Our Wellington Awards 2023 – John Sitomer Council Of Dads Founder John Sitomer Is A Man On Many Missions To Help The Community

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Frank Koester

In an odd way, the Wellington community should be thankful that John Sitomer has been diagnosed with cancer on four occasions since 1998 — and even more thankful that he has continued to beat the disease.

Back in 2008, Sitomer, his wife Dina and their son were living in the Bahamas when John was then diagnosed with leukemia, after overcoming testicular cancer in 1998. His doctor encouraged them to return to the U.S. for his treatment. His future looked bleak. Of all places, the Sitomers moved to Wellington.

Within seven years, he was cancer-free. Then, he started networking in his new community. In 2015, Sitomer, now 68, recalled reading the book The Council of Dads. He realized that the story, where a man battling cancer finds mentors for his children, could be replicated in Wellington.

Sitomer knew more than 30 men who would be perfect candidates for Wellington’s Council of Dads, which would be affiliated with the Wellington Wolves travel basketball organization. After meeting with the first 10 people on his list, each one agreed to serve on the new Council of Dads.

“Each man said yes and admitted that they were looking for a way to give back to the community,” said Sitomer, who has served on the Wellington Wolves’ board of directors for eight years.

The target audience for the Council of Dads would be the boys and girls affiliated with the Wellington Wolves and their siblings. While the players are talented athletes, many needed help with their academic studies. That’s where the expertise of the Council of Dads fills a void.

In addition to Sitomer, the Council of Dads roster featured many outstanding local leaders: Gerry Stumm, Howard Eisenberg, Grant Johnson, Rafi Wynn, David Kane, Dr. Jim Shecter, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Capt. Peter Smith, Jeff Sitomer and Wellington Wolves President Chris Fratalia.

The Council of Dads concept has been so successful that it has been expanded to include local high school students who are members of the National Honor Society as paid tutors. The Wellington branch library provides space for the students and their tutors to work after school, while the Council of Dads pays the tutors and provides snacks.

“We’ve been able to raise grades from Ds and Fs to As and Bs,” Sitomer said. “Our tutors teach seven different subjects for students from the fifth to the 11th grade. We even provide tutoring in Spanish. At the end of the school year, we recognize students who have GPAs of at least 3.0 with the Honor Roll Award and students with a GPA of 4.0 or higher with the Top Gun Award.”

Sitomer and the Council of Dads utilize the Wellington Wolves’ annual March Madness youth basketball tournament as a venue to collect new or slightly used shoes for In Jacob’s Shoes, a nonprofit that gathers, disinfects and distributes shoes to needy children. Since 2021, 8,777 pairs of shoes have been collected during Wellington’s March Madness event.

Also, after Hurricane Dorian slammed the Bahamas in 2019, Sitomer and the Council of Dads organization oversaw the collection and distribution of hurricane relief supplies. Sitomer helped coordinate six different cargo flights to the Bahamas. Sitomer was on board each flight to make sure that the supplies were properly distributed to those in need. Many of the donations came from people within the Wellington community.

Clearly, John Sitomer is somebody who sees a hurdle and figures out how to negotiate it, whether it’s a child who needs help in the classroom or his latest battle with cancer.

Our Wellington Awards 2023 – RoseAnn Voils
RoseAnn Voils Helps Lead Local Foundation
To Honor The Memory Of Her Late  Son

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Frank Koester

Some people and the organizations they represent have a magnetic appeal that attracts the right people to the right place for the right cause. That aptly describes the leadership provided by RoseAnn Voils, one of the directors of the Wellington-based Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation.

The foundation has been in existence since 2009. Its mission is to give back to the Wellington community through educational and athletic opportunities to local children.

The foundation was created in memory of Voils’ son, Christopher Aguirre, who lost his life in 2006 when he was tragically struck and killed by a drunk driver while walking in downtown Fort Lauderdale. He was only 23 years old.

To help continue Christopher’s passion for helping people, the nonprofit Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation was created.

“Every parent who loses a child wants their child to be remembered, even though they are not physically on Earth,” said Voils, who works for Palm Beach County in administration at Palm Tran Connection. “What helps our family cope with the tragedy is seeing other families receive the benefits from our foundation. It helps keep Christopher’s memory alive, carries on his legacy and makes all the work we put into the foundation worthwhile.”

The foundation’s contributions to local lives in Wellington are numerous.

In 2011, the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Scholarship was established and is awarded annually to an outstanding Wellington High School senior pursuing a degree at Florida State University. Christopher was a graduate of WHS and was just a few weeks away from graduating from FSU at the time of his death. It’s a $10,000 scholarship awarded in four annual installments of $2,500. Past recipients are Jessica Pollack (2011), Truly Long (2012), Brittany Barnhart (2013), Erin McNally (2014), Elliot Dion (2015), Isabella Bruce (2016), Jessica Gabriel (2017), Kaitlyn Osmond (2018), Alyssa Adams (2019), Desandre Stanley (2020), Rylee Hagan (2021), McKenna Tosner (2022) and Rylee Bleakley (2023).

The foundation is also known for co-sponsoring events with the Village of Wellington. This year, the foundation hosted the annual Back-to-School “Party in the Park,” in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue on Aug. 4 at the Wellington Amphitheater. It was a way for local families to celebrate the end of summer and prepare for the upcoming school year. This outdoor event was free to attend and enjoy. In addition to many food trucks, there were 20 vendors, multiple bounce houses, costumed character entertainment, face painting, a disc jockey playing music, and PBSO and PBCFR vehicles to visit.

In recent years, the foundation has also underwritten local summer camp experiences for Wellington children — many of whom are members of Wellington’s Boys & Girls Club — who come from families that have limited finances.

To help make Halloween safe, the foundation has worked with officials at Wellington High School to host a “Trunk or Treat” candy giveaway in the WHS parking lot for local elementary school-age children and those from local day care centers.

“We also donate food to local churches during Thanksgiving,” Voils added. “Back in 2015, we started giving away shoes to people in need. We distribute 500 to 600 shoes a year.”

To help raise funds to support its charitable efforts throughout the year, the foundation hosts its annual invitational golf tournament every fall. This year’s tournament will be played at the Dye Preserve Golf Club in Jupiter on Nov. 13. Funds from sponsorships will be used to further the foundation’s scholarships and its other projects throughout the year.

To learn more about the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, visit www.christophermemorial.org, find them on Facebook or contact RoseAnn Voils via e-mail at roseann@christophermemorial.org.

Our Wellington Awards 2023 – Beverly Perham Back To Basics Founder Beverly Perham Is An Angel In The Wellington Community

“We can’t save the world, but we can save our own community, one child at a time.” Those are the words of 85-year-old Wellington resident Beverly Perham, the founder of Back to Basics, a volunteer organization that has been serving some of the basic needs of elementary school children in Palm Beach County for nearly 40 years.

The nonprofit Back to Basics (www.backtobasicsinc.org) provides underserved children with some of the basic clothing necessities for school — two new school uniforms, socks, underwear and sneakers. Every item is brand new. The school uniforms are delivered to elementary schools a week before school begins in August. The socks, underwear and sneakers — plus a small Christmas gift — are provided during the holiday season.

“The children receive a five-pack of socks and underwear because there are five days in a school week,” Perham explained.

Perham has been spearheading this charitable effort since 1984.

“This school year will be our 39th year,” she said. “Right now, we are working with 65 public elementary schools in Palm Beach County. We are also providing school uniforms to students at four public middle schools.”

When a family cannot afford some of the basic clothing items for their children, Back to Basics fills the void. According to Perham, the clothing makes a huge difference in the lives of these young students.

“A new uniform gives a child the confidence to go to school and be ready to learn,” she said. “It is important for kids to feel comfortable in school. Having a new uniform, sneakers, socks and underwear help them socially, as well as academically, because they are not worried that their shirt doesn’t fit. It helps them focus on their schoolwork when they don’t have to worry about those things.”

Back to Basics works closely with each school to identify children in need. Once Perham receives the names of the children in need, she shares the details — clothing and shoe size — with local service organizations and churches, such as the Wellington Rotary, the Wellington Community Foundation and the Council of Catholic Women. Those groups then commit to providing the sneakers, socks, underwear and a Christmas gift for an agreed-upon number of children. Perham also provides a deadline delivery for the items. According to Perham, the service groups always meet their deadline and always deliver what they promised.

“When we get the items, we wrap them in Christmas wrapping paper, and then the school arranges for the pickup and distribution,” Perham said. “We’ve never missed a kid, and whatever we’ve promised has been delivered. We don’t need the glory or the praise. The purpose is to get the children what they need.”

The roots of Back to Basics can be traced to 1984 when a local priest called Perham to inform her that a group of 30 Haitian children had just arrived in Palm Beach County with only the clothes on their back — just four days before Christmas.

Perham responded by calling the manager at a local Kmart. He agreed to provide an outfit of clothes and a nice toy for all 30 children for $500. Perham paid the bill.

In 1985, Perham spearheaded the effort to provide 165 Guatemalan refugees in Palm Beach County with a clothing donation. Then, in 1986, Perham, with support from her friends, provided underwear, socks and sneakers for 500 children at Grove Park Elementary School in Palm Beach Gardens and Lincoln Elementary School in Riviera Beach.

The rest, as they say, is history. Thanks to Perham, Back to Basics continues to give. Currently, more than 10,000 children a year are receiving gifts from the nonprofit. If you want to help out, e-mail info@backtobasicsinc.org or call (561) 319-4277.

Our Wellington Awards 2023 – Ruth Menor Vinceremos Founder Ruth Menor Fosters Connections Between Horses And  Humans

Story by Mike May | Photo by Frank Koester

Babylon, Bubba, Diesel, Gus, Milo, Pippa, Reggie, Sugar, Zeus and Zoey. Those are the names of just some of the more than 20 horses that live and work at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Horsemanship Center, which is under the direction of Ruth Menor, the group’s founder and chief programs officer.

Vinceremos has been serving people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities of all ages in Palm Beach County since 1982. The nonprofit was founded by Menor, who recruited many community leaders and volunteers to help this unique local treasure grow and thrive. It has been an invaluable part of Wellington’s equestrian community, and all of Palm Beach County, ever since.

When it was founded, Vinceremos was located off Lake Worth Road. Since 1995, the nonprofit has been operating from its 15-acre farm on Sixth Court North in Loxahatchee Groves. The property has undergone many upgrades. In 2011, donations were raised to build a covered arena there. This 45,000-square-foot “umbrella” protects the Vinceremos participants, staff and horses from the seasonal rain and heat. In 2016, thanks to many donations, a 24-stall, hurricane-proof barn was built to house the horses.

Back in the 1980s, Vinceremos started by offering therapeutic riding to those with disabilities. Today, there are a variety of programs offered that provide the benefits of equine-assisted activities and therapies.

Vinceremos is a premier accredited center through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). “All of our instructors and facilitators hold certifications with PATH,” explained Menor, herself a PATH master instructor.

In the beginning, Menor started Vinceremos with just one horse, Cinnamon. It was Menor’s own horse since she was a young girl. Cinnamon died in the late 1980s, but her spirit lives on in every horse at Vinceremos.

Three of the more popular programs are adaptive riding, equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted psychotherapy. The adaptive riding program is the nonprofit’s foundational program. While each serves a different clientele, they all have the same purpose.

“We are teaching horse-riding skills that help the rider develop and improve their non-verbal communication skills,” Menor said. “The rider is also taught the importance of maintaining physical balance and coordination while riding the horses.”

Horses don’t know that the rider may be autistic or suffer from ADHD or have some emotional disability, but that’s not important. What’s important is for the rider to realize that he or she is in charge of guiding and communicating with the horse.

When the rider successfully guides and instructs a horse, there’s a huge benefit. “The rider can feel empowered, and that carries over to the rest of their life outside Vinceremos,” Menor said.

At Vinceremos, the riders also get to work on improving their responsibility skills. This means taking care of the horses. “Our riders do lots of stable work. They clean the stalls. They also groom, wash and feed the horses,” Menor said. “The riders get to know the horses as individuals.”

One of the best examples of the impact of Vinceremos is Jeffrey Perham, who has been affiliated with the program since Menor opened in 1982. Perham has an intellectual disability and volunteers 40 hours a week. “We call Jeffrey a horse whisperer,” Menor said. “He can do just about anything with the horses. He will ride the horses one or two days a week. He works in the barn, waters the horses, cleans their stalls, feeds the horses and grooms the horses. The horses like Jeffrey.”

The key to the continued success of Vinceremos is a steady flow of volunteers who help take care of the horses, provide assistance with the clients or assist with fundraisers. To find out more, visit www.vinceremos.org, call (561) 792-9900 or e-mail to volunteer@vinceremos.org.

Rowing On Lake Wellington The Florida Rowing Center Is Being Reorganized And Revitalized In Wellington

Story by Mike May  |   Photos by Frank Koester

Wellington has spectacular sports facilities for many athletic pursuits, among them the sport of rowing. For nearly 40 years, the Florida Rowing Center has been located at Lake Wellington.

From mid-December until late April, Lake Wellington has been utilized as a rowing destination for hundreds of avid rowing participants from across the United States and around the world who travel here for rowing instruction and training sessions.

While not exactly a secret, the rowers have been operating somewhat under the radar. The majority of local rowers have traditionally been adults, usually ages 45 to 65.

But now, rowing’s presence in Wellington will be more visible and wide-reaching, thanks to Tracy and Howard Kirkpatrick, the new owners of the Florida Rowing Center.

Starting this past summer, six youth rowing camps were conducted so that more local youngsters could get exposed to the sport of rowing. Each camp had roughly 10 participants, ages 12 to 16. The camps were so popular that many campers registered for more than one week, Tracy said.

During these summer camps, which were held from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday, the campers were taught rowing fundamentals. It started with using a rowing machine on land. Eventually, they transitioned to being in a boat on the water.

Throughout the process, there was constant supervision from longtime rowing coach Doug Cody, who has been affiliated with the Florida Rowing Center since 2016.

“We now have a good core of young rowers in Wellington,” Cody said.

To help elevate rowing awareness locally, the Kirkpatricks hired a professional coach to oversee the overall local rowing program.

Paul Mokha will be the club’s director and serve as the head coach of the youth program.

“We will remain a haven for ‘snowbirds’ in the winter, but we need to add a sense of the local community to the Florida Rowing Center,” Mokha said. “We plan to build a middle school program, a high school program and continue with youth camps in the summer.”

Mokha appears to be the right man for the job. “We have been contacting schools the past few weeks and sending them information on our program and our free Learn to Row days,” Mokha said. “We’ve been using our Facebook and Instagram to spread the word and having our summer camp participants spread the word among their friends and classmates. We have joined the chamber of commerce, and we have met with Village of Wellington officials.”

According to Tracy, Mokha spent the past few years coaching youth rowing in Florida, qualifying 11 crews for the national championships and earning 25 state championship medals, while helping more than a dozen teenagers earn college rowing scholarships.

Mokha said that Lake Wellington is an ideal setting for rowing. “Lake Wellington is a great venue because it has flat, fresh water with no waves,” he said.

Tracy agreed. “Lake Wellington has a 2,000-meter stretch of water that is not impacted by rocks or a current,” she said. “Lake Wellington is one of the best venues for rowing in the U.S.”

Mokha’s plans for the youth program are ambitious. His goal is to assemble a group of committed and enthusiastic youth rowers this fall that can be taught the fundamentals of the sport and be ready to compete in a youth rowing event in Fellsmere on Dec. 2.

There will be plenty of competition for the new middle school and high school squads from Wellington, since there are many youth rowing clubs from Orlando to Miami. For those with collegiate aspirations, there are plenty of college rowing opportunities for both male and female rowers.

What kind of athlete is a good candidate for rowing? Anybody who “loves to train.”

“If you work hard and train, you’ll get results in rowing,” Mokha said. “Athletes from swimming, soccer, football, wrestling, and track and field have excelled in rowing.”

There’s no major initial investment to get into the sport.

“You need to wear nothing more than what you wear in a PE class in school,” Mokha said. “It’s a good idea to have a hat and a water bottle when it’s hot and sunny.”

Assisting Mokha with this youth rowing initiative will be Cody. His specialty is teaching technique and emphasizing safety.

“Coach Doug Cody is a U.S. Rowing Level 2 coach,” Tracy said. “He is a former EMT. His background and interests in the biomechanics of sculling and the prevention of repetitive motion injuries make him an excellent fit. He coaches masters and juniors and has developed scores of enthusiastic and skilled young scullers, many of whom have had success at the national level.”

Cody said that the Learn to Row program is an ideal way to introduce any person to rowing. “My initial goal is for the participants to have a good time,” he said. “This is a sport that people can do for the rest of their lives.”

With the Kirkpatricks, Mokha and Cody working together, rowing’s immediate future in Wellington is in good hands.

Visit www.floridarowingcenter.com to learn more about the Florida Rowing Center.

Wellington Today – A Community Working Together Wellington’s Community Partners Roundtable Helps In Building A Stronger Community Together

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington’s aspiration to create a thriving, safe and compassionate community isn’t unique, but it does require a coordinated effort. Recognizing that local government can’t address all community needs alone, the Community Partners Roundtable emerged. The village’s Community Services Department spearheaded this initiative, recognizing the value of a centralized effort. The goal was clear: to streamline efforts, reduce duplication and ensure that everyone is working in sync to provide support to individuals and families in need. What began as a small group of staff and local nonprofits has blossomed into a collaborative force for good that has quietly been shaping the way our community comes together.

Our Shared Goals 
Coretta Scott King once said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”

In 2017, the Village of Wellington initiated the Community Partners Roundtable as a platform to connect with like-minded local organizations. The first meeting, held at the Wellington Community Center, set the stage for a new kind of community collaboration.

Representatives from various nonprofits assembled to discuss shared visions and the collective pursuit of community improvement. Now, six years later, the Community Partners Roundtable initiative is more than just a series of meetings — it’s a testament to the power of unity and shared goals. This effort, launched with the aim of enhancing positive change and fostering inclusivity, has successfully brought local organizations and nonprofits onto the same page.

Amplifying Impact
Through collaboration, Wellington can accomplish much more than working alone. As Hellen Keller once said, “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”

The outcomes of the Community Partners Roundtable meetings are tangible and impactful. Collaboration has led to a more efficient use of resources, the development of better programs and the enhancement of services.

Key partners like Christ Fellowship Church, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Kiwanis Club of Wellington, St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Temple Beth Torah, the Wellington Community Foundation, the Great Charity Challenge and Wellington Regional Medical Center have consistently participated, with many organizations now proactively seeking engagement due to the initiative’s success.

Beyond meetings, the Community Partners Roundtable has spurred impactful stories that highlight the strength of unity. Last year, Wellington High School’s effort to provide bicycles to Rosenwald Elementary School students extended its reach when Christ Fellowship’s food truck joined the endeavor, offering ice cream and joy to the students. This seamless cooperation illustrated how partnerships amplify the positive impact of individual actions.

Another compelling example unfolded during the All-American City Competition. Wellington was selected as a finalist, presenting an opportunity to showcase our community youth programs. The challenge was twofold: extending representation beyond the village’s immediate members and overcoming geographic distance. Our community partners stepped in, contributing both resources and support to make the journey to Denver, Colorado, a reality.

Building Our Future
Looking ahead, the Community Partners Roundtable aims to grow further by welcoming partners who share a commitment to enhancing our “Great Hometown.” The initiative’s momentum is a testament to the collective spirit and shared vision of the community. While we’ve come far, we know that we have only scratched the surface of what can be achieved together.

In Wellington, the importance of unity is undeniable. The Community Partners Roundtable exemplifies this notion, reinforcing the idea that creating a thriving “Great Hometown” relies on a collective effort. It’s about diverse entities uniting their strengths to build a resilient, prosperous and caring community. As Wellington continues to evolve, it does so with the understanding that today’s collaborative endeavors will lay the foundation for an even brighter tomorrow.

Supporting The Local Community
Brooke USA Donates $10,000 To The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center

The Brooke USA Foundation, an international equine welfare organization headquartered in the United States, recently presented a $10,000 donation to the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in honor of hosting the Wellington area’s first Divertimentos & Dressage, a part of Brooke USA’s annual Paint Wellington Orange campaign. The event, which took place in March, featured a one-of-a-kind evening of live symphony music and freestyle dressage.

Held at Vinceremos, Divertimentos & Dressage attracted the participation of leading riders and their Grand Prix horses, including Todd Flettrich, Rebecca Hart, Sahar Daniel Hirosh, Allison Kavey, Jim Koford and JJ Tate. Throughout the program, the audience was captivated by the classical repertoire performed by the Palm Beach Symphony with works by Beethoven, Brahms, Holst, Mozart, Sousa and Strauss II. Brooke USA ambassador and Paralympian Hart closed the evening with a standing ovation as she performed to the music of John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes.”

Thanks to those in attendance, and a matching gift from event chair and Brooke USA founding ambassador Margaret H. Duprey, the board of directors of Brooke USA designated $10,000 in support of Vinceremos’ mission and work.

“We are thrilled to support Vinceremos and their important work,” Duprey said. “Vinceremos provides equine-assisted activities to children and adults with disabilities, and their programs have a profound impact on the lives of those they serve. We are proud to be a part of their mission and to make an impact in the western communities of Palm Beach County.”

Ruth Menor founded Vinceremos in 1982. The center’s programs use horseback riding to help people with disabilities improve their physical, emotional and social well-being. Vinceremos serves more than 500 people each year, and its programs are offered at no cost to participants.

“We are so grateful to Brooke USA for this generous donation,” said Susan Guinan, executive director of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. “This donation will help us continue to provide our life-changing programs to people with disabilities. We are truly honored to be a part of Brooke USA’s mission to improve the lives of horses and people around the world.”

Vinceremos is located at 13300 6th Court North in Loxahatchee Groves. Learn more about its programs at www.vinceremos.org.

Divertimentos & Dressage raised more than $80,000 toward programs across the developing world and here in the United States. The Brooke USA volunteer-created event aligns the nonprofit with the equestrian community by entertaining and engaging supporters, while raising funds to alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people they serve in vulnerable communities worldwide.

The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival. Brooke USA is committed to sustainable economic development by reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education and raising basic standards of living through improved equine health and welfare.

Brooke USA strives to alleviate the suffering and vulnerability of developing communities by funding and implementing programs that improve the quality of life and health of working equines and thereby positively impacting their economic sustainability, protecting the planet, ensuring gender equality and guaranteeing life on land resilience.

To learn more about Brooke USA’s mission, or to attend future events, visit www.brookeusa.org.

40 Years Of Superior Service Buckeye Plumbing Marks Four Decades Serving The Western Communities And Beyond

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

It’s time to cut the cake and break out the champagne. Buckeye Plumbing is celebrating its 40th anniversary serving clients in the western communities and beyond.

If you look at how this longtime Royal Palm Beach-based business has grown in the last 40 years, the changes have been meteoric.

“In 1983, we started with two people and two trucks,” recalled Cindy Gillum, lead administrator at Buckeye Plumbing and wife of the founder and president, Kevin Gillum. “At first, we just worked on plumbing jobs associated with new construction. Now, we have a fleet of 70 trucks.”

While Buckeye Plumbing now has many plumbers on staff, the expansion has been pragmatic and calculated.

“We won’t hire a plumber to visit a customer’s home who we would not be comfortable making a repair in our own home,” Cindy said.

On a day-to-day basis, Kevin operates the business side of the operation, while Cindy oversees human resources, insurances, marketing, social media and the computer systems.

While Kevin and Cindy remain involved in running the company’s daily affairs, they have help from their now-expanded family. Daughters Jennifer and Sara are on the payroll.

“Jennifer manages water services, and Sara works in human resources,” Cindy said. “Sara’s husband Casey is a manager who has worked here for 23 years.”

A third daughter, Kimberly, used to work for Buckeye Plumbing, but she’s now a teacher. A fourth daughter, Melanie, is married and lives in Orlando. She also started her career at Buckeye Plumbing.

Not surprisingly, there have been a few employees who have worked for Buckeye Plumbing for 30-plus years. Two of the longest-serving employees are Ron Quintal, who has worked at the firm for more than 35 years, and Calvin Haylas, who has been at Buckeye Plumbing for more than 30 years.

Over the past four decades, the folks at Buckeye Plumbing have worked hard to become known across the region as experienced plumbing experts committed to maintaining a rock-solid reputation. More than 80 percent of its business is returning customers and referrals.

“We really do care about each client,” Cindy said. “We are committed to taking care of people. We want our customers to call us the next time.”

As for the company’s name, it’s connected with Kevin and Cindy Gillum’s roots in the Buckeye State. “We are both from Ohio, specifically Brunswick, which is just south of Cleveland,” Cindy said.

The both graduated from high school in 1978, got married in 1980 and moved to South Florida in 1981, where Kevin started working for Seppala & Aho, a Canadian-owned construction company operating out of Lantana. Before too long, Kevin decided to go out on his own and formed his plumbing company.

If you need a plumbing specialist for general plumbing issues, water filtration issues or backflow issues, Buckeye Plumbing is ready to respond, repair or replace. Its team of plumbers is available 24/7/365.

“We will respond at any time if there is a true emergency, such as no water in the home or a home without a working toilet,” Cindy said.

If your home has no water on Christmas morning, Buckeye Plumbing is ready. If there’s a plumbing emergency on New Year’s Eve, Buckeye Plumbing can get the problem solved before the ball drops. “We have had to respond to those kinds of emergencies in the past,” Cindy said.

Top-notch service is all part of the Buckeye Plumbing experience.

“Our technicians are fully prepared and trained, our trucks are fully stocked with all the necessary parts and supplies, and our office staff is experienced to handle any client’s plumbing emergency,” Cindy said. “Although times, technology and the trade have changed, Buckeye Plumbing has continued to evolve through the years. We provide up-to-date services and techniques that assist our customers with today’s demands and challenges.”

While Buckeye Plumbing is based just off State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach, the company has clients throughout the region — across Palm Beach County and into northern Broward, and north into Martin and St. Lucies counties. A quick analysis of Google reviews contains a series of testimonials from clients that are indebted to Buckeye Plumbing’s highly rated professional services.

While Buckeye Plumbing is a for-profit entity, the company is well aware of the costs of its services. In order to provide some cost savings to customers, there is a section on its web site that provides a discount coupon for the next time you call for plumbing help.

Buckeye Plumbing is also a big supporter of local charities and nonprofit causes in Palm Beach County.

“We support local food banks, homeless programs, Habitat for Humanity, Urban Youth and local high school graduation programs,” Cindy said. “We support community programs because we are part of the community.”

As for the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations, Buckeye Plumbing hosted a company picnic at the Rapids Water Park in West Palm Beach in mid-June for its employees and their families. And a four-hour cruise is planned for December, which will travel up and down the Intracoastal Waterway near Delray Beach. But don’t worry. Even if you call during the cruise, Buckeye Plumbing will still be ready to help a customer in need.

“There are always people who won’t be on the cruise, so they volunteer to be available to respond to a plumbing emergency,” Cindy said.

Buckeye Plumbing is located at 310 Business Park Way in Royal Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 282-5393, e-mail service@callbuckeye.com or visit www.buckeyeplmg.com.

Youth Of The Year Award Winner Wellington’s Alonza Lloyd Honored By The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Palm Beach County

By Mike May

Resilient, determined, passionate and a true leader. These adjectives accurately describe 18-year-old Wellington resident Alonza Lloyd, who was named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County earlier this year.

During a banquet dinner at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Lloyd was honored with the organization’s highest award for club members. It was an evening that he will remember as one of the most pivotal and impactful moments of his young life.

Lloyd, 18, a member of Wellington’s Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, is a great example of how the Boys & Girls Club experience can help young people learn valuable life lessons and reach their full potential.

Lloyd, a 2023 graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, was named the Palm Beach County winner after several rounds of essays, interviews and speeches. All seven Palm Beach County finalists received a four-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship, while Lloyd also received a four-year university scholarship with room and board from the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation.

In addition to honoring Lloyd as the overall winner of the 2023 Youth of the Year Award, Coke Florida presented all the finalists with new Chromebook laptops. The finalists were also given brand-new tablets, courtesy of the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and K12 Print.

In addition to Lloyd, the 2023 finalists also included Kelvin Rolle from the Florence De George Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, Kimberly Pierre from the Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, Eric Wilson from the Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of Rivera Beach, Frank Zamor from the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach, Lynnshelsie Antoine from the Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton and Jada Lovely from Smith & Moore Family Teen Center of Belle Glade.

The seven finalists were selected to represent their Boys & Girls Club location after a preliminary competition that included a comprehensive application, three essays, three letters of recommendation and an interview in front of a panel of judges. The three-minute speeches were presented live at the awards dinner at the Hilton. The speeches were the final scoring factor used to determine the overall winner of the ninth annual Palm Beach County Youth of the Year Award.

By winning the award, Lloyd earned the right to compete for the Florida Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs Youth of the Year Award.

“The Youth of the Year Award dinner is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s mission-defining moment, and it is our most cherished occasion,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “Were it not for the devoted staff and premier programs, many of our teenage members would never have the encouragement to graduate from high school on time with a plan for the future.”

Miranda said that Lloyd is a very deserving recipient of this recent honor.

“From the first moment I met him, I could tell that he’s a very special person,” Miranda said. “He has been very involved in his local club in Wellington. He spoke about his ability to connect with an audience. Clearly, he speaks from the heart, and he has a very positive outlook on life. He’s determined to fulfill his dreams.”

As the Palm Beach County representative, Lloyd advanced to the Florida statewide competition held in Port St. Lucie. In that statewide competition, which featured more than 30 other finalists, Lloyd finished second.

The key part of that program was Lloyd’s speech, where he began by stating that “the most beautiful things in this world cannot be heard or seen or even touched, for they must be felt through the heart.”

Lloyd knows a little bit about the value of “heart,” since he was born with a congenital heart condition known as Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). He required two heart operations, although he is now in good health.

“I had one operation at six months and another one when I was 10, but I have been cleared to play sports and work out at the gym since I have been 13,” Lloyd said. “I feel great now, with lots of energy.”

Lloyd’s presence at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club has impacted both the staff and the other club members.

According to Anthony Davis Sr., the director of operations at the Wellington facility, Lloyd is an example of how the Boys & Girls Club can influence academic success, character, leadership and healthy lifestyles.

“Alonza has made an amazing transition from his sophomore year to his senior year of high school,” Davis said. “He is now a paid part of our staff, and he’s mentoring, counseling and providing guidance to 5- to 12-year-olds.”

As a result of being named one of the top Florida winners, Lloyd was one of nearly 50 students from Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the United States who were given an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy from July 9 through July 17. There, they participated in group discussions geared at building better relationships, being a better person and learning how to respect others.

Lloyd is now focused on college. He is currently enrolled at Florida International University in Miami, where he plans to major in biological sciences. If he continues being a true leader who is resilient, determined and passionate, his life will continue to be positively influenced by many more pivotal and impactful moments.

Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County at www.bgcpbc.org.

Preparing Students For Success The Village Of Wellington Has A Deep Commitment To Education And Community

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

As summer fades away, it’s time to gear up for an exciting new academic year in our great hometown. Wellington takes pride in its top-notch schools, known for educational excellence, offering a welcoming environment for students of all ages. With an array of recreational opportunities, programs and community support, Wellington continues to be an ideal place for families with school-age children.

High-Quality Education 
Wellington’s public schools consistently rank among the best in the county and state, providing exceptional learning environments and dedicated educators who are committed to their students’ success. The Palm Beach County School District serves the community, ensuring a high-quality education for students. Additionally, private and charter schools in the area cater to diverse educational needs.
Our schools and village facilities are modern spaces that encourage interactive learning and innovation, providing students with resources that foster their creativity and intellectual growth. But education extends beyond the classroom. Wellington offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, such as sports teams, music and arts programs, and community service projects. These options promote holistic development and enrich students’ educational experiences.

A strong sense of community is another key aspect of Wellington’s educational landscape. Parents, teachers and local community partners collaborate to create a supportive environment that nurtures student success. The community actively participates in school events and volunteer programs, reinforcing the notion that education is a collective effort. Wellington’s residents understand the importance of investing in their youth and working together to provide opportunities that shape the next generation.

Summer Programs
Over the summer, Wellington has been bustling with programs and activities to support our students’ academic and personal growth. One notable program was the New Horizons academic summer camp. Certified teachers educated small groups, helping students stay academically sharp and prepare for the upcoming school year, while our community services staff engaged them with various activities and organized field trips. From swimming at the Wellington Aquatics Complex to showcasing their artistic skills and enjoying Adrenaline Entertainment, the camp offered a well-rounded experience.

The Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG) internship program provided students with the opportunity to develop their professional identity and experience new career opportunities. They interned at local organizations such as the State Attorney’s Office, Art Cellar, Wellington All Stars, Premier Family Health, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center and Health Insurance Solutions. These internships allowed students to grow as young adults and gain valuable insights into various fields.

Fostering Partnerships
Wellington’s Community Services Department works closely with community groups and organizations to provide ongoing opportunities for our youth to stay active and academically engaged throughout the school year. By fostering partnerships, we ensure that our students have access to a wide range of resources and support, both during the summer months and beyond.
As students prepare to head back to school, they can look forward to an enriching and supportive educational experience in Wellington. With excellent schools, engaging extracurricular activities, and a strong community spirit, our village provides a nurturing environment that fosters academic and personal growth. From dedicated educators to passionate community members, Wellington stands united in its commitment to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in school and in life.
The new school year holds great promise for our students, and Wellington is proud to be at the forefront of educational excellence. Together, let’s celebrate the achievements of our students and continue to support their journey toward a bright future.