Dedicated Animal Advocate Wellington’s Siobhan Gallagher Is On A Mission To Find Homes For Shelter Animals

By Mike May

Wellington resident Siobhan Gallagher enjoys making a living as a real estate agent, but her true passion in life is helping animals, specifically rescue dogs.

Loving dogs and providing a home for them has been a lifelong passion for Gallagher since her childhood growing up in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“We always had golden retrievers in my family,” Gallagher recalled.

Now, she is looking to connect with other like-minded people in Palm Beach County who share a similar passion for homeless dogs and cats.

Gallagher agreed with the sentiment that dogs are your best friend.

“Dogs are great,” she said. “They are always happy to see you, and they always wag their tail with excitement.”

For the last 18 months, Gallagher has been volunteering eight to 10 hours a week at Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control (ACC), which is located on Belvedere Road just west of the turnpike.

“I’m there every Monday and Thursday morning,” Gallagher said. “While there, I spend time with the dogs, take them for a walk, play ball with them, give them a bath and really just give them some attention.”

It was Gallagher’s love of a different animal that first brought her to Wellington. “My interest in horses is what brought me to Wellington,” Gallagher explained. “I have always ridden horses, managed barns and conducted training. I always had a horse to ride in my life.”

Now, she does not have a horse in her life. To fill that void, Gallagher is focusing on rescue dogs. ACC, meanwhile, has far too many dogs to find homes for — and Gallagher is there to lend a helping hand. She is on a mission to recruit more dog lovers.

According to Gallagher, there are more dogs living at ACC than they have kennels, and there are not enough volunteers to help look after the canine and feline residents.

“There are only 144 kennels at Animal Care & Control, and there are more than 250 dogs living there right now, which means many dogs are sharing a kennel,” Gallagher said. “It is a very stressful environment for the dogs.”

Gallagher added that being a volunteer is not a one-way street.

“You make great friends with people who have similar interests, and it’s a good networking opportunity,” she said.

What makes ACC different than other outlets for abandoned and homeless animals is that it must accept any dog or cat it receives, finds or discovers.

Currently, the supply of rescue dogs is greater than the demand for rescue dogs.

“At one point this past summer, Animal Care & Control was accepting an average of 12 new surrenders a day,” Gallagher said.

To that end, ACC needs more people like Gallagher who are willing to look after the animals on a regular basis. The shelter also needs more people to foster and adopt the animals, too, which will improve the living conditions for the ones left behind.

“There are some great dogs to adopt, but many get overlooked,” Gallagher said, noting that she is doing her part by fostering two dogs at the moment.

If anybody wants to adopt or foster a rescue dog or cat, the selection is diverse, and the price is right.

“Animal Care & Control has small dogs, big dogs, young dogs, older dogs and many types of dogs, such as huskies, German shepherds, poodles, bulldogs and others,” Gallagher said. “For a number of months, adoption fees have been waived, so there’s no cost to adopt. The animals will be spayed/neutered and vaccinated.”

If you want to foster a pet, the price is right, too.

“Fostering is free,” Gallagher added. “Animal Care & Control will provide all food and medical care for any animal that is fostered. You just have to welcome the animal into your home for a short stay.”

Another point that Gallagher emphasized is that ACC should not be labeled a “kill” shelter. In reality, it’s an open-admittance, temporary home that serves as a bridge between being homeless and finding a permanent home for a rescue.

“The only time that I am aware of an animal being euthanized is if there are severe behavior issues, a major illness such as cancer, or the quality of life for the animal is in decline,” Gallagher said.

Gallagher noted that ACC is receiving outside assistance, as it’s now working with the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League on finding homes for rescue dogs.

“ACC has teamed up with Peggy Adams on a new program, where dogs from ACC go directly into Peggy Adams’ adoption program after a short-term foster,” Gallagher said. “It’s called Foster2Rescue.”

One of the biggest advocates of Gallagher’s volunteer efforts is Michela Green, the executive director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, of which Gallagher is a member.

“Siobhan is a Wellington Chamber of Commerce member who participated in our Clear the Shelter campaign last year, and immediately became a volunteer at Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control,” Green said. “Now, she is the ‘rock star’ you often see fostering, facilitating Dogs Day Out, working adoption events and, of course, spending numerous hours at the shelter with the dogs. My goal is to show the community what Siobhan Gallagher is doing to, hopefully, recruit some new volunteers and reduce the stigma at the county shelter, so we may potentially get new adopters and foster families.”

If you want to join Gallagher as an ACC volunteer, visit https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare or call (561) 233-1200. Potential volunteers are also welcome to contact Gallagher at siobhangallagher123@gmail.com or (561) 531-2763.

The Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control shelter is located at 7100 Belvedere Road. See the available animals at https://secure.co.palm-beach.fl.us/snap/home.

We Have Much To Be Thankful For
Our Community Is Very Blessed And Has Plenty To Celebrate This Thanksgiving Season

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

A Time Of Gratitude
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, as well as appreciating and respecting the blessings of the past year. As we begin the holiday season, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone in our community for their support, respect and understanding during the challenging times and good times alike. Your unwavering support, sacrifice and commitment have made our community stronger and demonstrated how resilient Wellington residents are in the face of adversity.

As our nation formed through revolution, the Continental Congress proclaimed a Day of Thanksgiving in 1777. In the middle of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln declared a national Thanksgiving Day to be celebrated on the final Thursday of November in 1863.

Despite the turbulent era, however, President Lincoln sought to unify the nation during the Civil War by reminding us of the blessings and privileges of our democracy. He issued Presidential Proclamation 106, which made Thanksgiving a formal, annual holiday. In the proclamation, Lincoln acknowledged the wounds left behind by war and appealed for the healing and restoration of the nation. Traditions varied in our country until late 1941, when President Franklin Roosevelt signed a bill fixing the day of recognition as the fourth Thursday in November, beginning in 1942.

This year, I hope we all do the same, as we come together with our loved ones to pause and give thanks for the grace and kindness in our lives. It’s the challenges, after all, that we face as a whole that make us even more grateful during times of joy and abundance.

Reasons To Be Thankful
To the backbone of our community — our first responders, village team members and the Wellington Village Council — thank you for going above and beyond to meet the needs of our community. Your prompt service, courage and sacrifice do not go unnoticed. Your passion for this village continues to make us the benchmark by which other communities are measured.

To our current and former armed forces service members and military families living in Wellington and the western communities, thank you for your service to defend our nation and freedom. Your presence makes our great hometown all that much better and reminds us how blessed we are in Wellington.

Support Our Local Businesses
Next, I am grateful for our local economy, which has been recognized countless times by numerous organizations, despite the challenges present elsewhere in the county and state. As a gentle reminder, I urge you all to please support our local businesses. We have some great local businesses, and equally impressive people running those businesses. When you buy locally, you help stimulate our local economy, create and sustain employment opportunities, and help foster a community that cares about and invests in itself — the definition of resiliency.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember the values and ideals that form the fabric of our great community, state and nation. Let us embrace our differences, celebrate our diverse heritage, and unite in gratitude for the gifts of freedom, family and faith.

This year, Wellington has much for which to be thankful. Our community is thriving, crime is low, property values are rising, tourism is strong, private investment is flourishing and we enjoy an outstanding quality of life. More than 400 years ago, the Pilgrims shared their first harvest with their Native American neighbors. Today, each of us has a responsibility to carry on this tradition of sharing by giving of ourselves to help those in need as we continue to work to build a vibrant, diverse, inclusive and sustainable Wellington.

PALM BEACH BRIDES 2023: Tell Us Your Wedding Story  India and Anthony

The air was filled with love and anticipation as India and Anthony Salerno completed their journey toward husband and wife on Aug. 13, 2023. The stage was set, the venue aglow and the hearts of everyone in attendance were warmed by the radiance of their love. This is the enchanting tale of a couple whose paths crossed unexpectedly at the Hard Rock in Hollywood, Florida.

India and Anthony’s love story began more than a decade ago, with a chance encounter at the Hard Rock. Little did they know that this chance meeting would set the stage for a love story filled with cherished memories and a beautiful wedding day.

The moment when India knew that Anthony was “the one” came during their romantic vacation to Jamaica, just over a year into their relationship. Anthony later surprised India by taking her back to the very spot where they first met. After a lovely dinner, he got down on one knee and, with heartfelt words, asked India to marry him. It was a moment filled with emotion and love.

Their wedding day was captured by Kristina Karina Photo & Film. The romantic ceremony held at Benvenuto restaurant and event venue was as picturesque as their love story. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds and their guests moved to a reception area that exceeded all expectations. The room reveal was a breathtaking moment for India and Anthony as they witnessed their dreams come to life in a beautifully decorated space.

Their first dance as husband and wife was to the soulful melody of “In the Still of the Night (I’ll Remember)” by Boyz II Men, creating a magical moment that echoed their deep love for each other.  DJ Timothy surprised them with a violin solo to start the entertainment portion of the evening. One of the most poignant moments of the day was their private last dance, a cherished memory that will remain etched in their hearts forever. It was a testament to the intimacy and depth of their love.

India wore a special bracelet on her wedding day, a precious heirloom from Anthony’s late grandmother, symbolizing the continuation of family traditions and the blending of their lives.

As they embark on the next chapter of their love story, India and Anthony are eagerly looking forward to their honeymoon in Italy, a journey that promises to be as enchanting as their wedding day.

In the end, their wedding was a testament to the power of love, fate and the beautiful journey that brought India and Anthony together and will be shared as cherished memories for a lifetime.

Said  “I Do”  August 13, 2023

PALM BEACH BRIDES 2023: Traditions and Trends

In the realm of weddings, the interplay between timeless traditions and contemporary trends shapes unforgettable celebrations. One steadfast tradition that endures is the exchange of vows — a heartfelt declaration of commitment. However, in 2024, couples are infusing their ceremonies with personalized touches, creating bespoke experiences that resonate deeply.

One emerging trend is the fusion of cultures, as couples intertwine customs from diverse backgrounds, honoring their heritage in a harmonious union. These inclusive ceremonies celebrate the rich tapestry of love, reflecting the couple’s shared values and individual identities.

In terms of design, a return to understated elegance is prevalent. Neutral color palettes, punctuated with subtle hints of pastels, exude a timeless sophistication. Handcrafted elements, like artisanal stationery and unique favors, infuse the celebration with a personal touch.

Sustainability stands as a prevailing ethos in modern weddings. Couples are embracing eco-conscious choices, from locally sourced, organic cuisine to ethically produced décor. This conscientious approach not only aligns with contemporary values but also crafts a celebration that treads lightly on the planet.

Ultimately, the blend of cherished traditions and innovative trends allows couples to craft weddings that are uniquely their own, resonating with meaning and reflecting the beauty of their shared journey.

On these pages, Wellington The Magazine shares some of our favorite traditions and trends — perhaps some that you will incorporate into your wedding day!

Champagne Towers
Champagne towers have forever symbolized joyous occasions, and they are poised to make a dazzling return in 2023 and 2024. Elevate your reception by adorning it with a magnificent display of champagne glasses, creating effervescent cascades that encapsulate the epitome of opulence and sophistication.

Audio Guestbooks
Bid farewell to those conventional guestbooks! Audio guestbooks are emerging as a distinctive trend, enabling guests to convey heartfelt messages and well wishes through their recorded voices. This interactive and intimate gesture imbues your wedding memories with an additional layer of sentimentality.

Entirely Vegan Menus
While including a vegan option on wedding menus has been a standard practice for years, we are now seeing more people committing to an entirely vegan menu. A growing number of couples are favoring plant-based choices as their main culinary focus due to the creativity and delectable offerings available.

Something Blue
The tradition of wearing something blue remains timeless. Brides are using this hue to enhance classic white bridal attire. What sets this trend apart from earlier interpretations of “something blue” is that these blue elements are a part of the primary ceremonial look, rather than being reserved as a reception accessory.

Small Bouquet
Pinterest trends indicate a shift toward petite bridal bouquets, replacing the opulent, lavish arrangements of years past. These exquisite, hand-held bouquets feature delicate blooms such as lily, lilac, astilbe and lavender. Despite their elegant appearance, these cut flowers also offer a practical advantage.

Coastal Chic
While beach weddings have long held their popularity, 2024 will see coastal chic weddings stepping into the spotlight. These weddings artfully combine refined nautical elements, understated coastal embellishments and breezy color palettes. Soft blues, sandy neutrals and sea-inspired accents come together to cultivate a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere.

Smoke Mines
Smoke mines have become the hottest trend that many brides are eagerly embracing. This newfound sensation, catapulted to fame through viral TikTok videos, represents the pinnacle of wedding wow factor. Whether in search of a stunning ceremony finale or a daytime grand entrance or exit, smoke mines provide the full spectacle of fireworks in broad daylight!

360 Photo Booth
The hottest trend in wedding photography is the 360-degree photo booth! Unlike traditional setups, this cutting-edge creation captures dynamic, panoramic shots from every angle, providing an immersive experience for couples and guests. It’s a fun, interactive way to add a modern twist to your wedding memories. Get ready to share your special day in a whole new dimension!

Multicultural Celebrations
Gone are the days of settling for a single set of ceremony traditions. Today’s couples embrace inclusivity by weaving together facets of their respective cultures or religions to craft a distinctive ceremony that reflects both familial sides. It’s important that everyone involved in the execution, including the chosen venue, is informed about the traditions you intend to incorporate

Bridesmaid Dress Colors
Whether your taste leans toward soft and neutral tones or bold and vibrant hues, 2024 offers a spectrum of options for every bride. From lively palettes to sustainable touches, and even the allure of destination weddings, the choices are boundlessly inspiring. Notably, various shades of green, classic black and vivid colors are emerging as popular selections for bridesmaid dresses.

Next-Level Roof Styling 
Elevate your wedding experience with a beautifully styled roof canopy for your reception. Envision enchanting hanging floral arrangements, captivating lighting designs and cascading drapery in soft, luxurious fabrics. This exquisite addition will transform your celebration into a truly enchanting affair from the floor below to the unique canopy overhead!

PALM BEACH BRIDES 2023: Q& A  Capturing Your Unique Wedding Story

The right wedding photographer will provide the happy couple with memories to last a lifetime. Communication with your wedding photographer is crucial to ensure that everyone is on the same page, and that your special day is captured beautifully for all time. To learn more about hiring a professional wedding photographer, we spoke to Frank Koester of Through These Eyes Photography, who works alongside his wife, Erica.

Q: Tell us a bit about your background. How did you get into wedding photography, and how long have you been doing it?
 A: I began my journey in photography back in 1998. I was working for a company on Long Island doing children’s sports portraits. We did outdoor and indoor locations. After a few months of working there, I convinced my wife to come along on the photo shoots. She learned quickly and began taking team photos. I also began working for the New York Daily News, Newsday and a bunch of other newspapers. It was fun and exciting meeting so many people and being some place different every day. This is also the foundation of photographing weddings. One of the papers had a section called Down the Aisle. It featured two couples each week. No other photographers wanted to cover these assignments, but I enjoyed meeting the couples and hearing their stories. This was really where I first began in the wedding industry. Two years later, I began shooting weddings on my own and loved them. I was the only working journalist who also did wedding photography as well. It makes for a unique and interesting take on wedding photography, blended with journalism and storytelling. My wife and I are going into our 15th year of capturing couples’ love stories.

Q: How would you describe your photography style?
A: It’s definitely a unique style, since my background is in journalism. I’ve been a photojournalist in the media for more than 20 years, and that storytelling style of shooting easily carried over to telling a couple’s wedding story. Just as each couple is unique, so is their wedding story. I would have to say our style is a mix of editorial/storytelling.

Q: How far in advance do you recommend that couples book photography services for their wedding?|
A: The recommended time to book your photographer in most cases is about 18 months out. We are a husband-and-wife team and only book one wedding per weekend.  We want to be able to focus our full attention on you and your day. We also do not subcontract out weddings. Meaning, once you book us, that date is blocked for you, and it will be my wife and I who show up. We have had people book in less time when we have had openings.

Q: What are some of the different photography packages that you offer, and what do they include?
A: We like to keep things simple. We offer hourly rates for mini weddings. We also have packages to cover 6 to 8 hours. We are very flexible and can cater packages to the needs of the couple. All the packages include all the edited images and an online gallery, so you can share them easily with friends and family. We also have a photo booth, which can be added to any package or booked separately.

Q: What are some of the more unique locations that you have done wedding photography? Are there any particular types of wedding venues that you prefer?
A: We did a few weddings at the top of Whiteface Mountain in New York, an island wedding on the cliffs in St. Thomas, and another on a dairy farm complete with cows. We love and specialize in those intimate, unique wedding locations. Those are really our favorites, and you can instantly see how the setting reflects the couple’s personality.

Q: Do you often travel to photograph weddings?
A: When we lived in New York, we traveled most weekends   to different locations, mainly in and around upstate. Now that we live in Florida, we mainly stick to Florida’s east coast. Yet we are always open to destination weddings in new and exciting locations.

Q: Do you offer video services? If so, what type?
A:  We do offer video. My wife and I work closely with a videographer who also comes from a storyteller/media background. Their creative philosophy is much like ours, believing every couple is unique, and each wedding is its very own story. Being a boutique service, they also book limited weddings.

Q: What are some of the current trends in wedding photography?
A: I am seeing now a lot of people like “posed” candid pictures. It’s not uncommon for a couple to send me some images they found online and ask me to recreate them. I do tell them yes, we can, but are you looking for another couples’ photos to represent your wedding or do we want to capture you in your story, something that is unique and special? After they have had some time to reflect on what I am suggesting, they turn away from the photos they found or narrow it down to just a few, and then want images which will be their own.

Q: What kind of equipment do you typically bring with you?
A: We use all professional cameras and lenses. We also bring external lighting for any locations that may be dark. Aside from the equipment, we are also fully insured, which is something many venues require. A couple should always ask about this to any vendor they hire before giving them any money.

Q: How do clients receive their photography after the wedding? Do you work with them on traditional photography books? What are today’s couples looking for as keepsakes?
A: After their wedding, we send the couples a download link, and they can save the files to a hard drive. Sadly, we do not get many requests for albums anymore. Everyone wants the photos to post on social media, so we provide social ready images with all our packages. I hope the trend turns back to albums because they really are a family keepsake. The albums we make are custom designed, so no two albums look the same, as we don’t use premade templates. We also print our albums in house, so the couple can be part of the creative process.

Q: How can clients book you for their wedding celebration?
A: The best way to book us is to give us a call at (516) 532-8487 or send us an e-mail at fkoesterphoto@aol.com so we can talk about the details and get to know each other. During that first conversation, we also let the couple know that they get a complimentary engagement photo session.

Q: Why do you offer complimentary engagement photo sessions?|
A: We love engagement photo sessions because it gives us a chance to get to know one another in a relaxed environment. Many people have never been photographed professionally and can be nervous in front of the camera with a stranger. Your wedding day should never be the first time you meet your photographer. Engagement sessions let us get to know one another, have fun and build a relationship. Come your wedding day, we already know each other, and the photos come naturally.

Learn more about wedding photographers Frank and Erica Koester at www.throughtheseeyes-koester.com

Teeing Up For Children With Special Needs Clinics Can Help Will Celebrate A Decade Of Giving At 10th Annual Charity Golf Tournament

Clinics Can Help (CCH) will celebrate a milestone of compassion and community collaboration at the nonprofit’s 10th annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, Oct. 27, at the Wanderers Club in Wellington.

For Wellington resident and presenting sponsor Gil Martinez of the Gil Martinez Agency-State Farm, it’s more than an event. The tournament’s 10th anniversary is a symbol of generosity and unwavering commitment to a nonprofit that has helped his family and thousands of others in need of free medical equipment to lead more independent lives.

Martinez’s nephew Sebastian suffered a devastating spinal stroke at the age of two, leaving him partially paralyzed. CCH was there through the years to provide specialized wheelchairs as Sebastian grew. More than mobility, the charity gave him back his childhood.

“CCH has made a lifechanging impact on Sebastian and his ability to play and be with other children without limits,” Martinez said. “It gives him such a positive outlook. That’s something I want other kids like Sebastian to experience, and the reason why I’m serving as presenting sponsor. CCH does so much for children and families. We need to be there for them.”

Tournament sponsors and golfers will support the KINDER (Kids in Need of Durable Equipment Right Now) Project at CCH, which provides reused, new and customized medical equipment to children with different abilities. Many of the children helped by the nonprofit are affected by serious medical conditions, including brain or spinal cord injuries or congenital defects. Their families struggle to afford the equipment that enables them to lead more independent lives. Items like adaptive strollers can make all the difference in allowing a child with cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy the chance to ride the bus, see his classmates at eye level and participate in schoolyard activities.

The cause is personal to PGA Tour champion and returning honorary chair Dana Quigley. A tragic accident involving his son brought him to CCH, inspiring him to help others who have a child with special needs. Quigley will be joined by CBS 12’s morning anchor Matt Lincoln, who returns to the tournament as its dedicated annual chair.

“We are fortunate that each year, as this event grows and evolves, the individual and community commitments remain,” CCH CEO Owen O’Neill said. “We are grateful for the continued support and love as golfers enjoy the tournament and spend time with some of our youngest clients, seeing firsthand the impact we have on families.”

The tournament is packed with memorable moments for everyone, on and off the green. It kicks off with a shotgun start at 8:45 a.m. and is played in a scramble format with mixed, men’s and women’s divisions. Adding to the fun and excitement are contests and incredible prizes for best dressed team, hole-in-one, closest to the pin (men and women) and longest drive (men and women). A silent auction, awards program and luncheon will cap off the event in the spirit of camaraderie and philanthropy.

Since O’Neill founded CCH in 2005 while he was working as a hospice nurse, he has experienced nothing but growth. He started with humble beginnings, accepting wheelchairs and home hospital beds left behind when a patient in his care passed away, placing them in a storage locker until he could deliver them to medical clinics serving patients with limited incomes and little to no insurance.

Today, CCH occupies a 5,000-square-foot office and warehouse in West Palm Beach and is the only organization of its kind in Florida and one of only four in the U.S. that provides a vast and diverse array of equipment. O’Neill and his team have grown beyond helping clinics to directly serving more than 3,000 children and adults in Palm Beach County and beyond each year. Rather than finding equipment on his own to recycle and repurpose, local hospitals, doctors’ offices and medical agencies are now coming to O’Neil, trusting in his reputation and ability to help families in need.

Martinez knows that the more people who learn about O’Neill and his organization, the more they will see what he and Sebastian know to be true. “CCH is a game changer,” Martinez said. “They let children with special needs forget their mobility issues and just be kids.”

The Clinics Can Help 10th anniversary golf classic is presented by the Gil Martinez Agency-State Farm. It will take place Friday, Oct. 27, with an 8:45 a.m. shotgun start at the Wanderers Club, located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington. Tickets for the tournament range from $325 to $1,300 for golf. Lunch-only tickets are available for $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit www.birdease.com/cchgolf for more information.

Sponsors (at time of printing) include the Gil Martinez Agency-State Farm, the Nicolas Group, Northwestern Mutual, the Geo Group, Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, the Brian Marketing Group, Team Chester, GOLDLAW, the Paving Lady, Irish Links and Skort Obsession. Some sponsor opportunities and limited playing spots are still available.

Visit www.clinicscanhelp.org/golf for more information about the tournament and sponsorships.

A Look At Our Village’s 2024 Budget  The $137.7 Million Spending Plan For The New Fiscal Year Is Focused On Carrying Out Wellington’s Goals

Happy fiscal new year! The Village of Wellington’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 until Sept. 30 each year, and as such, we adopted our annual budget for the coming fiscal year on Wednesday, Sept. 20. As the economy rebalances, uncertainties persist. Higher highs and lower lows have characterized the economic swings that have occurred since the onset of the pandemic and the rebound that followed. Looking ahead, we anticipate a rebalancing of the economy, which will lead to a new set of expectations around stability. These factors permeate to the local level and combine with others that add complexity to the village’s ability to deliver services. Within our organization, we find that it’s never easy to balance the needs of the future with the needs of today. As demands on our resources continue to grow, we must thoughtfully and carefully grow to meet them.

Strategic Fundamentals 
We believe that we have accomplished our goals with this recently adopted budget. The foundation of our budget begins with our focus on our five strategic fundamentals of neighborhood renaissance, economic development, protecting our investment, responsive government and respecting the environment. We then develop the budget using insights and information from workshops with the Wellington Village Council focusing on infrastructure and facility maintenance, recreation, youth and family programs, as well as events, residential and community revitalization, and public safety.
The fiscal year 2024 budget continues our commitment to stable budgeting for sustainability. The total budget for the new fiscal year is $137.7 million and maintains the ad valorem millage rate at 2.47 mils. Expenditures increased by $9.14 million from last year as a result of inflationary price increases, expanded recreation programs and events, and infrastructure projects. The same great services are funded with the same millage rate, a $25 annual increase in the Acme Improvement District assessment and a 10 percent increase in water/sewer utility rates from the prior year.

Maintaining Service Levels 
The village conservatively budgets to maintain service levels delivered to residents and businesses while strategically increasing or expanding services as growth and demand warrant. We remain focused on managing labor costs, maintaining village reserves, funding capital rehabilitation programs, and pursuing new revenue and grant opportunities.

This budget has been developed to account for the expected rise in labor and material costs and other unavoidable expenses. It also includes augmentations to maintain service levels and address the council’s top priorities. The budget aims to further ensure the maintenance of necessary capital infrastructure for the long-term benefit of our community.

Significant Investment 
The budget incorporates a significant investment of $21 million into capital projects. This includes $7.3 million in public works, $7.4 million in utilities, and $6 million in parks and recreation. This capital investment represents a 35 percent decrease compared to last year’s adopted budget and continues to address both growth and rehabilitation of existing capital investments.

Looking Ahead
Our village continues to assess changing circumstances and prepare for the effects they may have on our ability to deliver services. While much remains out of our control, we have a strong grip on what we do control. Sound, conservative financial planning is at the core of our budget development efforts. This approach puts us in a position of strength that allows us to weather storms and leverage the opportunities that emerge.

Our residents and businesses have been valuable partners in this ongoing quest, as have the great team members we have on staff who play an undeniable role in our success. We have a multi-faceted opportunity to refocus on our organizational culture. Between retirements and a competitive labor market, with candidates with new expectations, we are reinvigorating the culture that draws high performers to our organization. As an employer of choice, we will remain open to new ways to support our employees’ success so we can continue to ensure the kind of quality of life our community values so deeply.

While one of the constants in life is change. We know that uncertainty is change’s close companion. Our resiliency lies in our preparation for uncertain times. The Village of Wellington will effectively forge new paths to remain ready to deal with whatever else may lie ahead.

Celebrating The Extraordinary Achievements Of Our Wellington Neighbors!

Step into a world where greatness knows no bounds and join us in celebrating the people who make our community special. Wellington The Magazine unveiled the Our Wellington Awards last year. This award marked the first of its kind, honoring six remarkable individuals who have given of themselves and helped to shape our beloved village into one of the top places to live in the country.

Again, this year, we pay tribute to people who have selflessly dedicated their time and talents to uplift our community. The 2023 Our Wellington Award honorees are: John Sitomer of the Council of Dads, longtime community activists Mickey and Lizz Smith, Leslie Pfeiffer of the Wellington Art Society, RoseAnn Voils of the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, Vinceremos Therapeutic Horsemanship Center founder Ruth Menor, and Back to Basics founder Beverly Perham.

Over the next several pages, you will get to meet these inspiring individuals, who have not only done wonderful things for Wellington themselves, but through their work have inspired countless other volunteers to get involved and help build our community into what it is today. By reading their stories, you can get to know these remarkable individuals, discover the motivations behind their journeys and learn more about the organizations they champion. This year’s recipients of the Our Wellington Awards will be honored at a special luncheon this fall, where we will celebrate them, along with all the good work they have done.

We thank everyone who nominated people for this year’s Our Wellington Awards. Choosing the honorees was a challenge, but we hope this program helps us continue to build a community that thrives on compassion, generosity and the spirit of making a difference. The goal is to get others involved, embrace a worthy cause and be a catalyst for positive change. Together, we can transform lives and create a brighter future for Wellington.

Our Wellington Awards 2023 – Mickey and Lizz Smith Volunteering Is A Way Of Life For  Wellington’s Mickey And Lizz Smith

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Frank Koester

Mickey and Lizz Smith have been living in Wellington for more than three decades and truly enjoy living, working and volunteering here. While one of their favorite things to do is to travel to destinations on all seven continents, they always enjoy coming back to their Wellington home, where they plan to stay for the rest of their lives.

Among the reasons why Wellington is such a great place to live is because of the community spirit that the Smiths bring to their adopted hometown.

A personal injury attorney, Mickey remains busy as a partner in the firm Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith. Lizz, meanwhile, is a retired educator. She worked for 32 years as a special education teacher at local schools, such as Osceola Creek, Emerald Cove and Wellington Landings middle schools. She now stays busy as an avid volunteer.

Despite the demands of being a full-time attorney, Mickey also finds time to get involved in the community.

“When I volunteer to support local charities, I seem to get back 10 times more than I give,” Mickey said. “It’s a source of great enjoyment.”

“I’m blessed that I have the time and ability to volunteer to help local groups,” Lizz added.

The Smiths are longtime supporters of the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club and the Wellington Community Foundation. Mickey served on the board of the Boys & Girls Club for 10 years and was a founding member of the Wellington Community Foundation’s board. He also serves on the board of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber and is a member of the Wellington Rotary. While Lizz is not a Rotarian, she helps as a volunteer when they support local causes.

Both enjoy supporting the Wellington Community Foundation, which would have ended when it spun off from the village had it not been for the leadership of the late Tom Wenham, Mickey said. “It was an honor to help Tom with the Wellington Community Foundation,” he said. “He and his wife Regis are the gold standard for volunteering in Wellington. Both have been inspirations to us all.”

Lizz particularly enjoyed helping the Wellington Rotary distribute food during the pandemic. “The food drive lasted for a year and helped feed many families in need,” she recalled, adding that she takes pride in supporting groups that showcase the village’s family-friendly image. “Wellington is great for families, as there is always so much to see and do.”

Another area of satisfaction is the beautification of Stribling Way, their adopted street, which has a sign with their names on it. “We set aside at least four Saturdays a year to go pick up trash along Stribling Way,” Mickey said. “We want to help keep Wellington beautiful.”

In their free time, they are huge fans of the Miami Dolphins, and also enjoy watching games involving Mickey’s two alma maters — Virginia Tech and Duke University. “When Virginia Tech plays Duke in football, I root for Virginia Tech,” Mickey said. “When they play one another in basketball, I cheer for Duke.”

In her free time, Lizz stays healthy and fit by playing tennis at the Wellington Tennis Center, which she calls “a real jewel of the community.”

The couple met at Virginia Tech. Lizz was there on a swimming scholarship while pursuing a degree in education. She was a high school state champion swimmer in Florida in 1975. At Virginia Tech, Mickey pursued a degree in industrial engineering. He then headed to Duke for his law degree, which he earned in 1985. He has practiced in Florida since then.

Moving forward, the Smiths encourage others who enjoy living in Wellington to find ways to volunteer, and in doing so, develop a stronger connection to the community.