Cohesive Movement Center Offers Unique Aerial Fitness Concept

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Frank Koester

The newly opened Cohesive Movement Center brings a unique aerial fitness concept to the western communities.

Owners Rosie Wandell and Jill Atkinson are committed to building a connected fitness community in the area. Both women, who have been friends for years, have the necessary professional credentials and passion to accomplish this task. Both are certified nutrition coaches, physical trainers, and trained strength and conditioning coaches. They are also experienced ballerinas and know what they are talking about in the world of health, fitness, physical activity and nutrition.

Both agree that the keys to good health are what you eat, what you drink, how often you physically move and what you do in the area of physical activity. To help local residents become more fit, Wandell and Atkinson recently opened the Cohesive Movement Center (CMC) at the southeast corner of State Road 7 and Southern Blvd. in the plaza with Home Depot.

This new 2,200-square-foot fitness facility officially opened its doors on July 1 and is open seven days a week. Wandell and Atkinson are driven by their mission statement: “To create a safe, empowering space for movement artists, athletes and newcomers to train, connect and evolve. At CMC, we aim to blur the lines between art and fitness, providing tools for self-expression, strength and personal growth.”

Wandell said that it’s a joy to transform the CMC concept from an idea into reality.

“In a nutshell, Cohesive Movement Center is South Florida’s home for aerial, movement and community,” she explained. “At CMC, we’re more than just a studio. We’re a movement hub where confidence, creativity and community come together. Whether you’re stepping into your first aerial class, or you’re a seasoned aerialist looking to expand your training, we provide a space where all levels are welcome, and everybody is celebrated.”

With rates of physical inactivity reaching pandemic proportions in the U.S., the emergence of this new fitness opportunity is timely and important. While the main target audience is the female fitness enthusiast, people of all ages are welcome.

“We cater to clients as young as six years old, and we have no age limit cap,” Atkinson said. “If you are healthy to move, we are happy to help you.”

While the western communities currently have a number of fitness outlets for people to go for a workout or participate in an exercise class, Wandell and Atkinson noted that CMC fills a unique void.

“Nobody does what we do,” Atkinson said. “We are not your typical gym experience.”

According to Atkinson, the purpose of its many fitness classes is to help people get fitter, stronger and healthier. As a result, people will have a better quality of life.

“If you want to strengthen your core, expand your mobility, reduce the chances of getting injured, and improve your dynamic balance and stability, then we can help,” Wandell said. “We also provide assistance with breathing techniques.”

The types of classes at CMC include Sky Aerial Yoga, Aerial Pole, Flow Lab, Liquid Motion, Sunrise Yoga, Aerial Hoop (Lyra), Aerial Slings & Silks, Stick Mobility Lab, Pelvic Peace, Science of Flexibility and more.

When it comes to improving balance and stability, the Cohesive Movement Center can play a positive role for a wide range of athletes of all ages.

“We can really help dancers, equestrians, cheerleaders and gymnasts, as well as team sports participants who play football, flag football, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ice hockey and basketball,” Atkinson said.

The facility’s location is particularly convenient for the local equestrian community.

“One of our goals is provide assistance to equestrian riders, as we can improve their posture, core strength and stability, which will enhance their overall competitive and training experience,” Wandell explained.

As an incentive to join CMC, new potential members are given one free group class a week, which is extended for a limited time.

To help spread the word about what is offered at the Cohesive Movement Center, Atkinson and Wandell host a weekly podcast called “Join the Movement,” which is accessible on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and posted on their web site at www.cohesivemovementcenter.com/podcast.

According to Wandell, classes get going early every day at CMC, with a full-body circuit training class beginning at 6:30 a.m. Participation in classes at the facility range from six to 20 people.

The Cohesive Movement Center is located at 9880 Southern Blvd. To learn more about what this new business has to offer, call (561) 331-2181, e-mail info@cohesivemovementcenter.com or visit www.cohesivemovementcenter.com.

Big Win For Wellington Rider Emily Dehoff And Manou De Muze At Upperville

Wellington resident Emily Dehoff and Manou de Muze galloped to the win in the $30,000 Salamander Collection Upperville American Standard Grand Prix on Saturday, June 7, besting 45 fellow competitors at the 172nd Upperville Colt & Horse Show, presented by Mars Equestrian.

By virtue of her fault-free jump-off round and a blazing time of 34.1 seconds, Dehoff and her 13-year-old grey Belgian Warmblood mare finished atop the podium, while Mark Bluman finished second aboard Starlet (34.77 seconds) and Devin Ryan rode Mondorado to third place (36.55 seconds).

“Manou de Muze has helped me succeed in all of the big wins I’ve had in my career,” Dehoff said. “Any Grand Prix win is a highlight, but it’s special to keep achieving so much with her, and having the chance to do it at Upperville is exceptional.”

After a fault-free trip in the first round, Dehoff opted to take a stride out in the first line of the jump off and stay as tight as possible to the combination and succeeded. After a careful ride to the tall, airy gate jump, she chose to do seven strides to the imposing black oxer, and then another seven strides to the last fence to secure the win.

For her win in the American Standard Grand Prix, Dehoff was the first rider to be awarded the William Haggin Perry trophy, donated to the show by Nicole H. Perry.

“It’s amazing to win any trophy at all,” she said. “I love the classical feel of Upperville, so to win a trophy here and being the first to win it is super special.”

The $30,000 Upperville American Standard Grand Prix was part of a full week of FEI and national-level jumper competition at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, the oldest horse show in the United States, now in its 172nd year.

Sponsors of the 2025 Upperville Colt & Horse Show include presenting sponsor Mars Equestrian, Ethel M. Chocolates, Koons Motors, Michael and Wendy Smith, Lugano, the Salamander Collection, B&D Builders, Markel Insurance and Delta Air Lines.

Held in northern Virginia, the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, founded in 1853 as a one-day show to encourage better breeding and care of horses, has grown to a weeklong tradition with thousands of equestrian and equine pairs competing in a variety of competitive disciplines. Many of the continent’s top professional riders as well as amateurs compete under a spectacular setting featuring the famous oaks at Grafton Farm — the same location as in 1853. UCHS is a charitable organization that raises funds for the Churches of Upperville Outreach Program and supports other area charities.

For complete results and livestream access, visit www.upperville.com.

The Enduring Legacy Of The Santamaria Family

By Shannon Anastasio

Ever since the formative years of the western communities, the contributions of the Santamaria family in the areas of business development, public service and community engagement have been extraordinary.

Over the course of his career, family patriarch Jess R. Santamaria has played an instrumental role in shaping Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and the wider western communities, from building thousands of homes to advocating for openness in government. His enduring legacy reflects a deep commitment to community, ethical leadership and his dedication to improving the lives of those around him.

As he continues to be honored for his five decades of local leadership, Santamaria’s influence on the area will remain profound for generations to come. Throughout his life, Santamaria has used the guiding principles passed down to him by his parents.

“My father was a judge who always believed in equal justice for all, rich or poor,” he explained. “My mother was a deeply spiritual woman who sacrificed her entire life for her children, teaching us to love God and our neighbors. Their positive influence helped to make me the man I am today.”

Santamaria’s local journey began when he and his wife, Victoria, moved to Florida from Philadelphia in 1974. Armed with an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and a degree in chemical engineering, Santamaria transitioned from his earlier corporate career at IBM to real estate development. Alongside his wife, he began a building career that led to more than 3,000 new homes in Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and The Acreage, focusing on providing high-quality, budget-friendly housing to local families.

The Santamarias expanded their portfolio to include shopping centers, such as the original Wellington Mall, as well as the area’s first hotel, the Royal Inn. Santamaria also built the first shopping center in Royal Palm Beach, the Royal Plaza, as well as other shopping areas.

However, Santamaria’s true impact is seen in his civic and philanthropic work. His leadership extended far beyond business ventures, as he dedicated countless hours to improving the community. Santamaria played a pivotal role in the founding of Palms West Hospital and chaired its board of trustees from 1986 to 1993. His ongoing involvement with Wellington Regional Medical Center as a member of its board of governors starting in 2002 further underscores his commitment to local healthcare.

Santamaria is also a staunch advocate for education. He co-founded organizations such as My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Scholarship Foundation, which has provided crucial support to local students. This initiative reflects his belief in the power of education to change lives and a desire to create opportunities for young people in the community.

“I founded MBSK because I wanted to reward kids not just for academic achievement, but for having the core values of honesty, generosity, kindness and a sincere desire to help others,” Santamaria said. “We need to inspire our youth to be good people and care for their fellow man. Our children are our most valuable assets, and our future depends on them.”

He also co-founded My Brother’s/Sister’s Keeper Charitable Trust in order to assist needy families in Palm Beach County, and especially in the Glades. Over the past 20 years, Santamaria and the charitable trust, in partnership with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, have helped almost 2,000 disadvantaged Glades-area families purchase necessities like food and clothing during the Christmas season. “Our mission statement is that ‘the strong and the fortunate have a social obligation to protect and assist the weak and less fortunate amongst us until they are able to help themselves,’” Santamaria explained.

Santamaria’s public service career culminated in his eight-year tenure representing all of the western communities and the Glades on the Palm Beach County Commission. His time as a commissioner was marked by his tireless efforts to ensure openness, honesty and ethical governance.

During his years with the county, Santamaria is most proud of fighting for, demanding and expecting more honesty in government.

“Palm Beach County had been labeled ‘Corruption County’ when I began my first term as county commissioner,” he recalled. “I was the strongest advocate for the ethics commission and the creation of the Office of the Inspector General to fight against government abuse and waste, and I was the prime witness testifying before the grand jury on the subject. As a private citizen, I was involved in seven lawsuits against governmental abuse of power, winning all seven. I’ve also always fought for protection of the environment and against overdevelopment.”

Santamaria’s influence extended to numerous other civic efforts, including his involvement with the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, which he chaired in 2000. He was also a founding member of the Crestwood Performing Arts League and co-founded the Citizens for Open Government.

His key focus in the community has been to lobby for sustainable and responsible growth, seeking to make the western communities very different from where he spent his younger years.

“I grew up in Manila, Philippines, one of the largest cities in the world; and I also lived in Philadelphia, another huge city with crime and congestion problems,” Santamaria recalled. “I moved to Royal Palm Beach because it’s where I envisioned raising my family — a peaceful, family-oriented, small town. Growth is inevitable, but it’s important that it be thoughtfully planned, so that we don’t lose the quality of life that made it the place where we wanted to live when we came here.”

His legacy of service also includes his commitment to protecting Palm Beach County’s unique character. Santamaria was a vocal advocate against the potential “Browardization” of the county, speaking out against efforts to merge with Miami-Dade and Broward counties for regional planning. He believed that such moves could compromise the county’s environmental protection and ability to control growth.

As a public servant, Santamaria’s approach has always been guided by a sense of integrity and a desire to make the community a better place for all. He has been honored with awards numerous times from a wide variety of organizations. He has also received resolutions from the villages of Wellington and Royal Palm Beach in recognition of his lasting contributions to the region.

At the heart of Santamaria’s life is his family. Jess and his wife Victoria have raised a close-knit family, including their son, Chris Santamaria, and daughter, Michelle Santamaria, who are both attorneys and work with Jess and Victoria in managing family-owned properties. Their son Vincent, married to wife Lisa, works in the Orlando area as a systems analyst for one of the area hospital chains. The family legacy continues through their three beloved grandchildren, Elle, Max and Sophia. Santamaria’s love and support of his family remain a constant source of inspiration, fueling his passion for creating a better future for the generations to come.

At the core of Jess Santamaria’s work is his belief in the power of service and the importance of community. Whether through his business ventures, his role as a public servant or his philanthropic efforts, Santamaria has been a tireless advocate for the people of Palm Beach County.

“People in government must never forget that they are public servants,” he said. “You are elected to serve the people, not your own political aspirations. Honest government should be the foundation to every democracy; and honest government goes hand in hand with maintaining public trust. Roosevelt said that when there’s honest government and public trust, then prosperity, quality of life and peace are achievable. As a child, I was taught that ‘evil succeeds when good men do nothing,’ and ‘if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.’ I’ve followed those principles my entire life.”

Wellington Residents Invited To Get Involved In The Budget Process

By Shannon Anastasio

Wellington is providing residents with the opportunity to engage in the village’s budget process, thanks to the launch of two interactive tools: Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt. These platforms allow residents to not only learn about how their tax dollars are spent, but also to directly influence the future budget decisions that impact the community.

How can you better understand Wellington’s budget? Through a hands-on approach with software that the village has made available. One is Balancing Act, which is a powerful tool that gives residents a real-time, interactive experience of the Fiscal Year 2026 Preliminary General Fund Budget. This tool allows users to explore different budget scenarios by adjusting funding allocations across various departments and services. As you modify the numbers, Balancing Act shows the immediate effect on the overall budget, helping users understand the trade-offs and priorities involved in budget planning.

This interactive simulation isn’t just for budget experts. It’s designed to be intuitive and accessible, offering a clear, visual representation of how the village allocates funds and where choices can be made. Whether it’s balancing funding for parks and recreation, public safety or infrastructure, Balancing Act helps residents see firsthand how decisions are made and how their input can influence the future of Wellington.

Want to know where your tax dollars are going? The Taxpayer Receipt tool provides a detailed breakdown of how tax dollars are being spent across the village. This unofficial receipt shows the allocation of funds for services like police and fire protection, road maintenance, community programs and other essential services.

With this tool, Wellington is taking transparency to the next level by making sure that residents understand exactly where their money is going. This ensures not only clarity but also accountability in the village’s fiscal management.

“These tools help demystify the budgeting process. They offer an opportunity for residents to not only understand how their money is spent but to actively participate in the decision-making process, helping shape the future of our community,” Village Manager Jim Barnes explained.

Both the Balancing Act and the Taxpayer Receipt tools are available, giving all residents and stakeholders a chance to voice your opinion. All Wellington residents can get involved by visiting www.wellingtonfl.gov/balancingact. Along with these interactive features, the site offers simple, step-by-step instructions to guide users through the budget simulation and help them make the most of the available tools.

But digital engagement isn’t the only way residents can provide input. The village also invites residents to attend upcoming budget meetings to learn more about the budget and provide direct feedback to village leaders. These meetings offer a valuable opportunity for the public to ask questions, share their thoughts, and engage in open dialogue with decision-makers.

The public is invited to attend the following upcoming budget meetings: Acme Improvement District and Utility Budget Approvals: Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Wellington Village Hall. Public Budget Hearings: Tuesday, Sept. 2 and Thursday, Sept. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at Wellington Village Hall.

These meetings are crucial for residents who want a deeper dive into how the budget is structured and how it can be adjusted to meet the community’s evolving needs. Public input during these sessions will be considered before the final budget is adopted.

In addition to the interactive tools and public meetings, Wellington will be distributing surveys to gather further resident input. These surveys will be available starting on July 14 and Aug. 1 and can be accessed online or through email. These surveys are another way for residents to share their opinions on the budget and make sure their voices are heard in the decision-making process.

Wellington is committed to creating a transparent and inclusive budget process that reflects the needs and values of its residents. By utilizing tools like Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, residents can see how their tax dollars are spent and become active participants in shaping the budget. Whether it’s through an online simulation, attending a public hearing or completing a survey, every piece of feedback helps the village make better, more informed decisions about how to allocate resources.

Ultimately, these tools and opportunities for engagement help foster a stronger, more connected community. The village is counting on residents to be involved, share their thoughts, and ensure that Wellington remains a place where public funds are spent effectively to meet the needs of all its residents.

To learn more, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/balancingact.

Wellington Launches New School Zone Safety Camera Program

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Safer streets, safer students: The purpose behind Wellington’s school zone safety camera program is not to generate revenue, but to save lives. Research and real-world data consistently show that automated enforcement programs change driver behavior.

Wellington is launching a new School Zone Safety Camera Program for the 2025-26 school year as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting students and enhancing roadway safety. This forward-thinking initiative, developed in partnership with global technology company Jenoptik, will use state-of-the-art speed safety cameras to enforce speed limits in designated school zones, helping to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, minimize traffic-related injuries and keep children safe on their way to and from school.

The program’s launch reflects Wellington’s strong alignment with Vision Zero, a global strategy aimed at eliminating traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. With traffic crashes now recognized as the leading cause of death for children ages 5 to 14 and young adults ages 15 to 29, Wellington’s investment in enforcement technology is not just timely, it’s essential.

The speed detection system cameras, authorized under House Bill 657, are fixed or portable automated devices that use radar or LiDAR to detect speeding vehicles. The bill authorizes counties and municipalities to use these systems to enforce school zone speed limits when a vehicle exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 miles per hour. Enforcement applies during times when children are going to or from school, as well as during the entirety of the school day. These enforcement tools effectively and consistently enforce school zone speed limits, especially during the most vulnerable hours of the day.

The program will be introduced with a 30-day warning period, from Aug. 11 to Sept. 10, during which violators will receive warnings without fines. Full enforcement begins Sept. 11. Drivers caught speeding in active school zones will receive a citation and a $100 fine. Speed zone enforcement times start 30 minutes before the school day begins, continue throughout the day and end 30 minutes after dismissal. Outside of these hours, cameras will still enforce the regularly posted speed limit if a vehicle exceeds it by 11 mph or more.

The cameras will be active in school zones surrounding Wellington, New Horizons, Panther Run, Binks Forest, Elbridge Gale and Equestrian Trails elementary schools; Wellington Landings, Emerald Cove and Polo Park middle schools; Wellington High School; and the Somerset Academy.

Wellington joins a growing number of Florida communities turning to speed camera enforcement to better protect their youngest residents. Communities like Bradenton, Cape Coral, Leesburg, Miami, Hollywood, Tallahassee, St. Cloud, Deerfield Beach and Neptune Beach have already implemented similar school zone programs with strong results. These municipalities report safer streets, fewer traffic collisions and improved driver behavior near schools. Wellington is proud to stand alongside these municipalities in making bold, effective choices to protect children and reduce harm on our roads.

A Tool for Prevention, Not Punishment — The purpose behind Wellington’s school zone safety camera program is not to generate revenue, but to save lives. Research and real-world data consistently show that automated enforcement programs change driver behavior. The presence of speed cameras helps remind drivers to slow down, stay alert and follow traffic laws, especially in areas where children walk, bike or ride buses to school. The ultimate goal is prevention, not punishment.

What You Need to Know — After the warning period from Aug. 11 to Sept. 10, violations will begin on Sept. 11. The violation threshold is more than 10 mph over the posted limit in an active school zone with a fine of $100 per violation. No points will be assessed to the driver’s license, and the insurance company is not notified.

During School Zone Enforcement Times: The School Zone speed limit is 20 mph, and it is enforced 30 minutes before the start of the breakfast program, 30 minutes after the start of a regularly scheduled school session, 30 minutes before the release of school and 30 minutes after the release of the regular school day.

After the School Zone Enforcement Hours: During the entirety of a regularly scheduled school session, after the school zone enforcement timeframes, cameras will enforce the speed limit when a vehicle exceeds the posted limit by more than 10 miles per hour.

If you receive a violation and wish to contest it, you must do so within 30 days of receiving the notice by e-mailing wellingtonfl@trafficsafetycitations.com. If you fail to respond, the notice will escalate to a Uniform Traffic Citation (UTC), potentially leading to higher fines and court costs.

For detailed information on the program, including how to view your violation evidence, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/schoolzonesafety.

A Shared Responsibility — Creating safer school zones is a shared responsibility. While enforcement technology plays a critical role in encouraging safer driving behavior, the real power lies in our community’s collective commitment to prioritize safety over speed. Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher or resident, your vigilance, cooperation and understanding are essential.

By implementing this program, Wellington is making it clear: the safety of our students comes first. With this initiative, the village is not just responding to statistics, it’s responding to a moral obligation to protect lives. As we look ahead to the new school year, we encourage all drivers to slow down, stay alert and do their part to help make Wellington’s roads safer for everyone.

Tennis-Playing Wellington Twins Launch Road Trip To All 50 States

Story by Mike May  |  Photos by Frank Koester

Tennis-playing twin brothers Aiden and Owen Finocchietti of Wellington are having a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Right now, the boys are traveling to all 50 U.S. states with their maternal grandfather, Barry Mabe.

This national excursion is not simply a trip where the goal is to visit all 50 states. They have the added goal to play in a competitive tennis tournament in each state — while also helping to promote the great game of tennis.

According to Mabe, the lessons that both boys will learn from 12 months of travel and competitive tennis will impact them in a positive and profound way for the rest of their lives.

“Tennis has allowed my grandsons to learn a skill, discipline, work ethic and develop lifelong friendships. It even teaches them disappointment, occasional unfairness and sometimes defeat,” Mabe said. “This will represent a remarkable blend of athletic achievement, youth empowerment and family adventure — all while growing the sport of tennis.”

For the trip, they are mostly traveling from state to state in a recreational vehicle (RV), but they will travel by plane to Alaska and Hawaii.

This unique journey has the backing of their parents, Elisha and Gabe Finocchietti.

“I think it’s going to be an awesome experience for Aiden and Owen,” Elisha said. “They have shown no signs of being homesick, but they do miss their paternal grandparents, Nonno and Nana.”

Because Elisha and Gabe work remotely, they will be able to join in for various parts of the trip. “I joined them for the tournament in Georgia and North Carolina,” Elisha noted.

Since Mabe — affectionately referred to as Pap — has agreed to home school the boys on the road, they are able to take such a long and adventuresome national journey. This fall, they will officially be in the fifth grade. Very few fifth graders will get such a unique educational experience as the two Finocchietti brothers will be getting in the coming months.

Even though most students are enjoying time away from school this summer, the tennis twins have been engaged in their home-school studies with their grandfather since they left Wellington.

“My favorite subject is math,” Aiden said.

“My favorite subject is reading,” Owen added.

The cross-country trip started on May 30. They expect to arrive home in late May 2026, soon after visiting their 50th state, which will be Kansas.

In early June, the boys played their first tennis tournament in St. Johns, Florida. As fate would have it, both Aiden and Owen advanced to the final. It was the 24th time that they played one another in an actual tennis tournament. On this occasion, Aiden prevailed, 6-1, 6-2. After 24 matches, they have each won 12 times.

“I was not playing my best that day,” Owen recalled.

Next, they traveled to South Carolina to play in a Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) tournament, where they faced a number of older, more experienced players. Their next tournament was the Georgia Junior Open in Acworth, Georgia. Then they headed to the Southern Open in Asheville, North Carolina, before getting back in the RV and traveling to Keswick, Virginia, for a junior tournament.

On the court, both boys use Head Speed tennis racquets. While Aiden and Owen are talented singles players, they also form a strong doubles team. As recently as April 6, they combined to win the Seminole Lake “Spring Fever” 12U Doubles Level 6 competition.

As Aiden and Owen have reflected on their first few weeks on the road, they agree that the trip has been “way better” than they thought it would be.

Even though they are traveling around the country in an RV, they tend to stay with local families in each tennis tournament city. For the most part, they spend roughly a week in each state.

In addition to playing in tennis tournaments, the boys will be youth tennis ambassadors. According to Mabe, the boys want to promote participation in youth tennis, play in “Little Mo” regional, national and international tennis tournaments to help bring attention to the Maureen Connolly Brinker Tennis Foundation, participate in school assembly programs and promote Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day.

In between tournaments, the boys go fishing, play golf, go hiking, play basketball, play table tennis, visit museums, ride ATVs, visit water parks, and practice their serves, volleys and ground strokes on the tennis court — when not involved in their school studies, of course.

In early June, while in northern Georgia, they enjoyed a South Atlantic League minor league baseball game between the Rome Emperors and the Greensboro Grasshoppers.

“What we do and where we visit is often dependent on where the tennis tournaments are being played,” Mabe explained. “In early July, the boys will enjoy a visit to the U.S. Capitol and to the Bureau of Engraving. I will be playing with Aiden in a grandfather-grandson tennis tournament in Boston in mid-July.”

This national trip will also include a visit to the Library of Congress, Niagara Falls and a number of national parks.

When it comes to their favorite meals while on the road, both boys enjoy international cuisine.

“I really enjoyed the pasta at the Original Vinnie’s Italian restaurant in Asheville, North Carolina,” Aiden said.

“I thought the butter chicken at an Indian restaurant in Asheville was the best meal that I have enjoyed so far,” Owen added.

While the trip will last 12 months, the boys will fly home for brief visits in November and December.

“In November, Owen will be playing with his mother in the annual mother-son tournament at the Wellington Tennis Center,” Mabe said. “And we will return home for a few days at Christmas.”

Throughout the trip, the boys and their grandfather will be posting images to Facebook and Instagram on a regular basis. Since their journey is also designed to promote tennis at the grassroots level and attract young players to the sport, they are accepting donations to help the cause.

To learn more details about this journey by Aiden and Owen Finocchietti alongside their grandfather, visit www.tenniswiththetwins.com.

Empowering The Next Generation Of Healthcare Professionals

By Shannon Anastasio

The Family Care Training Center is empowering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Located in West Palm Beach, it is a beacon of excellence in healthcare education. Founded on the principles of professionalism, compassion and community service, the facility is committed to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals with the foundation needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving medical landscape.

The programs are designed for individuals who value not just career advancement, but purposeful work that makes a difference. Whether you are embarking on a new professional journey or enhancing your existing credentials, the Family Care Training Center offers a results-driven path into the healthcare field.

At the core of this approach is a belief that effective healthcare education must blend academic rigor with human values. That’s why the emphasis is on hands-on learning, small class sizes and individualized instruction.

“In the beginning of every semester, we try to identify every individual’s needs,” explained Ms. Opal, one of the lead instructors. “For example, if we have someone who never answers a question, sits in the corner, but shows up every class, you take time to get to know this individual and gain a level of trust, whereby they will feel comfortable in the classroom with the other students. You are not just a student in our classroom. You are an individual with your own needs and wants. This allows us to offer resources to our students so that they can succeed in their studies.”

This student-centered philosophy creates an environment where learning is both challenging and supportive. Licensed instructors with decades of real-world experience provide mentorship that goes beyond the classroom. From mastering vital signs to responding to emergency situations, every student receives personalized attention tailored to their learning style and career goals.

The result is a student experience defined by growth, empowerment and success. Graduates leave with both certifications, and a strong sense of purpose, ready to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Many alumni go on to serve in hospitals, long-term care facilities, private practices and home health roles.

In addition to core training, the Family Care Training Center offers essential certification programs, including Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification for adults, children and infants. These courses are available to healthcare professionals and members of the public alike.

“BLS and CPR are essential for every individual to learn,” Ms. Opal said. “It saves lives, and maybe your own. After every class, we express the importance of learning CPR and that everyone in your home should have this basic knowledge. They can either bring them in for a course, or you can go over what you have learned.”

The Family Care Training Center offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate working adults, parents and career changers.

“Healthcare is evolving,” Ms. Opal said. “Family Care is a starting point. We introduce individuals to the healthcare profession. At this level, you make the decision to continue or not. We have students who continued in the healthcare profession and are now nurses, nurse practitioners, physical therapy technicians, radiology technicians and much more. These are just a few of our students who came back to let us know what they have accomplished.”

Classes at the center will help people decide if healthcare is the career path they are looking for. “We welcome young people who have no idea what they want to do after graduation,” Ms. Opal said. “Entering this field is an immediate introduction to the possibilities in the healthcare field.”

The Family Care Training Center was inspired by a desire to bridge the gap between qualified instruction and compassionate care. Looking ahead, the facility aims to expand programs, increase access to training and further strengthen its role as a trusted source of healthcare education.

“Family Care is special because we understand that everyone learns differently,” Ms. Opal said. “The time that we have for each course is an incentive for everyone. We don’t expect everyone to meet this goal. Therefore, we have means for these individuals to complete the course at their own pace. No one is asked to leave who is giving the effort to learn. We have older adults coming back into the workforce, so we make the environment pleasant and comfortable for them.”

She noted that the center provides bilingual instructors to help bilingual students meet their needs.

So, whether you are preparing for your first role in healthcare or seeking to sharpen your clinical capabilities, the Family Care Training Center provides a path defined by integrity, excellence and opportunity.

To learn more about the Family Care Training Center, or to schedule a visit, call them at (561) 686-4552 or visit www.familycaretc.com.

IDA Development And Barnwalkers Lead The Revitalization Of Wellington International’s FEI Barns

This summer will bring a number of significant upgrades to the Wellington International equestrian showgrounds. One major renovation is already underway: the full transformation of the FEI barns. At the helm of this exciting project are IDA Development and Barnwalkers — leaders in equestrian facility design and barn outfitting — who are elevating the stabling experience with modern, safe and stylish accommodations for the FEI horses.

The project began with the complete demolition of the outdated stalls. In their place, 130 sleek, high-quality Professional Series stalls by Barnwalkers will be installed, setting a new benchmark in equine stabling.

“We’re thrilled to continue our strong relationship with this world-renowned facility by providing products we’re truly passionate about — products that enhance the environment and provide unmatched comfort for the horses,” said Bart Kenis, co-owner of Barnwalkers. “These stalls are perfectly suited for safety, longevity, practicality and durability. They are virtually maintenance-free.”

Beyond the stalls, IDA Development will upgrade the aisle ways by installing more than 8,000 square feet of Equitan poured rubber flooring, designed to deliver superior safety and shock absorption for all equine athletes. The renovation also includes upgraded electrical and plumbing systems and fresh paint throughout the barn.

Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International, is excited about these improvements.

“At Wellington International, we listen carefully to our athletes and their teams, because their experience matters,” Kessler said. “Based on their input, we will be making numerous major improvements to our facilities this summer. One important improvement will be the renovation of our FEI stabling facility, where we’ve partnered with Barnwalkers to provide best-in-class stabling that reflects the high-quality standard we’re committed to. We’re proud to support the comfort, care and safety of the horses that make this sport what it is.”

IDA Development is also expanding other Equitan rubber pathways on the grounds, with more than 10,000 square feet of Equitan being added from Ring 10 to the permanent barns — another step in prioritizing equine safety and comfort.

“As both a farm owner and a builder, I’m passionate about creating environments where horses can thrive,” said Harry Knopp, owner of IDA Development. “Renovating an older facility like this requires vision, experience and the right materials to deliver modern safety and comfort while respecting the original structure. We are honored to help bring this transformation to life at Wellington International.”

Barnwalkers offers top-tier craftsmanship in European-style stalls, walkers and barn accessories. With exclusive partnerships with national and international manufacturers, Barnwalkers blends innovation with durability, safety and affordability. Their products are crafted using modern, precision-engineered machines that ensure consistent quality. Learn more at https://barnwalkers.com.

With more than 30 years of experience, IDA Development turns visions into reality, whether it’s a custom barn, outdoor arena, covered or mirrored arena, or steel barn or building. IDA guides clients through every step of the planning and building process, tailoring solutions to meet each individual’s needs, timeline and budget. Known for high-quality craftsmanship and exceptional service, IDA lives up to its reputation as a trusted leader in equestrian construction. Learn more at https://idadevelops.com.