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Feature Stories

Wellington Polo Icons To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Wellington Polo Icons To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Since its inception in 1990, an elite group of individuals has been inducted into the Museum of Polo’s Hall of Fame. For 2018, the nominating committee has chosen inductees Sunset “Sunny” Hale, Ruben Gracida, Jimmy Newman, Roy L. Barry, and horses Lovely Sage and Ruifino.

Criteria for each category are clearly outlined for the nominating committee, and the museum’s Director of Development Brenda Lynn said the process focuses on the development of the sport in the United States.

“We are an American museum, so the Hall of Fame is geared toward people who were not only outstanding players, but who had influence on the sport in America,” Lynn said. “Sunny Hale had an outstanding impact on polo in the U.S. and set the standard for women playing polo with men. It’s just incredible what she has given back to the sport in general. In the case of both she and Ruben, who made his living in the U.S., it wasn’t only their playing ability, but what they’ve given back to the sport.”

Sunny Hale, unfortunately, will be honored posthumously. Following a valiant battle with breast cancer, she succumbed to its complications on Feb. 26, 2017 at age 48.

In the less than five decades she was alive, however, Hale achieved a remarkable record on the playing field, reaching a five-goal handicap in the male-dominated sport and making history when she became the first woman to win the U.S. Open Championship. She was hired as a polo professional to play on teams alongside the world’s greatest male players for more than 20 seasons, leaving shards of the women’s “glass ceiling” in her wake.

But Hale, a longtime Wellington resident, achieved great things off the field as well. She consistently strove to promote the sport, horses and horsemanship. She was an avid mentor and inspiration to aspiring polo players, both male and female, young and old. She wrote a series of polo help books, created an online clinic, and traveled the world lecturing and giving polo clinics and seminars.

Hale also founded the American Polo Horse Association to establish polo ponies as a breed and preserve their information for posterity, much like the American Kennel Club. She created the women’s handicap system that was adopted for use by the United States Polo Association, started the Women’s Championship Tournament to give greater opportunities to polo-playing women and helped revive the United States Women’s Open. In addition to her induction into the Hall of Fame, an exhibit paying tribute to Hale has been ongoing at the Museum of Polo.

In short, Hale more than met Hall of Fame criteria by contributing to the game “in an extraordinary and honorable manner, whether by dedication to the sport or by ability and record as a player.”

Museum of Polo Executive Director George DuPont agreed.

“What she accomplished in giving back to the sport in her short life is nothing short of amazing,” he said. “Her achievements are multi-faceted. Because of her talent, courage and her relentless efforts to share her knowledge with others, Sunny was regarded the world over as the most influential woman in polo of our time.”

The museum’s award for Living Hall of Fame is being awarded to Ruben Gracida, who won the U.S. Open four times and was its MVP in 1983. He also won the 1983 International Gold Cup, the Avilo Camacho Cup in 1981 and 1988, back-to-back Coronation Cups in 1985 and 1986, along with numerous other tournament victories.

“Ruben came to the States as a very young player and made the U.S. his home,” Museum Vice President Tony Coppola recalled. “Starting out at three goals, he rapidly rose through the ranks to eight goals. He worked hard and racked up a long list of impressive wins on his way up the ladder and made a name for himself as a tough competitor and an influential figure on the American polo scene.”

Jimmy Newman got the nod as this year’s living honoree for the Philip Iglehart Award for “exceptional lifetime contributions to the sport.”

Over 54 years, Newman has become well known in polo, working his way through the sport, training, selling countless polo ponies and going on to play medium- and high-goal polo, including the U.S. Open.

Having attained a three-goal outdoor handicap and four indoor, Newman won the 1985 U.S. Open Handicap, also known as the 26-goal C.V. Whitney. During his career, he has served as manager and organized tournaments for Retama in Texas, Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and the International Polo Club Palm Beach. He managed 27 U.S. Open championships and served the USPA as southwest circuit governor, governor at large and more.

“The Iglehart Award is for outstanding lifetime contributions for the sport, not necessarily on the playing field, but as a help to people within the sport and the sport in general,” Lynn explained.

The posthumous inductee for the Iglehart Award is Roy Lawson Barry, who began playing polo in Texas in his 20s and made his reputation buying, training and selling horses. Through his natural ability, he quickly attained a seven-goal rating in 1948, won the Monty Waterbury Cup in 1951, was a finalist in the U.S. Open and played in clubs across the United States, often managing the clubs as well as his sponsors’ strings of polo ponies.

In 1954, at age 45, Roy suffered a stroke while playing in the Monty Waterbury tournament on Long Island. He was advised to quit working with horses and playing polo but, just three years later, he returned, ultimately enjoying many years of club polo. He taught his son the game and, in 1995, Roy Matthews Barry was inducted into the Hall of Fame as a nine-goaler.

The Horses to Remember award recognizes outstanding polo ponies whose achievements on the field were singled out by contemporary judges in tournaments and shows, and by other experts, as worthy of special recognition.

Lovely Sage made her mark as the very first winner of the Hartman Award for Best Playing Pony of the U.S. Open when it was established in 1965. At that time, it was given to the best playing horse of the entire tournament, not just the final.

In the mid through late 1930s, the gray mare Ruifino played with distinction, most closely associated as a mount for the great Tommy Hitchcock in the U.S. Open and Waterbury Cup matches. Owned at the time by J.H. “Jock” Whitney, her talent was so superb that she was declared the winner of the coveted Prince Friarstown Challenge Cup. In later years, she was called upon to play under other notable Hall of Fame players in the most important matches of the era.

To join in the celebration of these accomplishments and contributions to the sport of polo, reserve your space in advance for the awards gala and induction ceremony, to take place at the Museum of Polo on Friday, Feb. 16. Reservations are $250 each. Contact Brenda Lynn at (561) 969-3210, (561) 969-7015 or polomuseum@att.net to RSVP. The Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is the primary fundraiser for the Museum of Polo, a not-for-profit organization.

To learn more about the Museum of Polo, visit www.polomuseum.com.

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Feature Stories

The Polo School At International Polo Club Opens Doors In 2018

The Polo School At International Polo Club Opens Doors In 2018

A new feature has been added to the grounds of the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Opening this winter to students of all ages, riding levels and disciplines is the Polo School at IPC.

The program currently has six polo ponies available for lessons seven days a week by appointment. Ponies are stabled on-site at IPC and lessons will take place on one of the practice fields located near the barn.

To celebrate the launch of the school and to promote the sport of polo, introductory lessons are half price. Lessons are offered at an hourly rate, and packages of ten lessons are available at a discount.

Lesson instructor Gates Gridley has been playing polo for more than 17 years and has competed around the world. He spent four years learning from former 7-goaler Joey Casey, where he broke yearlings, trained green horses and played competitively.

Gridley was also instrumental in bringing Gladiator Polo to the Tryon International Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, N.C., after the concept was created and launched in January 2017 in Wellington by Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners.

Bellissimo’s motivation behind Gladiator Polo was to broaden the reach of equestrian sports to fans and enthusiasts of action-packed, mainstream sports such as hockey or football.

Following its success in both Wellington and North Carolina, Bellissimo is now motivated to grow interest in polo through the new Polo School at IPC.

“It has always been, and remains, our intention to make polo more accessible at all levels,” Bellissimo said. “We have made great strides in 2017 with the introduction of Gladiator Polo, as well as the Polo School at Tryon Resort. We are excited to bring this success back to Wellington with the implementation of the Polo School at IPC. We believe that it is imperative that the International Polo Club, home of the U.S. Open, has a lesson program.”

Rates for lessons are $150 per hour, or a package of ten lessons can be purchased for $125 per hour. An introductory lesson costs $75.

For more information about the school, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com or contact Gridley at (203) 232-6935 or jgridley@equestriansport.com to book a lesson.

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Feature Stories

Gillian Johnston Is Keeping The Family Polo Tradition Alive

Gillian Johnston Is Keeping The Family Polo Tradition Alive

As patron of the Coca-Cola polo team, Gillian Johnston is carrying on a long family tradition. Back in Wellington this winter, she is looking forward to the 2018 high-goal season at the International Polo Club Palm Beach.

The team is named after the family business. Johnston’s great-grandfather got the first Coca-Cola bottling license back in 1899, and her father inherited the Chattanooga, Tennessee-based franchise and turned it into the largest independent Coke bottler in the world.

Johnston, like most polo players, lives a gypsy lifestyle. After spending four months in Wellington, Johnston heads to the Flying H Ranch in Big Horn, Wyoming. She also spends time at Bendabout Farm, outside of Chattanooga, where she grew up and the family has hosted polo tournaments and exhibition matches for charity since the early 1970s.

Her grandfather played polo, and her father is a former high-goal player — and one of the last to play left-handed. Beginning in 1974, all new players were required to play right-handed for safety.

Coca-Cola won the 26-goal U.S. Open Polo Championship in 2002, making Johnston the second woman to win the most prestigious polo title outside of Argentina, following the late Sunny Hale, who first accomplished the feat in 2000. Johnston has won dozens of titles throughout her career — including the 20-goal Ylvisaker Cup three times in the last five years (2017, 2015 and 2013), and reached the U.S. Open semifinals in 2015 and 2013, and the 26-goal USPA Gold Cup final last year.

Johnston said the U.S. Open championship is the highlight of her career, although she quickly added that winning the season-ending Don King Days tournament seven times at the Big Horn Polo Club ranks up there as well. “It’s a fun, competitive tournament,” she said.

Johnston, who carries a 2-goal handicap, is focused on the upcoming season with simple goals.

“To win a few tournaments would be nice,” she said prior to a recent practice in Wellington. “I’m not doing the 26-goal [tournaments, including the U.S. Open] this year, so, hopefully, we can win some 20 goals.”

This year’s 20-goal Coca-Cola team features 8-goaler Julio Arellano, the highest-rated American player, and crowd favorite Sugar Erskine, who is returning after a year’s absence due to an injury. Steve Krueger rounds out the team.

Arellano, who grew up in Wellington, has anchored Johnston’s teams for the last 10 years.

“She’s a great No. 1, a hidden talent on the team,” said Arellano, who usually wears the red-and-white No. 3 jersey. “She always seems to get that goal when we need it.  She’s good under pressure. She knows her placement on the field, and knows where to be, which makes my job easier.”

Johnston also has played in a few women’s tournaments with Arellano’s 13-year-old daughter, Hope.

“She [Johnston] never liked playing in women’s tournaments,” Arellano said. “This past year, because of Hope, she played tournaments in California and the Villages, and won both. She also played in the 6-goal tournament with all three of my kids at Grand Champions. She’s like a big sister to them.”

Johnston’s doesn’t consider herself a trailblazer, instead heaping praise on the late Sunny Hale for that honor. But young girls do come up to her and talk polo.

“I think it’s awesome,” Johnston said. “Women’s polo has really improved. I’m impressed.”

Off the field, Johnston has many talents.

One is photography, something she began experimenting with while in high school. She is often seen at polo matches on the backfields at IPC taking pictures of the action. But she doesn’t just take pictures of polo action. Her family and friends are subjects, and her nature shots are gorgeous.

“I just do it for fun,” said Johnston, who doesn’t have any of her own photos hanging on the walls of her barn or house. “I shoot anything and everything. Basically, they just go on Facebook.”

Photography isn’t her only passion away from the field.

“I’m pretty crafty; I crochet and knit, and I like to cook,” Johnston said. “And turn wood. And hunting and fishing. I have lots of hobbies. I just bought a cutting horse, so I might do that.”

With all her hobbies, it is her love of animals that is legendary within the polo community.

“I always had dogs and cats, donkeys and pigs,” said Johnston, who is currently a little low, as she is traveling with three dogs and two cats, including a Sphynx, which is hairless. “I do collect a lot of animals.”

The latest addition to her animal kingdom is mini horses.

“I bought those for my nieces and nephews,” said Johnston, who loves when all the kids ride the ponies.

Boone Stribling has worked for the Johnston family for the last 26 years, and remembers when Johnston had two horses and was just stick-and-balling. He isn’t surprised at all of her animals. “She loves her menagerie, as her father calls it,” Stribling said.

Johnston has a minivan she loves calling “the mothership,” which hauls her animals around.

“You see that how she loves her animals,” said Arellano, who has gifted Johnston with several, including a pig. “She’s a wonderful person, very giving, very kind. Yeah, she might be a little bit shy. My kids, all the kids, love her.”

During the winter season in Wellington, Johnston is focused on polo. Typically, if she’s not playing or practicing, she is riding singles or taking out sets, and watching polo matches.

When the sun goes down and the horses are settled in, it’s dinnertime.

“I go out to dinner a lot,” admitted Johnston, who said she often goes to Whole Foods for their buffet. But her favorite is the buffet at the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, where she joins fellow polo players and good friends, Jeff and Tom Blake.  

In addition to her hobbies, she takes time to give back to the community.

When asked, Johnston usually says yes to helping local charities, including the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, where she has been a judge for their annual “Buck Off” competition the last two years.

“I’ll jump in and try to help,” Johnston said. “Vinceremos is great. I like supporting them.”

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Wellington Health

Dr. Matt Symons Takes A Holistic, Preventative Approach To Healthcare

Dr. Matt Symons Takes A Holistic, Preventative Approach To Healthcare

Chiropractor Dr. Matt Symons offers patients a different option for those who want the holistic and preventative approach to healthcare his practice offers.

“Rather than typical treatment models, I want to get to the cause of the problem,” Symons explained. “In their lifetime, five out of six people are diagnosed with either diabetes, heart disease or cancer, and these diseases are preventable. I want to take care of the situation before it becomes a major issue.”

He does this by following his model called the “5 Essentials Delivery System,” which focuses on patients having a maximized mind, nerve supply, quality nutrition, oxygen and lean muscle, as well as minimized toxins in their bodies.

Symons also uses equipment, developed by NASA, which allows him to see if a patient’s spine is in proper alignment. Motion study x-rays look at the functionality of the spine. This gives Symons data he can use for a personally customized adjustment that will move and loosen the joints systematically and scientifically.

“90 percent of the stimulus in the cerebellum comes from movement of the spine,” Symons explained.

He promotes nutritional testing and a specific diet for new patients. Also, since chronic inflammation can lead to pain, an inflammatory reaction test is also recommended for new patients, Symons said.

He feels an individual’s health goals are highly important, and he promotes fitness and energy ergonomics in order to allow the body to heal itself.

Symons has been a chiropractor for nearly 20 years, and has been at his practice —Palm Beach Health Center — for nearly 16 years.

The practice has two chiropractors, two massage therapists, two physical therapists and two nutritional consultants, and is adding a licensed therapist who will offer meditation, life coaching and counseling aimed at reducing stress.

Born and raised in the New York City metropolitan area, Symons moved to South Florida after his education and internships were completed because his wife is from here.

He chose to become a chiropractor after he suffered a traumatic wrestling injury when he was 16 years old, followed by six months of constant headaches.

“Traditional medicine prescribed me to take acetaminophen with codeine, but that ate a hole in my stomach,” Symons said.

The father of a friend suggested going to a chiropractor, and Symons was able to find relief from the headaches.

His sister and mother both suffered from scoliosis, so Symons has a deep understanding of how important a properly aligned spine and proper posture are to an individual’s well-being.

Due to his own background in athletics, Symons works with athletes often.

From 2010 to 2014, he was one of the team doctors for USA Judo, Wrestling and Weightlifting. His duties took him to the 2011 Pan American Games in Mexico and the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Palm Beach Health Center is the official wellness center for the Wellington Soccer Club.

Symons said most chiropractors base their treatment on how the patient feels, but he stressed that he is a spinal corrective chiropractor who uses x-rays to show exactly what the adjustment did for the individual patient.

“I have individual physicians who believe in what we do here, but these are selective consultations,” Symons said.

Reducing unnecessary thoughts, traumas and toxins are vital to a healthy lifestyle plan, he stressed.

Symons also pointed out that a preventative approach also benefits the patient’s financial well-being because catastrophic hospitalizations are avoided.

“50 percent of bankruptcies are due to medical bills, and 70 percent of those people had medical insurance,” Symons noted.

He especially wants to teach young people how to avoid disease. “I want to educate my patients so that they will take care of themselves properly,” Symons said. “The best doctor is inside of them.”

The Palm Beach Health Center is located at 1011 N. State Road 7, Suite D, in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 333-8353 or visit www.palmbeachhealthcenter.com.

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Wellington Home

Two-Story Aero Club Estate Home Features Sleek, Contemporary Look

Two-Story Aero Club Estate Home Features Sleek, Contemporary Look

This two-story estate home in Wellington’s Aero Club community is located directly along the community’s taxiway. With interior walls of environmentally safe poured concrete, four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, an oversized three-car garage, impressive landscape lighting and a truly stunning back patio, this home seems to have it all on its .92 acres. Also featured is a resort-style pool, a spacious master suite and an open floor plan with plenty of natural light.

Living Room: The spacious and welcoming living room shows off the open floor plan. The expansive downstairs space is sleek and contemporary. A ground floor office to the left includes its own half bath, and the room showcases two big bonuses — a loft hallway and an alcove on the landing. Just off camera, to the right, a wood-burning fireplace soars upward, providing warmth and ambiance on cool evenings.

 

Family Room: The family room offers expansive views of the pool and access to the backyard patio area, while a wet bar serves the needs of those who choose to stay inside. Overhead is a unique twin paddle fan, and to the left, catch a glimpse of the cabana bath with a full shower.

 

Foyer: Whether you enter through the foyer or down the sweeping staircase from upstairs, the coquina stone façade of the gas fireplace, two-story arched windows and stunning chandelier all draw your attention to the formal living room.

 

Kitchen: Clean and pristine, this sparkling white kitchen offers the perfect backdrop to the art of cooking. With an oversized six-burner Viking gas range, island bar sink, butler’s pantry and multiple wine coolers, it serves as the perfect space for the cook who enjoys entertaining.

 

Master Bedroom: The ground floor master bedroom opens out onto the lanai for easy access to the resort-style pool. It features his-and-her closets with built-in cabinetry and shoe storage, as well as access to the huge en suite bath.

Guest Bedroom: This upstairs bedroom has two double doors that exit to its own balcony, as well as its own private bath.

 

Pool Deck: The 20-foot-by-40-foot resort-style freshwater pool features gas heat and a spa. A pair of Italian cypress trees, gardens that flank the back staircase and a lanai sheltered by an elevated portico complement the outdoor space.

 

Master Bath: The huge master en suite bath offers a soaking tub with a front bench, a walk-in shower with five showerheads, his-and-her sinks, custom sconces, a bidet and access to its own patio.

 

Lanai: This view of the back lanai proves that a picture is worth 1,000 words.

 

Aerial View: This aerial view of the property highlights the lush landscaping and uninterrupted views.

 

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Feature Stories

Community Service Is Important To Longtime Area Accountant Jay Froehlich

Community Service Is Important To Longtime Area Accountant Jay Froehlich

Whenever a community is being built, there are people who step up and stand out as leaders. But there are also those who work diligently behind the scenes — carrying out the missives, offering improvements and making sure the ducks stay in a row.

When Wellington was young, it was lucky enough to have Jay Froehlich working behind the scenes to help the community grow.

Like many early Wellington residents, Froehlich hailed from New York, where he had graduated from Hofstra University. Inspired by an uncle who was an accountant, he was working as a licensed certified public accountant when a visit to his wife Trish’s parents in Florida convinced him to move south in the 1980s.

Froehlich was immediately hired by a CPA firm in Palm Beach Gardens but soon moved to Wellington because of the excellent schools.

“Trisha’s parents liked Wellington and recommended it,” Froehlich recalled. “I saw the opportunity for a CPA practice here, as Wellington was an up-and-coming community and close to home. After long commutes in New York, close to home worked very well.”

Over his 35 years in Wellington, Froehlich helped shape the community through thousands of volunteer hours. One of the first things he worked on was the annual Wellington Holiday Parade, co-chairing the event for several years alongside Sharon Edelman Reuben and, later, David Leland.

“In 1990, I joined the board of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce and was vice president of operations for three years,” Froehlich said. “I worked on the exercise path behind the old chamber building with Bobby Ewing, Michael Mauck, Mark Miles and others.”

Froehlich also donated time as a t-ball coach; a budget committee member at the Acme Improvement District, Wellington’s pre-incorporation government; a member of the Wellington Incorporation Committee; and as treasurer of the Wellington Cultural Society.

He also volunteered at many of the hometown events in the fledgling community, such as Huck Finn Day, the Fourth of July celebration and WestFest. He was active with the Boy Scouts and the Wellington Boys & Girls Club, serving on its board as executive secretary and as committee chair for its Little League before the Village of Wellington took over this function.

Froehlich sat on the Parish Council for St. Rita Catholic Church. He was also executive officer, then training officer, for the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Palm Beach, and acted as treasurer of the U.S. Navy League Palm Beach Council from 2002 to 2013, winding up his service as treasurer of the Navy Seal Foundation Palm Beach Tribute in 2013.

“I think that pretty much covers it,” Froehlich laughed. “I participated because I wanted to give back, participate with my son John in his activities, and be able to help people and our youth. I kept my accounting practice in Wellington all that time because most of my clients were here, and the clients that were not, were still close.”

In 2004, he teamed up with fellow accountant Beatriz “Betty” De La Rua to form the Froehlich & De La Rua CPA Firm.

“When I was lucky enough to have Betty become my partner, we decided that Wellington was definitely the place for our practice,” Froehlich said.

This included the company’s evolution into an international accounting and consulting firm, De La Rua’s specialty.

“Our practice is constantly busy, as we work mostly with business clients, as well as international clients,” Froehlich said.

He cites “constantly changing tax laws, and accounting rules and practices” as the most challenging part of the job, noting that the weeks just prior to April 15 are especially busy, “mainly due to procrastinators.”

Yet, except for a higher-than-normal number of equestrian clients, accounting and tax preparation are pretty much the same in Wellington as everywhere else, he said.

Froehlich enjoys helping clients maximize their businesses and “plan properly for tax consequences.”

He offered a bit of advice to those people just starting out as an accountant.

“For young people coming into this career, be prepared for constant changes and challenges,” Froehlich said. “This career can definitely be rewarding and satisfying.”

His uncle’s legacy lives on, with one more helpful hint. “Find a great partner!” Froehlich added.

The Froehlich & De La Rua CPA Firm is located in the Chancellor Corporate Center at 12008 South Shore Blvd., Suite 210, in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 795-9500 or visit www.froehlichcpa.com.

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Don Chepo’s Taco Shop Takes Mexican Food To A New Level

Don Chepo’s Taco Shop Takes Mexican Food To A New Level

Fashion Cuisine Group co-founders Dustin Parfitt and Juan Gando have completed the creation of their new Wellington taco eatery. Don Chepo’s Taco Shop is a restaurant that they created to offer a laid-back, Florida-style Mexican restaurant for families and locals to enjoy.

Parfitt is the executive chef of the local restaurant group, while Gando is the restaurateur. They both pride themselves in what Don Chepo’s has to offer, from fresh ingredients to its family atmosphere.

“Everything in this restaurant has a history,” Gando said. “We built it with our hands, like the tables, the frames, everything you see is with a little bit of love. Everything has a story.”

The choice to venture into a taco eatery was a chance to continue working with different styles of cuisine and break away from what the Fashion Cuisine Group already offers in the community.

“Something that I’ve always been good at is making delicious food, as I’ve been a chef for, gosh, 16 years. I’ve developed my own style,” Parfitt said. “I can kind of have different flavors at each place.”

So, when the two co-owners decided to create a new dining experience, they knew they wanted it to be based around tacos.

“We have so many fine dining restaurants in one town,” Parfitt said. “We’ve got Oli’s, the Grille, White Horse, and we wanted a more casual, laid-back, atmosphere, with games for the kids to play, and just a more reasonable price point.”

While the other Fashion Cuisine restaurants cater to a high-end diner, Parfitt and Gando want Don Chepo’s to be a place where families with children feel welcome to come by for a bite to eat.

The first thing to make note of are Don Chepo’s house-made corn tortillas.

“It’s something really special. They have to be made fresh every day,” Parfitt said. “Right now, we’re cooking them. It’s right before lunch, and we store them hot, and as soon as they’re gone, we make more.”

Parfitt said the corn tortilla is something both he and Gando take tremendous pride in.

“There is no comparison to a corn tortilla that you can buy in the store,” Parfitt said. “Once you cook those tortillas down, the texture is just not the same. The texture of our corn is more of like a flour texture. It’s really soft, and it’s delicious.”

For $29, the Small Platter is a great way to have a first experience of what Don Chepo’s offers on the menu.

“It’s a chef’s choice of tacos, usually it’s pollo, al pastor and usually the asada, which is a steak,” Parfitt said. “Smoked pork with a little bit of chorizo, pineapple and some pickled red onion. You get rice, beans, cucumber salad, a tamale, the grilled corn and also our house-made hot sauce.”

While Parfitt serves as executive chef, Gando designed the drink menu at Don Chepo’s. A special cocktail on the menu is the Mercadito, a margarita with muddled berries and more. Mercadito isn’t just a name; it’s an action.

“When you go to the flea market, you take your basket, and you go and buy a lot of berries, or you buy a lot of fruit,” Gando said. “This is pretty much a fresh berry margarita, which is blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, and you put two ounces of tequila, any preference that people have, and ice… We make our own sour mix and shake it really hard. It’s all about the shake.”

Parfitt said it pairs great with the tacos al pastor. “Smoky pork — cool it down with a little bit spicy margarita,” Parfitt said.

Meaning and history is a theme at Don Chepo’s, and it’s in the name.

“My dad used to call me that,” Gando said. “It’s a guy in Ecuador. I am from Ecuador. My name is Juan Gando, and since a baby, he used to call me, ‘You are the chepo.’ It’s like the cool guy in the United States.”

So, the moniker is a family name, and that is what makes Don Chepo’s come together in harmony, Gando said.

“The whole thing about me and Dustin, we are like a family,” Gando said. “We have a great team. The team we have is amazing. It’s all pretty much family.”

Gando also takes responsibility to build rapport with all the people who dine at the restaurant.

“My place is to make sure people come happy and leave happy,” Gando said. “So, that is always our goal. Since the day we met, it’s the service. We provide service, and of course amazing food, decent prices, kids welcome. This is a family place. It’s not just a bar. It’s for a family. It’s Wellington.”

Don Chepo’s Taco Shop is located in Wellington Green Square at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 170, in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 660-7391 or visit www.donchepos.com.

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Feature Stories

Brad Peacock: From Wellington Baseball Star To 2017 World Series Champ

Brad Peacock: From Wellington Baseball Star To 2017 World Series Champ

Brad Peacock has three priorities in his life: family, friends and baseball — and the past year has been full of milestones for the Major League Baseball pitcher and Wellington resident.

The 2006 Palm Beach Central High School graduate experienced a magical 2017. His wife Stephanie gave birth to their son Colton, known as Colt, in June, and then he won the World Series with his Houston Astros teammates in seven thrilling games over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Nov. 1.

“It’s what you dream about as a little kid. It’s a dream come true, especially because we got to win the first time I was in the playoffs,” Peacock said.

When the Astros went to the playoffs in 2015 and lost the American League Divisional Series to the eventual champions, the Kansas City Royals, Peacock was recovering from back surgery. “I was watching on TV and rooting very hard for them, but it was fun to be healthy and have a chance to go to the World Series and win it this year,” he said.

Peacock appeared in four out of seven games in the World Series. He pitched a total of seven and one-third innings while giving up four hits and three walks, recording eight strikeouts and an earned run average of 2.54. He earned his first major league save in Game 3 by finishing the final three and two-thirds innings of a 5-3 win at Dodger Stadium.

Peacock played under legendary high school coach Scott Benedict at Palm Beach Central. Benedict was a former professional baseball player who produced numerous major leaguers during his time coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels, before retiring in 2016.

“The practices he ran for us in high school were identical to the practices I had in the minor leagues,” Peacock recalled.

After high school Peacock was drafted by the Washington Nationals, but chose to be a “draft and follow” prospect and enrolled at Palm Beach Community College, now Palm Beach State College, for one year. While there, his pitching coach, Kyle Forbes, helped him complete the transition from a third baseman to a full-time pitcher he began in high school.

Between high school and college, Peacock played with more than a dozen teammates who were drafted and went on to play in the minors, with some joining him in the majors. “I’m still friends with all of my high school teammates, and we hang out nearly every weekend during the baseball off-season,” he said.

He joined the Nationals organization in 2007 and worked his way up through every level of the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 2011.

“There is nothing like having the AAA manager call you into his office and tell you you’re going to the majors,” Peacock said.

In his first appearance in “the show,” he faced Matt Kemp at Dodger Stadium. “I said to myself, ‘It can’t get any tougher than this,’” he recalled.

After his rookie season, Peacock was traded to the Oakland Athletics organization, where he played for their AAA farm club. And after the 2012 season, he headed to the Astros. In five seasons with them, he spent time in the majors, with their AAA team and on injured reserve.

His dad, Jerry, retired from a career in law enforcement, converted a small trailer into a sleeper in order to follow his son throughout the minors.

“It meant everything to me,” Peacock said. “He wouldn’t tell me he was coming to a particular game, but when I would see him in the stands, it made me feel more comfortable, which helped me a lot.”

However, it was Peacock’s mother, Jacyne, who got him playing baseball.

“My dad is from Pahokee, where everyone played football, but I hated it,” Peacock recalled. “My mom played softball and taught me how to catch and throw. She was the first female manager at Okeeheelee Park, and we won the championship.”

Peacock was recently honored as a special guest at the Wellington Holiday Parade in December. He loves the traditions of his hometown — especially the parade.

“I used to attend the parade every year while growing up in Wellington, and my dad still takes my young nephews every year,” Peacock said.

He hadn’t been to the parade for a while but was excited to be able to be a part of the 2017 event with his wife Stephanie — who is also a Wellington native — and infant son.

There were two events which played a huge part in the eventual championship for the Astros and Peacock. The first was Colt being born in June, and the second was when Hurricane Harvey devastated the Houston metropolitan area and the Texas Gulf Coast in late August.

“I’m from South Florida, which is hurricane prone, but I’ve never seen anything like that,” Peacock explained. “We were feeling for the people of Houston, and worried about our own families, because we were out on the road when Harvey hit. Wanting to win for our fans helped jump-start our run to the World Series.”

He said much of the Houston area is still a mess, but getting better.

Peacock and his wife made a deal during the season that she would take care of Colt so he could get some sleep and be fresh during the pennant stretch and playoffs, but he is paying her back during the off-season.

“Being a dad is hard, but it’s fun. Colt is definitely my good luck charm,” he said.

Peacock has certainly paid his dues to get where he is now. A number of years in the minors, injuries and being part of a Houston Astros team that went from 111 losses and last place in 2013 to World Series champions in 2017.

He feels that Wellington was a great place to grow up, lives here during the off-season and wants to raise his family here when his playing career is over.

He is also fortunate that the Astros spring training home is at the Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in nearby West Palm Beach.

“It gives me an extra two months at home with my family and friends,” Peacock said.

To follow Peacock and the Houston Astros, visit www.mlb.com/astros.

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Wellington Real Estate

Milko Castellanos Of U.S. Mortgage Enjoys Helping Clients Buy The Perfect Home

Milko Castellanos Of U.S. Mortgage Enjoys Helping Clients Buy The Perfect Home

For Milko Castellanos, branch manager of U.S. Mortgage of Florida in Wellington, it comes down to getting the deal done.

“My career’s passion is to always find a way to get the deal done,” Castellanos said. “Every loan is like a puzzle that must be completed correctly and on time in order to close. As a branch manager, I am consistently asked by my loan officers to assist in structuring deals. I enjoy helping others close the difficult, ‘hard to close’ deals. This is how we have built U.S. Mortgage to be one of the leading lenders with builders throughout Florida.”

The Miami-raised Castellanos has lived in Wellington with his wife and daughter for the past 15 years. His career in mortgage originating was a natural move for him.

“It just made sense after I worked in my father-in-law’s real estate/title agency for a few years,” he said. “The market’s boom and my high interest in the business aided the easy transition.”

Castellanos and his team are dedicated to providing their total commitment to every client.

“My customers should expect premium customer service and competitive, low rates,” he said. “We are available nights and weekends, which sets us apart from big banks. U.S. Mortgage of Florida is its own lender and has relationships with 18 different lenders. This gives us the ability to approve loans that other lenders cannot close.”

The journey to a successful experience at U.S. Mortgage of Florida begins the moment a client fills out an application.

“Our system then walks the client through every step of the process, starting with when the appraisal has been ordered, to the loan being approved, and finally, to the favorite words of every loan officer, Realtor and customer: ‘clear to close,’” Castellanos said.

His years of experience have taught Castellanos that being accessible to his clients anytime he is needed is absolutely necessary, not only to their peace of mind, but also to the successful culmination of any deal.

“Buying a home is one of the most stressful times in most people’s lives,” Castellanos said. “I pride myself on being able to walk people through this process step by step. My phone is a 24/7 tool that is utilized to assist my clients with any questions they may have.”

Heading up a solid team is another plus.

“I have two full-time loan officer assistants who aide all my clients in gathering information asked of them by the banks,” he said. “Since I have worked with many first-time home buyers, I am very aware of what it takes to get a deal closed. And on the flip side, I have dealt with clients multiple times as investors and return buyers as well.”

Castellanos sees a bright future for anyone thinking of settling down in Wellington.

“I am very excited about the real estate market, as banks have started to adapt to the market,” he said. “The conforming loan limits have just been raised to $453,100 from $424,100 in 2017. What this means is more buyers will be able to qualify for higher-priced homes and still reap the benefits of getting low conventional rates for homes in the higher price range. This is very significant here in Wellington as home values continue to rise.”

U.S. Mortgage of Florida is located at 1200 Corporate Center Way, Suite 104, in Wellington. For more information, contact Castellanos at (561) 886-0300, (954) 410-6013 or milko@usmtg.com.

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Feature Stories

Mary And Tony Alfalla Stay Active By Supporting The Wellington Seniors Club

Mary And Tony Alfalla Stay Active By Supporting
The Wellington Seniors Club

The late comedian George Burns said, “You can’t help growing older, but you don’t have to grow old.” Burns may have said it, but Mary and Tony Alfalla of Wellington live as if it were their mantra.

Growing older is a non-issue for Mary, who will turn 76 years of age in January. Nor is it a problem for her octogenarian husband, Tony, who partially credits good genes for his longevity.

Aside from good genes, the Alfallas stay young by keeping active in the community and are leaders of the Wellington Seniors Club, serving faithfully through the years.

“After 21 years in the military and another 20 with the federal government, I said to myself I would never volunteer again,” Tony recalled. “But once I saw what was there, an opportunity to give to the seniors, something that they would be able to relish, to come out of the house and so forth, it made it a lot easier.”

They began their time with the Wellington Seniors Club taking part in variety shows.

“We actually performed. We would sing, dance, anything. We had so much fun doing it,” Mary explained.

However, singing and dancing was only part of what the couple brought to the club’s seniors. Tony has served on the board of the organization for 11 years and is currently the president, tapped for the position a second time when the former president stepped down last September.

According to the Alfallas, the Wellington Seniors Club is very unique and unlike other senior clubs across the country. Mary is a director at the Wellington Seniors Club and for seven years served as the social chair. This involved intense event planning, since the primary focus of the club is to provide a social environment for seniors who live in the community.

There are only two requirements to becoming a member. Members must be age 55 or older, and the club is open only to residents of Wellington. There is a nominal annual fee. Seniors only pay $20 per year. The Village of Wellington generously supports the club. This is helpful to seniors, since many live on a fixed income.

The Wellington Seniors Club was a godsend to the Alfallas. Mary’s son was seriously ill for some time before he passed away. He lived in Connecticut, and Mary was dedicated to his long-time care.

“When Mary was going through the thing with her son, [the club] just got us involved and took us away from our thoughts. It was something to do without continuously thinking about what happened,” Tony said.

Volunteering with the club and reaching out to help other seniors refocused the Alfallas’ attention and helped them through the grieving process.

“We got very deeply involved, and once we got involved, I mean the grieving was still there,” Tony said.

Mary continued: “It was a good feeling to have a senior walk up to you and say: ‘We just love coming to this meeting. It’s the only chance we get to go out except for doctors and things like that.’”

The Alfallas also found solace in the many cards and notes sent to them by grateful seniors, thanking them for all they do with the Wellington Seniors Club.

“It’s very rewarding,” Mary said.

Caring for a son with a disability caused her to be especially sensitive to the needs of other people, and has aided in her role with the Wellington Seniors Club.

“I’ve noticed over the last few months since I’ve had to use a cane, that people have been very considerate. I’ve had people try and open doors and just little things like that,” Mary said.

That’s the good side of people, but the Alfallas have also experienced rude treatment and believe that it goes both ways.

“I believe it is probably the same as it has been for years and years,” Mary said. “I think some [people] are very respectful of senior citizens. There are others who are not respectful, but then they aren’t respectful of anything.”

There is a broad spectrum of seniors living in Wellington. According to the couple, some seniors are very active and others have made a conscious choice not to be, and not necessarily due to physical hindrances they might have.

“You’ve got to keep active. I mean, we see both sides, a 75-year-old who is still very active and alert, and then the 75-year-old who chooses to be very sedentary,” said Mary, who herself has had a poor health history. “I keep going. You have to continue being active. Continue the lifestyle that you have. Don’t keep changing it because the birthdays come around. Illness does come as you age, but just keep as active as you can and keep interested.”

Growing older is a process that everyone faces, if they’re lucky, and the Alfallas believe there is a strategy to aging.

“In your spare time, volunteer and help others older than you are,” Tony said. “It’s not saying that someday you may be in the same position, as long as they keep themselves alert, helpful and do things to better themselves, as well as other human beings, their neighbors and so forth, they’ll do good.”

In addition to the many activities available through the nonprofit Wellington Seniors Club, it also convenes once a month for lunch. To learn more, call Membership Chair Sally Schwartz at (561) 793-8735.

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