Whitney Garcia The Wanderers Club 

The Wanderers Club, located in the heart of Wellington, is a unique wedding venue with so much to offer. From the beautiful terrace overlooking lush tropical landscaping to the elegant ballroom, the Wanderers Club is an ideal location for special celebrations.

Director of Catering Whitney Garcia works very closely with couples from their very first tour of the venue to the last dance of the night. Now in her second decade helping a bride’s dream turn into a reality, Garcia said this is her true passion.

“We are able to customize each couple’s experience while maintaining flexibility in each stage of the planning,” Garcia said. “The unique thing about the Wanderers Club is the vast property with countless areas available to our brides on their special day.”

The focal point is the recently renovated ballroom with its new design, which is light and fresh with just the perfect blend of modern and elegant. It truly takes your breath away.

Although the traditional plated dinner is always a popular choice for wedding receptions, the Wanderers Club offers many options.

“We offer some of the most fun and creative food ideas, and together we can customize the food experience like no other,” Garcia said. “The Wanderers Club is ideal for any event. We offer large and small packages for bar/bat mitzvahs to sweet sixteens to corporate events.”

Garcia is there to help brides and grooms navigate the current terrain in party planning while still offering a wonderful wedding experience. One of the biggest changes brought by the pandemic has been opening up more outside space for weddings.

“We have a beautiful, covered terrace that allows couples to host their wedding outside,” Garcia said. “We also have a large pool deck to host the cocktail reception, rehearsal dinner, ceremony or any type of event. Our outside space is so elegant and welcoming in the evening and makes guests a little more at ease during these unique times. During the wedding, we have increased staff to help reduce some of the guest interaction. For example, more cocktail servers mean less guests mingling at the bar.”

Some weddings have lowered their guest count, which allows them more room in the budget for fun elements, such as welcome cocktails, late night snacks, coffee bars and more.

“We also have some couples deciding to change their reception menu from stations to plated dinners,” Garcia said. “No matter what the couple decides, we are doing our best to work with each one in creating the wedding of their dreams in a safe environment.”

Yet one thing that truly has stayed the same is the affection and care that goes into every wedding at the Wanderers Club.

“The love and excitement that a wedding brings will always be the same,” Garcia said. “Couples are happy to be joining their lives together with their closest family and friends. It may not look like they originally envisioned, but they are still in love and ready to begin their lives together.”

With creativity, weddings today can overcome any obstacles and continue to shine.

“My hope is that couples will continue to dream big when it comes to their special day,” Garcia said. “It is one of the most special days of their lives and, although it may look a little different, it will still be full of love. I hope lots of fun, new ideas will come out of this challenging time.”

Whether your idea of a dream wedding is an elegant ballroom affair or a casual reception on the pool deck, the Wanderers Club has everything to make that dream a reality. From your first meeting with the staff to the last dance of the night, the club’s experts will be there to help you plan the perfect celebration that meets your needs, tastes and dreams.

At the Wanderers Club, the overall goal is always a beautiful, fun and memorable event that even the client can sit back and enjoy.

The Wanderers Club is located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 795-3501 or visit www.wc.coth.com.

 Kara Martin  Wellington National Golf Club

At the Wellington National Golf Club, the professional staff enjoys helping clients achieve their vision, and that includes creating unique menus, proposals and assisting with making arrangements on the client’s behalf, such as hiring entertainment and arranging for rentals. They make sure that all last-minute details, including the coordination of timelines, floor plans and staffing, are complete in order to execute the event exactly the way the client has envisioned it.

The main point of contact for those planning a wedding at Wellington National is Kara Martin. Born and raised in Wellington, she has a degree in hospitality management from Florida State University.

“My background is in event sales, where I focused on weddings and large community events, in both Tallahassee and Wellington,” Martin said. “I’ve worked in many different branches of event planning, from small, family-owned catering companies, all the way to full corporate wedding planning.”

Wellington National has many great characteristics for all types of events, including weddings, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and more. It is a large venue that in normal times can accommodate up to 300 guests. The ballroom has beautiful ceiling draping, as well as plank-style flooring, in addition to picturesque natural light, as it opens up onto a beautiful piazza, which is tropically landscaped and perfect for an outdoor ceremony.

“We have adapted to the new normal of large events, which includes limiting the seats at a table to 10 or less. Here, we’ve also adopted a new thing. We ask the bride and groom to group families together at tables, so we have tightknit groups who know each other rather than seating strangers together,” General Manager Ted Strelec said.

The team at Wellington National aims to be flexible with couples who choose to plan an event with them to create a special day, unique to the bride and groom. They are happy to customize menus and cocktails, and encourage them to outline their vision for that perfect day — then the team makes that vision come to fruition.

“Another new change that came from the pandemic is that we no longer offer walk-up, self-serve buffet service,” Strelec said. “In lieu of self-serve buffets, we have created manned action stations where our food and beverage team members serve the guests in a common area to eliminate contamination. This is the new normal for us.”

Wellington National’s clubhouse and surrounding areas are perfect for enjoying special events. “We have vast courtyard areas for open-air requests, and our grand ballroom is large enough to responsibly social-distance the tables while hosting an indoor wedding with space for a dance floor,” Strelec said. “It’s large enough to where we can put a party of 50 in there, set up the ceremony and have room for the DJ and the dance floor — all under one roof. We have a wall that divides the room, so we can close that wall for an intimate feeling during the ceremony, and then, while the guests turn out to do cocktails, we open the wall and convert to an open space.”

Not only is Wellington National a beautiful venue, the team is there to make things as easy and stress-free as possible, priding themselves on being flexible with almost every detail to ensure that each couple gets the day for which they have been waiting their whole lives.

This includes current adaptations such as Zoom or FaceTime broadcasts that allow family members who are not present to see the event live. “It has been a great addition for elderly family members or people in different countries to attend via technology,” Strelec said.

Strelec hopes that people who want to get married will find a way to have their special day regardless of what is going on in the world around them. “That is what we humans do best — adapt!” he said.

The Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 333-5731 or visit www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com.

Debbie Liquori Wellington Community Center

The Wellington Community Center, which was completely rebuilt in 2016, has become a popular event space for weddings and so much more. Debbie Liquori is the facility’s longtime administrative coordinator.

“For more than 15 years, I have helped guide members of our community through the room reservation and event planning process at our center,” she said. “The community center allows us the space and flexibility to host events of all types and sizes, everything from weddings to birthday parties, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs, small or large business functions, and more. If you can dream it, our team can help you do it.”

Liquori loves meeting with new clients and helping them work out the details of their special event.

“From that very first meeting, through the planning process, to the final dance of the evening, watching someone’s vision come together into a beautifully memorable experience is the most enjoyable part of my job,” she said. “It is a wonderful feeling to be able to come to work, truly love what you do, and help people plan for some of their most important life events. I am now helping clients who held their daughter’s sweet sixteen at our center plan for her wedding. Getting to be a part of her story, and watch it come full circle, is incredibly rewarding.”

The Wellington Community Center is a unique venue for a wedding location. Situated in the heart of the village and overlooking Lake Wellington, the facility offers a scenic backdrop for events of all kinds.

“Our newly constructed, paved Wellington Promenade along the waterfront provides an ideal space for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions and evening functions,” Liquori said. “Lighted columns and fountains further accent the natural scenery and graceful elegance of the site. Whether hosting an outdoor ceremony on the patio, or an event in the upstairs ballroom, guests will enjoy magnificent western sunsets, setting the stage for stunning event photos.”

The versatile Wellington Promenade is also a useful feature for couples looking for a more outdoor-friendly event with plenty of space for social distancing.

Liquori enjoys working with couples to customize their celebrations while keeping it as stress-free as possible.

“Many have a specific budget in mind, and I work with them to fulfill their goals,” she said. “Thankfully, our center affords a great deal of flexibility for events and budgets of all sizes. We can host large events, up to 225 guests, in our Grande Ballroom overlooking the lake, or smaller events with up to 150 guests in our ground level Lake View Room. All rentals include banquet tables and chairs, and multiple layout options for setup. The center also boasts a full catering kitchen with commercial ovens and refrigeration, and additional amenities such as a green room, portable stage and portable dance floor.”

Whatever additional items a couple may need, Liquori has a list of vendors that are ready to help, such as a DJ, a florist or a photographer.

She has seen that weddings nowadays are focusing on the simple. “People are planning simpler weddings. While there are definitely more elaborate weddings and celebrations, I find most trend toward simple and intimate,” Liquori said. “This is a very affordable facility that I think fits the needs of many people.”

She invites anyone planning a wedding or other special event to come tour the facility and learn more.

“The Wellington Community Center is very affordable, with beautiful scenery and amenities to suit the needs of all people,” Liquori said. “Our team takes pride in providing a positive experience for all of our guests and events. From booking to setup, and throughout every step of the planning process, we will help you see your dreams through to fruition. Repeat business is the highest compliment, and now that we have even more to offer, it keeps our customers coming back.”

The Wellington Community Center is located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 753-2484 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Let’s Ask A Travel Expert About Planning The Perfect Honeymoon 

Brides and grooms often describe their honeymoon as among the most magical of moments in their lives. While moments do not last forever, the memories sure do! We spoke with Mark Elie, president of the award-winning Wellington travel agency K&E Travel, to get his must-haves and other important items when planning your dream honeymoon. Where to go? How to book it? What’s a reasonable budget? Let’s find out!

Q: How long have you been planning honeymoon travel for couples?A: K&E Travel has been in business for more than 31 years, planning vacations and honeymoons for people all across the United States.

Q: Tell us a bit about your business, K&E Travel?|
A: K&E Travel has been in business since 1990. We have more than 300 agents across the country who work under our umbrella. We handle any kind of travel, except an individual airline ticket by itself. As the owner, I was listed in the top 150 agents across the country in 2019 and 2020 for Celebrity Cruise Line as part of their Iconic Agent program. We are part of the Travel Savers Consortia, one of the largest groups of travel agencies across North America, and K&E is in their top 50 agencies out of more than 2,500.

Q: What are some of the more popular destinations that couples choose?
A: Popular destinations for South Florida couples are the Caribbean, such as Saint Lucia, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas, as well as Mexico and Hawaii. Very rarely, some pick Europe.

Q: What are some of the budget price points that people use when planning a honeymoon, and what is the average cost and length of stay?
A: People will often look for a particular room type, for example, a private pool, a butler, oceanfront or over-the-water bungalows. An average honeymoon runs from five to seven days with an average cost of $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the type of accommodations.

Q: How far in advance should a couple start planning their honeymoon travel?
A: We suggest that they start thinking about planning as soon as they have made the arrangements for their actual wedding venue. We usually have them wait until then, so that in case certain dates change, they do not pre-plan and deposit something that could change. Usually, this would be six to 10 months in advance.

Q: How much research should couples do on their own before coming to you to finalize the process?
A: I think they should at least try to narrow down whether they want to go to a place with beaches, Europe, the Caribbean, etc… But sometimes they do not realize what is involved to go to certain places, and during our pre-planning stage, we let them know logistically what is involved, especially now with the pandemic coming into play.

Q: Do you offer destination wedding planning as well as honeymoon guidance?
A: Due to the amount of time and effort these take, we no longer do the wedding planning portion of the trips, since that is not our expertise. However, we would set them up with the wedding planner at a resort, and we could handle the reservations for the guests.

Q: What is one of the most unique, over-the-top honeymoon destinations you’ve seen?
A: One couple is going on a 12-day cruise tour to the Galapagos. Their flight to return home includes a layover in Fort Lauderdale before traveling to Mexico for five more nights!

Q: What would you recommend for “staycation” honeymoon options for those concerned with travel right now?
A: There are many places that they could go to depending on their interests. For example, the Florida Keys has been a very popular place to go during the pandemic. There are many Disney enthusiasts who love to go to Disney and Universal for a few days. The west coast of Florida and the panhandle are also popular. If they want to venture outside of Florida and just stay here in the United States, there are many other options, depending on the time of year.

Q: What kind of honeymoon travel adjustments do you see throughout the industry in this time of uncertainty?
A: The biggest adjustment is for those who choose not to vaccinate. They would have, for the immediate future, less options to go outside the United States, as many parts of the world (although not all) have instituted vaccine requirements. For those who are vaccinated, there are more choices around the world. But there are still many different choices either way.

Q: If you had one piece of advice for all couples planning their wedding honeymoon, what would it be and why?
A: Pick a location that would give you as much as you want within your budget. The budget is very important. You do not want to have in your mind plans to go to some high-end resort or location because you saw it online, and then find out that it really does not fit your dream. That is why we ask from the beginning what that budget would be and what your wish list is, and then we can give you a realistic destination and resort or accommodations.

Although there needs to be an added layer of safety during this time of travel, don’t let that stop you from enjoying your special time together! There are plenty of options available for a fun and safe honeymoon as you begin your married life together. Be sure to consult a travel expert to help make it all happen with ease.

Traditions & Trends

Although the institution of marriage is a tradition all in itself, the tradition of how things are done has exploded with creativity over the last few decades. After generations of the same ole, same ole “here comes the bride” many couples opt for their first love song, or a moment in time captured lyrically. Either way you put it together, each couple must make this their very own special day.

In recent years, weddings have become a production. Thanks to the explosion of social media outlets like Pinterest, Etsy and other favorites, people are all out on the big day. The resourcefulness is boundless, and no idea can be shut down.

But there is a thoughtfulness behind it. Even in the most imaginative of weddings, you will find a hint every now and then of something that symbolizes the bride and groom’s connection to family and the past, affording the reality that a touch of tradition remains a wedding mainstay.

This year’s “Traditions & Trends” offers fresh ideas from new wedding cake designs and flavors to how to keep your guests safe — and everything in between. These ideas are meant to help couples searching for a way to spin traditions into moments that they will cherish for a lifetime, and possibly start a new trend that others will come to appreciate.

It is your day! Make it as simple or extravagant as your heart desires. Be brave, be bold and set the tone for what your relationship will look like, not only on your wedding day but through the course of building your life together.

Unique Wedding Cakes
Although the traditional wedding cake will never go out of style, many couples are sweetening the batter with very unique wedding cakes. This includes everything from favorite sports themes to bird seed sprinkles for exotic bird lovers. Perhaps you aren’t a fan of the same old cake, or just obsessed with a specific dessert, your wedding dessert is the perfect opportunity to showcase your taste with your family and friends.

Whimsical Seating Chart 
The days of paper guest cards are long gone — and the imagination of brides (and their wedding planners) has grown tenfold. Typically, the very first thing your guests do when they arrive is to figure out where they are sitting. Your seating chart will set the stage for what is to come. Don’t be afraid of something a bit different. Incorporate your colors and elements with a bit of the whimsical.

Ceremony Arch Art
The importance of having the perfect wedding arch is paramount, as it frames the most magical moment in your life, where you take your vows, say your “I dos” and become husband and wife. But the old-fashioned trellis has been replaced by exquisite masterpieces. Whether indoor or outdoor venues, a custom arbor is a great way to blend your ceremony with the other parts of your wedding décor.

Snap & Share
While nothing will replace your professional photographer, some of the most magical and candid shots are often caught by your guests. Get everyone on board early! Include your hashtag on the invitation, wedding web site, and, of course, a beautifully displayed sign reminding your guests to share their moments as they capture them. Tell them to snap it, share it and tag it!

Tented Garden
Even if your reception is indoors, adding a tented garden option is becoming popular. Whether serving as a cocktail area or a place of refuge for guests to steal a private moment, it will become an integral part of your wedding. Garden tents come in many shapes and sizes, in materials from sailcloth to clearspan glass, and can be filled with lush landscaping or sparse foliage. The garden tent plays a major role in 2022 weddings.

Digital Invitations
Digital invitations are making more sense than ever. They’re not just beautiful but smart. These invitations are taking fashion-forward brides by storm. The invitations can be interactive, great for tracking and, most importantly, easily updated if the situation arises. From engagement announcements and save-the-dates to invitations and thank-you notes, paperless seems to be moving into the wedding space at the speed of light!

Skip The Line
Many couples are opting for signature drinks as a way to add personal style and color to the cocktail hour or reception. It offers a lot of practical benefits, too — no long lines at the bar! Signature drinks instead of mixed drinks can be prepared ahead of time and can be a much more cost-effective option. They are faster and easier for the bartender to pour and a great complement to the beer and wine!

Lots Of Lights
Brides are thinking outside the “lightbox” and coming up with different looks to integrate lighting in a more personal way. Therefore, it’s no surprise that topping the trends list this year is mood lighting. During the day, they are points of light, and at sunset, they reimagine the space. Either way, lights can set the tone and mood — from exposed industrial bulbs to geometric-shaped lamps and vintage chandeliers.

Custom Face Masks
To wear a mask or not to wear a mask? Is this a question for your guests? More and more weddings today are being scheduled and even rescheduled, and everyone is taking safety precautions. Trendy face masks are being ordered in record numbers, some with matching colors to the wedding décor, some personalized, making it fun and easy to note that the “mask” is a must for the reception.

Wedding Inspiration
Your grand entrance down the aisle is one of the most photographed parts of your wedding. What was once just an area where a white runner would be placed is now a path filled with gorgeous floral arrangements, candles, vintage carpets for an eclectic feel, bales of hay for the western theme, elevated platforms to create a center stage or potted plants for a simpler effect. It is the focal point of the ceremony — make it grand.

Bridal Subscription Boxes
Bridal subscription boxes are all the rage. They are the gift that keeps on giving. Everyone loves opening a package curated just for them, and to get a different one each month makes it that much more fun! These boxes are filled with everything from quality product samples to items they would never purchase themselves; items to pamper themselves the day before the wedding or fun ideas for a bachelorette night on the town.

Palm Beach Brides 2021 THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SPONSORS Tell Us Your Wedding Story

PHOTOGRAPHY
The Camera Wedding
www.thecamerawedding.com

Jack Bates Photography
www.jackbatesphotography.com

Mary McCarty Photography
www.marymccartyphotography.com

Matt Story Photography

VENUES

International Polo Club Palm Beach
www.internationalpoloclub.com
(561) 204-5687

The Wanderers Club
www.wanderersclubwellington.com
(561) 795-3501

Wellington National Golf Club
www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com
(561) 333-5731

Wellington Community Center
www.wellingtonfl.gov
(561) 753-2484

Special Thanks To All Our Wedding Couples
For Sharing Their Love Story With Us!
Sara & James
Christie & Kyle
Veronica & Javier
Rachelle & Casey

Be Sure To View Our Digital Issue Online At
WWW.WELLINGTONTHEMAGAZINE.COM
For The Expanded Edition
YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD OUR PALM BEACH BRIDES 2021 CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SPECIAL DAY

Serving The Needs Of Local Pet Parents New Pet Supplies Plus Store Has Opened In The Southern Palm Crossing Shopping Plaza

Story By M. Dennis Taylor  |  Photos By Abner Pedraza

A new, locally owned Pet Supplies Plus store has opened in Royal Palm Beach’s Southern Palm Crossing shopping plaza, serving the needs of pet parents throughout the western communities. The store is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Jim Beauchamp.

Some of Beauchamp’s fondest memories from his childhood in Chicago involve the family pets. Growing up, it was usually cats. “My dad was a great animal lover,” he said.

Later, raising his own family of two sons and two daughters into adulthood, allergies meant that the family pets changed to dogs. Most recently was one very special Yorkie-Poo named Cooper, who passed last March at the age of 18.

After a long career working in the information technology and business development field, Beauchamp moved to South Florida in 2014 and continued his 30 years in the IT business, often working online. However, he recently decided to get involved in a field that he has long been passionate about.

“I am now 58, and I wanted to get away from tech and get closer to my passion for animals within our local community,” Beauchamp said. “I was interested in opening a neighborhood pet store with experienced personnel, pet washing and grooming, veterinary services, great brands, aggressive pricing, all high quality with a local commitment to the communities and a dedication to invest in the communities through local events and charities.”

After searching investment opportunities that catered to his interests in pets and animals, he became a franchisee of Pet Supplies Plus, the nation’s largest independent pet store with more than 560 locations.

“I like the business model of Pet Supplies Plus, and the culture of the stores. It expresses my affinity for pets with a kindness and love for animals,” explained Beauchamp, whose franchise group is named Coop Enterprise in honor of his own, much-loved pet.

Beauchamp’s store is conveniently located for all of central Palm Beach County.

“It’s on Southern Blvd., so it is right on the edge of Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, on a major road for the western communities,” he said. “The store offers ‘neighbors,’ as we call our customers, and their pets a one-stop shop for all their pet needs. It is localized, promotes convenience and features a full set of services.”

Pet Supplies Plus strives to make shopping local simple. Visitors to the store can easily find all their favorites at prices to love, whether they choose to shop in store or online using free curbside pickup, same-day delivery or register for autoship right to their door.

The store provides a hassle-free way to find better products for pets, while saving money and celebrating the fun of pet ownership. In addition, the store features amenities such as self-pet wash stations, a knowledgeable pet care team, grooming and carry-out service of heavy items to nearby cars.

“The pet wash is unique, allowing neighbors the convenience of getting a pet washed without all the hassle and supplying all the towels you’d have to wash at home,” Beauchamp said.

As a community partner, Beauchamp will team up with local animal shelters, rescue organizations and nonprofits to host year-round adoption events, fundraisers, and pet food and product drives. “We are in discussions for some exciting sponsorships coming up,” he said.

Getting involved in the community is very important for Pet Supplies Plus.

“I wanted to see how I could impact the community and put down roots in my local market while also honoring the memory of my family dog,” Beauchamp said. “Pet Supplies Plus is truly neighborhood centric and allows me to help on more of a grassroots level. I am excited to build relationships with my neighbors and provide them quality products and customer care. Because we have buying power, we provide all the brands neighbors expect, holistic to unique, at great prices, but because we are independent, we can offer smaller, boutique brands that are harder to find.”

Pet Supplies Plus offers local pet parents a wide selection of natural pet foods, goods and pet services at low prices, and focuses on a unique, rich in-store experience. Pet parents are always welcome to shop with their dogs at the store, where knowledgeable team members are on-site to answer questions, offer tips or just get on their hands and knees to play with pets who enter the store.

The knowledgeable and motivated team will help neighbors find everything they need. Each team member is extensively familiar in the areas of natural and holistic foods and are able to answer a broad range of questions about dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and fish. Store shelves are stocked with the right products, including a wide selection of natural and made-in-the-USA products.

“We didn’t cut any corners on the team,” Beauchamp said. “These are not minimum wage jobs. Everyone is trained and motivated.”

Shoppers can also take advantage of the free Preferred Pet Club, which offers members regular coupons on products they purchase frequently, and monthly specials, resulting in big savings.

Cooper will, of course, be missed, but Beauchamp said he just bought a new aquarium for his home.

“I have kept fish for years, and I am sure I will get another dog eventually, but now it is too fresh,” Beauchamp said.

He invited area residents to visit the new Pet Supplies Plus location to find everything they need for furry, scaly and feathery friends. “It is a great experience for you and your pet,” Beauchamp said.

Pet Supplies Plus Royal Palm Beach is located a 11051 Southern Blvd., Suite 160, in Southern Palm Crossing. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call (561) 345-3151 or visit www.petsuppliesplus.com.

Fun Entertainment And Lasting Friendships The Wellington Seniors Club Provides For The Social Needs Of Older Residents

Story By M. Dennis Taylor  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman

The Wellington Seniors Club has been serving the social needs of older residents in the Village of Wellington for nearly 30 years, creating lasting friendships, fun and entertainment for a vibrant slice of the community’s population.

Eileen Kuhnel is the current president of the Wellington Seniors Club, an independent nonprofit that is open to residents of Wellington age 55 and over. “They join when they can, but then get really active when they retire,” Kuhnel said of the group’s large membership.

Kuhnel stressed that the Wellington Seniors Club was established primarily for recreational activities, and its monthly luncheons and seasonal dinners are, in normal times, among the most well-attended events held in Wellington.

Kuhnel explained that 29 years ago, back in 1992, some 25 members joined the fledgling group. Today, there are more than 650 members, enrolled and active. Currently, the membership rolls are frozen until after the start of 2022.

“Even when people get old enough and they go back home up north to be near their families, they remain members so they get the membership newsletter and can keep up with Florida friends,” she said.

While the club would love to get back to business as usual, the group has been careful during the pandemic to continue providing social events in as safe a fashion as possible.

“These events may include a drive-through box lunch special for 250 people,” Kuhnel said. “Everyone wears a mask, it’s not enclosed, and everyone maintains social distancing.”

She is very proud of the way the club and its membership has travailed the difficult times of the pandemic. “Wellington people seem to take better care of themselves and are more cautious,” Kuhnel said.

However, she is eager to get back to in-person events. “We want to move into the next planning stage,” Kuhnel said. “There are new and exciting ideas depending upon what opens up.”

Previously, the club has taken members on social trips, as well as the luncheons. Kuhnel described some of these adventures, such as airboat rides in the Everglades.

“It was exhilarating,” she said. “All the adventures involve a bus ride with about 55 of your favorite Wellington retirees. That’s because of the size of the buses and restaurants that accommodate us. Other trips are on oceangoing boats, flattops for the backcountry observing trips in the Keys, SeaWorld, the St. John’s River, the Broadway Palm Theatre with buffet dinners in Fort Myers, casino trips, and trips to all your favorite and soon-to-be-favorite area restaurants.”

The club makes it easy for local retirees to participate.

“Everything is planned in advance, there’s a trip coordinator, and your only responsibility is to remember your assigned seating so you will still be close to your friends,” Kuhnel said. “The food and beverages are planned, parking is a breeze and your car stays right in the neighborhood.”

Convenience is key when planning events for local seniors.

“Wellington gives us a designated place to park at the community center. The cars are parked there for the day, and we go off on our event,” she said. “The number of activities in the year are about nine lunches, about 12 of the stepping out programs and the two annual dances.”

Those dances include a holiday dance and a spring dance. The board of directors is traditionally installed during the holiday event.

“The camaraderie is so important,” Kuhnel said. “It’s very easy for seniors to get lonely.”

Not big on social media, the group uses phone trees and a newsletter to keep in contact with members.

Stephanie Parreco serves on the board of directors of the club as the recording secretary and vice president. She got involved six years ago when she moved down from Maryland. Parreco likes getting to know other people in her age group.

“I like to have lunch in there about once a month. The luncheons at the equestrian center are great, and the trips that didn’t go on during the pandemic were missed,” she said. “There’s the ballroom, the box lunches, the different vendors every month or so. It’s entertainment for up to 300 at each luncheon. Before COVID-19, we outgrew the facility, and they had to move us to another location.”

Mae Loglisci currently serves as the corresponding secretary. She has served on the board of directors for 11 of her 22 years in the club.

“It’s nice for fellowship with people of the same age, and a continuity of experience,” Loglisci said. “When we started meeting when I joined, there were 35 to 38 people, and now there are 650-plus. We go to many theaters, casinos and the Japanese gardens. Luncheons are now at the gym at Village Park because we outgrew the [community center] building. There are different caterers and there’s entertainment — it’s a fun, fun group.”

Sports Complex A Win-Win Unique Partnership Leads To The Creation Of A New Sports Complex At Wellington High School

A unique sports partnership is on full display on the campus of Wellington High School. Thanks to a special agreement between the Village of Wellington, the Palm Beach County School District and Wellington High School, the sports facilities at WHS have been improved, upgraded and enhanced.

While the immediate beneficiaries will be the athletic department and the student-athletes at the high school, the residents of Wellington get free access to these new facilities as well when the many Wolverine teams are not playing or practicing.

For this new sports complex to become a reality, the Palm Beach County School District provided the land and the Village of Wellington paid for the facility to be built. The price tag was $12 million. In order for the village to spend public funds on the WHS campus, the school district had to agree to share the facilities with the general public. It became a win-win for all parties involved.

In June, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility took place, which officially opened the multi-use sports complex to the general public and to the Wolverines’ athletic program.

The first phase of the new sports complex was completed last summer when the new synthetic turf football field opened at WHS. The Wolverines’ football team, soccer teams and lacrosse teams used the field for home games during the 2020-21 school year. This field has permanent markings for those three sports.

The other new sports facilities at WHS include eight tennis courts, of which four have pickleball lines, four adjoining multi-purpose fields, three basketball courts, two new batting cages, a kickback wall, a running track and a new building that has two concession stands, bathrooms and a meeting room.

According to Wellington Parks & Recreation Director Eric Juckett, many sports will be played on the massive multi-purpose fields, such as flag football, lacrosse, rugby, soccer and outdoor tournaments that are held in Wellington at various times throughout the year.

Wellington Vice Mayor John McGovern is thrilled to see this new sports complex open and being used by the public.

“It is going to be a great addition for the community,” McGovern said. “It is spectacular, and I think that it is going to be a tremendous addition to our parks and recreation inventory.”

Juckett noted that this sports complex puts Wellington on a different level when compared to other municipalities in Palm Beach County.

“We are truly excited to bring this facility to our residents,” Juckett said. “It creates at-will recreation opportunities, and it will be a direct benefit to the students and residents of the village.”

Juckett said that everybody he has spoken with about this unique recreational complex is delighted with what has been accomplished.

“I honestly have not heard anything negative,” Juckett said. “It has all been very positive and in awe of the complex that was built, along with the relationship we have with the Palm Beach County School District and, specifically, Wellington High School.”

According to Juckett, Wellington residents will have access to open play on the tennis courts and basketball courts during the Village of Wellington hours of use. The fall/spring hours are Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The summer hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Village of Wellington programming will take priority to open play by the general public.

To learn more about Village of Wellington recreation programs, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/recreation.

A Sport For A Lifetime Wellington Tennis Center Offers A Wide Array Of Programs For Children Through Seniors

The state-of-the-art Wellington Tennis Center, located on Lyons Road, offers programs for every age group, teaching this sport designed for a lifetime and offering open play and tournament play to all Wellington residents.

Director of Tennis Chuck Gill, a USPTA elite professional and a longtime Wellington resident, took over as leader of the facility earlier this year, bringing with him a lifetime of tennis expertise.

“I have been teaching tennis and running tennis operations since I left college,” Gill said. “Serendipitously, my graduation was timed with the peak of the tennis boom, and I started with a management company that operated tennis resorts and clubs. Early on, I had enough business acumen to be successful in the business of tennis. I knew that I loved the game and wanted to be involved in this business. After working at several top resorts, I landed at the Club at Ibis, where I spent the last 24 years growing the program and eventually being the director of sports, where I oversaw tennis, fitness, aquatics and spa.”

Along the way, Gill has been an active tennis volunteer and served as president of the United States Professional Tennis Association, as well as serving on many United States Tennis Association boards and committees.

“Since I began playing tennis at public tennis centers and high schools as a kid, returning to lead a public tennis operation is coming full circle for me,” he said. “I have lived in Wellington for 24 years and always had tennis-playing friends in Wellington. When the position opened up, I was so impressed with the village’s commitment to tennis.”

He lauded the Wellington Village Council and the village staff for having the vision and foresight to build the current Wellington Tennis Center in 2015. Tennis was previously housed at the old Wellington Community Center before that building was razed and rebuilt.

“We have 21 beautiful clay courts with state-of-the-industry underground irrigation,” Gill said. “We also have a clubhouse, pro shop and viewing deck that allows our players to have all of the amenities of a private tennis club at a public tennis center.”

The facility opened in style on June 9, 2015 with an appearance by Venus Williams.

“We have a vibrant and growing junior program for kids of all levels and ages, a complete ladies team program, as well as an active group of men of all ages who frequent the courts,” Gill said.

Thousands of players visit the tennis center each year. “Our junior program starts children as early as age five for our Red Ball program. We have some seniors who are knocking on 90 years young,” Gill said. “Our ladies teams have soccer moms, grandmas and proudly, a few great-grandparents. That is one of the best things about tennis — it is truly the sport of a lifetime.”

The Wellington Tennis Center also hosts tournaments, league play, junior events and more, so new players are always visiting to see all that the facility has to offer.

Fees to use the facility are low when compared to similar tennis centers.

“Being a public facility, our goal is to be inclusive and have everyone able to experience tennis, so price should not be a barrier to play,” Gill said. “Daily court fees start at $12 per person, and annual permits are in the $400 to $500 range per person, and less than $700 for a family. For active players, it is the best value anywhere!”

Gill and his staff offer group and private lessons to all levels. “Cardio tennis and our INTense Hitting session are extremely popular,” he said. “We also offer a ‘love to learn, love to play’ program to help new and returning players get back into tennis and meet others of the same level. Information on all of our programs can be found online or in person at the tennis shop.”

The Wellington Tennis Center caters to players of all levels,

“If you are an avid player, there are several players who were world-class players and some who currently represent the United States in world competitions. The tennis center is also frequented by players who were former college players and played on the ATP or WTA tour,” Gill said. “Of course, our base of players and the vast majority of players are recreational level and enjoy playing socially and local league tennis. Our leagues range from the higher levels in Palm Beach County, to the entry level and everything in between.”

He is expecting a full calendar of tennis events planned over the upcoming year.

“For the first time, we will be hosting a USTA National Championship this fall for the USTA national father/daughter and mother/son tournament,” Gill said. “We will also be hosting matches for the ITF world senior championships next spring when the world’s best senior players visit South Florida. We will be hosting monthly events for juniors with USTA events, and we will be running UTR [Universal Tennis Rating] events as well. These are great opportunities for some of our residents to sample high-level competition without needing to travel around the country.”

Gill’s goal is to make every Wellington tennis player feel at home at their local facility.

“We want to welcome everyone here,” he said. “If you are a local permit holder, this should feel like your home club. If you are visiting for a tournament or event, you should feel equally welcomed. For our youngest players, this should be the place for them to have a great first experience in a sport that they will hopefully play forever. It all starts with a happy and relaxed environment with happy coaches and staff who welcome you to the center each time. If we can be that type of place, we will be successful.”

The Wellington Tennis Center is located at 3100 Lyons Road. For more information, call (561) 791-4775 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/tennis.