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Wellington Home

Large, Horse-Friendly Paddock Park Estate Features Plenty Of Amenities

Large, Horse-Friendly Paddock Park Estate Features Plenty Of Amenities

Located in the heart of Wellington’s equestrian community, this Paddock Park Phase II home was built with recreation in mind. Located on a waterfront, horse-friendly lot of nearly three acres, the main home has five bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a summer kitchen, heated pool, basketball court, cabana bath and an outdoor shower. There is also a two-bedroom, two-bath guest house on the property. A state-of-the-art private gym is located in one-third of the three-car garage, and there is a separate entry to a nanny suite. As versatile as the 4,600-square-foot house is, the large lot has room for expansion, with plans available for an eight-stall barn.

 

Living Room: Gleaming, oversized tiles and plenty of skylights throughout the home add a museum-like spaciousness to an already open floor plan. Plenty of glass doors offer easy access to the outdoor entertainment area with its built-in grill, a key feature of the property. The space is centered around an impressive wood-burning fireplace.

 

Family Room: The expansive feel of the main floor continues through the living room, family room and den. A loft area overlooks it all, and a central vacuum system makes clean-up easy.

 

Dining Room: Arched windows and double doors lead to this quiet, semi-private formal dining room. There is also a family dining room, breakfast area and snack bar.

 

Bar Area: A wet bar is conveniently located between the kitchen and one of two family rooms. The kitchen itself offers top-of-the-line Jenn-Air appliances, quartz countertops, an island and more.

 

Master Bedroom: Complete with elegant volume ceilings, the spacious master bedroom suite opens directly onto the pool deck featuring a screened and heated pool.

 

Front Elevation: The home features bricklike pavers and stately palms along the convenient circle drive. Just around the corner,

a three-car garage stands ready to serve its owners. A concrete barrel tile roof adds pizzazz, as well as an extra layer of security.

 

Patio Area: The breezy, open-air patio is great for entertaining, with its ping-pong table and easy access to the pool.

 

Master Bedroom: The master bedroom features remote-control shades and is spacious enough to offer a sitting area, separate his and hers closets and an en suite bath.

 

Master Closet: Keeping clothes and accessories organized is a snap with all the built-in shelving in this bright, sunlit closet/dressing room.
Master Bath: The pristine white master bath suite features a walk-in rainforest shower, dual sinks and a whirlpool spa.

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Feature Stories

Jathy Garcia Enjoys Bringing A Woman’s Perspective To A Male-Dominated Industry

Jathy Garcia Enjoys Bringing A Woman’s Perspective To A Male-Dominated Industry

Owner of what she describes as a “plumbing boutique,” Jathy Garcia is shattering glass ceilings as the operator and public face of Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air. Through the family-owned and operated business, Garcia is adding a woman’s perspective to an industry often dominated by men.

“I know people don’t meet many women in this industry, and it has become something that I have a strong passion and love for,” Garcia said.

Garcia was born and raised in South Florida. A resident of the western communities for decades, she has a background in property management and marketing, and transitioned into the plumbing business in 2000 when she and her husband, Abiel Garcia, officially started their own plumbing company.

Garcia’s background in marketing and management, along with her husband’s years of plumbing experience, have allowed their firm to provide reliable and well-rounded plumbing services to clients throughout Palm Beach County.

“Fusing both of our backgrounds together has made us an exceptional team that offers exceptional service to all of our customers,” Garcia said. “My husband is the qualifier of the company, and I’m more of the face of the company. I have my background in marketing and doing the business side of things, and he has the expertise of knowing how to do the work and overseeing the technicians. We’ve always been a team.”

As a woman in a trade profession, Garcia not only has managed to become a self-sufficient employer, but also has been able to incorporate unique business qualities into a field that oftentimes lacks the structure and organization of a non-trade profession.

For starters, Garcia has emphasized, more than anything, gaining and maintaining the trust of her clients. Hiring trustworthy employees has become a top priority for Garcia, and something that she feels has shaped her business to be successful in the industry.

“We live in an era where we always wonder who is coming into our houses,” she said. “We have amazing software, [through] which our customers actually get a picture and a bio of the technician before they even arrive. Little details mean a lot. We background screen all of our guys and do drug tests like all other companies.”

Having the right personality when talking to clients is another expectation of Garcia’s employees. She requires that her employees be personable and educative when explaining plumbing and AC issues and solutions.

“We go the extra mile. Our guys actually have to pass a personality test. Again, to meet with the criteria of this being a woman-operated business, I want them to understand that they need to have the right personality. It’s all about teamwork and educating the consumers,” Garcia said.

Garcia also guarantees that plumbers and AC technicians will always be respectful of all clients’ homes.

“People think of plumbers, and they think of dirty guys who just come into your house, but we are all about cleanliness,” she said. “As a woman, I value being clean. So, our guys are always in uniform, they wear shoe coverings to go into people’s homes, and we have special mats that they put down to protect coverings — just things that I feel a woman thinks about more.”

Garcia explained that ensuring technicians are trustworthy, have the right personalities to work with people and are respectful of people’s homes are some of the qualities that she, as a woman, has brought to the trade business.

“I always have the mindset of ‘what would I expect,’ so we try to portray that with every customer. We treat others as we want to be treated,” Garcia said.

Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air ultimately runs on the foundation of teamwork. Garcia’s purpose, for the last 18 years, has been to ensure that her team provides the best services possible. “We wouldn’t be here almost 20 years later if it wasn’t for the team that we have,” Garcia said.

Garcia naturally stands out in the world of plumbing and air-conditioning services, but she also has uniquely incorporated a new important mission into her company: encouraging clients to make environmentally conscious plumbing and air-conditioning choices.

“We have been coaching our customers on the money-saving fixtures and equipment available,” she said. “For instance, changing toilets that waste eight gallons of water per flush for new toilets that will do a one-gallon flush.”

Garcia and her husband incorporated the air-conditioning services to their business — originally known as Hi-Tech Plumbing — in 2015, as they are hoping to provide people with all-inclusive services that often times go hand-in-hand.

For Garcia, her hard work and dedication truly pays off when she is part of helping clients deal with the unwanted problems of broken AC units or leaking pipelines.

“If we are going to do something, we’re going to do it 100 percent,” she said. “We only think about our AC or plumbing when it’s broken, so it’s all about seeing the smile on their faces when they know their plumbing is back to normal or that their AC is finally kicking in.”

Hi-Tech Plumbing & Air offers services throughout Palm Beach County, with a concentration in the western communities, for residential and commercial properties. For more information, call (561) 790-6966 or visit www.hi-techplumbingandair.com.

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Feature Stories

Busy Life In Wellington Keeps Eda LoVerso Young-At-Heart

Busy Life In Wellington Keeps Eda LoVerso Young-At-Heart

Wellington resident Eda LoVerso was born on New York’s Long Island, and though this is where her story begins, reminiscing fondly of her parents and siblings, it’s not until she recalls meeting her late husband that her voice takes on a sparkle. She lovingly brings up memories of a life well-lived.

“I met him. We fell in love, and we had a beautiful life together,” she said of her 64-year marriage to Joseph LoVerso Sr., who passed away in 2005.

LoVerso met her future husband at a wedding. He was a guitarist, and LoVerso came from a musical family. She credits her initial attraction to the fact that he was a musician. Eda was a keyboard musician, and was taken with the way Joseph played, particularly the song “My Prayer,” which the band played at the wedding where they met. It became the couple’s song.

“He was a part of a group of musicians. I met him, and it was a very strong infatuation at first,” said LoVerso, who was 17 at the time. “I needed a lot of prodding to my parents for them to consent for me to marry at that age, but they liked Joe and saw potential.”

In the 1940s, young couples often eloped, but the LoVersos had what Eda describes as a “beautiful church wedding,” which was important to her parents and to the bride, who remains a devout Catholic and speaks of her wedding as if it were just yesterday.

“My mother was a designer who made one-of-a-kind dresses,” LoVerso recalled. “She made me an exquisite dress, and my crown was beautiful, made of artificial lilies. I carried a bouquet of a dozen real lilies.”

The couple married just six months prior to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Music was an enjoyable side job for Joseph, a gyroscope technician who worked for Sperry Gyroscope. He had received a deferment from military service because of his job working on giant gyroscopes for battleships.

Just over a year later, their first child came into the world. Pregnancy and motherhood took a bit of getting used to for LoVerso.

“Well, it was scary at first, but it was a learning experience,” she said. “But you know, things come natural to you after a while. I eventually got the hang of it.”

Two children followed their first son, Frank. Daughter Grace came along five years later, followed by their second son, Joseph Jr.

LoVerso stayed home for 15 years before taking on a part-time job, but in the interim, she and Joseph Sr., enjoyed making beautiful music together. Through the years, they played and entertained folks at various events.

The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Their sons, also musicians, entertain locally. New Yorkers might recognize their six-piece band, named for the famous Whitestone Bridge in New York. LoVerso follows the band Whitestone like a regular groupie. Whenever she has the chance to be in the audience, that’s where she is. Her sons are certain to play their parents’ song.

Listening to music remains an enjoyable pastime for LoVerso, but the music stopped for her and her husband in 1997, when daughter Grace was suddenly taken from them. Following her passing, the couple stopped playing at events.

“It’s something I am still living with,” LoVerso said. “We didn’t have that same feeling about playing. That’s the only fall in my life that I’ve experienced. Other than that, my life has been beautiful. I am blessed with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

LoVerso credits her large family with helping her get through those dark days. “My family; they are there for everything,” she said. “Without their support, I don’t think that we could have survived.”

Today, LoVerso lives with her son Joseph Jr. and his family in Wellington. At first, she didn’t like the idea of moving in with family. When Joseph Sr., passed away, her sons began encouraging her to move from her home and to live with one of them. However, LoVerso was still very active, walking three miles a day. She pushed the idea aside.

However, in 2015, following a hip surgery, her sons brought up the idea again. LoVerso still wasn’t keen on the suggestion, but this time it made more sense, and she accepted Joseph Jr. and his wife Karen’s invitation to move in.

“It was very traumatic for me to give up my house. I lived in Wellington’s Edge. I loved it. It was a nice, cozy little place, but I agreed that they were right,” LoVerso said. “After I got used to the idea, because it is a big step, they made me feel most comfortable. I have a wonderful daughter-in-law.”

Her family played a big part in helping LoVerso make the transition, but adjusting to the arrangement could also be credited to her happy and indomitable spirit. She has become acclimated to living in a house with her family, and especially enjoys her grandchildren, whom she said keep her young.

LoVerso added that watching the kids through their various stages of growth reminds her of when she was the same age. She enjoys identifying with them, and perhaps this is the connection to how she stays young-at-heart.

Additionally, LoVerso is a strong believer in getting along with people. The old idea that mother and daughters-in-law have to be rivals doesn’t play well with LoVerso. Cultivating good relationships comes easy for her.

“I’m Italian and very expressive with my feelings,” she explained. “I feel I am very warm toward them, and I get the same reaction back.”

For women who are not quite as natural in embracing their sons’ wives, LoVerso offered some advice.

“Don’t get involved with any of their problems,” she said. “Let them settle it between husband and wife. Be as close to your daughter-in-law and as loving as you can be toward your daughter-in-law. Only see the best in her. Be warm, and try to continue that warm feeling. It works.”

LoVerso has slowed some since her hip surgery, but not so much that a stranger would notice. She still tends plants on her patio, loves to cook and bake, and has a deep love for numbers and puzzles.

LoVerso jokingly admits that her penchant for crosswords, word games and bingo is akin to an addiction. She makes her way regularly to St. Rita Catholic Church, where she’s a member of Forever Young and plays bingo. She also attends the Wellington Seniors Club, where she has met many new friends.

“Nowhere, that I really know of, offers so much for seniors,” LoVerso said. “They really have all these programs, just to make it easier for us. They deserve all the mention that I can give them. They are just a wonderful group.”

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Wellington Real Estate

Mark Plaxen Helps Clients Save Money When Buying And Selling Real Estate

Mark Plaxen Helps Clients Save Money When Buying And Selling Real Estate

For Mark Plaxen of 93 Realty, his decades-long involvement in Wellington real estate began as means to an end.

“I got involved in real estate initially because I felt that it was a great investment,” Plaxen recalled. “I started with $50,000 and bought $1 million worth of preconstruction homes, which consisted of three homes in local developments — two in Black Diamond; one in Olympia. When I sold the three, I closed on them all within a day. I made $100,000 on the investment.”

Plaxen grew up on Long Island. He graduated from UCLA, where he majored in business. He and his family have been residents of Wellington for two decades. He has had a first-hand view at the prolonged growth spurt that the area has undergone.

“After moving to Wellington, Money Magazine reported that it was one of the 20 best communities to reside in the U.S.,” Plaxen said. “When we got here, the village had 20,000 people. Now it has more than 60,000.  Wellington has become a unique area with homes ranging from $250,00 to the multi-millions. Our equestrian properties distinguish us from any other town in South Florida.”

Plaxen’s field of expertise is a boon to those customers who have never ventured into the real estate market before.

“I specialize in first-time home buyers, as well as golf communities with seniors,” he said. “My clients benefit by being represented by someone who has more than 20 years’ experience. Additionally, I have a great team of lenders, title companies, licensed contractors and inspectors.”

He believes that 93 Realty occupies a special spot in the marketplace.

“Our firm is unique from other Realtors, as we offer to list a house for only 1 percent,” Plaxen said. “Most traditional offices list homes for a total of 6 percent. I recently sold a home in Olympia for $175 per square foot. It sold for $845,000 without a pool and saved the seller almost $17,000 in commissions. There is no difference between us and a full-service broker. Your home is placed on all popular web sites, such as Realtor.com, Trulia and Zillow. If you’d like an open house, that’s never a problem. We also provide electric lock boxes, which notify us when agents come and go.”

Plaxen’s years of experience as a Realtor have taught him exactly what he has to do to satisfy the needs of each and every customer.

“A good agent works hard for the buyer and educates them,” he said. “There should be no reason for a buyer to hesitate taking an agent into new homes being built. It’s important for them to understand that the commission in Florida is paid by the seller or landlord. We started a new program at 93 Realty: if you buy from us, we’ll rebate you one-third of the commission. For example, if a home costs $500,000, and the commission is 3 percent or $15,000, the buyer then gets a $5,000 rebate. That’s a huge benefit.”

When it comes down to it, Plaxen invites future home buyers to contact him. “Let me help you purchase your dream home!” he said. “Wycliffe is a great place to live. If you want a tour of the property, or to play a round of golf, call me.”

To contact Mark Plaxen of 93 Realty, call (561) 352-0298 or e-mail mplaxenpa@gmail.com.

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Feature Stories

Wellington Youth Battle Blood Cancer Through LLS’s ‘Pennies For Patients’

Wellington Youth Battle Blood Cancer Through LLS’s ‘Pennies For Patients’

For 10 years, the students of Elbridge Gale Elementary School in Wellington have rallied as only the young and energetic can to battle an unlikely foe — blood cancer.

This year marked a decade of the students participating in the Student Series Pennies for Patients program, benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Palm Beach Area Chapter. In 2018, they raised more than $10,000, all while having a ton of fun.

On March 15, the students put their teachers and administrators to the test during the annual Pie Day. Students paid $10 to “pie” a teacher, $20 for the assistant principal and $30 for the principal.

“This was our fourth annual Pie Day, so our kids look so forward to this event every year, and now it runs like such a well-oiled machine,” said Nicole Martinez, guidance counselor at Elbridge Gale Elementary School and Pennies for Patients coordinator. “We all try to have fun with it, as we know what an amazing cause it supports. The kids think it’s the best thing ever when they get to pie their teachers.”

Since 2008, the Elbridge Gale students have also held dress down days, bake sales and skate nights to support blood cancer patients and their families. During that time, the students have raised more than $100,000 total, one penny at a time.

“We are truly grateful to the students and faculty of Elbridge Gale Elementary School through our Pennies for Patients campaign. Their commitment to instilling leadership and support for those fighting cancer will add tremendously to our mission to find cures for blood cancers,” said Pamela Payne, executive director of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Palm Beach Chapter.

Students of other Wellington-area schools also accepted the challenge to raise as much money and awareness as they could during the month of March in small, yet meaningful ways. By collecting the smallest dominator of U.S. currency, they raised thousands of dollars. Three schools challenged each other to a “Penny War” among the students and staff of the Renaissance Charter School at Wellington, the Renaissance Charter School at Cypress and the Renaissance Charter School at Palms West.

The Renaissance Charter School at Wellington emerged victorious, collecting $2,281.82 in donations in three weeks. An award ceremony and check presentation was held on March 27 with Principal Mary Beth Greene; Karla Santiago, administrative assistant to the Principal; and teacher Jessica Fischer, the school’s Pennies for Patients coordinator. Kindergarten and first-grade students were also in attendance.

Other participating Wellington schools included Binks Forest Elementary School, which has consistently raised between $4,000 and $6,000 for the past seven years, and Wellington Elementary School, where students finished strong this year by doubling the amount they raised in 2017.

This year, the local LLS chapter was able to partner with the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center. With 138 pediatric beds, it is the largest children’s hospital in Palm Beach County. With its award-winning pediatric emergency department, special surgical care unit, prestigious pediatric cancer program and comprehensive outpatient centers, it is committed to area children. Additionally, the hospital has a dedicated team of child life specialists. These highly trained professionals use various medical play tactics and kid-friendly language to help children of various age groups understand why they need medical treatment, while also guiding parents on how they can help their child feel more relaxed during a hospital stay.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care.

Founded in 1949, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.lls.org. Patients should contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

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Feature Stories

Area Private Schools offer Strong Academic Programs for All Grade Levels

Area Private Schools offer Strong Academic Programs for All Grade Levels

The old adage “live and learn” is alive and well here in the Wellington area. The living is wonderful, and the learning opportunities include some of the best private schools in the nation at all grade levels, preparing students for the next stage of their education.

 

American Heritage School

As one of South Florida’s top private schools, the nationally recognized American Heritage School teaches knowledge, integrity and compassion to pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students, with a low student to faculty ratio of eight to one.

The fully accredited school features a 240-acre campus in Delray Beach, as well as a 40-acre campus in Plantation in Broward County. The co-ed, non-sectarian college preparatory day school has an enrollment of approximately 4,300 students.

“One of our strengths is the broadness of our curriculum with almost 300 different course offerings in the high school alone, including 30 different Advanced Placement courses, with the highest passing rate in Palm Beach County, a 92 percent passing rate,” American Heritage Vice President Dr. Douglas Laurie said.

One key strength of the school is its strong specialty programs. “We have a pre-medical program and a pre-law program,” Laurie said. “Right now, we are building a multi-million-dollar science research and engineering building for our engineering, robotics and science research program.”

A key strength of the programs is who is teaching them.

“All three of these programs are taught by medical doctors, attorneys and engineers who are on staff teaching the courses,” Laurie said. “These are courses that no other school has, like medical terminology, embryology, pathology, electrical engineering, trial advocacy, moot court, criminal law, mock trial, family law, business law, civil engineering — and they’re all advanced courses.”

American Heritage students also get real-world experience outside the classroom. “Students can serve internships and visit with doctors and lawyers and engineers, and see the practice of medicine and law and engineering to help them decide if that’s what they want to do,” Laurie said. “That’s one of the unique things that we have.”

The school also has an extremely accomplished math competition program. “We are the number three private school in the nation in math competition, and the number one school in Palm Beach County,” he said. “In the science competition, we’re one of the best in the country.”

All these programs make sure students have the ability to shine academically.

“We’re wont to find competitive outlets for students with high academic standards to be able to compete, and so we make sure that we challenge them in the classroom and we treat these academic competitions as a team, like a lot of schools might treat a sports team, because the students are competitive and highly intelligent,” Laurie said. “We want to make sure they have a chance to shine, and it bodes well for the college resumes.”

Students from the school, representing the United States and 43 other countries from around the world, have three times the national average placement at prestigious U.S. colleges and universities.

There is also an award-winning fine arts program with 75 choices for students. “So, if someone’s interested in the fine arts, it’s also a great place to be,” Laurie said.

The school provides a rigorous private school education with participation in community involvement, a wide variety of service activities and a technologically advanced and well-rounded environment. Express bus transportation is offered from the Wellington area, which is home of many American Heritage students.

Each campus features athletic teams with a no-cut policy, extensive after school activities, a gymnasium, Olympic-size pool and tennis complex. The school seeks to graduate students prepared in mind, body and spirit to maximize their potential and meet the requirements of the colleges of their choice.

For information about American Heritage School, call (561) 495-7272 or visit www.ahschool.com.

 

Wellington Preparatory School

The Wellington Preparatory School offers an accelerated program for kindergarten through sixth grade. Its mission is to deliver a top academic education while providing supportive co-curricular activities in a co-educational, non-sectarian, private school environment.

The school was founded by Jeffrey Altschuler after a successful career growing Meritas Schools, a premium kindergarten through 12th grade family of college preparatory schools around the world.

Wellington Prep follows an accelerated program that encompasses a modified gifted curriculum with various supplemental programs.

“We are an advanced college preparatory school always staying one grade level ahead, with a small ratio of 15 students per teacher,” Principal Sandy Montoya explained.

The core curriculum includes math, science, social studies and language arts, including reading, writing and phonics.

“Co-curricular activities provide for the study of violin, art, karate and Spanish,” said Montoya, adding that Wellington Prep students also learn about health and nutrition. “The program is highly focused on academics with an emphasis on security.”

As academic performance is directly related to instructional time spent on each subject, the school devotes specific hours to core subjects. Additional co-curricular activities are available before or after school for parents requiring additional time at the beginning or end of the school day.

Each student learns conversational Spanish, as well as how to read and write the language, and students take a violin class. In addition to helping with the music education and coordination, the study of a non-fretted instrument has been shown to assist with math and reading skills.

Children are exposed to the lives and art of the great masters at each grade level, with a more in-depth experience as they grow older in the Meet the Masters art curriculum.

For more information about the Wellington Preparatory School, call (561) 649-7900 or visit www.wellingtonprep.org.

 

Education Place

When a flexible schedule is of paramount importance in a student’s life, Education Place in Wellington is on hand to meet their educational requirements.

“We provide for professional children, athletes, those whose parents have constrained schedules and students who find other environments too overwhelming or prefer flexibility in their education,” explained Judy Blake, director of the Lower School at Education Place. “The school is by no means easy. There’s a lot of accountability for the student.”

Nationally and internationally accredited, the school covers grades one through 12 and teaches many equestrians in the Wellington area from around the world, allowing these students to continue their educations by working from outside a traditional school.

“We have students who participate in polo, jumping and dressage, plus child actors and athletes,” Blake said. “They work individually or in small groups, on-site or as they travel. We have a very small population of about 100 students with a small ratio of seven students for each teacher.”

The Education Place program is tailored to each student.

“These teachers can provide a lot of instructional support depending on what works best for the student,” Blake explained. “They get to know the students very well. The program is student-driven with the children managing their time and their academics. They take personal responsibility, learn to be independent and manage their time and their academics, even in the first grade. As they grow older, they are given more demands and responsibility. Our high school graduates find they can go to any college they want and frequently have scholarships available to them.”

Education Place runs 12 months a year because students travel with their sport or career, and this maximizes their opportunities to learn.

“The school also serves the general population, as well as students who are professionals and children of professionals,” Blake said. “It succeeds whenever flexibility is a big factor.”

For more information, call (561) 753-6563 or visit www.1educationplace.com.  

 

Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool

Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool for children ages 2 to 5 is a place where little learners thrive academically, in an atmosphere of joy, curiosity, self-esteem, friendship and respect.

As the only NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and Gold Seal accredited program in the western communities, its educational strategies are based on cutting-edge research in best practices for young children.

“Our mission is to provide academic readiness, and to instill cultural identity, Jewish values and character development in all of our students,” said Sandy Wilensky, the school’s director.

The program offers a combination of secular and Judaic developmental curricula, designed to empower all children to reach their potential. Challenges that exceed the level of present mastery are offered throughout the day, providing opportunities to learn, practice and expand newly acquired skills and recognize and nourish individual variations.

The preschool’s integrated academic program embeds all of the learning objectives in children’s experiences so that each child’s learning is unique and meaningful. “For children under 6, the research on early learning shows that more of what is learned must be meaningful on the day it is learned, in addition to its context for future learning,” Wilensky explained.

In addition to the indoor classrooms with centers for learning, extensive outdoor spaces include gardens planted and cared for by the children and materials to learn fine motor control, such as outdoor chalkboards and drawing boards.

Throughout the day, the school’s teachers combine carefully framed learning objectives with the spontaneity that emerges from children active in the learning process.

Themed areas of study, including problem solving, scientific exploration, math, language, writing and literacy, along with creative art, music, movement and dramatic play, are an integral part of every child’s day. The Assessments Teaching Strategies GOLD method assures that the children are progressing in all areas of kindergarten readiness.

For more information about Temple Beth Torah’s Leonie Arguetty Preschool, call (561) 793-2649 or visit www.templebethtorahpre school.com.––

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Feature Stories

Elite Sports Programs Shine At Area Private Schools

Elite Sports Programs Shine At Area Private Schools

The King’s Academy

The TKA boys track team was regional champion for the first time in school history, while girls track captured the team’s second regional championship, and first since 2006. Together, the Lions sent 26 athletes to the Class 1A state meet.

Highlighting the track team’s performance at states was Brianna Oats, who brought home two third-place finishes in the 300-yard hurdles and in the 100-yard hurdles, where she was just 1/100th of a second out of second place. Justin Bridgewater had the best finish, placing second in the 800-meter run.

Cheerleading has been one of TKA’s best programs over the last decade, and this year was no different. The competitive cheer team, coached by Jenn Allen, was the runner-up in the Class 1A medium division non-tumbling, and also earned National Grand Champion honors for a second time at the Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders Championships.

The girls volleyball team went 26-1, winning the district and finishing as the regional runner-up. Madeline Furtado was named the National Christian School Athletic Association (NCSAA) National Player of the Year, and Ashlei Furtado was NCSAA Coach of the Year.

The Lions football team won the South Florida Conference championship for the second consecutive season, and the boys lacrosse team had a breakthrough season, going 16-2 and finishing as the district runner-up.

“It has always been my desire and goal to support our teams, help with resources, and encourage a pursuit of excellence in all of our individual programs,” TKA Athletic Director Adam Winters said. “We have seen a resurgence in many teams, with others really encouraging and pushing their athletes to reach their potential. Many of our teams have become competitively relevant, while others are taking strides forward in competing at a high level. I am proud of our coaches, their desire to impact lives for the lord, while building champions from elementary through the high school levels.”

American Heritage School

The American Heritage School boys soccer team, featuring a lethal combination of speed and skill, rose to the top once again, capturing the Class 2A state championship with a dominating 5-0 triumph over the Bolles School in Jacksonville. It was the team’s second consecutive shutout, as the Stallions outscored their opponents 15-3 in the five state playoff games.

It was the fourth state championship, but first since 2011, for American Heritage. The Stallions also won titles in 2009 and 2006, reaching the state final on three other occasions since 2004.

But the team struggled in the last five years relative to these past successes, failing to reach the final four every year since 2013. That changed this year as the veteran American Heritage squad got goals from Nick Ludovico, Alex Guichard, Doug Phillips, Nick Marchionni and Giovanni Fraser and cruised to victory, getting back to a familiar position as the premier team.

The Stallions also dominated the Class 2A tennis finals with Melissa Sakar winning the girls individual and overall singles titles, and added the girls doubles title with Hayden Bethea. Not to be outdone, Steven Sun captured the boys singles overall title and added the doubles overall crown with Hunter Robbins.

American Heritage ended the season on a high note when the girls lacrosse team, coached by John McClain, captured its first state title, defeating Lake Highland Prep 10-7 for the Class 2A crown.

It was the second state tournament appearance in the past three years for the Stallions, who were ranked No. 1 in the country for a short time and spent most of the season in the Top 10. The program began just four years ago.

The Stallions were led all season by sophomore Caitlyn Wurzburger, who reached the 100 goals/100 assists mark for the third time; reportedly only the third time it has been done by a high-schooler. She had a lot of help, including from Allegra Catalano, Kylie Hazen and Megan Mangines, who all return next season.

The Stallions were dominant en route to the title game, eliminating 10-time state champ Vero Beach 11-5 in the state semifinals and advancing to the final four with a 16-4 win over perennial powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas. They finished with a 21-1 record.

The American Heritage baseball program has been led by manager Carm Mazza for 20 years and is almost always one of the top teams in the county. The squad reached the state semifinals in 2017, and in mid-April, Mazza earned his 400th career victory. This season, the team amassed a 22-6 record and reached the regional final in mid-May with an eye on the state title.

OXBRIDGE ACADEMY

The highlight this year for the Oxbridge Academy was its dominating victory in the Class 5A girls basketball championship game. Four players scored in double figures en route to a 55-39 triumph over Lake Highland Prep. There were no seniors on the roster.

Alexa Zaph led the ThunderWolves with a game-high 18 points, supported by Haley Howarth (13 points), Aaliyah Stanley (12 points) and Kaylon Smith (10 points).

It was the school’s first state title in girls basketball and second overall state crown. Last year, the girls soccer team captured the Class 2A championship. “For us, the scoreboard will never determine our success,” Athletic Director Patrick Hollern said. “We want our students to make a positive impact in the next 10, 15 years.”

Individually, Hannah Kanjian won the Class 2A state title in the high jump and was also a member of the soccer team that reached the state championship game this year, dropping a 4-0 decision. Kanjian cleared 5 feet, 3.75 inches on her third attempt in the three-way jump-off to earn the title.

There isn’t a regulation track at Oxbridge, but the school now has a high jump pit. “It shows her determination,” Hollern said. “She adopted that spartan mindset.”

The Oxbridge football team also reached the state championship game, but their rally fell short, losing 31-28. The ThunderWolves finished with a 10-2 record.

“Their great comeback showed great resolve,” Hollern said. “It was an emotional game, and I know the team can learn from it. We learn from the setbacks, and we learn from the successes.”

Other top performances included Jen Secrest’s third-place finish in the 200-yard individual medley and fourth in the 100-yard butterfly at the Class 1A state swim meet, as well as Jamian Lovett’s sixth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles at the Class 2A meet.

What impresses Hollern is how the teams and athletes compete at Oxbridge, which has about 525 students while completing its seventh year. “We’ve done well with wins and losses, but I’m hoping we make a bigger impact than that,” Hollern said.

 

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Feature Stories

Wellington’s Maddie Brown Competing On Hit NBC Show ‘World Of Dance’

Wellington’s Maddie Brown Competing On Hit NBC Show ‘World Of Dance’

Wellington’s deep reservoir of untapped talent continues to find its way to shine. Most recently, an up-and-coming star from the community is being featured this summer on NBC’s “World of Dance.”

Madison “Maddie” Brown, a 12-year-old Wellington native, can be seen on Season 2 of the hit summer show, which began airing May 29 and wraps up in September. Brown grabbed the attention of judges and dance superstars Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, Ne-Yo and host/mentor Jenna Dewan.

The 16-episode series from Universal Television Alternative Studio and Nuyorican Productions brings amazing dancers together to compete in epic battles of artistry, precision and athleticism. Solo dancers compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping and more.

The contestants are handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions. New this season, the competitors are divided into four divisions based on age and number of dancers on the team. A panel of experts score the acts using a precise point system based on performance, technique, choreography, creativity and presentation.

The competition consists of five rounds. In the first four rounds, dancers only compete within their division, but in the World Final, the winners from each division compete against each other for the grand prize.

What began in 2008 as a single event is now a continent-spanning, tour de force of human spirit and amazing dance moves. The World of Dance Tour attracts YouTube stars, industry icons and tens of thousands of fans to events in more than 25 countries.

And in the mix this year is Brown, vying to stand out among the competition because, if she comes out on top, she’ll receive a life-altering grand prize of $1 million and the title “Best Dancer in the World.”

For her, it all started with a phone call. “I thought it was another interview call,” said Brown, who explained that the show’s producers had already called four or five times with questions. “They had already been asking me how much I liked to dance, how I felt about what was going on, what I’d do if I won or didn’t win, what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t realize that this time they were calling to tell me I’d made it onto the show.”

Brown’s father, Redick, was at her side during the phone call, but as soon as she hung up, Brown called her mother, Jennifer Mazyck-Brown. Then they drove to the Lents Dance Company studio in Boca Raton to tell Brown’s coach, Brittany Lents. Family was next.

“Everybody was super-excited and happy for me. They were proud of me for making it,” Brown said. “And my brother and sister (Trey, 11 and Jordan, 8) were excited that their older sister was going to be on a TV show.”

She is very happy with all the support she has received from friends and family.

“They thought it was super-cool, and I’m hoping we can all come together and watch the show sometime,” Brown said. “When I told other dance teachers who’d pushed me, they were happy that all the hard work we do paid off.”

No one in Brown’s extended family has embraced the art of dance like she has. The youngster has been dancing since she was a tot. “I started when I was two, just because my parents thought it would be a good outlet for me,” Brown said. “I would be able to make friends and be a little less shy. I took to it right away.”

By age six, she was entering dance competitions — and winning. Today, she dances five or six hours a day, six days a week. “I lost myself in the music and movement, and it helped me express myself, to become more of an open person in general,” Brown said. “You can be shy when you’re dancing, too, but dance helps me work on talking to people who aren’t my friends and family.”

Turns out she would need those communication skills. Meeting “World of Dance” Executive Producer Jennifer Lopez and the other stars of the show might rattle some young fans, but Brown felt she already had a connection.

“‘Jenny from the Block’ was my mom’s nickname, and Ne-Yo was one of my dad’s favorite singers. Derek Hough was one of my favorites on ‘Dancing with the Stars.’ It was pretty awesome to learn from them and get their feedback,” she said. “I felt like they all had a positive vibe and were nice and sweet.”

Because of her previous experience in dance competitions, Brown knows both victory and defeat. “I think that competing becomes easier as we do it more often,” she said. “When you don’t win, it is always a little bit disappointing, but it doesn’t affect my love of dance. If anything, a loss propels me to work harder.”

For the “World of Dance” competition, Brown chose “contemporary solo” as her style. “It combines ballet with other styles that I enjoy,” she said. “Contemporary was a way to show a lot of my best qualities.”

“World of Dance” enjoys an audience of 8.3 million viewers with another 30 million per month watching performance videos online, making it the largest dance entertainment channel on YouTube.

“That’s a lot of people. I hope that they enjoy my art and that I am able to strike a chord with them,” Brown said.

A big influence on Brown is Misty Copeland, a dancer with American Ballet Theatre, one of the nation’s leading classical ballet companies.

“I watch her videos all the time,” Brown said. “Misty Copeland is a huge inspiration, and, as a young dancer of color, I’m aware that the opportunities for me have not always been there. She gives me confidence that I can achieve my dreams and become an inspiration to others.”

Brown’s dream is to move to New York and become a principal ballerina with the American Ballet Theatre, just like Copeland, her idol. In the meantime, Brown believes that Wellington is a great place for aspiring dancers to grow up. “There are lots of studios for dancers who want to start,” she said. “I’ve met a lot of nice and friendly people here. In New York, people are on-the-go and not so easy-breezy.”

To the people of Wellington who will be glued to their screens, watching this local girl throughout the summer, Brown said, “I’d like to thank them for all their support. It’s a wonderful feeling to have the community stand behind me and cheer me on for success. I want them to know I will always be my best and represent my community.”

And if she does win the grand prize?

“My parents might let me get a dog,” she dreamed. “Even if I just did ‘pretty good,’ I think I would still get a dog for working that hard… Hopefully.”

Watch “World of Dance” on Tuesdays this summer on NBC. Learn more at www.nbc.com/world-of-dance.

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Feature Stories

WIDE OPEN SPACES Golf Is Thriving At Local Clubs

WIDE OPEN SPACES Golf Is Thriving At Local Clubs

If you’re looking for a great game of golf, look no further than Wellington. Members and their guests need only climb into a cart to discover that our area is a great place to play a round of golf, offering beautiful courses, wide open spaces and a touch of the equestrian lifestyle. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy 18 holes, be sure to check out the fantastic area facilities, such as the Wanderers Club, Wellington National Golf Club and the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

 

The Wanderers Club

A championship golf course with excellent conditions is the challenging, yet enjoyable course at the Wanderers Club. Offering an elite golf experience with relaxed professional service, no required tee times and extremely limited membership, a game at the Wanderers Club is a pleasurable experience — and with five sets of tees, it’s pleasurable for every skill level.

“Member service is the best possible. That is what separates us and is unique in the area,” said General Manager and Director of Golf Justin Thompson, a PGA member. “Playing here is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the day on an uncrowded course that is a U.S. Open qualifier.”

Thompson was the club’s first director of golf and has been there more than 10 years, designing the entire golf program to offer members a top-flight experience.

“It is the best possible golf experience in a quiet atmosphere, well away from the hustle and bustle. Members can arrive when they want and play as quickly or leisurely as they desire,” Thompson explained. “We have a fully stocked pro shop with logo products, and our director of instruction is PGA Hall of Fame member Michael Hebron.”

Thompson added that the Wanderers Club offers innovative instruction from a full complement of certified PGA professionals with many years of experience, backed by state-of-the-art swing analysis and expert club fitting. “The full-service country club has recently undergone multimillion-dollar renovations, including brand-new golf carts — although players can walk if they choose — and new bunkers on the course, lighted tennis courts with a Har-Tru clay surface that is maintained twice a day, an upgraded pool area and a new 4,000-square-foot fitness center with great equipment like Peloton cycles,” Thompson said. “And we have recruited an amazing group of well-qualified professional instructors to teach fitness classes.”

There is space available for private dinners to a complete ballroom where award-winning Executive Chef Tam Ha serves up some of the best food in Wellington.

“This is a great benefit to members, as no reservations are required, and they can get an excellent meal,” Thompson said.

The Wanderers Club is a family-centric facility with an on-site child care center featuring two areas, one for movies and one for games with a playroom. It provides year-round activities ranging from cooking classes to summer camp to golf tournaments.

Thompson feels that the family dynamic of the club is augmented by the staff offering personalized service. “We take a lot of pride in that the friendly staff makes members feel welcome,” he said.

The Wanderers Club is located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 795-3501 or visit www.wanderersclubwellington.com.

 

Wellington National Golf Club

A club with a definite equestrian feel to it is the Wellington National Golf Club, located on Binks Forest Drive. “You’ll definitely see some horses in the neighborhood,” said David Alpeter, one of the golf pros at the club, along with PGA Hall of Fame member Bob Toski.

“The challenging Wellington National Golf Club course was recently rebranded and renamed when it was purchased in March 2016,” General Manager and Director of Golf Ted Strelec explained. “The private course, designed by legendary Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller, is very challenging, offering tree-lined fairways, good undulating greens, seven sets of tee variations for all skill levels, and an emphasis on accuracy and testing your short game. It provides a no-tee-times feature and limited membership, so the course is always ready to play, as quickly or as slowly as one would like.”

Strelec has been a PGA-certified pro since 2007 and has been the director of golf at Wellington National since October 2017. Before that he was at Bear Lakes Country Club for 27 years. He brought in Alpeter as an instructor to improve and expand the junior and ladies programs. “These are two demographics we are now serving much better,” he said. “We just hosted the South Florida Junior Team Championship with 88 players.”

Strelec noted that it was a wonderful event, and it was great to see so many young players compete.

Alpeter has been a PGA member since 1991 and grew up in the business as a builder of golf clubs, later teaching other PGA pros how to build and repair clubs. He spent eight seasons splitting his time between the Fountains Country Club in West Palm Beach and as a head golf pro in Fargo, N.D.

“Wellington National is a fantastic facility with a very demanding, beautiful course that will test your game. It changes daily with the wind conditions,” Alpeter said. “Every hole is different, and it has extremely fast greens.”

The club is currently focused on establishing a bigger program for all skill levels. “This includes ladies, juniors or teen programs, couples and playing lessons,” Alpeter said. “We are also upgrading the driving range and providing a good practice environment.”

Strelec stressed that Wellington National is a place for the entire family. “The family-friendly amenities also offer two food and beverage options, a casual bistro that is like an upscale sports bar, as well as a wine bar,” he said.

Strelec added that dining ranges from an outdoor space, intimate indoor choices and an available ballroom. The club also features a newly renovated, resort-style pool and piazza, plus a new state-of-the-art fitness center.–

“The award-winning service provided by the staff is family-oriented and very accommodating,” he said. “The atmosphere is casual, fun and friendly, with a relaxed environment. People looking to go to a golf course want to get away.”

Alpeter added that Wellington National is just the place if you’re looking to get away from it all for a while. “Wellington National Golf Club feels like you’re in the country,” he said.

The Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 333-5731 or visit www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com.

 

Wycliffe Golf & Country Club

Not one, but two premier, championship courses that cater to golfers at all skill levels, along with complete resort amenities, are available to members at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

Embarking on a complete $18 million renovation next year under the direction of General Manager Rob Martin, this club features an active membership and a wide array of social activities.

“The East course, designed by Karl Litten, is challenging yet forgiving and has hosted an LPGA Tour event in the past,” said Director of Golf Paul Rifenberg, a PGA member who has been with the club for 18 years. “The second course is more challenging and was designed by John Sanford. It is target-driven with tight, undulating greens.”

World-renowned instructors Chris Ardolina and Christi Dorece are available for private and group lessons, clinics, tips and instruction to improve one’s game, as is a full practice facility with a range and a new short game area.

“There are full 18 and nine-hole leagues and all kinds of competition for mixed and single-gender match-ups, including member-guest tournaments,” Rifenberg said.

Complete golf club and cart sales, service and repair are on-site, and members receive pricing benefits in the fully stocked pro shop.

“Numerous social activities are always going on, and anything you can imagine is available from bocce to golf to tennis,” he said. “The membership is very social and really cares about each other.”

The extensive renovation includes the complete clubhouse, the locker rooms, the spa and fitness center, pool, and the food and beverage features. Most of the amenities will remain operational during the makeover. Plus, new Executive Chef Christopher Park will continue to serve excellent, tasty sensations.

The Wycliffe Golf & Country Club is located at 4650 Wycliffe Country Club Blvd., off Lake Worth Road just west of State Road 7. For more information, call (561) 964-9200 or visit www.wycliffecc.com.

 

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Wellington Home

Exclusive Equestrian Club Home Features Expanded Living Space, Many Upgrades

Exclusive Equestrian Club Home Features Expanded Living Space, Many Upgrades

This home in Wellington’s exclusive Equestrian Club community has a lake view, a three-car garage and a gorgeous lap pool and spa. Built as one of the neighborhood’s sought-after Stockton styles, it has a unique upgrade that expands the living space. One of its five bedrooms has been opened up to become an integral part of the main living area. A game room/bar now joins the living room, kitchen and dining area to make entertaining just that much better. The home features four-and-a-half baths and a luxurious master suite boasting high ceilings, crowning molding, electric curtains, custom closet organizers and an amazing master bath.

Living Room: A decorative inset feature tops cathedral ceilings, while arched windows and an arched statement wall make the formal living room anything but boring. Light floods the room, shining off the ceramic tile, which runs throughout the common spaces.

Family Room: A breakfast nook, kitchen bar and family room all coexist just off the kitchen. But don’t linger long — the backyard beckons through plentiful windows. This room has a view of the pool and spa, but there is also 75 feet of lakefront with a view all its own.

Kitchen: With its hardwood cabinets, granite countertops and backsplash, convenient island, handy pantry and plenty of workspace, this kitchen is every chef’s dream. The stainless-steel refrigerator, wall oven, gas range, microwave and double sink tie everything together with a distinctly contemporary vibe.

Dining Room: This pleasant formal dining room serves as a convenient gathering space with a bright, airy feel. An arched inset wall provides space to proudly display collectibles, while the stately hall leads to the guest bedrooms and baths.

Game Room/Bar: This re-imagined bedroom off the main living space now features a bar and built-in shelving for collectibles. Adding to the home’s living area, it is the perfect retreat, while also serving as a convenient additional entertaining area.

Master Bath: The master bath features an elevated tub, dual sinks, walk-in shower, recessed lighting and glass block tile throughout. A short hallway leads to the walk-in closet.

Patio: Pendant fans and a nearby half bath make this patio an extended living space. Rain or shine, it’s a great place to gather.

Pool Deck: This 15-foot-by-30-foot lap pool includes a separate spa area. The pool deck also features amazing views of the 75-foot lakefront.

Entry Fountain: The leaping horses of the entryway’s multi-tiered fountain is a daily reminder of Equestrian Club living.

Front Elevation: The Spanish tile roof, tall portico and porthole windows have everything looking shipshape at this private Equestrian Club retreat.

 

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