Palm Beach Brides: A Look At The Latest Fashions In Wedding Dresses

Wellington The Magazine’s team looks forward to our annual Palm Beach Brides edition, and this year is no different. Nothing gets us more excited for bridal season than checking out the latest and trendiest bridal fashions. For some of the most exquisite looks for 2023, we visited with the bridal gown experts at Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon. From playful feminine and sparkling ruffled ball gowns with plunging V-necklines to A-line skirts with full movement and a romantic feel from shoulder to hem. Turn the pages to see them all, including a stunning couture with seams that hug your curves and will make you feel amazing on your wedding day. Take your time, visit many web sites, go into the showrooms, feel the material, make an appointment to try some on. Whatever you do for your special day, make it your own. You will know the right dress the moment you put it on!

Bridal Q&A: With This Ring, I Thee Wed!

For this special Palm Beach Brides issue, we sat down with Wellington jewelry professional Adam Yorke of Designer’s Touch Jewelry. A local favorite, Designer’s Touch offers the finest gold, platinum, silver and stainless-steel pieces with a wide variety to choose from. That’s why we turned to them for answers to some common questions couples should consider when choosing their symbols of eternal love, engagement and wedding rings.

Q: When choosing that perfect engagement ring, what do you suggest buyers consider about the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat)?A: The 4Cs are a great common baseline to start shopping for an engagement ring. Two of them are very easy, which is cut and carat. Cut refers to the shape (round, cushion, radiant, oval, etc.) of the diamond, and carat refers to the relative “size” or weight of the stone. The two more intricate questions are color and clarity. What we do to show customers the differences is explain the grading scale, and then show them different diamonds with different colors and clarities to identify what’s important to them in choosing the right diamond for the customer.

Q: What are your thoughts on custom-designing an engagement ring from scratch or choosing from among what is available in the showroom?
A: If you’re set on a certain, unique style of engagement ring, there’s definitely nothing wrong with custom-making a ring from scratch. However, it’s always worth taking a look at what’s already in the showcase to see if you might find something similar, or something you find that you like better than your original thought. Having an open mind is important when shopping for an engagement ring. Things don’t always look the same in person as they do online.

Q: What should couples keep in mind when considering the budget to spend on their diamond engagement ring?
A: We approach budget a little differently than some other jewelers. The most important thing about the engagement ring is the significance of what it means, not how big it is or how much money you can spend on it. Life is expensive, especially for those getting engaged at a younger age. The most important thing is to choose a ring that has a good look and doesn’t push you past your monetary comfort zone. It’s very common for large occasions (anniversaries, birthdays, etc.) to upgrade the engagement ring, which is why we always offer our customers full value toward a future upgrade at any time, no strings attached. This gives people more freedom, where if we’re set on a certain size or style and don’t have that affordability, we can always work our way up to it over time.

After the proposal, it’s time to set a date and get ready for the big day! This means that it’s back to the jewelry store for the wedding bands.

Q: How soon should couples begin to shop for the perfect wedding bands?
A: Generally speaking, you should give yourself 4 to 6 months in advance before the wedding date to pick out bands, just in case they need to be custom made or special ordered.

Q: Walk us through the process. Should the couple set up a consultation? What are some of the options to explore?
A: The couple should definitely come in together to figure out what they want to do for their rings. Every couple has their own vision for wedding bands, and it’s OK if that doesn’t match other people’s opinions or taste. Some couples will want an alternative metal (tungsten, cobalt, tantalum, titanium, etc.) band and the ladies’ band to have a little bit of design to contrast the engagement ring. Other couples want exact perfect matching white/yellow gold or platinum rings and keep things very traditional. Both options (and more) are correct. Your wedding bands represent your love, and however you choose to portray that is OK.

Q: What is a typical price range for wedding rings?
A: There’s a wide range of prices for wedding bands. I’ll cover some of the most popular. Alternative metals can be between $150 to $400. Simple white/yellow gold or platinum bands with no diamonds can be anywhere from $300 to $1,500 based on the weight of the ring. A thin diamond band can be between $800 to $2,000 depending on how big the diamonds are. From there, the sky is the limit, and you can really spend as much as you want to on bigger and more “showy” rings.

Q: How long will it typically take for a custom set of wedding bands to be made?
A: Depending on the store and the volume of work they have, custom can take between 4 to 8 weeks. We generally promise 4 to 6 weeks, but if the job is a bit simpler, then it could be sooner.

Q: What should couples consider when choosing which precious metal to use?
A: Personal preference plays a big part in choosing what metal to use. They all have pros and cons. One of the biggest debates is between white gold and platinum. Platinum is often seen as the “top end” of jewelry and the finest metal to use, but I always advise my customers away from platinum if they want a white ring. Platinum is very malleable, so it bends and scratches very easily. White gold, on the other hand, is much sturdier but has a tendency to be worn and look “off-white” on the bottom of the ring. White gold has to be polished and rhodium plated to look brand new again, and is usually done once every year-and-a-half to two years.

Q: What are some of the styles available, and should the bands match or complement each other? Can both men and women have diamonds in their rings?
A: The number of ring styles are truly limitless. Between different colors of metals and different designs, as well as perhaps combining components from two different rings, the options are endless. It all depends on what the individual couple is looking for on the ring. Traditionally, the bands are supposed to be perfect matches, but nowadays people do whatever they want that appeals to them. Some even wear the engagement ring on one hand and the wedding band on a separate hand, and that’s OK. I always say to customers that there’s no “jewelry police,” and whatever you choose to do for your rings is correct if you like it. There’s definitely a “social norm” when it comes to how men and women should have their rings, but in our opinion, both men and women can have diamonds on their rings and also choose to have no diamonds in their bands, too. Everything is acceptable and is totally reliant on personal taste.

Q: What are some of the latest trends in rings?
A: One of the bigger trends for engagement rings is the “under basket halo.” You take a single row of diamonds on the band and then, instead of a traditional halo that surrounds the diamond on top, there’s a row of diamonds that hugs the bottom of the stone, and sometimes also diamonds on the prongs. This all accents the beautiful center stone on top. For men, the trend for bands tends to be alternative metals. Many of these are gray/black rings that can be worn and worn hard. A lot of guys worry about hard wear on rings at work, so this is a great solution to keeping a wedding band on and not having to worry about how the ring holds up, as they are very durable.

Q: Should couples match the engagement ring and wedding bands?
A: Not every couple agrees on what looks good on their hands. It’s very common for a man to get one of the previously mentioned alternative metal bands, and a woman to get a thin diamond wedding band. It doesn’t match, but in its own way, it looks good and still represents their marriage and love for each other.

Q: Do you recommend engraving to subtly
personalize a couple’s bands?
A: We offer the service, but most opt not to have their bands engraved. Most of the time, the ladies’ bands are too thin to get a proper legible engraving, and most guys will tell me they’ll never notice or remember the engravings in their rings. Additionally, once a ring has to be sized, the engraving winds up getting polished out and re-engraved, which sometimes kills the sentimentality of the meaning of it, so many just avoid the process altogether.

Q: Should a couple consider purchasing insurance
for their rings?
A: Absolutely! At minimum, get the engagement ring insured. At our store, we cover if any of the small side stones get lost, because we know it can happen. There is not a jeweler on this Earth that will cover the loss or damage of a center diamond. That’s a huge investment that can be totally lost in a moment. Rings get worn, and loss can happen with a good hit on a counter or a night out on the town. Jewelry insurance is not incredibly expensive, and you’ll be happy you have it if something ever happens.

Q: What should a couple consider when choosing
the best jeweler for their wedding rings?
A: Make sure to do your research beforehand. Shop local and find someone you feel you can trust based on your conversation with them and their reviews. Rings require maintenance and care, and you want to make sure that the place you shop stands behind their product and cares about your business. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, as there’s much to learn about diamonds. You should feel like a diamond expert at the end of your shopping experience, and not leave with doubts. We make sure that all our customers know the exact product that they’re getting, including the quality of the stones and how they affect both the look and the pricing of their ring. We’ll always make sure that our customer walks away confident in what they purchased and the service we provided them.

We hope that this information was a helpful introduction to buying some of the most precious gifts that you will give one another. Designer’s Touch Jewelry is a family owned and operated jewelry store located at 2891 South State Road 7, Suite 120. Whether you are looking for custom jewelry or showroom-ready sets, this Wellington store has your perfect fit. They work one-on-one with clients to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that offer beautiful style and lasting elegance. For more information, visit www.designerstouchjewelry.com.

Wedding Trends
2023 Trends, Styles, Technology

From sustainability to a sneak peek at the future bride and groom, 2023 will be like no other year, as trends are on the move. Many consider a “trend” to be nothing more than a fad, but like with that old-fashioned penny in your shoe for good fortune, many trends are here to stay and will eventually become traditions. Some will continue to coordinate their wedding as before, but more and more couples are opting to make their day stand out and become one for the books — photobooks that is. Like many things in life, your wedding day is but a fleeting moment in time, only captured in our memories and photographs. Check out some of the trends for 2023, use some, and make some of your own. After all, a trend is anything that catches on, and we’re sure ideas are plentiful!

After-Party Mini Dress
Your vows are done, and your reception was a smashing success. You’re saying goodbye to your grandparents, and that’s when you slip away to slip on your after-party look. The DJ keeps the dance floor alive, and upon your return, the party continues.

Intimate Celebrations
Many of us have a new respect for smaller, more intimate affairs, and weddings are taking on the same feel for some. Scaling back on your wedding day doesn’t mean a smaller celebration, it just means a more intimate one — that is what we will be seeing more of in 2023.

Make It A Weekend To Remember
You do not have to be rich to have or attend a “weekend wedding.” What does that look like? Kickoff festivities with a fun gathering on Friday night, followed by your stunning ceremony and reception, and recover until check out on Sunday. Be sure to send a “save the date” way in advance, so guests can plan this as one of their vacations. Keep it fun and simple for everyone!

Mismatched Bridal Party Dresses
Looking into 2023, not everything has to be matchy-matchy. As a matter of fact, it is looking less and less like that, especially for the bridal party. You will see not only different styles of dresses, but also combinations of color palettes. Some will be a variety in one shade of green with darker and lighter, and others will be a shade of a different color on each. Either way, it’s your day. Make it look like you want it to look.

Technology Is Here To Stay
Although we will continue to see some “unplugged” ceremonies (with the occasional plea to Uncle Jim to stop taking photos on the iPad), we will see the expansion in the use of technology at weddings. Some destination weddings are allowing you to Zoom in family and friends who couldn’t be with you, allowing live streams, both private and on social media platforms. And yes, hashtags are still all the rage. They’re a great way for your guests to share the view from their table!
First Looks
Although once considered taboo for the groom to see his bride before she walks down the aisle, first looks have been introduced and used at more and more weddings. 2023 will see this trend continue. It is a great way to capture that true emotion of how you both look into each other’s eyes, and nothing better for genuine photography than that.

Statement Florals
Not sure if Kim K. kicked off this trend with a wall full of roses on one of her many big days, but statement florals have taken on a life of their own — from overstated centerpieces to floral walls, and most recently, florals hanging from the ceiling to create a cascading effect that will take your breath away.

Bold Color Schemes
Trends used to be a pop color, now the boldness of color is making an entrance in a big way. Say goodbye to pastel shades and hello to anything goes! Daring and unforgettable color schemes reflect your personality, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Think of the colors that make you the happiest and go for it.

Ceremony Backdrops
Another ever-evolving trend you will see for 2023 is outrageously creative ceremony backdrops. No more are the days of the simple arbor or draped material over a trellis, now you can see hanging greenery, bling lighting and painted murals to masterfully designed balloon art and so much more. Not only is it a focal point during the ceremony, it often becomes the backdrop to many of your guests’ selfies and group photos.

Sustainability
Many are opting to use items that are not single-use plastics or other materials that may add to the destruction of the Earth. Couples are using their day to make a difference and reduce their impact ever so slightly, believing if everyone just does their part, it can have a bigger impact. So, for 2023, look for more locally sourced food selections, more sustainable wedding favors, live plantings as décor, and items that can be reused or regifted when the wedding day is done.

Remember, a trend is anything that catches on, and we’re sure that ideas are plentiful!

 

 

 

Tell Us Your Story Rachel & Kyle

Photography by Haley Jessat of Haley J. Photo

Small destination weddings have become more popular in recent years, and that is exactly how local couple Rachel Sternola and Kyle Brunner celebrated their love this past summer.

“We had a small micro wedding with only 11 guests in West Glacier, Montana,” Rachel explained. “Our ceremony was just outside of Glacier National Park with park views at Glacier Raft Company Weddings. Kyle and I ventured into the park with our photographer and videographer for our bridal shots before heading to our reception.”

Rachel and Kyle were high school sweethearts.

“We both went to Palm Beach Central High School,” Rachel recalled. “I played soccer with his sister, and let’s just say she takes all the credit for us meeting.”

Kyle proposed during a visit to St. Augustine.

“We had a trip planned to stay at a beach house there,” Rachel said. “It was the best weekend with both of our families. He proposed one morning on the beach.”

For the wedding, they rented a house on a large property in Whitefish, Montana, and had a dinner reception there. The reception was photographed by Haley Jessat of Haley J. Photo. The videographer was Molly Pearce of Media by Molly. The dress by Lillian West came from Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon in Wellington. Their first dance was to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.

“We are country music people, but we’ve always loved the lyrics to this song,” Rachel said. “Our personal vows we wrote were definitely our favorite part of our wedding day. We went back and forth trying to decide if we wanted to say them in private or during our ceremony, but since we had such an intimate ceremony, we decide to share that moment with them, and we are so glad we did!”

The photo shoot in the park was also a highlight.

“We absolutely loved going off into Glacier National Park for our bridal portraits, just the two of us with our photographer and videographer,” Rachel said. “We had the best time, and this gave us time to really soak in our wedding day just the two of us.”

Their honeymoon included a visit to several scenic locations in the mountain west.

“We left from Whitefish, Montana, after spending the week of our wedding with our families and friends, and drove to Yellowstone and then to Jackson Hole, Wyoming,” Rachel said. “We hiked almost every day of our honeymoon in Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons.”

So, no matter if you are imagining a large wedding or a more intimate gathering, a ceremony here in South Florida or perhaps a destination wedding, it is all within the reach of your imagination.

 

Planning For Your New Home Navigating Today’s Fast-Changing Real Estate Market Requires Expert Help

Not long after planning a wedding, couples looked toward beginning their life together. Often, this means finding a new home. Perhaps this will be a starter home for a younger couple just stepping out into life on their own. Perhaps it will be a larger home for a combined modern family. Some couples want to skip the starter home step and find the permanent home of their dreams.

However, in today’s challenging and quickly changing real estate market, that means having a team of experts on your side to help make your real estate dreams come true.

First National Bank Coastal Community, which recently opened a branch office on South Shore Blvd. in Wellington, has expertise working with a team of experts in all facets of the home-buying market.

Do you have questions about mortgages, such as whether to buy or refinance, lock in a fixed rate or take an adjustable rate? Are you looking to decide between buying and renting? Are you looking for a program for first-time homebuyers? Do you have questions about current market conditions or homeowners’ insurance requirements? Do you know the requirements of title insurance? All these and more can be answered by experts such as Mary Coates, the mortgage team lead at FNBCC; Jim Corbin, a Realtor with Illustrated Properties; Pam Van Woerkom, the president of Coastal Title Services; and Chris and Stephanie Barker of the Barker Insurance Group.

Mary Coates, senior vice president and Florida residential mortgage manager for FNBCC, knows that buying a home can be a challenging experience.

“I would love to help others navigate these uncertain times and be able to buy the homes of their dreams. This can be a stress-free process with the right people on your team,” Coates said.

Upon graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 1988, Coates began her start in the mortgage industry.

“I’ve done it all, and as such have a great deal of experience in all the aspects of the mortgage process,” she said. “I became a residential mortgage loan originator in 1997. I’ve been through good times and bad, but I have always maintained a passion for this business even when times were tough. I really enjoy helping people with their dream of buying a home and being immersed in that process.”

Coates is eager to connect with people in the Wellington community to let them know all that FNBCC has to offer local residents, such as how they execute their origination and closing process, along with other pertinent topics such as the current market and rate environment, in addition to various programs. They can help potential homebuyers get immersed in all aspects of real estate.

Mary Coates is based out of FNBCC’s office at 2000 PGA Blvd., Bldg. E., Suite 5500, in Palm Beach Gardens. For more info., call (561) 324-8661.

Also key to a successful homebuying experience is having a Realtor with expertise in the market you’re looking in, such as
Jim Corbin with Illustrated Properties.

“Illustrated Properties is a family owned and operated business that is No. 1 in sales in northern and central Palm Beach County, and the No. 1 independently owned brokerage in Florida,” Corbin explained. “With 18 offices and 700 sales associates, we can handle all real estate needs one might have. We also have property management, mortgage, title and insurance services in our family of companies.”

Corbin has been a Realtor selling in Wellington since 1978 and has been with Illustrated Properties for 20 years. He holds many designations of post license education programs.

Much of Corbin’s business is word of mouth and referrals, and he has many longtime and repeat customers. Excellent customer service is crucial, and knowledgeable professional expertise sets Corbin apart from many other agents.

When looking for real estate information, Corbin can offer insight into the current state of the market; how the market is changing and why; ways to get an offer accepted; how the market is in other areas of the U.S. and in Europe and Asia; new techniques for offers; insurance issues with real estate; and much more.

To learn more about Realtor Jim Corbin at Illustrated Properties, call (561) 798-2224 or visit www.jimcorbin.com.

If you’ve ever purchased a home, you have likely also purchased title insurance. But do you know what it really takes to properly insure the title to your property? Pamela Van Woerkom, is the owner operator of Coastal Title Services and is a true veteran of the industry.

A licensed title agent since 1992, she has 30 years in the real estate title industry. Prior to that, Van Woerkom was in the banking/finance sector. Because of this vast experience and knowledge, she is a valuable resource to her clients, as well as all real estate professionals.

Van Woerkom believes in a hands-on approach with her clients and prides herself on offering the best customer service possible to ensure clients’ needs are satisfied. Her experience has allowed her to handle a variety of transactions, from large commercial properties to simple land deals. No matter the size of the transaction, she firmly believes that all deals deserve the same high level of professionalism and attention.

What exactly is title insurance? When a property is financed, bought or sold, a record of that transaction is generally filed in the public archives. Likewise, records of other events that may affect the ownership of a property, like liens or levies, are also archived.

When you buy title insurance for your property, a title company searches these records to find — and remedy, if possible — several types of ownership issues. First, the title company searches public records to determine the property’s ownership status. After this search, the underwriter will determine the insurability of the title.

Yet even the most skilled title professionals may not find all problems associated with a property. Some risks, such as title issues due to filing errors, forgeries or undisclosed heirs, are difficult to identify. So, after the title company finishes its searching, it also provides a title insurance policy that will help protect buyers from a variety of issues that might be uncovered later.

If you take out a mortgage loan when you buy your property, your lender will require a loan policy of title insurance. This protects the lender’s interest in your property.

Pam Van Woerkom can be reached at Coastal Title Services Inc., located at 824 W. Indiantown Road in Jupiter. For more info., call (561) 835-5900 or visit www.coastaltitlesvcs.com.

Chris and Stephanie Barker have been helping Wellington residents with their insurance needs for decades. When it comes to property insurance, the current market is perhaps the most challenging ever.

Did you know that in the past year, several property insurance carriers have filed for bankruptcy and many that are still financially stable have pulled out of writing new business in Florida? If you want to know how this is impacting the insurance market and want to make sure you know what to do if you are purchasing a home, contacting the Barkers can get you the information you need.

“We believe information is knowledge,” the Barkers explained. “For many years, we have talked to customers looking to purchase home insurance coverage and have discovered many understood little to nothing of what they had purchased in the past. We strive to share this information with anyone who wants to know more about it.”

This includes topics such as: necessary coverage; the fine print included in policies (co-insurance and being underinsured); deductibles; where you can save money and where you need to make sure you are accurately insured; different policy types and which one will work best for you; and important inspections needed for insurance.

“It is important for loan processors, Realtors, insurance brokers and customers to build a bridge of knowledge so we can give our community the best possible service,” the Barkers said.

Barker Insurance Group is located in the original Wellington Mall. For more info., call (561) 242-3603 or visit www.barkerinsurancegroup.net.

First National Bank Coastal Community’s new branch is located at 12140 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. FNBCC is available to help with all your banking needs. For more information, call (561) 231-5444 or visit www.fnbccfl.com.

Twists Of Fate How Hillary Dobbs Created A Life Of Passion Outside Of The Competition Ring

By Jessica Brighenti

Hillary Dobbs is a name that most, if not all, of the Wellington equestrian community is familiar with. With an impressive junior and professional career, Dobbs was no stranger to the winner’s circle or juggling two parts of her life. Upon graduation from Harvard University and an unfortunate riding accident changing the course of her top-level journey, Dobbs found her way to new talents — coaching, being a wife and mother, and spearheading the equestrian division at Malvern Bank.

Born and raised in Sussex, New Jersey, Hillary, and her twin sister, Heather, were born into the equestrian industry. Parents Lou and Debi Dobbs both had a passion for the animal and ran an established Quarter Horse business. The twins were on horseback before they could walk, started taking lessons, riding ponies and the rest is history.

“The Quarter Horses didn’t enjoy jumping quite as much as we did,” Dobbs laughed. “So, the farm slowly transitioned to English and away from Western, and my mom would take me and my sister all over New Jersey to compete in local shows in the leadline and cross rails.”

From there, Dobbs never looked back. At the age of 15, she began training with renowned trainers, Missy Clark and John Brennan of North Run, with locations in Warren, Vermont, and here in Wellington. During her professional career, Dobbs became the youngest rider to earn more than $1 million in prize money and won 31 Grand Prix titles.

Shortly after adding her name to North Run’s long list of accomplished students, Dobbs found herself in Wellington more than at home in New Jersey or in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she studied at Harvard University.

“In the winter, I would go to class Monday through Wednesday, fly down to WEF [the Winter Equestrian Festival], show Thursday through Sunday, and fly back Sunday night,” Dobbs recalled.

It was a schedule she would repeat for the entire circuit.

“I was very fortunate to have a lot of support — from my family, from Missy and John and the North Run team, and from my friends and roommates at school,” Dobbs said.

Like all things in life, nothing is predictable, and show jumping is no exception. In 2012, Dobbs suffered a knee injury after an unexpected accident in the competition ring. Her horse slipped and fell, and Dobbs’ foot got caught in her stirrup as she tried to jump off. The injury changed the course of Dobbs’ life in terms of her professional show jumping career, but it allowed her to follow one of her additional passions instead — mentoring fellow equestrians.

“A family friend mentioned an assistant coach opening at the University of South Carolina. Honestly, I said verbatim, ‘Forty girls? No way! I don’t think I am ready for that,’” admitted Dobbs with a laugh.

After further consideration, and remembering her love for team competition in the sport, Dobbs’ final words were, “Sure, let’s give this a try,” before she completely fell in love with it.

Dubbed “mother hen” of the barn at the age of 15 by John Brennan, Dobbs effortlessly fell into her new role as a coach, mentor and confidant for the University of South Carolina Equestrian Team members. “That’s one of the reasons why I truly loved my role as coach,” Dobbs said. “The bond was special. I had a bond with the girls that changed my life. They became family.”

Dobbs now shares her motherly instincts in a different way. Wife to Christian D’Andrea and mother to Kingston, Dobbs said that she couldn’t have asked for a more perfect fairytale.

“Starting a family has been a dream come true,” she said. “I met the man of my dreams at the end of January 2020, and it was love at first sight.”

Although on a different ride, Dobbs hasn’t veered too far from the sport she loves so dearly. As vice president and director of equestrian at Malvern Bank, Dobbs helps the equestrian community in new ways and spends a large amount of her time in Wellington, expanding the business to those she knows best.

Approached by Malvern Bank President & CEO Tony Weagley in 2017, the two immediately shared the same vision — the need for a financial institution that can not only cater to but fully understand the needs of equestrians and their business.

Dobbs understands the niche equestrian community and is sympathetic to equestrians’ ever-changing schedules. Dobbs and Malvern Bank are able to provide an extra level of service by accommodating those time constraints.

“I believe I am bringing something different to the professional equestrian community,” Dobbs explained. “I am able to bridge the gap by assisting equestrian customers with their banking needs. Sometimes even while they are on a horse or between classes!”

Whether it’s experiencing Kingston’s very first haircut with her husband, returning to the magical showgrounds of WEF where she spent so much of her formative years, or assisting her former equestrian colleagues with their business banking needs, Dobbs is certain she is right where she is meant to be.

“A few twists of fate have led me to a career and life that has allowed me to be a mother, wife and a professional still very entrenched in the equestrian community that I love,” Dobbs said. “There certainly isn’t any other way I would want it. It truly is the best of both worlds.”

Expert Customization And Repairs At ESK Golf Carts, A Family Hobby Evolved Into A Successful Business

Story by Mike May |  Photos by Abner Pedraza

Francisco and Francine Orozco, along with their three sons Erick, Steven and Kevin, have always spent much of their free time working on and repairing machinery, such as golf carts. Fixing machinery has always been a family hobby. They got so good at specifically fixing and refurbishing golf carts, that it has now evolved into a successful family business, ESK Golf Carts, named in honor of the three sons.

“Before starting our business, we perfected our craft,” Francisco said.

While Francisco and his sons work on the golf carts, Francine is the one who puts the finishing touches on each job. “My wife is in charge of quality control and oversees the final details on each golf cart,” Francisco said.

The company repairs golf carts and provides fully customized golf carts to clients.

ESK Golf Carts does not sell its products to the most obvious clients, which are country clubs, golf clubs and golf courses. Instead, ESK Golf Carts focuses its sales on members of the general public, housing communities, schools, churches and municipalities.

ESK Golf Carts also buys its golf carts from the general public, which can be a somewhat unsteady supply chain. But the Orozco family makes it work.

“We buy used and second-hand golf carts from consumers,” Francisco explained. “We search online, and we get them from word-of-mouth. We work on both electric and gas-powered golf carts.”

While ESK Golf Carts does buy and sell carts produced by well-known manufacturers, such as Club Car, E-Z-Go, Yamaha and Gem, it doesn’t buy the carts directly from those manufacturers.

“Ideally, we’d like to buy new golf carts from the main plants,” Francisco said, adding that right now, that’s not possible.

Once ESK Golf Carts takes ownership of a cart, regardless of its condition, the fun begins.

“We strip each golf cart down, replace the brakes, install new bushings, insert a new battery, put a new frame on it, paint it, put in new seats and customize it according to the wishes of the client,” Francisco said.

Customers usually want a golf cart that is unique and high performing. It all starts with the battery.

“Customers prefer a lithium battery since it has a longer battery life, is maintenance-free, has a longer-lasting charge and is quicker to charge,” Francisco said.

Many clients also want a faster golf cart.

“We can engineer a golf cart to go as fast as 35 to 40 miles per hour,” he added.

After you look at each finished product, it’s clear that the Orozco family’s true talents are in the customization process.

“We can make limo golf carts that seat six people, and we produce all-terrain golf carts with special tires,” Francisco said. “We also paint the golf cart according to the wishes of the client. Right now, silver-gray is very popular. But we also paint the carts green, purple and many different shades of blue. When we produce a golf cart for an equestrian client in Wellington, the name of the farm is often placed on the outside. For private country club members, their first names are placed on the side of the golf carts. People also want golf carts with fans and USB ports, so they can charge their cell phones while out playing golf.”

Francisco noted that the golf cart business has picked up since 2020, when people started spending more time at home due to the pandemic.

Right now, most of the clients for ESK Golf Carts live in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, the Acreage/Loxahatchee area, Delray Beach and Jupiter.

When ESK Golf Carts takes ownership of a used golf cart, which usually has a large amount of wear and tear, the company’s experts will turn it into a thing of beauty — and the process doesn’t take very long. In about two weeks, ESK Golf Carts can transform a golf cart that was considered “trash” into a treasure.

On any given day, the shop at ESK Golf Carts is filled with 12 to 15 golf carts that are being repaired, and the crew is also working on customizing roughly 20 to 30 golf carts for clients.

One of driving philosophies at ESK Golf Carts is customer service.

If you own a golf cart that needs work, ESK Golf Carts will come to your aid. “We will pick up your golf cart, bring it to our shop, fix it and return it to you,” Francisco said.

In addition to restoring carts, ESK Golf Carts provides regular repairs, if necessary.

“We provide service to address any wear and tear on a golf cart,” Francisco said.

When it comes to the bottom line, the prices of a golf cart range depending on the amount of customization and detailing involved.

According to Francisco, prices range from $3,500 to $15,000. The most common golf carts have room for two passengers or golfers.

The next larger version of golf carts has room for four people, who will use it to travel within their communities, neighborhoods and housing developments.

The limo golf carts are big enough for six people.

At ESK Golf Carts, the owners will work with your budget to provide you with the golf cart of your dreams, as the company’s goal is ultimate customer satisfaction.

ESK Golf Carts is located at 4657 Southern Blvd., Suite A, in West Palm Beach. Visit www.eskgolfcarts.com or call (561) 684-8188 to learn more about this unique family business.

Introducing The Inaugural Our Wellington Awards

The inaugural Our Wellington Awards honor members of the Wellington community who have made an award-winning difference to our village. These awards, presented here for the first time, are a unique and special way to salute members of the community who have gone above and beyond in a voluntary capacity for the betterment of all village residents.

Wellington The Magazine decided to establish these awards to pay tribute to the many incredible volunteers that our community is fortunate to have among us. In this inaugural year, the Our Wellington Awards are recognizing community leaders who have made significant voluntary contributions in the many areas of public service, such as philanthropy, community welfare, sports, culture, the arts, recreation and education.

We are acknowledging those who have made unique contributions, very often out of the public eye, although they also may be well known within their communities, where their names are synonymous with “making a difference.” Wellington The Magazine is pleased to shine the spotlight on them.

We are happy to announce this year’s Our Wellington Award recipients: entrepreneurs and philanthropists Frank and Herta Suess; equestrian leader and Great Charity Challenge Executive Director Anne Caroline Valtin; longtime Wellington High School educator Paul Gaba; Daniel, Sarah and Jonathan Clein, founders of the local nonprofit Bricks Busting Boredom; and community activists Marcia Hayden and Maggie Zeller.

Over the next few pages, you will get to put a face to the names of these community members who make Wellington more than a great hometown, but also a hometown with a heart. Learn about their background, how they became involved and what motivates them. Learn about the organizations they work with and how they decide to make a difference in the lives of others.

We hope you enjoy reading about these dynamic individuals and consider becoming involved in a worthwhile cause, benefiting and improving the lives of your neighbors as well.

This is the inaugural year of this award, and we look forward to receiving many more nominations for our upcoming 2023 award season.

Frank And Herta Suess
Entrepreneurs Frank And Herta Suess Are Big Supporters Of Their Adopted Hometown

Story by Mike May | Photo by Abner Pedraza

For longtime Wellington residents Frank and Herta Suess, the Village of Wellington is home, sweet home. It has been that way for more than 30 years for the couple, who were both born and raised in Germany.

“My wife and I moved to Wellington in 1989 from Long Island, New York,” Frank Suess said. “We had friends here at the time. We now have lots of friends in Wellington, and we enjoy it here. We always want to have a home in Wellington.”

While living in Wellington, they also raised their two sons, Oliver and Marcus. Both boys are now grown, married, have children of their own, and live in the Asheville, North Carolina, area.

Wellington and its fledgling business community benefited a great deal by having entrepreneurs and philanthropists Frank and Herta Suess living in the community. They operate their medical supply companies and several other businesses out of a location on Fairlane Farms Road.

“We were some of the first members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce,” recalled Frank, who remains a member of the local chamber, which honored him with its Man of the Year Award in 2003.

Frank was also honored by then Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham with a certificate of appreciation for his work in support of the Village of Wellington. And in the early 2000s, the Wellington Rotary Club also recognized Frank with its coveted Gladney Award for his service to the community.

Over the last 30 years, Frank and Herta Suess have operated a number of successful businesses in Wellington, but what has made them leaders in the community was their willingness to support a wide array of nonprofit organizations across a broad spectrum of focus areas.

“Over the years, we have supported the Boys & Girls Clubs with donations, and supported Little Smiles as well,” Frank said. “We are still involved with Little Smiles, which provides day-to-day assistance to families whose children are battling cancer. We are also supporting the Wellington Community Foundation, the American Diabetes Association, the American Cancer Society, Hospice, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper and Doctors Without Borders.”

Herta, meanwhile, is a member of the Wellington Historical Society and has provided hands-on assistance with the Wellington-based nonprofit Back to Basics. Internationally, Frank is also working with an organization in Poland that helps Ukrainian refugees.

Originally from Bavaria in Germany, Frank’s educational background is in industrial engineering. He worked in the engineering industry in New York but became an entrepreneur when the family moved to Wellington, first focusing on respiratory supplies before moving on to diabetes equipment. Their current businesses span a number of different industries.

When Frank and Herta Suess are not working and supporting those in need, they like to take extended trips.

“I’m not a golfer or tennis player,” Frank said. “But we love to travel. We visit our sons and their families in North Carolina. We return to Europe every year in the fall, and we like to visit Asia.”

Anne Caroline Valtin Equestrian Anne Caroline Valtin Supports Wellington Through Her Great Charity Challenge Leadership

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Lois Spatz

Nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County are better off now than they were 13 years ago thanks to the hard work of Anne Caroline Valtin, executive director of the Wellington-based Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments.

The big-picture numbers associated with the Great Charity Challenge are eye-opening. “In 13 years, the Great Charity Challenge has distributed $17.7 million to 294 charitable organizations and nonprofit groups,” said Valtin, who is also an accomplished equestrian rider.

Every dollar raised by the Great Charity Challenge is distributed to approved Palm Beach County-based charitable organizations, due to the GCC’s support from Equestrian Sport Productions and the Global Equestrian Group covering all event expenses. “We are proud that 100 percent of the funds raised are distributed to approved causes in need,” said Valtin, who has led the Great Charity Challenge since its second year of existence. “We track how the funds are distributed and spent, and we generate a report every quarter. We are very transparent with how we distribute the funds and how that money is spent.”

The GCC’s grant application process starts each year on Oct. 31. Groups have two weeks to get their paperwork completed and submitted.

“Our application process is very fair and simple,” Valtin said. “We know that nonprofit organizations have limited time and resources to dedicate to such a task.”

Valtin makes sure that the vetting process is performed in a professional manner.

“We have a very thorough vetting process to determine the validity and impact of each group’s mission, thanks to a partnership with Bank of America and the support of GuideStar,” she said.

Once a nonprofit has been approved, its application is placed in a lottery bin. By the end of the vetting process, roughly 300 groups will have been approved. Then, just like in lottery drawings, one approved application after another is extracted from the lottery bin. An average of 50 applicants will receive funding through the process, which will next be held in January 2023.

Soon after the drawing, nonprofits will be assigned to 35 different show jumping teams for the event held in early February. At the GCC, those 35 teams will compete against one another at Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival. The better that each team does, the more money its charitable organization will receive. The 15 charities not assigned to a show jumping team will receive funding in the form of grants, but not as much as the 35 charities involved in the Great Charity Challenge itself. The riding groups will win $15,000 to $100,000 for their nonprofits.

On the day of the GCC, everybody affiliated with the nonprofit groups is a show jumping fan.

“I am passionate about equestrian sports and philanthropy, but for this special night, I’m truly just a facilitator,” Valtin said.

And thanks to Valtin, the Great Charity Challenge will continue operating smoothly, which means that charitable organizations in Palm Beach County will continue thriving.

For information regarding the 2023 Great Charity Challenge, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com.

Paul Gaba Educator Paul Gaba Has Led Wellington High School’s Highly Regarded Debate Program For Two Decades

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Abner Pedraza

The role of teachers and coaches in the lives of students is difficult to fully measure, but they certainly can positively influence students in a way that will impact them for their entire lives. And when a coach gets to teach what he coaches, then the impact can be powerful and profound.

Paul Gaba, a teacher at Wellington High School, is one of those educators who coaches what he teaches. He teaches speech and debate at WHS and also coaches the school’s highly regarded speech and debate team.

“I’m now starting my 21st year as the speech and debate teacher and coach here at Wellington High School,” said Gaba, 58, a native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who also teaches a TV production class and two social media classes at WHS.

Gaba realizes that when students register for his speech and debate class and join the team, they will learn more than just how to speak in public.

“With each student, I focus more on success than winning a speech or debate tournament,” explained Gaba, whose speech and debate team is nicknamed the Red Dawn Debaters. “For me, success takes place when a student achieves more than they thought was possible, such as a student being afraid of public speaking and then actually doing it. Success can be measured when a student discovers a new talent and passion. I’ve had students who couldn’t talk their way out of a paper bag, and then they actually master public speaking. That’s success.”

While many students learn about teamwork, sacrifice and communication as members of any of the athletic teams at Wellington High School, those same skills and more are taught by Gaba to the members of his speech and debate team.

“As the speech and debate coach, my focus is bettering each student’s future,” added Gaba, who has personally taught and coached more than 3,500 students since he has been teaching here in Wellington.

Gaba’s speech and debate squad competes on a local, regional, state and national level — and the Red Dawn Debaters have achieved success at every level.

Gaba has been leading the debate program since 2002. He is also chair of the Florida Oceanfront National Speech & Debate Association District, vice president of the Palm Beach Catholic Forensic League, and statewide tournament coordinator for the Florida Civics & Debate Initiative. He was named Florida’s debate coach of the year in 2011-12.

Aside from his work at Wellington High School, Gaba is an active member of Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah, where he is a board member of the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood, a service group that raises money for charitable causes.

If you’re interested in learning more about coach Gaba’s squad, follow the group on Twitter @RedDawnDebaters and visit the team’s web site www.wellingtondebate.com.

With Gaba’s teaching and coaching, the Red Dawn Debaters are sure to achieve success this year, which is the ultimate goal. And don’t be surprised if they add to Wellington High School’s impressive collection of speech and debate trophies.

The Clein Family Bricks Busting Boredom: Clein Family Brings Smiles Through Lego Bricks

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Abner Pedraza

Creativity is essential to enriching young minds. To help build this creativity, Wellington siblings Daniel, Sarah and Jonathan Clein collect Lego bricks and distribute them to children in need.

Their nonprofit Bricks Busting Boredom has grown rapidly since Daniel started the program in 2015 after visiting his cousin in the hospital and learning of how useful Lego sets can be for young patients.

Daniel, soon joined by his sister Sarah, saw that there were very few creative outlets for children undergoing treatment. While fighting for their health, children are stuck in the hospital, sometimes for months. While hospital staffers work hard to entertain the children, they need assistance.

The Cleins realized a colorful and creative channel for these children: Lego bricks. They just needed to find a way to get them into local hospitals. So, they founded Bricks Busting Boredom, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting new and used Lego bricks to give to the children.

Daniel ran the organization while he was in high school. While serving as head of the organization, he expanded the donation sites to include homeless shelters and foster homes.

In 2017, when Daniel graduated, he passed the mantel as head of the organization to Sarah. She also loved meeting the children who were the recipients of the donated Lego sets. Sarah decided that, along with their donations, Bricks Busting Boredom would start throwing “Lego parties.”

“We hosted the parties for children, brought the used Legos for them to play with, and left new Lego boxes for each child to take with them,” recalled mom Deborah Clein.

At these parties, the Clein family piles the Lego bricks on tables and then encourages the children to be creative with them and have fun. After hours of playing, they each get to leave with their own Lego box.

“Along with food and games, BBB’s Lego parties give the parents of these children time to take a break and watch their children simply be kids, playing with Legos and having fun,” Deborah said.

Clearly, Bricks Busting Boredom has grown into a great family project. Deborah and her husband Kenneth have supported their children as they each contributed their own ideas to expanding this family-run organization.

After Sarah graduated from high school in 2021, the youngest Clein child, Jonathan, became the new head of Bricks Busting Boredom. Nowadays, Jonathan conducts events at the Quantum House in West Palm Beach, the Kids Cancer Foundation in Royal Palm Beach, and JAFCO, an emergency shelter in Broward County.

Since this unique, Wellington-based nonprofit was founded, the impact that the Clein family has had on the lives of local children has been significant.

“Since 2015, we have collected and delivered more than two tons of Legos,” Deborah said. “We collect new and used boxes from those who contact us. Each donation makes a huge difference in the lives of children. So, if anyone has new or used Legos that they want to donate, they should definitely contact us.”

For more information, visit www.bricksbustingboredom.org, e-mail bricksbustingboredom@gmail.com or call (954) 682-3816.

Marcia Hayden Marcia Hayden Has Dedicated 20 Years To Her Community Service In Wellington

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Abner Pedraza

One of the reasons why Wellington is such a great place to live is because of people like Marcia Hayden. Every community needs to have more residents like Hayden, who has done more in 20 years for Wellington than most people will do in their lifetimes.

Hayden’s commitment to Wellington started in 2001 when she and her husband Frank relocated to the community.

“We moved to Wellington from Detroit, Michigan, when my husband took a job with the South Florida Water Management District,” Hayden recalled. “We chose Wellington because we wanted to live in a community with great schools.”

With her youngest son attending high school and her husband busy working, Hayden started volunteering with the School Advisory Committee beginning in 2002.

“I’ve been involved with SAC for nearly 20 years, and I was president for a number of years,” Hayden said.

Her commitment to local schools also extends to her volunteer work on Wellington’s Education Committee, which works to support and improve local schools through keeping open lines of communication and also providing direct grants to the schools.

In addition, Hayden and a number of other college-educated women recently started a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. “Our purpose is to be of service to mankind and to give back to the community,” Hayden said of the organization, which is also known as the Crowned Pearls of Wellington.

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority members helped distribute free food to needy families who lined up at the Mall at Wellington Green. They also helped stock the pantry at Wellington Regional Medical Center with free food, snacks and drinks for hospital workers who were working extra-long hours as they tended to the needs of patients.

Another one of Hayden’s causes is Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG), a public-private partnership between the Village of Wellington, local schools and local businesses. “We work with students from both high schools in Wellington,” she said. “It’s a mentoring program where we help prep students for life.”

When Hayden speaks to the students, she tells them of her immigrant roots and reminds them how fortunate they are to be living in the U.S., where opportunities abound. “I encourage students to find their passion and follow their dreams,” Hayden said.

In addition to being mentors to the students, Hayden and her SWAG colleagues have mobilized students to help with hurricane preparation in Wellington and provide internship opportunities for the students during the summer months.

Hayden is also the secretary for the Florida division of the American Civil Liberties Union. With the ALCU, one of her key initiatives is voter registration. As an immigrant, she really appreciates the power of voting. “Many people have lost their rights and don’t know that they have been restored,” she said.

With all that she does, it’s not a surprise that her husband is amazed at her commitment to Wellington. “My husband says my volunteerism is like a full-time job,” Hayden said.

Maggie Zeller Community Service And Helping Others Is A Way Of Life For Maggie Zeller

Story by Mike May

If community activist Maggie Zeller didn’t have a job, she’d spend even more time providing a helping hand. “I love giving back to the community and volunteering in Wellington,” Zeller said. “It’s my passion.”

Zeller, 70, is an independent health insurance agent. Also known as “Medicare Maggie,” she works to make sure that seniors have the right Medicare coverage.

“I want to make sure that seniors make the right decision on their Medicare policy,” Zeller said. “I’m passionate about our seniors. I’m one of them.”

When Zeller is not at work, she’s busy providing assistance to those in need.

“Growing up in Westchester County, New York, my mother was president of the Junior League,” Zeller recalled. “I remember attending meetings with her. As an adult, the first nonprofit I joined was the Junior League.”

Today, Zeller is a board member of the Wellington Rotary Club, the Wellington Community Foundation and Back to Basics. One great thing about volunteering in Wellington is that organizations often work together.

“We all work together as we help children and seniors,” Zeller said. “My role with the Wellington Rotary is to organize and coordinate all the community projects that Rotary does.”

Three of the projects that the Rotary supports and Zeller helps coordinate are the Dictionary Project, the Angel Program and the Pay It Forward program.

“With the Dictionary Project, we go to every public elementary school in Wellington and provide a free dictionary for every third-grade student,” Zeller said. “Every year, we distribute more than 2,500 dictionaries.”

The Angel Program is a holiday program through Back to Basics for underprivileged children. “We give children in need a care package that includes new socks, sneakers, underwear and school uniforms,” Zeller said. “The Rotary and the Wellington Community Foundation support this holiday program by volunteering to purchase and wrap gifts.”

The Rotary recently started a new program, Pay It Forward, which provides groceries for a number of families whose children attend the local Boys & Girls Club. “We helped more than 200 families with bags of groceries that contained rice, sugar, macaroni and cheese, pasta, sauce, canned goods and vouchers for food at Chick-fil-A,” Zeller said.

Recently, Zeller participated in the Village of Wellington’s Back-to-School event. Backpacks and school supplies were provided by the Wellington Rotary and the Wellington Community Foundation. School uniforms were purchased by the foundation through Back to Basics. Zeller coordinated volunteers to make sure that the children who attended received what they needed for school.

For Zeller, being a volunteer in Wellington is like being a part of a winning team. “I cannot do what I do without the support of the dedicated volunteers with both the Wellington Rotary and the Wellington Community Foundation,” she said.

When not working for local seniors or the local community, Zeller enjoys spending time at the beach.

“You can find me on the beach Sunday mornings, where I sit in my beach chair, read my book, and watch my two grandchildren ride the waves and play in the sand,” Zeller said.

Investing In The Community
Upcoming Wellington Capital Projects Will Keep The Village Moving Forward

By Deborah Welky

The Village of Wellington is implementing an ambitious Capital Improvements Plan (CIP) designed to keep the village moving forward across all facets of the community, from utilities and drainage to recreation and public safety.

In a municipality, the CIP outlines the structure, funding and timeline for projects that will shape the community for decades to come. Its ultimate goal is improving the quality of life for residents.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes prefers to refer to his CIP as a “Community Investment Program.”

“Since Wellington was incorporated, we have been investing and re-investing in the community,” Barnes explained. “That is what increases our property values, what increases the satisfaction rating of our residents, and what keeps us a great place for people to live and raise a family.”

With a proposed capital project budget of $23.8 million for fiscal year 2023, which gets underway Oct. 1, there are numerous expenditures on the drawing board to be studied, weighed and considered by the Wellington Village Council. Many have been on the books and approved for years. Some are newer suggestions. Some projects are crucial improvements to critical services, while some are forward-thinking enhancements that many communities can only dream about.

In all, over the next year, Wellington will spend $9,985,000 on improvements to its water and wastewater utilities; $9,365,024 on one-time projects that include recreation and public safety; and $4,460,000 to sustain ongoing programs, like streetscapes, technology upgrades and existing parks.

Here, we are looking at just a few of the key capital projects residents can expect in 2023 and beyond.

Utility & Drainage Improvements

Before Wellington was incorporated in 1995, it was governed by the Acme Improvement District, which maintained the community’s drainage system, utilities, roads and parks. Those remain core functions for Wellington’s government today.

Now, with a population of more than 65,000 and a reputation as the “equestrian capital of the world” that attracts still more people during the winter months, the stresses and strains put on the drainage and utility systems are many and varied. A large part of the village’s capital budget is that unseen money that makes sure those services remain seamless for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

A $4 million expansion of Wellington’s water treatment facility and a group of projects at the water reclamation facility totaling $3.5 million are nearing completion, keeping Wellington’s municipal water supply pure and its residents safe.

Due to the sub-tropical climate of the area, there’s water, water everywhere and no-one wants to drive through it. Surface drainage is always a consideration, particularly this time of year, which is the height of hurricane season.

“We’re continuing our neighborhood pipelining project that was started several years ago,” Barnes said. “We’re sticking to the reinvesting in our infrastructure with improved flood protection and resource protection. That is how we control the quantity and the quality of stormwater.”

This project, with $510,000 budgeted next year, is focused on the older areas of the community.

“We’re starting to go into our oldest neighborhoods that are 40 to 45 years old, the ones that were part of the original development, and renewing, replacing or both to extend the life of these pipes for 30 to 50 years or longer,” Barnes said. “Some of the systems have stopped functioning as they were intended to, and we want them to function well. The evidence of our efforts is that now our neighborhoods recover from storms quickly. We have also made improvements and added efficiencies to our pump stations that handle the surface water before it moves into the regional water system.”

Improvements at Town Center

With an increased population comes the need for a central municipal area where residents can access information, speak to village representatives, gather for community functions and more. In Wellington, that “more” is so much more. In early May, the council approved a contract with Urban Design Studios to move forward with Phase Three of the Wellington Town Center project.

“We have already completed the boardwalk along Lake Wellington, and we are working on Phase Two — the expansion of the Wellington Amphitheater. Phase Three is comprised of the aquatics center and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation. Together with the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, we will monitor how those site plans affect Town Center and present a comprehensive plan to the council for their consideration,” Barnes said.

This is an area that has been a work-in-progress since 2008.

“In that time frame, we started the work here at the Town Center, and what was here before was the old Wellington East Club building, the pool and some tennis courts. There was a lot of vacant property around it for years,” Barnes said. “But even in 2008, when times were tough, the village started investing and reinvesting in the community with the new Village Hall, and we haven’t looked back since. We used a grant from Palm Beach County to construct the amphitheater and the Williamson family’s generous donation for the Scott’s Place barrier-free playground. The relocation of the tennis center to Lyons Road and the reconstruction of the new Wellington Community Center has made this area the place to gather and govern.”

The Future of the Aquatics Center

A new aquatics facility is high on the village’s priority list. But officials want it done right, and that takes research and time.

“The current aquatics facility was one of the original facilities we’ve had since nearly the village’s incorporation, and except for the 2009 renovations, it’s largely still the same hole in the ground it was when it was part of the Wellington East Club,” Barnes said.

The location of the new facility remains the key question to be answered.

“The big decision that the council still has to make is the site, since we do have options and the opportunity to build a new one,” Barnes said. “What I think is important is that we don’t take the existing facility out of service during the construction. It’s critical that we look at that. Construction would probably take one and a half years, and we don’t want to shut down programs that may never get their participants back.”

The village plans to use sales surtax funds to offset the estimated $4.9 million cost, $3.4 million of which is in 2023 budget, and hiring the right consultant to help choose the site is key.

“We would require the consultant to look at all existing potential areas within the village,” Assistant Planning, Zoning & Building Director Michael O’Dell said. “Village Park has some additional property near the 120th Avenue South entrance, Greenbriar has some vacant areas, and the School District of Palm Beach County has allowed us to consider a site on their property near Wellington High School. We want to look at all possible considerations.”

Public Safety Annex

Keeping Wellington safe means making sure that the PBSO has a state-of-the-art facility as its local headquarters. There is $3.9 million earmarked for this, of which $3 million is in the 2023 budget.

“Ever since our incorporation as a village, we have worked with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to keep our residents safe,” Barnes said. “As part of our contract, we provide the space for them to operate, to support their work at the village. They used to be in a leased space at the original Wellington Mall. Then they moved into the old village administration building on Greenbriar Blvd.”

This latest effort aims to make the PBSO substation more centrally located.

“In our efforts to have a central area in which to ‘gather and govern,’ we have a desire to have them located at the Town Center site,” Barnes said. “We want a public safety complex to house everybody from the PBSO at one location, whether it’s adjacent to Village Hall or elsewhere on the Town Center property. We are working on planning, design and site selection, and the council is very committed to that, which speaks to their commitment to public safety.”

Athletics Training Facility

Although not at the top of the list, a proposed training facility for up-and-coming local athletes is garnering a lot of enthusiastic attention. At the site of what used to be the old Wellington Boys & Girls Club building on South Shore Blvd., there is talk of a 90,000-square-foot training facility for athletics built through a public-private partnership.

Outside, field space would be improved and conditioned for softball, baseball and an open sports field perfect for soccer, football and other sports. Some money for the project, which is not yet fully approved, is in the 2023 budget.

“That project, privately funded by a group named Wellington Athletics, would come in at between $33 to 36 million,” Barnes said. “The village would have to prepare the site, at a value of approximately $1.5 million, as part of the public-private partnership.”

Educating The Next Generation The Moorcroft Foundation Inspires Conservation And Preservation In Wellington And Beyond

Story By Jessica Brighenti  |  Photo by Georgie Hammond

Wellington is known for its renowned equestrians, close proximity to beaches and beautiful weather. But it is also home to some of the rarest and endangered animals in the world, serving as educational ambassadors for a foundation with a mission of conservation, preservation, inspiration and education.

The Moorcroft Conservation Foundation, founded by accomplished equestrian and trainer Charlie Moorcroft, and his personal collection of rare animals, introduces children and adults to important conservation, rescue and rehabilitation issues while inspiring them to make a difference. The foundation raises funds to support collaborative organizations around the country while also bringing awareness to the local community and beyond.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Moorcroft spent much of his time outdoors riding horses, fishing and spending time in nature. Growing up in a large family with a schoolteacher as his mother, Moorcroft learned early on the importance of giving back, communicating and educating.

Throughout his life, Moorcroft tried his hand at many different careers, but was always drawn back to what was intertwined in his DNA — equestrian sports, nature and being around animals.

He made the move down to Wellington about 17 years ago for the horses and to continue his passion for educating the sport’s youth.

Moorcroft is renowned for his exceptional ability to teach children not only how to ride and care for an animal, but how to be confident, independent and communicative in life outside of the arena.

“I tell my students, there’s always someone more experienced than you, and there’s always someone who needs to look up to you or wants to look up to you,” Moorcroft explained. “I try to impress that upon my students. We inspire kids to help kids. I want kids to know that they are role models, and they are inspiring the next group. I want the kids coming up to know that we were once them.”

Riding lessons with Moorcroft are far from conventional. He brings students out to a track around a 15-acre body of water, where riders get to learn about and see everything from alligators, to fish and birds, butterflies, turtles and snakes. “I use that as a real teaching opportunity to talk about life and nature,” Moorcroft said. “The journey it takes these riders on is fascinating to me. It leads to a lot of great conversation.”

Besides his genuine passion and appreciation for horses and teaching the younger generation, Moorcroft heads up an even bigger passion project, the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation.

Following his involvement in the United States Hunter Jumper Association Foundation, he was inspired to do something more than just house special pets. He wanted to tell an educational story. In November 2020, the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation was born.

“We started the foundation just as a way to bring awareness and real-life experiences to people within and beyond our niche community,” Moorcroft said. “Our goal is really to bridge the gap between kids and education, and also bring funds to other organizations that we trust, so that they can also provide opportunities for kids to be involved at a local, national and global level.”

On the foundation, Moorcroft is assisted by notable equestrian Geoff Teall as executive director, and a board of directors that includes Louise Serio, Holly Caristo, Abby Blakenship and Susan Gordon. They look forward to continuing to share the foundation’s passion and initiatives while inspiring others in the Wellington community and beyond.

“The Moorcroft Conservation Foundation has been instrumental in introducing many people from the Wellington area, both young and old, to the importance of conservation issues,” Teall said. “This has included members of the equestrian community, as well as many year-round Wellington residents.”

Gordon said that the foundation offers an amazing experience to the groups of school children who visit.

“Having this hands-on learning opportunity with endangered animals right here in Wellington is surely an experience they remember for years to come,” Gordon said. “What a great way to inspire the next generation of conversation ambassadors!”

Blankenship has been impressed by Moorcroft’s ability to reach students on topics as varied as equestrian training and conservation.

“Everyone in the horse community knows about Charlie’s amazing gift of teaching children to ride,” she said. “With the foundation, the opportunity is available for people outside of the horse world to also experience his gift and his knowledge of conservation. Charlie’s charismatic method of teaching inspires people to want to learn more and do more. Wellington is fortunate to have a place like the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation. It’s a big museum education in a quaint and personal setting.”

Moorcroft also feels strongly about raising money for smaller, lesser-known, organizations, and he carefully vets and researches the ones his foundation gives to.

“I have a lot of crazy friends and a lot of crazy access to amazing ‘mom and pop’ sanctuaries and rescues that do rehabilitation, and a lot of organizations all over the country and the world that give back to animals in need on a real conservation and preservation level,” he explained.

Moorcroft’s own personal collection of animals is just a small piece of the puzzle to help drive the conversation about these unique species and the importance of conservation and preservation. “The animals and the foundation are very separate to me,” Moorcroft explained. “The animals themselves are owned, supported [and] taken care of by me.”

Although not a public facility, Moorcroft encourages people to come and visit, talk about and meet the animals, and understand conservation and the importance of helping these animals.

“I really enjoy merging my worlds by having some of my dear friends and even equestrian acquaintances come over to learn more,” Moorcroft said. “We do accept donations for the foundation and other organizations that we work closely with, but whenever possible, we love having people over to meet the animals and create conversation.”

Since its inception, the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation has supported organizations such as Feline Conservation, the Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Center, the Turtle & Tortoise Preservation Group and McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, to name a few.

“I am excited to see what the future holds and what we can do for organizations around the world,” Moorcroft said.

To learn more about the Moorcroft Conservation Foundation, or to get involved, visit them on the web at www.moorcroftconservationfoundation.org.