Feature Stories

PATRICIA MIELE International Polo Club Palm Beach

PATRICIA MIELE International Polo Club Palm Beach

What is your title?

I am the director of catering for the International Polo Club Palm Beach. The facility aims to make any event extraordinary, for any occasion, size or theme. A full bridal package is offered, and our expert staff ensures a successful and stress-free event.

 

What is your most favorite part of working

at the International Polo Club?

I love working at IPC and putting together so many different events, including weddings, and creating new ways to make them exciting, fun and memorable! I enjoy working with all of our offerings, including an extensive menu that includes exceptional desserts, a customized bar service, as well as stunning florals to create an enchanting ambiance. Our talented teams of artists design original events within a budget and timeline that work for our clients.

 

Why is the International Polo Club unique?

The club offers a very unique setting between polo matches being played in the background, to the beautiful lush landscaped grounds, or brides being brought to the venue in horse and carriage. IPC is a truly picturesque wedding venue.

 

What are the most popular menu hits?

Chef William Sellner Jr. is extremely creative and very talented. He creates food that is both flavorful and visually beautiful. Our most popular menu item is our Duo of Stuffed Chicken Breast and Walnut Crusted Halibut. Chef William’s Antipasto Display is a hit as well. On this display, we offer the traditional Italian meats and imported cheeses, but he also mixes in fresh grilled vegetables, which adds a lot of flavor and colors to the plate.

 

What are some of the current food trends?

A top food trend is really just keeping it clean and healthy. We offer custom menus for all palates. Some trends are Casual Meals, Farm to Table, Nostalgia Foods and Dessert Tables. A fancy plated meal is typical for a wedding reception, but 2018 is all about creating a more laid-back atmosphere. After all, shouldn’t the “best day of your life” be all about having the time of your life? Relax the rules with passed plates, small bites or even serving up a meal family-style. Local, organic products are the buzz as well, so we plan to see more of that farm-to-table philosophy extend to wedding menus, and we are ready and excited for this trend!

 

How do you customize events to differ

from weddings versus corporate events?

Clients trust us for our meticulous planning, management and execution of successful special events. Events, regardless of the size, require experienced hands for both the creative and practical details. Creating a seamless and memorable event that aligns with your goals and reflects your organization’s personality is what we do.

 

The International Polo Club Palm Beach is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 204-5687 or visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.   

 

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Feature Stories

3 YEARS Cancer-Free: Three Ways Your Life Changes

3  YEARS Cancer-Free: Three Ways Your Life Changes

For breast cancer survivor Jennifer Martinez, the more life changes, the more it remains the same.

Three years ago, Martinez finished her chemotherapy treatments, which followed surgery, to rid her body of breast cancer. What has remained the same since her recovery is that she still leads a successful Wellington public relations firm; she is still wife to Gil Martinez, who works with State Farm; and she is still mother to their two daughters.

She still exercises, travels with her family, laughs with her mother, Bobbi, and remembers her father, Mitch, who died of cancer due to a late diagnosis. Life is still good.

But how life has changed since being told she was “cancer free” is another matter — one that many cancer survivors live with every day. Consider it a “new normal.” Not better, not worse — just new — in three meaningful ways.

Becoming Part of Hope.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, I decided to have surgery immediately, which was over the holidays, so no one would be suspicious if I was not around as much. I didn’t want to worry my clients or my friends about my health or my ability to accomplish my work,” Martinez recalled. “Plus, I didn’t want anyone’s pity. But once I had entered chemotherapy, I had an opportunity to work with breast cancer awareness organizations that were raising money to educate and support others. It was time to share my story, and in doing so, I became a somewhat reluctant symbol for hope. I’ve gotten more comfortable with that role, as I see how important it is to share my experience, particularly with other young patients and survivors.”

Martinez’s firm, JLM Communications, now works with Susan G. Komen South Florida, promoting its annual Race for the Cure and programs to support women and men affected by breast cancer. A Warrior in Pink, she understands the mission, the impact and the significance of the nonprofit organization.

“Komen has touched just about every advance in the fight against all cancers,” Martinez said. “When I had the chance to play a role in this, I had to do it. To know that what we are doing is saving lives is not something I take lightly.”

Maintaining Constant Vigilance.

Being “cancer free” doesn’t mean being without worry. For Martinez, every ache, pain or errant symptom takes her right back to her cancer diagnosis and the possibility of its return. For her, there is no such thing as a minor ailment. “You’re constantly aware of your health, and you learn to manage the fear that the cancer could and might come back,” she said.

Recognizing Her Family Has Changed, Too.

For her husband Gil, mother Bobbi and her daughters, life after cancer is different, as well. A close family, they do not miss opportunities to travel. Vacations are required, and relaxation is essential.

“We don’t dwell on the fact that Jen had cancer or that we lost her dad to cancer,” Gil said. “But we don’t take for granted that she’s healthy and she’s with us. Cancer made us grow up fast and, fortunately, it brought us even closer. Nothing has changed, and honestly, that’s what makes it all so special. We are normal, even after cancer.”

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and is the perfect time to schedule your mammogram and remind your loved ones to do the same. Early detection is the key to survival.

 

To support breast health education, treatment and research during October, or to participate in the upcoming Race for the Cure, set for Jan. 27, 2018, visit Komen South Florida at www.komensouthflorida.org.

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Wellington Table - Signature Dish

Johnson’s Custom Cakes Works With Couples To Create Amazing Wedding Cakes

Johnson’s Custom Cakes Works With Couples To Create Amazing Wedding Cakes

The culinary finale of a great wedding is an amazing wedding cake, and Johnson’s Custom Cakes in Wellington has been creating delectable masterpieces for the past nine years.

Owner Jennifer Johnson has spent most of the last decade making a name for herself not only in South Florida, but nationwide through appearances on the Food Network and at cake competition events. She might have flair as a competitive cake artist, but her business is her livelihood, and that is focused on building relationships with her clients.

Johnson calls soon-to-be-married couples her “cake babies,” because that’s usually where her business begins when serving a new client.

“The brides and grooms, they come to me for their wedding cake, and we call them Johnson’s cake babies,” she explained. “Often, the bride and groom come back for their bridal shower, and then we get to do their baby showers and their christenings and their baby’s first birthdays.”

When a couple visits Johnson for her cake artistry, she stresses the need to book her services with ample time before the wedding date.

“It’s really beneficial to book your wedding cake at least three to six months in advance,” Johnson said. “Some of the brides are coming in two weeks or one week before their wedding, and unfortunately, sometimes we cannot do it because we are a custom shop, so quality comes before quantity.”

An important part of the process is identifying the spirit of the wedding for each client.

“We draw the sketch in front of them, and then they make the changes,” Johnson said. “Their input on their wedding cake is really, really important. We want to make sure that it’s all about them. When it comes to design, taste, everything, we really listen to them. It comes from our soul, but it also comes from their minds.”

Johnson credits her staff for being equally as important to the process of giving a client their special dessert, for weddings and all other events.

“They’re all artists,” Johnson said of her staff. “We’re able to feel the bride out on the colors. All the other aspects of the wedding are important for the cake as well, like the floral, the color palette, the décor, what the bride is wearing, her dress pattern, if her dress is ivory or white. All those things affect the cake in some way, because we want to make sure the cake matches the décor.”

After Johnson and her team have seen all the wedding colors, they will often ask to see samples of the décor items. Then Johnson and her team show the client their own ideas, and it all comes together for a personal, custom cake.

“It’s teamwork with that aspect of it, because we want to create what the vision is,” Johnson said. “If they don’t have a vision, we try to give them some pointers or try to create it with them.”

Some of the most creative cake ideas may come from competition shows on television, but Johnson also gets interesting requests for personal wedding cakes.

“We’ve done crazy things,” Johnson said. “One bride and groom, they wanted what they eat for breakfast on their wedding cake, which was like a spiced cake with peanut butter and pecans and fresh fruit. They wanted something that is memorable to them.”

At Johnson’s Custom Cakes, Johnson and her staff have the skill to add many different features to a cake that you may not see every day.

“We’re artists, so we actually do a lot of modeling and super sculpting, so we can actually form the bride and groom on top of the cake,” she said. “If they’re a firefighter or a nurse or a doctor, we can customize their cake to what they do. We’ve put their pets on the cake.”

Johnson cherishes the long-term relationships she maintains with her clients once the first cake has been served.

“The most important thing is I get to watch their families grow, and that’s humbling to me how their babies are six, seven, eight years old, and they come in and they sketch their own birthday cakes,” Johnson said. “The children come in, and they look forward to seeing me every year.”

Johnson’s passion for her work is as strong as her passion as a cake artist, and she welcomes the challenges that she faces as a business owner.

“I’ve learned that business is about growth, and you learn from your mistakes,” Johnson said. “You always try to do something different. We are not just a bakery that does one thing. We push ourselves to try to explore all different mediums. We want to give you what you want. So, if it takes us until 5 o’clock in the morning to get something right, we’re going to make sure we do it.”

Johnson’s Custom Cakes is located in the Kobosko’s Crossing shopping plaza at 9148 Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 422-0303 or visit www.johnsonscustomcakes.com.

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Feature Stories

Rigoberto Garcia-Beliz Enjoys Bringing Together Different Cultures And Styles

Rigoberto Garcia-Beliz Enjoys Bringing  Together Different Cultures And Styles

When designer Rigoberto Garcia-Beliz walks into a room, he sees possibility. He sees the potential that a room has. He sees what can be, what isn’t quite right, and how to take someone on the journey from an ordinary room to a room that is amazing, colorful, elegant and fit for a magazine.

Garcia-Beliz moved from Cuba to the United States when he was 22 years old, and has been living here, designing, honing his craft, for the past 37 years. “I went to school for interior design,” he explained.

He studied at several different schools, including Florida International University. He has worked in Viva Furniture in Panama, El Dorado Furniture, and now, Rooms To Go, where he designs show rooms in different styles.

When he isn’t working with major retail stores, Garcia-Beliz designs private homes, including those in Wellington.

Creating amazing rooms is something that Garcia-Beliz has been doing for more than 20 years, and his passion for design, for melding together difficult cultures, countries and styles, is apparent.

Whether it is modern or traditional, the bottom line is that he wants to make a home look beautiful. “For me, it’s the creativity, and to make a house look really beautiful,” Garcia-Beliz said. “Sometimes you walk through houses and you don’t see that everything is proper. They buy something from here, from there and from there. They pick those things, and it doesn’t work. You see the mistakes, and I like to help.”

Garcia-Beliz takes great pride in helping others. He can see when they are overwhelmed, such as when they are shopping for that missing piece to complete their home. He is often able to listen, and then direct them toward a solution.

He will tell them, “Why don’t you buy this,” which opens their eyes to the possibilities. When they see everything put together, they are often amazed by the results.

It’s a special ability that Garcia-Beliz has, and one that he shares willingly. As an interior decorator, he is able to work with any and all styles. Personally, he favors a more traditional style. While Victorian styles are not his cup of tea, he prefers Asian, French, English, Italian and Spanish styles.

“I love to mix,” he said. “I like to mix from different styles to make the room richer.”

Garcia-Beliz has albums with decades’ worth of designs archived, including images of his personal home, where he showcases a variety of cultures, designs, ideas, styles and more. Everywhere you turn, there is something different to look at, with each piece telling a story, whether it is a patterned pillow, framed artwork, a decorative mirror, elegant furniture, decorative lighting, figurines or coffee table books — there is always something of interest.

By layering different styles, a piece from here, a piece from there, Garcia-Beliz is able to create visual interest, true conversation pieces and something that matches the needs of the home and its owners.

In addition to decorating homes, Garcia-Beliz has also decorated venues for special events and parties, weaving together different pieces and decorations to create the perfect environment for a celebration.

Garcia-Beliz offers assistance, but prefers to maintain a pressure-free situation. He likes to share his vision, after learning about the vision clients have, and work with them.

Spending some time shopping with clients is the norm, where Garcia-Beliz is able to learn what they like, what works for them, what fits their lifestyle, and what will best fit the space that he is designing. It is this unique personal service that Garcia-Beliz offers to his clients.

To contact Rigoberto Garcia-Beliz, call (786) 458-0738 or e-mail decorbella31@hot mail.com.

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Wellington Real Estate

Bill & Jody Jorgensen Of The Jorgensen Team Keep The Focus On Their Clients

Bill & Jody Jorgensen Of The Jorgensen Team Keep The Focus On Their Clients

Bill and Jody Jorgensen of the Jorgensen Team at Keller Williams Wellington could be referred to as a duo or perhaps a partnership, but when you cover all the bases and supply satisfaction to your customers every step of the way, “team” nicely sums up the operation.

The Jorgensens went to school in South Florida and were childhood sweethearts. A job promotion brought them to Wellington in the early 1980s.

“We have brought together decades of talent and expertise to form a highly successful partnership,” Jody said. “With more than 25 years in the western communities, we understand the unique personalities of the various neighborhoods and have seen Wellington evolve into the vibrant village it is today.”

It doesn’t take much prodding to get one member of the team to sing the praises of the other.

“Jody is a successful second-generation Realtor with decades of exposure to the South Florida real estate market,” Bill said. “She is also a popular real estate home design stager. The staging service is complimentary and will help to showcase your home and maximize its value to prospective buyers. Her successes include a strong residential and property management background, including Fortune 500 global re-locations.”

Jody is equal in praise for her husband.

“Bill is brilliant, and he brings a wealth of knowledge of real estate acquisitions to his new position at Keller Williams,” Jody said. “He is E-Pro certified and receives high praise for his aggressive, state-of-the-art marketing campaigns, including powerful social media advertising strategies and his ability to get the deal done. He is our go-to Realtor for luxury home communities, international clients and clients with a keen interest in golf club and ‘fly in, fly out’ neighborhoods like Wellington’s beautiful Aero Club. He easily bridges the gap between first-time home buyers and CEOs looking for a new home.”

Like any successful team, the talents of the individuals involved come together to create an entity that is truly more than the sum of its parts.

“You get the best of both worlds with the Jorgensen Team,” Bill said. “You get the personalized service and communication of working with a single agent, and you also get the diversity and strength of experience of working with our team. The Jorgensen Team offers a collaborative approach to the evaluation process for both buyers and sellers, as well as the ability to leverage the expertise of more than one real estate professional.”

As experienced as they are, the Jorgensens realize that a deal is only truly successful if it works on an emotional level. “Our relationships matter, and we believe that a good reputation is a person’s greatest asset,” Jody said. “We know that finding a home for your family is about more than an address. It’s deeply personal and perhaps the largest investment you will ever make in your lifetime. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer looking for a seasonal home, in the market for a luxury estate or selling to move up or downsize, our team can make it happen.”

The Jorgensen Team puts their clients first.

“Your home is our priority, and we are honored and committed to providing both buyers and sellers the very best client experience,” Bill said. “Our goal is to far exceed our clients’ expectations. We are their trusted partner on this journey and beyond.”

For more info., call Bill Jorgensen at (561) 801-3212 or Jody Jorgensen at (561) 281-7908, or visit them online at www.thejorgensenteam.com.

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Feature Stories

Zachary Thompson Brings Home The Gold From Taekwondo Nationals

Zachary Thompson Brings Home  The Gold From Taekwondo Nationals

Zachary Thompson’s commitment to taekwondo has paid off in a big way. Thompson won the gold medal at the 2017 AAU National Taekwondo Championships in early July in Fort Lauderdale, highlighting a year of huge successes after voluntarily sitting out a year.

The Wellington High School freshman, who is a second-degree black belt, dominated at the AAU single-elimination Olympic sparring tournament, where matches consisted of three 90-second rounds. None of Thompson’s opponents made it to the third round.

“It was very exciting,” Thompson said. “I was actually amazed I won this.”

Taekwondo sparring consists of kicks and punches. A kick to the body is worth two points, and a kick to the head is three points. A punch to the chest area is worth one point. The competitor with the most points wins. Punches to the head are not allowed, nor is grappling, like mixed martial arts or wrestling. A competitor can win the match before the end of the third round if they “point gap” their opponent, by having a lead of at least 20 points.  

Thompson point-gapped each of his opponents in the 12 to 14 age division (134.6 to 143.3 pounds). However, he had to overcome several obstacles just to continue at a high level.

When Thompson was 12 years old, his team decided it was best for him to sit out a year of competitions, but still continue practicing. He was often randomly paired against bigger, stronger and more experienced opponents. That’s a good way to learn, but also could lead to someone becoming discouraged after constantly losing.

“I hadn’t had my growth spurt yet,” explained Thompson, who has since developed into a lean and muscular 5-foot-11 and 140 pounds. “Fighting as a 12-year-old in the 12 to 14 division, I had to fight 13-year-olds and 14-year-olds, and I wasn’t ready to fight them.”

Thompson, who graduated from Emerald Cove Middle School, said that sitting out for a year was tough on him mentally. He would train and train, and then go and cheer for his teammates at tournaments. If patience is a virtue, then Thompson is extremely virtuous.

“At first, it kind of stung a little bit, but I knew why,” said Thompson, who is now 14. “I didn’t want to quit because I knew I was going to [be able to] do it next year.”

But sitting out taught Thompson several key life lessons, and he always kept a positive attitude, a trait he got from his parents.

“I learned to be patient and things will go your way,” Thompson said. “If you keep practicing and practicing, you will get better.”

Thompson’s start in the sport was fairly typical. He and his younger brother, Logan, signed up for a fitness academy that included tennis, soccer and taekwondo while living in the Fort Myers area. “I was good at tennis, not soccer,” said Thompson, who was in the third grade at the time.

But he really took to taekwondo. The roundhouse kick was his favorite when he first started. Now the axe kick is his preferred kick.

“I liked more of the kicking and the punching, and I could learn it for self-defense if I needed it,” Thompson recalled. “I was kind of on the chunkier side and got picked on.”

The taekwondo master invited the brothers to a Saturday practice, and then asked them to sign up for summer classes. They never looked back.

For the last two years, since the family moved to Wellington, Thompson has been training six days a week with Master Jung Han at U.S. Pro Tae Kwon Do in Jupiter. Training runs about two hours on Monday through Thursday, and at least two hours on the weekend. He starts out stretching, and then moves to working on the bags, followed by speed drills and sparring, and finishes with strength training. Friday is a day off.

Thompson trains with his teammates; his brother Logan, Kristina Teachout and Madison Yan. They are a close-knit group that often trains and travels together.

“He’s very dedicated,” Master Han said. “It’s not easy. I see his improvement, and he’s getting more confident.”

He had success immediately upon his return to tournament competition, earning the silver medal in the Taekwondo U.S. Open in Las Vegas in January, foreshadowing his summer accomplishments. Over the summer, he earned a gold medal in the ATU National Taekwondo Championships and a silver medal in USAT World Class Cadet National Taekwondo Championships.

Thompson wants to continue competing in major events throughout high school while working toward his ultimate goal — a spot on the U.S. Olympic team.

Han said Thompson’s style is consistent with all good fighters.

“He’s fearless,” Han said. “He doesn’t back up. He’s very aggressive. The best fighters are always the offensive, not defensive, fighters.”

His height, reach and flexibility are tremendous assets. “He’s freakishly flexible,” said his mother, Michelle.

However, education comes first. Thompson was accepted into the highly regarded veterinarian program at Wellington High School, because it allows him to take medical classes so he can go on to become either a doctor or a veterinarian. Thompson chose the medical route because Grey’s Anatomy is his favorite TV show. He also works at Publix near his home every Saturday afternoon.

Whether it’s in the classroom or the ring, Thompson is primed for success.

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Wellington Home

Meadow Wood Home Features Both Curb Appeal And Practicality

Meadow Wood Home Features Both Curb Appeal And Practicality

Softly swaying palm trees provide a hint of shade and shelter for this home in Wellington’s Meadow Wood neighborhood, but the real protection comes from its solid roof, metal hurricane shutters, new electrical panel and dual air conditioning units, both recently upgraded. There are also cameras and a security system protecting the entire home. With an oversized side-entry two-car garage, this 2,652-square-foot home has both curb appeal as well as practicality.

 

Dining Room: A fully mirrored accent wall doubles the light while giving the formal dining room a contemporary edge. Oversized floor tiles extend throughout most of the home, providing a seamless transition from room to room.

 

Master Bedroom: The master bedroom has plenty of room for a desk and dressing table, but it’s what you don’t see that matters the most — an en suite bath with a jetted Jacuzzi tub, a private sauna and a large walk-in closet.

 

Pool Deck: With its generous deck, weather-forgiving overhang and plenty of room for guests, the luxurious pool and spa area is a great place to entertain guests.

 

Bathroom: Sleek and modern, the home’s guest bath features a cool green glass-topped vanity with molded double sinks, as well as a full shower.

 

Sauna: Not every home has a built-in sauna, but this one does! Located in the master bathroom, it’s an extra luxury that helps create a private oasis for the homeowner.

 

Front Entrance: A quietly soothing water feature sets the tone for the main entrance, which includes sleek double doors with glass panes to greet guests.
Aerial View: Dense landscaping, a circle drive, a fenced-in pool and a gently rippling canal all adds up to plenty of privacy for the homeowners.

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Wellington Health

Dr. Z. Catherine Navarro Brings Decades Of Experience In Vein Care

Dr. Z. Catherine Navarro Brings Decades Of Experience In Vein Care

Dr. Z. Catherine Navarro of the Vein Center of the Palm Beaches always did well in her science classes, but early on, she dreamed of a career as an oceanographer. However, when a friend asked Navarro to become her “science buddy,” her mind was opened to a career of helping people through medicine.

A “science buddy” was required for the volunteer hospital program that her friend wanted to do, an extension of the co-ed Boy Scouts Explorer program. Agreeing to join the program would change Navarro’s life.

“My sister was very ill as a child, and this friend was interested in becoming a doctor,” Navarro recalled. “I agreed in order for her to be part of this medical program at Coney Island Hospital.”

The more time Navarro spent at the hospital, the more interested in medicine she became. Born and raised in New York City, she went on to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with further medical training through the Boston University system. Navarro had her sights set on becoming a plastic surgeon — but halfway through her residency, she was ready to quit.

“My legs were killing me. I was going to drop out,” Navarro confessed.

Her problem? Varicose veins and spider veins. The American doctors she was talking to had no real solutions to offer.

“I met one physician who had trained in France,” she said. “He got me connected with his friends, and I went to Europe.”

There, her studies continued, but her focus changed completely.

“The Europeans did things differently. They were more preventative, used more herbs and supplements, and were big proponents of exercise,” Navarro said. “They also had special stockings that they didn’t have here. In Europe, I got interested in sclerotherapy [vein care]. In France, most of this work was done by dermatologists, so I also learned about skin care, peels and fillers.”

When she returned to the United States, Navarro was well-schooled in skin care and vein care, choosing South Florida to set up her practice in the 1980s.

“I chose the Wellington area because it wasn’t as crowded as New York City, but it still had sophistication,” she said. “I didn’t end up having children, but it was a community that was good for children with good schools. It was also exciting because two new hospitals were going to go in at the same time.”

Over the course of her practice, Navarro has enjoyed being on the staff at Palms West Hospital, JFK Medical Center and Wellington Regional Medical Center, where she served as director of medicine in the 1980s.

Navarro is board certified in internal medicine and phlebology, and currently serves on the faculty of the American College of Phlebology. She is also a member of the American Medical Association and the American Society of Internal Medicine.

At her Vein Center of the Palm Beaches, Navarro specializes in all the latest treatments for vein care, including laser vein treatment, ambulatory phlebectomy, endovenous laser ablation, closure, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy, Asclera injection, sotradecol sulfate and more. The practice also includes a wide range of skin treatments.

Navarro stressed that she does not operate a clinic, where you see the doctor for your initial visit and then are handed off to a technician.

“I do all my own work,” Navarro said. “Most people coming to see me now, they don’t like the way their face looks, or are concerned about the hair on their head. They want injections to regenerate their skin, face or hair. Or they have swelling or pain in their legs. Or they have spider veins and haven’t been able to get rid of them.”

By helping others, Navarro feels she has come full circle. “I often say I didn’t choose my practice, my practice chose me,” she said.

The Vein Center of the Palm Beaches is located at 955 Sansburys Way, Suite 209, in West Palm Beach. To schedule a consultation or appointment, call (561) 333-6366. Visit www.drnavarro.com for more information.

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Feature Stories

Our Wellington: There’s Always Something Amazing To Do In Wellington

Our Wellington: There’s Always Something Amazing To Do In Wellington

Check It Out: Unique Entertainment And Cultural Options In Wellington

Are you bored with the same old thing? We went searching for unique entertainment and cultural options right here in our community. You can see a movie in the lap of luxury, take in an amazing tribute concert, check out an impressive public art gallery, visit a very moving memorial and experience the world’s most advanced riding simulators. How many of these hidden gems have you explored?

Experience The Equine Simulator

Experience horseback riding in a new way at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center with the amazing Equine Simulators. PBIEC offers jumper, cross country, dressage and polo sessions to both competitive and beginner equestrians who are interested in improving their riding skills.

The Equine Simulator is a mechanical device that imitates natural equine movement and physical responses to mounted riders.

The simulators serve as a one-of-a-kind opportunity for equestrian enthusiasts to fine-tune their skills, as well as provide a platform for individuals who have never ridden a horse to begin their riding careers in a safe and controlled environment.

Three interactive screens surround the simulator, creating an immersive atmosphere for individuals. A certified instructor is always on hand to perfect seat position, leg stability and connection to the bit.

World-class trainer Barbro Ask-Upmark teaches show jumping, cross country and dressage sessions for all ages and rider levels. Ask-Upmark is an accomplished dressage rider earning her USDF gold, silver and bronze medals in the United States, following her successful career as a top dressage trainer in Sweden. Ask-Upmark became involved with coaching and training on simulators in 2006.

A second simulator offers practice for polo players. This device allows them to work on their position and their swing with the moving treadmills located on either side of the horse. To practice hand-eye coordination, as well as near-side and off-side shots, both experienced players or first-time riders are encouraged to sign up for a session with polo instructor Gates Gridley.

The Equine Simulators are available for lessons at PBIEC. For more information about the simulators, or to book your first session, visit www.pbiec.coth.com or call (561) 793-JUMP.

See A Movie At The New Paragon Theaters

Years in the planning, Paragon Theaters opening earlier this year at the Mall at Wellington Green, offering guests the latest movie entertainment options in the lap of state-of-the-art luxury.

“We love the Wellington area, our home office is located in Florida, and the mall was a perfect location for our newest Paragon Theaters,” Paragon’s Niki Wilson said.

In Wellington, Paragon has 10 auditoriums of varying sizes — all with its signature reclining seats. Tickets are available online, at an automated kiosk or through guest services. The smallest auditorium features 47 recliners, while the largest has 176.

While you’re enjoying the big screen in the same comfort as your living room at home, don’t forget the snacks. The concession stand has popcorn, candy, soda and all the typical stuff, but guests can also enjoy beer and wine — and even a full gourmet meal.

Cask + Shaker Craft Bar and Kitchen, the adjacent Paragon-owned restaurant, serves up amazing creations from a diverse menu. You can dine there, or have your meal served in the theater on your recliner’s tray table. Yes! Chef-prepared appetizers, meals and serious cocktails for mom and dad, paired with popcorn and soda for the kids. Everybody’s happy!

Even if you don’t have time for a movie, Cask + Shaker is open to help you relax while you visit the mall. The restaurant offers a happy hour every Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. with amazing drink and appetizer specials.

“Look for more promotions for both the restaurant and the theater, coming soon,” Wilson said.

For more information, including a treasure trove of special movie features and pricing, including how to get group rates, visit www.paragontheaters.com/promotions.

 

Take In A Tribute Concert At The Amphitheater

Live concerts by tribute bands — not the real deal, but pretty darn close — have been steadily gaining in popularity. Entertainers performing hits from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s can command audiences of up to 3,000, and tribute band musical shows are among the most popular events held at the Wellington Amphitheater.

Interest spans the age groups, with older residents looking to reclaim a bit of their youth, and a rock-loving younger generation wanting to learn firsthand what all the fuss is about. “The younger kids maybe heard these groups on the radio and want to hear what the music sounds like live,” Wellington Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Joe Piconcelli said.

Concerts are held several times a month on Saturdays, and admission is always free. In case of inclement weather, concerts may be rescheduled.

Slated to appear between September and December are the sounds of Motown, the Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Val Halen, Aerosmith, Eric Clapton and Fleetwood Mac. In December, there’s a holiday show with a Neil Diamond tribute band, as well as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s Winterfest, featuring Vanilla Ice (the real one). Negotiations are underway to bring in the sounds of the Beatles, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, Prince and Michael Jackson during the 2018 winter season.

On Thursday nights, food trucks and local bands still working toward tribute band status inhabit the space and, on Friday nights, there are movie nights — and that doesn’t include the many festivals and special events that also visit the amphitheater.

Concert-goers are welcome to bring blankets or chairs and, for the little ones, it’s nice to know that bathrooms and Scott’s Place playground are nearby.

For more information about events at the Wellington Amphitheater, contact Piconcelli at (561) 791-4756 or jpiconcelli@wellington fl.gov. Find the complete schedule online at www.wellingtonfl.gov.

Visit The Wellington Patriot Memorial

A more somber place for quiet reflecting is the incredibly moving Wellington Patriot Memorial, located along Forest Hill Blvd. in front of the Wellington Municipal Complex.

Following the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that downed the World Trade Center towers in New York, hundreds of pieces of steel were used as evidence during the investigation and eventually offered for public display. In 2009, communities around the world sent letters requesting pieces of the World Trade Center, and Wellington was selected to receive one.

Wellington staff members traveled to New York and selected the piece they felt best suited Wellington’s planned memorial. The beam was solemnly transported here, where the memorial site, complete with an eternal flame and reflecting pond, was being readied.

“This piece was recovered from the South Tower, just below where the plane attack took place,” Wellington’s Nicole Coates said. “In addition to a plaque with the history of the piece of steel, there is also a plaque with the names etched in glass of all the victims who lost their lives that day.”

The Wellington Patriot Memorial was dedicated on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It sits in a place of honor at the gateway to the village complex.

“That location is such a good fit for our public display. There are also unrealized benefits that cannot be quantified,” Coates explained. “There are all sorts of uses of that memorial that you wouldn’t think of. There has been a funeral there; one of the keynote speakers from the dedication wanted to have his eulogy read there — and it was.”

Individuals and groups come for miles around to visit this unique Wellington treasure.

“Tens of thousands of people visit each year, especially considering that we have a lot of activity around that site,” Coates said. “We are grateful to have this unique artifact, a part of American history, and we invite everyone to come out and take a look.”

The Wellington Patriot Memorial can be found at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

 

Check Out The Wellington Art Society Gallery

Craving a cultural fix? The Wellington Art Society hosts a year-round art installation at the Wellington Municipal Complex, where the works of its members span two floors in a rotating show.

“The dedicated gallery encompasses all the perimeter walls on both the first and second floors, with an atrium area in the center,” Wellington Art Society Board Member Leslie Pfeiffer said. “It accommodates 40 to 60 pieces of artwork and has professional natural spectrum track lighting, as well as the natural daylight from the windows. There’s enough space to accommodate smaller as well as larger pieces, including sculpture.”

Every four months, a committee chooses a theme for each installation, juries the entries, gets a Wellington Village Council member’s approval on the choices, then places each piece in the gallery for Wellington staff to install.

The gallery is open whenever the building is open, and each show features a reception during which the public can meet the artists.

“The Wellington Art Society is open to local and regional artists of all mediums, patrons of the arts and snowbirds,” Pfeiffer said. “We feature professional and emerging artists, as well as nationally acclaimed artists. Mediums include drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics. To keep it interesting, each show is a combination of mediums and techniques.”

The location is well-suited to offer an “art break” to those visiting the village’s nearby facilities. In addition to receptions and self-guided tours, the Wellington Art Society has scheduled private tours for scout troops, women’s groups and art groups from other areas.

The artwork on display is for sale, with 20 percent of the purchase price going toward the Wellington Art Society’s Scholarship Fund. Over the last decade, $75,000 in college scholarships has been distributed among 50 talented students for advanced art studies. “It’s our legacy, and we’re very proud of that,” Pfeiffer said.

The Wellington Art Society meets monthly and also hosts exhibits at other locations around the community. On the horizon is the annual ArtFest on the Green juried show slated for Jan. 27-28, 2018 at the Wellington Amphitheater.

For additional information, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

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Back To Basics Wellington-Based Nonprofit Helps Children In Need

Back To Basics Wellington-Based
Nonprofit Helps Children In Need

Back to Basics, a Wellington-based charitable organization, has easily helped more than 500,000 children in need in Palm Beach and Martin counties over the course of three decades.

Founded by Wellington resident Beverly Perham, Back to Basics is now in its 34th year.

Adamant in keeping her promises, Perham and her team help as many children as possible, be it through providing school uniforms in August or providing holiday gifts in December. Through its Christmas season Angel Program, each child receives new sneakers, socks, underwear and a toy.

Back to Basics recently provided school uniforms to students in 47 schools, as well as the Guatemalan-Maya Center in Lake Worth. They delivered 12,000 school uniforms in Palm Beach County — up 2,000 from the 2016-17 school year.

However, the numbers, and the need, continue to grow.

“We took on a few more schools, and then a few more of the schools,” Perham said. “We really need to increase how much we give, because they’re so desperate. However, I can’t commit to more than I think we can handle.”

This holiday season, she has 7,015 children on the list provided to the organization through schools — up from 5,800 last year. Students at 51 schools will be served during the upcoming holiday season.

“It’s sad that we have that many, and we could do more, but you can only do what you have funding for,” Perham said. “Right now, we’re going to be in desperate straits for Christmas.”

Businesses, organizations and groups will come to Perham and ask for a list of children to “adopt” for the holiday season. Back to Basics provides a first name only, the school and what size items the child needs. Then, the participating organizations purchase the clothing and gifts, bringing them to a drop-off location.

“They have to just call me, and we’ll make arrangements,” Perham said.

If there are children who haven’t been adopted, grants and cash donations help Back to Basics provide the much-needed items for those children.

Perham takes as many names from the schools as possible — and will make sure those children receive their gifts. However, as more children are in need, it is getting more difficult to keep up with the demand.

Individuals are also able to receive names and information to help children in need. In fact, a core group of individual donors are one of the driving forces behind the organization.

Back to Basics is tax-exempt, and any gift is tax-deductible, Perham added.

Purchasing for Back to Basics is kept local, she noted, and each year, she estimates that $500,000 is poured into the local economy as individuals and businesses purchase items to help local children in need.

“It makes me feel good that it’s done in the community,” Perham said. “The best part is that it’s done anonymously and nobody gets highlighted. We don’t get praised for our work. We do it because we have a love for the community and we want the community to survive, and the only way the community survives is if you take care of the children. If the kids go to school and learn, that’s the satisfaction involved. That’s what the purpose is, to keep the kids in school so they do learn, so they will be able to support themselves when they’re adults.”

The gifts are done anonymously, so the children and their families are protected and their privacy respected.

“It’s sad that kids don’t have underwear to wear to school, but it’s a fact,” Perham said. “It’s reality that it happens.”

Over the years, the need has consistently continued to grow, and like she has done every year, Perham has put out the call for supporters and volunteers to help out this holiday season.

Back to Basics is always accepting donations and has many volunteer opportunities available. For more information, call Perham at (561) 319-4277, e-mail info@backtobasicsinc.org or visit www.backtobasicsinc.org.

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