Facundo Pieres: One Of The Top Polo Players Of His Generation
Polo Superstar

Polo superstar Facundo Pieres is one of the top players of his generation. His name is etched on every major trophy around the world. In 2004, at the age of 18, he became the second youngest to ever achieve the elite 10-goal status, the sport’s top rating, and he has not slowed down since.

The 33-year-old Pieres is the second oldest son of the legendary Argentine superstar Gonzalo Pieres, who dominated the Palm Beach Polo fields in the glory days of the 1980s and 1990s.

Among Facundo Pieres’ many victories are his five British Open titles and three Argentine Open crowns. And he has been in the U.S. Open final eight of the last 11 years, winning five, all at the International Polo Club Palm Beach, including last season with Pilot.

“We all know that Facundo is a 10 on the field, but I think he is an 11 off the field,” Pilot patron Curtis Pilot said. “I watched he and his brothers play and practice long before I was able to take the field with them. His leadership abilities were evident. In my opinion, the true sign of a leader is the ability to give others the desire to work with and for them. His presence changes the expectation and feel of the game.”

Pieres and his older brother, Gonzalito, also a 10-goaler, are the linchpins of Pilot’s eponymous team, making them the team to beat anytime they take the field.

“Two things stick out in my mind about [Facundo]. The first is his honor,” Pilot said. “I admire that his word is his bond. I have never had to question our agreements or arrangements. The second, and most important, is his love of family. Watching him with his daughter, parents, wife, nieces and nephews, you see the true man that he is and chooses to be. He has earned my respect and admiration as a person and a friend.”

Facundo and Gonzalito have that special bond between brothers, and it helps them on the field. Facundo is the flashier of the two, and usually among the scoring leaders of any tournament he is in. Gonzalito is the steadying force that allows his sibling to shine. 

“I love playing with him because we know each other very well,” Facundo said of Gonzalito. “We get along very well inside the field and outside the field.”

Off the field, they can often be found on the golf course together with younger brother Nico and friends. Nico is the best golfer among the brothers, according to Facundo, and there is a lot of friendly banter on the course.

If he is not golfing on his off days, Facundo visits the beach with his wife and young daughter. Although he is still at the top of his game, his priorities have changed.

“Now my daughter is my priority in life and everything else comes behind,” he said. “She changed my life. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” 

The Pieres family is a close-knit one. With all three brothers playing at IPC, their parents make several trips from Argentina to Wellington to see them and their sister Tatiana, who is married to former 10-goaler Mariano Aguerre, who is playing on Postage Stamp Farm. Facundo has learned numerous lessons from his family. 

“From my mom, [I learned] to always have my feet on the ground,” he said. “And Gonzalito inspires me.”

In 2019, the Pieres brothers led Pilot to an amazing season at IPC, winning 16 consecutive games to capture all three tournaments that make up the Gauntlet of Polo and capturing the cumulative $1 million prize.

“Last year was amazing,” said Facundo, who turns 34 on May 19. “It was a lot of fun. We expect to come back again with a strong season. I’m looking forward to this season.”

It was the first time that a team went undefeated through the three major USPA tournaments at IPC. The last team to win all three was Valiente in 2017 when they went 10-1. Previously, it was Crab Orchard in 2010, winning all three majors with a 12-2 record. They were played at the 26-goal level, and both teams were led by Adolfo Cambiaso, who did not play at IPC in 2019 and is not expected to be at IPC in 2020.

“Whenever you go and play a tournament, you try to be the best organized you can be,” explained Facundo, who is planning to have about 18 horses in Wellington for the season.

Four-goaler Matt Coppola, who was born and raised in Wellington, played for Las Monjitas in 2019 and faced Pilot in the U.S. Open final, dropping a 12-7 decision. Facundo Pieres scored six goals, and Gonzalito Pieres added three goals in that game. 

“You think you’ve got him, and in the blink of an eye, he beats you,” said Coppola, referring to Facundo. “He’s a freak of nature. He’s like Michael Jordan or LeBron James.”

So, what’s in store for 2020 for the iconic Argentine superstar Facundo Pieres and Pilot?

“I think all of us felt like the 2019 season was a fairytale season and will be hard to repeat,” Pilot said. “It’s not that we have to win every game, it’s just that we hate losing more. We intend to play the best we can while honoring the game, horses and players. It looks like all the teams in the 2020 season are amazingly well-balanced and should be highly competitive. This is a true testament to the hard work of the USPA, professionals and their patrons. We look forward to another great year of Florida polo.”

And another opportunity for Facundo Pieres to add to his legacy.

QBS Equestrian Is Shaking Up The Sport Of Show Jumping Game Changers

Finding the right horse and partnering it with the right rider is something that takes a great deal of experience and intuition. That is the fundamental principle behind QBS Equestrian, a partnership formed in 2016 by longtime equestrians Dennis Sisco and M. Michael Meller. Together, Sisco and Meller have helped find and produce some of the top show jumping prospects in the country.

Meller has been a show jumping athlete and trainer since he was a child, helping develop top horses such as Waterloo, Robin De Ponthual and Camillo VDL. Sisco joined the sport 18 years ago at age 55 when his daughters began riding ponies.

Meller and Sisco met at the Winter Equestrian Festival many years ago and since then have participated in the sport as friends, enthusiasts and business partners. With both men sharing in a mutual belief for the betterment of the sport, forming QBS Equestrian was a natural progression.

One of the initial major steps for their business, the first horse Meller and Sisco purchased together was Chance STE Hermelle, a Belgian Warmblood with all the skills to go to the upper level. With rider Michael Morrissey Jr., nephew of WEF founder Gene Mische, in the irons, the horse has slowly grown from a young prospect to a proven contender at the Grand Prix level.

“It is so important to take your time with a young horse,” Meller said. “So many owners and riders are focused on the win and the next show, but Dennis and I always want to be thinking about the horse. We put far more emphasis on a clear round than a win, and it’s a system that has really paid off for us. We have horses that love their job and jump beautifully every time they go in the ring.”

Meller and Sisco also believe in finding the right partnership for each horse, and to that end they have committed to being flexible in order to work with many people. No matter the trainer or the rider, they believe in finding the best combination for the horse to be successful. Their goal is to support top horses and top riders, both nationally and internationally.

“We are trying to have a more encompassing and open approach to developing high-performance horses with the best riders we can attract in the world,” Sisco explained. “There’s a tendency in our sport to think that once people sign up for one thing, it goes on forever. We feel that it’s much better to be able to reach out and work with multiple high-performance people and high-performance horses.”

QBS Equestrian has been working closely with Morrissey of Imperial Show Stables since the early days of their partnership because it was such a natural fit for everyone involved. “We started to work with Michael because he is a hard worker who has always done the right thing,” Meller said. “He has had a very good career, but he needed some backing. It was the right fit for both of us, and we have been thrilled with how he has helped produce the horses.”

Morrissey enjoys working with the team at QBS Equestrian.

“It’s great to be part of a team that is always putting the horses first,” he said. “The three of us have invested our lives into this sport, and we all collectively consider the best and most positive path for each horse we are developing. We have had success working together because of their trust in me and my program.”

To date, Morrissey’s most successful partnership has been with Sam 1091, a 10-year-old Rhinelander gelding by Stakkatol. After gaining momentum with several Grand Prix placings, the horse-and-rider combination capped off the year with multiple clear rounds at the FEI CSI5* in Tyron, N.C., this fall, an achievement in itself as the 5* ranking is the highest level in show jumping competition. 

“Sam is a horse that we have had for two years now, and we have put together very carefully,” Meller explained. “He’s a brave horse with a lot of scope and speed, but we always wanted to be sure that he was ready for the next step up in his career. We are very excited for 2020 with this horse.”

As the competitive winter show season begins, QBS Equestrian is excited for the start of the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington.

“It is so unique here because it’s where everybody is, and it’s where the action is for the eastern part of the country this time of year,” Sisco said. “Certainly, from a business point of view, if you are developing horses at the top level for sale, then this is where you want to be.”

With a young string of talented horses and a rider ready to take them to the next level, the team at QBS is ready to showcase their skills at the best venue in the country as they continually strive to reach the pinnacle of the sport. To learn more about QBS Equestrian, visit www.qbsequestrian.com.

USPA Throws Down The Gauntlet Again This Year, Right Here In Wellington Gauntlet Series

Starting this February, the United States Polo Association will again “throw down the gauntlet” at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

The Gauntlet of Polo is a competition of the world’s preeminent teams, most skilled athletes and finest horses coming together for three months to battle head-to-head for the coveted C.V. Whitney Cup, the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

This is the second year of this thrilling high-stakes tournament series for the sport, and there is more on the line than trophies and titles. It’s the ultimate polo match series, and any team that wins all three tournaments will be crowned Gauntlet Champion. The tournament’s total prize money is $1 million — the largest purse in the history of the sport. A second-place prize has been added this year, for even more action and excitement.

How does one win the Gauntlet? Ask Pilot Polo, which took the whole series last year in a final game upset that rocked the stadium. It takes teamwork, strategy, depth in horses, refined athleticism, mental strength, physical toughness and the ability to play for ultimate survival.

The 2020 polo series will again bring in tens of thousands of fans from around the world and bring a positive economic impact to Wellington and the surrounding areas. It begins with the C.V. Whitney Cup held Feb. 1-23 and continues with the USPA Gold Cup from Feb. 22 through March 22, culminating with the U.S. Open Polo Championship set for March 21 through April 19. The games will be livestreamed on the USPA Polo Network each week, with the final match aired to millions of viewers on CBS Sports and re-aired globally.

The Gauntlet of Polo total purse is $1 million. The winning team of the C.V. Whitney Cup and the USPA Gold Cup will receive $100,000 per tournament, and the second-place teams will receive $25,000. The winning team of the U.S. Open Polo Championship will receive $200,000, and the second-place team will receive $50,000. Any team winning all three USPA tournaments will receive an additional $500,000 bonus and be crowned the Gauntlet Champion.

You can see all the action live at IPC’s U.S. Polo Assn. Stadium Field. U.S. Polo Assn., the multi-billion-dollar global apparel and accessory brand for men and women, is the largest sponsor of the Gauntlet of Polo. The brand is known worldwide in 180 countries for its vibrant colors, classic styling and sport-inspired fashion.

“This year, we are thrilled to support and cheer on two of our U.S. Polo Assn. brand ambassadors and up-and-coming champion players, Henry Porter and Jared Zenni, who will play for their respective teams in the Gauntlet series,” President & CEO of USPA Global Licensing J. Michael Prince said. “U.S. Polo Assn. partners with young polo players to be ambassadors in an effort to showcase the fun, passion and comradery of the sport of polo to the world.”

As ambassadors, Zenni and Porter have been sharing stories about the sport and themselves through digital platforms that reach U.S. Polo Assn.’s four million global social media followers, who follow the sport and the brand. They will also wear the double horseman mark on their team jerseys representing the brand and its authentic connection to the sport. U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association.

Porter’s role as global brand ambassador is focused on the United Kingdom, broader Europe and the Middle East, where he grew up and continues to spend much of his time as a professional player. He has already competed at some of the largest polo games in the world, winning the high-goal East Coast Open, the FIP World Cup Zone Final, the Mansion Cup, the Bronze Trophy at Sotogrande and the 50K National 12-Goal two years in a row. He also reached the final of the Ylvisaker Cup, as well as competing in the illustrious Westchester Cup and the Gauntlet of Polo series last year. Porter competed in the King Power Royal Charity Day with the Duke of Sussex and recently won the Copa Presidente trophy in Argentina. He will play for Santa Clara in the Gauntlet series.

Zenni has grown significantly from a young player to showcasing his talents in global competitions over the past three years. His outstanding performance at the 2018 U.S. Open Polo Championship solidified his role as one of the sport’s most important young athletes. As a member of the Daily Racing Form polo team, Zenni scored two goals in the championship, including the game winner, securing his place as a leader and one of the most recognizable faces of the sport.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the USPA, the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States. With a global footprint of $1.7 billion and worldwide distribution through 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, department stores, independent retailers and e-commerce, the brand offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, footwear, travel and home goods in 180 countries. Recently ranked the fourth-largest sports licensor and 36th overall in License Global magazine’s 2019 list of “Top 150 Global Licensors,” U.S. Polo Assn. now takes its place alongside such iconic sports brands as Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association.

Be sure to come out and watch the Gauntlet of Polo starting Feb. 9 and concluding with the prestigious U.S. Open Polo Championship final on April 19. You can also watch the games at www.globalpolo.com.

After A ‘Dream Season’ In 2019, Dutta Corp Polo Has Big Plans For 2020 Dutta Family

The Dutta family is synonymous with horses. Tim Dutta Sr. started playing polo in New Delhi, India as a young boy and has loved the sport ever since. His wife, Susie, is a highly acclaimed international dressage competitor who often competes in Wellington. And their son, Timmy, is an up-and-coming polo prodigy. Their affinity for horses extends to business as the Dutta Corporation is a well-respected international air transport company.

The Dutta Corp team had a remarkable 2019 polo season. With Timmy playing the No. 1 position, Dutta Corp won all three 20-goal tournaments at the International Polo Club Palm Beach. Father and son also won an 8-goal tournament at the Grand Champions Polo Club in Wellington. Timmy Dutta also played for the U.S. on the Junior Westchester Cup at IPC in late April, as well as subbing in other high-goal tournaments.

“We were the only team that beat Pilot last season,” Tim Dutta Sr. said. “A dream season.”

This season, Dutta Corp is stepping up to play in the Gauntlet of Polo, a series of three 22-goal tournaments at IPC. Timmy Dutta, whose handicap was raised to 3 goals, will be joined on the team by Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Nino Obregon and Facundo Obregon. Timmy Dutta expects to have about 17 horses for the 22-goal season, including his most recognizable one, Mr. Musty, a Palomino.

“My expectations are high, as we have a great team,” said Timmy Dutta, who spent more than a month at La Canada Polo Club in Argentina with his father and teammates preparing for the upcoming season in Wellington. “I’m looking to win the Gauntlet.”

Timmy Dutta believes it is very important to go to Argentina if you want to grow as a player. He has been traveling to the mecca of polo in South America for the last six years.

“The polo there helps me become better for the Florida season and improves me as a player,” said Timmy Dutta, who turns 19 on Sept. 20. “I believe my strengths are for sure as an attacker scoring goals and putting pressure on the other team. I believe I’m a great teammate and bring a positive energy toward a team, which I feel is very important. I believe my weaknesses are that I’m still young and I make mistakes. I need to be more consistent on my plays and try to learn every day. All in all, I’m learning something new every day.”

Veteran 6-goaler Kris Kampsen, who is based in Wellington, played on Dutta Corp in 2019 and has known the Dutta family for more than a decade.

“Timmy is an animal on the field,” Kampsen said. “He’s a hell of a teammate and awesome to play with. Off the field, he’s a great guy, a lot of fun but super serious, too. I loved watching him grow up. It’s great to see someone have his passion and dedication for polo.”

While the Dutta family’s foray into polo began in India, it wasn’t until 2013 that it grabbed a serious grip in the U.S., thanks to Tim Dutta Sr.’s friendship with the late Carlos Gracida, one of the sport’s all-time legends.

While Tim Dutta Sr. was working with Gracida, his son would often accompany him to the field.

“One afternoon, I decided to try stick-and-balling for the first time because my jumper was lame,” Timmy Dutta said. “And I never looked back.”

While most of his time is spent working with the horses, Timmy Dutta makes time for his schoolwork as a senior at #1 Education Place in Wellington. In his limited spare time, he’s usually fishing or at the beach.

“Polo has really bonded us. We ride every day together in the afternoon,” Tim Dutta Sr. said. “We enjoy the family together and the best is to play with Timmy and enjoy what the sport is all about. We have love and respect for the horses, and we spend lots of time together collaborating, learning and sharing. We also travel the world, as well spend time in business together. I am a very lucky guy to have a son like Timmy.”

The son’s love for his parents and the horses are easily reciprocated.

“Horses in general is all we know as a family,” said Timmy Dutta, whose mentors include his father, Piki Diaz Alberdi and Memo Gracida. “Especially for me, it’s what I love to do. Polo has brought me and my dad closer and has really made a relationship between us. My mom and I have a great relationship revolving around horses and outside of the barn as well.”

He is also proud of his mother’s accomplishments in the sport of dressage.

“My mom still competes, and she’s very competitive — it runs in the blood. I watch her compete when I can. I come to visit her in the summers in Europe to watch her show. My father is normally at the tent, and my mother is either in the middle of the field or in the box when we play Field 1 [at IPC].”

Timmy Dutta is excited about the future for both the team and himself.

“I have a personal goal and that is to become the best player I can be,” he said. “If that’s 10 goals, it’s 10 goals, but I want to be the best I can be.”

With the help and support of his parents, his path is clear.

Temple Beth Torah Will Honor Inaugural Gala Service Award Winners Jan. 18

Temple Beth Torah, in recognition of the remarkable contributions of members Roger and Stephanie Grave de Peralta, will be celebrating them both with its inaugural Temple Beth Torah Gala Service Award. Additionally, three students from the temple will be announced as recipients of the Student Service Award and recognized monetarily. These awards honor members of the Temple Beth Torah community who have dedicated their time and efforts to its growth and prosperity and who inspire the involvement of others.

The gala will be held at the Wellington National Golf Club on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 7 p.m. More information can be found at www.templebethtorah.net/gala2020. Tickets can be purchased online or by contacting the temple directly at (561) 793-2700. A gift gathering event was held on Dec. 19 for the purpose of collecting silent auction items.

The theme of Temple Beth Torah’s gala this year is “masquerade” and guests will enjoy festive entertainment, a variety of wines and specialty cocktails, and delicious and diverse cuisine. Guests can bring their own masks or purchase one crafted by religious school students. Pairing the food and wine with great music, casino games and a silent auction will ensure a lively, celebratory evening.

This is a unique opportunity for temple members, preschool parents and friends from the local community to come together for a night of fun and fundraising. 

Roger and Stephanie Grave de Peralta joined Temple Beth Torah in 2009, sending all three children through its preschool, two to the bema as bar and bat mitzvahs, and one currently in religious school. In addition to her role on the board of trustees since 2016, Stephanie has served as chair of the religious school committee, of which she has been a member since 2009. Her tenure has overseen the success of both religious and preschool events and fundraisers, and she prides herself on the active volunteerism she promotes.

Roger, meanwhile, has actively grown the temple’s brotherhood and also served as vice president of the organization in 2016 and 2017. His contributions include assisting with the annual golf tournament, the temple directory and the gala ad book. He has been involved with the nominating committee for temple board members, as well as his repeated commitment to high holiday responsibilities.

The event will be made possible by the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Pike and Lustig LLP; Diamond Sponsors Hightower, Stratton, Novigrod, Kantor Scott & Marcia Weber and the Barron Group at UBS Financial; Pearl Sponsor Herman Law; Topaz Sponsor Diagnostic Centers of America; Gift Bag and Silent Auction Sponsor Provident Jewelry; Vodka Sponsor Tito’s Vodka; Craft Beer Sponsor Lagunitas Brewing Company; Beer Sponsor Heineken Company; and Fresh Juice Sponsor Kennesaw Fruit & Juice.

Serving on this year’s gala committee are Ron and Liz Herman, Lee and Robin Kantor, Todd and Debra Barron as co-chairs, Michael and Pamela Pike and Daniel and Dara Lustig as honorary chairs, and committee members Jill Cohen, Samantha Fishman, Roger Grave de Peralta, Sharon Lowenstein, Marcy Samuels, Kevin and Jen Shapiro, Tyler Shernoff, Alan and Sarah Shullman, Pam Tahan, Marcia Weber, Adam and Megan Wellikoff, and Janna Zaidspiner.

Temple Beth Torah is a vibrant, Reform Jewish congregation that has served the western communities of Palm Beach County for more than three decades. It is the spiritual and social home for more than 300 Wellington households. An additional 100 families benefit from the strong educational foundation of its NAEYC-accredited preschool. Learn more at www.templebethtorah.net.

Lego Love

While many younger sisters might not want to follow in their brother’s footsteps, Wellington High School junior Sarah Clein relishes the job of taking over the responsibility of the local nonprofit Bricks Busting Boredom founded by her sibling Daniel Clein.

To date, the nonprofit has redistributed more than 2,500 pounds of Lego bricks and given away hundreds of new sets to seriously ill children.

Sarah, not yet driving, nonetheless manages to provide public relations for the project and goes with her mother, Deborah Clein, all over the county collecting Legos and then delivering them to children in hospitals and shelters.

Since 2017, when Daniel headed off to college, she has organized Lego parties, where younger brother Jonathan Clein, 13 and heir to the organization, helps out and is known to dress as a Lego man to distribute the famous toys to children.

“My mother and I work together to do public relations and all the footwork to pick up Legos,” Sarah said. “We try and get the word out so that people who have Legos know to bring them to the many different drop-off locations we have set up around the county.”

Even people who have not had children are likely familiar with the world-famous Lego brand of little plastic bricks that can be connected to assemble objects such as buildings, vehicles, even working robots, then disassembled and the pieces used to make something else.

They are immensely popular with children worldwide and are so ubiquitous that marketing experts have named them Brand Finance’s “World’s Most Powerful Brand.” Lego bricks are durable, don’t wear out easily with repeated coupling and disassembly, and can be sanitized for new users.

Patented in 1958, the modern Lego brick design has roots in the woodworking facility of a Danish carpenter. Invented in the workshop of Oleg Kirk Christiansen, Legos evolved in the 1930s and 1940s from wooden toys, becoming what we would recognize as modern Legos in 1949. The toys earned their name based upon the first two letters of the words leg godt, which means “play well” in Danish.

During the ensuing decades, many have noticed how involved children and adults can become building with the tiny bricks. Sarah noted that working with them has a therapeutic effect.

“It allows kids to really let their imaginations run wild,” she explained. “I see kids sit down, and they have a bunch of Legos, they’re playing with them and they already have a plan in their heads. They make cars and buildings. They make things I never would have thought of. The kids will sit there for hours; you see them, their mind is working, their eyes light up. It distracts them from everything else that is going on in their lives. It’s adorable.”

Bricks Busting Boredom has grown rapidly since Daniel started it in 2015 after visiting his cousin in the hospital and learning of how useful Lego bricks and Lego sets can be for young patients. “We have fundraisers and accept donations to buy new Lego sets,” Deborah said. “Some hospitals will only let us donate new, unopened toys in the box.”

A safety precaution, perhaps, but Legos can be thoroughly cleaned and passed down. They are virtually indestructible, as any parent knows who has ever stepped on an errant brick. How indestructible? The company reports it would take 950 pounds of force to crush a single brick. That equates to being at the bottom of a tower 375,000 bricks high.

With approximately 180 bricks to the pound, a recent trip this summer to New York delivered 400 pounds to severely ill children at Camp Simcha.

“We heard about a camp for sick kids that had a Lego room,” Sarah said. “It was all decorated for playing with Legos with nicely painted walls and a good floor surface. It just needed Legos, so a volunteer drove our donation of 400 pounds of Legos up in a truck and delivered them to the camp.”

Begun as a project by Daniel, Sarah took over two years later and Jonathan is set to take over when she graduates. The consistent factor through the various siblings’ tenure has been Deborah, who provides tireless support to her children.

“We provide sets to children’s hospitals like Palm Beach, Palms West and Joe DiMaggio, as well as Quantum House,” she said. “Everyone we interact with gets a set of Legos that they can take home with them.”

Once focused on Palm Beach County, the nonprofit is growing.

“We are currently working with Kindness Matters 365,” Sarah said. “We’re picking up at different schools around Florida, and we have plans to continue to grow outside of Florida.”

In the future, they may even have support from the company itself.

“Recently, we found out that the Lego company has started a Lego Replay program, collecting used Legos, cleaning them and sending them to different organizations,” Sarah said. “We asked to be part of the program, and they said right now they’re just getting on their feet with it, but they will consider us in the future. We would love to work with the Lego company.”

In other future plans, she also wants to donate to more hospitals in and around Florida, along with women’s shelters and homeless shelters. “Anywhere we see a need for Legos, we want those people to be able to have the opportunity to use the Legos,” Sarah said.

Of course, the entire program runs on donations.

“I just want to let people know if they have Legos, please donate them, and we will put them in the hands of kids who can really use them,” Sarah said.

For information about Bricks Busting Boredom, including how to donate, call (954) 682-3816 or visit www.bricksbustingboredom.org. To see the group in action, visit www.facebook.com/BricksBustingBoredom.

Binks Forest Elementary School Promotes Kindness By Installing A Buddy Bench
Buddy Ambassadors

After nearly a half-century in law enforcement, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Michael Gauger has seen more bullies than he cares to remember.

“I know bullies,” Gauger told students at Wellington’s Binks Forest Elementary School in October. “I see people who bully [in the jail]. If you start bullying, and you are very young, and you don’t change your ways, it gets worse.”

Longtime residents of Wellington, Gauger and his wife Phyllis came to Binks Forest to present the school with a Buddy Bench they donated. It’s the 16th bench to be placed at a Palm Beach County school as part of the Buddy Ambassadors program, a joint initiative of Mental Health America of Palm Beach County and local author Loverly Sheridan, who wrote the book Be a Buddy, Not a Bully.

The Buddy Ambassadors program was designed around Sheridan’s book, which tells the story of bullies on a school bus on the first day of school.

“Buddy Ambassadors lead by example,” Sheridan told the children during an assembly to dedicate the bench and recognize two students in each grade who had shown acts of kindness or compassion to their peers.

A Buddy Bench provides a safe spot for a child who is feeling sad, lonely or afraid to ask for a friend without having to necessarily say anything.

“The buddy program is teaching children how to be a buddy instead of a bully,” Gauger explained. “If somebody is being bullied, you come to their aid and help that child and let them know they’re important, you’re a friend and they’re not alone.”

It is all part of establishing a culture of kindness at the school, Principal Michella Levy said.

“Our goal at Binks Forest Elementary is not only to spread kindness but to inspire our students to be leaders and stand up against bullying,” Levy explained. “Every week, we recognize students from all grade levels caught being a student leader against bullying. Our school behavioral health counselor, Mrs. Hope Jackson, is even starting a student leadership program after school to teach students how to problem solve and help others with bullying situations.”

Tackling the bullying epidemic, and the fallout that often results, is something that Gauger feels passionate about. He works closely with Mental Health America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness and sits on several boards of nonprofit organizations focusing on mental illness and drug or alcohol addictions.

“I have a master’s degree in social work, and I feel very strongly about the bullying program,” he said. “Bullying has resulted in some of the active shooter situations we’ve seen.”

The Gaugers have called Wellington home for three decades. Their children, now 27 and 34, are the product of Wellington schools. They paid $1,500 for the bench, which is inscribed with Gauger’s name, to say thank you.

“The Wellington community has been very good to me,” he said. “We decided to donate the bench because this is so important. These benches may deter future situations in schools by promoting kindness and giving students the chance to be there for one of their peers. While we may not be able to eliminate all bullying, we know these benches will reduce the instances and can foster new friendships that may not have happened otherwise.”

For more information on donating a Buddy Bench to local schools, contact Mental Health America of Palm Beach County at (561) 832-3755 or e-mail lsheridan@mentalhealthpbc.org. Learn more about the program at www.mentalhealthpbc.org.

Olympic Dressage Hopeful Supports Local Boys & Girls Club Youth
Powerful Message

Dressage phenom Juan Matute Guimón has witnessed many changes over the past year, as he lives with one foot firmly planted in Wellington and the other in Madrid, Spain.

Matute Guimón, 21, was born in Spain but moved to Wellington’s equestrian community when he was 10 years old. Last year, he became a U.S. citizen, but he also decided to move back to Spain to earn a university degree. Despite this life-changing decision, Matute Guimón is determined to stay rooted locally by continuing to help the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

“I’m still closely connected to the Wellington community even though I am living in Spain,” Matute Guimón said. “It’s like my home even though I moved away. I hold onto my Wellington family while I have my Spanish roots.”

He’s excited to return to South Florida this winter. In February, Matute Guimón will be one of nine star players competing in the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon, which benefits the local Boys & Girls Club.

Matute Guimón said that the event is special for him because he is able to have fun with some of the world’s most renowned equestrians while impacting the lives of more than 1,200 children who are members of the club.

“It’s one of the highlights of the season for all of us,” he said. “We meet many families whose children enjoy a safe place to go after school. It’s a great feeling that as we are competing, we are also helping the future progress and connecting new individuals.”

The third annual World Championship Equestrian Triathlon will be held Monday, Feb. 10, 2020 at Deeridge Farms in Wellington. It features elite dressage, show jumping and polo athletes from around the world. The twist is that the athletes do not compete in their sport of expertise, which makes the event even more exciting for the competitors and the spectators.

Matute Guimón and his team will be defending their championship title next year. Earlier this year, they were crowned victorious over equestrian celebrities such as Nacho Figueras, Andy Kocher and Lerin Zubiaurre. Always the gentleman, Matute Guimón plays coy when asked if he wants to hold onto his title for a second year. “We all have a competitive edge about us, but it’s most important that we raise money for the organization,” he said. “If we win, it’s even better!”

Matute Guimón is used to winning. Throughout his dressage career, he has achieved significant accomplishments at a young age both in the U.S. and Spain. He started competing in Wellington in the national ring in 2010 and the international ring two years later. In 2015, he won the FEI gold medal at the Young Rider European Championships. He continues to earn spots on medal podiums at some of the most prestigious competitions.

Currently, he’s working to represent Spain at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. The added stress and necessary practice makes for a hectic schedule, but Matute Guimón is passionate about making it to the Olympics. Representing Spain during the games would be a dream come true. “It has been my goal since I was a little boy, and now I’m ready to make it happen,” he said.

Off the field, Matute Guimón is focused on a second career that builds off his international dressage experience. “I’m studying international relations at Francisco de Vitoria University in Madrid,” he explained.

The academics are a different type of challenge, but it is one that he’s facing with the same kind of determination that he exerts while on horseback. “It can be difficult at times with the competition, travel and training for the different shows. I take it step-by-step and focus on my goals,” Matute Guimón said.

His experience of having a dual career in the dressage world and the academic world has changed his perspective and even the advice that he gives to younger fans. He’s aware that his age allows him to have a more significant influence on children. This is one reason he looks forward to competing in the World Championship Equestrian Triathlon. “With me being so young, I hope that I can inspire others to participate or even volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club,” Matute Guimón said.

The Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club has more than 1,200 members with 300 kids served daily. It features a learning center with a computer lab, certified teachers as tutors, college and career readiness programs, STEM programs with robotics, as well as art courses, health and wellness education, dance classes, voice lessons, a gardening program, athletics and much more.

“Always have a clear idea of your dreams and don’t be afraid to pursue them,” Matute Guimón says when advising young club members.

He knows that many of the club children face challenges every day and that their personal attitudes can help them reach their goals in the future, no matter their situation in the present. His recent commitment to juggling schoolwork and qualifying for the 2020 Olympics has underscored his strong belief in the importance of dedication and determination.

Both characteristics were taught to Matute Guimón by his father, also a well-known dressage rider. He’s quick to note that his main role model in life has always been his father. In fact, they continue to have a close relationship even as the young champion moves into adulthood.

Matute Guimón understands that not every situation allows a child to have their father as their role model, and that’s another reason why he supports the local Boys & Girls Club, which provides children positive role models and mentors. “I think it’s extremely important for the kids to always have a person that they can look up to,” he said. “It has made a big difference in my life, and I want all kids to have the same experience to push themselves to be better.”

Despite his very rigorous university coursework, Matute Guimón is not easing up on travel, competing and charity work. He looks forward to 2020 being his most exciting and possibly rewarding year yet. With the Olympics at the end of July, his schedule will likely ramp up and make his goal of attaining his degree a little more challenging to achieve. But Matute Guimón is sure to follow the advice that he gives to the Boys & Girls Club children: “If you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible!” 

Family Fun & Games
Holiday Traditions

Chances are that this holiday season you either will be throwing a party or going to one or two. We love December because of all the holiday happenings. It is the time of year when you get to see many friends and family, both near and far. It’s a time to get together and celebrate with delicious family recipes, singing holiday songs or taking long strolls after that “must-have” dessert. But one of the best things about holiday parties is the time spent laughing and playing those traditional festive games. Some are timeless traditions that both young and old can join in on, and some are newer and more of a challenge, but take the time to teach grandma and grandpa, making the memories all that more memorable. We have gathered a few of our staff favorites to share with you. Who knows? Maybe some of these will become your family tradition for years to come. Happy Holidays!

Spoons 

Players: Up to 13 players (1 suit per player) 

Required: Table and chairs, deck of playing cards, spoons 

How to play: Shuffle deck and deal players four cards each. Place one less number of spoons to players in the center. The object is to collect four of a kind by passing one unwanted card to the player’s left. When someone gets four of a kind, they take a spoon, and the loser is the one who is not fast enough to grab a spoon.

 

Pin The Nose On Rudolph

Players: Unlimited

Required: Large picture of Rudolph, a wall, red noses and blindfolds

How to play: Mount the picture on the wall. Blindfold each player and give them a red nose to attach to the picture. The winner is the one closest to the proper place.

 

Spin The Dreidel

Players: Unlimited

Required: Dreidel, 10 to 15 game pieces per person

(traditionally pennies, nuts, gold coins, etc.)

How to play: Every participant puts one game piece into the center “pot.” In addition, every time the pot is empty, or has only one game piece left, every player should put one in the pot. Player spins the dreidel once. Depending on the side it lands on, you give or get game pieces from the pot. The winner is the player with all of the game pieces.

White Elephant

Players: Unlimited

Required: One wrapped gift per person

 

How to play: Each person brings a wrapped gift of a predetermined value. Each player takes a number from a hat. The number they pull determines the order of play. Number 1 picks a gift and unwraps it. Number 2 can either choose another gift or take Number 1’s gift, and Number 1 gets to pick again. The game continues until all numbers have picked a gift.

 

Coin Towers

Players: Unlimited

Required: Gold-wrapped chocolate coins, bouncy balls, floor space

 

How to play: Each player builds a tower of chocolate coins and then rolls a bouncy ball into the tower. The winner is the one who has the most coins still standing.

 

Christmas Bingo

Players: Unlimited

Required: Bingo sheets with holiday items, pens and a bingo caller

 

How to play: Each player has a card, and when the caller calls out a picture, the player marks it off. The winner is the first person to mark off all pictures on their card.

 

Kissing Under The Mistletoe

Participants: Two

Required: Two willing participants and hanging mistletoe

How To Play: Wait for your favorite person to walk underneath the mistletoe, smile and point overhead, indicating a kiss is warranted. This has long been a Christmas icebreaker for many adults wanting to steal a kiss from someone they admire.

Florida Monopoly

Players: Two to eight 

Required: Florida Monopoly board game

How to play: Traditional Monopoly showcasing various places found all over the State of Florida. Search for it in stores or online!

 

Christmas Pong

layers: Unlimited

Required: Table, green and red drink cups, ping-pong balls, small toys/treats

 

How to play: Arrange cups in shape of a Christmas tree at one end of a table. Put little gifts in the bottom of each cup. Each player throws a ping-pong ball with the objective of dropping it into a cup and then taking the prize and throwing again. The winner is the player with the most prizes.

Haute for season

Wherever the event or whatever the occasion, Wellington’s unique boutiques have you covered this season. Wellington The Magazine visited five of our favorite places for expert style advice, avant-garde accessories and adorable children’s clothing. Enjoy the varied selections from these fashion-forward clothiers.

The Mixed Bag

Where Girls Of All Ages Love To Shop

The Mixed Bag began as a vendor at horse shows up and down the East Coast about 20 years ago. The owners, Jonatha Gorin and her daughter Tracey Gorin-Byrne, would load up their horse trailer with horses, along with ladies clothing and accessories, to sell in vendor spaces at the shows they participated in from Vermont to Florida, ultimately ending up at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington for 12 years.

Over the years, a brick and mortar store was opened in Mystic, Conn., as well as in Jupiter. This allowed them to carry an even wider variety of lines. Five years ago, the Mixed Bag stopped being a vendor at WEF and opened the Wellington store, located in the Wellington Marketplace.

“We love Wellington and knew it would be a natural fit,” Jonatha Gorin said.

Clients come in to see what’s new, be it clothing, accessories or gifts.

“We are known for our wide assortment of apparel and accessories, which are stylish, versatile and affordable,” Gorin continued. “Appealing to all ages, we offer Jude Connally and Gretchen Scott and Saint James for the more mature tastes, and Bella Dahl, Elan and Olivaceous for our younger clients, to name just a few.”

The Mixed Bag is a true shopping destination. “The majority of our shoppers don’t leave empty-handed and return often,” Gorin said. “We have a wonderful variety of accessories, including lovely silk scarves, trendy jewelry and smart handbags. Some great fashion footwear is coming soon. And gifts, lots of gifts for the animal lover, great hostess gifts and fun girlfriend gifts. Husbands and male friends love to give our gift certificates all beautifully wrapped.”

Most recently, the Mixed Bag added infant and toddler items through age six, including apparel, accessories and gifts, because Tracey Gorin-Byrne just became a mother herself.

 

13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-13

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 795-8976

www.facebook.com/shopthemixedbag

 

 

Backstreet Fashions

Boutique Clothing For The Stylish Woman

Backstreet Fashions is a privately owned store that has been around for more than 30 years with three locations in the South Florida area. The store prides itself on excellent customer service and getting to know its customers. That includes getting to know what you like to wear, and they can even call you when new merchandise arrives that fits your look.

Backstreet Fashions receives new merchandise every day, so the stock is always fresh. The store caters to women who want to look fashionable, trendy and stylish every day. You’ll also find an assortment of holiday and special occasion pieces, along with one-of-a-kind pieces that you won’t find in the big department stores and malls.

Can’t find your size? Backstreet Fashions can get it for you in size that range from 0-16 and XS-XXL, along with 1X-2X. In addition, the store sells handbags, jewelry and novelty items. Prices range from $29.50 to $110.50, so stop in soon and say hello.

 

2605 State Road 7, Suite A-430

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 847-4167

 

Tyler Brooke

His Shirt, Her blouse

Tyler Brooke, located in the Mall at Wellington Green, has a very unique concept.

“We have created a retail experience for both men and women,” owner Henry Mosely explained. “It is the only place like it in the area to make shopping fun again. At Tyler Brooke, we encourage the client to do a fitting with us to help customize the proper attire for that event or need.”

Tyler Brooke has several price points in place. Items start as low as $50 up to $300, depending on what the client is looking for. “Men and women can purchase merchandise at Tyler Brooke,” Mosely said. “Some of our featured designers are Lilly Pulitzer, Robert Graham for men and women, Liverpool for men and women, Eight-X fashion shirts and our newest designer, Luchiano Visconti.”

Tyer Brooke also offers personal styling and consulting needs. In the future, the store plans to offer more concierge services for those clients who just cannot get away.

 

10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 226

Wellington, FL 33414

(561) 281-9522

www.tyler-brooke.com

 

She’s The One Unique & Upscale Clothing 

And Accessory Boutique

 

She’s The One is an upscale women’s clothing boutique established in 1987.

“The experience that we’d like to present to our clients is one of personalized service foremost, from the moment you enter our beautiful boutiques, the vibe will be friendly, comfortable and eclectic in style,” owner Ellen Onofrietto explained. “Our mission is to style our beautiful clients from desk to a dinner out — effortlessly. Our price range here is for everyone’s pocketbook.”

The store carries beautiful accessories, jewelry and handbags, starting at $30. “Our girl can also find an amazing imported lambskin leather jacket for $500,” Onofrietto added. “The variety is endless. She’s The One is a true ‘crossover’ boutique.”

By that, she means any generation can find something that they will fall in love with.

*We also offer one-on-one personalized styling in-store if needed, or by appointment,” Onofrietto said.

Marketplace at Wycliffe

4095 State Road 7, Suite R

Lake Worth, FL 33449

(561) 965-3111

 

 

The Red Balloon Current Trends To Designer Labels

 

The Red Balloon sells fashion accessories and clothing items for as little as one-sixth their original price. From size 00 to petites to curvy plus sizes, there’s an ever-changing mix of like-new to mint condition casual wear, workout wear and career wear, on up to cocktail and evening wear.

In business for 42 years at the West Palm Beach location, and 10 years at the Wellington location, the two outlets feature current trends to high-end designer labels and styles with a splash of on-trend vintage and designer vintage for true fashionistas. “We’re just a mom-and-pop, locally owned consignment store, where we don’t even make all the money that is sold every day,” owner Pat Snayd explained. “We do it because we really appreciate our loyal shoppers and consignors and love to give back as we can to them.”

The store is seasonal and follows the fashion cycle seasons. “Yes, even in Florida, we want change. Spring is February to April, summer is May through August or September, fall is October and November, and winter is December and January,” Snayd said. “Our vibe is a friendly, modern, clean, fashion-first, resale-rocks shopping experience. We have amazing staff if you’d like someone to help. If you just like to get lost in resale-therapy, we have plenty of space and items to allow for that.”

The Red Balloon takes in hundreds of items daily, Monday through Friday and gets them out onto the floor quickly. “Our price ranges are very reasonable. We are typically one-fifth to one-sixth of retail, depending on various details,” Snayd said. “Items still selling new in stores may be priced about one-half to one-third of retail. You can find a cute, trendy top for $4.99 to $13.99 or a sought-after designer top for $24.99 to $49.99.”

The store is a must stop for favorite accessories. “We get tons of handbags, both regular trend to high-end,” Snayd said.

Follow the Red Balloon on Instagram to be the first to see new designer items that are coming in daily. “First picks and designer items are in their own department, which is about one-quarter of our store,” she said. “The whole store is kept neat, clean and tidy.”

Customers can hold items in store or on social media. There is also a loyalty program, fun and innovative sales and in-store promotions and giveaways.

 

9120 Forest Hill Blvd.
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 333-2515
www.shopredballoon.com

 

As you can see, Wellington’s style bar has been set high for the upcoming season. So, be sure to visit these local fashion leaders and get yourself ready for all the fun times ahead!