Prehistoric Fun At The Fairgrounds
2023 South Florida Fair Jan. 13-29 Will Be ‘Dino-Myte’

By Doreen Marcial Poreba

Dinosaurs may be extinct, but they will come alive at the 111th annual South Florida Fair, which is themed “Dino-Myte.” The 2023 event will kick off at 5 p.m. with a Ride-A-Thon on Thursday, Jan. 12, and the full fair being held Jan. 13-29 at the South Florida Fairgrounds, located at 9067 Southern Blvd.

With a scale unmatched in animatronic dinosaur displays, Imagine Exhibitions will showcase some of the world’s most unique and recently discovered dinosaurs in a traveling exhibit titled “Dinosaurs Around the World.” Guests will experience a multi-layered narrative and cutting-edge research. They’ll discover which dinosaurs lived where and how they arrived, and learn about tectonic plates, geological formations and the latest paleontological research.

The South Florida Fair also will bring Jurassic Kingdom to fairgoers. Since 2014, this show has been one of the most beloved displays in the fair and festival industry. Host Miss Kala opens the show with an introduction that sends the audience back in time. Guests will have the opportunity to see lifelike dinosaurs in action and may touch and interact with them throughout the show.

Additional theme-related exhibits include prehistoric dinosaur adventures, a mobile museum, the Palm Beach Museum of Natural History, the Cox Science Museum & Aquarium, dinosaur explorer, the Dino Encounters Excavation Zone and Mr. Adler — an experienced paleontologist who loves to take his babies for a stroll around the fair.

“We like to present what we call ‘edutainment’ at the fair, where our guests can learn and be entertained at the same time,” said Vicki Chouris, the fair’s president and CEO. “We began creating themes in 1993, and our themed expositions are one of the most popular attractions of our 17-day event.”

New experiences at the fair are also a priority. All new for 2023 — two different wine pairing dinners, which will take place in the hospitality building on Monday, Jan. 23, and on Friday, Jan. 27, at 7 p.m. Presented by Cugini Winery, limited tickets will be available for $75 per person, which includes fair admission. Reservations are required. Wine tastings also will occur each day in Building 3, along with demonstrations (included in fair admission).

Another new feature will be a drumline competition on the community stage and two robotic competitions. A kids’ bake off on Jan. 21 will include 25 children from Palm Beach County schools who will make a variety of desserts. Artist Alley will feature the artwork of some of the area’s most creative artists in Building 2, and the Horton Fair Display will show off a giant fair display of rides and more, all made from recycled materials.

The tried-and-true fair favorites also will return, including quilts and other handmade items on display.

Among the top reasons guests attend the fair is to delight in the vendors’ wacky food creations. The usual “fried everything” will be offered, as well as new items, which include Miller Lemonade’s pickle lemonade, Holy Macaroni’s Thai bowls and its build-your-own macaroni bowls, which were introduced last year. Guaca Go is returning with its vegan guacamole and plant-based meat options that can be added.

New vendors include Mango Splash, which will tempt fairgoers with mango cups, mangonadas and empanadas. Guests will be able to build their own gourmet nachos at Rosie’s Nachos, Low & Slow will feature barbecue pork with assorted sides, the Biscuit Barn will create assorted biscuit sandwiches, and Bubble Tea & Bubble Waffles will prepare freshly made teas and waffles.

Of course, the rides are also among the top reasons people attend the fair. More than 200 rides and games will return, including the Midway Sky Eye, North America’s largest traveling Ferris wheel. New rides include the Wave Swinger and Corky’s Wipeout.

At the root of the fair is its award-winning agriculture and livestock program featuring more than 1,000 exhibitors from more than 30 Florida counties. The Mooternity barn is always a hit, giving guests a chance to see calves being born. This year, a new horse show titled Hollywood Horses Tricks & Tales is expected to wow guests as well.

Five stages of live music and entertainment will get guests on their feet, dancing the night away, and fans will appreciate that the Tribute Band Competition is returning. The traditional fair offerings that folks have come to expect and enjoy also will be back with attractions that include the racing pigs, ice skating shows, daily parades with custom floats from New Orleans and shopping.

“Our fair is really about making memories and keeping a tradition going that has lasted for more than a century,” Chouris said.

The South Florida Fair is produced by the South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions Inc., a nonprofit organization, and has a longstanding tradition of raising funds for educational and charitable purposes.

For more information, call (561) 793-0333 or visit www.southfloridafair.com.

Buck Off Challenge Returns Popular Event Will Be Held On Feb. 26 Behind The Wellington Community Center

The popular Buck Off Challenge, the largest fundraiser for the nonprofit Southeast Florida Honor Flight, focuses on fun for a good cause.

The Buck Off Challenge is an entertaining, family-friendly competition pitting a lively mechanical bull against more than 50 competitors on Sunday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. on the boardwalk behind the Wellington Community Center.

Last year’s event raised more than $65,000. Each flight costs about $120,000, according to Janet Hoose, who chairs the nonprofit organization. The first two flights in 2023 are scheduled for April 15 and May 20.

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities are available, ranging from $500 to $15,000. VIP tables of 10 are $750, and single VIP reserved seats are available for $75. VIP tickets include dinner and a cash bar. General admission is based on an optional donation; bringing your own chairs is encouraged, as general seating is limited.

The event is being co-sponsored by the Village of Wellington for the second consecutive year. To register a team or purchase tickets, visit www.honorflightsefl.org/events.

The Buck Off Challenge benefits Southeast Florida Honor Flight, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that flies World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans from Palm Beach International Airport to Washington, D.C., four times a year free of charge to visit the memorials built to honor their service and sacrifices.

Four-person teams compete in the Buck Off Challenge, where individual rides are scored by a panel of celebrity judges and totaled to determine the winning team. Riders are scored on their ability to stay on the bull while keeping one hand in the air at all times, and the style of the ride. Higher scores may be achieved for character, team spirit and costumes. Prizes are awarded to the top three teams. The entry fee is $100 per team.

The Southeast Florida Honor Flight is a day devoted to honoring the local men and women who served the country in conflicts around the globe. For the veterans, it is a day to reflect on those heroes who never came home, connecting with fellow military compatriots and the fact that America has not forgotten them. For everyone else, it is day focused on thanking these courageous men and women for their service.

The Buck Off Challenge is a fundraising event started by Wellington’s Bobbi Rottman of Eques Solutions, which primarily specializes in bringing the equestrian community and businesses together. Rottman and her team started this event more than 10 years ago, and for the last five years, Southeast Florida Honor Flight has been the beneficiary. They spend months going over every detail to make sure that the nonprofit receives enormous support from the community.

“This event is not your normal fundraiser, it is funny, exciting and touching all at the same time,” Rottman said. “We have attendees ranging from WWII veterans to children, and riders who have never ridden anything to riders who have sat on real bulls. I wanted a fundraiser that everyone is welcome to attend. The community needs to be educated on the fact that Southeast Florida Honor Flight touches a lot of lives, and with no discounts from airlines, the raising of funds for them is important.”

For additional information about Southeast Florida Honor Flight, visit www.honorflightsefl.org or www.facebook.com/honorflight, or call 1-855-FLYAVET (1-855-359-2838).

Healing Wounds In Horses
Keep Your Horse In The Ring With Help From The Wound-Care Experts At VetBlue

By Sydney Jones 

During the grueling 12 weeks of the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, the chance of injury is high due to the stiff competition and the longevity of the show series. Whether your horse suffers from a minor wound, such as a boot rub or grab wound, or a more significant injury where proud flesh is present, VetBlue understands that healing wounds as quickly and efficiently as possible is critical to success in the ring.

With a diverse set of wound care products to treat a variety of wounds, VetBlue can keep you and your horse in the competition and on your way to many more blue ribbons.

As an extension of the longtime human wound care product Hydrofera, VetBlue exists to provide the same trusted healing practices to animals. VetBlue delivers superior clinical outcomes to feline, canine and equine species by providing prime conditions for natural wound healing, so wounds can heal efficiently and completely.

The dynamic range of VetBlue helps in all phases of the healing process, allowing patients to get back to feeling themselves as quickly as possible.

“VetBlue is superior to other wound care products because it is an ‘all in one’ product,” local VetBlue representative Abbi Bentz explained. “It is antibacterial and antifungal, it debrides dead tissue, it helps to decrease inflammation, it provides an analgesic effect, it absorbs exudate, and it provides a moist environment for wound healing. In addition, it protects the wound from insects and other organisms, helps wounds to heal faster, and does not contain any banned substances, so there is no withdrawal time for competition horses.”

Wound care is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and VetBlue aims to treat as many wounds as possible. The PVA foam is designated for severe wounds where there is dead tissue or proud flesh present. This flagship product improves epithelialization while wicking exudate and debris from the wound bed. The result is a multifaceted, non-toxic healing environment that kills bacteria and reduces bioburden.

VetBlue’s PU foam is more appropriate for shallow wounds, such as boot rubs or grab wounds. This product tackles wounds with higher exudate, managing absorption of the secretions while maintaining a moist wound bed. VetBlue also offers tunnel dressings to help with tough-to-get areas.

Veterinarian Dr. Crystalyn J. Kasa, who is also local to the Wellington area, has seen the benefits of VetBlue.

“VetBlue has been an excellent wound-healing element I have added to my practice,” Kasa said. “It is cost effective and very easy for clients to use. The variety in the size and type of PVA, PU and tunnel dressing provide many options for use. I have seen incredible rates of healing with exudative wounds, chronic non-healing wounds and proud flesh. The tunnel has been a remarkable replacement for penrose drains. The bio-burden indicator is helpful for client assessment of wound healing. VetBlue has been my go-to for managing a diversity of wounds.”

Bentz has done a lot of work throughout Wellington and South Florida. In some cases, VetBlue has given animals, like Streaker, a second chance at life. He was found abandoned at a boarding facility, during which time a fly mask and bandage around his leg started to merge with his skin. Five different veterinarians treated his wounds with several injections and creams, but nothing provided a long-term solution.

Vicki Moore, Streaker’s owner, is thankful they found VetBlue when they did. “He’s a completely different horse,” Moore said. “He used to not even be able to bend his leg; it was all so swollen. Now you can’t even tell where his wounds used to be in some places.”

Although Streaker’s healing process on VetBlue has lasted months, the wound care foams also work for the quick fixes as well. The smaller wounds that horses at WEF are more likely to experience can turn into big problems if not treated properly and quickly.

“It is bad enough for animals to get a wound, but they are highly susceptible to getting secondary infections, and for the wounds to get bigger if not treated quickly,” Bentz said. “Animals go through the same stages of wound healing as humans. Most people will immediately clean a new wound and apply a Band-Aid. It is even more important for animals, who are exposed to more microorganisms, often lick their wounds and don’t have the ability to protect their wounds from further injury.”

The team at VetBlue prides themselves on their products’ ability to heal small grab wounds as quickly as one day.

Another important piece of VetBlue’s mission is to provide as much education about proper wound care as possible. Bentz is a certified BS, RN and CRRN, and participates in barn visits throughout the Wellington area to provide hands-on tutorials to grooms, barn owners, riders and more about proper wound care and the uses of VetBlue, ensuring that the product will be effectively applied and will lead to fast and more efficient healing.

“I hope that clients who start using VetBlue see firsthand the benefits, and tell other animal owners about VetBlue,” Bentz said.

If you are interested in trying VetBlue, contact Abbi Bentz at (561) 789-6076 or abbi@equinewoundcare.com.

’Tis The Season Ring In The Holidays At The Mall At Wellington Green With Some Seasonal Celebrations, Epicurean Adventures And Thoughtful Gifts  

It’s holiday time, and you can wow everyone on your wish list with a cornucopia of Santa-approved gifts from get-noticed fashion to sweet surprises your little angels will cherish — all available at the Mall at Wellington Green.

FOR HER
Give the gift of glowing skin with Ella Bella Collection’s holistic skincare line of soaps, scrubs and moisturizers formulated with dermis-enriching vitamins and organic essential oils perfectly suited for any skin type.

For the lady who loves to make an entrance, look no further than Dawn Bacchus. The former beauty pageant winner outfits her eponymous boutique with lovely, one-of-a-kind separates, as well as her own vibrant, hand-painted pieces.
If a woman’s hair is her crown, then The Hair Doctor is her kingdom. Services at this state-of-the-art salon range from cuts and extensions to bespoke wigs and hair replacement.
Designer-inspired pendants, bracelets and stacking rings at the Jewelry Box offer exceptional value and make ritzy treasures your ice princess will love without breaking the bank.

FOR HIM
Indulge his sartorial, luxe-meets-street-style aesthetic at Laced, where outré designer styles and limited-edition athletic footwear are always on display.

A paradise for sports fans, Palm Beach Autographs carries hundreds of authenticated, autographed memorabilia and hosts in-store signings with current and former pro athletes like Pete Rose and Mike Tyson, who visit next month.

Lifetime Kitchen carries all the top-of-the-line tools and accessories your home chef needs, such as Staub grills and Miyabi knives — plus it will price-match anyone, including Amazon.
Treat him to an afternoon of pampering at ManCave for Men, a luxury barbershop featuring indulgent treatments, and hair and skin services are complemented with a mug of beer.

FOR THE KIDS
At GameStop, the world’s largest retail gaming destination, you’ll find plenty of top-rated games, consoles, gadgets and accessories to satisfy your favorite gamer.

Known for its alternative ensembles, Hot Topic also carries fandom apparel, pop-culture merchandise and geek chic ephemera that young fashionistas will love.

Celebrate her passions, accomplishments and milestones with a Pandora charm bracelet that doubles as chic wrist candy.

Making squishy slime is a cerebral and stress-relieving experience, especially for kids who can stir up their own batches with cool additives like glitter and beads at The Slime Factory, which offers full and express experiences and monthly passes.

FESTIVE FEASTING
While you’re shopping, explore the deliciousness of multicultural cuisine at the amazing ethnic eateries available at the Mall at Wellington Green.

Q’Bola Café — Transport your palette to the Yucatan Peninsula at this bright, fast-casual spot that prepares flavorful staples like salchipapas, Hispanic sandwiches and Cuban pizza.

Maoz Vegetarian — Falafel balls with healthful accompaniments ground the menu that also features fresh-pressed juices, fruit bowls and tasty handhelds like its signature hummus, egg and eggplant sandwich.

The Madre’s Mexican Fresh — At this Wellington outpost, diners can build their own Mexican-style meals with a selection of grilled meats, market-fresh ingredients and delicious sides. Churros drizzled with dulce de leche or Nutella sauce is the perfect finish.

Keywa’s — Owners Julian Sierra and Tania Eifert opened their dessert counter with an emphasis on savory and sweet crepes named after popular travel destinations, including Colombia and Peru to honor their South American roots.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more info., call (561) 227-6900 or visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS
Get into the spirit of the season with an array of holiday happenings at the Mall at Wellington Green.

Saturday, Dec. 3: The Holiday Musicthon, hosted by the Palm Beach County Music Teachers Association, commemorates the sound of music with piano performances by school children from around the Palm Beaches.

Sunday, Dec. 4: Sensory Santa was founded so children with special needs can experience this classic holiday visit in a sensory-friendly environment. Beneath soft lights and falling snow, kids will enjoy structured, no-stress activities and a “slow” photo session with Father Christmas before the mall opens.

Monday, Dec. 5: Get your four-legged pals into the Christmas spirit with a Paws ’n’ Claus photo package that comes with a goodie bag full of scrumptious pet treats and a gift for their parents.

Saturday, Dec. 10: The Merry Little Breakfast is a pre-holiday shopping must-do with special appearances by the Ice Princess and Rudolph the Red Nosed-Reindeer, live entertainment and a scrumptious send-off from Chick-fil-A.

Tuesday, Dec. 13: Plié. Shuffle. Cartwheel. Repeat. At the Holiday Dance Recital, experience an evening of exciting acrobatic and rhythmic performances by students from the Academy of Dance and Acrobatics and BeastMakers Dance Studio.

Wednesday, Dec. 14: Skip gift-wrapping at home and head to the Mommy and Me Wrap-Up Party for fun activities like personalizing ornaments and singing Christmas melodies with Miss Chloe of Chloe’s Kids.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Part of the mall’s Share the Spirit Gift Card Giveaway, random recipients will receive gift cards in amounts of $100 and $50 one to keep and one to pay forward.

Wednesday, Dec. 21: Kick off the Festival of Lights with a Menorah-Lighting Ceremony featuring a bubble show, Hanukkah-inspired activities like dreidel-making and traditional treats like sufganiyot.

Staffing Solutions For Households The Wellington Agency Can Provide Nannies, Housekeepers, Butlers, Private Chefs, Drivers & More

By Mike May

When it comes to finding domestic assistance, look no further than the Wellington Agency, which is based here in Wellington but serves households across South Florida and beyond.

Whether you need a maid, driver, housekeeper, house manager, laundress, baby nurse, nanny, governess, butler, private chef or a private security detail, the Wellington Agency can meet your needs. The firm is currently providing professional assistance to clients who own homes not only in Wellington, but in Miami, Palm Beach, Jupiter, Boca Raton, New York City, the Hamptons and even across the pond in London.

The roots of the Wellington Agency, operated by Founder/President April Berube, can be traced back to her small business in New England in the mid-1990s, and to Berube’s positive childhood memories of visits to Palm Beach County to see her grandparents back in the 1970s and 1980s.

“I started my own childcare business in 1995 when I was 23 and a new, young mother,” Berube recalled. “It was called Nanny Poppins.”

After a series of long, cold winters in Boston, Berube and her husband Mark wanted to live somewhere warmer in the winter. They discovered Wellington.

“We looked for somewhere that was warm and beautiful,” Berube recalled. “I remember visiting my grandparents when I was a child, and they lived in Palm Beach County. It was always beautiful down here. In our search for a place, Wellington kept popping up, so we moved here in 2004. In 2006, we started Wellington Nannies, which provided childcare services for families of young children. My husband and I wanted to contribute and make a difference in the community.”

The family did contribute to the community and continues to do so. According to Berube, the evolution of the Wellington Agency from Wellington Nannies was a natural one.

“Many of my clients started asking about my ability to provide staffing for their yachts and private planes, as well as looking after their children,” she recalled.

Clearly, there was a professional staffing niche that needed to be filled. So, Berube filled it. The Wellington Agency was founded in 2009. Based on one referral after another, her business has skyrocketed and continues to soar.

“The business community in Wellington has been very good to us,” Berube said. “Companies and residents of Wellington are good about doing business with one another.”

Just as the business has grown, her family has expanded, as well. She and her husband are now the proud parents of three grown children — Jordan, Joelle and Lily.

As for the rise of the Wellington Agency, its success is all based on integrity and a commitment to excellence.

“At the Wellington Agency, your satisfaction is so important to us that we guarantee all placements for the length of the commitment,” Berube said. “This is almost unheard of in a domestic staffing agency. We are also very thorough with our background and reference checks. When we are contacted, we provide staff for all the homes of any particular family. Many of them have multiple homes in Los Angeles, New York City or in Europe.”

Berube and her staff provide first-class individuals to clients because her clients require it.

“The domestic staff you’ll have access to at the Wellington Agency are the best in the industry because of our advanced training and previous experience requirements,” Berube said. “All candidates represented by our agency must have a solid background in the field they are applying for, along with excellent references from previous families. This ensures their competency and trustworthiness. All of our candidates have completed long-term assignments and are looking for families who recognize and appreciate their level of experience.”

The Wellington Agency only fills vacancies for full-time/long-term roles or seasonal work. There are no weekly or weekend assignments.

Berube values her relationships with her clients and works hard to help them develop long-lasting relationships with their domestic help. She also wants those employees to have a positive, long-lasting relationship with their employers, too.

The Wellington Agency provides continued support, placement counseling and even household mediation services, if necessary, to its clients throughout the hiring and employment process. The agency hires the best and most qualified domestic help and staff for clients. Currently, the four most commonly requested categories of help are for full-time housekeepers, private chefs, house/estate managers and drivers.

According to Berube, a housekeeper is much more than just a house cleaner or maid; talented and creative private chefs are in high demand; house/estate managers are becoming a common request; and many people who come from big cities, such as New York, don’t drive because they lived in a city where they either walked or used public or private transportation.

The role of the house manager is particularly popular for families who are always on the go and require help with daily demands in their multiple homes.

“The house manager runs the house and all domestic staff report to the house manager, not the owner of the home,” Berube explained. “The house manager makes sure outside vendors, such as lawn care professionals or pool companies, get access to the homes, get their jobs done and everything is in perfect running order for the owners when they arrive.”

If you need domestic help at your home in Wellington or elsewhere, call (561) 713-2663 or contact April Berube at april@thewellingtonagency.com. Learn more about the firm at www.thewellingtonagency.com. The office is located in the Chancellor Building at 12008 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington.

Wine Soiree Fundraiser Women Of The Wellington Chamber Event Supports The Talented Teen Club

By Deborah Welky

The Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (WOW) held its annual wine-tasting soiree last month. The event attracted more than 50 guests and netted more than $1,000 for the Talented Teen Club, so that the nonprofit can provide gift cards for teens at holiday time.

Hosted Oct. 13 at the Hive Suites on Fairlane Farms Road and sponsored by the JH Massey Group, the wine-tasting was led by Sunny Hawkins of Scout & Cellar, purveyor of “clean-crafted” wines.

“Scout & Cellar is a member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and, when we approached Sunny Hawkins about helping us with our fundraiser, she graciously agreed,” Event Coordinator Sherron Permashwar said. “We had 10 charcuterie boards around the room — everything from savory to sweet — and Sunny gave the guests samples of five different wines, while she explained the kinds of wine, the pouring of wine and the pairing of wines. Scout & Cellar also donated a dozen bottles of wine for a raffle, with the winners announced after the tasting.”

The guests also got to meet a grateful representative from the Talented Teen Club.

“That donation will help put some lovely smiles on faces at our Gifts for Teens event on Dec. 17,” said Shawn Ho-Hing King, founder of this local nonprofit organization. “We’ve been giving out gift cards for so many years to older kids who are sometimes overlooked by those donating to Toys for Tots. This year, we are estimating having more than 400 families at our Greenacres location. We are so, so grateful to the Wellington Chamber. They have really stepped up.”

Jennifer Massey-Hernandez, of the business brokerage JH Massey Group, was honored to be the event’s primary sponsor.

“We proudly sponsored this event to provide guests a rewarding evening out, coming together for an amazing cause of support and love, not only for Talented Teens, but also for women supporting other women and their businesses,” she said. The Women of Wellington is a collective group of like-minded businesswomen driven to make a difference in the community, while supporting one another’s business, thereby creating a network of sustainable contacts and resources.”

Formed nearly 10 years ago, WOW hosts approximately four philanthropic events a year, each with a different beneficiary.

“We love supporting our chamber community through supporting our chamber members,” Massey-Hernandez said. “Therefore, we always look for great ways to incorporate the various philanthropic types of nonprofits that are in our chamber. The Talented Teen Club has a great mission and was a perfect fit, especially leading up to the holidays. Teens are so often forgotten during the holiday season — and providing something to gift them for the holidays was our pleasure.”

The nonprofit Talented Teen Club was founded by King 17 years ago in an effort to build self-esteem and self-confidence in teens through various programs.

“I lost my mother when I was 10 years old and, to this day, it’s the biggest loss of my life,” King said. “But it was most difficult during my teen years. Fortunately, I was gifted the natural ability to do hair. I got into the beauty industry, and it literally saved my life. So that’s what I want our teens to do — go toward their natural gifts and abilities and use that vehicle to build self-esteem and self-confidence.”

She is particularly thankful for the ability to help teenage girls.

“In the beauty industry, I deal with so many women who don’t find their superpower early,” King said. “When I realized that, it really put the gas in my tank to form the club. What if I could give young girls and boys the ability to dream and to use their God-given gifts and discover their own superpowers earlier than I did?”

She works closely with her board to decide which programs to put in place by listening to what the teens’ dreams are. “We find a teen’s natural talents, and then get them a mentor in that area,” King said. “If they have leadership qualities, our Leadership Academy program will help them get into leadership roles at their school, or at least as a person, within themselves. Our Track-and-Field program is geared toward helping teens receive scholarships, as well as being good for their mental health and as an outlet for some physical activity as they navigate this crazy world. Our Youth Cosmetology program and the associated Cosmetology Apprenticeship program gives teens the skillset necessary to go into the beauty industry of their choice.”

The Talented Teen Club also works to make sure students, especially Title 1 students, have the school supplies necessary at back-to-school time and, of course, gift cards at holiday time.

“We make sure they get some love at Christmastime and throughout the year,” King said. “The families are so grateful. When you read the notes and letters that they write, just to get on the list… We try to open up our doors each year to new families that are struggling and really need our help.”

To donate in time for holiday giving, contact the Talented Teen Club at (561) 649-1234 by Dec. 10 so the group has time to wrap each gift. Volunteers are also always needed.

Learn more about the Talented Teen Club at www.talentedteenclub.org. For more information about the Women of the Wellington Chamber, visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.

Treating Patients With Care & Compassion Wellington’s Dr. Katherine Brazzale Is The New Chief Medical Officer At Trustbridge

By Deborah Welky

Dr. Katherine Brazzale, a Wellington resident who was recently promoted to chief medical officer at Trustbridge, grew up in England and was studying to be an architect at University College London when she recognized medicine as her true calling.

Brazzale then fell in love with an American and moved to the United States in 2004. She completed her residency in family medicine at the University of Florida, where she was chief resident at Shands in 2008 before becoming the first-ever physician fellow for hospice and palliative care by Trustbridge that same year.

Trustbridge is the nonprofit umbrella organization for Hospice of Palm Beach County, Hospice of Broward County and Hospice by the Sea. Having long worked with pediatric hospice patients for Trustbridge, Brazzale became chief medical officer for the organization this year.

“I love Trustbridge because it’s nonprofit,” Brazzale said. “Being English, I come from a National Health Service, and I am uncomfortable with the fact that money often delineates what kind of healthcare you get in America. Also, many people are under the impression that ‘hospice’ means that they’re going to take away all your medicines and you’re going to die. Not at Trustbridge. Most of our patients are on Medicare, but Medicare funding is fairly minimal. Here, we can apply to our foundation to get grants for treatments that are not available through regular hospice. For instance, if Medicare doesn’t cover it, but you need a month or two more of dialysis so you can attend your daughter’s wedding, we can go to our foundation for the funding.”

Brazzale said she loves working with her team, a 130-member group comprised of 30 board-certified or board-eligible doctors, as well as nurses, social workers, chaplains and volunteers. She loves their creative process of “finding a way.”

“Whenever a patient needs something, I’m never told no. I’m just asked how I’m going to do it,” Brazzale said. “You have to think outside the box. Some of the situations you walk into, it’s challenging. Most of the patients are very sick, and we get invited into people’s lives — the whole family’s lives. So, I feel it’s a real privilege. They’re in a vulnerable state, and they reveal so much to us. They allow us to get involved.”

What she tells her team, first and foremost, is to listen.

“You have to be so careful when you’re entering someone’s home,” Brazzale said. “You want to create a sense of trust. This person may be in real trouble, and you have to assimilate information very fast. I suggest saying as little as possible. Let them talk. If you look around, are observant, you’ll get clues as to how things are going. You may see a medical drip, an oxygen tank. You may be able to guess what religion they may be or whether they’re alone. In the 15 minutes we are there for a first visit, there are so many pieces of information we gain in homes that can help us, as opposed to in a clinic. I tell my team to remain humble and respectful. Don’t sit down unless invited. Create the relationship from there. Foster a feeling of trust.”

In hospice situations, that can be a challenge.

“Some patients are resentful, filled with hostility. Some view me as the Grim Reaper,” Brazzale said. “Or maybe the daughter thought it was a good idea, but the patient doesn’t want me there. These people typically have a lot of anger. They’re angry that they’re sick, and they’re frightened. The worst thing would be that they don’t let you in or ask you to leave. It can go horribly wrong. You need to tread lightly and listen. You want to meet the needs of the patient, rather than deciding what you think they need. If a patient asks me to leave, I leave. I’ll try to reach out again later, but it depends how much turmoil there is.”

In many situations, the whole family may be under stress. That’s when Brazzale may bring along another team member.

“If a patient is having a hard time with wound care or symptom management, that’s my job,” Brazzale said. “It often helps to have a joint visit that includes a nurse or chaplain. But if a family member or spouse is also having issues, I might bring along a social worker, who can be working with the spouse while I’m working with the patient. That’s the beauty of hospice — you’re working as a team the whole time.”

Trustbridge’s efforts extend beyond the patient in many ways. Among the many bereavement programs offered is Club Seahorse.

“Once a year, children who are bereaved come together in a camp run by Trustbridge volunteers,” she explained. “And we have a bereavement team who reaches out to family members after the patient has passed to let them know that there are bereavement groups out there if they need them.”

Pet therapy and music therapy are also Trustbridge offerings.

“Music therapy is not just entertainment,” Brazzale said. “Particularly in dementia patients, it’s wonderful to see their response to familiar music as the music therapist works with them. That’s what sets Trustbridge apart — inpatient or outpatient, we can supply our patients with these additional things.”

Under Brazzale’s leadership, there will also be increased participation with the Veterans Administration. “We currently partner with them, and we do hold a ceremony for our veterans, but veterans do have specific experiences and specific needs that we need to take into consideration,” she said.

Another push forward is Trustbridge’s partnership with the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Foundation, which works to provide philanthropic support to ensure the ongoing availability of safe, quality, cost-effective healthcare for children and their families, regardless of ability to pay.

“At Trustbridge, we do applicative care consults in hospitals and hospice for young patients who have six months or more left — as well as palliative care — but our focus is still on getting children home,” Brazzale said. “We always hope that, even with symptoms, people can continue to live their lives.”

As she continues to have a soft spot in her heart for pediatrics, Brazzale hopes her new administrative role doesn’t keep her from one-on-one contact with patients.

“I’ve been with Trustbridge 14 years now,” she said. “I still visit facilities and assisted living centers, and I’m learning a bit more about the administrative work. I’m thrilled to be in this position — a little scared, too. I think healthcare is such a difficult thing, ever-changing. Yet I would rather be in the driving seat, navigating the change, rather than experiencing the change downstream… I hope I never get disconnected from those home visits and become purely administrative and lose sight of that. It’s going to be an adventure.”

To learn more about Trustbridge and its services, call (561) 848-5200 or visit www.trustbridge.com.