A Talented Team Of Local Dancers The Wellington Royals Dance Team Looks To Continue The Magic After A Successful Season

By Mike May

One of the many Wellington High School teams that had an excellent season of competition this past year was the school’s dance squad, the Wellington Royals.

Led by head coach Alex Snyder, the squad produced great results when it finished first in the pom division and second in the hip-hop division in the regional competition at Jupiter High School in January. That propelled them to the Universal Dance Association (UDA) Florida State Championship held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. There, against statewide competition, the Royals finished fourth in the hip-hop division and sixth in the pom division.

The success of last year’s team laid the foundation for what is expected to be another great season for the Royals.

“There are 22 amazing young ladies on the Wellington Royals Dance Team,” Snyder said. “They are super-talented, but more importantly, they are sweet, respectful, loving, kind, encouraging to one another, great friends, hard workers, passionate about dance, focused to improve, and extremely crazy, wacky and goofy!”

The 22 members of the Wellington Royals for the 2023-24 school year are: Abby Kitlas, Adriana Maranto, Alexa Iannone, Ava Alessi, Bri Maida, Daniella Iglesias, Erika Braswell, Gabrielle Torre, Helen Mossberg, Jade Barnett, Jayden Smith, Kennedy Smith, Lilly Simpson-Gay, Lola Simpson-Gay, Mackenzie Sauers, Mariana Villafane, McKelle Rhodes, Morgan Myers, Nailah Grullon, Sabrina Lucca, Sasha Campbell and Sofia Alessi.

For the upcoming Royals squad to be successful, Snyder needs leadership from within the team. To that end, she has named Kennedy Smith and Jade Barnett as the team’s captains.

“I need my captains to encourage everyone on the team, keep spirits high, be responsible for helping make team decisions and lead the warm-ups,” Snyder said.

Smith is delighted to be on the team, and she wants the upcoming season to be memorable.

“To me, being a Wellington Royal is an incredible honor,” Smith said. “Last year, my main focus was really pushing myself to improve. My inspiration is my teammates, and I want to do the best I can for them. My main goal for this year is to bond with the new team and have the most amazing season.”

Barnett takes her role as a captain seriously.

“It’s an honor and a huge privilege to get to be a part of this team and help lead our girls this year,” Barnett said. “I am pumped for this season and can’t wait to see what we accomplish.”

They agreed that the team’s camaraderie is one of its strengths.

“I love hanging out with girls from the team outside of school. It helps us connect better in things other than dance,” Smith said. “The best part of being on a team is the support system. One of our main goals is to really uplift each other. This helps during competitions because I know that we’re in this together.”

“The connection between all the girls is extremely close,” Barnett added. “We don’t just dance for the betterment of ourselves, but truly for each other.”

The Royals are a closely knit unit.

“One of my favorite parts of the dance team is the family aspect,” Smith explained. “I never feel alone, and I know that no matter what, I have 21 best friends by my side. The best part about being on a team is that you do everything together. You practice hard together, you cry, laugh and bond as one.”

“This team is a family,” Barnett agreed. “We are honest with one another, and we also are each other’s hype sisters. To be on the Wellington Royals team is a blessing for which I am truly grateful.”

Smith feels blessed to be on the team and to follow in her mom’s footsteps.

“My mother was on the Wellington High School dance team, so I love that I get to dance for this team,” she said.

The Wellington Royals will practice twice a week during the school year as they prepare for regional and state competitions. They also have other performances that allow them to hone their dance routines.

“We perform at every Wellington High School home football game and at any away football game where the band also travels to play,” Snyder said. “We also perform at a few boys and girls home basketball games, plus all the student pep rallies.”

When the squad practices, the team works on synchronization, which is a key component of their two-minute routines, which involve leaping, jumping, lifting and turning.

The Wellington Royals’ first dance competition of the new season will be in early December.

“We hope to host a dance competition on Dec. 2 for local high school dance teams,” Snyder said.

The regional competition will be on Jan. 6, 2024, and the UDA Florida State Championships are scheduled for Jan. 16, 2024, in Orlando.

If the squad is going to repeat the success that last year’s team had, it will all come down to preparation.

“As a team, if we all continue to give 110 percent at practice, I have no doubt how far we can go and what we can achieve,” Barnett said.

According to Barnett, the experience of competing at the UDA Florida State Championship this past January made a big impression on the entire team.

“Exposing ourselves to higher-level competition really allowed us to see how we could push ourselves to be better,” she said. “Other dance teams who compete every year were a huge inspiration to us. We have grown tremendously by challenging ourselves with more intricate choreography.”

In addition to focusing on the team’s immediate goals, the group also sets aside time to focus on the program’s future.

“We do two clinics for kids — kindergarten through eighth grade — in our community,” Snyder added. “Our dancers love investing in the kids, and it’s a great opportunity for younger kids to see if it’s something they may be interested in pursuing. The first clinic will be Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The junior dancers will get to perform at a Wellington High School football game.”

For more information about the Wellington Royals and the junior clinics, contact Snyder at wellingtondanceteam@gmail.com.

Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Hundreds Enjoy A Special Night To Support A Cure For Paralysis

By Sydney Jones 

The National Polo Center-Wellington played host to a memorable event — the Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala — on Saturday, April 29. Presented by Valentino to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, the special evening featured a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, as guests witnessed an equestrian demonstration from Olympians and world champions in the disciplines of show jumping, dressage and polo. The equestrian demonstration was followed by an elegant sit-down dinner.

In 1985, world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Barth A. Green and NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti joined forces and founded the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Buoniconti’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game. Since then, research at the Miami Project has changed the landscape of knowledge and therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury.

Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992. The Buoniconti Fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission is to raise funds and awareness to help the Miami Project achieve its primary focus — to repair and restore function to the injured and diseased nervous system, thereby improving the quality of life of patients throughout the world.

On a night set to raise funds and awareness for paralysis, several honorees were recognized for their influence in equestrian sport. Among those honored were Event Chair Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, who received the Buoniconti Fund Award. Philanthropist and two-time U.S. Open champion and game MVP Dawn Jones received the Philanthropy Award, and Irish Olympic show jumping legend Kevin Babington received the Inspiration Award, which was accepted by his wife Dianna.

The three Equestrian Legend awardees were Robert Jeffrey Dover, the most honored dressage rider in the United States, as well as Jeff Hall, who has won every high-goal trophy in U.S. Polo, including the prestigious U.S. Open, and Kris Kampsen, a three-time U.S. Arena Open champion, who has played polo for more than 25 years and is still playing competitive polo at the highest level, maintaining his handicap of six goals for more than 20 years.

Along with the honorees, many celebrities were also in attendance to witness the spectacular evening. Some of them included polo players Michael Armour, Charles Fridge, Chris Gannon, Stephen Orthwein and Martin Valent, U.S. show jumping star Todd Minikus, Olympic long jump champion Bob Beamon, NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson, polo announcer and UPSA President Tony Coppola, Indianapolis 500 winner and CART Champion Gil deFerran, former Miami Dolphins lineman Jeff Dellenbach, actor Colin Egglesfield, World Series champion pitcher Scott Erickson, NHRA and Motorsports Hall of Fame of America member Darrell Gwynn, world renowned Australian show jumper Ben Meredith, Olympic and world cup jumping course designer Leopoldo Palacios, Emmy-nominated actor Aiden Turner, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Lesley Visser, and former Dolphins and Patriots lineman Jed Weaver.

Not only was a great time had by all, but the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the Miami Project can continue their research to better serve those who have been impacted by paralysis with the money raised and recognition received at the Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala. In a sport where major injuries can happen, that is money and time well spent.

Visit www.thebuonicontifund.com to learn more about the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis and the Miami Project.

The Best Place For Families Recent Magazine Ranking Just Confirmed What We Already Knew

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Wellington was recently ranked among the top ten “Best Places to Live for Families” by Fortune magazine. This year’s ranking showcases communities across the nation where multigenerational families are most likely to have access to critical resources, community support and financial well-being. To select the “Best Places to Live for Families,” Fortune evaluated nearly 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages and townships that had approximately 20,000 residents across all 50 states. This range provided a broad universe of places that offered high-quality amenities in communities with a hometown feel. To help thoroughly analyze each place, Fortune reviewed more than 200,000 unique data points across five broad categories: education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health and livability.

Wellington In The Top 10
Wellington broke into the top ten, coming in 8th in the rankings overall — and the only community in Florida on this year’s list. Many of the indicators used for these rankings align with the village’s strategic focus areas, so making the top of this list validates our commitment toward success in the areas in which we are most invested.

This ranking is just one of the many accolades we earned recently. Wellington’s success in this ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. By continuously delivering best-in-class services, we have made Wellington a great hometown that meets the diverse needs of our residents. We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their vision and commitment to making Wellington a community of choice for all.

National Civic League Award
Our efforts to engage residents, particularly our youth, in decision-making and strategic initiatives recently garnered recognition from the National Civic League. Wellington ranked as a finalist for the prestigious 2023 All-America City Award, recognized among the top communities in the nation for civic engagement. We assembled a dynamic team of “All-America City Representatives,” composed of students, education and government leaders, as well as community advocates, who traveled recently to Denver, Colorado, to present the inspiring story of their work to a jury of esteemed national civic leaders.

The heart of Wellington’s compelling presentation revolved around the success of three key programs: the HYPE tutoring program, the Tom Atkins Civics 101 civic engagement program and the SWAG internship program. These initiatives showcased Wellington’s dedication to nurturing youth voices and empowering residents, including young individuals, to address crucial issues such as diversity and inclusion, and college and career readiness.
The recognition as a finalist for the 2023 All-America City Award is a testament to the remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication of our community. While we did not secure the top award this year, we take immense pride in the progress we have made in building the civic capacity of our young people and fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment.
Wellington remains committed to empowering our residents and strengthening our community for a brighter future.

Taking Stock Of Our Community
As we work on next year’s budget, it is time to take stock of everything we accomplished so far this year. Recently, the village earned Moody’s highest Aaa rating, which is an improvement from the village’s previous rating of Aa1. The upgrade to Aaa reflects a growing and high-wealth economic base, robust financial position and strong financial policies. Wellington’s financial position is healthy given its fund balance and liquidity, tax base and exceptional budgetary management. The rating agency recognized the village’s tax base, conservative budgeting, strong and proactive management team, and operating fund balance as proof of the community’s financial stability.

Other Awards For Wellington
The village’s Public Works Department once again earned reaccreditation through the American Public Works Association (APWA). Reaccreditation recognizes a commitment to the highest level of service to the community. As part of this process, the APWA evaluated 265 of our policies and procedures and awarded the village 100 percent full compliance on all of them. Our public works team underwent this rigorous process all while managing new challenges presented by evolving work conditions.
Similarly, Wellington’s Administrative & Financial Services Department earned several awards and acknowledgments, including the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).

More Than Just The Awards
As you can see, the past year has been a great year for us. But it’s not about winning trophies or plaques; we value these awards and recognitions because they serve as third-party validation that we are delivering on our commitments to the residents of this great community. I hope you join me in feeling the immense pride that comes from building a better community through strategic planning, community engagement and accountability. Our village has demonstrated remarkable resilience over the past few years, and we will continue to strive for excellence as we propose a budget for Wellington Village Council consideration for fiscal year 2024. Our promise to you is that we will continue to deliver best-in-class services and amenities for our residents, businesses, workforce and visitors. We are hopeful that the future will bring more achievements, accolades and experiences of which we can all be proud.

Adams Scholarship Recipients, Foundation Supporters, Donors And Volunteers Honored At WCF’s Annual Thank You Soirée

By Shannon Anastasio

The Wellington Community Foundation hosted its annual Thank You Soirée on Thursday, May 18 at the Boynton Financial Group offices in Wellington. The event celebrated this year’s Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients, embodying the foundation’s commitment to supporting educational endeavors within the community.

The soirée, which featured a vibrant tropical theme, was made possible by the generous hosting of Ben and Joanna Boynton and the dedicated team at the Boynton Financial Group. With catering by Nosh Catering and an array of wine selections provided by Star Wine & Spirits, the evening was a resounding success.

Recognizing and honoring the foundation’s supporters, donors and volunteers was the top priority at the event. The annual Thank You Soirée was conceived as an opportunity for the Wellington Community Foundation to express gratitude to the individuals whose crucial support enables the nonprofit’s efforts. These sponsors, donors and volunteers play a pivotal role in empowering the foundation’s work. In his opening remarks, Wellington Community Foundation Chair Barry Manning emphasized their invaluable contributions and the importance of their continued support.

Also honored were the winners of the 2023 Arle and Ken Adams Scholarships. Scholarship Committee chairs James Seder, Joanna Boynton and Don Gross recommended the winners to the WCF Board of Directors at the May meeting. After meticulous review of numerous applications, the committee unanimously chose three outstanding candidates — Marlena Hutchinson, Abigail Lofstead and Victoria Loredan, whose achievements and dedication shine brightly.

The Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients impressed the committee, the board and attendees as their accomplishments were read aloud.

Marlena Hutchinson, a student at Wellington High School, finished with a weighted GPA of 5.09 and has amassed 281 hours of community service. Her involvement as a leader in the Florida Future Educators of America club and her dedication to volunteering with the Best Buddies program highlight her commitment to education and inclusivity. Hutchinson aspires to be a pediatric occupational therapist, and she will be attending the University of Florida to pursue her dreams.

Abigail Lofstead, a student at Palm Beach Central High School, has demonstrated exceptional academic prowess with a weighted GPA of 5.27, ranking fifth in her class. With 253 hours of community service, she has exemplified a strong sense of civic duty. Lofstead’s passion for empowering women in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math led her to found the Women in STEM club at Palm Beach Central. She will attend the University of Florida, aspiring to become a pediatrician. When not studying, Lofstead also enjoys snorkeling.

Victoria Loredan, a student at Wellington High School, stands out as an exceptional leader with a weighted GPA of 5.38, ranking second in her class. Alongside her 192 hours of community service, Loredan’s involvement in various organizations like the Black Leadership Achievement Student Team (BLAST) showcases her dedication to empowering her peers. Her goal is to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Loredan, like the other winners, is headed to the University of Florida to continue her education.

The legacy of late Wellington philanthropists Arle and Ken Adams live on through their many efforts throughout the village, and the foundation continues to honor their tremendous contributions to the community through its first scholarship program. These remarkable individuals, longtime residents of Wellington, dedicated their lives to serving the community.

Ken Adams, a former Palm Beach County commissioner and supporter of the village’s incorporation, believed that Wellington’s accomplishments were made possible by great people and leaders who care about future generations. He enthusiastically joined the foundation’s inaugural board of directors when it became an independent nonprofit organization, and the scholarship created in honor of both him and his late wife Arle brought him great pride, which he expressed prior his passing in 2020.

The Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship is just one of the many ways that the Wellington Community Foundation demonstrates its commitment to supporting Wellington students in their pursuit of educational success. The scholarship program serves as a beacon of hope for those in need of a helping hand to become tomorrow’s leaders.

In addition to the scholarship program, the Wellington Community Foundation remains dedicated to providing ongoing support to local students. This year, the foundation will be distributing 600 new school uniforms and 600 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. These foundation initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that every child has the necessary tools to thrive academically.

The Thank You Soirée provided a joyous occasion to celebrate the Arle and Ken Adams Scholarship recipients and express gratitude to the foundation’s dedicated supporters. The evening was filled with appreciation, camaraderie and the shared vision of creating a brighter future for Wellington’s students. Through scholarships, uniform donations and school supply provisions, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of young individuals, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed. Through these efforts, the Wellington Community Foundation helps foster a thriving educational environment that empowers students and builds a stronger, more vibrant community.

To learn more about the Wellington Community Foundation, or if you would like to contribute to the nonprofit’s many ongoing initiatives, visit online at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org. By getting involved, you can play an active role in building a stronger community and empowering future generations to achieve their educational goals.

Protect Yourself And Your Future
Edward Jones Financial Advisor Lou LoFranco Enjoys Helping Local Residents With Investments And More

By Callie Sharkey

The world of finance and investing is constantly changing. Opportunities arise, and trends emerge and disappear without much warning. It can all be overwhelming. This is why finding the right financial advisor is worth the time and effort. Lou LoFranco, who works with the financial firm Edward Jones, enjoys investing his expertise as a financial advisor to help people in the Wellington area.

“The best thing about our office is we answer the phone,” LoFranco said. “We are a private company. We don’t sell a specific product or fiduciary, and it’s not about what we can make off our clients.”

LoFranco has worked in different sectors of the finance industry since the 1980s. He began working on the budget management side with UPS and shifted to a consultant role for GE, managing logistics for wind energy. Then he found FPL and took a position, also in wind industry management. After commuting from Fort Myers to Philadelphia, he realized that his family wasn’t happy, and they soon moved to South Florida permanently.

With six children being homeschooled by his wife Maria, LoFranco knew that there had to be a better way to take care of his family.

“I called my financial advisor, and he said that it’s time to come on board. I’ve been in Wellington since 2015, and what started as temporary work, well, it’s now nine years later,” LoFranco said. “It has been a great experience and a blessing to be working with the community and helping a lot of the elderly — that I really enjoy.”

He has a deep concern for senior care and quality of life, especially after being a caretaker for his own mother for more than four years. LoFranco worries when he learns of people taking advantage of the elderly.

“I just want to make sure they never run out of money and can live the life, have the lifestyle that they need, and they’ve worked all their life for,” he said. “I like to teach clients that it is more than just looking at the financial picture. We look at health insurance, life insurance or umbrella insurance. If we don’t have the whole picture, we can’t give a good plan for success. We try to do the deep dive; it’s building that relationship, personally getting to know their families, their kids, their grandkids. It’s a long-life process of legacy planning.”

Whether clients are looking for retirement and estate planning, or just trying to figure out where to begin, LoFranco and Edward Jones are there with research and data backing their plans. The company does not deal with any investments that are not federally approved, such as cryptocurrencies.

“I’m a faith-based advisor. We do everything ethically and morally,” he said. “I think we have a good client base that trusts us.”

LoFranco has clients who get more than just financial advice. He has helped them set up bill pay and is even helping a client get a new roof.

“It’s not about making money, it’s about comfort. We go car shopping with clients, too. ‘Can you help me find a boat?’ they’ll ask. We helped a client find a house,” LoFranco said. “So, that’s what I love about it — it’s more than the investments. Being a financial advisor has been a blessing because it gives you work-life balance. You can make all the money in the world, but if you don’t have time for family, it doesn’t matter. Now I’m living the dream of helping people.”

When asked his top advice on where to begin, LoFranco made it clear that it is important to tackle and manage debt. Clients may walk in with crippling credit card and student loan debt, but he has a strategy to help.

“I lay out a plan. If they have four or five credit cards, depending on the balance, we can help them pay it off within 24 to 36 months. If they don’t have debt, we look at their goals. What is important to you? We do a three-minute ‘priority’ quiz,” he said. “We’ve found that for clients, family is the most important, then travel and then retirement.”

LoFranco and his team of Yara Gonsalves and Tito Lopez have an office in Wellington that is open to walk-ins from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gonsalves is also available to assist clients who speak Spanish. They are happy to work with clients and potential clients. Not only that, but the consultations are free.

“Appointments are an hour, and it usually takes two or three appointments because they might not be ready,” LoFranco explained. “There is no cost for the consultations, we don’t believe in that. We believe in finding out what’s important for them. It’s all about the long-term relationships because you become family. The trust factor is the most critical thing.”

Lou LoFranco’s Edward Jones office is located at 12020 South Shore Blvd., Suite 100, in Wellington. To learn more, or to schedule an appointment, call (561) 798-4106 or e-mail lou.lofranco@edwardjones.com.

Staying Ahead Of The Storm Village Of Wellington Aims To Be Prepared As Hurricane Season Begins

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Living in Wellington means enjoying the beautiful weather here in our vibrant community. However, our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also exposes us to the risks of hurricane season. Officially starting on June 1, and lasting until Nov. 30, hurricane season for us means hoping for the best and planning for the worst.

Be Prepared For The Season
It’s not just a motto; “be prepared” is good advice. Florida residents can attest that they didn’t expect Hurricane Nicole to be as devastating as it was when it slammed into their neighborhoods last year, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In cases of severe disasters, the modern conveniences that we often take for granted — such as cell phones, ATMs and the ability to pump gasoline — become obsolete. That is why it’s important to make advance plans to take care of yourself and your family and make sure you have supplies on hand in case of an emergency.

Simple things such as developing a safety plan, stocking up on extra pet supplies and refilling prescriptions a few days early are some of the measures you can take to be prepared. As emergency managers point out, in times of disaster, resources are limited, so it’s important to take personal responsibility to lessen the impact on yourself and your family. This month, as we continue to prepare here at the village, I want to share some essential tips and guidelines for Wellington residents to proactively prepare for hurricane season.

Develop An Emergency Plan
Preparing a detailed emergency plan is crucial to efficiently navigate through a hurricane. Designate a meeting point for your family members in case of separation and establish a communication plan. Create a checklist of essential items, such as non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit. Stock up on necessary supplies well in advance, as stores may run out quickly during emergencies.

Stay Informed
This applies both before and after the storm. Keeping up to date with the latest weather information is paramount during hurricane season. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to find information on the village’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov. Monitor local news channels, radio broadcasts and official web sites for updates from the National Hurricane Center. Sign up to receive emergency alerts through Alert Wellington at www.wellingtonfl.gov/alerts. While you’re at it, download the GoWellington app from your phone’s app store for quick access to resources and information. Stay connected through Wellington’s social media platforms to receive real-time updates and helpful resources during an emergency.

Protect Your Property
Safeguarding your home against potential hurricane damage is crucial. Remember, all yard work and tree-trimming projects should be completed at this time to avoid overwhelming our waste collection system when a storm is approaching. Planning on cleaning out unwanted items in your garage or storage areas around your house? Do not wait! Do this now, so you have the space to store items during a storm. Consider investing in impact-resistant windows and doors for enhanced protection. Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. Review your property insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages.

Evacuation & Sheltering
When authorities issue evacuation orders, it’s crucial to follow their instructions promptly. Prepare an evacuation route and share it with your family members. Identify local evacuation shelters and understand their policies, including accommodation for pets. Palm Beach County operates the Special Needs Shelter Program during emergencies for individuals with certain medical conditions. This special shelter is staffed with doctors and nurses, has backup power, and is in a wind-resistant building. To register for the special needs shelter, visit the county’s web site or call (561) 712-6400.

It’s also important at these times to look out for one another and check on friends and neighbors who may need assistance. Being prepared for hurricane season in Wellington is a responsibility shared by all residents. In the best of times and the worst of times, it’s good to be neighbors helping neighbors. It’s what brings us together as a community.

History teaches that a lack of awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. Wellington has been fortunate through the years to avoid the landfall of a major hurricane in our area. However, we should not be lulled into a false sense of security.

Preparedness is our best defense, and I encourage you to use this guide to assist you in keeping yourself and your family safe.

HOLIDAY LUXE MOM-APPROVED GIFTS FROM The Mall at Wellington Green

Lifetime Kitchen ‘Woof’ Paper Towel Holder By Everyday Solutions  Show the dog-mom in your life some love and appreciation with Lifetime Kitchen’s ‘Woof’ Paper Towel Holder — the “pawfect” counter accessory. The metal spring tension tail keeps your towels neat and tidy. $29.99

Barefoot DreamsLuxe Knit Throw From Macy’s Cozy up with mom this Mother’s Day underneath a Barefoot Dreams Luxe Knit Throw from the Macy’s Hotel Collection that features a super soft and sumptuous lofty volume. These knits are comprised of two distinct looks; a series of neutral solid shades and a set of bold patterned skins. This gift is sure to bring another layer of comfort to your mom’s home. $68.24

Ella Bella Collection Massage Candles Give mom a relaxing, spa-like experience using Ella Bella’s Massage Candles. These candles are made from coconut oil, vitamin E and essential oils. Purchase in-store or online. Contact Ella Bella Collection at (561) 779-6287 or visit www.ellabellacollection.com. $45.00

Pandora Birthstone Charm Bracelet Sentimental is mom’s middle name, and nothing is more sentimental than a customizable birthstone charm bracelet from Pandora. Add the birthstones of the people she loves most onto the bracelet, and she’ll be sure to cherish this gift. $110.00

Tommy Bahamas Fiesta Bahama Tote Mom will be the life of the party with this Fiesta Bahama Tote. Large enough for your next weekend getaway and light enough to carry every day, this bag’s faux-leather bottom base, storage pockets and island-inspired embroidery make it work for the boardwalk and beyond. $138.00

Brighton Pebble Medali Dual Tone Sunglasses These Balinese-inspired pebble and dot detailed sunglasses from Brighton are the perfect and practical gift for mom. The roundness of this frame gives it a soft look, and the cat-eye feels fun and feminine. Blonde tortoise-color frames are flattering and on trend. Lenses offer 100 percent UV protection. $150.00

Chico’s Ribbon Trim Hat Escape the Florida sun with Chico’s Ribbon Trim Hat. This beautiful hat pairs well with anything, from dresses to swimsuits, and is perfect for mom’s mid-day adventures on Mother’s Day. Decorated with a satiny ribbon trim, she’s sure to look sleek. $59.50

Natubri Coffee & Art Woven Fans Beat the heat this Mother’s Day using Natubri Coffee & Art’s handmade Colombian Woven Fans. This gift is multi-functional, as it can be utilized as a fan, or displayed as a beautiful piece of décor. You can’t go wrong with this unique gift. $12.00 each

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2-million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination that features more than 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture, Lemongrass, Cask + Shaker, the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History and more. For more information, visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.

American Superstar Polo Player Hope Arellano Will Rise To 10-Goal Status By The End Of 2023

Polo superstar Hope Arellano just completed a stellar season in Wellington that featured her being named Most Valuable Player of the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship held at the United States Polo Association’s National Polo Center-Wellington. It’s safe to say that the 20-year-old Arellano has taken the world of polo by storm — and she’s just getting started.

With a myriad of titles, championships and notable victories on her trophy shelf, Arellano’s dominance and dedication to the sport is an inspiration, especially for other young women.

The Arellano family has deep connections to Wellington, and she can often be found here when not at her home base in Aiken, South Carolina.

A fourth-generation polo player, Arellano knew at just nine years old that she wanted to be a polo professional like her father, Hall of Famer Julio Arellano. Her first adult tournament at the age of 11 served as the catalyst for her polo career, and since then, this phenom has yet to slow down.

“My dad was a professional polo player,” Arellano said. “So, ever since I can remember, I have been riding and been around the sport.”

At age 14, Arellano was rated as a 3-goaler in Women’s Outdoor. Now, six years later, she will achieve the ultimate mark of a professional with the coveted 10-goal handicap in both women’s outdoor and arena polo.

Set to rise to 9 goals in May and 10 goals in December, Arellano’s achievement also marks a significant accomplishment for American polo. She will be the first American woman to achieve a 10-goal Women’s Outdoor handicap since the legendary Sunny Hale, and the first American to achieve any 10-goal status since Polito Pieres in 2015. She is also the youngest American to reach a 10-goal women’s handicap.

It is an achievement that comes as a surprise, even to Arellano.

“I truly couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I definitely think I have a lot of work to do to be at that level.”

Arellano’s handicap raise comes fresh off her win in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship. Competing with La Fe alongside Winifred Branscum, Pamela Flanagan and Hazel Jackson, Arellano’s stellar performance contributed six goals in the final and earned her recognition as the MVP.

“I was very fortunate to play with La Fe in this year’s Women’s Open,” she said. “They are a great organization. I loved every moment playing with Pam, Hazel and Winnie!”

That feeling was mutual. Praising Arellano’s skill after the match, Jackson noted, “For me right now, she’s the best player in the world. I feel like she’s got much more talent than myself. I think Nina [Clarkin]’s incredible, but I think Hope has got some things that I haven’t seen in other young girls. It’s amazing.”

Arellano was very proud of how her team worked together during the final.

“We really wanted to open it up,” Arellano said after their big victory. “It’s really kind of me and Hazel’s style to hit and run. So going into this game, we were like, ‘Let’s hit, let’s run, let’s spread the field.’ Playing on Field One, we really got to open it up — play our game. When we got our runs, the plan was for one of us to always stay back. We didn’t really do that so well in the first two [chukkers], but we got it together.”

She also thanked Flanagan’s efforts in organizing the team, and the La Fe organization’s continued support. “Pam has put so much work into this. Since last year, she has been working really, really hard,” Arellano said. “To win with Pam and this whole organization… to all the boys that helped out, it took a village! It all wouldn’t have been possible without the organization, so thank you to all of them.”

Aside from her own MVP honor, Arellano’s second chukker spare and sixth chukker horse, 9-year-old Macumba, got Best Playing Pony honors. Like any good polo player, it’s all about the horses for Arellano.

“Macumba is a mare that I purchased from Matias Magrini. He actually sent her to me to play her and sell her. I ended up falling in love with her,” Arellano said. “At the moment I bought her, she wasn’t one of my best horses, and now she has turned into one of my top five. Every time she goes onto the field, she gives me her whole heart and more. Anything I ask her, she goes into. She never second guesses me, even probably when I should be second guessed. I love her heart. She won me over with her heart.”

Arellano previously won the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship in 2017 with San Saba. Just age 14 at the time, she is still the youngest player to ever win the tournament.

Aside from the Women’s Polo Championship, Arellano played in a number of other tournaments in Wellington this season.

“I had a wonderful winter season in Wellington,” she said. “Fortunately, I was able to play in many mixed tournaments, including a few 6 goal, 8 goal, 12 goal and 18 goal.”

Arellano also made headlines last fall with her participation in the XII FIP World Polo Championship, also held at NPC in Wellington, making history as the first woman to compete for the United States in the international contest.

Her addition to the starting lineup continued Team USA’s forward momentum, allowing the red, white and blue to emerge with an electrifying 9-8 overtime win against defending champions and competition favorites, Argentina, to advance to the final. Hope’s contributions also helped Team USA put forth a strong effort in the final, forcing the game into overtime. While they fell in a narrow 11-10 loss to Spain, Team USA’s silver medal finish offered a great deal of hope for the future of American polo on the global scene.

From Wellington, Arellano heads west this spring and across the pond this summer.

“I will be playing in Santa Barbara this spring then head to England in the summer,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the upcoming seasons and focusing on just trying to improve as much as possible!”

Meanwhile, Arellano is also quickly becoming a mainstay in the Women’s Argentine Open, competing the last two years in that prestigious competition. In 2021, she played with La Irenita Libra Seguros, placing third and receiving the Revelation Award for her performance. In 2022, she played with La Irenita E-Movility and advanced to the final, falling to La Dolfina in a hard-fought match. This year, she will compete with El Overo Z7 UAE, one of the strongest women’s polo organizations in the world.

A shining beacon of hope for the advancement of American polo, Arellano’s accomplishments pave the way for many other young professionals, showing that hard work and determination can flourish into a successful career in the sport. Now, with her soon-to-be 10-goal handicap, Arellano is set to continue breaking barriers and records in the years to come.

Enjoy Dinner By The Bite Wellington Chamber’s Flavors 2023 Will Return On Thursday, June 1

By Mike May

If you don’t have dinner plans for Thursday, June 1, then consider signing up for Flavors 2023, the annual event which provides attendees with a chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food from a number of different restaurants in Wellington.

This will be the 20th edition of Flavors, which is an annual event organized by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

“We have 20 exhibiting restaurants on board, and each one will provide a sample of something sweet and savory, plus a beverage,” explained Michela Green, executive director of the Wellington Chamber. “There will also be a few surprises along the way. Plus, we have three after-hours parties scheduled that night.”

In addition to the food and drinks provided at each restaurant, some venues will have live entertainment. Green said that all Flavors attendees are sure to enjoy themselves.

“Flavors is a great way to learn about the incredible hospitality partners, eateries and venues we have right here in Wellington,” she said.

Flavors will start and end at the new host location, which is the National Polo Center-Wellington, located at 3667 120th Avenue South. Attendees will gather there, register for the event, receive their armband, mingle with others, enjoy a snack, have a drink and then board one of the luxury buses, which will take the passengers to each of the eight stops. With 20 restaurants participating in Flavors, most stops will feature multiple places to sample food and drinks.

“We have eight luxury buses for Flavors,” Green said. “Each bus will have room for 56 people. Each stop will last roughly 17 to 19 minutes.”

The luxury bus service is sponsored by 10 businesses: Florida Power & Light (FPL), K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises, First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) Wellington, Meghan Buser, Hack Tax & Accounting Services, the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, JH Massey Group, the Edison Group, My Community Pharmacy and Casas Law PA.

The National Polo Center is delighted to be the host location for Flavors 2023.

“We are a very community-minded organization and enjoy being involved in events like this,” said Denise Dixon, the director of catering at the National Polo Center. “In addition to hosting the registration, we’ll probably serve a small pasta dish and garlic bread. We are also hoping to distribute our 2024 polo schedule.”

According to Green, registration will start at 5 p.m. and conclude just after 6 p.m.,

“We will then start boarding people onto the buses so we can get people to the first stop by 6:30 p.m.,” Green said. “People will be returned to the National Polo Center around 10 p.m.”

There are two main presenting sponsors for Flavors 2023 — K&E Travel/Celebrity Cruises and Florida Power & Light (FPL). Both are longtime supporters of the chamber and are involved because it’s a great way to support the local business community in Wellington.

“I sponsor Flavors because it’s good for my business,” said Mark Elie, president of K&E Travel. “It’s a phenomenal return on my sponsorship investment. I also plan to participate in Flavors. It’s my favorite Wellington Chamber of Commerce event of the year.”

To fully enjoy Flavors, Green suggests that people utilize a ride service to arrive and depart from the event or get a neighbor to drop them off and then pick them up at the end.

“You will be able to get Lyft or Uber to drop you off and pick you up from the National Polo Center,” Green said. “People should also utilize Lyft or Uber to travel to any of the after-hours parties.”

In addition to sampling the food, desserts and drinks, participants will be asked to vote on their favorite Best Overall Taste, Best Cocktail, Best Dessert and the Best Stop.

To secure a ticket to Flavors, and a seat on one of those eight luxury buses, Green suggests that you quickly access the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s web site at www.wellingtonchamber.com.

“This event sells out, so we encourage those interested in attending to sign up as soon as possible,” Green said. “The charge is $50 for members of the Wellington Chamber and $65 for non-members. You must be at least 21 years old to attend, and there are no exceptions. We have had people as old as 90 participate in Flavors.”

To learn more about Flavors 2023, contact the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at info@wellingtonchamber.com or (561) 792-6525.