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Gina Melby Named Chief Executive Officer of the Alan B. Miller Medical Center

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Gina Melby Named Chief Executive Officer of the Alan B. Miller Medical Center
Gina Melby

April 3, 2025 – Palm Beach Gardens, FL – Gina Melby, MMM, has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Alan B. Miller Medical Center, the new 156-bed, seven-story acute care hospital currently under construction at 13655 Pasteur Boulevard just off I-95, effective April 1, 2025. The Alan B. Miller Medical Center is expected to open in Spring 2026.

As CEO, Melby will be responsible for all facets of management for the new facility including strategic planning, business development and physician relations, along with overseeing finance, human resources and quality initiatives. Additionally, she will be responsible for the integration of advanced healthcare technologies and the development of community outreach.

“Gina brings a proven track record of delivering continuous success in leading high-performance teams, building strong relationships with physicians, and managing operations in the competitive healthcare sector,” said Ryan Chandler, Regional VP, Acute Care, Universal Health Services (UHS). “She is highly regarded as an exceptionally talented and respected healthcare leader, and we look forward to many years of excellence with her as CEO. We are fortunate to have Gina join our team, leverage her strong relationships with local doctors to establish the hospital’s service lines, and serve as the champion as this new hospital opens and serves the region.”

“I am thrilled to be at the helm of this brand-new hospital. I have always believed that healthcare should be patient-centered and community-focused. I am eager to hire the best in the industry and partner with the region’s physicians,” says Melby.  “I look forward to leading the team as we open the new hospital, serve this thriving community that I know so well, and build a lasting reputation for medical excellence and life-saving care.”

For the past 20 years, Melby has served as CEO HCA/JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, FL; and prior to that she served for seven years as CEO, Northwest Medical Center in Margate, FL.  Previously she served as Chief Operating Officer of Northwest Medical Center.

Melby is a results-oriented, forward-thinking, strategic leader delivering organizational success in the dynamic multi-system healthcare environment. She is known for driving capital expansion in multiple healthcare service lines, setting high standards of excellence for hospital quality metrics, accreditations and patient safety, and building strong physician relationships.

Her service to the community includes roles on the following Boards: The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County; serving on the executive committee and Chair of the Life Sciences Advisory Council; The Economic Council; Housing Leadership Council; and is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and is chairing Executives with Heart for the American Heart Association for the 2025 Heart Walk.

Melby earned her master’s degree in medical management (MMM) from Nova Southeastern University (Davie, FL) and her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Miami.  

About the Alan B. Miller Medical Center

The Alan B. Miller Medical Center is named after the Founder and Executive Chairman of parent company Universal Health Services. The 156-bed hospital is on track to open in early 2026 and will offer comprehensive, high-quality healthcare services including emergency medicine, cardiology, orthopedic and general surgery, oncology and neurology services. When fully operational, the Alan B. Miller Medical Center will employ over 800 individuals. In the future, the hospital also has expansion potential with shell space for an additional 150 beds to be added. Learn more: https://abmmedicalcenter.com/

Mounts Botanical Garden Hosting Biggest Ever Spring Plant Sale & Family Fun Weekend

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Mounts Botanical Garden Hosting Biggest Ever Spring Plant Sale & Family Fun Weekend

April 26 & 27, 2025

  • Save with advance-purchase tickets, plus kids FREE all weekend
  • Meet a variety of plant vendors showcasing their best selections
  • Special presentations, expert talks, and book signings
  • Free family-friendly games, arts and crafts – plus Ribbit Exhibit
  • Live entertainment and food vendors

(West Palm Beach, FL – April 2, 2025) Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden is hosting its largest Plant Sale and Family Fun Weekend of the year on April 26 and 27, 2025.

Whether you’re an avid gardener or plant curious, the weekend promises to be so much more than just a plant sale. “It’s going to be an entire weekend of fun, entertainment, learning, and family-friendly activities,” says Executive Director James May. “It’s not only the perfect weekend to find beautiful plants for your home and garden, but we are also inviting the community to enjoy a wide variety of free family-fun activities and entertainment, all while making lasting memories and exploring nature’s beauty at Mounts Botanical Garden.”

SCHEDULE:

  • Saturday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

+ Members only preview 8:00 am to 9:00 am

+ Open to public 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (last entry at 3:30 pm)

  • Sunday, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm

+ Open to public 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (last entry at 2:30 pm)

TICKETS:

  • Purchase tickets in advance and save!
  • Admission is FREE both days for kids!
  • Funds raised during plant sales allow the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden to maintain the 20-acre tropical oasis and continue offering memorable experiences combining nature’s beauty and education for the community.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

PLANT SALE

  • 70+ highly sought-after top plant growers and artisan vendors.
  • Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic, and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts, and more.
  • Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers.
  • Fun and informative presentations by speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields.
  • The Conrad-Sunrise Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society – Hibiscus Show & Sale
  • Plus, additional horticultural ‘must-haves’ and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the Garden’s Gift Shop, Nursery, and Vintage Garden Thrift Shop.

FREE “FROG-TASTIC” FAMILY FUN WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

  • Lawn Games & Reading Nook
  • Arts & Crafts, including Plant Pals, Nature Wands, Petal Bracelets, Rocking Painting & more! (while supplies last)
  • Live Entertainment by Marijah & the Reggae All Stars
  • Food vendors
  • Ribbit the Exhibit II featuring whimsical human-sized frog sculptures throughout the Garden by artist Andy Cobb

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

Sat., April 26 at 11:00 am

Presentation & Book Signing

With Author & Photographer Kirsten Hines

Award-winning author, wildlife photographer, and conservationist Kirsten Hines will present a captivating presentation that will inspire local naturalists, conservationists, and eco-minded photographers to discover Florida’s hidden wildlife wonders. She will also sign copies of her books, which will be available for purchase, including Birds of Florida (2024), Wild Florida: An Animal Odyssey (2023), and Attracting Birds to South Florida Gardens (2014).

Sat., April 26 at 1:00 pm

Florida Native Plants: Beauty, Benefits, and Where to Find Them

With Palm Beach County Florida Native Plant Society’s Mindi Ogden

Plant Society President d Ecologist Mindi Ogden will introduce South Florida native plants, including their importance, how to choose the right plants for your space, and where to purchase plants. She will also provide examples of easy swaps to make your yard more native and resources for creating specific habitats.

Sun., April 27 at 11:00 am

Turn Off Your Sprinklers – Your Plants Aren’t That Thirsty

With UF Professor Dr. Kimberly Moore

Dr. Kimberly Moore, Ph.D. shares the issue with the overused practice of “set it and forget it” when dealing with sprinkler systems. Her group’s research shows that most established landscapes and grasses do not need the excess irrigation we provide them to remain healthy, which comes at the cost of our rapidly depleting freshwater sources. Moore proves how a seemingly tiny change can add up to tremendous savings for the good of both people and plants.

About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County:

With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the non-profit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. This project is sponsored in part by The Board of County Commissioners, the Tourist Development Council, and the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County.

Located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach, Mounts Botanical Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm (with last entry at 3 pm). Admission is $20 for adults; $18 for seniors, college students and military with IDs; $13 for ages 6 to 17; and free for children under age 6, Mounts members, and RAP (reciprocal program) members.

For more information, please visit www.mounts.org.

SLATKOW & HUSAK PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES HEATHER ABBRUZZE AS FIRM’S NEW PARTNER

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SLATKOW & HUSAK PUBLIC RELATIONS ANNOUNCES HEATHER ABBRUZZE AS FIRM’S NEW PARTNER
A fun session with Heather Abbruzze for her 40 Over 40 Portrait Experience and headshot Session – Portrait Photography – Warner-Prokos Photography – WP Portraiture

(Palm Beach, Fla.) –  Managing Partner of Slatkow & Husak Public Relations, Kelly Husak, announced the addition of Heather Abbruzze as the locally based agency’s newest partner. In her new role, she oversees the team of five full-time and two part-time employees with Husak, while playing a pivotal role in driving the firm’s growth, expanding its client base and furthering its commitment to delivering innovative public relations strategies.

“Known for her friendly nature, professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to her clients and her team, Heather has been an unwavering asset to our firm during her tenure,” said Husak. “She embodies the values of S&H PR – she is kind, giving, smart, loyal and so much fun! She has earned this role and I can’t think of a better leader for this company that Jackie Slatkow established in 1991.”

Abbruzze joined Slatkow & Husak PR as an account manager in 2013. She became the firm’s vice president in 2018. In that time, she played a vital role in the firm’s growth and reputation for exceptional service. She has had the benefit of managing prestigious clients such as the American Red Cross, Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, BMO Private Bank, Caron Treatment Centers, Cleveland Clinic in Florida, Impact 100 Palm Beach County, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Junior League of the Palm Beaches, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach County Food Bank, Palm Beach Day Academy, ShopCore Properties, South Florida Wildlife Center, Sollis Health and more.

“I am honored to join Kelly Husak as a partner at Slatkow & Husak PR,” said Abbruzze. “For almost 12 years, I have had the privilege of sharing the stories of our respected client roster. Being a South Florida native, I am passionate about my own backyard and love calling attention to those institutions that make Palm Beach County a beautiful place to live, work and play. I look forward to fueling the agency’s growth and strengthening our client and media relationships alongside Kelly. Together, we’ll continue to create and execute strategic, results-driven strategies for our clients.”

Other past and current clients of the firm include Armory Art Center, Brown Harris Stevens, Center for Creative Education, Chops Lobster Bar, City of West Palm Beach, Coordinated Health, Cox Science Center and Aquarium, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, FoundCare Community Health Centers, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, Hanley Foundation, Hermes of Palm Beach, HomeSafe, MorseLife Health System, Nordstrom Florida, Old Palm Golf Club, Palm Beach County Heart Association, Palm Beach Atlantic, P&H Interiors, PGA Commons, Sources of Strength, Quantum Foundation, Quantum House, Worth Avenue Association, Young Singers of the Palm Beaches and more.

Prior to Slatkow & Husak PR, Abbruzze was an events manager for technology showcase events at Pepcom Inc. A graduate of the University of Florida’s College of Journalism, she resides in Boynton Beach with her husband Mike and two sons, Hutton and Carter.

Slatkow & Husak Public Relations was established in 1991 by retired principal Jackie Slatkow and provides marketing support, crisis management and comprehensive public relations services to corporate clients as well as not-for-profit organizations in the South Florida region and beyond. For more information, please visit slatkowhusak.com or call 561.278.0850.

Boys Town South Florida Discussion:

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Boys Town South Florida Discussion:

Root Causes of Juvenile Delinquency & Prevention Services

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL (March 31, 2025) On Friday, April 25, 2025, Boys Town South Florida will host its second annual Community Action Summit at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Palm Beach Gardens from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM. This event will feature an engaging panel discussion with community leaders and experts on the root causes of juvenile delinquency, including factors such as lack of education, poverty, insufficient support systems, trauma, and share life-changing prevention and early intervention services.

Boys Town South Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, skills-building, and education to over 3,000 children each year.

The panel of experts includes: The Honorable Judge Melanie Surber, 15th Circuit, Juvenile Div.; Sarah Mooney, Chief of Police with the School District of Palm Beach County Police Dept.; Johnny Sanders, Senior Regional Outreach Coordinator, Florida Dept. of Juvenile Justice, Office of Prevention Services; Ann Berner, President/CEO of Southeast Florida Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; and Dr. Diane Kelly Andreou, Director of Boys Town South Florida’s Behavioral Health Clinic.

Moderated by emcee, Jim Grimes, anchor at WPEC Channel 12, panelists will share life-changing prevention and early intervention services, including mental health counseling, family support services, and school-based programs, as positive alternatives and outlets for at-risk youth and their families.

Attendees will also get an exclusive first-hand look at the Blue Baby documentary, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Josh Sabey. Available on Amazon Prime, YouTube, and Google Play, the film highlights the rehabilitation journey of at-risk youth at Boys Town and underscores the critical role of community support in preventing family separation or incarceration.

“Investing in early intervention isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do,” said Bethany Lacey, Executive Director of Boys Town South Florida. “By providing support, mentorship, and resources before a young person enters the justice system, we not only change individual lives but also strengthen families, reduce crime, and build a safer, healthier community for everyone. We invite community members to join us in this important conversation. Your voice, ideas, and involvement are crucial to shaping solutions that give our youth a better path forward.”

Mission Sponsors of the event are Florida Power & Light (FPL) and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to RSVP to see first-hand how community thought leaders are working together, please visit boystown.org/south-florida or email [email protected] or call 561-6007.  Tickets are $40 each, and the program includes a continental breakfast.

About Boys Town South Florida:

For over a century, Boys Town has been a beacon of hope, transforming the lives of America’s children and families through innovative youth, research, and healthcare programs. Boys Town South Florida has been providing life-changing care to area children and families since 1991. Our programs and services are part of the Boys Town national network and include the organization’s research-proven methods, which ensure that troubled children and families across the country receive the right care, at the right time, in the right way. You can find more information about Boys Town online at www.boystown.org.

MAY HAPPENINGS: Morikami Museum

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MAY HAPPENINGS: Morikami Museum

Family Fun: Children’s Day,

Ikebana Flower Arrangement- Ikenobo School, and Sado: The Way of Tea at
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

May workshops, classes, and demonstrations:


Friday, May 2
Documentary Film Screening: Fall Seven Times, Get up Eight: The Japanese War Brides
Discussion led by Director Katheryn Tolbert and Moderator Dr. Mitzi Carter
Underwritten by Linda and Michael Sonnenreich
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $10 (members $7)
Despite lingering wartime enmity, tens of thousands of Japanese wives — the biggest influx of Asian women in
U.S. history — crossed the Pacific. They began new lives in difficult and to them mysterious circumstances,
scattered across the country in places where they were often the first Japanese ever seen. What was it like to
abandon family, friends and country, and marry a former enemy? Even for those whose choice of spouse
proved to be a tragic mistake, there was no turning back. Many in Japan viewed them as social outcasts and
even today the words “war bride” in Japanese carry such a stigma — of bar girls, even prostitution — that
people don’t like to say them. Now these women are in their 80s. This is their story, of lives shaped by one
irrevocable decision.


Kathryn Tolbert was a journalist with The Washington Post for more than 25 years, as an editor, reporter, and
correspondent in Tokyo. She is currently executive director of The War Bride Experience, Inc., a nonprofit
organization founded by Kathryn and two other first-born daughters of Japanese war brides, Lucy Craft and
Karen Kasmauski. She is the author of the oral history archive at www.warbrideproject.com and was a co-
director of the documentary film Fall Seven Times Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides. The War Bride
Experience has partnered with the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and the National
Museum of American History to create the exhibition “Japanese War Brides, Across a Wide Divide.”


Saturday, May 3
Calligraphy: Adults (W)
Time: 11:30am – 1pm or 2pm – 3:30pm
Cost: $40 (Cost does not include museum admission) Advance Registration Required
Learn brush strokes using sumi ink and a brush to write Japanese characters. After practicing on paper, you will
create a final calligraphy on shikishi board to take home. Just bring your curiosity! For more information or to
register, visit www.morikami.org.


Saturday, May 3
Koto (D)
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid admission to the museum

Koto is a traditional Japanese stringed instrument first introduced to Japan from China in the 7th-8th
centuries. Learn the fascinating history of this exquisite instrument and listen to its captivating and tranquil
sounds demonstrated by intermediate koto students.


Saturday, May 3
Family Fun: Children’s Day
Time: 10am – 4pm
Cost: FREE for members or with paid museum admission
Come join us to celebrate the Japanese holiday of Children’s Day by making a Japanese toy kendama, playing
Japanese games, or making a flying carp kite called koinobori!


Saturday, May 10
Tea Ceremony (W)
Time: 1pm – 3pm
Cost: $60 Advance Registration Required
The workshop teaches the basics of sadō – The Way of Tea – necessary to understand the aesthetics of sadō
and to fully enjoy the tea ceremony itself. Participants become familiar with how to be a guest, how to make a
bowl of tea, and serve it. To register, visit morikami.org.


Saturday, May 17
Sado: The Way of Tea (D)
Time: 12pm, 1:30pm or 3pm
Cost: $5 with paid museum admission.
Observe Japanese sadō, an ever-changing demonstration rich in seasonal subtleties. Your involvement in the
true spirit of sadō — harmony (wa), reverence (kei), purity (sei), tranquility (jaku) — along with a sip of matcha
green tea and a sweet will help you bring a calm perspective into your busy life.


Sunday, May 18
Family Fun: Sumo Wrestling Game
Time: Virtual Program
Cost: FREE
Sumo season is here! Become your own sumo wrestler by making your own sumo wrestling ring game!

$750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix

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$750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open CSI5* Grand Prix

Photos and Story by Alan Fabricant

The final “Saturday Night Lights” event of the 2025 winter season was held on March 29th.

The field had forty pairs of riders and horses from 14 countries, that included six of the world’s top 10 ranked riders entered into this event. 

All had hopes and dreams of going home with the Blue Ribbon and the first-place prize worth $247,500 of the total purse of $750,000.

A standing room only crowd of over 10,000 under clouds and potential rain were in attendance.     

Fortunately, no rain came and the event went off as scheduled with no outside interference.

Of the forty that went through the first round, only eight went clear, no knockdowns or time faults, to go into the jump-off to determine the final standings.

For the second year in a row, Christian Kukuk of Germany riding Checker 47 captured first place and the biggest grand prize of $247,000.

In addition to these victories, he is the current gold medalist in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

However, the highlight of the day came hours earlier when Kukuk and his wife Veronica welcomed their first-born child Lila.

He said during an interview “This day is always going to be very special for her birthday.  I am the happiest man on the planet tonight.”

From the USA, Laura Kraut aboard Bisquetta came in a close second to earn $150,000.

Ashlee Bond of Israel teamed with Donatello 141 to finish third and a check for $112,500.

The top 12 finishers received prize money.

Up with the Sun

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Up with the Sun

By Melissa J. Clark, Wellness Director of Wellington Bay

Melissa Clark

A Simple Morning Stretch Routine to Begin Your Day Refreshed

Start your day feeling invigorated and ready to tackle anything with a gentle morning stretch routine. Taking just a few minutes to connect with your body can significantly improve your energy levels, flexibility, and overall well-being. This routine is designed to be easily incorporated into your daily life, leaving you feeling refreshed and focused.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to kickstart your day the right way:

1. Breath Activation – Begin by centering yourself with a few deep, cleansing breaths. Inhale deeply, filling your lungs with fresh oxygen, and exhale slowly, releasing any lingering tension. This simple act nourishes your cells and prepares your body for movement.

2. Full Body Extension – Extend your arms and legs, stretching your body as long and tall as you can. Wiggle your fingers and toes to activate circulation, and gently rotate your wrists and ankles to lubricate your joints.

3. Gentle Spinal Rock – Draw your knees towards your chest and gently round your spine. Rock softly from side to side, massaging your lower back and releasing any tension accumulated overnight.

4. Spinal Twist – Extend your left leg straight along the bed. Using your left hand, gently guide your right knee across your body towards the left, creating a gentle spinal twist. Hold for a few breaths, feeling the stretch along your spine and in your hips. Repeat on the opposite side.

5. Lateral Bends – Sit up on the edge of your bed. Gently bend your torso to the right, reaching your left arm overhead. Feel the stretch along your left side. Breathe deeply into the stretch.  Repeat on the opposite side, alternating a few times.

6. Heart Opener – Clasp your hands or place them on your bed, behind your back, gently arching your back and opening your chest. Gaze upwards towards the sky, promoting a feeling of openness and positive energy.

7. Shoulder & Neck Release- Roll your shoulders up, back, and down a few times to release tension. Then, hold your shoulders back and down, and gently drop your chin to your chest. Slowly circle your head a few times in each direction, releasing any stiffness in your neck.

Why This Routine Works:

This sequence is designed to gently mobilize your spine in all six directions: forward, backward, right, left, and twisting right and left. By incorporating these movements, you’re ensuring that your spine remains flexible and healthy. Additionally, this routine lubricates your joints, preparing them for the day’s activities and promoting overall mobility.

Make it a Habit

By incorporating this simple stretching routine into your morning ritual, you can rise with the sun feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to embrace the day ahead. Consistency is key – even just a few minutes each morning can make a significant difference in your physical and mental well-being. Embrace this practice and experience the transformative power of starting your day with intention and self-care.

Christian Kukuk & Checker 47 Win Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

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Christian Kukuk & Checker 47 Win Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

Video Courtesy of Wellington International

Christian Kukuk is Twice a Winner in Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

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Christian Kukuk is Twice a Winner in Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

Photos by Lois Spatz

German Olympic champion Christian Kukuk won the Rolex Finale at Wellington International for the second consecutive year aboard Checker 47 during the final ‘Saturday Night Lights’ of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season. In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans, the pair repeated history in the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, the first stop of 2025 on the prestigious Rolex Series Equestrian. Highlighted by 12 weeks of consecutive FEI competition, WEF 2025 concludes on Sunday, March 30 in Wellington, FL.

“This is a story you can’t imagine,” said Kukuk, 35, who spent the morning of the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix welcoming his first child to the world. “This day is always going to be a very special memory for her birthday. I am the happiest man on the planet tonight.”

Together with his wife and fellow equestrian athlete Veronica Tracy, Kukuk’s daughter Lilah was born only hours before he took to Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) Rolex Finale track in the International Arena at Wellington International.

From a field of 40 qualified riders that included six of the world’s top 10 ranked athletes, eight advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off. The pathfinder in both rounds was Israeli Olympian Ashlee Bond, who finished third aboard Donatello 141 with the first time to beat of 40.41 seconds. She was pipped by U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Laura Kraut riding Bisquetta to finish as the runner-up in 39.49 seconds.

“I knew Laura was fast and that I had to try everything,” said Kukuk, who also won the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix at WEF earlier in the season. “It went well and then suddenly I had too many [strides] to the last. I thought for a second that I had lost it but looked to the screen and saw I got lucky in that moment.”

Kukuk bested Kraut by two tenths of a second, stopping the clock at 39.20 seconds for the win.

“I definitely left the door open,” admitted Kraut. “I added to the third and added to the double. I should have left one out in both those places.

“Being second to the Olympic champion feels pretty good,” continued Kraut, who piloted her 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) for owners Cherry Knoll Farm. “She’s a very quick horse, but I got a bit cautious. I have to say, the crowd here has been amazing all season, but tonight was extra electric. There were tremendous horses and riders tonight, and I think that keeping it to eight clear was a definite credit to [Guilherme’s] talent.”

Jorge has designed the finale grand prix at Wellington International for 11 consecutive years and noted that the evening’s result went exactly to plan. “Eight is always my number,” said Jorge, who designed the courses fro the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “I wanted to test the horse and rider ability, but also give this huge crowd an opportunity to see the speed and a very exciting finale. This is a championship-level course, a championship-level event, but when it comes to the jump-off, it’s 100% up to the riders.”

As the first to crack the code on Jorge’s course, Bond gave all the credit to her Olympic partner. “Donnie and I have been together nine years, and after the Olympics I wasn’t sure he was going to do this again because he didn’t feel the same in Paris as he did in Tokyo,” she said of the 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I). “The fact that I get to be third in a Rolex 1.60m Grand Prix makes me grateful and I don’t take any of these moments for granted. As long as he keeps telling me that he loves his job, he’ll do it. Then, if he can give my daughter pony rides for the rest of his career, that’s fine.”

The win for Kukuk is the culmination of his first season spent in Wellington. “I was really excited to come back and spend the whole winter here; I had great success, but this last week and the Rolex Grand Prix is outstanding,” he said. “It’s such a competitive class and we have an amazing crowd—you feel the tension as a rider. There is something special between Checker and this arena. Every time I come in the ring with him, I have the feeling that he has an extra gear.”

When asked about the journey with Checker 47—a 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On) owned by M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze—Kukuk said nothing would be possible without a strong partnership between horse and rider. “I know every single button and he knows and trusts me. It’s a relationship based on trust; I know exactly what I can ask from him, and he knows I would never ask anything crazy from him. Consistently winning on this level is only about creating a deep relationship with your horse.”

Kukuk also credited Checker’s relationship with groom Sofie Karlsson as a contributor to their success. Karlsson was presented with the $500 Double H Farm’s Grooms Award on Saturday.

To close the evening, Wellington International President Michael Stone celebrated a record-breaking WEF season that saw every ‘Saturday Night Lights’ completely sold out.

“Seeing the crowds turn out for those athletes proves that we are accomplishing our goal of bringing the sport to everybody,” he said. “The quality of riders we have now is amazing with Olympic champions and world no. 1. It’s a sport that everyone can be part of and to be able to help grow that makes Wellington International very proud.” 

Wellington International joined the debut season of the Rolex Series this year alongside some of the most renowned equestrian sport venues in the world, including Rome, Italy; La Baule, France; Falsterbo, Sweden; Dinard, France; Dublin, Ireland; and Brussels, Belgium.

“Rolex has been a fantastic partner for us, and to be asked to be part of the series is incredible. It raises our level because we can share what we do with the world,” concluded Stone. “We are all working together for the good of the sport.”

Top Five Results: $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix

  1. Christian Kukuk (GER) & Checker 47: 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On)
    Owner: M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze
    Faults/Time: 0/0/39.20
  2. Laura Kraut (USA) & Bisquetta: 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek)
    Owners: Cherry Knoll Farm
    Faults/Time: 0/0/39.49
  3. Ashlee Bond (ISR) & Donatello 141: 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I)
    Owner: Ashlee Bond Show Jumping
    Faults/Time: 0/0/40.41
  4. Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Chaccolino: 2011 gelding Zangersheide (Chacco-Blue x Heartbreaker)
    Owner: Elan Farm
    Faults/Time: 0/0/40.44
  5. Bertram Allen (IRL) & Conquest de Rigo: 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Fantomas de Muze x Indonctro)
    Owners: Ballywalter Stables
    Faults/Time: 0/4/40.45

Hot Girls For Hot Yoga

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Hot Girls For Hot Yoga

By Danielle Boyd

I know you’ve been hearing about it—hot yoga. It seems to be everywhere lately, on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, in your mom’s group—everyone’s talking about their hot yoga class, but what’s all the fuss about?

Hot yoga is a practice where instructors crank the heat up to about 90°F-105°F, so think of a typical Florida summer day. The heat is the key that makes it all worth it. During your hour-long session, the high temperatures help enhance the benefits of the yoga practice. For starters, you can get a deeper stretch when your muscles and joints are warmed, leading to an increase in flexibility. So, if you can’t touch your toes now, I promise you will be able to after a few sessions.

It’s also great for your heart. Our hearts are our core, the organ that’s constantly working to keep us alive every day, so we should do everything in our power to take care of it. The heat and constant movement of hot yoga allow your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation throughout your body, which in turn reduces strain, taking a bit of stress off the heart and helping it pump more efficiently.

One of the major reasons many people are flocking to hot yoga is to de-stress. In our fast-paced society, many of us deal with constant stress, rarely slowing down until it’s time for bed. Over time, chronic stress can have major effects on your health, possibly causing high blood pressure, stroke, a weakened immune system, digestive issues, anxiety, and depression. During your session, the instructor constantly reminds you to pay attention to your breathing in a practice called “mindful breathing.” Mindful breathing focuses on deep breathing and various forms of breathwork, like pranayama, specifically Ujjayi breathing. This technique helps you maintain focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce stress, even during the intensity of various poses. Once you leave the class, the serenity carries with you—well, of course, unless you run into a crazy person on the road and start a bout of road rage.

One of the best benefits of hot yoga is that it makes you hotter. During your class, you are going to sweat—don’t even try to fight it. Excessive sweating is great for you—it’s the body’s natural way of detoxification. All the gross toxins seep out of your pores, leaving you refreshed. This can lead to an improved look of your skin. You’re also working on sculpting your body, as you move through your poses, toning your muscles and giving you a leaner look. Not to mention the posture improvement you get from yoga: the constant reminder to sit upright, shoulders back and down, and also work from your core contributes to improving your posture. Looking in the mirror after a few classes, your confidence should definitely skyrocket.

The number one thing to remember is to drink lots of water before your session and sip throughout it. Becoming dehydrated is easy when working out in temperatures of that magnitude. Some people tend to feel dizzy and nauseous throughout the class if they don’t properly hydrate before. I know you’d hate to pass out in front of the hot girls.

If you think the hype of hot yoga is worth it, check out some classes at your local gyms or studios! You won’t regret it, and you’ll be an even hotter girl afterward!

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