Annual Wellington Holiday Parade Set To Amaze Spectators Sunday, Dec. 10

The 33rd annual Wellington Holiday Parade, produced by the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, is set for Sunday, Dec. 10. The theme for this year’s event is,

“A World of Make Believe.”

The parade route will run along its traditional Forest Hill Blvd. route, starting at the intersection with Wellington Trace. The parade begins at 1:30 p.m., but roads along the parade route will be closing at 1 p.m. to ensure safety for everyone.

Holiday Park, a special location with crafts, arts, food, music and fun events for children, will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office representatives will serve as the parade grand marshals for 2017, as a way to thank them for their service — not only during natural disasters such as Hurricane Irma, but throughout the year.

The Schumacher Family of Dealerships — a longtime supporter of the event — will return as the automotive presenting sponsor.

“Schumacher Automotive Group is proud to once again support the Wellington Holiday Parade,” Schumacher Executive Manager Sal DelGreco said. “We are grateful to the community for supporting our many brands over the years and consider it an honor to give back.”

DelGreco added that the parade is a great opportunity for the dealership to showcase its vehicles.

“Sponsoring the Wellington Holiday Parade is something we have done for so long that it is a part of us,” DelGreco said. “We are truly thankful for the relationships that we have made and look forward to making many more. We wish you and your loved ones warmest wishes this holiday season and a prosperous new year.”

Joining Schumacher as presenting sponsor is Wellington Regional Medical Center.

“This is an exciting time of year,” WRMC CEO Robbin Lee said. “This is an opportunity for us to connect with the community, businesses, residents and visitors. We especially look forward to interacting with previous patients in a setting outside of the medical facility.”

The parade is the largest event produced annually by the chamber.

“The parade attracts approximately 20,000 spectators, with more than 3,000 people marching in the parade,” said Dennis Witkowski, longtime chair of the Wellington Holiday Parade Committee.

Witkowski looks forward to another great parade year.

“The Wellington Holiday Parade means the world to me, because of the joy it brings to the community,” he said. “I have been blessed to be chairman for the past 30 years, and the parade is no longer a tradition, but rather it is a ritual. This event is the soul of Wellington and brings everyone — of all ages — in the western communities together.”

Mary Lou Bedford, the chamber’s chief executive officer, invites the entire community to come out and enjoy the parade.

“The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors support this wonderful event, as it brings together businesses from throughout our chamber’s geographic footprint,” she said. “We could not do this without the support of the Village of Wellington and our sponsors.”

Community sponsors include: the Center for Bone & Joint Surgery, the City of Greenacres, Minto Communities of South Florida, Republic Services of Palm Beach, the Mall at Wellington Green, TD Bank, J&J Produce, Wellington Golf Cars, the Boynton Financial Group, Whole Foods Market, Two Men and a Truck, Carrabba’s, Starbucks, Hill Audio Visual, JJ Muggs Stadium Grill, Print-it Plus, PCI, Prime America, AGTS Insurance and Walgreens. Media partners include: The Palm Beach Post, the Town-Crier, the Sun-Sentinel, Wellington The Magazine, Around Wellington, ESPN West Palm Beach, WRMF and SCORE-ing Your Business/900 AM. Holiday Park is sponsored by Waste Management, Retreat Palm Beach and Equestrian Sport Productions.

For more information about the Wellington Holiday Parade, call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.cpbchamber.com.

Boys & Girls Club Dinner Dance Celebrates
30 Years Helping Kids

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington will celebrate 30 years of impacting area youth in a safe environment during non-school hours at the annual Wellington Dinner Dance next month. The International Polo Club Palm Beach will serve as the backdrop for the anniversary event on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.

The much-anticipated affair is the club’s largest annual fundraiser and one of the highlights of Wellington’s social season, attracting high-profile equestrians and philanthropists each year for an evening of cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing.

A committee of dedicated men and women from the Wellington community has come together to plan the milestone gala to continue the club’s legacy for decades to come.

Co-chairs include Georgina Bloomberg, Nicolette Goldfarb, Eric and Jennifer Goldman, and Marley Goodman-Overman. Honorary chairs are Dr. Edward and Maria Becker, Dr. Colette Brown-Graham, Julie Kime and Dr. Daxa Patel.

For Palms West Hospital CEO Eric Goldman and his wife Jennifer, the dinner dance has become a family affair.

“Raising two beautiful children of my own, I understand the importance of being able to teach children how to socialize with others and put themselves on the right pathways toward success,” Jennifer said. “The Boys & Girls Club is not only a place for children to go after school, but they work carefully with the children to instill these same ideals. When an organization has similar values to your own, it is a natural fit to get involved.”

Jennifer was fortunate to grow up in a household with a parent who was home when she arrived after school. Eric, on the other hand, has fond memories of engaging in sports and other fun activities at the YMCA and Jewish Community Center in his hometown of Canton, Ohio. “So much of who I am today, and how far I’ve come in life, is attributed to socializing at those wonderful places after school and in the summer,” Eric said.

The Children’s Hospital at Palms West also caters to the children in the community, so it was logical for the Goldmans to partner with the Boys & Girls Club. Many area medical professionals are involved with the club, and its board meetings are usually held in a conference room at the hospital.

One of this year’s honorary chairs and longtime board member Maria Becker said her family’s involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington began 30 years ago.

“It was the first formal event that I can remember attending in Wellington,” she recalled. “We had moved here the year before, and I didn’t think we had enough of a need to sustain the club. I remember asking my husband, Dr. Edward Becker, why they were building a club out here when we were such a small community? We found out why soon enough.”

From the moment it opened, Maria said the club provided a haven for the children of her community who needed a place to go after school. Before they knew it, the club was at capacity.

Since then, the Beckers have attended the Wellington Dinner Dance almost every year. Palm Beach Urology Associates, her husband’s practice, has been an annual sponsor. The couple has co-chaired the event twice. “Right after the 25th anniversary, we were able to open the new club, which is three times the size of the original club and is an amazing facility,” she said.

The 22,500-square-foot facility features incredible amenities, such as a full gym, computer room, dance and music studios, and multiple game rooms. Children enjoy educational, vocational, social, recreational, health, leadership and character building skills in a safe and positive environment.

The Boys & Girls Club model has received the highest effectiveness rating from the National Dropout Prevention Center. Club members graduate at a higher rate than the general population. Regular attendees also perform better in school and make healthier choices than their peers.

“What attracts me to the Boys & Girls Club is that, unlike other organizations that are geared toward solving a singular issue, the club gives youth the building blocks for a successful future as productive members of society,” Eric said.

Funding from the dinner dance helps to enhance programs such as sports and recreation, education, computer technology, youth leadership development and health/life skills. More than 450 youth benefit from such programs at the Wellington club.

Although nationally recognized, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is locally run, responsible for raising its own funds, allowing every site to be responsive to the needs of its neighborhood. While Wellington is a community of means with an average household income of nearly $90,000, the areas served by the club are comprised of families who are in dire need of services. Many of the children served by the club live in households with an annual income of less than $12,000, and more than 50 percent live in households with annual incomes of less than $40,000.

“More important than the facility are the unbelievable staff and volunteers that make the club run so smoothly. They serve as role models to the children, and their dedication is second to none,” Jennifer said. “Last but not least, I am impressed time and time again with the children. They are incredibly happy, polite and genuinely grateful for the services that are provided to them. Seeing all the smiles on their faces each time I enter the club makes the time involved with putting on the dinner dance worth every minute of the work.”

Becker said she is honored to serve on the dynamic, active and energetic board of directors that is always ready to do anything that needs to be done to enhance the club.

“No project is too big or too small to tackle, and the enthusiasm is contagious,” she said. “It’s hard to believe that 30 years have gone by, but it is so rewarding to see what has been created through the dedication and support of our community. So much has been accomplished, but the real excitement is all of the possibilities for the future.”

Wellington Dinner Dance committee members include Jennifer Martinez, Joann Dee, Susan Ferraro, Heidi Harland, Shelley B. Goodman, Tawny Wolf, Julie Khanna, Kimberly Leland, Gordon Marrin, Juanita Shenkman, Lindsay Strafuss, Kathryn Walton and Melinda Varvarigos.

Tickets and sponsorships are still available. To reserve your tickets, table or other sponsorship opportunities, contact Christine Martin at (561) 683-3287, ext. 1103, or cmartin@bgcpbc.org.

LET’S PARTY! Inspire Them In The Perfect Look This Holiday Season…

The holiday season has begun, and from now through the New Year, many of us have a full schedule of invites. From work-related parties to the traditional get-together with family and friends, you’ll have to decide what look is best for mingling with the boss and trading stories with grandpa. Although our focus usually turns to women’s fashion for the holidays, this year we check in with Henry Mosley of HNM Menswear to get advice on what is stylish for the men in our lives this holiday season.

Featured on these pages are several different looks put together by Mosley and shot on location at Kish Events & Decor’s stylish showroom, which set the stage as our backdrop. The dedicated event specialists of Kish Events & Decor are ready to help you create a distinctive vision for your event. Wellington The Magazine thanks both Henry Mosley of HNM Menswear and Rose Kish of Kish Events & Decor for their assistance.

Henry Mosley, owner of HNM Menswear, joins three local clients, after creating the perfect individualized look for each to wear this holiday season.

Henry N. Mosley Jr. is styling a navy blue grid. Designed by ENZO, this suit has Italy in mind. From the purple mini square shirt to the paisley necktie filled with lavender, yellow, blue and purple. This outfit will cause everyone to watch you as you enter the room.

(Right) Randy Bailey wearing a suit by Giorgio Fiorelli, tan in color with a tailored body style. The shirt is sky blue with white collars and white French cuffs. The necktie design is unique in color, as well as style. With a mixture of red, blue and tan, it’s a great look for the holiday season. A solid red pocket square brings everything together.

(Above) Featured third from the left, Barry Rivera wears a soft gray, sleek sharkskin — a simple, yet perfect style. A white shirt with purple dots gives this look a style that only a cross hatch necktie can bring. The additional flair that everyone will notice is the paisley purple pocket square. 

(Right) Brian Dean is wearing a three-piece charcoal gray pinstripe by Steve Harvey. With a gingham print shirt, contrast is created to change the look of wearing a vest. The necktie is purple with bold magenta polka dots and a soft pink pocket square to make a wonderful combination. 

Trendy Places to Eat in Wellington

Finding just the right place to eat in Wellington is a delightful way to enjoy the village. Residents, snowbirds and visitors to Wellington have amazing opportunities to enjoy the same offerings of comfort food, fine dining and great entertainment that is available in larger communities. They haunt fine dining restaurants where executive chefs deliver works of artistic cuisine and those that deliver smaller portions of culinary masterpieces. Everything diners want is right here in Wellington, including trendy nightlife settings for a crowd that enjoys live entertainment, hidden foodie havens and comfortable settings for a more casual night out. The next time you’re out on the town in Wellington, check out a few of these trendy Wellington hotspots.

SURI WEST

13410 SOUTH SHORE BLVD. • (561) 795-0080

Suri West is famous for its signature small plate tapas, but also has regular-sized entrees on an expansive menu of contemporary American fare. The restaurant is proud of its commitment to farm-to-table dining, and in addition to securing products from local farms, fresh herbs are plucked from the rooftop garden. The restaurant really heats up during the winter months, accommodating an equestrian crowd following the sun and horses to Wellington. Owned by Wellington resident Maureen “Bunny” Pata, Suri West is located near Wellington’s equestrian area, making it a favorite of both locals and seasonal visitors alike. Now entering its third season, Suri West is the sister restaurant of the extremely popular Suri tapas restaurant in downtown Lake Worth. Reservations to the happening Wellington hotspot can be made online or via phone. Suri West is home to an active nightlife crowd, especially on weekends, when the 275-seat restaurant hosts live performances. Learn more at www.surirestaurant.com.

OLI’S FASHION CUISINE

10610 FOREST HILL BLVD. , SUITE 120 • (561) 792-2220

Executive chef Dustin Parfitt and restaurateur Juan Gando envisioned a fine dining restaurant for the western communities that could be compared to that of Palm Beach dining. Their dream became reality in 2010, and since that time, Oli’s Fashion Cuisine has become a favorite spot for snowbirds, tourists and local residents. Oli’s is one of Wellington’s most fashionable hotspots. This isn’t due to the number of fashionistas who march through its doors (although there are plenty of them), but to the chic, stylish food that is served at this trendy restaurant. Food prepared by Parfitt is an artistic work of fine cuisine, prepared with the best ingredients that the local community has to offer. The atmosphere at Oli’s Fashion Cuisine is also exquisite. Patrons are equally comfortable in the crisp, upscale dining room or at the comfortable outside bistro where they can enjoy brunch or dinner. Learn more at www.olisfashioncuisine.com.

THE GRILLE FASHION CUISINE

12400 SOUTH SHORE BLVD. • (561) 793-2110

The Grille Fashion Cuisine restaurant is tucked away off South Shore Blvd. in Wellington, but despite the quiet location, it is a bustling hotspot serving delicacies such as truffle fries and cucumber martinis to patrons looking for a high-class atmosphere. Part of the Fashion Cuisine group, like its sister restaurant Oli’s Fashion Cuisine, the Grille has been serving up American bistro favorites that borrow from Latin and other world flavors since 2011. Patrons who’ve not visited the restaurant in a while may discover a few new favorite dishes sprinkled throughout a revamped menu. Ample portions are plated at the Grille, where food presentation is second only to taste. The restaurant is family-friendly, but after hours, it transforms into a trendy nightclub hotspot, where adults gather for dancing, drinks and music. There are special events year-round, with something going on nearly every night of the week during the winter season. Learn more at www.thegrillefashioncuisine.com.

BONEFISH MAC’S

10880 W. FOREST HILL BLVD • (561) 798-6227

This six-year-running Wellington sports grille, Bonefish Mac’s is the place to be if you’re feeling even the slightest bit landlocked. A brightly colored interior, wooden tables, chairs, booths and boarding create a cabin-like feel, giving customers an open-seas sense — despite being anchored to Forest Hill Blvd. in front of the Mall at Wellington Green. The Angler’s Catch menu features many seafood favorites, but no need to be daunted by the Caribbean aesthetic if you haven’t quite found your sea legs. Non-seafood enthusiasts can still enjoy the island experience while sinking their teeth into a wide array of land-lovers’ favorites. Shrimp-sized swashbucklers will enjoy the 365-gallon saltwater tank filled with a variety of fish, as well as the arcade area. The covered outdoor bar area is a happening place nearly every night of the week. This local hotspot chain also has locations in Coral Springs, Lighthouse Point and Port St. Lucie. Learn more at www.bonefishmacs.com.

WELLINGTON TRACE

12794 W. FOREST HILL BLVD. • (561) 469-1109

Wellington Trace Tavern is where steak lovers congregate. Located in the original Wellington Mall, it is also a well-kept secret. Folks come together for a good meal, but also for performances, a live DJ and bingo on select nights. The restaurant is under new ownership and a new chef is on board creating a wide-ranging menu that includes comfort food favorites, as well as new signature items. The chef-driven creative offerings on the menu have garnered many accolades and earned many returning patrons. Meanwhile, a blending of natural woods that formulate a comfortable setting in a relaxing dining room creates the tavern atmosphere where patrons dine on traditional American food. Learn more at www.wttavern.com.

WHITE HORSE FASHION CUISINE

3401 EQUESTRIAN CLUB ROAD • (561) 847-4549

The location of White Horse Fashion Cuisine is one reason why it remains forever an iconic Wellington restaurant. The restaurant is joined to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds by a wooden walkway that crosses the lake in between. Its close proximity to the world’s premier show-jumping facility is convenient for show spectators and participants alike. The seasonal restaurant is perfect for all ages and varied occasions during the winter equestrian season. It is suitable for a romantic dinner, but is also where groups of people comfortably connect for the ambiance, pleasant meals or to gather at the bar following the horse show. Learn more at www.pbiec.com/page/whitehorse-fashion-cuisine

CATANIA RESTAURANT

4115 STATE ROAD 7 • (561)355-5900

Catania Restaurant is a great dining hotspot for lovers. The casual Italian restaurant provides a romantic setting and an ideal atmosphere for a date night. However, you don’t have to be dating to enjoy the tasty Italian food that is served family style. Guests can also choose from the individual menu. The restaurant, located in the Marketplace at Wycliffe since 2015, has a nearly unlimited selection of wines and serves up great portions of food. No one leaves Catania hungry, which is exactly what you’d expect from an authentic Italian restaurant. Guests can be seated inside in the main dining room, outside on the quiet patio or in the lively bar area. Either way, attentive waiters immediately drop by with hot bread, butter and water with lemon as a prelude to an amazing meal. Not that hungry? You’ll often find great entertainment in the bar area. Learn more at www.cataniarestaurant.com

ANNEXO COFFEE & BITES

10120 W. FOREST HILL BLVD. SUITE 170 • (561) 333-0287

Annexo Coffee & Bites is brand-new to Wellington this season. More than a coffee house, it’s also part wine bar, beer garden and café all rolled into one. Customers will discover an eclectic mix that includes a unique atmosphere and wonderful food, made from scratch by world-class chef Andres Zambrano with help from co-owner Erika Salleres. Think Latin charm and French Riviera meeting hometown America, and you’ll have a distinct description of the restaurant that serves coffee and bites. Designer coffees and fine wine accompany international bites of food served at the trendy and artsy coffee shop/tapas bar and restaurant. Locals have begun flocking to Annexo Coffee & Bites for the great food, but art and good music is also a draw to this eclectic hotspot in the Pointe at Wellington Green. Learn more at www.annexocoffeeandbites.com

Signature Drinks for the Holiday Season

The scents and sounds of the holiday season have arrived! Twinkling lights beckon us into nearby stores, and clamoring customers are shopping for gifts and ornaments that make the season a more celebratory event. But mistletoe, holly wreaths and an Elf on the Shelf aren’t the only harbingers of this festive time of year. ’Tis the season for holiday parties, and holiday signature drinks are a central theme. Looking to spruce up the libations menu at your holiday party? Check out our list of traditional signature drinks popular this holiday season.

Coquito Puerto Rico is traditional coconut liquor. Coquito, or baby coconut, is actually a nut harvested from the Chilean wine palm and is sweeter than regular coconuts. Coquito Puerto Rico is a common, seasonal party drink and a favorite at this time of year. It is more commonly known as “Puerto Rican eggnog.” Like American eggnog, Coquito Puerto Rico is rum based. Unlike American eggnog, it is sweetened with condensed milk, and coconut is a central ingredient.

Christmas Martinis are the colorful cousins of your ordinary, year-round martini. What’s the difference between a Christmas martini and any other martini? A Christmas martini is defined by its versatility and color. Red is the signature color of Christmas, and so it is of the Christmas martini. The color is achieved with the use of cranberries, cherries and/or raspberries. The alcohol component of a Christmas martini is vast: vodka, bourbon, whisky, scotch, gin and more. Peppermint schnapps is the base for a Peabody Peppermint Martini, which is also flanked with red and white peppermints — thus the designation as a Christmas martini.

The Mojito Cocktail sounds much more complicated than it actually is to make. Mint leaves, lime slices and sugar are crushed together in a tall glass, before the muddled mixture is covered in ice, club soda and white rum. This signature holiday cocktail had its beginnings in Havana — at least that’s one popular version of its derivation story. There is some evidence to suggest that the mojito is a remnant of the El Draque, a 16th Century drink that was named for Sir Francis Drake.

The late actors Elizabeth Taylor and Rock Hudson are credited with creating the original chocolate martini. You can thank them for Orange Chocolate Dream, which is a fragrant mix of orange and chocolate. Orange liqueur is floated atop a shaken and strained mixture of chocolate liqueur and Irish cream. It is often served in martini glasses, rim-dipped in cocoa powder and sugar. Chocolate may be Valentine’s signature confection, but in cocktail form, it’s most certainly a holiday signature drink

Hot Buttered Rum is another example of how flavors and fragrances associated with the season are netted in a single drink. It’s not gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the buttery brew of hot buttered rum has a very rich blending of ingredients. Rum, of course, is the main ingredient, but aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar, cloves, nutmeg and mace meld in a refrigerated batter to transform a plain, but piping hot cup of water into an aromatic cocktail that has a deep mahogany hue. It has been a basic staple associated with holiday parties for centuries. Apparently, Bing Crosby, in addition to “dreaming of a white Christmas,” also dreamt of a hot cup of buttered rum, and referenced the drink in a scene from the iconic movie, White Christmas.

Holiday White Russians are made with Kahlua, a Mexican coffee liqueur, which in itself is ironic. Additional ingredients include heavy cream, vodka and lots of ice. A holiday party favorite, White Russians are traditionally served in the evening or as a nightcap. There’s a bit of discrepancy concerning its origin, though the drink dates back to the 1930s. However, White Russians have a popular connection with The Big Lebowski, a well-known British-American crime comedy starring Jeff Bridges. Don’t judge the drink by the movie. Its appearance is worthy of signature holiday drink status. When served with candy canes, it is much more attractive than it appears on screen.

Tropical residents dream of a different kind of Christmas, where palm trees sway in the ocean breeze and celebrants sip Citrusy Mimosas. Oranges, lemons and grapefruit ripen during the holiday season, which may explain why the colorful, fruity cocktail is a traditional drink this time of year. Introduced in France in 1925, mimosas became the well-to-do drink of well-to-do passengers in first-class sections of trains and airplanes — and now the favorite of every brunch aficionado. The champagne or wine mixture is typically chilled and served in champagne flutes.

Raspberry Cordials bring to mind the misfortunes of a loveable, red-haired, literary orphan. Anne of Green Gables, was delighted to serve tea to her best friend. Spoiler alert: things didn’t quite turn out the way she’d envisioned, when her bestie, instead imbibed red currant wine. Drinking raspberry cordials by accident could have been equally disastrous. The mixture of sugar, lemon juice and raspberries, also has vodka, brandy or rum as its base. Red raspberry cordials are as enticing at holiday parties as they were to young Anne, but serves as an acceptable holiday signature drink for adults.

Orange & Cranberry Sangria is arguably the most vibrant of traditional holiday signature drinks. Bright cranberries, vermilion oranges and red wine produce a deep red beverage, which is cheerfully reflected and poured from glass or crystal pitchers. It is also appropriately served from a punch bowl. Spain gave the world Sangria, but it was first introduced to the United States during the 1964 World’s Fair. Visitors to Spain’s exhibit were served the fruity drink, and the rest is history.

Martini-Lemon Drop even sounds like a holiday beverage. If lemons are the version of “sugar plums dancing in your head,” then perhaps this lemon-infused martini is your dream come true. It involves the rims of chilled martini glasses that are dipped in sugar and are reminiscent of a dusting of snow. It fits the definition of holiday signature drinks, since it’s a very pretty concoction; some might even call it dainty. Legend has it, that the vodka-based, martini-lemon drop was created as a lady drink, but no worries. Your manhood won’t be called into question, nor your feminist card revoked should you choose to enjoy this tasty holiday drink.

Party season is here, but it’s important to remember that drinking responsibly is always in season. Additionally, if you or your guests like to party, but don’t particularly care for liquor, then many of our traditional signature drinks can be made sans alcohol.

WINTERFEST Dec. 8 Event At The Wellington Amphitheater Will Kick Off Holiday Fun In Wellington

One of the ways the community will be kicking off the holiday season is with Winterfest, being hosted by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Village of Wellington on Friday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 10 p.m.

As in previous years, the featured performer will be Vanilla Ice, who will bring his 1990s-style dance concert to the stage at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). Robert Van Winkle, a.k.a. Vanilla Ice, is a Wellington resident and philanthropist who uses the event as a fundraiser.

“We really love you people who have a really great heart,” Vanilla Ice said, inviting everyone in the community to the event, along with their toy donations. “Winterfest is all free, and keep in mind we’re raising money for the Children’s Hospital at Palms West and for Little Smiles.”

Little Smiles (www.littlesmilesfl.org) is a nonprofit that helps children of all ages who are facing devastating circumstances, including terminal illness, abandonment and other trauma. The professionals working with them understand each child’s unique situation and how to help them heal, but they often lack the resources and financial support to make them smile. They turn to Little Smiles, which provides volunteers, supplies and funds to bring joy into the lives of these children, usually through gifts and fun activities.

Winterfest will also feature musical and dance performances by local talent, the Blizzard Beach live show, the Kids Winter Wonderland Village, exhibitors, shopping and food vendors, as well as a beer and margarita garden.

Kevin, Virginia and Jason of the KVJ Show on 97.9 WRMF FM are teaming up on Winterfest this year and can’t wait until the big day.

“Twelve years ago, the Vanilla Ice Holiday Block Party was a massive keg party, with live music, in a field in Lake Worth,” they explained. “Since then, it has evolved and moved from Clematis Street to Downtown at the Gardens and will finally land in a logical location this year, Wellington — Vanilla Ice’s hometown. In partnership with Wellington Winterfest, we plan on presenting the biggest family event of the entire year in Palm Beach County. We are hoping to smash previous year’s records for toy donations to our charity, Little Smiles.”

This year’s presenting sponsor is ChukkerTV and its president and executive producer, Michael Ferreira.

“This year, I have the pleasure to not only be the presenting sponsor of this event, but also serve as the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce,” Ferreira said. “This event brings to the residents of Wellington a one-of-a-kind holiday event like none other in Palm Beach County. We are so grateful to our headline performer Vanilla Ice for continuing to participate each year. ChukkerTV and the Grand Champions Polo Club are honored to participate each and every year, bringing this event to the residents of Wellington.”

Vanilla Ice encouraged everyone to put the event on their calendar.

“Get ready for a good time!” he said. “Get in where you fit in, because it’s going to be the best time ever! We’re going to have thousands of people, and we’re going to have everybody dancing and having a good time, but the main thing is it’s all for a good cause.”

For more information about Winterfest, call the Wellington Chamber at (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com. Get Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/winterfestwellington.

YPOW Honors Wellington Regional CEO Robbin Lee

While Wellington is known around the world for its equestrian community, it is also home to a huge working class and professional population that get up each day, take their kids to school and continue on to their jobs as doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers and more.

This simple daily ritual quietly weaves the fabric of our community and burnishes Wellington’s reputation as a hard-working, family-oriented place to live.

No one knows that better than the Young Professionals of Wellington (YPOW). Five years ago, this group of working adults, most of them under the age of 45, banded together to spread the word to others in their age group that Wellington is a great place to work and a great place to raise a family.

“Our main goal, our vision, is to keep the Village of Wellington as the premier location to live and work in Palm Beach County,” YPOW President Pam Tahan said. “Our sole purpose is to attract young professionals to the area and for them to have their families here. We also work to encourage the community to offer amenities for our age group.”

YPOW participates in several initiatives each year, including its annual Community Impact Leader Award, which was presented this year to Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Robbin Lee.

The group has few expenses and operates through member volunteers. “We have very little overhead — no paid employees, no office,” Tahan said.

Yet the group manages to hold several special events, raise money for charity and reward those who help advance the YPOW vision.

The group’s biggest fundraiser is its Halloween-themed Wicked gala, which attracts 250 to 300 costume-clad revelers to the Wanderers Club.

“It’s the biggest Halloween party in Wellington,” Tahan said. “In addition to dinner and dancing, there’s a casino for prizes, raffle tickets and a silent auction. This year, we had additional entertainment in the form of fire dancers, a magician and an acrobat performing during cocktail hour. It’s meant to be a fun night in Wellington. Our goal is to show the community that we can throw a big party and have a good time without leaving our community.”

The money raised goes to various programs supported by YPOW. “This year, we are part of starting a community garden at the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, together with the Wellington Garden Club,” Tahan said. “The Wellington Garden Club needed funds for plants, tools and equipment. They are also hoping to buy a shed. The goal is to teach kids about healthy food choices and where food comes from.”

Another annual event produced by YPOW is Xcelerate Wellington, based on TV’s Shark Tank. Young entrepreneurs tout their products to local judges, such as Lee and equestrian show promoter Mark Bellissimo.

It was Lee’s support for programs such as Xcelerate Wellington that earned her this year’s Community Impact Leader Award.

“Each year, the group nominates a number of individuals and chooses the person who has most impacted our mission, who has had a large impact on the people who live here in a positive way,” Tahan said. “We want to say thank you for making a difference in our community. Robbin Lee is nothing short of what we as a group are looking for — someone who brings a lot to this community and a lot of support to our group. She really believes in YPOW and also gives back to the community. She expanded our hospital to include services our community previously did not have, she’s the incoming president of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, she’s the past chair of the American Heart Association Heart Walk, she’s a board member of the Wellington Community Foundation, and she actively participates and fundraises for our community.”

Receiving the award earlier this year was an event in itself. Lee was conducting a meeting of department managers in WRMC’s administrative board room when she heard music in the hallway — it was a mariachi band hired to serenade the unsuspecting winner as YPOW members served breakfast, cupcakes and treats. The hoopla concluded with the trophy presentation.

“I am not sure which was more surprising, the mariachi band marching through the hospital early on a Monday morning or the nomination,” Lee said. “I am thankful for being recognized, however, I am just the face of the amazing WRMC leadership and staff. I am truly honored to lead this team of intelligent, dedicated, passionate people. There are so many people in this community who are focused on giving back and continuing to improve the lives of those who live here. I am honored to be selected and hope that others are inspired to impact our community in a positive manner as well.”

Lee respects both the members and the mission of the Young Professionals of Wellington.

“The group consists of individuals who are leaders in their professions and leverage their positions to make an impact in the community,” Lee said. “They collectively work toward providing advocacy for community issues and engaging the next generation in preserving Wellington’s status as a premier community to live and work. They also serve as role models and encourage entrepreneurship through Xcelerate Wellington.”

She likes the group for its forward-looking attitude.

“As a hospital that strives to stay in tune with the community, we look to organizations such as YPOW for feedback on how to meet the needs of our residents while continuing to contribute to positive economic growth,” Lee said. “Also, these individuals are the future for business in Wellington. Therefore, their awareness of the healthcare sector is critical.”

She enjoys her work with Xcelerate Wellington. “This is a fantastic competition that encourages innovation in our community,” Lee said. “I enjoy hearing the ideas presented and meeting the brilliant minds behind the concepts. Proposals such as Oceana Coffee and HNM Menswear are opportunities for us to support projects that help our community grow.”

In addition, Wellington Regional Medical Center supports YPOW at its annual Jump Off WEF event and its annual Wicked celebration.

“I admire YPOW. They are our future,” Lee said. “I want to thank them for recognizing the advances and accomplishments of Wellington Regional Medical Center and for allowing me to be a part of the leaders they view as a critical part of our community.”

Visit www.ypwellington.com for more information about the Young Professionals of Wellington.

A Passion For Winemaking Led Brandon West To Create Wellington Wines

A curiosity about winemaking has grown into a local start-up company for Brandon West, CEO of Rich Oak Vineyards, Wines of Wellington.

The small-business owner and longtime Wellington resident started like many others with a curiosity that has grown into a passion, which grew into a business idea, and now it’s a finished product.

Originally, West thought he might want to learn about the process of brewing beer, but that faded. Instead, he found himself interested in a process not too far off his original path.

“I started Googling and YouTubing about how to actually make wine,” West said. “And then, that day, I took action and bought a wine-making kit.”

The rest is recent history, and West has made a mark for himself by introducing his Red Blend to the local community and beyond. His Red Blend is 70 percent cabernet, 20 percent zinfandel and 10 percent Syrah.

Where does a winemaker in Florida get his grapes and start the process for something like this?

“I work with Royal Caribbean, so I was able to travel to many areas of Europe and actually visited a lot of vineyards over there,” West said. “Also, I took some trips over to California. I found that I wanted to keep it in the United States as the first go-around. After a lot of research, I found an excellent vineyard in Lodi, Calif.”

West created a partnership with a vineyard there, and he picked the grapes he would use to create the Red Blend.

“I worked with them to get a blend, to get it all packaged, all labeled and shipped to a warehouse in Miami,” West said. “I got all the licenses and regulations, started up the business, and then started selling with retailers around Wellington.”

All of the grapes used in his blend come from Lodi, which West said rivals the vineyards from close neighbor Napa, Calif.

“I think Napa is a little overvalued,” West said. “It’s great wine, but there is also some great wine next door that doesn’t have that name to it. It’s still excellent wine. I think it’s probably number two in the California region… so it has a lot of quality, and the price is not as expensive as Napa, so it gets a lot of value in that aspect.”

Wines of Wellington is the foundation for West and the company. Rich Oak’s Red Blend, beyond the different grapes, offers a wine low in added sulfites, which are found to varying degrees in all wine. West noted that enjoying a glass of wine high in added sulfites may give the drinker an annoying headache.

“When you have these mainstream, mass-produced, cheaper wines, many

times those sulfites are 200 to 300 parts per million, which is really

high,” West said. “So, people who make homemade wine have very, very low parts per million, so you can drink wine without getting a headache. It’s down to about 20 to 30 parts per million, which is very low.”

When it’s all mixed together, West’s Red Blend offers something that he loves and finds to be unique. It can be served with red meat, chicken, pasta and sauce — even pizza. It also pairs well with Thai and other spicy foods.

The cabernet, zinfandel and Syrah work together to offer many different flavors, particularly the addition of the Syrah.

“It gives it a pretty well-rounded flavor, a hint of pepper, chocolate, cherry and a few other flavors,” West said. “For me, it’s something that I love. And so far, tasting it and sampling it with many other people, I’ve found that even many [non-wine] drinkers love this wine… They really liked this type of blend because it wasn’t too over powerful, and it wasn’t that watery. It’s a very neutral, well-rounded wine.”

West has received positive feedback from the community, and he continues to look for a way to spread his Wines of Wellington concept.

“I’ve been able to meet a lot of different business owners, which has been awesome. I’ve been able to communicate and find best practices and be able to grow as an individual, grow the business, and help other businesses grow,” West said. “Being able to know the business owners has been very valuable, to see how people are using different strategies in their businesses.”

West is not new to developing a product. He is a full-time information technology business analyst and product owner with Royal Caribbean.

“I help work on the new products, IT-related technical products on the ship, primarily in the guest services area, guest port services and housekeeping,” West said. “Really, the driving factor is problem-solving, and for me, problem-solving [is] basically making a situation better and enhancing the experience.”

As someone searching for solutions daily, West is still working on the logistics and hopes to establish his winery locally, solving the want and need for a space to bring people together.

“Having something like a winery or similar to that vibe or atmosphere, working on building a really nice facility that people could come together at, to bond and create events, and to share those experiences over a glass of wine [is something I hope for],” West said.

Wines of Wellington’s Red Blend can be found at Star Liquors’ locations in Wellington, as well as the Publix location in the Town Square and Courtyard Shops plazas, and it’s beginning to pop up in local restaurants as well.

“My goals right now are to get into 20 retail locations, launch two new varietals and to continue to grow, turn a profit and to give back more to the community,” West said. “We wanted to deliver a very rich wine for Wellington. It took us a long time to find, but we did find it.”

Visit www.richoakvineyards.com to learn more about Rich Oak Vineyards, Wines of Wellington.

Rider To Teacher: Victoria Colvin Bases New Enterprise In The Wellington Area

Born and raised in Wellington, Victoria Colvin knows the community like she knows the back of a horse. Now 20 years old, the young phenom is taking the next step in the equestrian industry by graduating from student to teacher.

Following a highly successful junior career as one of the winningest young riders in history, Colvin is striking out on her own and launching her own enterprise.

In only her first year as a professional, she recently opened the doors to her own business bearing her name, Victoria Colvin LLC, and has already achieved considerable success.

Based locally, Victoria Colvin LLC offers clients the elite opportunity to train with an acclaimed show rider and trainer. Colvin’s students will further have the opportunity to compete at horse shows across North America during the spring and fall, as well as in Wellington at the world-famous Winter Equestrian Festival during the winter season.

The new venture also inclu–des a strong focus on finding, developing and selling quality young show horses with the hope that they will each bring success to their future owners.

“It was never a question that when I started my own training business that it would be located in Wellington,” Colvin said. “Growing up in horse country around equestrians from around the world definitely fostered my riding, and I want the same to be true for my students. Wellington is home to a quality of training and competition that you can’t find anywhere else.”

Uniquely qualified to develop successful riders, Colvin is known for her prowess in all three riding rings — hunter, jumper and equitation — and boasts an impressive list of victories accumulated throughout her career. A natural horsewoman from a young age, Colvin first caught the attention of the competitive equestrian community with her domination in the pony ring as a child, and grew to be a renowned talent.

She made her Grand Prix debut at the ripe age of 13 in 2011, ultimately winning the $25,000 Spring VI Grand Prix in front of a hometown crowd in Wellington aboard Monsieur du Reverdy, beating out 30 seasoned competitors in her first effort.

Colvin spent the majority of 2014 and 2015 leading victory gallops as the top junior rider in the country, earning nearly all of the major junior equitation championships in unprecedented fashion. A proven Grand Prix contender, she has since accrued a number of wins to her name, most recently the 2016 $40,000 Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix at the Bluegrass Festival Horse Show in Kentucky.

In the hunter ring, Colvin added her name to the history books as the 2017 winner of the $268,550 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championship, topping a field of more than 80 horses and riders aboard John and Stephanie Ingram’s Cuba.

With high-profile owners seeking her out to ride their horses in every ring, the potential to add more accolades to her name is constantly growing, but Colvin has not forgotten her beginnings in South Florida.

“Some of the highlights of my competitive riding career have come from the Winter Equestrian Festival and other horse shows at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center,” Colvin said. “I’ve done everything from the pony ring to the Grand Prix. I know those show grounds well, and having them practically in my backyard is really special. Though I’ve traveled all over the country to ride, Wellington will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Colvin’s many accomplishments have propelled her to widespread recognition in the equestrian sphere, and her uncanny talent has led her to train with a multitude of elite trainers, most recently the legendary George H. Morris, who has described her as the most naturally gifted rider he has ever met and envisions her as a future Olympic medalist.

If all goes well, and Colvin continues to work her way into the show jumping limelight, Wellington just may have another hometown rider to cheer for at a future Olympic Games. For now, only time will tell. “There is a lot going on in my life right now between riding, instructing, traveling and competing. Though I’m very proud of everything I, as well as the horses, owners and trainers that have helped me along the way, have accomplished, I’m always looking for the next step,” Colvin said. “I’m currently bringing along two horses of my own, and I’m eager to find a few more high-performance horses with the hopes of competing internationally.”

Though she has her eye set on global stardom in the future, Colvin has not forgotten her roots. While competition may take her from her hometown, the Wellington native always knows that she will be back, now with a new business to manage.

“Not only is Wellington my home and the base of Victoria Colvin LLC, but I’ll be returning to the Winter Equestrian Festival year after year. It’s the place to be for all things equestrian,” Colvin said. “Wellington will always be where I was raised and where I had my introduction to riding. I’ll always be grateful for that, and this town will always be my home.” Visit www.victoriacolvin.com to learn more about Victoria Colvin LLC.