Local Expert: Wellington Real Estate Is On The Rise
It’s still a buyers’ market for real estate in the Wellington area, but if you’re looking to buy a home, you should act sooner rather than later, advised Matt Halperin, president-elect of the Realtors Association of the Palm Beaches.

When Disaster Strikes, The Radio Club Is There
In 1998, Wellington put out an appeal for volunteer communicators to help with the newly forming Emergency Operations Center. Only one volunteer — Larry Lazar — showed up, but one was all it took. When the Wellington Radio Club was formed, there were 13 members. Today, there are more than 70 members.

WHS Fire Academy Is ‘Educating Tomorrow’s Heroes’
Wellington High School’s Fire Science Academy, which marked its first anniversary last month, is “educating tomorrow’s heroes today.” The program began the new school year with 69 cadets participating in what is the only high school program of its kind in Palm Beach County.

Wellington Journalists In France To Cover WEG
As the summer comes to a close, the equestrian community turns its focus to the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, and Wellington-based Phelps Media Group is sending a full team to cover all the WEG disciplines.

Wellington Hero: Ryan Shnider Feeds The Hungry
Ryan Shnider, a 13-year-old Wellington resident, recently raised $38,000 for the Pantry of Broward with help from Whole Foods Market. A bar mitzvah project that started out small grew into a huge, two-county effort.

HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE DEPARTMENTS HELP STUDENTS SHINE ON STAGE
High school drama departments are not only fun for students — both actors and audience — but numerous studies demonstrate a direct connection between drama involvement and academic achievement. Students involved in drama often demonstrate improved reading skills, better attendance and are often more engaged in school.

NATIONALLY RANKED CHESS PROGRAM BRINGS MANY BENEFITS TO ELBRIDGE GALE STUDENTS
Under the tutelage of coach Antonis Loudaros, the members of the Elbridge Gale Elementary School Chess Team have become nationally ranked champions in a game of thought and strategy.

VILLAGE MUSIC WELLINGTON NAMED NATION’S TOP NEW MUSIC DEALER
Bringing the community together to make sweet music, Village Music Wellington has achieved national acclaim for its efforts. Named the nation’s top new music dealer, the shop is reaching more people with its love of music.

MAKING THE GRADE: ASHLEIGH CONROY-ZUGEL EXCELS IN SCHOOL & DOWN THE CENTERLINE
Sixteen-year-old Ashleigh Conroy-Zugel is an A student who is also an ambitious dressage rider. She qualified for the 2013 AGCO/USEF Junior Dressage National Championships, yet dreams of attending college and has her heart set on a small, intimate atmosphere for continuing her studies.

WELLINGTON’S NEXT TOP MODEL: SHANA KIRKSAY
Combining her passion for all things feminine with her athletic frame and a photogenic ease, Shana Kirksay hopes to continue forging her own path through our Wellington’s Next Top Model contest.