Place Of Hope Works To Break The Cycle Of Abuse And Mend Lives

By Patrick Sherry

Going through the case files, reading about unimaginable youth trauma and abuse, is never easy for the staff at Place of Hope. Yet their commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse through love and compassion is what drives this local nonprofit to help people reclaim their futures.

Throughout Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, Place of Hope runs multiple campuses that provide housing, transitional assistance and care. Over the years, the organization has served more than 450,000 children, youth and families. Its comprehensive, family-based approach to welfare is intended to offer long-lasting healing so those under their care can lead lives of success and dignity.

“If we can shift them out of that survival mode and put them in a place of safety and stability, where they can focus on being a child and focus on their education, we see great success,” said Jamie Bond Ciancio, vice president and chief of staff of advancement at Place of Hope.

Originally, Place of Hope focused on providing residential foster care for children who experience abuse, neglect or abandonment. Over the years, the organization has expanded its efforts to support a wide array of initiatives, including maternity care, youth aging out of foster care, homeless youth, human trafficking prevention and recovery, education, health and wellness, and outreach for at-risk communities. This broad focus on welfare is part of the organization’s mission to break vicious cycles of abuse and instability through family-style care and long-term healing.

“We know that we are shattering later statistics with regard to re-abuse rates or children falling into foster care,” said Charles Bender, founding CEO of Place of Hope. “If we disrupt a homeless family’s scenario… that always has better outcomes for children.

Pastors Tom and Donna Mullins were inspired to create a faith-based, family-driven foster care model after traveling to Romania and Russia in the early 1990s. Seeing the vast difference in care between state-run institutions and church-run homes led them to want to create a place where children and families in their community could be cared for in a stable, loving environment. They established Place of Hope as a nonprofit and began developing their family-style foster care model.

Around the same time, Bender recognized a growing child welfare crisis in Florida. Several high-profile abuse cases during the late 1990s led to policy changes that meant an influx of children were being placed in the foster care system. Bender joined Place of Hope in 1999 to help bring the organization’s mission to life.

With the support of Christ Fellowship Church, Place of Hope opened the organization’s first Family Foster Cottage in Palm Beach Gardens in 2001. Now, the organization operates five campuses that are a haven for children and families who have nowhere else to go.

“We felt that there was a need for us to step in and do the best that we could do, partner with others, and provide a truly holistic environment for young people to live in,” Bender said.

The Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus just east of Wellington serves many in the western communities. Philanthropist Connie Frankino partnered with Place of Hope to fund and build the campus, with the organization operating it. The campus is a neighborhood-style foster care campus, which specializes in providing housing for large sibling groups and children with special needs who are considered hard to place. Those who stay on the site receive structured, family-based care for as long as they need.

Since it opened in 2012, the campus has housed children in its cottages. Ten years later, in 2022, Place of Hope gained full ownership of the Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus as a planned gift. The same year, the organization opened the Angel Crossing Enrichment Center on the site, which offers education and therapeutic programs to help support children’s growth and healing journeys. The campus continued to expand with the opening of a neighborhood-style village for families in need of transitional housing.

“It’s frustrating, and it’s very hard to see things that we’re seeing… with these kids,” Ciancio said. “But if we’re not the ones doing it, who’s going to do it? These kids deserve people who are going to forge their lives and believe in them.”

Every day, children across the five campuses operated by Place of Hope are given a chance to live and experience love and compassion. Regardless of anyone’s history or hardship, the organization’s dedicated staff members are committed to leading those they serve toward a brighter future.

“We can’t reach every child on the planet, that’s for sure,” Bender said. “But for those entrusted to our care… knowing that we’ve got something that can surround them with true care and love and compassion, show them a structured way to get ahead, to make it in life and then to watch it happen — that’s enough to keep me going.”

Bender and Ciancio explained that working with these children can be emotionally difficult. Some under their care have been through traumatic or exploitative situations that are hard to fathom. Many never had any of the simple, foundational experiences most people have as children, like celebrating a birthday or going on a family trip. However, once they come to Place of Hope, children can experience these activities that help them heal from trauma.

Ciancio added that many of the youth they have worked with over the years have returned to work with new children at Place of Hope who may have had similar experiences as them.

“You cannot put into words what it’s like to see these young adults succeed,” she said. “It just brings tears to your eyes. It really is the lifeblood of what we do.”

Place of Hope’s extensive work has garnered national recognition. The organization also maintains a high rating on Charity Navigator. The staff members attribute their accolades to strong financial stewardship, transparency and excellent service. But they believe their work is entirely for the children and families they help, as they are the motivation behind it.

“I came here thinking that I would rescue these kids when they really have rescued us,” Ciancio said.

For more than two decades, Place of Hope has given countless children a chance to rebuild their lives and reach a better future. Bender emphasized that to help those they serve break out of cycles of abuse and poverty, the nonprofit needs help from the community. He added that life is too short not to do something that can make a difference. He encouraged the community to get involved in any way that they can, and any contribution, no matter how small, can help improve the lives of the people they serve.

“In whatever you do, I just believe finding purpose in it, making it matter, and helping and lifting other people in need is a great way to spend life,” Bender said.

To learn more about Place of Hope, or to find out about volunteer or donation opportunities, visit www.placeofhope.com.

Arcade Time Expands At Wellington Green, Adding Full Restaurant And Bar

Story by Patrick Sherry  |  Photos by Frank Koester

Arcade Time at the Mall at Wellington Green is leveling up, giving gamers the chance to stay longer and hit those high scores well after midnight, with high-quality dining available onsite.

The company, which runs arcade locations across Florida, recently unveiled an expansion to a 13,000-square-foot space on the first level of the mall. Arcade Time relocated from its second-floor location to introduce a larger selection of games and a full-service kitchen and bar. The venue now has an exterior entrance adjacent to the food court, so it can stay open until 3 a.m. every night.

The owners of Arcade Time have developed a brand they believe has something that can appeal to everyone — from modern games for kids, a large selection of gaming experiences for hardcore gamers and retro games for those looking to relive childhood memories.

With a full bar serving drinks for adults accompanying the full-service kitchen, the venue is the perfect all-in-one experience.

“We thought that the Wellington market was primed for some more family-friendly and adult-friendly entertainment options,” explained Doug Mandell, director of marketing at Arcade Time Entertainment. “We thought that our concept that we pioneered… would fit nicely with the Mall at Wellington Green.”

The multi-month expansion finished in June. The new Arcade Time expanded its collection of games in its modern game room and retro arcade, elevating the premium entertainment experience it gives customers. At the Wellington location, visitors can even find the newest and latest games that cannot be found anywhere else. From pinball to virtual reality experiences, Arcade Time is a must-see destination for social gatherings of any kind.

Arcade Time’s new food offerings go far beyond the traditional arcade menu of pizza and burgers. Chefs offer a wide range of dishes meant to cater to all different palates. Among the most popular so far are its Power Pellet Sliders on brightly colored buns, Hawaiian BBQ Chicken served inside a pineapple shell, sirloin steak and ribs. Outside of these are options that range from casual to upscale, including filet mignon and Antarctic salmon.

“Parents don’t need to compromise their own enjoyment at our facility if they’re coming for the benefit of their kids,” Mandell explained. “Kids can go and have fun. Parents can go and enjoy a drink at the bar, watch a game on our TVs, or go ahead and play some games of their own… and feel exactly in their element.”

All of the venue’s offerings encourage visitors to fully experience everything there is without overspending. Arcade Time runs promotions, including a $10 unlimited two-hour game pass and its “Even Happier Hours,” where appetizers are half off and drinks are under $5.

Mandell added that affordability is central to the Arcade Time brand because it encourages repeat visits and attracts more people.

“We’ve really built, not only an entertainment complex that meets the needs of so many people, but also a center for people to go ahead and socialize with one another in an affordable and accessible way,” he said.

Arcade Time Wellington is one of five locations across Florida, with its Orlando location being named the No.1 arcade in the United States at the 41st Bowling Center Architecture and Design Awards.

This model of combining dining with game-based entertainment has proven to be so popular that the company is looking to open more locations in other states. Each venue is tailored to its individual community, but the Arcade Time in Wellington will be used as a blueprint on how to establish successful locations elsewhere.

“What we’ve established in Wellington is something that is going to inform how we construct our arcades moving forward,” Mandell added. “I really am excited for the people of Wellington to come out and experience it because we are just so incredibly proud of what we built.”

Mandell said that the response from Wellington residents has been overwhelmingly positive. He explained that Arcade Time is ready to deliver experiences to visitors and is always looking for ways to expand its game offerings.

“We look forward to welcoming in every single guest, and we also look forward to growing with this location,” he said. “This is just the start of what we imagine for Wellington.

Arcade Time is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Happy hour specials are available from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m. Special incentives for parties, field trips and corporate events are also available.

Arcade Time Wellington It is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 122, in the Mall at Wellington Green. To learn more about Arcade Time and its offerings, call (561) 247-8463 or visit www.arcadetimeusa.com or follow them on Instagram @arcadetimeusa.

Planning For Tomorrow, Investing In Today

This year’s budget for the Village of Wellington was developed much the same way that the village has approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades.

Each summer, one of the village’s most important responsibilities takes center stage as your Wellington Village Council begins reviewing Wellington’s proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. While budgets are often viewed as spreadsheets and numbers, they are really about people. They represent our community’s priorities and reflect the investments we make every day in the quality of life that makes Wellington such a special place to call home.

At the June 30 council meeting, village team members presented the proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 to the council, beginning a transparent public process that will continue through budget workshops and public hearings before the final budget is adopted. We want to sincerely thank the many residents who have already participated in this process. Whether attending meetings, watching online, submitting comments or simply taking the time to learn more about the village’s finances, your engagement helps make Wellington a stronger community. Thoughtful public participation has always been one of Wellington’s greatest strengths, and it is an important part of good local government.

This year’s budget was developed much the same way we have approached every budget, with a focus on responsible stewardship, long-term planning and fiscal discipline. Those principles have guided Wellington for decades. Rather than chasing short-term solutions, the village has consistently invested in maintaining our infrastructure, protecting financial reserves, planning years in advance for major capital improvements and carefully managing taxpayer dollars. That philosophy has allowed Wellington to remain financially strong while continuing to provide the exceptional services that residents have come to expect.

This year, however, the budget is being developed against the backdrop of an important statewide conversation. During a special legislative session earlier this year, the Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment that will appear before voters this November as Amendment 3. If approved by at least 60 percent of Florida voters, the amendment would make significant changes to Florida’s property tax system, including expanding the homestead exemption and making other substantial revisions to local government property taxation. The proposal is currently the subject of pending legal challenges that question the sufficiency and neutrality of the ballot language, but unless the courts determine otherwise, Florida voters will ultimately decide its future this November.

As residents, many of us understand why this conversation is occurring. Families throughout Florida continue to experience rising costs for housing, insurance, utilities and other everyday expenses. Affordability is an issue that affects communities across our state, and conversations about tax policy are both understandable and important. Regardless of the outcome of Amendment 3, one responsibility will not change.

Communities will continue to rely on essential local services. Parks will still need to be maintained. Roads and sidewalks will require upkeep. Stormwater systems must continue protecting neighborhoods during heavy rains. Drinking water infrastructure must be maintained and modernized. Recreation programs will continue serving thousands of residents each year. Public safety will remain a core expectation of every community.

That is why responsible financial planning matters. One of the strengths of Wellington’s financial approach has always been preparing for uncertainty before uncertainty arrives. Conservative budgeting, healthy reserves, long-range capital planning and responsible debt management have positioned our village to adapt thoughtfully to changing circumstances rather than react to them.

As your village manager, I often think that budgets are about far more than balancing revenues and expenditures. They are about preserving the quality of life our residents value today while ensuring that future generations inherit an equally strong community tomorrow. Behind every budget line is something tangible — a neighborhood park where children play, a community center serving families and seniors, a road improvement that enhances safety, a drainage project that protects homes or reliable utilities that residents count on every single day. Those investments define Wellington far more than any spreadsheet ever could.

No one can predict exactly what the coming months may bring. The state budget conversation will continue. Amendment 3 will ultimately be decided by Florida’s voters, subject to the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings. As those discussions unfold, your council and staff will continue evaluating what they may mean for Wellington and for the services our residents expect. What will not change is our commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility and thoughtful planning.

Wellington has earned a reputation as one of Florida’s premier communities not by reacting to challenges, but by planning for them. The proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 continues that tradition. It reflects our commitment to investing wisely today, preparing responsibly for tomorrow and ensuring that Wellington remains a community we are all proud to call home.

Wellington Regional Medical Center Celebrates 40 Years Of Compassionate Care

By Fiona Slusarev

Wellington Regional Medical Center is celebrating 40 years of serving the western communities through top-quality, compassionate healthcare.

The 235-bed acute-care hospital, owned by Universal Health Services (UHS), boasts a wide variety of health services ranging from its birthing center and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to the cancer center and neurology, and everything in between. Wellington-area residents can access everything from primary care to surgery and rehabilitation without having to drive far from home.

“Celebrating 40 years is an incredible milestone and a source of great pride for our team,” WRMC CEO Pam Tahan said. “For more than four decades, Wellington Regional has been here for our community’s most important moments — from welcoming new babies into the world to providing care during all seasons of life.”

When the hospital first opened its doors in 1986, Wellington itself had not yet been incorporated as a village. The population of the western communities was a fraction of what it is today, but growth was already starting to take place.

As Wellington and the surrounding areas developed, so did WRMC. A maternity unit, cancer center, wound care center, outpatient center, Level III NICU, minimally invasive surgical technologies and a neurological intervention suite are just some of the highlights that have contributed to the hospital’s growth across its first decades.

“Wellington Regional was founded because local leaders recognized the need for quality healthcare close to home as the western communities continued to grow,” Tahan said. “Over the years, we have expanded right alongside the community by adding new services, advanced technology, physicians and facilities to meet those evolving needs.”

In the past 10 years alone, WRMC has expanded its offerings and received awards for the quality of care provided. The hospital received an A grade from Leap Frog Group’s Hospital Safety Grade for ensuring patient safety from errors and accidents. U.S. News & World Report ranked WRMC in the Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings as a High Performing Hospital for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and stroke, as well as a High Performing Hospital for heart failure. The center was further honored with the 2025 and 2026 Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.

“Today, residents no longer have to travel east for many lifesaving services,” Tahan said. “We are proud to be home to the only Comprehensive Stroke Center in the western communities, a Level III NICU, expanded intensive care services, advanced surgical technology and enhanced patient-centered amenities, including renovated postpartum suites designed for families. Our growth has always been guided by one goal: ensuring that our community has access to exceptional healthcare close to home when they need it most.”

This includes an array of award-winning healthcare programs. For example, the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been lauded for patient satisfaction and high wound healing rates. The center received numerous distinctions from Healogics, the top wound-care provider in the U.S., with the 2025 awards marking 10 years of recognition. Most recently, WRMC received both the Center of Distinction award and the Robert A. Warriner III Clinical Excellence Award.

The Comprehensive Stroke Center has a robust care program that utilizes a Stroke Alert Team to rapidly examine, assess and diagnose patients. The center has received many accolades, such as when the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association awarded WRMC the “Get with the Guidelines Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite Plus Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.” The Comprehensive Stroke Center has also been honored by the Det Norske Veritas group with the highest-level accreditation for the treatment of severe strokes.

As a leader in breast cancer treatment, WRMC is constantly expanding the modalities offered and integrating the newest technology. The Savi SCOUT procedure was added in 2018 to offer an alternative surgical approach for women with breast cancer. That same year saw the addition of advanced 3D mammography imaging in the Comprehensive Women’s Imaging Center to aid in early detection. The hospital has been honored with top awards from the American College of Radiology and the National Consortium of Breast Centers.

WRMC’s Weight Management Center opened in 2018, giving patients options when choosing weight-loss surgery. It was quickly certified by the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) from the American College of Surgeons, as well as being named an Aetna Institutes of Quality Bariatric Surgery Center, Cigna 3-Star Quality Bariatric Center and Center of Excellence, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Blue Distinction Center for Bariatric Surgery and an Optum Center of Excellence for Bariatrics.

The cardiology department is home to a dedicated team that identifies and treats cardiac disorders, and the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory offers lifesaving procedures. The American College of Cardiology has awarded WRMC with Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI and Resuscitation, among other awards.

WRMC expanded in 2019 with the opening of the ER at Westlake, making emergency medical services attainable for residents who live in that fast-growing area. Meanwhile, coming in early 2027 is the ER at Hypoluxo, which will serve WRMC patients to the east.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, WRMC was on the frontlines. Healthcare professionals showed up for the western communities amid new restrictions and uncertainty. The hospital was one of six centers from across the nation to participate in the second phase of the clinical trial of the IV medication Dociparstat sodium, intended to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 infection.

“Without question, the COVID-19 pandemic was the greatest challenge we have faced in the last decade,” Tahan said. “I vividly remember hearing there were only a handful of confirmed cases in Palm Beach County and knowing several of those patients were being cared for at Wellington Regional. It was a time filled with uncertainty, concern and rapidly changing circumstances.”

However, what Tahan remembers most is the extraordinary dedication of the hospital’s “healthcare heroes.”

“Our physicians, nurses and staff showed up every day, supporting patients, families and one another through some of the most challenging moments in healthcare history,” she said. “The pandemic strengthened our organization in many ways. It enhanced our preparedness, reinforced collaboration across departments, and reminded us of the resilience and compassion that define our culture. Most importantly, it proved that when faced with adversity, our team comes together to provide exceptional care and support for our community.”

WRMC is consistently at the forefront of emerging technologies and advancements. The first Inspire Therapy Procedure for sleep apnea in the center was performed in 2024. The hospital was accredited by the Surgical Review Corporation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery in 2024 and celebrated a milestone achievement of 5,000 robotic surgical cases this year.

“Personally, it has been an honor and privilege to spend the last 11 years serving alongside our physicians, nurses and staff while building strong partnerships with the Village of Wellington and so many outstanding community organizations,” Tahan said. “We love hearing stories from patients who were born here and later returned to have their own children at Wellington Regional. This anniversary reflects the trust our community has placed in us for 40 years, and our ongoing commitment to provide safe, compassionate, high-quality care for generations to come.”

If Wellington Regional Medical Center’s past 40 years of history are any indicator, the community can expect continued dynamic growth that since 1986 has turned a single hospital building into a bustling medical campus, matching the continued growth of the Wellington community.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is located at 10101 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. To learn more about the hospital, call (561) 798-8500 or visit www.wellingtonregional.com.

New Local Group Helps People Learn The Art Of Mindful Meditation

Story and Photos by Julie Unger

The reverberating hum of a crystal harp danced through the air on Tuesday, June 2, as Yani Daes, founder and CEO of Soham Yoga, walked among a group of 25 people meditating at the South University Learning Commons.

Daes led the group through a guided meditation before the silent meditation took place.

“What is important about meditation is where you give your attention,” she said. “What are you giving your attention to?”

Daes explained that when you’re working on something you enjoy, time passes quickly and seems to disappear because you’re present in the moment. She asked participants to concentrate on their breathing, to be fully involved in what they were doing, and to only think about their breath.

The week of June 2 was the third week for this new Mindful Meditation Club, and its first meeting while partnered with South University in Royal Palm Beach.

“Meditation groups are important because they create a sense of connection and belonging,” said Nickeshia Bullock, South University’s campus director and dean of academic affairs and operations. “They provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can step away from the demands of daily life, focus on their well-being, and build meaningful relationships with others who are seeking balance and personal growth.”

Hosting the meditation club at the school was the perfect fit.

“In today’s world, opportunities to slow down, reflect and connect with one another are more valuable than ever. That is one of the reasons I wanted to open our campus space to the meditation group,” Bullock said. “South University is more than a place of learning, it is a part of the community. I believe our campus should serve as a resource where people can come together, learn, grow and support one another. By opening our doors to this group, we are creating opportunities for wellness, connection and community engagement, all of which align with the values we strive to promote both on our campus and throughout the community.”

Denis Eirikis and Michelle Elliott met through social media and co-founded the club together.

Elliott had been interested in starting a meditation group, and the two connected, utilizing Elliott’s HOA clubhouse as the location for the first two sessions.

Eirikis, who has always been drawn to meditation, likens group meditation to the difference between bowling alone and bowling in a fun league.

“This is a place for people who want to meditate to come and meditate,” Eirikis said.

The Mindful Meditation Club is free, and everyone is welcome to join. Meetings take place every Tuesday from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. at South University’s University Centre (9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach), with doors closing at 6:30 p.m.

All experience levels are welcome. Use the south entrance facing Belvedere.

The South University Learning Commons has plenty of comfortable chairs available, and participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat to sit on.

“Group mindful meditation is powerful medicine,” Eirikis said. “Mindful meditation is a simple, evidence-based practice that helps people develop greater awareness of the present moment. Regular practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and emotional reactivity, while improving focus, resilience and overall well-being. Many people also find that mindfulness helps them cope more effectively with chronic pain, improve sleep, and respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity.”

Many of the attendees mentioned stress, pain and community as their reason for attending, including cancer survivor Gretchen Prevatt. It was her second time joining for group meditation.

“I like it,” Prevatt said. “When I’m meditating, I do feel relief, which is great because normally I have pain 24-7, even on pain medicines and nerve medication.”

Each week, volunteers will be leading the meditations. To learn more, e-mail kindfulness@aol.com.

PBSC’s New Dental And Health Innovation Building Honors Julie And John Kime

Story by Fiona Slusarev  |  Photos by Denise Fleischman and Courtesy Palm Beach State College

Julie and John Kime, longtime business leaders and philanthropists in the western communities and beyond, were recently honored by Palm Beach State College with the naming of a building on the Loxahatchee Groves campus.

The Julie and John Kime Dental and Health Innovation Building is a four-story space dedicated to readying students for successful careers in healthcare. The 83,954-square-foot building on the Loxahatchee Groves campus provides a place where students gain hands-on experience in dental and surgical fields. The center also gives back to the surrounding community by offering the public dental services.

“This new facility will help prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals and expand access to life-changing careers for students from the western part of Palm Beach County,” PBSC President Ava Parker explained. “It is a remarkable space — and most importantly, it will provide residents with access to affordable dental care.”

Palm Beach State College was Florida’s first community college when it was founded in 1933. It has grown exponentially since its inception, both academically and physically. In 2008, the school’s first bachelor’s degree program was approved by the Florida Board of Education, joining the associate’s degree programs already offered. The college now boasts five campuses in Lake Worth, Belle Glade, Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton and Loxahatchee Groves.

Both Kimes are alumni of PBSC, or Palm Beach Junior College as it was called at the time. They credit their time at the college for their success over their careers. Before their time at PBSC, John grew up in Martin County and served in the U.S. Navy. Julie, born in Connecticut, moved to Cuba in high school after her grandfather’s passing in order for her father to care for his mother.

Julie credits this transition, from the U.S. to Cuba, and subsequent transition back, for teaching her the importance of resilience, education and community. With PBSC as their foundation, the Kimes found successful careers in the insurance industry. Julie was the first Hispanic insurance agent in Palm Beach County, opening her Wellington Allstate agency in 1979. John likewise joined Allstate and opened his own office in Juno Beach.

“This community supported me. It trusted me. And I wanted to lift others up the way people lifted me,” Julie explained.

The Kimes have given back to Palm Beach County in many ways through the years. John served on the board of the Cox Science Center & Aquarium, formerly the South Florida Science Museum. Both Kimes have supported the Boys & Girls Club in Wellington for 38 years and are on the local club’s advisory board. They have also helped organize the annual Wellington Dinner Dance. Additionally, Julie sits on the corporate board of directors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

“Philanthropy has been part of our lives,” Julie reflected.

John currently serves on the board of directors for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation. Julie, meanwhile, was a co-founder of the Executive Women of the Palm Beaches Foundation (EWPBF) in 1982, a leadership organization for professional women, and she remains a member more than 40 years later. She was also a founding member of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

Julie has consistently been an example of what it means to be an active member of the community. She has been recognized with numerous accolades, such as the 1994 EWPBF Women in Leadership Award, the 2023 Lifetime Leadership Award for 30 years of philanthropy from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, the 2024 PBSC Emerald Torch Award, and many more.

With their many avenues of community involvement in Palm Beach County, the Kimes remain perennial supporters of PBSC. They already had a history of supporting the school before the Dental and Health Innovation Building.

The Julie and John Kime Library Resource Center opened in 2022, providing students with a place to study, access course materials, and use technology like laptops and iPads. They also created the Julie Kime Hispanic Women’s Scholarship at PBSC.

“Establishing the Hispanic Women’s Scholarship was one of the most meaningful things I’ve ever done,” Julie said.

Education has always been important to the Kimes. Both worked full-time during their college careers and understand the fortitude needed to pursue a degree. They hope to make it easier for students to access a life-changing education at PBSC, like they were able to.

Parker noted that their support for the school and its students truly supports the community at large.

“For decades, Julie and John Kime have exemplified what it means to give back with purpose,” Parker said. “Their commitment has helped shape Palm Beach State College into the thriving institution it is today, reaching every corner of our community.”

Looking to the future, the Kimes have no plans to halt their commitment to Palm Beach State College. “We are so, so grateful and will continue to support PBSC,” Julie said.

To learn more about Palm Beach State College, visit www.pbsc.edu.

The Morikami Is Your Doorway To The Land Of The Rising Sun

By Sally Shorr

At the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, art, history, nature, cuisine and culture come together in one of Palm Beach County’s most distinctive destinations.

This transportive cultural experiences awaits just west of Delray Beach’s palm-fringed beaches and hospitality heartbeat. At the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, serenity and verdant natural surroundings sustain an evocative link to the Land of the Rising Sun, where visitors stroll past dew-soaked gardens hedged with ancient stone lanterns, and wood bridges hover above lush koi-filled ponds.

Founded as a cultural and educational center honoring the legacy of the Yamato Colony, Morikami tells a story that is both global and deeply local. In the early 1900s, a group of young Japanese farmers led by Jo Sakai established the Yamato Colony in northern Boca Raton, hoping to introduce innovative farming practices to Florida. George Morikami, a native of Miyazu, Japan, and one of the colony’s settlers, later helped transform that history into a lasting cultural bridge between Japan and Palm Beach County.

Today, Morikami continues that legacy through its mission to present Japanese cultural experiences that educate and inspire. The campus features traditional Japanese architecture, three exhibition galleries, a theater, an authentic tea house, classrooms, a museum store, the Cornell Café, lakeside terraces and 16 acres of Japanese gardens.

For many visitors, the gardens are the heart of the experience. Known as Roji-en: Garden of the Drops of Dew, the gardens were designed as a living extension of the museum. Created by garden designer Hoichi Kurisu, Roji-en is composed of six distinct gardens inspired by significant historical periods and styles of Japanese garden design. Rather than serving as replicas, the gardens are conceived in the spirit of Japan’s garden masters, offering a contemplative journey through landscape, water, stone, plantings, bridges and shifting views.

That sense of movement is part of what makes Morikami so resonant. The gardens invite visitors to slow down, pause and experience Japanese culture through nature and design. Families may come to explore the paths and koi, garden lovers may linger over the plantings and bonsai, and solo visitors may find a place for reflection. For groups, schools and cultural travelers, the museum and gardens together offer a meaningful introduction to Japanese history, art and aesthetics without leaving Palm Beach County.

Inside the museum, rotating exhibitions explore the arts and humanities of Japan through objects, images, textiles and stories. For visitors, one of the most compelling exhibitions is Threads of Silver & Gold, on view through Sept. 20. The exhibition focuses on uchikake, elaborately decorated outer robes that date to the Edo period, when high-ranking women wore them at court and brides in samurai families wore them for weddings. Their rich colors, raised silk weaving, padded hems and symbolic motifs, including cranes, turtles and cherry blossoms, offer a striking look at status, ceremony, craftsmanship and good-fortune imagery in Japanese textile traditions.

Museum guests can also experience two traveling exhibitions on view now through Aug. 30.

Yōkai: Scenes of the Supernatural in Japanese Woodblock Prints explores mysterious creatures, shape-shifting animals, vengeful ghosts, demons and other supernatural figures that have inhabited Japan’s folklore, theater, literature and visual culture for centuries. The exhibition includes 90 works, including woodblock prints and printed books spanning more than 250 years, with imagery that connects historic Japanese folklore to the visual language that continues to inspire manga and anime today.

Also on view is Courage & Compassion: Our Shared Story of the Japanese American World War II Experience, which examines the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans during and after World War II. Through images, audio and interactive elements, the exhibition offers a 360-degree perspective on a difficult chapter of American history while honoring those who stood up for Japanese Americans as friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.

Morikami’s programming expands the experience far beyond the galleries. Visitors can take classes and workshops in Japanese cultural arts, from ikebana and bonsai to taiko drumming and tea ceremony.

Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, is offered through different schools of study. The Ikenobo School dates back to the 15th century and is considered the oldest and most traditional school, while Sogetsu takes a more contemporary approach centered on creativity and individuality, with the idea that ikebana can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, with almost anything. In both, students create arrangements to take home, making the class both cultural instruction and hands-on artmaking.

Bonsai classes offer another way to understand the patience and discipline embedded in Japanese aesthetics. Students learn to trim and train trees in containers, creating the illusion of age, maturity and nature in miniature. Morikami offers both beginner and intermediate classes, allowing guests to approach bonsai as an art form, a horticultural practice and a meditative discipline.

For those drawn to music and movement, taiko classes introduce students to Japanese drumming. Taiko can refer to the drum itself, a drumming style, a drum group or drum music, and Morikami’s classes give participants the opportunity to learn the history, culture and techniques behind the instrument.

The museum’s Sunset Strolls also bring the gardens to life after hours with live taiko performances by Fushu Daiko, along with koto performances and cultural programming. On Sept. 17, the Sunset Stroll theme is Japanese Fashion & Cosplay, with a cosplay fashion show hosted by Florida Supercon, offering a lively connection between traditional Japanese culture and contemporary pop culture.

The tea house is one of Morikami’s most distinctive cultural offerings. Seishin-an, the museum’s authentic tea house, allows visitors to observe or study sado, commonly known as the Japanese tea ceremony or “the way of tea.” While tea culture in Japan developed over many centuries, the form most closely associated with today’s tea ceremony was shaped in the 16th century by the influential tea master Sen no Rikyū, who elevated the practice into an art centered on simplicity, hospitality, mindfulness and seasonal awareness. At Morikami, tea ceremony classes are offered in the Omote-Senke style, and students learn in the tea house under instructor Yoshiko Hardick. The experience is never static. The tea ceremony changes from month to month and season to season, making each gathering a reflection of time, place and intention.

Family programs are also forefront to Morikami’s appeal. Craft activities, cultural celebrations, seasonal programs and youth camps invite children to encounter Japanese culture in accessible ways. A child might first experience Morikami by creating a Tanabata-inspired craft, listening to a story, attending a family program or walking through the gardens. For older children and teens, programs such as taiko and cultural workshops can turn curiosity into deeper engagement.

For visitors who want to complete the experience with cuisine, Cornell Café offers Pan-Asian-inspired dining overlooking the gardens. Menu offerings include bento boxes, teriyaki salmon, teriyaki chicken, cellophane noodles, vegetarian selections, sushi rolls, dumplings, edamame and other dishes that make the café a natural extension of the museum’s cultural mission. It is a place where a visit can become a full afternoon, moving from gallery to garden to table.

Morikami is also an important philanthropic and educational resource. Contributions and memberships help support exhibitions, educational programs, lectures, demonstrations, and the specialized training and maintenance required to preserve the Japanese gardens. Donations help ensure that visitors encounter world-class exhibitions, the gardens remain carefully conserved, children benefit from programs and communities continue to experience the beauty and connection that Morikami offers.

Morikami is both a destination and a historical reminder of the cultural depth available throughout Palm Beach County. It is a place for families, students, art lovers, garden enthusiasts, food lovers, history seekers and anyone interested in experiencing Japan through a South Florida lens. Whether visiting for a garden stroll, special exhibition, classes and workshops, or a delicious lunch at Cornell Café, Morikami offers a thoughtful and transportive experience rooted in beauty, education and cultural connection.

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is located at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. The museum and gardens are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Cornell Café is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. For tickets, memberships, donations, upcoming exhibitions, programs and visitor information, visit www.morikami.org.

Crowned Pearls Of Wellington Serve The Community With Heart

By Patrick Sherry

Across western Palm Beach County, children and parents recognize women wearing pink and green with pearl necklaces as the “Pearl Girls.” The women of the Crowned Pearls of Wellington Inc., a local nonprofit organization, can be seen at nearly every volunteer initiative in the village and lead their organization with the aim of improving the lives of those in the community.

The organization is the philanthropic arm of Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter, a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. The sorority was founded in 1908 on the campus of Howard University. Its sisters wear a strand of pearls to honor the sorority’s 20 founders.

A group of Alpha Kappa Alpha women founded the Crowned Pearls of Wellington to bring their educational and professional expertise to improve the lives of the underserved here. Their local chapter is one of more than a thousand in communities around the world.

“The motto of our organization is service to all mankind,” Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Board President Joan Asbury said. “The development of the foundation has given us the philanthropic pathway to move forward and fund programs and projects that positively impact our community.”

In 2020, the organization began to formally collaborate with the Village of Wellington through assisting with a variety of charitable initiatives. A major turning point for the Crowned Pearls of Wellington was the COVID-19 pandemic. Countless families across South Florida faced food insecurity as shutdowns and stay-at-home orders became the new normal. Members of the organization stepped up and partnered with the village to help distribute food provided by Feeding South Florida to those in need.

After seeing the impact they had during the pandemic, the group sought nonprofit status to further support their volunteer-based projects. In 2021, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington became a registered nonprofit, which allowed them to expand their fundraising efforts and continue supporting their charity work. The organization has since grown from 52 members to 83 members today.

“We wanted to help improve the quality of life for those in the community who could benefit from our efforts,” former Crowned Pearls President Jenny Pettis-Hassell said. “As volunteers, we were committed to bringing our time, our talent, our education and our expertise to bear in support of causes that we felt would enhance the lives of those in our community.”

The foundation was established to provide financial support for Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter programs and Crowned Pearls of Wellington initiatives that address critical community needs. Its primary areas of focus include youth development and education, hunger relief, women’s health, transitional housing support, voter education and civic engagement. Their reach spans beyond Wellington to The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, suburban Lake Worth, Greenacres, Westlake, Arden and Royal Palm Beach.

President Adriana Ortiz-Coffie said that what sets the organization apart is its wide range of initiatives that are all intended to make a positive impact.

“Many organizations, they focus on maybe one area, whereas we address multiple community needs while creating pathways for long-term success with our programs,” she said.

Among the most notable is their work with Wellington’s Students Working to Achieve Greatness (SWAG) program.

The Crowned Pearls of Wellington partners with the village to administer the program that is designed to cultivate student success through mentorship and professional development. Those who are a part of the SWAG program participate in bi-weekly workshops that teach them skills in personal and career advancement. It also includes the opportunity to complete a six-week, paid summer internship to apply skills they learned.

“SWAG is very important, as it provides structure and support that often many high school students may not otherwise receive, and it helps prepare them for life after graduation,” Vice President Mercedes Parks said. “It helps build practical skills, allows them to enhance their communication skills, and gives them hands-on work experience at such a young age that will help develop them into future leaders.”

Many students who have participated in the program have gone on to receive scholarships and attend top universities. Some now even work for Fortune 500 companies and are starting careers in government. Members of the Crowned Pearls of Wellington said that one of the most rewarding parts of their work is seeing students who were a part of the SWAG program return to mentor younger students.

The organization’s Regal Scholars program similarly seeks to empower students across the western communities who face social and economic barriers. The program offers ACT/SAT tutoring, scholarships, community service opportunities and workshops focused on college preparation.

These education-based programs are paired with initiatives to address food insecurity. The “In Tune with Every Bite – Feeding Students Right” initiative distributes snack packs to local youth in need. Last school year, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington delivered 1,000 snack packs to students at seven different schools in the western communities.

“I’ve heard nothing but positive [feedback] about the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s presence in the Village of Wellington and our surrounding service areas,” Asbury said.

The women of the Crowned Pearls serve out of a commitment to the community rather than for recognition. But their extensive volunteer projects have made them well known to many. Pettis-Hassell said that children and parents recognize them as the “Pearl Girls” because of their iconic pink and green outfits with their signature pearl necklaces.

“It makes us feel great that people recognize the good work we’re doing in the community and have built that kind of relationship with us,” she said. “They’re really comfortable calling us the ‘Pearl Girls,’ and we smile when they do.”

The organization’s many volunteer initiatives rely on fundraising, donations and community partnerships. Their signature fundraiser is its annual Night Lights & Crowned Pearls gala held at Wellington International. It features live music, dinner and world-class show jumping. Their many programs regularly need volunteers, and the organization is happy to collaborate with other organizations to meet community needs.

“I welcome any other members of Alpha Kappa Alpha in the surrounding areas to come join our organization,” Ortiz-Coffie said. “It’s a great organization.”

Women of all walks of life volunteer with the Crowned Pearls of Wellington because of its mission to promote causes serving others. Its members emphasize that all their work comes from the heart because they are committed to transforming lives and building a stronger future. With their extensive experience and drive to strengthen the community, they hope to address future needs and make a meaningful difference.

To learn more about the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and to find out about upcoming activities, visit www.crownedpearls.org.

Celebrating The Places Between The Fireworks

July is filled with traditions that seem small in the moment but become the memories we carry forward. If you ask most people what they love about their great hometown, they rarely start with infrastructure. They talk about experiences.

July has a way of reminding us of what community looks like. Maybe it’s the neighborhood cookout. Maybe it’s watching children enjoy the water playground at the new Wellington Aquatics Center while parents catch up. Maybe it’s seeing families spread out blankets and chairs on the field at Village Park waiting for the fireworks to begin. For many of us, July is filled with traditions that seem small in the moment but become the memories we carry for years.

This year, those celebrations feel especially meaningful. Across the country, communities are commemorating the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, a milestone that invites us to reflect on the generations who came before us and the values that continue to bind us together. Here in Wellington, we are also celebrating a significant anniversary of our own: 30 years since incorporation.

While 250 years and 30 years are vastly different chapters of history, both anniversaries prompt the same question: What kind of community are we building for those who come next? When people think about local government, they often think about roads, budgets, utilities, permits or public meetings. Those things matter, and they are an important part of what we do every day. But if you ask most people what they love about their great hometown, they rarely start with infrastructure.

They talk about experiences. They remember the park where their child learned to ride a bike. The community event where they ran into an old friend. The youth sports field where they spent countless evenings cheering from the sidelines. The park where they take an early morning walk. The holiday celebration that has become a family tradition. In other words, they remember the places between the fireworks.

Thirty years ago, Wellington’s residents made a decision to take ownership of their future by incorporating as a village. They believed that local decisions should be guided by local values, and that Wellington’s unique character was worth preserving and strengthening. The community they envisioned was not defined solely by buildings, roads or budgets, but by quality of life, strong neighborhoods, excellent parks, public safety and opportunities for families to thrive.

Three decades later, those aspirations continue to guide us. As your village team, we spend a great deal of time planning, maintaining and improving the spaces that bring people together. Sometimes those efforts are highly visible: a new playground, a renovated facility or a community event. Other times they are almost invisible: maintaining irrigation systems, trimming trees, repairing sidewalks or preparing athletic fields before the first game of the season. The goal is always the same. We want Wellington to be a place where people can connect.

That connection is becoming increasingly important. In a world where so much of our interaction happens through screens, communities need places where people can gather in person. Parks, trails, community centers, sporting events, festivals and neighborhood gatherings aren’t simply recreational amenities. They are where relationships are built. They are where newcomers become neighbors and neighbors become friends.

One of the things I appreciate most about Wellington is that we have never lost sight of that idea. We are fortunate to live in a community that values quality of life. Residents consistently tell us they care about parks, open spaces, recreation opportunities, public safety and community events. They want Wellington to remain a place where families can thrive and where people feel connected to one another.

That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because residents volunteer. It happens because local organizations step forward and help. It happens because coaches invest time in young athletes. It happens because business owners support community events. It happens because people choose to participate rather than simply observe. Most importantly, it happens because people care.

As we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary and Wellington’s 30th anniversary, I hope we take a moment to appreciate not only the milestones themselves, but the everyday experiences that give them meaning. The evening walks. The conversations with neighbors. The youth sporting games. The community gatherings. The shared spaces that belong to all of us.

Anniversaries are ultimately about more than looking back. They are an opportunity to consider what comes next. The people who founded our nation 250 years ago could not have imagined the communities we live in today. Likewise, the residents who incorporated Wellington on Dec. 31, 1995, could not have predicted every challenge or opportunity that lay ahead. Yet both groups shared something important: a belief that investing in their community would create a better future.

That same responsibility now belongs to us. The fireworks may last only a few minutes, but the community they bring together lasts much longer. That is the real strength of Wellington. Not just the places we have built, but the relationships we have nurtured within them, and the legacy we are creating for the next generation of Wellington residents. And that’s something worth celebrating all year long.