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Feature Stories

Women Of Wellington Reach Out To Help Animals, Children And More

Women Of Wellington Reach Out To  Help Animals, Children And More

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce added its WOW factor — the Women of Wellington committee — back in 2013 to help women connect with each other and share new business opportunities. But, as so often happens when women get together, the group soon began reaching out to help others.

The group has helped a number of nonprofits over the past several years, and in March, WOW conducted a highly successful adopt-a-thon in conjunction with Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control.

“Twenty amazing women came out to film segments with an adoption-available dog or cat at Animal Care & Control,” said Michela Green, executive director of the chamber. “Elizabeth Harfmann, community outreach manager at Animal Care & Control, made this all possible. She met with our group daily and provided us with a dog or cat to showcase.”

Harfmann provided all the pertinent information, such as the pet’s breed, age and personality, and then a WOW member filmed the video, introducing herself and the pet she was showcasing.

The initiative began on March 1, with a new video posted each day on the chamber’s web site. In addition, the pets’ photos and bios were distributed through social media and an e-mail blast to chamber members.

Green set the goal at 31 pets, hoping to have one pet adopted for each of the 31 days in March. By the end of the month, WOW had successfully found homes for 26 — but no one was stopping there. Calls continue to come in.

“This was a new initiative, never before done by our group,” Green said. “Last June, I adopted a beautiful 5-year-old dog, Flower, from Animal Care & Control and was able to see how many incredible dogs and cats were available, and how fantastic the volunteers are and how hard they work to get the dogs and cats adopted.”

As it turned out, seeing photos of adorable furballs in need made quite an impact among Wellington’s business professionals. “I think this affected every person who received the videos and photos — not only those who got to be part of the initiative,” Green said. “We received numerous phone calls and e-mails from members who shared an interest in pet rescue and wanted to help.”

And let’s not forget about the 26 success stories, each with its own tug at the heartstrings.

“There was one that I was able to personally witness,” Green said. “I was speaking about the program at a local restaurant, and a staff person overheard me talking about what we were doing and actually met me the next day. She and her husband adopted a dog! It was amazing to see the process and how much they loved him at first sight.”

Following the success of the Adopt-a-thon, WOW is turning its eyes toward children in May. The women are taking part in National Foster Care Awareness Month by supporting Place of Hope, a state-licensed children’s organization providing family-style foster care, family outreach and intervention, maternity care, safety for victims of sex trafficking, transitional housing and support services, foster care recruitment and support, as well as hope and healing opportunities for children and families who have been traumatized by abuse and neglect.

“Throughout the month, we will be utilizing social media to grab the attention of people with the posting of statistics, ways to get involved, and how people within our community are making a difference,” said Brittany Russell, co-chair of WOW. “Then, in mid-May, we will have a luncheon coordinated by the WOW committee and hosted by Place of Hope.”

The mission of the luncheon is to invite local women to the Place of Hope campus, allowing them to see firsthand the outreach and services offered there.

“The guests will tour the campus and learn about the various programs that are making a difference within our community,” Russell said. “Then we will create a call to action in order to facilitate and encourage engagement in whichever way best fits their abilities to get involved.”

Over the summer, the WOW members will meet to develop outreach plans for next season.

“We have exciting summer socials and idea-sharing initiatives planned to help prepare for the launch of our 2017-18 agenda,” Russell said. “We love to get together with other like-minded women throughout the impact, as well as gain new insights and stay relevant.”

Next season’s kickoff will take place in August, the beginning of a new series of networking opportunities that go far beyond the chamber.

“We are going to be very intentional in creating a call to action for each cause we work alongside in bringing awareness to their mission,” Russell said. “Our goal is to really focus on being a liaison, to connect women with organizations that spark their interest and to help them follow through in any way they are able to help — whether it is by volunteering, raising awareness or donating.”

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce itself presents a golf tournament each October, Winterfest in December, the ColorFest community to plan out our goals… This allows us to bond as a strong council of women eager to make a positive

5K run in February and the Flavors Food + Wine Festival in April. New on this year’s agenda is a fashion show, slated for September.

And if you’re thinking about adding a furry family member, Green is standing by to help out.

“Adopt, don’t shop!” she said. “I will personally meet anyone who is interested in adopting a pet at Animal Care & Control.”

For more information about the Wellington Chamber of Commerce or the Women of Wellington, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Gandhi’s Restaurant Lovingly Serves Up Authentic Indian Cuisine

Gandhi’s Restaurant Lovingly  Serves Up Authentic Indian Cuisine

Gandhi’s is a truly authentic Indian dining experience. Guests are initially greeted by a large image of Gandhi in the cozy living room-style waiting area. The area is furnished with items from the owners’ personal collection, chosen and placed so as to encourage conversation and education. All of the items, in addition to being beautiful and intricate, have a story.

Owners Raj and Sherry Vohra, who have been married for 17 years, opened Gandhi’s in January 2016 and have been presenting this unique dining experience ever since.

They’ve lived in Wellington for the last 12 years, Raj said, and wanted to share authentic Indian culture and food with the community. He and his wife were proud to name the restaurant in honor of the Indian independence leader.

“Because Gandhi was the father of the nation, and because the decision to open a restaurant was probably one of the most important decisions we will ever make in our entire life, we wanted something to really represent what we were trying to do here, which was create a sense of community, teach about a culture of love, which is India, and expose people to the amazing qualities of Indian food,” Sherry said, adding that Gandhi’s is a place “where food and people matter.”

The restaurant offers three unique dining experiences: a white glove service dining experience, a sit-down street food experience, and a grab-and-go tea and dessert cafe. During the day, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. traditional Indian street food is available. At night, the casual dining area reverts to fine dining, where bright red turbans are worn, and food is served on traditional Indian ware.

“Nothing comes out of a can, container or jar here,” Sherry said. “We make our own cheese here. We make our own yogurt here, so everything is in its highest probiotic state. Everything here is gluten free, except for our breads. If people call ahead, we can certainly back out ingredients that we need to.”

Sherry sees herself as the host of the experience and often greets guests with homemade Mango Lassi or Sweet Lassi, or a mug of chai tea to warm the soul.

She also enjoys introducing guests to the intricacies of Indian cooking.

“I make every cup of chai. That’s my way of loving all of our guests when they come in,” Sherry said. “If you went into a home in India, the very first thing we do is offer water and then a beautiful cup of tea with a traditional Indian biscuit.”

That concept carries over to every dish on the menu. “It’s made with love. Every dish, by the time it goes to the place, for each and every guest who eats with us, is perfection,” Sherry said.

When you tell someone that something is spicy, Sherry explained, people often think about heat, rather than flavor. With Indian food, it is full of layers of flavors that infuse the food all the way through. The spices are layered into each component of the cooking process, she said.

“With Indian food, it’s very complicated and complex, because the infusion and the mixology of the sauces is what gives the food that very unique quality and taste,” Sherry said. “Right now, with the reintroduction of Indian food back into society, it’s about teaching people that Indian food doesn’t need a gallon of water to douse the heat, but it is full of beautiful, wonderful, amazing flavors like cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, goda masala, cloves, and it’s infused during the whole process.”

In her restaurant’s food, Sherry sees the colors of India.

“You have all of these colors which are uniquely India,” she said. “When you go there, you’ll see the colors of Diwali and Holi, and like Easter eggs, it’s a beautiful infusion of color. Indian food is a lot like that.”

The recipes at Gandhi’s are authentic North Indian. Whole spices go into each and every dish to bring out the flavors, Raj explained. The process for each dish takes time.

One of the most popular, or signature, dishes is the Chicken Tikka Masala. It comes with homemade naan bread and rice.

“Some people think it is just Chicken Tikka Masala, but it’s actually a mixology for the sauce, just like you would a cocktail,” Sherry said. “You have to have just the right amount to really bring out the tradition and flavor of the dish.”

The Chicken Tikka Masala has a tomato-based sauce that’s homemade, Raj said. Approximately 10 different spices go into the sauce, which takes almost three hours to prepare before it is served over the chicken breast.

All of the spices mix and mingle to create a unique flavor. “There’s the whole flavor of India in one meal,” Raj said.

The rest of the menu features a variety of North Indian traditional meals, as well as curries, lamb chops and shrimp, scallops, goat curry, vegetarian dishes such as Muttar Mushroom, Baingan Bharta, Paneer Tikka Marsala and more. Desserts include homemade ice creams, such as Chef’s Kesar Badam Kulfi, Pistachio Kulfi, Gulab Jamun and more.

And, as you leave the restaurant, Gandhi is leaving with you.

“This is a destination restaurant. It’s the closest you’re going to get to India without going to India,” Sherry said.

Gandhi’s food is available for dine-in, catering, take-out, private VIP dinners, delivery through Delivery Dudes, as well as offering the restaurant for special occasions. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with hours from noon to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Gandhi’s is located at 4075 S. State Road 7, Suite F2B, in the Marketplace at Wycliffe. For more information, call (561) 328-9441 or visit www.mygandhis.com.

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Feature Stories

Jennifer Davis Of Elegant Estates Specializes In Finding Unique, Difficult-To-Find Items

Jennifer Davis Of Elegant Estates Specializes In Finding Unique, Difficult-To-Find Items

Ever since she was a child, Jennifer Davis, owner and operator of Elegant Estates of Wellington, has had a flair for design.

“My mother would come home, and I’d have every piece of furniture moved to a different section of the house,” Davis recalled. “It’s what I’ve always done. I come in here on my day off and start moving –things around.”

Elegant Estates is an antiques and fine furniture consignment store featuring unique, difficult-to-find items. It is located on Fortune Circle in Wellington.

Originally from New York, Davis and her family moved to Wellington when her daughter took up show jumping. Davis even competed herself for a few years with the hunter jumpers.

“I started working in North Florida for a shop that Rachel Ashwell owned called Shabby Chic,” Davis said. “She started the whole ‘shabby chic’ trend.”

After eight years working with Ashwell, Davis purchased Elegant Estates. That was 10 years ago.

“Most recently, I was involved with two projects with Gracie Street Interior Design. I supplied the furnishings, art and accessories to decorate and design the two-story VIP tent at Deeridge Farms for the Palm Beach Masters and the Deeridge Derby,” Davis said. “It’s one of the nicest horse shows in the world, and it was a privilege to work with Gracie Street.”

It wouldn’t be possible without her assistant, Jayne Meserlian, Davis said. Tilly, Davis’ dog, is always in the store, too.

Refinishing furniture is a passion for Davis, who will strip and refinish furniture for clients, plus items to sell and others to adorn her own home. “My garage is filled with good finds,” she said.

Currently, Davis’ specialty has been finding furniture for other designers. Her store has unique items from all over, ranging across the globe — particularly England — at all price points.

“If you can’t find it here, you probably won’t find it anywhere,” Davis said.

The store features a little bit of everything: equestrian items, artwork, chandeliers, rugs, dishes, bronze sculptures, scarves, equestrian collectibles, furniture and accessories.

Clients and interior designers will tell Davis what they’re looking for, and when she’s out and about at estate sales and events, she is always on the hunt for those items.

“It’s about supplying the right items for the right place that they’re designing it for,” Davis said.

It’s like a treasure hunt, she added. “I never know what the next good find is going to be,” Davis said.

One of the best things she has found, and her current favorite, is an antique ceramic wood-burning stove from Italy that arrived at the store on April 20.

“It’s unique; I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said of the stove, which dates back to the early 1900s. “I was at an estate sale in Palm Beach. I met a woman who is selling her home, and she asked me to come and see if I was interested in anything, and there it was, on her back patio… she imported it from Italy.”

Davis enjoys making her customers happy, which she said is the most rewarding part of her treasure hunts.

Understanding what a client is looking for, and their budget, while being able to learn their taste, is imperative when working with an interior designer, she added.

“It’s not something you can learn; you either have it or you don’t… finding the right thing that is going to be special to them,” Davis said.

Interior designers frequently bring their clients to Elegant Estates to browse the ever-changing selection of items to see what would add the perfect finishing touch to a room, or provide the perfect cozy couch, leather chair, desk, illuminating table lamp, or equestrian artwork to decorate the walls.

Davis describes the store as “fun and eclectic” and “a little mixture of everything; treasures I’ve found along the way in my travels.” She stocks everything from contemporary styles to antiques.

“We have fun in here,” Davis said. “You never know what you’re going to find next. Nothing is the same. Every day, something is different, coming in or finding something different when I’m on the road. And, I love the people I meet. I love helping them.”

The most rewarding part of the process, Davis said, is when clients — many of them are equestrians — come back and show her pictures of the treasures in their homes.

Elegant Estates is located at 11260 Fortune Circle, Suite J-2, in Wellington. The store is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and by appointment on Sunday. To learn more, visit the store, call (561) 793-7332, e-mail jdav614@aol.com or visit www.facebook.com/elegantestateswellington.

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Feature Stories

Still A Teenager, Soccer Standout Jaiya Anderson Is Already A Big Winner

Still A Teenager, Soccer Standout  Jaiya Anderson Is Already A Big Winner

Jaiya Anderson’s first name means “victory” in Sanskrit, and the 16-year-old is a big winner, having overcome leukemia to become a strong, stabilizing force for both the Wellington High School girls soccer team and the Wellington Wave travel soccer team.

Anderson plays sweeper on both teams, providing tough defense, leadership and victories. Although the Wolverines lost to rival Boca Raton 3-2 in double overtime in the Class 5A regional semifinals, the team finished with a superb 22-2-1 record.

Anderson spearheaded the defense that allowed just nine goals all season. She was named to first-team All-County by both the Palm Beach Post and the Sun-Sentinel. She also scored six goals and added five assists.

Anderson made the high school varsity team as a freshman and started at right midfield. “I was surprised; there were a lot of really good players,” she said of her ninth-grade accomplishments.

Now finishing up her sophomore year at WHS, Anderson has played for the Wave travel program for the past four years, always at sweeper, although she moves to forward if the offense needs a spark. “I like playing forward better, [and] I like to stop the other team from scoring,” Anderson said.

Brazilian-born Marcone Oliveira is Anderson’s head coach for the Wave. The travel team plays in numerous tournaments and leagues throughout the spring and summer.

“Jaiya is a very special player,” Oliveira said. “She is very dedicated and always works hard to get better. She improved her technique a lot, and her understanding of the game. She is a very important player on our team.”

Anderson is a big fan of the U.S. Women’s National Team and attended a national team game at Florida Atlantic University several years ago. She also watched games of the short-lived MagicJack pro team, led by Abby Wambach, in Boca Raton during its only season in 2011. Her favorite players are Alex Morgan, Julie Johnston and Tobin Heath — a forward, a defender and a midfielder — all her positions.

Anderson wants to play soccer in college but will have to add another skill to her repertoire. “I don’t head the ball; I’m too scared,” she said, remembering that her doctor warned against it because of possible concussions.

Choosing a child’s name can be daunting. For Anderson, it was perfect foreshadowing.

“My cousin suggested I name her Jai, but I wanted a ‘y’ and an ‘a’ at the end,” explained Anderson’s mother, Yulanda.

Her mother didn’t realize the significance of her daughter’s name at the time. It has a secondary meaning.

“It also means bright people who bring smiles to people’s faces, and that’s the perfect name for her,” Yulanda said. “She’s always smiling; everybody loves her. So it fits.”

Her daughter slightly disagreed, with a smile. “I think I’m shy,” Anderson said.

Yulanda is a single parent, and Anderson is an only child. Yulanda is also an only child; her mother lives in Miami. The family is very close.

Anderson and her mother both love watching horror movies together but won’t watch them in the dark. She also likes watching Pretty Little Liars and American Ninja Warriors.

Anderson began playing soccer when she was 5 years old, playing in the Royal Palm Beach recreation league at Katz Field. Although she didn’t like to practice, she was a good player, and the sport came naturally.

Tragedy struck when she was diagnosed with leukemia on June 21, 2011, about five months before her 11th birthday.

“I remember lying in the bed, half asleep, and the doctor came in and talked to my mom and grandma,” Anderson recalled. “It changed my world. At the time, I asked ‘Why me?’ I was crying to my grandma… That’s the only breakdown I had.”

What calmed her was the understanding that she wasn’t alone. “Seeing other kids in the hospital, I saw they had the same thing, and I’m not the only one,” Anderson said.

Michelle O’Boyle is the founder and executive director of the Kids Cancer Foundation, which helped Anderson and her mother get through some tough times. Anderson occasionally attends Kids Cancer Foundation events as her schedule allows with school and soccer.

“Throughout treatment, her love for soccer made her determined to get through treatment and get back out on the soccer fields,” O’Boyle recalled. “She is a very brave and courageous girl, who has always been very committed and focused on soccer. I think that helped her endure the two and a half years of treatment for leukemia. She is an amazing young lady.”

Anderson endured numerous rounds of chemotherapy and several painful procedures, but she persevered. She missed almost two years of school.

Anderson’s last treatment was Oct. 18, 2013, and her port was removed about seven months later, a week after school ended in May 2014.

“I don’t celebrate those days; I just remember how many years it has been,” said Anderson, who lost her hair and had to wear a wig. “I didn’t like that. I didn’t want to go out of the house.”

Eventually, she went out of the house, although she wore a lot of hats. And, true to her name, a resilient Jaiya Anderson was victorious.

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Wellington Real Estate

Rosanne And Michael Currie Of The Currie Realty Group Work Hard On Behalf Of Clients

Rosanne And Michael Currie Of The Currie Realty Group Work Hard On Behalf Of Clients

The husband-and-wife team of Rosanne and Michael Currie of the Currie Realty Group have been successfully serving the western communities since 1999. Their dedication to creating and acquiring the best deals for their clients is their professional calling card.

The Curries are very good at what they do. Then again, they were also very good at selling soft-serve ice cream.

“When Michael and I got married in 1977, we had purchased a Carvel ice cream store that was in my family,” Rosanne recalled. “For the first two years in business, we worked from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., seven days a week. We wanted to build up the business and save enough money to purchase our first home.”

Thankfully, their plan worked.

“We purchased our first home in 1981 in Long Island, New York,” Michael said. “That is when my interest in real estate first began. I decided to take all kinds of real estate investment courses, and the rest is history. I have been licensed since 1983.”

Soon after Michael got his license, Rosanne joined him as his assistant. That’s when she took an active role in the business. “I learned so much from him in reference to buying, selling, renting and negotiating,” she said. “I’ve always worked in sales, so I worked very well with people and was always a top salesperson.”

The Curries eventually started a family. They have two children — a son, Dean, and a daughter, Jenna. Together, they would vacation in Pembroke Lakes. The South Florida lifestyle appealed to them, which is why they ended up here in Wellington.

“I researched the State of Florida, coming down once a month to see where we were going to move the family,” Michael recalled. “After lots of research, we settled in Wellington, since schools were very important to us.”

Looking at different communities, they zeroed in on Coral Springs and the up-and-coming Wellington area. “I went to the schools, police and fire departments. I asked lots of questions and liked what I heard and saw,” Michael said of his research into Wellington.

When Rosanne got her real estate license in 2001, the Currie Realty Group was born. They specialize in buying, selling, renting and property management throughout Palm Beach County, with most of their business in Wellington. The Curries credit their success to the consistent effort they put into their work.

“We outwork all the other agents,” Rosanne said. “The lights are always on at Currie Realty. When you call us, we always answer our phones. We don’t just input your house on [the Multiple Listing Service]… We advertise it on our own web site, as well as on Realtor.com, Zillow and approximately another 150 other home sites. When we get a listing, we take it from listing to closing, never leaving your side.”

Being partners both personally and professionally gives the Curries another edge over the competition.

“Rosanne and I offer a husband-and-wife, family point of view, so the buyer and seller can make an educated decision when buying or selling a home,” Michael said. “We each bring something different to our team. Since women make most of the buying decisions in our business, Rosanne relates perfectly with all the buyers and sellers, and nobody does it better closing the deal.”

While she focuses on closing the deal, he negotiates the contracts. “I am the numbers man, and Rosanne is the salesperson,” Michael said. “We have the winning combination.”

For more information about the Currie Realty Group, call (561) 385-1111 or visit www.currierealtygroup.com.

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Wellington Home

Townhome In Wellington’s Edge Offers Resort Lifestyle On A Budget

Townhome In Wellington’s Edge Offers Resort Lifestyle On A Budget

If you’ve been looking for a home in Wellington but thought you could never afford the lifestyle, there are plenty of properties available for those with lower budgets. For example, this property in Wellington’s Edge. Located across from the Mall at Wellington Green, Wellington’s Edge offers single-family homes, villas and townhomes, like this one in Pelican Key. Its pastel exterior and island-style metal roof give it a vacation vibe all year long, as do the neighborhood’s three community pools, tennis courts and clubhouse, complete with a fitness center. A manned, guarded entrance gives residents peace of mind, and the many lakes and preserves throughout the community keep nature close at hand.

Front Entrance: As comfortable in Key West as in Wellington, this three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has a charming feel. A large green space runs adjacent to this well-landscaped end unit, making the front yard seem even larger than it is.

Family Room: One of the nicer upgrades to this Pelican Key townhome is the installation of glass French doors and matching side windows. Even with the media center nearby, the outdoors beckon.

Dining Area: Because of how this home is situated, with the front door facing south, the homeowners are never blinded by the sun while perusing the morning paper or enjoying an evening meal. Aside from the dinette area, there is barstool space in the kitchen.

Kitchen: Clean and crisp, this white kitchen beckons. A tall, cabinet-style pantry keeps all ingredients and staples within arm’s reach, and in case of spills, the ceramic tile is quite forgiving, offering easy clean-up.

Great Room: Light, bright and open are key words to describe this living space, with its tall ceilings and loft overlook. Beyond the bookcase and knee wall is the entrance foyer. While all windows have accordion shutters, impact-resistant glass has been installed in all the upstairs windows.

Master Bedroom: The first-floor master bedroom offers unrestricted access to the bathroom area. For those with limited mobility, not wrestling with heavy doors can be a real help. Walk-in closets also make things easier.

Exercise Room: This space, one of two upstairs guest rooms, is currently being used as exercise room, but it could also be a library, home office or craft space. There is additional bonus space in the loft area.

Bathroom: Simplicity dominates this spacious bathroom, allowing the homeowners to personalize the neutral space.

Screened-In Patio: Kick back and relax on this screened-in lanai, which offers a nicely landscaped, secluded place to escape.

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Wellington Health

Dr. Richard Kelleher Of Palms West Veterinary Hospital Loves Helping Animals In Need

Dr. Richard Kelleher Of Palms West Veterinary Hospital Loves Helping Animals In Need

They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. That might explain why Dr. Richard Kelleher became a veterinarian.

“Ever since I was young, I have been just fascinated by animals and the creatures around me,” Kelleher said. “Growing up in New Jersey, I had fish, lizards, pocket pets — it was a God-given passion. When I took our dog to the vet, I think it must have made an impression on me. Animals are such innocent, helpless creatures. It feels good to be able to give them the help they need.”

Kelleher attended Virginia Tech for his undergraduate work and went on to receive his veterinary degree there. He has been in practice for 17 years now, eventually moving to Florida, where he has been an associate at the Palms West Veterinary Hospital for the past four years.

Much more than a standard veterinary office, the Palms West Veterinary Hospital functions much like a hospital. Animals stay briefly or overnight, depending on their needs. Some may need to be hooked up to an IV.

“There’s always a doctor present and a nurse present 24 hours a day, 365 days a year,” Kelleher said. “We also are an emergency and critical care hospital. If another vet doesn’t have overnight care, and that’s what the animal needs, they can transfer them here.”

With eight doctors on staff, the facility is well-equipped to treat any medical, surgical or dental issue that may arise. Owned by Dr. Ira Grossman, the Palms West Veterinary Hospital primarily serves dogs and cats, although some of the veterinarians work in equine practice on their own.

A calming environment in the waiting room was designed to put your pet’s nerves — and yours — at ease. And, just like at a hospital for humans, the staff is always looking toward the next big breakthrough.

Kelleher is particularly enthusiastic about recent innovations in veterinary care that are especially helpful to Florida pets.

“Florida is such an allergenic state,” he said. “But there are a lot of newer medications to relieve pets of the symptoms of their allergies that are very safe and relieve them of a lot of suffering. One of these innovations has come out within the last four to five years and one — an injection — as recently as eight months ago. They are extremely safe. The allergy injection helps control itching, poses no complications with other medications and can last four to eight weeks.”

Without paying for allergy testing, sometimes pet owners don’t know specifically what is causing their animal’s discomfort.

“I’ve been doing this for a while, and it’s extremely gratifying to see pets that have come in in bad shape — whether they have skin issues or injuries — and being able to treat them and return them back to the family,” Kelleher said. “It’s like the family receives a revitalized child.”

The Palms West Veterinary Hospital is located at 556 Folsom Road in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, (561) 798-2780 or visit www.palmswestveterinary.com.

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Feature Stories

Gay Polo: The Best Party In Town: Annual International GPL Tournament Returns This Month

Gay Polo: The Best Party In Town:

Annual International GPL
Tournament Returns This Month
When the Gay Polo League first arrived in Wellington in 2010, it brought a new dimension to the polo match and tailgate concept. Traditional tailgating at polo entails a bunch of polo players and fans clad in jeans and T-shirts sitting in the back of a flatbed truck, polo team logos adding the only touch of glamour to their attire.

GPL tournament tailgates involve months of planning, inventive and colorful décor and costumes, and a spirited passion for enjoying polo while cheering at the GPL polo matches that draw gay and straight polo players and fans alike for a rousing day of fun in the Florida sun. In 2017, the GPL is stepping up its game once again by adding a philanthropic aspect to the best party in Wellington.

According to Chip McKenney, GPL’s founder and president, there are now GPL members in nine countries, making the polo club truly international. This year’s event will take place April 7-9 and features the traditional GPL Polotini Party at the Wanderers Club on Friday, April 7. Saturday, April 8 will be the highlight day of polo matches and tailgating revelry on the exclusive Isla Carroll field at the International Polo Club of Palm Beach.

Participants who are still standing after the full day of tailgating and polo will wind up the weekend with IPC’s luxurious Sunday brunch at the Mallet Grill with front-row seats at the U.S. Open matches at IPC.

The GPL recently added raising money for charity to its organizational mission. The league has obtained 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, and all proceeds from this year’s tournament after costs will be donated to selected charities that advance the cause of aiding at-risk LGBTQ youth and support the inclusive acceptance of all people regardless of sexual identity — a key component of the GPL’s mission statement.

“The first seven years we worked to build a great event within the LGBTQ community,” McKenney explained. “Now that the tournament is established, thanks to phenomenal support from our corporate and private partners, the next step is to make a difference in the lives of our community, especially LGBTQ youth.”

GPL members are big fans of the unique tournament. “I love the crowds, the tailgates, and I love the energy of the people on the field,” three-time participant Tiffany Busch said.

A professional player and one of the highest-rated women playing polo, Busch won the 2016 Women Championship Tournament last April, and recently was on top of the podium at the Tabebuia Cup at the Port Mayaca Polo Club in February.

“It makes me feel part of something big to play in the GPL. On a personal note, what Chip McKenney and Mason Phelps have put together here is amazing because is allows people like me to take a stand and be who we are, whether that is gay, straight or transgendered,” Busch said.

Busch is excited that the GPL tournament will be contributing funds to charity this year. “Charity-related events are one of the best ways to showcase polo and give back,” Busch said.

Now that the GPL has obtained its nonprofit status, the league will have another tool to spread the message of acceptance and empowerment, McKenney said. He explained that the league’s charitable efforts will have a dual focus on alleviating homelessness among LGBTQ youth and providing scholarships for higher education.

Meanwhile, GPL members will be leveraging the international aspect of the league into additional opportunities to raise awareness and pride for people of LBGTQ identity to a worldwide audience.

For example, the GPL hosted its first-ever tournament outside the United States in December, in Argentina. The teams of Phelps Media, Cedar Crest and RSM journeyed to El Remanso Polo Club and Bautista Heguy’s Chapa Uno Polo Club, where they had the experience of playing with four-time Argentine Open champion Eduardo Heguy and several other professional polo players.

When they were not playing polo, the GPL members went into Buenos Aires to watch the Argentine Open matches live at the “cathedral” in Palermo.

Mark Bennett, a Realtor from Palm Beach, loved the trip to Argentina. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and experience,” he said. “For someone like me, who is not a billionaire, to get to play with players from one of the top polo families in the world is incredible. Being part of the GPL opens up amazing opportunities.”

Bennett also complimented his Argentine hosts.

“Eduardo Heguy, his wife and his family were extremely welcoming, warm and friendly,” he said, relating how Heguy invited the GPL members to visit the private team tents at the Argentine Open in Palermo, and then took the time, despite the stresses of competing, to make sure that the GPL players were having a good experience at Palermo.

“Eduardo went out of his way to introduce us to people at the Argentine Open,” Bennett said. “For my first trip to Argentina, I could not have done it in a better way.”

After experiencing the success of the GPL’s trip to Argentina, McKenney is open to creating other GPL events around the world and is evaluating the next opportunity for an overseas event.

Tickets for the 2017 International Gay Polo Tournament events are available at the league’s official web site. The GPL’s new nonprofit status means that donations to the GPL are tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law.

Information on joining the GPL or getting tickets to this month’s tournament can be found at www.gaypolo.com.

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Giving Back To The Community Is Important To The Corbin Real Estate Team

Giving Back To The Community Is Important To The Corbin Real Estate Team

Jim Corbin is proud of his real estate career in Wellington, but just as proud of how he and his team have given back to the community.

Corbin started in the real estate business in Kansas City, Mo., at age 20, then brought his expertise to Wellington long before it was incorporated as a village.

“I’ve been selling real estate in Wellington for 39 years,” he said. “It’s hard to believe that the time has gone by so fast.”

Back in 1978, there was but a handful of agents serving the area, and most of those were having trouble locating anything west of Florida’s Turnpike. However, there’s much more competition now.

“Last time I checked, there were 18,000 Realtors in the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches, and 700 of those were in the 33414 ZIP code,” Corbin said.

David Corbin, Jim’s Realtor brother, is part of the Corbin team at Illustrated Properties, as are Nic Corbin and Miranda Culbert.

“We’re the ‘Four Cs.’ Although her last name isn’t Corbin, Miranda has been putting up with me for 17 years now,” Jim Corbin said. “We’ve been together longer than many people have been married.”

Active in community fundraisers and events since arriving in Florida, Corbin also bears another distinction.

“I think I can very safely say that I was the first equestrian Realtor in Wellington. My brother and I had an equestrian background and upbringing. We used to ride and show up north, and that’s part of the reason I moved here,” he said. “I even loaned one of my horses for the Munich Olympics — a lifetime ago — in 1972. In 1978, Bill Ylvisaker was bringing polo to Wellington, and then the horse shows started.”

At first, local officials seemed to be overlooking the potential of those in the equestrian industry, Corbin said.

“I begged the village to pay some attention to these horse-show people,” he continued. “Especially the hunters and jumpers — people did not pay much attention to them.”

Yet even as Corbin was breaking new ground with his expertise in equestrian real estate, he never made that his sole focus.

“All properties are important, and you need to cover all bases,” he said.

That has never been more true than today, with many people still skittish about purchasing a home. Fortunately for Corbin, his many contacts and open-minded philosophy have kept his business at the front of the pack.

“A friend of mine in Chukker Cove decided to sell her house in Palm Beach for $6 million,” Corbin said. “Little things can turn into big things.”

Sometimes friends, former clients or people he meets have properties outside the area, but they still want Corbin to handle the sale.

“They didn’t want to start over with someone else,” he explained. “It means more homework for me if I’m unfamiliar with the area, but I’ve lived in a hotel while I sold a home up in Hutchinson Island and down in Delray Beach. I’ve sold a condo on the ocean in Singer Island as well as a $3.75 million farm right here in Saddle Trail Park.”

Combining his equestrian and real estate interests has had another result: sponsorships.

“Illustrated Properties was one of the real estate sponsors at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year,” Corbin said, pointing out that this involved about a dozen agents in his office. “This division sponsorship included a jump with our name on it, banners and three months’ issues of magazines featuring all the properties we had for sale placed throughout the venues in boxes. We gave thermal mugs with our logo to each week’s riders, then presented the trophies and ribbons.”

Jim and David Corbin also sponsored a jump with their names and logo at the Ridge Farm horse shows at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

“That’s a county facility with a covered arena and a new 13-week horse show series for people getting young horses started,” Jim Corbin said.

At the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Corbin and Illustrated Properties participated in some presentations. At Deeridge Farms, he also had a presence with a tent in which to showcase properties at the Palm Beach Masters and the Hunter Derby this season. He has also donated to a number of different organizations through Illustrated Properties Charities, the company’s charity division.

Meanwhile, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center was a beneficiary of Corbin’s experience during the 12 years he served on its board. “Then it was time for new, fresh thinkers with new, fresh ideas,” he laughed.

Corbin is quick to point out that he is hardly alone with his giving, whether it’s a sponsorship, money or time.

“The equestrian community out here is hugely important to this community, and a lot of people don’t understand that. It’s global giving,” he said. “The foreign exhibitors just love it over here, especially when they’re preparing for the Olympics. Last year there were 27 different countries represented here. Wellington is a real international destination. And this community helps others.”

To reach any of the “Four Cs” — Jim, David, Nic or Miranda — call (561) 798-2224 or visit www.jimcorbin.com.

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Horses Healing Hearts Vaulting Team Rises Above Challenge

Horses Healing Hearts Vaulting Team  Rises Above Challenge

The sport of vaulting works to combine the joy of riding a horse and the freedom of flying with the satisfaction of athleticism and teamwork. Horses Healing Hearts (HHH), the nonprofit organization that uses horses to help children of alcoholics and addicts, is incorporating vaulting into its program to empower participants to work together as a team and learn to believe in their own abilities.

Vaulting is often described as gymnastics on horseback and has origins that can be traced back thousands of years. The discipline can be practiced as either competitive or therapeutic, and is open to men and women equally. A vaulting team usually includes seven individuals and one horse, although many teams use a wooden horse to learn fundamental skills.

Led by coach Maria Bernal, the HHH vaulting team meets once a week before the regular HHH program session to learn drills and put together routines. Bernal has been volunteering her coaching time at HHH for four years, and has seen the team grow and change as its members become more comfortable with their abilities.

“The first things I want to accomplish through vaulting are self-esteem, discipline and teamwork. If we can accomplish those three things, it’s not only teaching them vaulting and horseback riding, it is also teaching them skills for life,” she explained.

Many children who come to HHH are suffering due to a volatile family situation beyond their control. Because the clients of HHH are children of parents who struggle with alcoholism and addiction, they often arrive wary of adults. Many are uncomfortable communicating openly and are protective of their privacy.

Bernal is used to this behavior and uses it to her advantage. “When children come to HHH, they don’t trust us,” she said. “When I first start to teach them, they won’t say hello to me. They don’t want to have contact, because they do not trust that I will be a consistent presence in their lives. It is a relationship that we have to actively create at every step.”

The team currently consists of four members, all of whom have been together for at least a year. The personalities of the group vary; some participants are outspoken and assertive, while others are more introverted. Bernal treats each child equally and makes sure everyone is following her instruction attentively.

Bernal begins her lessons by leading the group in various stretching exercises to help loosen them up physically and to focus them. After stretching, the girls head out to the wooden barrel horse, which is outfitted with a pad and surcingle.

One of the girls brings over a trampoline, and Bernal leads the team in drills to mount the barrel, just as they would a real horse. One by one, each girl successfully mounts the barrel, while her teammates look on. It doesn’t take long for the girls to begin work through other movements while mounted, like making a complete clockwise rotation or coming up to a pose on their knees and eventually their feet.

“My favorite trick to do is a front flip,” said 9-year-old Victoria Campbell, who has been with HHH for four years. “It was scary when I first saw it, but it’s really fun once I learned to do it.”

Once all the team members have completed their movements, Bernal instructs them to start mounting the barrel one after the other. Laughter abounds as the girls work to find their footing and help one another assume their place on the barrel. In short order, the girls are all standing on the barrel and posed with arms outstretched and full smiles on their faces.

Bernal continues to instruct them — ever diligent that each pose is as correct as possible. Once she is satisfied, the girls are instructed to dismount one by one.

The team agrees that the next skill they’d like to conquer in their training is to add a real horse to their routine and start to find competitions to participate in.

Samantha Lee Wills, who has been with HHH for almost eight years, believes that a horse will make practices easier.

“On a real horse it’s simpler because their gait makes it easier to get into positions like flag and scissors, or dismounting,” she said.

For Bernal, giving the HHH kids the opportunity to compete is the No. 1 priority.

“Having a real horse to practice on is so important to the program. It brings the real purpose of competition,” she said. “It’s like having two hearts and one mind — they have to be very focused on what they are doing and to connect with the horse.”

Part of the challenge that faces the HHH team moving forward is the lack of popularity of the sport in the southeastern United States. They are one of the few teams that want to compete in vaulting in this region. Finding a horse is difficult, and raising the money to purchase the horse is a daunting task. However, Bernal feels certain that if the obstacles are approached in the correct way, there is a solution.

“Our goal now is to grow our team to a total of eight riders,” she said. “Once we accomplish that goal, we can compete in a few barrel competitions, and then work on finding the appropriate horse. But we can do it, and I have a lot of faith in our program.”

Alexis Manger, who has been with HHH for four years and on the vaulting team for two, described the program best.

“HHH makes our lives much better, because horses are brilliant and so fun to ride, and they really know what you are feeling, no matter what,” she said.

To learn more about Horse Healing Hearts and its programs for children and young adults, visit www.hhhusa.org. If you are interested in donating to the nonprofit organization or have information regarding a horse that may be appropriate for the program, call Lizabeth Olszewski at (561) 713-6133.

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