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Feature Stories

Fun Event Supports An Important Mission

Southeast Florida Honor Flight’s Buck Off Challenge Returns To Wellington March 18

By Y.A. Teitelbaum

Vietnam War veteran Jim Boldon is grateful for his memorable trip aboard a Southeast Florida Honor Flight in 2019.

The 73-year-old Boldon reminisced how he had not received any thanks after returning home from the war until his Honor Flight, a one-day trip from Palm Beach International Airport to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials built to honor war veterans’ service and sacrifices.

“It was a brutal war, and not to have any recognition [upon returning home] was not fair,” said Boldon, an U.S. Air Force veteran who has lived in Wellington since 1985. “People weren’t kind to us.”

The reaction was the complete opposite when Boldon and about 80 other veterans returned from their Honor Flight. “Our family was at the airport to welcome us home, people were waving flags and cheering,” Boldon said. “It brings tears to your eyes. After being forgotten for almost 40 years, it was absolutely awesome.”

Southeast Florida Honor Flight is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans four times a year free of charge to the veteran. Each flight costs about $120,000, according to chairman Janet Hoose.

Numerous fundraisers are held throughout the year, highlighted by the popular AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge, a family-friendly mechanical bull-riding competition scheduled for Friday, March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center. The event is co-sponsored by the Village of Wellington.

“The veterans are treated like rock stars on their Honor Flight,” Hoose said. “I’m honored and privileged to help honor these heroes. The Buck Off Challenge is a fun way to raise money to help our veterans.”

The AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge is a fundraising event started by Wellington’s Bobbi Rottman of Eques Solutions, which primarily specializes in bringing the equestrian community and businesses together. Rottman and her team started this event almost 10 years ago, and for the last four years, Southeast Florida Honor Flight has been the beneficiary. They spend months going over every detail to make sure the nonprofit receives enormous support from the community and gets the opportunity to educate more people about the organization.

“This is a fun and entertaining event that the entire community can participate in, and it is a great tool to raise awareness for Southeast Florida Honor Flight,” said Rottman, a lifelong equestrian who started Eques Solutions in 2008. “The veterans deserve our support and respect, and I’m happy and proud to be able to offer an event that can impact their organization.”

Four-person teams compete in the AmberWay Equine Buck Off Challenge, where individual rides are scored by a panel of celebrity judges and totaled to determine the winning team. Riders are scored on their ability to stay on the bull while keeping one hand in the air at all times, as well as the style of the ride. Higher scores may be achieved for character, team spirit and costumes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. The entry fee is $100 per team.

A limited number of individual VIP reserved seats are available for $75 and includes dinner and a cash bar. General admission/unreserved seating tickets are $15 each.

To register a team or purchase tickets, visit www.honorflightsefl.org/events.

Korean War veteran Stanley Levin distinctly remembers his Honor Flight trip in 2018. “It was one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever had,” said the 92-year-old Levin, who served in the infantry with the U.S. Army. “Most of us were in tears. Everywhere we went, we were hugged, bands were playing for us. We were so overcome with the emotion people showed us. It was tremendous.”

Levin, who has lived in Wellington for more than 20 years, also remembers how Honor Flight had family members write letters to the soldiers, which were delivered to them on the plane. And when they returned home to PBIA, they were greeted by thousands of well-wishers.

Vietnam War veteran Frank Malec echoed Levin’s and Boldon’s emotions about the Honor Flight trip, as he vividly remembers being called vile names upon returning home. He appreciated the amount of work done to coordinate the trip that made it a very special occasion.

“With Honor Flight, it helped me heal that hurt,” said the 75-year-old Malec, who has lived in Wellington since 1976. “I was amazed that people took time to come and welcome us home. There were kids with signs. I remember a girl gave me her sign. I almost started crying.”

Malec admitted he didn’t initially want to go before being persuaded by a friend.

“I’m glad I did it, very glad I did it,” said Malec, who served as an infantry squad leader in the U.S. Army.

He had simple advice for his fellow veterans regarding Southeast Florida Honor Flight. “I would say, go. It’s very healing. It’s incredible. It’s very beautiful,” Malec said.

For more information about Southeast Florida Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightsefl.org or www.facebook.com/honorflight or call (855) FLYAVET (855-359-2838).

 

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Feature Stories

The Rise Of Millar Brooke South

Next Generation Of The Millar Equestrian Dynasty Now Calls Wellington Home

By Olivia Airhart

To say that the iconic Millar name is well-known throughout the equestrian industry would be an understatement. The dynasty of world-class equestrian talents started with Canadian Olympic athlete Ian Millar and has since been passed down to his children, Jonathon Millar and Amy Millar.

The Canadian-based family of show jumping athletes started from humble beginnings in Perth, Ontario, and their enduring legacy for hard work and grit shines through, especially for the husband-and-wife duo of Jonathon Millar and Kelly Soleau-Millar. As the next generation of Millar athletes, they had similar beginnings to that of their predecessors. With big dreams and a work ethic to match, they’ve started a new branch of the Millar family business with their U.S.-based training and sales program, Millar Brooke South.

Millar Brooke South came to fruition out of Millar and Soleau-Millar’s ambition to elevate their training, competition and business goals. With a selection of top young mounts, an ample show schedule at the country’s best venues and an expanding clientele base, their decision to base out of Wellington during the winter months was an easy one.

“2020 was the first year we decided to base our business in the United States year-round. In the past, we typically moved up to Canada after the Wellington season, but spending the majority of our time in the U.S. for the last two years was very good for us,” Millar said.

This change has worked out very well for them.

“It has created a better sense of stability and community amongst our students while allowing us to travel to the best show circuits,” he said. “Overall, the sales horses have been developing so well, and the competitions have been busy throughout the entire year, which allows us to compete at a high level.”

Soleau-Millar agreed. “Being based year-round in the U.S., balancing between Wellington and Lexington, Kentucky, has solidified our presence in the industry as accessible trainers,” she said. “Wellington has helped pave the way for our brand, and we are looking forward to working with more people in the sales and training market.”

They put a heavy focus on their training program and growing a client roster based on their unique training philosophy — having not one but two internationally experienced professionals providing a two-fold teaching opportunity, allowing their students to learn and develop into more well-rounded athletes.

“Any time you have four eyes, it’s better than two,” Millar explained. “We offer an extra set of eyes to help with training challenges. We work, compete and ride together, and two different opinions are very useful in our program. Usually, there is not only one solution to a problem, and a lot of our training is developed through experience.”

Soleau-Millar echoed her husband’s sentiment, adding, “We may be saying the same thing to a client, but we say it differently, and that may get to the students in a better way because everyone learns differently.”

Having trained together for more than a decade, their differing equestrian backgrounds add to the wealth of knowledge they are able to impart to their students.

“Jonathon was fortunate to see and train at the top end of the sport, and that’s what he grew up around, and I grew up in a non-horse family, came from a local barn and worked my way up to this level,” Soleau-Millar said. “There is something to be said about both of our experiences developing up to this level. We have learned a lot from each other, and we have always believed that it takes hard work and dedication, no matter where you come from, horse family or not, and that alone has paid off for our clients. Our program is approachable to all levels of the sport. Students have the benefit of my experience rising through the levels, and with Jonathon’s background having been trained at the highest levels of the sport, students find our training program equally beneficial and challenging getting direction from both sides.”

Heading into their third year based in their new home of Wellington, the Millars’ aspirations and dreams are becoming more concrete with every win.

“We will continue to expand our reach into all three rings — hunter, equitation and jumper,” Soleau-Millar said. “We are excited to support our clients while still training our CSI5* horses.”

“Last year, we focused on continuing to grow the business and develop the group of horses in our barn, so they continue to move up the levels,” Millar added. “The biggest takeaway from this year was the progress we saw from all of our horses. Isotropic Shadow moved up from 1.15m to successfully competing at the FEI CSI2* level. One of our 7-year-old horses, Cavalier, won the final day of the USHJA Young Jumper Championship 7-Year-Old Final in Traverse City, Michigan. He was also second place overall in the series. In addition to adding another CSI2* mount, Isotropic Cilius R, to our string this year, we will continue to focus on developing the group of horses and clients we have to be the best they can be, all the while adding more talent to our current string of horses.”

The Millars are full steam ahead with their training and sales program and continue to find success on the sport’s largest stage as professional athletes. The duo has big plans for their 2022 season in Wellington, from the International Arena to the hunter ring, they have taken up the torch to continue to dominate the sport and impart their vast base of knowledge on the next generation of riders.

Learn more about the Millar family at www.millarbrookefarm.com.

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Feature Stories

Inventive And Affordable Fashion For Riders

R.J. Classics Celebrates Its Diverse, Passionate Customers Through Clothing That Encourages Equestrians Of All Ages To Be Themselves

By Cassidy Klein

Founded in 1999 and established in 2000, R.J. Classics has taken the equestrian community by storm with affordable and inventive clothing. The team behind the R.J. Classics name — sisters Michelle Seltzer and Jennifer Eisenberg, along with Russell Smith — have worked tirelessly to build an extensive and thoughtful catalog of equestrian clothing at a variety of price points.

Today, the brand continues to pay tribute to its loyal customers with clothing that aims to inspire the next generation of equestrians to be themselves in and out of the saddle.

The idea of starting up an equestrian clothing brand came to be when Eisenberg began riding horses at the age of eight. Her mother, Roberta Weintraub, would take her shopping at various retailers, only to find a gap in craftsmanship and affordability among equestrian clothing brands, leading her to create R.J. Classics in 1999. With the help of their grandfather, who was successful in the men’s suit business at the time, Weintraub had the tools she needed to create a lasting and impressionable startup company.

“Our family has been in the clothing industry for at least 50 years, starting with my grandfather,” Seltzer explained.

“We had everything we needed to get it off the ground. We had different contacts for fabric, mills, trim and more, so we were really lucky in that way,” Eisenberg added.

Most closely related to men’s suits, R.J. Classics started out creating and designing show coats for both men and women. This flagship product laid the groundwork for what consumers could expect from the brand in quality and price, making the company’s show coats an integral part of the brand’s growth before branching out and creating various types of shirts and breeches.

“Our mother started with a very small line of coats, and I think her continuous ability to deliver a quality product on time, and being a reliable source, really laid the foundation for R.J. Classics’ reputation. It has allowed us to build upon that positive customer experience,” Seltzer said.

Now at the helm of the business, Seltzer and Eisenberg, with the help of Smith, are continuing R.J. Classics’ legacy of paying great attention to detail and producing quality products that set them apart from other riding apparel companies. They continue to foster great relationships through the help of loyal retail partners.

This past December, R.J. Classics launched its Spring 22 line, featuring an expanded girls offering. This comprehensive collection of ladies and girls show and schooling attire features amazing fits, an array of stunning new color options, high-performance fabrics and fun new patterns.

With this new line, the brand launched its “Be You” campaign as a tribute to its loyal customers, who are all unique and diverse in their own way, but share an equal passion for horses. R.J. Classics hopes to inspire the current and next generation of equestrians to be the best version of themselves in the saddle that they can be, with the help of clothing that makes them feel comfortable and confident.

“Confidence is an amazing emotion and sentiment to achieve, for many different reasons, among young riders and just people in general,” Seltzer said. “Having clothing that fits you well will give you that extra confidence to feel good.”

By putting out a line of riding apparel full of bold colors and patterns, R.J. Classics hopes to give equestrians the self-assurance and fearlessness needed to feel their very best, in and out of the saddle. “I hope that our clothing makes riders feel inspired,” Smith said. “To succeed, to take chances and to have fun out there.”

R.J. Classics designs its apparel with the rider in mind to ensure the offerings meet the wants and needs of those who are dedicated to the equestrian lifestyle.

“I want the riders wearing our clothing to feel confident and happy. Not just the young riders, but riders of all ages,” Eisenberg said. “It’s something small, but it all contributes to how you might act that day or how you might ride. It just gives you that extra little boost.”

R.J. Classics’ commitment to its customers has continued to aid in its growth throughout the last 20 years. Its loyalty to those who affectionately wear the clothing, keen eye for quality in each design and attention to detail has given it a reputation for dependable clothing for equestrians around the world. As the “Be You” campaign sets the stage for a new era of equestrians, Seltzer, Eisenberg, Smith and the entire R.J. Classics team look forward to continuing to provide top-of-the-line clothing for every equestrian.

To learn more about R.J. Classics, visit www.rjclassics.com.

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Feature Stories

Kelianda Farm Runs In The Family

A Look Behind The Scenes At One Of Wellington’s Leading Equestrian Operations

By Cassidy Klein

It takes a village to run a successful equestrian business, especially during the flourishing winter season in Wellington. For Kelianda Farm, a love for horses runs in the family. Whether related by blood or brought on the team as an honorary member of the Kelianda family, the hunter-jumper training and sales operation relies on family values and teamwork to navigate the ups and downs of the equestrian industry.

Kelianda Farm prides itself on the family foundation of the high-performance operation. Owned and operated by Linda and Kenny Langmeier, Kelianda Farm is a full-service hunter-jumper show facility offering boarding and training at home and on the road to clientele from all over. The name Kelianda derives from the first two initials of each of Linda’s four siblings in the order they were born. The KE stands for Kevin, LI stands for Linda, AN stands for Ann Marie and DA stands for Danielle.

Head trainer Linda works alongside manager Cyndi Mottolese, as well as her daughter McKayla Langmeier as lead assistant trainer, with additional lead assistant trainer Addyson Cord. This dynamic core group helps keep Kelianda running smoothly during the long show days and busy travel schedule over the course of the year.

“Having a family-owned business is great. Everyone shares the same interest, goals and the same passion for the sport,” Linda said. “The disadvantage is that we can continue disagreements over the dinner table,” she added with a laugh.

For a large portion of the year, Kelianda Farm is based out of East Granby, Connecticut, traveling the nation to compete at some of the top equestrian venues. The Kelianda Farm team travels south to Wellington each winter to take advantage of the numerous opportunities provided to equestrians while showing at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Linda is an accomplished horsewoman herself who has been riding since she was five years old. As a junior rider, she won the historic ASPCA Maclay National Championship in 1983, and continued on to win multiple top Grand Prix events throughout the country. She has earned numerous championships at competitions such as the Devon Horse Show and Country Fair, Lake Placid Horse Shows, the Vermont Summer Festival, the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, the American Gold Cup, the Washington International Horse Show, the Winter Equestrian Festival and the National Horse Show.

With all the success and achievements throughout her career, Linda has also faced trials and tribulations along the way.

“The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was finding a way to combine my business that I started from scratch in my early 20s with my husband’s business,” Linda said. “I then had to learn how to raise a family while maintaining and expanding our business over the last three decades.”

Passing down the torch, Linda’s daughter McKayla has followed in her mother’s footsteps to garner many achievements at the young age of 21. After graduating high school, McKayla moved to Alabama to continue her education at Auburn University, where she competed on the Auburn equestrian NCEA team from 2018 to 2021. Approaching the end of her junior year, McKayla made the decision to take her riding career to the next level and turn professional.

“Having McKayla join the team as a professional in 2021 makes our program that much more diverse,” Linda said.

McKayla has also built a name for herself in the sport during her time as a junior and now a professional athlete. Some of her top wins include the 2015 ASPCA Maclay National Championship, marking the first time a mother-daughter duo have both held the title. She has also held top titles at events such as HITS Saugerties, Spruce Meadows in Calgary, the Platinum Performance/USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals-East, Traverse City Horse Shows and many more.

In addition to running a top-notch training program, Kelianda Farm also owns and operates a successful horse breeding and sales program. Linda started the program with the goal of helping horses reach their full potential. They offer top equitation, hunter and jumper mounts, and Kelianda Farm has found perfect horse-and-rider matches for countless clients, ensuring them a bright future among top competitors.

“When choosing horses, we look for the ones with a big, kind eye and a balanced canter,” Linda explained. “Horses that are versatile and through their expression clearly love to do their job.”

To add to her long list of responsibilities, Linda is also the director of riding and the head trainer to more than 40 girls enrolled in the Ethel Walker School based out of Simsbury, Connecticut. The school is a private, college preparatory, boarding and day school for girls in grades 6 through 12, as well as postgraduate students.

“Ethel Walker was stability for me at a time when my kids were young and I didn’t have to travel as much,” Linda said. “Now that my three children are grown, I enjoy being able to mentor the girls as they journey through their middle and high school years.”

Looking forward to continuing success in and out of the show ring, Kelianda Farm continues to put its best foot forward. The team looks forward to a fruitful year, kicking off the new year with 12 exciting weeks that encompass the beautiful season of the winter circuit at the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival.

“I’m looking forward to another successful year watching our students achieve their goals. Selfishly as a mom, I’m so excited to watch McKayla grow as a professional in a sport she has been devoted to her entire life,” Linda said.

Follow Kelianda Farm on social media sites at www.facebook.com/keliandafarms and www.instagram.com/keliandafarm.

 

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Wellington Real Estate

Estate Living In The Heart Of Palm Beach Polo

This Tasteful Estate On An Oversized Lot Evokes The Feel Of ‘Palm Beach Chic’

Located in the heart of Palm Beach Polo, this tasteful estate evokes “Palm Beach chic.” Situated on an oversized lot overlooking the Dunes Preserve, the home is ideal for entertaining. Landscaped to perfection, the generous pool with separate Jacuzzi make residents feel like they are on permanent vacation. An outdoor sound system, cabana with refrigerator and ice maker, and a full spa bath with double shower all add up to an unrivaled open-air experience. Featuring recent renovations, including a new roof and impact glass, the “smart home” is tastefully decorated in a bright and light neutral palette. Five bedrooms, six full baths, two half baths and air-conditioned garages offer spacious living. A large office with a fireplace, an oversized loft and a custom billiard room are some of the special touches that make this home unique. A separate bar area is the perfect place for guests to gather before enjoying indoor or outdoor dining options. Fencing and state-of-the-art security systems offer additional peace of mind in this gated community.

Meet Martha W. Jolicoeur

Buying or selling a property with Martha Wachtel Jolicoeur assures the highest level of professional real estate consultation in the Wellington community. Jolicoeur understands the importance of customer excellence and prides herself on honesty and fairness while creating relationships with her customers that continue far beyond a transaction.

Jolicoeur first established herself in Wellington as a world-class show jumping competitor. Since then, she has combined her passion for horses with her career as one of the area’s top-ranked real estate agents catering to equestrian clientele. Committed to supporting her community, the 2022 season marks her 12th consecutive year sponsoring the Leading Lady Rider Award at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

A member of the elite Douglas Elliman Real Estate Sports and Entertainment division, Jolicoeur serves her clients by guiding them to make the right real estate choices. Whether you are searching for the ideal family home or the equestrian estate of your dreams, Martha Jolicoeur makes it happen.

 

 

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Fine Dining With Innovative Twists

The Clubhouse At Palm Beach Polo Brings Unforgettable Flavors To Wellington At A Venue Great For All Occasions

Story by Callie Sharkey  |  Photos by Jenny Schartner

The Clubhouse at PBPCC, located in the Palm Beach Polo Golf & Country Club, offers dishes that are both creative and traditional in a setting fit for any occasion.

With beautiful views of the golf course and elegant décor, guests can enjoy a relaxed meal with friends or colleagues, or reserve larger spaces for special events.

Following years of success as the seasonal venue Patio at Polo, husband and wife owners Sheila Motley and Chef Mathew Allen committed to a year-round concept, opening the Clubhouse in the fall of 2019.

“After three years, the Patio at Polo lease was finished,” Motley said. “We were lucky enough to build a relationship with the owner, and we shifted to a larger space and are now open year-round.”

The Patio at Polo was consistently selling out during the equestrian season, and the couple decided to transition to a full-time concept, which remains busy enough that reservations are recommended.

While popular with Palm Beach Polo residents and members, the restaurant is open to the public.

“The Clubhouse offers the best event venue in Wellington. We have numerous outdoor spaces, as well as a variety of indoor options,” Motley said. “Our staff is well-versed in hosting small and large groups, as well as team members with successful careers in event planning and catering.”

Having trained staff at your service means that any occasion can be transformed into the event of the year. From quiet dinners to large receptions, the Clubhouse has a dedicated space for any need. The private dining room is perfect for groups of 12 or less, and patrons have options seating up to 100 guests without even having to book the full venue.

Guests do not have to be country club members to enjoy the amazing cuisine and exceptional service available. Looking for that special place to celebrate? The Clubhouse has you covered.

“The terrace tables make a perfect location for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner,” said Motley, who suggests a 6 p.m. reservation to enjoy the stunning sunset view. The Clubhouse’s outdoor seating was so coveted even before the pandemic that the restaurant has expanded the amount of available terrace space with golf course views.

While the location is lovely, it is the food that makes this restaurant spectacular. The menu is designed around classic dishes with an upscale twist and flawless execution.

“The short rib with potato puree and roast Brussels sprouts is very popular here, as well as the salmon with Mediterranean flavors of tomatoes, olives and capers,” Motley said. “My personal favorite is the goat cheese with caramelized onions and honey — it is so delicious it could be a dessert!”

Allen hails from Britain, where the cuisine is known for being hearty, but don’t expect to find any casual pub fare at the Clubhouse. The dishes are designed with a community of athletic patrons in mind. Catering to avid golfers and tennis players, along with dedicated equestrians, the menu is bursting with healthy, protein-packed options to keep one fit and feeling satisfied.

Allen was born in Colchester, England, and has always been passionate about creating classic American dishes with a contemporary twist. He came to the U.S. at age 18 for an internship with the Orient Express Group at the prestigious Keswick Hall in Virginia. He moved to Palm Beach County in 2010 and then traveled the country as a personal chef, serving many celebrity guests.

“We met while working together at the same restaurant in Charlottesville, Virginia, where I worked as the special events and catering manager, and he was the head chef,” Motley said. “We worked together then and still do. When we were ready to leave, I immediately wanted to come to Wellington.”

Motley grew up spending winters with her parents here in Wellington, while showing and competing during the equestrian season. “My parents started coming down when I was a child, so I’ve seen it grow from a tiny town with a little polo to what it is now,” Motley said. “We are so happy to be in this community and raising our son here in Wellington.”

The restaurant is more than just a local hotspot. It is becoming a culinary icon in Wellington and in the greater equestrian community.

“The Clubhouse offers intimate spaces for 12 guests up to large event capacities of 250-plus guests. The earlier the client books a space the better, so we may customize any needs they may have,” Motley said.

From weddings and bar mitzvahs to private dinners, patrons can rest assured they will receive outstanding treatment and there will certainly be something on the menu for everyone to enjoy.

The Clubhouse at PBPCC is located at 11630 Polo Club Road in Wellington. It is open for lunch Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served the same days from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations are required for non-members and can be arranged by calling (561) 660-3300. For more info., and to view the menu, visit www.theclubhousepbpcc.com.

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Wellington Health

Many Options To Improve Your Quality Of Life

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions Is Focused On Keeping Clients Looking And Feeling Their Best

By Mike May

If one of your resolutions for 2022 is to “live your best life,” it may be time for a visit to the Wellington location of 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions, which opened last spring in front of the Mall at Wellington Green and has already developed a loyal and devoted following.

The daily foot traffic and stream of clients confirm that many residents of the western communities value what 4Ever Young has to offer.

“There has been a slow and steady growth of patients, but really nice to observe the patients that we have acquired have been repeat patients,” said Polina Tolstunov, co-owner of Wellington’s 4Ever Young franchise with her husband Stan. “They’ve shared that they’re very happy with the modern feel and cleanliness of our med spa. They are having a quality and elevating experience. They have also reported achieving great results with our skilled cosmetic injectors, as well as having wonderfully welcoming and informative experiences with the rest of our staff.”

It’s fair to say that 4Ever Young is in business to help people improve the quality of their lives — and a growing number of Wellington residents appreciate having access to 4Ever Young’s list of products and services.

If you are suffering from fatigue, loss of energy, loss of muscle mass, mood changes, loss of productivity, disrupted sleep, difficulty losing weight, anxiety, depression and/or reduced bone density, then 4Ever Young has a solution to your predicament.

The services provided by 4Ever Young include IV therapy, hormone replacement therapy, growth hormone peptide therapy, microneedling, platelet rich plasma, dermal fillers, Botox and Dysport injections, sclerotherapy, chemical peels, testosterone therapy, and facial and skin care.

According to Polina, the Botox injections and fillers have been the most popular services that they provide.

Both Stan and Polina truly feel that when clients spend money at 4Ever Young, it’s not a short-term expense. Instead, it’s a long-term investment in their health and well-being.

“The body does magical things when treated well,” Stan said. “Also, we want our clients to enjoy our unique atmosphere and benefit from the social experience at 4Ever Young.”

“By using our services, you will improve your inner world and your outer appearance,” added Polina, who is a big proponent of 4Ever Young’s hormone replacement therapy. “HRT has been transformational for me. I feel more energetic, and my body looks great.”

Before anyone starts ordering from the menu of services, 4Ever Young analyzes each client’s bloodwork. That analysis will provide a guide for what services each patient will specifically need to improve their overall health and, more importantly, their overall quality of life.

The professionally trained staff at 4Ever Young in Wellington will be able to provide each patient with those necessary procedures, treatments and nutritional supplements.

The Tolstunovs invite anyone who hasn’t considered anti-aging procedures before to visit and give them a try.

“They’re missing out on an opportunity to look and feel their best, inside and out, at any age,” said Polina, who noted that while she is in her early 40s, she feels like she’s in her mid-20s.

Both Stan and Polina practice what they preach at 4Ever Young. The Tolstunovs exercise daily, take supplements, and use the same services and products at 4Ever Young as they offer to their clients.

In fact, the Tolstunovs were 4Ever Young clients before opening the Wellington location last year. After moving to South Florida from New Jersey in 2019, they became regulars at the 4Ever Young location in Boca Raton. They loved the experience so much that they decided to open their own franchise location.

One of the strongest endorsements for any business or service always comes from people who have sampled and tried what there is to offer. At 4Ever Young, the testimonials from current clients are powerful and convincing.

“From the moment you walk in, you are welcomed by the friendliest and freshest faces. The facility is clean, welcoming and serene,” said Kristy, one of their clients.

“The staff members were beyond helpful,” added Angel, another client. “They were so nice and made sure we were 100 percent comfortable.”

So, if you’re ready to “live your best life” in 2022, make plans to visit 4Ever Young. Stan and Polina Tolstunov, along with their staff, await your arrival. Walk-ins are always welcome.

4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions is located in Wellington Green Square at 10620 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 50, near the Fresh Market. For more info., e-mail info@4everyoungwellington.com, call (561) 220-3771 or visit www.fyinstitute.com. Find the Wellington location of 4Ever Young on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4everyoungwellington.

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Wellington Real Estate

Exquisite Lucky Dey Farm Estate

Completely Renovated In 2020, This Equestrian Property Is One Of The Most Sought-After Farms In Wellington

Photos Courtesy Keller Williams Realty

Those seeking a top equestrian property now have an amazing opportunity to settle into one of Wellington’s most sought-after farms. Lucky Dey Farm sits on 5.39 acres at the back entrance of Palm Beach Point, minutes from the new back entrance to the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds. This estate property was completely renovated in 2020 and encompasses a 7,800-square-foot main house (5,700 under air) with an elaborate summer kitchen; an expansive custom outdoor dining and saltwater pool area; a professionally installed vegetable garden with six irrigated boxes; a 1,400-square-foot, 3 bedroom/2 bath guest cottage; a 400-square-foot office/lounge with a fire pit; and a 12-stall center-aisle CBS barn with all the amenities, including a 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment. There is also a new full-home generator for the main house and fiberoptic cable hardwired directly from the AT&T utility box to the main house, office, guest cottage and barn.

Meet Josie Latronica and Joe Pugliese

Josie Latronica began her real estate career in 1988, while her brother Joe Pugliese has been in the construction industry for more than 25 years. Originally from New Jersey, they fell in love with Wellington and made it their home. Josie has expertise working with buyer and sellers from first-time home buyers to the very savvy and experienced, in all price ranges and all property types. With deep knowledge and experience in the local market, along with her master negotiating skills, Josie assists clients in selling, buying, renting and leasing, as well as property management. With expertise in the construction industry, Joe is knowledgeable in tear downs, new construction, landscape architecture and hard scapes.

Premium customer service and prompt, financially sound results are of paramount importance to them. When handling the gamut of real estate needs for buyers and sellers alike, Josie is dedicated to providing the utmost professionalism, knowledge and business sense, yet also strives to find the core of what someone really wants in a property. She brings many assets to her career, namely her compassion toward people, extensive experience in the real estate industry, her creativity, intuitiveness, attention to detail, but most of all, the ability to work under pressure and negotiate the fairest and best deal for all parties. She also worked in the title industry for a time and knows how to facilitate a smooth transfer of title.

 

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Wellington Education

Educating Our Future Leaders

 

Panther Run Elementary School Principal Edilia De La Vega Keeps Her Focus On The Hundreds Of Students In Her Care

Story by Deborah Welky | Photos by Denise Fleischman

Panther Run Elementary School has been serving students in the Wellington area for more than 30 years. The school opened in 1991 on Lake Worth Road as the primary school serving the southern areas of the quickly growing community.

Since 2017, the principal has been Edilia De La Vega. She uses her own struggles during her elementary years as motivation for the work she does to help the hundreds of Wellington students in her care.

“My parents migrated to Miami from Cuba and worked blue collar jobs here in the United States,” De La Vega recalled. “They enrolled me, their only child, in a private school run by immigrants, so I was taught in Spanish. When they moved into a more Anglo area, I entered third grade in a public school. I spoke no English and looked like I came from the Mariel Boatlift. I struggled until the fifth grade, when a teacher named Ms. Green mentored me so much that I was able to catch up. Education was very important in my family, and I graduated high school in the top 10 percent of my class.”

De La Vega remembers always wanting to be a teacher. She would spend hours teaching classes with her Barbie dolls sitting in for students.

Eventually, De La Vega earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Barry University, later earning a master’s degree in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and her specialist degree in leadership from Nova Southeastern University. She began teaching first grade in Hialeah when she was 21 years old.

After just a year teaching there, Principal Jimmy Lee Brown suggested she look toward a leadership track. “He felt like I had a more global picture for education,” De La Vega said. “I was always trying to build goals for the school.”

Although she earned the credentials, that idea stayed on the back burner for a while. Mother to young children, she moved with her husband Ed, now assistant village manager at the Village of Wellington, to Palm Beach County 16 years ago. She started working at the Ideal School, then moved on to Equestrian Trails Elementary School.

“I’m the type of person who gives 150 percent,” De La Vega said. “I wanted to become an assistant principal, but I knew it would take a lot of time away from my family. I wanted to be able to commit to the job fully.”

When her children were older, De La Vega knew it was time. She achieved her dream and became assistant principal at Panther Run in 2011. She stayed in that post until 2017, when she was promoted to principal.

Panther Run is an A-rated school known for academic excellence. It has achieved the Five Star Award for the past 22 years, is a Green School of Excellence and has earned the Golden School Award. Fine arts are important at Panther Run, and the art program has also won many awards. The Calypso Cats steel drum band is a community favorite, as is the Symphonic Band.

Called ROAR, Panther Run’s positive support program teaches Respect, Ownership, Attitude and Responsibility. “We’re very big about teaching character traits,” De La Vega said. “We have students of the month, buddy ambassadors and we’re very big on building a strong school community. One size does not fit all. If a child is in crisis or in need, they can’t function in a classroom. We get them the help they need to do the academics. It helped us win the Resilience Award.”

She cites the current pandemic as the biggest challenge she has had to face as an educator. “It’s a huge balancing act between taking care of the community by keeping the campus and the children safe, and also meeting the social and emotional needs of our children and staff — all while making sure the school is functioning academically,” De La Vega said. “It was a little bit nerve-wracking at the beginning when we were all just figuring it out.”

De La Vega found success by “being organized, planning everything out and creating a template for all that we need to get done.” It’s a 24/7 job as she works to balance academics with the physical and mental health of both students and staff.

“Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) has taken the forefront more than ever before,” she said. “You need balance. The school will not continue to flourish without it.”

She puts a special focus on keeping the needs of her teachers front and center. “For some of our teachers, this pandemic may be the most stressful point in their careers,” De La Vega said. “There’s already a teacher shortage, and we don’t want to lose them.”

She also credits the parents for their help and support. “Our parents know the rules and regulations,” she said. “They know the policies. It builds a sense of community and ties in with our schoolwide positive support program.”

De La Vega credits Wellington’s Keely Spinelli Grant program with providing the funds needed to help lower-achieving students make gains. She feels it’s this spirit of community that propels Panther Run toward excellence.

“We have gifted, high-achieving classes; an accelerated mathematics program; our own ESOL programs for students from other countries,” she said. “We meet the needs of all the children and, ever since they started the rating system, we have been an A-rated school.”

In addition to academic awards, the school has placed first in all four Heroes for Education 5K runs, consistently attracting the most participants within the entire school district. Again, parental involvement helped.

“I may be an over-communicator, but I like to provide as much information as possible to my families,” De La Vega said. “I’m really imbedded in the Wellington community, and I’m a very transparent leader. I meet with my staff weekly to make sure our school is running efficiently, and I never make decisions in isolation.”

One of the biggest changes over the years is the technology.

“The access to technology is both good and bad,” she said. “In the classroom, it’s great. We’ve bought Smart Boards and so many great programs for our kids. On the other hand, their attention spans have shortened. We need them to be focused and engaged in our classrooms. To that end, we have several teachers certified in Google Classroom. We teach in a way that is more engaging and more competitive, that keeps them abreast of what the teachers need them to learn. We use interactive games and PowerPoint. Some kids even send me theirs to look at.”

Panther Run serves 794 students, and De La Vega makes it a point to learn each of their names. “The kids know the school’s big, so when I welcome them in the morning, they light up,” she said. “They like the connection, and they know they can talk to me. I love elementary school kids.”

De La Vega’s goal for Panther Run is “to continue to grow academically and maybe be the top school in the county. I think our children and our staff work really hard at it.”

For herself, she’d like to continue to grow in her career. “I like to think globally of how we can make things better. I’m not afraid of change,” she said. “And I love working in the Wellington area; I love the connection to my community.”

De La Vega is the mother of two children, now in their 20s, who went through the public school system in Palm Beach County. Just as she is proud of them, she is also proud of her students at Panther Run today.

“We’re building the future,” she said. “I have future doctors, future presidents in my school. People might get bogged down with what’s going on in society, but education is the most important career — building strong, capable, young humans who are socially and emotionally ready to take on the world. I may not have given birth to them, but these are my children.”

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Feature Stories

A Veteran Of Top Tournaments, Juan Britos Has Found Success Around The World And Here In Wellington

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A Veteran Of Top Tournaments, Juan Britos Has Found Success Around The World And Here In Wellington

By Mike May

Juan Britos Jr. is one of the great international stars on the international polo stage — at home in Argentina, in Europe, and here in Wellington during the winter season.

Listed as an 8-goaler here in the U.S. and a 9-goaler in Argentina, Britos is continually ranked among the top echelon of players in the world. Now in his late 20s, he is not your typical polo player because he did not grow up in a polo-playing family back in Argentina.

He took up the sport at age 13, which is fairly late for many top stars. However, Britos tried polo, liked polo, became good at polo and continues to excel in the sport of kings.

In recent years, Britos has emerged as one of the world’s top players, thanks, in part, to his tutelage from former Argentine 10-goaler Lolo Castagnola. To be one of the best in polo, it’s a great idea to learn from one of the best in polo.

As is the case with all top-flight athletes, they earn their top-billing by performing well on the big stage, which means competing for and winning titles in the premier events. In 2017, Britos won notable tournament victories in the Municipalidad de Pilar and Royal Windsor Cup. Those two wins catapulted him into polo’s global spotlight. He also reached the Cartier Queen’s Cup final in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he won the Coronation Cup and reached the semifinals of the British Open.

In 2021, he won the C.V. Whitney Cup here in Wellington with Park Place, defeating tournament favorite Scone, led by polo legend Adolfo Cambiaso. Along with his Park Place teammates, Britos blazed through last year’s U.S. Open Polo Championship, making it to the final against Scone. In the season’s thrilling finale at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, Scone edged Park Place 14-13, denying Britos a U.S. Open victory to add to his list of accolades. He is expected to be back in action at IPC this season.

In 2019, Britos moved from a 7-goal to an 8-goal handicap. It didn’t take him much time to justify his improved rating.

In the 2019 edition of the Gauntlet of Polo, he scored 3.6 goals per game and averaged 2.5 assists per game, which was fourth among all players. Britos is comfortable playing a supporting role or a leading role while on the polo field. In 2019, he placed in the top 10 in throw-in wins.

Britos has gained the reputation for being cool, calm and collected on the polo field, especially when the pace of play gets fast and furious. His quick and accurate decision making has generated many scoring chances for his team, either from him passing the ball or running with the ball. Britos has an innate sense of where he needs to be at any given time for his team to win.

If you want to know the real Britos — who often goes by the nickname Juano — just ask a fellow player who has competed with him and those who have observed his behavior both on and off the field. Two of those eyewitnesses are Wellington native and Britos teammate Matt Coppola and veteran polo television host/presenter Karl Ude-Martinez.

“Juano is a great player and one of the favorite guys I’ve had the opportunity of playing with,” Coppola said. “He’s very dedicated and has an incredible work ethic. I really enjoyed being his teammate last year with Park Place. He’s strong, and you can see his presence on the field at all times. As a teammate, he’s very positive and will always have your back.”

Ude-Martinez has observed, written about, and commented on Britos’ polo career.

“Juano is a rapidly rising star,” Ude-Martinez said. “He has represented his country, Argentina, many times. His career, so far, has taken him all over the world and playing the main circuits — the United Kingdom, Spain, Argentina and the USA. He has flown up the ladder for his age more quickly than some of his fellow colleagues, and that is down to a huge amount of talent, but also to how professional he is.”

According to Ude-Martinez, Britos is in a unique category as a polo player.

“I find his style of riding quite unique for an Argentine polo player,” he said. “You can spot him easily from his form without knowing it’s him first. It’s actually very classical and English, if anything. The trademark lime green helmet and that gorgeous-chiseled action-man face makes him stand out from the crowd.”

Ude-Martinez is also impressed by Britos’ work ethic.

“He’s a workhorse out there,” he added. “He’s often the central cog in the larger wheel of the team. He’s an attacker. He’s a doer. He makes the plays and gets it done. Juan is such a physical player. I love the way he throws everything at each game. He is quick, and he manages to lean on his horse at impossible angles… And he can equally play as well in defense as he can in attack.”

Britos has all the necessary mental and physical attributes to be a world-class polo player.

“Juan is clever, focused and passionate,” Ude-Martinez said. “He knows what he wants, and he has been incredibly lucky with the chances he’s had, but he was born to be a polo player.”

Ude-Martinez said that one of Britos’ strongest qualities is that he makes himself accessible to fans, spectators and members of the media. This has helped make him a fan-favorite within the polo community.

“He takes time to make conversation, and he shows interest in everyone around him,” Ude-Martinez said. “He’s enjoying the huge opportunities his career is bringing him, but he always remains grounded. For me, Juano is one of the nicest people on the pitch, as well as off the pitch. I can’t wait to see what a great future he’s going to have.”

Polo fans and enthusiasts here in Wellington are fortunate to have front-row seats as Juan Britos Jr. continues his rise as a global star in the global sport of polo.

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