best every time they are on the ice. While figure skating can be full of falls and missteps, this strong relationship makes every competition enjoyable.

“It’s definitely easier doing a competition with somebody else — doing pairs instead of singles,” Kotel said.

Like most young elite athletes, Kotel and Reaves want to reach their sport’s biggest stages. They hope to qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in the future and eventually compete at the Winter Olympics. To get there, they are going to work hard while maintaining a positive mindset. If they can accomplish these goals, they said they would be proud to represent their hometown and the rink where they train.

“Since this is my first [figure skating] club, and it’s my hometown, if in the future we go really far, it would feel great to represent where I came from,” Reaves said.

Built on friendship and a commitment to growing together, the partnership that Kotel and Reaves have is turning their bond into their competitive advantage. They skate, fall and get up together, and hope they can achieve their dreams side-by-side.

“Don’t let anything that anybody says or any negative results that you see get in your head — and definitely make sure you have good chemistry with your partner,” Reaves said.

To learn more about Olivia Kotel and Rylin Reaves and their exciting figure skating journey, follow them on Instagram @team_rylivia.

Place Of Hope Works To Break The Cycle Of Abuse And Mend Lives

By Patrick Sherry

Going through the case files, reading about unimaginable youth trauma and abuse, is never easy for the staff at Place of Hope. Yet their commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse through love and compassion is what drives this local nonprofit to help people reclaim their futures.

Throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, Place of Hope runs multiple campuses that provide housing, transitional assistance and care. Over the years, the organization has served more than 450,000 children, youth and families. Its comprehensive, family-based approach to welfare is intended to offer long-lasting healing so those under their care can lead lives of success and dignity.

“If we can shift them out of that survival mode and put them in a place of safety and stability, where they can focus on being a child and focus on their education, we see great success,” said Jamie Bond Ciancio, vice president and chief of staff of advancement at Place of Hope.

Originally, Place of Hope focused on providing residential foster care for children who experience abuse, neglect or abandonment. Over the years, the organization has expanded its efforts to support a wide array of initiatives, including maternity care, youth aging out of foster care, homeless youth, human trafficking prevention and recovery, education, health and wellness, and outreach for at-risk communities. This broad focus on welfare is part of the organization’s mission to break vicious cycles of abuse and instability through family-style care and long-term healing.

“We know that we are shattering later statistics with regard to re-abuse rates or children falling into foster care,” said Charles Bender, founding CEO of Place of Hope. “If we disrupt a homeless family’s scenario… that always has better outcomes for children.

Pastors Tom and Donna Mullins were inspired to create a faith-based, family-driven foster care model after traveling to Romania and Russia in the early 1990s. Seeing the vast difference in care between state-run institutions and church-run homes led them to want to create a place where children and families in their community could be cared for in a stable, loving environment. They established Place of Hope as a nonprofit and began developing their family-style foster care model.

Around the same time, Bender recognized a growing child welfare crisis in Florida. Several high-profile abuse cases during the late 1990s led to policy changes that meant an influx of children were being placed in the foster care system. Bender joined Place of Hope in 1999 to help bring the organization’s mission to life.

With the support of Christ Fellowship Church, Place of Hope opened the organization’s first Family Foster Cottage in Palm Beach Gardens in 2001. Now, the organization operates five campuses that are a haven for children and families who have nowhere else to go.

“We felt that there was a need for us to step in and do the best that we could do, partner with others, and provide a truly holistic environment for young people to live in,” Bender said.

The Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus just east of Wellington serves many in the western communities. Philanthropist Connie Frankino partnered with Place of Hope to fund and build the campus, with the organization operating it. The campus is a neighborhood-style foster care campus, which specializes in providing housing for large sibling groups and children with special needs who are considered hard to place. Those who stay on the site receive structured, family-based care for as long as they need.

Since it opened in 2012, the campus has housed children in its cottages. Ten years later, in 2022, Place of Hope gained full ownership of the Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus as a planned gift. The same year, the organization opened the Angel Crossing Enrichment Center on the site, which offers education and therapeutic programs to help support children’s growth and healing journeys. The campus continued to expand with the opening of a neighborhood-style village for families in need of transitional housing.

“It’s frustrating, and it’s very hard to see things that we’re seeing… with these kids,” Ciancio said. “But if we’re not the ones doing it, who’s going to do it? These kids deserve people who are going to forge their lives and believe in them.”

Every day, children across the five campuses operated by Place of Hope are given a chance to live and experience love and compassion. Regardless of anyone’s history or hardship, the organization’s dedicated staff members are committed to leading those they serve toward a brighter future.

“We can’t reach every child on the planet, that’s for sure,” Bender said. “But for those entrusted to our care… knowing that we’ve got something that can surround them with true care and love and compassion, show them a structured way to get ahead, to make it in life and then to watch it happen — that’s enough to keep me going.”

Bender and Ciancio explained that working with these children can be emotionally difficult. Some under their care have been through traumatic or exploitative situations that are hard to fathom. Many never had any of the simple, foundational experiences most people have as children, like celebrating a birthday or going on a family trip. However, once they come to Place of Hope, children can experience these activities that help them heal from trauma.

Ciancio added that many of the youth they have worked with over the years have returned to work with new children at Place of Hope who may have had similar experiences as them.

“You cannot put into words what it’s like to see these young adults succeed,” she said. “It just brings tears to your eyes. It really is the lifeblood of what we do.”

Place of Hope’s extensive work has garnered national recognition. The organization also maintains a high rating on Charity Navigator. The staff members attribute their accolades to strong financial stewardship, transparency and excellent service. But they believe their work is entirely for the children and families they help, as they are the motivation behind it.

“I came here thinking that I would rescue these kids when they really have rescued us,” Ciancio said.

For more than two decades, Place of Hope has given countless children a chance to rebuild their lives and reach a better future. Bender emphasized that to help those they serve break out of cycles of abuse and poverty, the nonprofit needs help from the community. He added that life is too short not to do something that can make a difference. He encouraged the community to get involved in any way that they can, and any contribution, no matter how small, can help improve the lives of the people they serve.

“In whatever you do, I just believe finding purpose in it, making it matter, and helping and lifting other people in need is a great way to spend life,” Bender said.

To learn more about Place of Hope, or to find out about volunteer or donation opportunities, visit www.placeofhope.com.

Arcade Time Expands At Wellington Green, Adding Full Restaurant And Bar

Story by Patrick Sherry  |  Photos by Frank Koester

Arcade Time at the Mall at Wellington Green is leveling up, giving gamers the chance to stay longer and hit those high scores well after midnight, with high-quality dining available onsite.

The company, which runs arcade locations across Florida, recently unveiled an expansion to a 13,000-square-foot space on the first level of the mall. Arcade Time relocated from its second-floor location to introduce a larger selection of games and a full-service kitchen and bar. The venue now has an exterior entrance adjacent to the food court, so it can stay open until 3 a.m. every night.

The owners of Arcade Time have developed a brand they believe has something that can appeal to everyone — from modern games for kids, a large selection of gaming experiences for hardcore gamers and retro games for those looking to relive childhood memories.

With a full bar serving drinks for adults accompanying the full-service kitchen, the venue is the perfect all-in-one experience.

“We thought that the Wellington market was primed for some more family-friendly and adult-friendly entertainment options,” explained Doug Mandell, director of marketing at Arcade Time Entertainment. “We thought that our concept that we pioneered… would fit nicely with the Mall at Wellington Green.”

The multi-month expansion finished in June. The new Arcade Time expanded its collection of games in its modern game room and retro arcade, elevating the premium entertainment experience it gives customers. At the Wellington location, visitors can even find the newest and latest games that cannot be found anywhere else. From pinball to virtual reality experiences, Arcade Time is a must-see destination for social gatherings of any kind.

Arcade Time’s new food offerings go far beyond the traditional arcade menu of pizza and burgers. Chefs offer a wide range of dishes meant to cater to all different palates. Among the most popular so far are its Power Pellet Sliders on brightly colored buns, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken served inside a pineapple shell, sirloin steak and ribs. Outside of these are options that range from casual to upscale, including filet mignon and Antarctic salmon.

“Parents don’t need to compromise their own enjoyment at our facility if they’re coming for the benefit of their kids,” Mandell explained. “Kids can go and have fun. Parents can go and enjoy a drink at the bar, watch a game on our TVs, or go ahead and play some games of their own… and feel exactly in their element.”

All of the venue’s offerings encourage visitors to fully experience everything there is without overspending. Arcade Time runs promotions, including a $10 unlimited two-hour game pass and its “Even Happier Hours,” where appetizers are half off and drinks are under $5.

Mandell added that affordability is central to the Arcade Time brand because it encourages repeat visits and attracts more people.

“We’ve really built, not only an entertainment complex that meets the needs of so many people, but also a center for people to go ahead and socialize with one another in an affordable and accessible way,” he said.

Arcade Time Wellington is one of five locations across Florida, with its Orlando location being named the No.1 arcade in the United States at the 41st Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards.

This model of combining dining with game-based entertainment has proven to be so popular that the company is looking to open more locations in other states. Each venue is tailored to its individual community, but the Arcade Time in Wellington will be used as a blueprint on how to establish successful locations elsewhere.

“What we’ve established in Wellington is something that is going to inform how we construct our arcades moving forward,” Mandell added. “I really am excited for the people of Wellington to come out and experience it because we are just so incredibly proud of what we built.”

Mandell said that the response from Wellington residents has been overwhelmingly positive. He explained that Arcade Time is ready to deliver experiences to visitors and is always looking for ways to expand its game offerings.

“We look forward to welcoming in every single guest, and we also look forward to growing with this location,” he said. “This is just the start of what we imagine for Wellington.

Arcade Time is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Happy hour specials are available from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. Special incentives for parties, field trips and corporate events are also available.

Arcade Time Wellington It is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 122, in the Mall at Wellington Green. To learn more about Arcade Time and its offerings, call (561) 247-8463 or visit www.arcadetimeusa.com or follow them on Instagram @arcadetimeusa.

Planning For Tomorrow, Investing In Today

This year’s budget for the Village of Wellington was developed much the same way that the village has approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades.

Each summer, one of the village’s most important responsibilities takes center stage as your Wellington Village Council begins reviewing Wellington’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. While budgets are often viewed as spreadsheets and numbers, they are really about people. They represent our community’s priorities and reflect the investments we make every day in the quality of life that makes Wellington such a special place to call home.

At the June 30 council meeting, village team members presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 to the council, beginning a transparent public process that will continue through budget workshops and public hearings before the final budget is adopted. We want to sincerely thank the many residents who have already participated in this process. Whether attending meetings, watching online, submitting comments or simply taking the time to learn more about the village’s finances, your engagement helps make Wellington a stronger community. Thoughtful public participation has always been one of Wellington’s greatest strengths, and it is an important part of good local government.

This year’s budget was developed much the same way we have approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades. Rather than chasing short-term solutions, the village has consistently invested in maintaining our infrastructure, protecting financial reserves, planning years in advance for major capital improvements and carefully managing taxpayer dollars. That philosophy has allowed Wellington to remain financially strong while continuing to provide the exceptional services that residents have come to expect.

This year, however, the budget is being developed against the backdrop of an important statewide conversation. During a special legislative session earlier this year, the Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that will appear before voters this November as Amendment 3. If approved by at least 60 percent of Florida voters, the amendment would make significant changes to Florida’s property tax system, including expanding the homestead exemption and making other substantial revisions to local government property taxation. The proposal is currently the subject of pending legal challenges that question the sufficiency and neutrality of the ballot language, but unless the courts determine otherwise, Florida voters will ultimately decide its future this November.

As residents, many of us understand why this conversation is occurring. Families throughout Florida continue to experience rising costs for housing, insurance, utilities and other everyday expenses. Affordability is an issue that affects communities across our state, and conversations about tax policy are both understandable and important. Regardless of the outcome of Amendment 3, one responsibility will not change.

Communities will continue to rely on essential local services. Parks will still need to be maintained. Roads and sidewalks will require upkeep. Stormwater systems must continue protecting neighborhoods during heavy rains. Drinking water infrastructure must be maintained and modernized. Recreation programs will continue serving thousands of residents each year. Public safety will remain a core expectation of every community.

That is why responsible financial planning matters. One of the strengths of Wellington’s financial approach has always been preparing for uncertainty before uncertainty arrives. Conservative budgeting, healthy reserves, long-range capital planning and responsible debt management have positioned our village to adapt thoughtfully to changing circumstances rather than react to them.

As your village manager, I often think that budgets are about far more than balancing revenues and expenditures. They are about preserving the quality of life our residents value today while ensuring that future generations inherit an equally strong community tomorrow. Behind every budget line is something tangible — a neighborhood park where children play, a community center serving families and seniors, a road improvement that enhances safety, a drainage project that protects homes or reliable utilities that residents count on every single day. Those investments define Wellington far more than any spreadsheet ever could.

No one can predict exactly what the coming months may bring. The state budget conversation will continue. Amendment 3 will ultimately be decided by Florida’s voters, subject to the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. As those discussions unfold, your council and staff will continue evaluating what they may mean for Wellington and for the services our residents expect. What will not change is our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and thoughtful planning.

Wellington has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s premier communities not by reacting to challenges, but by planning for them. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 continues that tradition. It reflects our commitment to investing wisely today, preparing responsibly for tomorrow and ensuring that Wellington remains a community we are all proud to call home.

Wellington Regional Medical Center Celebrates 40 Years Of Compassionate Care

By Fiona Slusarev

Wellington Regional Medical Center is celebrating 40 years of serving the western communities through top-quality, compassionate healthcare.

The 235-bed acute-care hospital, owned by Universal Health Services (UHS), boasts a wide variety of health services ranging from its birthing center and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the cancer center and neurology, and everything in between. Wellington-area residents can access everything from primary care to surgery and rehabilitation without having to drive far from home.

“Celebrating 40 years is an incredible milestone and a source of great pride for our team,” WRMC CEO Pam Tahan said. “For more than four decades, Wellington Regional has been here for our community’s most important moments — from welcoming new babies into the world to providing care during all seasons of life.”

When the hospital first opened its doors in 1986, Wellington itself had not yet been incorporated as a village. The population of the western communities was a fraction of what it is today, but growth was already starting to take place.

As Wellington and the surrounding areas developed, so did WRMC. A maternity unit, cancer center, wound care center, outpatient center, Level III NICU, minimally invasive surgical technologies and a neurological intervention suite are just some of the highlights that have contributed to the hospital’s growth across its first decades.

“Wellington Regional was founded because local leaders recognized the need for quality healthcare close to home as the western communities continued to grow,” Tahan said. “Over the years, we have expanded right alongside the community by adding new services, advanced technology, physicians and facilities to meet those evolving needs.”

In the past 10 years alone, WRMC has expanded its offerings and received awards for the quality of care provided. The hospital received an A grade from Leap Frog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade for ensuring patient safety from errors and accidents. U.S. News & World Report ranked WRMC in the Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings as a High Performing Hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke, as well as a High Performing Hospital for heart failure. The center was further honored with the 2025 and 2026 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.

“Today, residents no longer have to travel east for many lifesaving services,” Tahan said. “We are proud to be home to the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the western communities, a Level III NICU, expanded intensive care services, advanced surgical technology and enhanced patient-centered amenities, including renovated postpartum suites designed for families. Our growth has always been guided by one goal: ensuring that our community has access to exceptional healthcare close to home when they need it most.”

This includes an array of award-winning healthcare programs. For example, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been lauded for patient satisfaction and high wound healing rates. The center received numerous distinctions from Healogics, the top wound-care provider in the U.S., with the 2025 awards marking 10 years of recognition. Most recently, WRMC received both the Center of Distinction award and the Robert A. Warriner III Clinical Excellence Award.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center has a robust care program that utilizes a Stroke Alert Team to rapidly examine, assess and diagnose patients. The center has received many accolades, such as when the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association awarded WRMC the “Get with the Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.” The Comprehensive Stroke Center has also been honored by the Det Norske Veritas group with the highest-level accreditation for the treatment of severe strokes.

As a leader in breast cancer treatment, WRMC is constantly expanding the modalities offered and integrating the newest technology. The Savi SCOUT procedure was added in 2018 to offer an alternative surgical approach for women with breast cancer. That same year saw the addition of advanced 3D mammography imaging in the Comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center to aid in early detection. The hospital has been honored with top awards from the American College of Radiology and the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

WRMC’s Weight Management Center opened in 2018, giving patients options when choosing weight-loss surgery. It was quickly certified by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) from the American College of Surgeons, as well as being named an Aetna Institutes of Quality Bariatric Surgery Center, Cigna 3-Star Quality Bariatric Center and Center of Excellence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery and an Optum Center of Excellence for Bariatrics.

The cardiology department is home to a dedicated team that identifies and treats cardiac disorders, and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory offers lifesaving procedures. The American College of Cardiology has awarded WRMC with Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation, among other awards.

WRMC expanded in 2019 with the opening of the ER at Westlake, making emergency medical services attainable for residents who live in that fast-growing area. Meanwhile, coming in early 2027 is the ER at Hypoluxo, which will serve WRMC patients to the east.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, WRMC was on the frontlines. Healthcare professionals showed up for the western communities amid new restrictions and uncertainty. The hospital was one of six centers from across the nation to participate in the second phase of the clinical trial of the IV medication Dociparstat sodium, intended to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 infection.

“Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic was the greatest challenge we have faced in the last decade,” Tahan said. “I vividly remember hearing there were only a handful of confirmed cases in Palm Beach County and knowing several of those patients were being cared for at Wellington Regional. It was a time filled with uncertainty, concern and rapidly changing circumstances.”

However, what Tahan remembers most is the extraordinary dedication of the hospital’s “healthcare heroes.”

“Our physicians, nurses and staff showed up every day, supporting patients, families and one another through some of the most challenging moments in healthcare history,” she said. “The pandemic strengthened our organization in many ways. It enhanced our preparedness, reinforced collaboration across departments, and reminded us of the resilience and compassion that define our culture. Most importantly, it proved that when faced with adversity, our team comes together to provide exceptional care and support for our community.”

WRMC is consistently at the forefront of emerging technologies and advancements. The first Inspire Therapy Procedure for sleep apnea in the center was performed in 2024. The hospital was accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2024 and celebrated a milestone achievement of 5,000 robotic surgical cases this year.

“Personally, it has been an honor and privilege to spend the last 11 years serving alongside our physicians, nurses and staff while building strong partnerships with the Village of Wellington and so many outstanding community organizations,” Tahan said. “We love hearing stories from patients who were born here and later returned to have their own children at Wellington Regional. This anniversary reflects the trust our community has placed in us for 40 years, and our ongoing commitment to provide safe, compassionate, high-quality care for generations to come.”

If Wellington Regional Medical Center’s past 40 years of history are any indicator, the community can expect continued dynamic growth that since 1986 has turned a single hospital building into a bustling medical campus, matching the continued growth of the Wellington community.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is located at 10101 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. To learn more about the hospital, call (561) 798-8500 or visit www.wellingtonregional.com.

New Local Group Helps People Learn The Art Of Mindful Meditation

Story and Photos by Julie Unger

The reverberating hum of a crystal harp danced through the air on Tuesday, June 2, as Yani Daes, founder and CEO of Soham Yoga, walked among a group of 25 people meditating at the South University Learning Commons.

Daes led the group through a guided meditation before the silent meditation took place.

“What is important about meditation is where you give your attention,” she said. “What are you giving your attention to?”

Daes explained that when you’re working on something you enjoy, time passes quickly and seems to disappear because you’re present in the moment. She asked participants to concentrate on their breathing, to be fully involved in what they were doing, and to only think about their breath.

The week of June 2 was the third week for this new Mindful Meditation Club, and its first meeting while partnered with South University in Royal Palm Beach.

“Meditation groups are important because they create a sense of connection and belonging,” said Nickeshia Bullock, South University’s campus director and dean of academic affairs and operations. “They provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can step away from the demands of daily life, focus on their well-being, and build meaningful relationships with others who are seeking balance and personal growth.”

Hosting the meditation club at the school was the perfect fit.

“In today’s world, opportunities to slow down, reflect and connect with one another are more valuable than ever. That is one of the reasons I wanted to open our campus space to the meditation group,” Bullock said. “South University is more than a place of learning, it is a part of the community. I believe our campus should serve as a resource where people can come together, learn, grow and support one another. By opening our doors to this group, we are creating opportunities for wellness, connection and community engagement, all of which align with the values we strive to promote both on our campus and throughout the community.”

Denis Eirikis and Michelle Elliott met through social media and co-founded the club together.

Elliott had been interested in starting a meditation group, and the two connected, utilizing Elliott’s HOA clubhouse as the location for the first two sessions.

Eirikis, who has always been drawn to meditation, likens group meditation to the difference between bowling alone and bowling in a fun league.

“This is a place for people who want to meditate to come and meditate,” Eirikis said.

The Mindful Meditation Club is free, and everyone is welcome to join. Meetings take place every Tuesday from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. at South University’s University Centre (9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach), with doors closing at 6:30 p.m.

All experience levels are welcome. Use the south entrance facing Belvedere.

The South University Learning Commons has plenty of comfortable chairs available, and participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat to sit on.

“Group mindful meditation is powerful medicine,” Eirikis said. “Mindful meditation is a simple, evidence-based practice that helps people develop greater awareness of the present moment. Regular practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and emotional reactivity, while improving focus, resilience and overall well-being. Many people also find that mindfulness helps them cope more effectively with chronic pain, improve sleep, and respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity.”

Many of the attendees mentioned stress, pain and community as their reason for attending, including cancer survivor Gretchen Prevatt. It was her second time joining for group meditation.

“I like it,” Prevatt said. “When I’m meditating, I do feel relief, which is great because normally I have pain 24-7, even on pain medicines and nerve medication.”

Each week, volunteers will be leading the meditations. To learn more, e-mail kindfulness@aol.com.

PBSC’s New Dental And Health Innovation Building Honors Julie And John Kime

Story by Fiona Slusarev  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman and Courtesy Palm Beach State College

Julie and John Kime, longtime business leaders and philanthropists in the western communities and beyond, were recently honored by Palm Beach State College with the naming of a building on the Loxahatchee Groves campus.

The Julie and John Kime Dental and Health Innovation Building is a four-story space dedicated to readying students for successful careers in healthcare. The 83,954-square-foot building on the Loxahatchee Groves campus provides a place where students gain hands-on experience in dental and surgical fields. The center also gives back to the surrounding community by offering the public dental services.

“This new facility will help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and expand access to life-changing careers for students from the western part of Palm Beach County,” PBSC President Ava Parker explained. “It is a remarkable space — and most importantly, it will provide residents with access to affordable dental care.”

Palm Beach State College was Florida’s first community college when it was founded in 1933. It has grown exponentially since its inception, both academically and physically. In 2008, the school’s first bachelor’s degree program was approved by the Florida Board of Education, joining the associate’s degree programs already offered. The college now boasts five campuses in Lake Worth, Belle Glade, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton and Loxahatchee Groves.

Both Kimes are alumni of PBSC, or Palm Beach Junior College as it was called at the time. They credit their time at the college for their success over their careers. Before their time at PBSC, John grew up in Martin County and served in the U.S. Navy. Julie, born in Connecticut, moved to Cuba in high school after her grandfather’s passing in order for her father to care for his mother.

Julie credits this transition, from the U.S. to Cuba, and subsequent transition back, for teaching her the importance of resilience, education and community. With PBSC as their foundation, the Kimes found successful careers in the insurance industry. Julie was the first Hispanic insurance agent in Palm Beach County, opening her Wellington Allstate agency in 1979. John likewise joined Allstate and opened his own office in Juno Beach.

“This community supported me. It trusted me. And I wanted to lift others up the way people lifted me,” Julie explained.

The Kimes have given back to Palm Beach County in many ways through the years. John served on the board of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, formerly the South Florida Science Museum. Both Kimes have supported the Boys & Girls Club in Wellington for 38 years and are on the local club’s advisory board. They have also helped organize the annual Wellington Dinner Dance. Additionally, Julie sits on the corporate board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

“Philanthropy has been part of our lives,” Julie reflected.

John currently serves on the board of directors for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation. Julie, meanwhile, was a co-founder of the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation (EWPBF) in 1982, a leadership organization for professional women, and she remains a member more than 40 years later. She was also a founding member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Julie has consistently been an example of what it means to be an active member of the community. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the 1994 EWPBF Women in Leadership Award, the 2023 Lifetime Leadership Award for 30 years of philanthropy from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the 2024 PBSC Emerald Torch Award, and many more.

With their many avenues of community involvement in Palm Beach County, the Kimes remain perennial supporters of PBSC. They already had a history of supporting the school before the Dental and Health Innovation Building.

The Julie and John Kime Library Resource Center opened in 2022, providing students with a place to study, access course materials, and use technology like laptops and iPads. They also created the Julie Kime Hispanic Women’s Scholarship at PBSC.

“Establishing the Hispanic Women’s Scholarship was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done,” Julie said.

Education has always been important to the Kimes. Both worked full-time during their college careers and understand the fortitude needed to pursue a degree. They hope to make it easier for students to access a life-changing education at PBSC, like they were able to.

Parker noted that their support for the school and its students truly supports the community at large.

“For decades, Julie and John Kime have exemplified what it means to give back with purpose,” Parker said. “Their commitment has helped shape Palm Beach State College into the thriving institution it is today, reaching every corner of our community.”

Looking to the future, the Kimes have no plans to halt their commitment to Palm Beach State College. “We are so, so grateful and will continue to support PBSC,” Julie said.

To learn more about Palm Beach State College, visit www.pbsc.edu.