Understanding Autism & More
The Village Of Wellington Shines Light And Offers Support During Autism Awareness Month

With April being Autism Awareness Month, let’s explore how Wellington’s Certified Autism Center designation sets the Village of Wellington apart as a beacon of autism inclusion and understanding of the neuro-diverse community.

April is not just a month of blooming flowers and gentle showers; it’s also a time to embrace diversity and promote understanding. As we step into Autism Awareness Month, it’s imperative to recognize and appreciate the unique perspectives and talents of our neuro-diverse community members and individuals on the autism spectrum. This month serves as a beacon of awareness, fostering empathy, acceptance and support for those navigating life with autism.

Certified Autism Center

In a groundbreaking move toward inclusivity, the Village of Wellington was recently honored with the prestigious Certified Autism Center designation by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This designation marks a significant milestone in our community’s commitment to creating an environment that is welcoming, supportive and accessible to our neuro-diverse community members, individuals with autism and their families. This designation sets Wellington apart as a beacon of autism inclusion and understanding.

Understanding The Designation

The Certified Autism Center designation is a testament to Wellington’s dedication to understanding and accommodating individuals with autism. It involves comprehensive training for staff and personnel to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to interact effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum. By achieving this designation, the Village of Wellington has demonstrated its commitment to providing inclusive experiences across various facets of community life.

For individuals and families living with autism, simple activities like attending community events can pose significant challenges. The Certified Autism Center designation empowers residents and visitors alike by ensuring that our programs and facilities are equipped to accommodate diverse needs. From sensory-friendly events to trained staff members ready to aid, we are fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

Enhancing Accessibility

Education is key to fostering understanding and empathy toward individuals with autism. The village is taking proactive steps to raise awareness about autism within the community. By offering training sessions and informational resources, we are equipping staff and volunteers with the knowledge and tools needed to interact with individuals on the spectrum respectfully and compassionately.

Recreation and leisure activities are essential for overall well-being and quality of life. With the Certified Autism Center designation, we are ensuring that individuals with autism can fully participate in these opportunities without barriers. Whether it’s enjoying a day at the park, attending a cultural event or participating in sports programs, residents and visitors with autism can now engage in activities tailored to their unique needs.

KultureCity Program

Wellington’s staff is also certified through the KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certification Program, developed by sensory issue experts such as physicians, board-certified speech therapists, applied behavioral analysis therapists and occupational therapists. The program helps to ensure that all guests are included, regardless of the event they are attending. A KultureCity-designated area is set up at key events, like the village’s Fourth of July Celebration and Fall Festival, and the dedicated area is for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment. Sensory bags are available and filled with items to help lessen the sensory overload, with no additional cost.

Additionally, autism friendly/sensory-friendly inflatables are included as part of other regularly scheduled activities during key events. These inflatables are different than other inflatables because the team working them has undergone business-centered autism training to increase understanding and sensitivity about autism and related disabilities. Each section has only one entrance/exit and is secured by Velcro, so users aren’t interacting with each other, and a trained paraprofessional is included with every rental, positioned at the entrance/exit to the inflatable to supervise users and regulate the line. An ultra-quiet generator is also used rather than a traditional generator to accommodate those with noise sensitivities.

A Day For Autism

We have also held “A Day for Autism: Building Bridges with Law Enforcement” since 2018. This event is made possible through a collaboration between the Village of Wellington, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Atlantic University Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and has activities for everyone, including a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house, touch-a-truck zone, a Relax Zone for parents and a DJ. The event provides an opportunity to engage with local law enforcement through interactive displays featuring therapy dogs, the mounted unit, ATV/motors, the 911 bus and fire-rescue. It provides a unique opportunity to learn, ask questions and build bridges with our community protectors.

 

Setting The Standard

By becoming a Certified Autism Center and making inclusion paramount in day-to-day operations, Wellington is setting a standard for others to follow. We’re demonstrating that inclusivity is not just a goal, but a tangible commitment that can be achieved through dedicated efforts and collaboration. As other communities take note of our success, we hope that they too will prioritize autism inclusion and work toward creating environments that celebrate diversity and accommodate all individuals.

Our achievement of the Certified Autism Center designation is a testament to our unwavering dedication to inclusivity and understanding. By prioritizing autism awareness, accessibility and support, we are leading the way toward creating a more inclusive and compassionate community for individuals with autism and their families. As other communities take inspiration from Wellington’s example, we move one step closer to a world where everyone, regardless of neurodiversity, can thrive and belong.

As we commemorate Autism Awareness Month this April, let us commit to fostering a more inclusive and accepting society. By promoting understanding, celebrating strengths and building support networks, we can create a world where individuals with autism are valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential. Together, let’s shine a light on autism and embrace the beauty of neurodiversity.

Wellington’s First Mayor
Former Mayor Kathy Foster Shares Her Vivid Recollections Of The Early Years Of Wellington

By Joshua Manning

Our Wellington History series continues this month with a focus on Kathy Foster, a member of the inaugural Wellington Village Council who served as the first mayor of Wellington, back when the role was a position appointed from among the council members. She shares her vivid recollections of the early years of the community.

It has been 28 years since the inaugural Wellington Village Council met for the first time on March 26, 1996. Kathy Foster, who would be named the first mayor of the fledgling village at that meeting, had already been a leader in the Wellington community for years, first as a parent activist and then as an elected supervisor of the Acme Improvement District, Wellington’s pre-incorporation government.

“I really got involved as a mother of young children, when we first realized that there were no schools in Wellington,” recalled Foster, who noted that her children were first bused to Greenacres Elementary School. “I really thought it was about time that the school district focused on the community that was growing so rapidly out here.”

So, Foster and her friend Harriet Offerman organized a group of parents to attend a Palm Beach County School Board meeting to request an elementary school in Wellington. This led to the creation of Wellington Elementary School, led by legendary Principal Buz Spooner, who had been principal at Greenacres. “After that, I realized we had a voice,” Foster said.

Then came the discussion of opening the developer-controlled Acme board to residents. Spooner encouraged Foster to run and be a voice for schools and families. She was the only woman among 22 candidates running for various seats.

“I was the only one not representing outside influences. I worked here, had children here,” said Foster, who won with 48 percent of the vote.

The seat’s incumbent resigned on the spot, leading Foster to be sworn-in the next morning.

“They handed me a one-sheet agenda, which was all consent,” Foster recalled, noting that one item was about a bond refinancing. “Purely ironically, I had worked on Wall Street in college. I asked for the return on the ratio.”

Turns out, broker Smith Barney was making more on the deal than the district, and Foster demanded a public bid, which led to a better deal for Acme taxpayers. “I became a financial expert overnight, purely by accident. That was my introduction to politics in Wellington,” Foster said.

About that time, discussions over the possible incorporation of Wellington began to heat up.

“There was a small group of people led by Ken Adams, Dick Palenschat and Mark Miles, who had done quite a bit of extensive research,” Foster said.

The group hosted meetings to talk about the pros and cons of incorporation. They brought in the League of Cities and Florida International University to study the financial impact of incorporation.

“We all realized that incorporation was really the way to go,” Foster said. “We were paying much more to the county government than we were getting back. We were paying over $7.5 million in taxes to the county government but were receiving less than $700,000 back for the community, and that’s just not right. Everything at that time was focused on redevelopment east of I-95.”

An initial vote failed in 1992, but the discussion was revived two years later. And thanks to some last-minute heroics by sponsor State Rep. Rick Minton on the floor of state legislature, and a nail-biter of a referendum that passed by just a handful of votes, the Village of Wellington was born on Dec. 31, 1995. The first council elections were held in March 1996, and Foster’s name was on the ballot.

“I felt that I had a history in Wellington. I had been here since 1979. I had a point of view as a wife, mother and a small business owner,” she said. “I felt that putting a voice like mine on the council would give some balance to the community.”

By that time, Foster was not only an experienced Acme supervisor, she was a founding member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce (now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber), was on the board at St. Rita Catholic Church and volunteered with school PTAs. “I felt those organizations needed to be represented within the community,” she said.

Her best recollection from that campaign was partnering with Ken Foster, who was then running for the Palm Beach County Commission, on signs that said “K Foster for Office,” thereby doubling their signs. Both ended up winning their races.

Foster fondly recalls the electric atmosphere of the first council meeting.

“It was wonderful. We were all so excited and happy that Wellington would have a chance at self-determination,” she said.

She was joined on the dais by Dr. Carmine Priore, Tom Wenham, Paul Adams and Michael McDonough.

“The one decision we had to make was determining who would be the mayor,” Foster said. “I had by far the most experience, and I had received more votes than any other candidate. They felt it was a logical way to make a selection, and it was unanimous, I recall.”

While the first board had its differences, Foster was impressed by how cohesive it turned out to be.

“Everyone wanted the same thing for Wellington, which was to try to preserve the neighborhood feel that had been established in the community,” Foster said. “We wanted to ensure that our children and grandchildren would enjoy that same small-town feel that had brought us to Wellington.”

This included working to bring together a new village still healing from a divisive incorporation fight.

“We wanted to reassure the people who had been against incorporation that we would work with them to preserve their way to life, in particular the equestrian and farming interests in the south end of Wellington,” Foster said.

Meanwhile, the county was not happy about Wellington’s incorporation. A fax came in from the county road department about no longer fixing potholes in Wellington. “We had to immediately figure out a roads department,” Foster said.

However, she remains grateful to Nancy Graham, then mayor of West Palm Beach, who reached out to help.

“I was so grateful to her for opening that door for us,” Foster said. “She was the only one of the other municipalities who reached out to help us.”

That inaugural council would go on to make key decisions that shaped the village into what it is today, but the key challenge, Foster said, was more theoretical.

“I think the biggest challenge we had was to convince the community that we were one village, regardless of where you lived, how much property you owned or whether you were a renter,” she said. “We, as the council, would treat everyone fairly and create an atmosphere that invited future homeowners to come and join us.”

This required getting the community involved in deciding Wellington’s destiny.

“There were so many unanswered questions. We had to take it step by step. We created committees for public input on multiple topics,” Foster said. “We opened the door to public input and asked their help in making these decisions. And I think that went a long way in establishing a sense that the village belonged to all of us, and everyone had a voice.”

Many of the key decisions involved what not to do.

“The most important decision we made was to preserve the entire village as it was,” Foster said. “No major zoning changes. Preservation of the existing zoning in all communities. Keeping [a village average of] two units per acre, and not widening Forest Hill past four lanes. There was an effort to maintain what we had.”

It has been nearly 25 years since Foster left the council in 2000. Her assessment of Wellington today? “So far, so good.”

“I think the village has done 95 percent of it very effectively over the years,” she said. “None of us could have imagined how well Wellington would turn out. It is an amazing place to live. We have managed to maintain multiple levels of neighborhoods, incomes, variety and diversity of population. Our schools are all A-rated schools. It is really a fantastic place to live.”

This includes the best recreation system in Palm Beach County and “a quality of life that is rarely found throughout this country,” Foster added. She is also glad to see that the equestrian community remains a key part of Wellington’s success.

“The equestrian industry is really the backbone financially that we based Wellington’s success on,” she said. “Without the equestrian industry, we would be a very different community.”

While no longer in elected office, Foster has stayed involved in the community, both through her business, K. Foster Designs, and her work with nonprofits. She served as executive director of the Adam Walsh Children’s Fund and Junior Achievement, and later founded Wellington Cares, which harnesses local volunteers to help seniors age in place. In 2020, her name was placed on the Wellington Founder’s Plaque to honor her contributions to the village.

“I hope that our future leaders maintain the vision that has supported us so well over the past 30 years and keep Wellington what it is today. As long as the families of Wellington are the priority, I think they will do a very good job,” Foster said.

Galloping Toward Community Support 
Wellington Community Foundation To Present Inaugural Derby Party On Saturday, May 4

By Shannon Anastasio

Wellington, renowned for its equestrian elegance, is gearing up to host an event that promises to blend southern charm with philanthropic spirit. The inaugural Wellington Derby Party extravaganza, organized by the Wellington Community Foundation, will be held Saturday, May 4 starting at 5 p.m. at Diamante Farms Dressage (11223 Acme Road, Wellington).

The Wellington Derby Party invites attendees to immerse themselves in the timeless tradition of the famed Kentucky Derby, while supporting a cause close to their hearts.

Planned as an extraordinary evening of revelry, gourmet delights and thrilling races, the Wellington Derby Party aims to captivate guests with an ambiance steeped in southern hospitality — attendees donning their finest hats, mingling with fellow equestrian enthusiasts and cheering on favorite derby horses.

However, the event is not just about celebrating — it is also about giving back. With each ticket priced at $200, attendees not only gain access to a night of glamour but also contribute to the welfare of the community through the Wellington Community Foundation. Every dollar raised at the derby party goes toward supporting local initiatives and projects aimed at fostering community well-being and benefiting local seniors, children and veterans in need.

“Our inaugural Wellington Derby Party will be a fun-filled afternoon and evening where attendees will be able to enjoy the biggest annual event in horse racing, while also doing their part to make our great hometown an even better place,” said Barry Manning, chair of the Wellington Community Foundation.

This unique event also presents an opportunity for businesses and individuals alike to further support the cause through sponsorship opportunities. Sponsors not only align their brand with a wonderful cause but also gain visibility within the community as a supporter of philanthropy and community development. Organizations that have already jumped in as sponsors include: Michael Gauger for Sheriff, Wellington Regional Medical Center, Jasmine Velez/Douglas Elliman, Red Clover Farms and Katie Edwards-Walpole P.A. Each acknowledges the many benefits to partnering with the foundation on this event.

The culinary aspect of the Wellington Derby Party is not to be overlooked. Renowned chef Gardo Vincken will be curating a delectable array of gourmet delights, ensuring that guests are treated to an exquisite dining experience that complements the elegance of the evening.

From the moment attendees arrive, they will be enveloped in the spirit of the Kentucky Derby, with the tantalizing aroma of mint juleps filling the air and the palpable excitement of the races setting the tone for the evening. Whether one is a seasoned equestrian enthusiast or simply looking for a night of fun-filled entertainment, the inaugural Wellington Derby Party promises an unforgettable experience for all.

As the date approaches, anticipation mounts and organizers encourage everyone to mark their calendars and prepare to saddle up for an evening of glamour, gastronomy and giving back. The aim is clear — to make this Wellington Derby Party extravaganza a roaring success while simultaneously supporting the foundation’s many community endeavors.

So, gallop into the night with hearts filled with generosity and enthusiasm, knowing that every ticket purchased, and every sponsorship secured, contributes toward building a stronger, more vibrant community.

Purchase your tickets today for the inaugural Wellington Derby Party at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with more information on the foundation’s web site.

Experience The Beauty Of Dressage
Olympic Year Adds Extra Excitement To The Adequan Global Dressage Festival

By Kayla Walker

The 13th annual Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) began its 12-week competition circuit in Wellington on Jan. 10 and runs until March 31. After two weeks off during its first four weeks, the show runs consecutively for the final eight weeks.

In the upcoming weeks, some of the top Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) dressage riders from around the world will ride to compete and qualify for numerous championships in the AGDF International Ring. These championships include the World Cup, Festival of Champions and the North American Youth Championships. Each CDI week, spectators are invited to watch their favorite riders compete Thursday through Sunday.

AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur welcomes all to experience the beautiful horses and great performances during the Adequan Global Dressage Festival at Equestrian Village. The most memorable part of each week is the Friday Night Stars event presenting Grand Prix freestyle performances from some of the top riders from around the world. Each performance underlines the essence of dressage — a dance of power, precision and harmony. Doors open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 7 p.m.

“The captivating Friday Night Stars Grand Prix Freestyles will be back, a must-see for spectators during weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12,” Baur said. “At AGDF, we pride ourselves on inclusivity, offering classes that cater to all — from the budding pony riders to the seasoned amateurs.”

In addition to the freestyles on Friday evenings, the three most distinguished events are the World Cup qualifying events, two CDI4* contests and a five-star event sponsored by Douglas Elliman hosted at the nearby Wellington International showgrounds.

Additionally, the FEI Nations Cup Series CDIO3* and the two CPEDI3* para-dressage events are exciting competitions held at AGDF. During Nations Cup week, seven countries are represented, which is significant to the teams from different countries from across Europe, South America and North America.

The Nations Cup dressage format is a refreshing take on traditional dressage competitions, emphasizing teamwork and strategy. It provides a platform for nations to showcase their depth of talent and offers audiences a thrilling team-based competition.

Over the season, the $10,000 Future Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. Georges series for horses ages seven to nine years old and the $15,000 Lövsta Future Challenge series for horses eight to 10 years of age are held as well. At AGDF, during weeks 3, 5, 7, 8 and 10, riders have five weeks of qualifying possibilities. The final, during AGDF Week 12, occurs with the best two horses from each week. The final provides riders and trainers with the opportunity to showcase their talented, young horses in the International Ring in an exciting and spontaneous environment without the pressure of international competition.

“This presents a prime opportunity to spot the emerging equine athletes in dressage,” Baur explained. “The circuit will be dotted with qualifiers, culminating in the grand finals during the 12th week.”

During AGDF Week 10, when dressage takes over Wellington International, is the most admired night of the season. The International Ring will host the National 5* composing the riders for a summer spent in Europe in profoundly competitive environments.

With Olympic riders such as Adrienne Lyle, it provides an extra special atmosphere for spectators. Lyle, a highly awarded rider, won the Olympic team silver medal with her teammates Sabine Schut-Kery and Steffen Peters. Throughout the season, Lyle will compete and show in many Friday Night Stars events.

During two weeks of the season, AGDF will host para-dressage, the only equestrian sport in the Paralympic Games. Riders compete in one of five separate grades formed on the rider’s ability and the individual movements for each test. The walk-only test is Grade I, whereas Grades II and Grades III are walk and trot. Grades IV and V consist of the walk, trot and canter. In these three-day events, riders will compete, and the final day will be a freestyle. Roxanne Trunnell, one of the most decorated para-dressage riders, who won an individual gold medal in the Paralympic Games in Tokyo, will be part of the para-dressage events at AGDF.

While watching dressage events at Equestrian Village, attendees can enjoy more than just world-class competition. They are also treated to an array of diverse culinary experiences and retail therapy featuring prominent equestrian brands.

For the latest updates on the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, visit https://gdf.coth.com.

Faces of Dressage 2024
Once again, the regal sport of dressage is on display at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival here in Wellington. Often compared to “horse ballet” or “dancing with horses,” this Olympic sport showcases the grace, beauty and elegance of a horse and rider pair working together as one. But what comes across as effortless in the show ring is the end result of years of hard work and dedication. Dressage is one of those rare sports where riders often get better with age, and the best in the world are here in Wellington to compete, with many of the top riders keeping a keen eye on the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. That goes for American riders, but also for elite international riders in town for the season, as well as the talented and brave souls who ride in the awe-inspiring sport of para-dressage. As is our March tradition, we celebrate the hard work and determination of dressage riders in Faces of Dressage 2024, highlighting just a few of the amazing riders you will see in the AGDF ring.

FREDERIC WANDRES
German dressage rider Frederic Wandres has an impressive résumé. He competed at the 2022 FEI World Championships in Herning, where he received a bronze medal with the German team. He was on the long list for the Olympic Games in Tokyo and won a gold medal in 2019 at the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses. At the 2023 European Championships in Riesenbeck, Wandres earned the silver medal in team dressage. Last season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, he won the AGDF 5 World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle with Bluetooth OLD and helped the German team capture the Stillpoint Farm FEI Nations Cup. This season, he has been having great success with new mount Floricella, owned by Alessa Marie Maass.

ANNA MAREK
USDF Gold Medalist Anna Marek began showing and training dressage horses in 2001. With more than 150 scores at USDF-recognized shows on 50 different horses, Marek has won multiple championships every year since 2013. Her first regional championship win was in 2008 as a Junior/Young Rider. In 2010, Marek won National Reserve Champion Intermediate Junior/Young Rider. With her horse Unico, she rose to No. 12 nationwide during 2016. Marek represented the U.S. at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, where she won team gold and individual bronze medals. Marek stays very busy, riding up to 12 horses a day while teaching lessons and showing. She has had great success at the AGDF this year, winning the Friday Night Stars FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle during Week 5.

CHRISTIAN SIMONSON
Inspired by his mother’s interest in riding, Christian Simonson discovered dressage at age six. He quickly became the protégé of USDF Gold Medalist Gail Hoff Carmona and began showing at a national level at age 13, training under Olympian Jan Ebeling. He won both the gold team medal and silver individual medal at the 2016 Adequan/FEI NAYC, and the silver individual medal at the 2017 Adequan/FEI NAYC. He was awarded the USDF bronze and silver medals that year. In 2018, Simonson was invited to join the training program of dressage Olympian Adrienne Lyle, and he now spends his summers in Greenwood Village, Colorado, and his winters in Wellington. In 2022, Simonson and his mount Son of a Lady were invited to represent the U.S. at CHIO Aachen, where they ended up on the pod

FIONA HOWARD
Born and raised in England with her American mother and British father, para-equestrian Fiona Howard began riding when she was three. After a friend’s reining horses piqued her interest, she shifted her focus when she had the opportunity to qualify for the FEI European Reining Championships for Juniors and Young Riders. As part of the British Junior Reining Team, Howard was 14 and the youngest rider in the competition when she earned the bronze medal. Howard, who battles the neuromuscular disease dystonia, rode in her first para-dressage tests in 2021 at schooling shows. Coached by Paralympian Kate Shoemaker, Howard returned to the FEI arena as a Grade II para-dressage athlete in 2022. In 2023, Howard and Jagger earned second-place finishes in the Grade II test at the AGDF Week 3 CPEDI3*.

PABLO GÓMEZ MOLINA
Spanish rider Pablo Gómez Molina was first introduced to horses at summer camp in Valencia. With his parents’ support, he continued to ride until he landed a working student post at age 19 with sponsors Cristina Danguillecourt and Javier Bacariza, owners of Yeguada De Ymas, a dressage breeding facility with bases in Spain and Wellington. They brought him to Wellington, which has been his winter home ever since. Gómez Molina claimed his first Grand Prix win during Week 7 of last year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival riding the P.R.E. gelding Ulises De Ymas in the Iron Spring Farm CDI3* FEI Grand Prix. They followed up with another win during Week 10 in the Wellington Equestrian Realty CDI5* Grand Prix Special. Gómez Molina and Ulises De Ymas are back in action this year, taking second in the Grand Prix Special CDI4* during Week 3.

KEVIN KOHMANN
Kevin Kohmann grew up around horses in Germany. His success started with ponies, where in 2002, he won the pony regional championships. After this early success, Kohmann was regarded as a talented young professional and recruited to the United States to work under top trainers. This gave him the opportunity to ride more difficult horses. In doing so, he discovered that he could take even the most difficult horses and turn them into successful partners. Now an American citizen, Kohmann joined the Diamante Farms training team in 2014, and he remains based in Wellington. He often rides at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, where he recently took second in the Friday Night Stars FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle with Diamante Farms’ Dünensee.

KERRIGAN GLUCH
American rider Kerrigan Gluch tried many disciplines as a youngster and fell in love with the beauty and challenge of dressage. At age 14, Gluch had the opportunity to attend a clinic with Robert Dover in Wellington. It would prove to be a turning point when she met Kimberly Van Kampen of Hampton Green Farm. She became a full-time working student at the farm and has been based there ever since. Gluch has achieved both Young Rider and U25 Reserve National Championship distinctions, several U25 Nations Cup team medals and has represented the U.S. in Europe twice. Gluch is also a Discover Dressage USEF/USDF Emerging Athlete Program participant. As a newcomer at the Grand Prix level with her mount Mejorano HGF, her results have been promising. Gluch and Mejorano HGF won the Fair Sky Farm CDI3* Grand Prix Special during Week 10 of last year’s AGDF

SUSAN PAPE
British dressage rider Susan Pape was born and raised in the Netherlands to parents from Britain. She moved to Germany in 1982 to do an apprenticeship at Eugen Wahler’s Klosterhof Medingen and went on to train with German dressage rider Herbert Rehbein and his wife Karin. Today, she is based at the Hengststation Pape stables, which she operates with her husband Ingo in Hemmoor, Germany. She also spends time in Wellington, working with John and Leslie Malone at Harmony Sporthorses and competing at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Earlier this season, Pape and Harmony’s Oldenburg stallion V-Plus took the top spot during AGDF Week 3, claiming the Grand Prix Special CDI4*, sponsored by Donato Farms. Pape was the unanimous choice from all five judges.

FELICITAS HENDRICKS
Rising German dressage star Felicitas Hendricks has taken this year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival by storm, racking up a string of impressive victories with Drombusch OLD, her 13-year-old championship mount. Coached by her uncle, Christoph Koschel, Hendricks first came to Florida as a junior rider. Before arriving for the season, Hendricks won the 2023 European Under 25 Championships in Pilisjaszfalu, Hungary. Hendricks made her international debut at AGDF in 2015 and returned this year to land big wins right off the bat, starting with the FEI World Cup Grand Prix on opening day. She followed that up with a victory in the season’s first FEI World Cup Grand Prix Freestyle. The wins kept coming when she returned to the ring during AGDF Week 3, leaving her unbeaten in her first four starts in Wellington this season.

TINNE VILHELMSON-SILFVÉN
The ever-impressive Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfvén represents her native Sweden and has competed at seven Olympic Games. She placed fourth in team dressage in 1992 in Barcelona and 2008 in Beijing. She also placed eighth at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Vilhelmson-Silfvén has also competed at seven editions of the Dressage World Cup finals. In 2011, she helped create the Lövsta Future Challenge with Louise Nathhorst and support from Antonia Ax:son Johnson through Lövsta Stuteri. Vilhelmson-Silfvén has been spending her winters in Wellington for years and is a regular at the AGDF. Vilhelmson-Silfvén and Lövsta Stuteri’s Hyatt were the winners of the BluCreeq Spirits CDI3* Grand Prix Special during Week 5 of this year’s festival. She took third in the Grand Prix Special CDI3* during Week 1, also with Hyatt.

Dressage At Diamante Farms 
High-Level Facility Is Home To Terri Kane And Dressage Riders/Trainers Devon Kane And Kevin Kohmann

By Mike May

At Wellington’s Diamante Farms, the focus is on dressage all day, every day for the past 22 years and will be for the foreseeable future.

Today, the farm is home to Terri Kane, her daughter Devon Kane and Devon’s husband, Kevin Kohmann. Both Devon Kane and Kevin Kohmann are accomplished dressage riders and trainers.

Their equestrian-focused lifestyle in Wellington started more than 20 years ago, when Devon was still early in her quest to become a top dressage rider.

“It all started in 2002 when my husband Richard returned to our home in San Antonio, Texas, to inform us that he had purchased Diamante Farms in Wellington,” Terri recalled. “We started with one barn and one horse, which was a chestnut mare.”

Terri, Richard and Devon started traveling between their full-time Texas home and their second residence in Wellington, joined by son/brother Dalton, although Dalton was not an equestrian enthusiast. He spent more time in Texas, where he played soccer and tackle football in high school, followed by rugby in college.

Over the last 22 years, a great deal has changed with Diamante Farms and the Kane family. According to Terri, the original Diamante Farms was sold in 2022, and the current Diamante Farms was purchased in a different part of Wellington.

“When you sell a farm, you keep the name,” Terri said. “It’s your brand and logo.”

Another big change was losing Richard, who passed away in 2022.

“He was the reason that we came to Wellington, because he bought Diamante Farms,” Terri said.

From that first chestnut mare, the new Diamante Farms has grown to 34 horses, as well as three rabbits and two dogs.

“The three bunnies are rescue rabbits,” Terri said. “They are MooMoo, Roxie and Bimbo. The two dogs are Emmy, who is a German shepherd, and Harley, who is a Jack Russell. They are best friends.”

Of the 34 horses at Diamante Farms, nine of them are owned by the Kane family, including two that are retired.

“Douwe was one of Devon’s first dressage horses, and he’s now 34,” Terr said. “The other retired horse is Destiny. Devon’s two current Grand Prix horses are Giulietta and Vamos. She also rides Superstar. Kevin’s horse is Dünensee. We call him Denzel. The other horses are Scala, Ozzie and Lira, which is my horse.”

The other 25 horses living at Diamante Farms are owned by outside riders, ranging from amateurs to Grand Prix riders. All the horses receive daily care from Devon, Kevin, Katie Riley and six staffers. Terri has a role, too.

“I do a lot of the daily laundry,” Terri said. “I’m washing blankets, saddle pads and wraps.”

Devon is an experienced and accomplished dressage rider; a talented, successful dressage trainer; and a proven, respected dressage clinician. While she is firmly entrenched within the dressage discipline today, that wasn’t always the case.

“Growing up in San Antonio, I started my competitive career in hunters and jumpers and was surrounded by western riders,” Devon recalled. “I’ve always loved being around horses.”

But two fairly serious accidents led to a change in disciplines.

“Both my mom and I got thrown off horses,” Devon said. “Mom broke her arm, and I broke my jaw.”

The accidents didn’t negatively impact Devon’s passion or her mother’s interest in horses, but it changed their equestrian path.

“I still loved being around horses, so I had to get back in the saddle,” Devon said. “I decided that dressage was an easier way to transition back into riding horses. I found out that dressage fits my personality, and I quickly grew to love dressage.”

Devon has remained in the dressage arena ever since.

In addition to being a dressage rider, Devon looks after dressage horses, trains dressage horses and is a clinician for riders of all levels and abilities. She thrives in dressage because of her relationships with horses.

“I learn from the horses, and they learn from me,” she explained. “Each horse is different, and I try to understand them.”

Devon takes pride in being able to communicate with each horse at Diamante Farms. The relationship that she has with these majestic dressage horses starts soon after sunrise and continues late into the day.

“We’re at the barn by 7 a.m. to give the horses a morning ride,” Devon said. “After the horses have their morning ride, they return to the barn for a bath, have ice applied to their legs, get dried off, eat and have turn-out time outside in the meadow.”

Meals are very important for the horses at Diamante Farms.

“The horses eat three or four times a day,” Devon explained. “Each horse eats a bale of hay a day. We also feed them food from Purina, which is one of our sponsors. They also eat lots of oats every day. In all, each horse eats nine or ten pounds of food a day.”

While Devon is busy walking horses, training horses, coaching other riders and working on her own dressage skills, she still gets involved in the basic equestrian tasks such as cleaning the stalls, bathing the horses and feeding the horses.

“I try to get my hands on the horses and their legs at least every other day,” Devon said. “I’m checking on their tendons and muscles in their legs and the condition of their backs. Horses have big bodies, which are supported by small, thin legs. I’m always checking on them.”

The horses know it’s her when she touches them. That familiarity comes from years of interacting with them.

As an award-winning dressage rider and coach, Devon implements and shares what she has been taught by world-class and Olympic-caliber coaches such as former U.S. Olympic dressage rider Michelle Gibson, Danish Olympian Lars Petersen and German dressage icon Hubertus Schmidt.

While Devon has vast experience at national and international competitions, her husband, Kevin Kohmann, is also a talented dressage rider.

Originally from Germany, Kohmann now rides for the United States. He is expected to represent the U.S. at the World Cup in Saudi Arabia in April. If so, Devon will be there to support him. “I always go along and help groom his horses,” Devon said.

While Devon has strong aspirations as a dressage rider, she also takes great pride in seeing other riders that she coaches and horses that she trains do well in the ring.

When not spending time with horses in both Wellington and during visits to Europe each summer, Devon enjoys reading, going to the beach, traveling, watching movies and eating the delicious meals prepared by her husband, who she said is an amazing chef.

Learn more about Terri Kane, Devon Kane, Kevin Kohmann and the high-level dressage facilities at Diamante Farms at www.diamantefarms.com.

Dancing Horses And Family Fun

Trot On Over To The Challenge Of The Americas And Help Fight Breast Cancer

Get ready to gallop into a night of pure entertainment, hoof-tapping music, family fun and heartwarming moments at the Friday, March 8 Challenge of the Americas (COTA), where the community comes together to give breast cancer the boot.

It’s a spectacular evening of horses and music, all to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through its partner, Play for P.I.N.K.

General admission ticket holders will have an ideal vantage point in the grandstands, and tickets are available at the gate the night of the event. The cost is $30 per adult, and children 12 and under are admitted free. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival showgrounds at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road in Wellington. Grandstand guests can grab food and beverages available for purchase and enjoy pre-show entertainment.

VIP tickets, available at www.challengeoftheamericas.com, provide the same top-notch entertainment with the bonus of enjoying the elegantly festive Challenge Gala featuring dinner and dancing under a tent at the showgrounds.

You won’t want to miss COTA’s newest event, the Disco Dressage Derby, where three teams of two horses and riders boogie on down to four minutes of choreographed disco music with a unique twist: the teams must continue dancing to surprise musical selections during the last minute of their performances.

The adorable jumping mini horses with their full-size friends, and a fun musical pas de trois set to Tina Turner tunes round out the entertainment before the headline event, the musical Grand Prix Quadrille Team Challenge.

Featuring five teams of six dancing horses and their skilled riders, each team maneuvers in precise patterns set to musical themes. Competitors pull out the stops with intricate choreography and colorful costumes to delight the crowd while raising funds for breast cancer research.

COTA has evolved since its origins in 2002. It was created by Mary Ross to honor her mother, who died of breast cancer.

The event grew from an afternoon luncheon featuring three horse-and-rider combinations to an international event with 44 Grand Prix riders and their mounts. Its success and continued growth are due not only to its partnership with the top-rated breast cancer research organization in the U.S., but also to its uniquely entertaining format.

The beneficiary of the event, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) through partner Play for P.I.N.K. (PFP), is the largest private funder of breast cancer research — and the largest private funder of metastatic research — in the world. Play for P.I.N.K. is a grassroots organization committed to raising funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events. Since 1996, PFP has raised more than $80 million for breast cancer research and is currently supporting 20 research projects to bring about breakthroughs in detection, treatment, prevention and survivorship.

Let’s come together to #ChallengeBreastCancer and create a future where families can thrive without the fear of this disease. Spread the word, gather your crew, hoof on over to the dressage showgrounds on March 8 and enjoy an exciting evening of dancing horses and family fun to help find a cure for breast cancer.

Visit www.challengeoftheamericas.com to learn more.

Wellington’s Leadership Team Is All In, All The Time

Meet the dynamic members who make up the leadership team at the Village of Wellington. With a wide variety of expertise and experience from both the public and private sectors, they provide the high-quality services that residents expect here in the Village of Wellington.

For several members of Wellington’s leadership team, the idea of having a career in public service originated before they arrived in the village, having served in other public agencies prior to joining the Village of Wellington. Many also bring experience from the private sector. That combination of public and private-sector experience is invaluable when delivering best-in-class services to residents.

Covering approximately 45 square miles with a year-round population of 63,000, the Village of Wellington is a full-service municipality operating under a council-manager form of government.

Under this format, the village manager is the chief executive and administrative officer, responsible for the implementation of the Wellington Village Council’s vision and day-to-day operations of the village. Leadership of our more than 340 team members is made possible by our leadership team, covering everything from engineering and accounting to customer service and recreation.

The leadership team we have assembled continues to make Wellington a community of choice. The positive attitudes and commitments that drive the individuals on the leadership team demonstrate that they are all in, all the time. What follows are snapshots of the individuals who make up this dynamic team, empowered by their passion for public service and community.

Ana Acevedo, Director of Administrative & Financial Services
2014-present

“For Wellington’s finance team, delivering high-quality services is not just a responsibility, but a cornerstone in building a resilient future for our residents and businesses,” Director of Administrative & Financial Services Ana Acevedo said. “Our dedication to responsive governance is evident in our meticulous evaluation of audit findings, thorough review of budget variances, the maintenance of a robust bond rating, and our commitment to the fiduciary responsibility of public finance. Together, we are charting a steady course for the long-term sustainability of Wellington.”

Acevedo is a certified public accountant with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in taxation. Originally from Cuba, she arrived in the United States in 1980. At the beginning of her accounting career, Acevedo traveled to and from Exuma, Bahamas, where she managed the accounting for a marina associated with the Four Seasons Resort, and she began her governmental career in 2006 with the City of Lake Worth.

Acevedo enjoys reading the Bible and indulging in mystery books, and she cherishes moments with her family, especially when she can watch her children play baseball and volleyball.

Chevelle Addie, Village Clerk 2017-present

“As the village clerk for the Village of Wellington, it is my privilege to work alongside a dedicated team committed to meeting our customers’ needs promptly and efficiently, in accordance with Wellington’s standards, council policies and state laws,” Chevelle Addie said. “Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about navigating Wellington’s future and fostering a thriving and well-governed community.”

Addie started her career at the City of Delray Beach, working as the extended day coordinator, developing, implementing and managing aftercare programs for local students in partnership with nonprofit organizations, and became the village clerk in Wellington in 2017.

Addie is a certified master municipal clerk (MMC), has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and more than 20 years of governmental experience. She is an active member of the Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) and the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She is a past president of FACC and the Palm Beach County Municipal Clerks Association.

In addition, Addie has been a member of the Florida League of Cities Municipal Administration Committee for the last nine years and has served as a conference/webinar speaker and trainer for the Florida Association of City Clerks, the Florida League of Cities, the Florida Association of Special Districts, the Florida Government Finance Officers’ Association and the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Addie is a 2017 and 2018 Florida League of Cities Home Rule Hero Award and Robert N. Clark Memorial Award recipient.

Robert Basehart, Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs
2009-present

“Having seen Palm Beach County grow over many years, I am happy to be able to continue to share my experience by working on village programs and projects that will prepare Wellington for the future,” Director of Sustainability & Regulatory Affairs Robert Basehart said. “I worked in the western communities and Wellington in particular, before it was incorporated and hope that our efforts today continue to keep it a great hometown for many years to come.”

Basehart joined Wellington in 2009 serving as growth management director and assumed his role in sustainability and regulatory affairs in 2020. His experience spans the private and public sectors and includes extensive experience in Palm Beach County during periods of growth and development, where he saw the county’s population grow from several hundred thousand to more than 1.5 million residents.

Basehart has also been involved in the planning and development of residential and commercial projects locally and around the state and successfully entitled more than 2,000 projects. Recently, in Wellington, he has led the charge to update, rewrite and simplify the land development regulations and code of ordinances. He has undergraduate degrees in psychology and city planning and is a certified planner by the American Institute of Certified Planners. While a planner at heart, he quips that his psychology degree has come in handy many times in his line of work.

Nicole Coates, Emergency Management Director
2001-present

“As a 32-year resident of Wellington, my commitment is twofold: to safeguard the community I call home, and to enhance the overall well-being of Wellington residents,” Emergency Management Director Nicole Coates said. “The risk management team works diligently to prevent incidents and minimize the financial impact of losses to the village. It is not just a professional obligation, but a personal dedication to ensure Wellington remains a place where residents and employees alike thrive in safety and resilience.”

Coates began her career with Wellington in 2001 within the Parks & Recreation Department, where her roles encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, from customer service to finance and budget management, as well as special event coordination. She later filled various leadership positions, including assistant to the village manager, director of community services, and director of internal audit and compliance. In 2018, Coates assumed her current role as director of emergency management and public safety. Prior to her tenure with Wellington, Coates contributed her talents to First Wellington Inc., the village’s master homeowners’ association.

Coates earned her master’s degree in business administration from Palm Beach Atlantic University and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing/advertising from Florida Atlantic University. She also has certifications as a certified emergency manager, a Florida professional emergency manager, and a certified parks and recreation professional.

Outside of her professional commitments, Coates is actively involved in community service, serving as a board member for the Safety Council of Palm Beach County and as the planning section chief for the Southeast Region 7 All Hazards Incident Management Team. She resides in Wellington with her husband, Colby, and their daughters Madison and Macie.

Ed De La Vega, Assistant Village Manager
2000-present

“I am fortunate to live, work and play in Wellington, and I take pride in the fact that I can help make our village a premier community not only in the county, but also the state and country,” Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega said. “This is evidenced by our regular high rankings regionally and nationally as truly a great hometown.”

De La Vega has been with the Village of Wellington since 2009, when he joined the staff as a senior project manager working on capital improvement projects. He went on to serve as director of purchasing and general services director in 2014, before being appointed to his current post in January 2021. In this role, De La Vega oversees a broad range of departments, including Parks & Recreation; Planning, Zoning & Building; Engineering; Purchasing; and Risk Management.

De La Vega and his family are proud to call Wellington home. His wife Edilia serves as the principal at Panther Run Elementary School. Their children, Alex and Amanda, grew up in the village and attended local schools. Prior to joining the Village of Wellington, De La Vega was employed by Lennar as director of purchasing. In his tenure there, he was involved in all aspects of home building, including contract administration, budgeting, permitting and design. De La Vega previously worked as a controller in the food service industry.

De La Vega earned a bachelor’s degree in business, majoring in finance, from Florida Atlantic University. He is a certified public procurement buyer and a member of the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing.

Paulette Edwards, Community Services Director
2017-present

“Our dedicated community services team works tirelessly to create a supportive environment that not only addresses immediate needs, but also invests in the long-term growth and prosperity of Wellington,” Community Services Director Paulette Edwards said. “Together, we are shaping a community where individuals, families and youth thrive, empowered by the transformative impact of our programs and services.”

Edwards has dedicated her career to the development, revitalization and sustainability of communities, as well as programs that support underserved families. She has served in a number of key leadership positions in other organizations.

Before joining Wellington, Edwards was appointed by the mayor of the City of Orlando as the assistant director for the Mayor’s Neighborhood Services Office. In that position, she was responsible for administering the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Community Block Grant programs. During her career, she has managed grant awards to numerous nonprofit organizations and helped individuals and families obtain affordable housing, education, recreation, homelessness prevention and economic development opportunities.

Edwards has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Grambling State University. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter Wellington.

Kimberly Gibbons, Human Resources Director/LGBTQ Liaison
2006-present

“As the human resources director, my foremost commitment is to the holistic success and well-being of our dedicated employees,” Kimberly Gibbons said. “With a dedication to nurturing a workplace culture where every individual thrives, our Human Resources Department is deeply invested in ensuring that every employee, along with our broader community, feels an integral part of the fabric of Wellington.”

Gibbons is a senior certified human resources professional with the Society of Human Resources Management, the Human Resources Certification Institute and the International Professional Management Association. She received her undergraduate degree in English language and literature from the University of Maryland, and her graduate degree in human resources development and administration from Barry University. She is also a certified neurodiversity professional and was certified as an adult mental health first aid instructor.

Previously from the private sector, where she worked at Saks Fifth Avenue in Palm Beach, Gibbons came to Wellington as a contracted employee in 2005 and became a regular employee in 2006.

Chuck Gill, Tennis Director
2021-present

“Since joining Wellington in 2021, I’ve been privileged to work alongside a passionate group dedicated to making tennis accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages,” Tennis Director Chuck Gill said. “Our commitment goes beyond the courts; it’s about creating a vibrant tennis community that stands out throughout the county. Wellington’s Tennis Center has become a shining example, thanks to our team’s innovative approach to organizing unique and exciting tournaments and programs. We are proud to be part of the rich tennis tradition in Wellington, and we look forward to continuing to elevate the game, inspire players and foster a love for tennis in our community.”

Gill started working at the Wellington Tennis Center in 2021 after serving as the director of sports at the Club at Ibis in West Palm Beach and the director of tennis at the Boca Raton Resort and Club in Boca Raton.

Gill is a past president of the United States Professional Tennis Association and served on the USPTA Florida Division Board of Directors from 1995 to 2005 and as division president from 2002 to 2003. From 2009 to 2011 and from 2013 to January 2020, he was on the USPTA national board, where he served as president from 2015 to 2017. Gill is also active as a United States Tennis Association volunteer, where he has served on the board of the USTA Florida Section since 2014. He is USTA Florida president-elect this year.

Eric Juckett, Parks & Recreation Director
2003-present

“Parks and recreation are vital for our community,” Parks & Recreation Director Eric Juckett said. “Our team strives to provide excellent, unique and meaningful opportunities for recreation that enhance the vibrant culture of Wellington.”

Juckett has devoted two decades of his professional journey to the Village of Wellington. His career with Wellington started as a part-time lifeguard while he was a student at Florida Atlantic University, eventually transitioning to a full-time staff position in 2003.

Leading the Parks & Recreation Department family of 23 full-time staff, and during peak seasons, coordinating more than 100 vital part-time staff, he finds fulfillment in the collaborative spirit within his team.

As the director of the Parks & Recreation Department, Juckett witnesses the positive impact that his department has on people’s lives through various programs, including athletics, aquatics, concerts, events, community initiatives, rentals, weddings and senior programs. Juckett moved to Wellington in 2017, where he lives with his wife and young son.

Anjuli Panse, Utilities Director
2018-present

“Wellington’s Utilities Department staff takes great pride in the essential services they provide. Operating around the clock, our team ensures a reliable supply of superior quality drinking water and environmentally safe wastewater service for the well-being of more than 50,000 residents in the Wellington utility service area,” Utilities Director Anjuli Panse said. “We are committed to pursuing the most up-to-date technologies to improve and upgrade our facilities to not only keep Wellington on the cutting edge of the water industry but also guarantee that our customers receive the best product and service possible.”

Panse is a registered professional engineer and the director responsible for the management and oversight of water and wastewater services in Wellington. The Utility Department operates a water treatment plant rated for 12.3 million gallons per day, a wastewater plant rated for 6.5 million gallons per day, two potable water storage and repump stations, three surficial aquifer raw water wellfields, a water distribution system, a sanitary sewer collection system including 105 lift stations and a reclaimed water system.

Panse received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Florida and has held a professional engineering license in the State of Florida since 2010. She began her career in 2005 as an engineering consultant and has designed and managed engineering projects for Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach and others.

Her areas of expertise include the design, permitting, assessment and construction of water systems, wastewater systems, roadways, utilities and municipal structures. In 2018, she joined Wellington’s Utilities Department and became the director in 2022.

Tanya Quickel, Deputy Village Manager
2013-present

“Supporting the Village of Wellington with a decade of accomplishments, projects and grants, my goal is to provide the tools with thoughtful and responsible fiscal planning for the residents, elected officials and staff to enjoy a sustainable, resilient and progressive great hometown,” Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel said.

Quickel leverages more than three decades of diverse experience in private and public administration and financial management in her role as deputy village manager. Since joining Wellington in 2013, she has been a driving force behind the village’s fiscal and operational strategies, aligning administrative functions to support its core missions effectively.

In her current capacity, Quickel oversees the village’s annual operating budget, ensuring its efficient management and allocation in alignment with community goals. She also collaborates closely with departments such as Public Works, Utilities, Community Services, the Clerk’s Office, Information Technology, Customer Service and Communications. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the village’s progress and enhancing its service delivery.

Before her tenure in Wellington, Quickel held pivotal roles in organizations including the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department, the Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District, the Indian Trail Improvement District, and Horry County in South Carolina. These experiences have deepened her insights into local government dynamics and best practices.

Quickel’s professional journey is marked by a dedication to continuous learning and excellence. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia and has passed the certified public accountants (CPA) exam. Additionally, she holds the certified district manager designation from Barry University and the Florida Association of Special Districts, further demonstrating her commitment to professional growth and expertise in her field.

Jonathan Reinsvold, Village Engineer
2014-present

“As the village engineer, I stand at the intersection of innovation and community stewardship, leveraging my expertise to leave a positive mark on Wellington’s infrastructure to shape its landscape for future generations,” Jonathan Reinsvold said.

Reinsvold began his career in civil engineering in 2005 during his senior year of college, when he interned for IBI Group, a small engineering firm in Coral Springs. Being the youngest engineer in the office meant he had to endure his fair share of “grunt work,” including the time he was called into the owner’s office for a “very important and time-sensitive project” that translated into needing the restroom painted.

Reinsvold also worked for CMS Engineering, a company of Ansca homes, a private equity housing developer, before coming to Wellington, where he started as a senior engineer. Reinsvold was promoted to village engineer in January 2021.

William Silliman, Information Technology Director
2012-present

“In these times of rapid technological changes, the IT department is dedicated to ensuring reliable and efficient technology services, while improving operational efficiency and enhancing cybersecurity,” Information Technology Director William Silliman said. “We want to make interactions with our residents and customers accessible and convenient.”

Silliman has a unique background that blends both science and technology. He began his career studying sharks and stingrays at the University of Miami’s RSMAS Shark Lab in Bimini, Bahamas, where he utilized computers and geographic information systems in the early 2000s for data analysis and tracking. His work on sharks and stingrays contributed to research that was later published, as well as presented academically.

After his time tracking sharks and stingrays, Silliman transitioned to the technology sector where he worked for Gateway Computers and then for a small financial services firm in Boca Raton before coming to the Village of Wellington in 2012.

His leadership and skills in IT networking, cybersecurity and data analytics have been instrumental in driving digital transformations at the Village of Wellington, significantly boosting operational efficiency, cybersecurity and customer engagement.

Silliman holds a bachelor’s degree in biology, as well as a multitude of certifications.

Tim Stillings, Director of Planning, Zoning & Building
2019-present

“Prior to Wellington, my education and experience focused on urban and community planning and development,” Planning, Zoning & Building Director Tim Stillings said. “Here, I have had to look at the same planning issues and challenges through a suburban lens, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to apply my expertise to enhance the growth and sustainability of the village.”

Stillings is a certified planner (AICP) with more than two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has worked in various roles in public planning agencies, including West Palm Beach and Delray Beach, and has extensive knowledge in areas such as land entitlements, urban development/redevelopment, form-based codes, design guidelines, site planning, transportation planning, traffic calming, street design and bicycle/pedestrian planning.

Stillings holds a bachelor’s degree in urban affairs from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a master’s degree in community and regional planning from Iowa State University.

Although not a native of Florida, Stillings has lived in Palm Beach County for more than half of his life and considers it his hometown. Stillings dedicates much of his time to restoring a historic house built in 1922, showcasing his commitment to preserving the rich heritage of the region.

Bruce Wagner, Public Works Director
2005-present

“At the heart of the Public Works Department lies a guiding principle: to serve the community and positively shape Wellington’s future so that it remains a vibrant and thriving community for all,” Public Works Director Bruce Wagner said.

Wagner lives by the mantra that a team is paramount to success, a belief instilled in him from his upbringing on Long Island. Starting with a humble landscape company alongside his brothers, Wagner’s journey led him through roles as a head groundskeeper for a utility company, assistant supervisor at Old Westbury Gardens (the legendary Phipps Estate), the Home Depot and even a stint at Walt Disney World.

Though life’s twists and turns brought him back to Long Island in the wake of tragedy, Wagner’s resilience and dedication to his craft propelled him forward, leading him to manage large-scale properties at Seacrest Services as the regional landscape manager of their high-end properties, and eventually found his way to South Florida, where he began his career at Wellington as parks supervisor in 2005.

For Wagner, it’s not just about the work — it’s about the people. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that with the right team, anything is possible. In his role, he finds fulfillment in serving the community and shaping its future, making each day his “happily ever after.”

 

High-Level Dressage Arrives In South Florida

The Founding Of The Palm Beach Dressage Derby Led To Today’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival

By Joshua Manning

Wellington The Magazine’s year-long Wellington History feature series includes the recollections of early pioneers who built the community we enjoy today. This month, we speak with Gisela Pferdekamper and Evelyn O’Sullivan on the start of the esteemed Palm Beach Dressage Derby, which put dressage on the map in South Florida and fueled the growth that eventually became today’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

Today, Wellington is known as the “equestrian capital of the world,” hosting the premier U.S. shows in the sports of polo, show jumping and dressage. However, back in the 1980s, while top polo and show jumping action had already gotten their start, high-level dressage did not yet have a home in the western communities.

That is, until the birth of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in 1983 — an international-level dressage competition that drew dressage riders and trainers to the Wellington area and led to what has grown into the Adequan Global Dressage Festival.

A high-level, international-style dressage show in South Florida was the dream of Palm Beach Dressage Derby founders Gisela and Howald Pferdekamper, who moved to the area in the 1970s from Germany. They brought with them their Hanoverian horses and a love of the unique equestrian sport of dressage.

While high-level dressage shows were common in Europe, the same could not be said of their new home in the United States.

“When we arrived here, we went to a dressage show in Melbourne, but it was not so good,” Gisela Pferdekamper recalled. “We decided we wanted to make a show as good as it was when we went to the shows in Germany. Dressage is an equestrian sport that belonged among all the others.”

So, Pferdekamper, along with her late husband, went about staging the first event, offering generous prize money, flying in professional international dressage judges from Germany and recruiting top dressage talent to ride in the inaugural show. These included well-known riders Robert Dover and Gunnar Ostergaard. “They were the first ones to come, and it was a success from the very beginning,” she said.

However, Pferdekamper did not know that it would continue to grow and still be thriving some 40 years later. “People had no idea what dressage was. We wanted to show what the sport was all about,” she said. “We also had prize money to attract good riders to come down to Florida.”

Through the years, the Pferdekampers had many people support them in organizing the derby. Among them is Janne Rumbough. Her passion for dressage drove Rumbough to find sponsors for the first show, including Hermés, which donated the trophies, ribbons and the $5,000 prize for the Grand Prix winner.

“We were one of the first dressage shows to offer money prizes,” said Rumbough when she was interviewed for a feature story on the derby’s 25th anniversary.

The derby was originally held at the Pferdekampers’ estate in Loxahatchee’s White Fences. Eventually, it moved to a larger dressage showgrounds created by Walter and Mary Anne McPhail, owners of White Fences Equestrian Estates. There it stayed until becoming part of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington in 2013.

“At the time the derby was created, there was basically no dressage in South Florida,” Evelyn O’Sullivan recalled. “There were just a few riders, but it was basically an unknown entity except for those few. Gisela was the first one to organize an international show in Florida. She imported judges from Europe, and Klaus Fraessdorf managed the shows for her until we took it over. Many of the older riders today had their start at the derby.”

Involved since the early years, O’Sullivan took over as show manager when the McPhails purchased the Palm Beach Dressage Derby from the Pferdekampers in the late 1990s.

“The next year, Walter McPhail established White Fences Equestrian Estates, and built a showgrounds just for the derby,” O’Sullivan said. “We held the shows there until Mary Anne and I decided to retire from actively running the shows and leased the derby license to Global.”

O’Sullivan stressed the importance of the derby to the growth of the sport.

“It single handedly put dressage in Florida on the map, and it ultimately became the one international show that all the judges wanted to be invited to,” she said. “It became the talk in Europe, as I had been told by one of our European judges. It became so popular with judges that we never had a problem filling the judging panels with the cream of the crop, and we became known for having the top judges at the time.”

The arrival of the derby was the start of the local dressage journey. “It was the pioneer that paved the way for what we have in Florida today,” O’Sullivan said.

Both Pferdekamper and O’Sullivan fondly remember the fun times and camaraderie of the derby’s early years.

“What I really liked most was the rider’s barn,” Pferdekamper said. “We had a tent and dinner with the riders and judges together. That is not done anymore, and I think that was a loss. That’s what they do in Germany, but it is not done here.”

She feels that allowed the riders a unique opportunity to learn more directly from the judges, stressing that the judges were always ready to impartially judge the ride, not the rider.

“Mostly I remember the fun we had in the early years,” O’Sullivan said. “And the growing pains of starting up a whole new showgrounds. It was all worth it though, as the derby thrived, and is still an important competition today. That’s staying power, and I am grateful to have had some part in that growth.”

While O’Sullivan has moved away from the Wellington area, Pferdekamper is still deeply involved with the local equestrian scene. Nowadays it’s not for the derby or the Hanoverian horses, but rather her unique horse-themed artwork. She will be presenting her annual show featuring her own work and that of Lisa Marie Bishop on Sunday, March 3 at her home studio in Loxahatchee Groves.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, meanwhile, will be held as part of this year’s AGDF at Equestrian Village from Feb. 28 through March 3. Now, as back in 1983, it continues to attract the top dressage talent from across the United States and around the world.