Three Decades Of Memories
30-Year Reunion Brings Together
Wellington High School’s Class Of 1994

In the sixth grade, Jennifer (Sardone) Shiner and her cousin Melissa (Lauria) Schmidt — both members of Wellington High School’s Class of 1994 — moved from Staten Island, New York, to Wellington, Florida. Why Wellington? Jennifer’s family, who lived in Boca Raton, recommended the fast-growing community as an up-and-coming place to raise a family.

While attending Wellington Landings Middle School, Jennifer became friends with Alina (Farinas) Hoge and Amit Patel. Together with Melissa, they recalled learning in portable classrooms. Jennifer was a soccer player, and she, Alina and Amit sang and performed throughout Palm Beach County in the chorus under the direction of Mr. A (Richard Andreacchio).

As they looked forward to high school, they knew that the School District of Palm Beach County was building a new school, Wellington High School. As first-year students when the school opened in 1990, they were the first class to attend all four years. Alina worked in journalism on the yearbook, while Jennifer played varsity soccer and continued singing with the chorus, and Amit excelled in playing tennis and was on the debate team. Both Alina and Amit were named the “most talkative” of the class.

In high school, the students filled the halls and, with every step, created memorable moments. New friendships were established, lasting until graduation and beyond. As the four years passed, and everyone grew up, the memories of homecoming, football games, parties, sleepovers and their high school graduation lasted a lifetime.

In 1994, the class had more than 600 graduates, and the graduation ceremony was held at the former West Palm Beach Auditorium. After graduation, students went on to college, married, started working and began the next chapter of their lives.

Since graduation, Alina and Jennifer, with the help of others, have coordinated and planned reunions through the years. These events created new memories and brought back fond memories of those early years at WHS.

Some of the memories they reminisced about living in “Welly World” back then were the times going to Squire’s Deli for fireballs, going to the original Wellington Mall (then known as the Commons Mall), getting their first jobs, going to the Wellington pool and attending the popular Huck Finn Day celebration.

Alina and Jennifer manage the class’s Facebook page, and as the time rolled around again, they surveyed the class for the dates for their 30th reunion. The reunion weekend was set for June 21-22, 2024. Once again, Alina and Jennifer started planning, and recruited Amit to help. A committee was formed. Their idea was to bring the class back to Wellington for this milestone 30th reunion, since many other reunions were outside Wellington.

After months of planning and more than 1,000 texts, Alina, Jennifer and Amit were excited that the weekend finally arrived. Friday was themed Flashback Friday to 1994, and the class was asked to wear clothes from the 1990s, or anything from Wellington High School. It could be a football jersey or a powder puff jersey, from a sport to a club.

Friday night was held at Kontiki restaurant, and more than 100 people attended. Every face was familiar, just a little older, but time stood still on that night. It was as if they were once again in the hallways of the high school. Everyone was anxious to catch up with old friends, meet spouses, and learn about their families and jobs. As adults now approaching 50, cliques no longer existed, and everyone was just friends. Lots of photos were taken, drinks were had, sushi and appetizers were served, and there was a DJ with plenty of dancing.

Saturday was scheduled to be a pool day at the Wellington National Golf Club, but the weather was questionable. Guys scheduled golf in the morning. Lunch brought many together at the club for social time.

Soon, it was time for the big dinner event, held at the Wellington National Golf Club — a night the organizers and their former classmates had all waited for. The committee made sure everything was perfect. As guests entered, former high school teachers assisted with signing in. Cocktail hour was a good time to say hi to everyone and to reconnect with each other. There was a photo booth with props, a bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, a shrimp display, and tons of laughs and smiles.

Next, it was time to enter the ballroom, adorned with classic royal blue and white, representing the high school colors. The centerpieces were glittery 30s with 1994 and confetti. The dance floor had an oversized “WHS 94.” Alina created a memorabilia table filled with yearbooks, the high school newspaper The Wave and photos of old newspaper clippings from their four years in high school. The walls had programs, invitations and the traditional high school cap and gown. The photo booth had groups of people dancing with hats, props and boas.

Jennifer, Alina and Amit hosted their tables filled with friends. Following dinner, and after looking around the room, seeing everyone having a great time made all the efforts worth every second. DJ Marcus played hit songs from the 1990s, and everyone hit the dance floor as if they were 16 again. For dessert, there was a 30-cupcake display and coffee.

During the evening, attendees took a moment to remember the five members of the Class of 1994 lost through the years — students they had known but gone too soon. There was a memorial table with their photos and candles. Guests were invited to sign the photos for each student, which would be given to their families as a gift.

Soon, it was time to end the evening. Some went home and returned to their normal lives, and some went to JoJo’s for a nightcap.

The reunion committee thanks Megan (Baran) Vodar and Rob Saake for their help with the reunion. Special thanks as well to classmate Kelly O’Brien of Coastal Click Photography, who captured the photos. Finally, thanks to all the classmates who traveled from near and far to attend and help to make the 30th reunion weekend one to be remembered forever.

The committee dedicates this story to the classmates who have passed on and who will always be remembered: Melanie Miller, Scott Zurko, Carlos and Rafael Aruzza, and Bryan Wiles.

Today, 30 years after graduation, Alina lives with her husband Brian Hoge and their triplet sons in Wellington, which has remained a great place to raise a family. Amit graduated as a civil engineer and currently resides in Wellington. Jennifer lives in Stuart with her husband Scott Shiner (Class of 1993), and her cousin Melissa lives in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband Joe Schmidt (Class of 1991) and both sons are in college.

A Gift Of Art From The Heart
High School Artist Andrea Gonzalez Uses Her Talents To Paint Murals At Local School

By Mike May

Andrea Gonzalez, a 17-year-old Wellington resident and a rising senior at Suncoast High School, is driven by the philosophy of giving back, expressing thanks and showing appreciation. She doesn’t always express her appreciation with handwritten notes or her voice. Instead, she often uses her artwork to give back and pay homage to those individuals, especially teachers, who have helped her progress in life.

“I’ve been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember,” Gonzalez recalled.

This past spring, and the previous spring as well, Gonzalez created murals for Teacher Appreciation Week at her elementary school alma mater, Wellington’s Binks Forest Elementary School. She is also planning to paint another mural for Teacher Appreciation Week at Binks Forest next spring.

Her murals in 2023 and 2024 have been quite large, and each took nearly five weeks to complete. According to Gonzalez, the murals were roughly 12 feet long and seven feet tall.

The title of the mural in 2023 was “Pyramids and Mountains,” while the name of this year’s mural was “The Clock.” Each mural followed a theme that was agreed upon by the leadership of the school’s Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

“In 2023, the PTA’s theme for Teacher Appreciation Week was the Seven Wonders of the World, and this year’s theme was Toys,” Gonzalez said. “So, last year, my mural focused on the pyramids of Egypt and Mount Everest, which is why it was called Pyramids and Mountains. This year, since the theme was Toys, my mural design was the famous clock at the FAO Schwarz store in New York.”

The FAO Schwarz clock is unique since the face of the clock has two eyes and a smile. Believe it or not, Gonzalez was able to paint “The Clock” by using only five colors.

“My primary colors this year were red, gold, black and white, along with a little bit of blue,” Gonzalez explained.

According to Veronica Zavaleta, Andrea Gonzalez’s mother, her daughter would like to motivate the next generation of young students by expressing love and gratitude through art, which is why a young artist named Claire Russell — a rising fourth grader at Binks Forest — helped Gonzalez by making her own artistic creation this past spring to complement Gonzalez’s mural.

While Gonzalez said that she has always had an interest in art, she has benefited by learning and listening to her art teachers in school, including her current art teacher at Suncoast High School. That’s one of the many things that motivated Gonzalez to pursue the mural projects.

“My art teacher at Suncoast is Mr. [Anthony] Kopp, who genuinely gives me a solid and honest critique when I ask for it,” said Gonzalez, who plans to keep drawing and painting for the rest of her life.

In addition to her two murals, Gonzalez has already compiled a treasure chest of artistic creations.

“I have 10 art pieces in frames, and I have many more projects that I have started in my sketch book,” she said.

Gonzalez has been impressed and influenced by the work of other great artists.

“I love the work of Monet, and I love Impressionism,” Gonzalez said. “I also like the art of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. My favorite color is black, using the style Tenebrism. I also like portrait work and drawing faces of people, including my own.”

While Gonzalez is passionate about art, she’s also a great student and a member of Suncoast’s girls varsity weightlifting team.

“I’m enrolled in the school’s International Baccalaureate program, and I hope to be a co-captain of the girls weightlifting team next year,” she said. “I want to win a state championship next spring.”

At 154 pounds, her best clean-and-jerk effort is 174 pounds. She can also bench press 155 pounds, and her best lift in the snatch is 126 pounds.

After graduating from Suncoast next spring, she plans to continue her collegiate education in Orlando. “I hope to enroll at the University of Central Florida,” Gonzalez said.

16 Years Of Artistic Excellence
Dance Theatre At Wellington Marks Milestone With Convenient New Location

Located in the heart of the community, Dance Theatre at Wellington stands as a testament to dedication, passion and the transformative power of dance.

Founded in 1993 by Michelle and Randy Gerlick, this beloved institution started in Davie and has been nurturing the love of dance in students of all ages for more than 31 years. From its inception, Dance Theatre has been more than just a studio, it has been a family. In August 2008, the legacy continued when Dance Theatre arrived in Wellington. Since that time, it has become a home for thousands of dance families.

Bryanna Fallen — known as Ms. Bry — began her journey with Dance Theatre at Wellington in 2008 as the front desk administrative assistant, a role that allowed her to immerse herself in the vibrant atmosphere of the studio. Working closely with the children, as well as her two daughters, who enjoyed dancing as part of the growing Dance Theatre community, she quickly developed a deep affection for the environment, witnessing firsthand the transformative power of dance on young lives.

“From my first moments in the studio, I fell in love. You could instantly feel the energy that surrounded you from the students and families,” Bryanna recalled. “There was an excitement in the air. Dancing was always a big part of my life growing up, and I knew that this was where I belonged. It soon became a second home to me. Both of my daughters danced at the studio, and it was such a blessing to be able to share that time with them.”

Bryanna’s passion grew each day as she supported the students and staff, fostering a sense of community and belonging. This connection to the studio’s mission ignited a dream within her to one day own and lead Dance Theatre at Wellington.

After 15 years, a significant milestone was reached when the studio’s previous owner decided to pursue a new career path.

This presented an incredible opportunity for Bryanna and her husband, Howie Fallen, whose dreams of owning the studio finally came to fruition. Her transition from manager to owner was seamless, thanks to her deep-rooted connection to the studio and its community.

On Nov. 15, 2023, after a challenging and eventful build-out at their new location in the Shoppes at Wellington Green near Panera Bread, the Fallens opened the doors as the new owners at Dance Theatre at Wellington. Their commitment to preserving the studio’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy has been nothing short of remarkable.

“We have something for everyone,” Bryanna said. “Whether you are looking for recreational classes or looking for a competitive edge with our DTX competition team, we offer classes for students ages 2.5 to 18 years old. We offer acro, ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, poms, musical theater, tap, salsa, TikTok classes, conditioning and contemporary/hip hop. For our little ones, we offer combination classes, such as ballet and tap.”

At Dance Theatre at Wellington, Bryanna and Howie Fallen have cultivated an environment that is warm and inviting to anyone who enters. They welcome all families into the studio, treating every student as if they were their own. Their mission is to create a space where students not only learn to dance but also feel a profound sense of belonging and comfort from the moment they walk through the doors.

“Dance Theatre is proud to be a family-run business,” Bryanna said. “When you walk through the doors, you will instantly feel like you are part of that family. Nothing warms my heart more than when I hear a child call me ‘Mama Bry.’ Under the guidance of our experienced and dedicated staff, children learn proper dance techniques, build confidence and develop a deep love for dance.”

She added that the studio’s programs not only focus on technical skills, but also on fostering creativity, working as a team, being resilient and becoming self-disciplined. “We want to help raise students who are kind, compassionate and support one another,” Bryanna said. “The dance world is tough, and you need that support from your fellow dancers. We are committed to nurturing each child’s potential and helping them thrive both on the dance floor and in the world.”

One of the cornerstones of Dance Theatre’s success is its staff, many of whom have been with the studio for years. These dedicated professionals are not just teachers; they are mentors who are deeply invested in the growth and development of their students. Their goal is to instill proper technique, challenge students to reach new goals, build confidence and foster an enduring love for dance.

“There are so many life lessons from taking dance classes,” Bryanna said. “Whether dancers are performing or mastering dance skills in the classroom, this is building their confidence and self-esteem, which will then in turn help them have a positive self-image. Every skill that is mastered builds their confidence and self-esteem. Dancers have to be resilient and persevere during difficult times. They are challenged constantly when mastering a difficult routine or overcoming the fear of being on stage.”

She added that dancers also learn the importance of time management.

“Balancing dance classes with school and other activities help children develop strong organizational and time management skills,” Bryanna said. “Dance encourages creative thinking and personal expression, allowing children to explore and convey their emotions through movement. Most importantly, they learn respect and how to work together as a team. Dancers learn how to follow instructions, respect teachers and peers, and maintain a positive attitude, which helps children understand and practice good manners and respect for others. Dance teaches discipline and commitment. Coming to class on a regular basis teaches children the importance of dedication and hard work.”

Dance Theatre at Wellington is located at 10550 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Shoppes of Wellington Green. For more information about classes and programs, call (561) 270-5678 or e-mail wellington@dancetheatre.net. Learn more at www.dancetheatre.net/wellington.

HORSING AROUND 
A Galloping Success Benefiting The Equestrian Aid Foundation

By Shannon Anastasio

The Jennifer Balcos Gallery in Palm Beach recently played host to a magnificent event — “Horsing Around,” a showcase of equestrian-inspired artwork that left attendees spellbound. The gallery served as the perfect backdrop for a gathering that was not only a celebration of artistic talent but also a heartfelt fundraiser for the Wellington-based Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF).

During the opening night of Horsing Around on May 9, guests were treated to a visual feast as they roamed through the gallery, marveling at the stunning pieces on display.

From paintings capturing the adrenaline-fueled excitement of show jumping to serene depictions of the bond between horse and rider, every work of art was a testament to the beauty and grace of these majestic creatures.

Among the standout pieces was a mesmerizing portrayal by Kyle Lucks Fine Art featuring show jumper Nayel Nassar in action. The dynamic energy and harmony between horse and rider were palpable, leaving viewers in awe of the skillful artistry. Weatherly Stroh’s works also left a lasting impression, capturing the tranquil essence and natural elegance of horses with remarkable precision.

Beyond the visual delights, the event also served as a fundraiser for the EAF. By attending Horsing Around, guests not only fed their love for art and equestrianism but also contributed to a worthy cause, supporting individuals within the equestrian community in their times of need.

Adding to the ambiance were the mint juleps and Polo Girl Cabaret, creating an atmosphere of sophistication and conviviality. With 17 talented artists showcasing their work, including several local Palm Beachers, Horsing Around provided a platform for creativity to flourish while fostering a sense of community spirit.

The event’s success goes beyond the accolades of artistic achievement. It exemplifies the power of collaboration and generosity, bringing together art enthusiasts, equestrians and philanthropists alike in support of a wonderful cause. This legacy of inspiration and compassion will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who attended.

The EAF provides emergency financial grants to members of the equestrian community throughout the United States who are struggling to overcome catastrophic illness, injury or another unforeseen crisis.

For more information about the Equestrian Aid Foundation, or how you can become involved in helping, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.

Flavors of Wellington A Success 
Annual Chamber Event Celebrates Wellington Culinary Excellence

By Shannon Anastasio

The robust restaurant community in Wellington recently hosted the highly anticipated Flavors of Wellington event, presented Thursday, May 23 by the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce. This culinary extravaganza brought together local restaurants, cafés, bistros, country clubs and caterers to celebrate the best in food and drink.

This year’s 21st annual event was a resounding success and recognized several establishments for their exceptional contributions to the local culinary scene. The winners, who dazzled attendees with their culinary prowess, included Dos Amigos Tacos Wellington for Best Taste, Kickback Neighborhood Tavern for Best Cocktail, Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes for Best Dessert and Franco Italian Bistro for Best Stop.

Dos Amigos Tacos Wellington claimed the coveted Best Taste award, enchanting taste buds with authentic Mexican flavors. Known for innovative and delicious tacos, Dos Amigos has established itself as a must-try in the Wellington food scene. This victory is a testament to their commitment to quality ingredients and traditional recipes, which create an unforgettable dining experience.

Kickback Neighborhood Tavern took home the Best Cocktail award, impressing judges and attendees alike with a creative and expertly crafted beverage choice. Kickback’s cocktails, known for unique blends and vibrant flavors, have made the tavern a popular spot for locals seeking a refreshing and enjoyable drink. This award highlights Kickback’s dedication to mixology and the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes won the Best Dessert category, delighting “sweet tooths” with their delectable treats. The desserts available, ranging from rich pastries to intricate cakes, showcase skill in baking and a passion for creating sweet masterpieces. This recognition underscores Candid Coffee/Anna Bakes as a beloved dessert destination in Wellington.

Franco Italian Bistro earned the Best Stop award, being recognized for its overall excellence in food, service and ambiance. This bistro, which offers a blend of classic and contemporary Italian dishes, has long been a favorite dining spot for many in Wellington. The award celebrates Franco’s ability to provide an exceptional dining experience that keeps customers coming back.

Events such as these would not happen without many sponsors and exhibitors. This year, Flavors of Wellington was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and a host of exhibitors who showcased their culinary delights and services. Presenting sponsors included FPL, K&E Travel and Celebrity Cruises. The host venue was Wellington National Golf Club. The event featured luxury buses sponsored by local businesses, ensuring that attendees could travel to and from the host venue with ease and comfort.

Other featured exhibitors included Mole Cantina Mexicana, the Polo Club at NPC, Masala Mantra Indian Cuisine, Stonewood Grill & Tavern Wellington, Village Music and Café Wellington, Scout & Cellar Wines, the Poké Company Wellington, the Fresh Pita Club, Keke’s Breakfast Café Wellington, Starbucks at the Mall at Wellington Green, Pura Vida Wellington and Maxwell’s Plum.

Now that you’ve had time to digest all of the scrumptious dishes, get a glimpse into the future as the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce has already set sights on the next installment, promising an even more spectacular experience in 2025.

Stay tuned for updates and get set to mark your calendars for next year’s event. For additional information, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Serving The Wider Community
South Florida Fair Installs New Chair And Eight New Board Members, Including Wellington’s Pam Rada

By Shannon Anastasio

The South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions Inc. recently announced Becky Isiminger as the new chair of its board of directors and also added eight new members to its board. They were installed at the fair’s annual meeting on Thursday, April 25.

Among the new board members is Wellington’s Pam Rada, who hopes that she can use her expertise to support the wider community.

“With my background and experience, I plan to leverage my skills by joining the South Florida Fair’s marketing committee and providing feedback on their already robust marketing program,” Rada said. “My goal is to help create compelling narratives that highlight the fair’s unique offerings and engage the community in meaningful ways. By doing so, I aim to enhance the fair’s outreach and ensure it continues to captivate and connect with a diverse audience.”

Rada’s career spans more than 15 years of marketing, public relations and sales experience. She currently oversees the marketing, advertising and community outreach for Wellington Regional Medical Center. Prior to healthcare, Rada served as a marketing director in the shopping center industry.

“I am particularly excited to collaborate with the South Florida Fair’s marketing team to learn about and enhance their digital strategies for reaching a larger audience,” she explained. “Another initiative I am passionate about is contributing to special events and programs that celebrate the cultural diversity of South Florida. These projects will allow us to connect with a broader community and showcase the vibrant cultural community that defines our region.”

Rada believes that her work at Wellington Regional fits well with her volunteer work with the South Florida Fair.

“At Wellington Regional, we pride ourselves on providing care you can count on to all members of the community,” she said. “We’ve extended this commitment to the South Florida Fair by sponsoring hand-washing stations and emergency services, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all attendees. My experience in community outreach will help me foster strong connections and ensure that our engagement efforts at the fair reflect the same dedication to inclusivity and support.”

Rada hopes to help expand the reach of the South Florida Fair beyond its traditional communities of support.

“One of the biggest opportunities for growth lies in expanding our reach into Broward County through digital transformation. By leveraging new technologies and digital marketing strategies, we can effectively attract the Broward audience,” she said regarding the fair. “Additionally, enhancing our sustainability practices presents a significant chance to make the fair more eco-friendly and appealing to environmentally conscious attendees. I aim to contribute by bringing innovative ideas and best practices from my marketing background, fostering community partnerships, and driving initiatives that promote growth, inclusivity and sustainability.”

On the fair’s board, Isiminger replaces outgoing chair Robert Weisman. As the new chair, Isiminger is responsible for leading the 106-member volunteer board of directors and working closely with the executive staff of the fair to ensure the continued success of the nonprofit organization.

For the past 20 years, Isiminger has served as the corporate secretary/treasurer for Isiminger & Stubbs Engineering, overseeing the financial department. She has been a director at the fair since 2005 and a trustee since 2012. Beyond the fair, she currently serves on the Quantum House Board of Directors, is a past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches and is an elder at First Presbyterian Church in North Palm Beach.

Aside from Rada, other new board members are Shawna Ahmad, Yinett Florentino, Ilan Kaufer, Charity Lewis, Chris McAllister, Frank Sardinha III and Brannan Thomas.

Ahmad has been a Florida educator for 29 years. Currently, she teaches and learns with academically progressive high school students and colleagues at Seminole Ridge High School. Her goal is to create academically engaging learning experiences through an environment that fosters creativity, curiosity and kindness.

Florentino is a small business owner, providing consultancy services in the administrative realm. With a background in business, nonprofit organizations, marketing and accounting, she is passionate about helping and supporting business leaders lead with purpose in both the profit and nonprofit sectors. Her interests include leadership, business development and innovation.

Kaufer serves as the external affairs manager for Florida Power & Light Company. In that role, he manages external relations for portions of Palm Beach County and all of Okeechobee County. He has worked for FPL since 2009 and has served the company in various roles.

Lewis works as the civic engagement supervisor for the City of West Palm Beach. With many years of experience in fulfilling multifaceted roles in customer and public service, in both the public and private sector, she possesses a unique blend of communications, marketing and public relations expertise.

McAllister is a registered nurse with more than a decade of experience in the emergency department, currently serving as a team manager at VITAS Healthcare. Beyond his professional commitments, he is deeply involved in community service, dedicating 13 years as a volunteer at the South Florida Fair.

Sardinha is a practicing attorney in Palm Beach Gardens at Loren & Kean Law. A proud Palm Beach County native, he has been attending the South Florida Fair since elementary school. Since 2005, he has volunteered for the Florida American Legion Boys State, serving as its executive director for several years, and on its board of directors since 2018.

Thomas is the director of community relations for U.S. Sugar. In this role, he manages the company’s community support and engagement initiatives, serving the Glades and coastal communities where the U.S. Sugar people live and work. He is responsible for overseeing U.S. Sugar’s generous community outreach efforts.

The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions Inc., a nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes. The 2025 South Florida Fair will be held Jan. 17 through Feb. 2. The fair staff also present many additional events throughout the year.

For additional information about the fair, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

Wellington Seeks Input On Budget Priorities The Village Uses Online Tools And Public Workshops To Gather Feedback From Residents

The Village of Wellington puts a major focus on getting input from the public on their budget priorities. Outreach is ongoing this month as the village draws up its spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington has always worked to engage its residents and businesses in its annual budget process. From budget surveys to traditional in-person workshops, we have continually worked to gather as much input into our budget development as possible. In 2023, we launched additional simulation tools, such as “Balancing Act,” in an effort to expand outreach. The simulation ties the village’s budget to its strategic priorities — the big-picture goals of the community. Connecting spending levels to these goals provides yet another layer of contextual information to budget engagement opportunities for residents.

“Our simulation is currently organized by strategic objectives,” said Christine Wadleigh, the village’s budget director. “The services our programs offer village-wide are all categorized into ‘service objectives.’ Using strategic objectives adds another layer to understanding how a department serves the community and the delicate reality of allocating funding.”

The village’s efforts to align its budget to its strategic objectives demonstrate how we strive to implement new ways of thinking about the budgeting process and use technological advances to build caring and resilient communities, continue transparency and reverse declining trust in government.

The goals of Wellington’s budget public engagement initiative are to build trust in government decisions; get information on public priorities; gain familiarity with budget allocation areas and aid understanding of budget tradeoffs; and align public expectations with what a government can realistically accomplish.

In order to enhance engagement in the budget process, the interactive tool Balancing Act features a simulation of the budget. In this tool, respondents interact with the proposed General Fund budget by revenue type and expenditure area, and the respondent may increase or decrease spending. Increases in spending indicate priorities, and any additions have to be offset elsewhere in the budget to balance. Open comment fields are included to gather freeform feedback to distribute to the Wellington Village Council and senior staff.

Historically, local governments have relied on a budget process that favors addressing short-term priorities over long-range planning. For more than two decades, Wellington has moved away from incremental processes into a more integrated approach. This is a result of the council’s responsible recognition of budget challenges on the horizon: the village’s revenue growth wasn’t keeping pace with its expenses. Decisions regarding projects, programs and services involve determining cost cuts or revenue increases, and we wanted residents to understand the reality of our budget challenge.

It was also apparent that the traditional method of community outreach around the budget wasn’t cutting it. The village was spending immense staff time engaging small crowds of repeat attendees. We needed better, more diverse feedback from more residents to make informed decisions.

Since then, our budget engagement has become an almost year-round activity, with different emphases at different points in the budget process. Early in the fiscal year, we launch a simulation with a preliminary budget and use the simulation tools to have our departmental staff prioritize their budget preparation process. This first cut is based on gauging broad priorities and determining how to resolve tough potential tradeoffs. Additional rounds accompany the proposed budget so the public and elected officials can both see the rationale for initial decisions and provide high-level input.

In addition to asking residents to weigh in on how to best balance the budget, we have also used the budget tool Taxpayer Receipt that shows residents how much of their total tax bill goes toward different areas of village operations like debt service or recreation.

These simulation tools help us create more constructive, informative conversations about the budget and engage citizens in a process that is often lacking in transparency.

The primary benefit we see as a village with Balancing Act is direct feedback from our residents. The simulations take a dense and dull subject and make it more engaging, understandable and exciting. We also can begin to explain the connections to revenues and expenditures and the relationships of a balanced budget. It also enables resident input to be captured independently, where residents can work on the simulation on their own, and allows for interaction in group settings, which we do with community groups. We are currently changing when we engage our residents with simulation. We are getting residents involved in the process sooner, and we hope to see a continued growth in engagement and participation.

Online public engagement evolved from a nice-to-have to need-to-have feature of government as resident schedules became busier, precluding them from participating in traditional community meetings. The interactive tools we use also give residents a quick and simple way to provide input on capital project prioritization, given that we also have more projects than available funding.

It is safe to say our residents are getting accustomed to simulation tools as part of the annual budgeting process. We continue to see increasing participation numbers. We will continue to look at ways to increase participation in our in-person and online opportunities. Our residents love to provide input, and our online engagement efforts are becoming an annual part of capturing their voices.

Wellington’s budget public engagement tools will launch this month and continue through mid-August. The simulation results will be presented in the budget adoption hearings in September.