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With Hurricane Season Almost Here Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Shares Important Tips for Pet Parents

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With Hurricane Season Almost Here Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League Shares Important Tips for Pet Parents

West Palm Beach, FL– (May 23, 2024) As hurricane season quickly approaches, it is important to be prepared if and when a disaster strikes. All of us who live in South Florida know the threats and dangers associated with these devastating storms. When disaster strikes, there is often little time to think, so it’s important to have a plan in place for yourself and your family…including your pets!

“Thousands of animals are lost in the aftermath of hurricanes each year. Sometimes when owners are forced to evacuate their homes, they are often not permitted to bring their beloved pets along to shelters,” says Sue Berry, CEO of Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League. “As we approach another potentially active storm season in South Florida, Peggy Adams encourages pet parents to avoid possible tragedies by taking the following steps to prepare for a hurricane.”

  • Never leave your pet home alone or outside. The safest place for your pet is with you! Left alone, your pet may be subject to injuries from structural damage, flooding, and excessive heat after the storm. Remember…friends don’t leave friends behind!
  • Equip all pets with a collar and identification tag containing visible and accurate information in case you become separated from your pet. Microchipped pets have a much better chance of being reunited with their owners but also be sure that your contact information is correct with the microchip company.
  • Practice a run-through, including introducing your pet to the “safe room” you will take shelter in during the storm. For example, don’t let the actual hurricane be the first time your dog or cat spends time in the walk-in closet or downstairs bathroom.
  • During the hurricane drill, introduce your pet’s everyday activities in the safe room to increase maximum comfort later. Try everything – placing animals in their carriers, have them eat and drink in this room, etc.
  • Create a list of pet-friendly shelters nearby – including a list of hotels that allow pets and keep it in a safe place for easy access as a storm approaches. 
  • Be sure all animals are up to date with vaccines and keep records with you in a waterproof container.
  • Have photos taken of you with your pets and keep these photos in a safe, readily available place, like a wallet or purse for identification purposes.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League also recommends that pet owners create a pet emergency kit with supplies that are restocked every few months. Items include a three-day supply of drinking water and food stored in airtight, waterproof containers; bowls and a can opener for food and water; a sturdy carrier large enough for the pet to sleep in for a few days; leash and harness for all dogs; bedding; towels; medications for two weeks; vaccination records; first-aid supplies; one-week supply of litter and litter box for cats; cool packs; pet wipes; current photos and description of pets (with owner if possible); waste clean-up supplies; and be sure all animals have several forms of ID on their collar and are micro-chipped.

For a list of pet-friendly hurricane shelters in Palm Beach County and to download a hurricane preparedness checklist, please visit PeggyAdams.org/hurricaneprep

About Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League:

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity navigator. For more information and to donate, please visit PeggyAdams.org

Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th with Tips from American Humane

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Keep Your Pets Safe on July 4th with Tips from American Humane

PALM BEACH, FL – Independence Day may be relaxing and fun for us, but it can be frightening and even dangerous for pets.

July 5 is the busiest day of the year at animal shelters as they are housing companion animals that fled in fright the night before. They are often found miles from their homes, disoriented and exhausted. Anxious families can find themselves searching the streets and shelters looking for a treasured family member whose fear drove him to jump a high fence or break from her leash.

If your pet is upset by thunder, a door slamming, or other loud noises, Fourth of July fireworks will be utterly terrifying, so take these precautions:

· Your pets won’t enjoy the fireworks display, so leave them at home! Keep them inside, and if possible, shielded from loud noises. Keep windows closed and draw the shades to minimize the sound and flashes of light.

· If loud noises upset your pets, do not leave them alone; ensure someone can stay with them. If you’re the one staying with them, act calm and give them reassuring pets and hugs; animals look to you to see how you’re reacting.

· If you think your pets should be given medication to help ease their stress, consult your veterinarian well in advance.

· Contact an animal behaviorist to work with your pets on their fears. With some positive reinforcement and behavior modification training, by next Independence Day, you all may be worry-free!

· Be sure that all ID tags are properly affixed to your pet’s collar and that they have your current contact information, including cell number(s).

· Update your microchip registrations and pet license information to ensure they are current.

“It’s with these tips and tricks we can keep our furry companions relaxed throughout the holiday,” says American Humane President and CEO Robin Ganzert, Ph.D. “We can make sure that the Fourth of July is a joyful occasion for everyone, including our beloved animals.”

For more information on American Humane, visit americanhumane.org. 

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, with offices in Palm Beach and Washington, DC, American Humane has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, visit AmericanHumane.org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.

COMMUNITY CLASSROOM KITCHEN ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST ROUND OF COOKING CLASSES AND CHEF’S TABLE DINNERS IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH 

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COMMUNITY CLASSROOM KITCHEN ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST ROUND OF COOKING CLASSES AND CHEF’S TABLE DINNERS IN DOWNTOWN DELRAY BEACH 

WHAT: Community Classroom Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is proud to announce its inaugural round of cooking classes and chef’s table dinners. These events will be hosted in their state-of-the-art commercial teaching kitchen and event space in downtown Delray Beach. Proceeds from these events fund the Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK), an initiative focused on improving the well-being of families in South Florida through the power of cooking and communal dining. 

Whether you aspire to conquer challenging dishes like duck breast or beef bourguignon, create a meal inspired by your favorite musical artists, or engage in a class led by a celebrated local chef, the CCK offers a diverse array of culinary experiences. They are also nurturing the culinary talents of the next generation with specialized “Easy Bake Oven” and “Play Dough” sessions designed for kids, as well as personalized culinary workforce training for tweens, teens and young adults.

Prefer to leave the cooking to the experts? Reserve a seat at one of the exclusive Chef’s Table dinners and savor a meticulously crafted meal prepared by seasoned professionals. To secure your spot, please visit yourccp.org/community-classroom-kitchen. Hurry, as space is limited and classes are expected to sell out in advance. For inquiries regarding private events, please reach out to admin@myspaceofmind.com. 

ADULT CLASSES:

Kitchen Heroics: Mastering (not so) Challenging Dishes – What, like it’s hard?! Get ready to bang out the fancy food without losing your cool. You’ll have everyone around your table wondering how you found the time and where you got your flair!

Cooking with Guest Chefs – Learn to cook from South Florida’s most inspiring chefs! 

By the Book: Tackle Recipes from the Cookbooks of Music Icons – If you can’t be a celebrity, at least you can cook like one! Chef Deb has read up on the hottest recipes from your favorite stars, and our music department has curated the perfect playlist for your journey from small-town to the big time!

Foodie Road Trip: Global-inspired eats – Can’t seem to get out of town but wish you were?! Let’s recreate the tastes from your favorite travels!

Holiday Remix: Celebratory Dishes Your Family Will Want Every Year – Change is good, but everything in the holiday meals bring us comfort because they take us back to the tastes of childhood. 

DINNERS:

Chef’s Table Dinners – Enjoy a multi-course dinner and quality time with the area’s top chefs!

FAMILY / KIDS CLASSES:

Play-Dough: Introduce your Family & Young chefs to the joy of cooking and baking with our fun-filled, interactive classes tailored just for them. From pasta to pastry, let their creativity soar in our safe and supportive environment.

Easy Bake Oven: Master the Basics of Baking – Become the baker your 9-year-old self knew you were! Explore the sweet and savory world of baking with our hands-on classes designed to elevate your skills and confidence in the kitchen. 

WHERE:

The Hub at Space of Mind

101 NW 1st Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444, Delray Beach, FL 33444

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY CLASSROOM PROJECT: The Community Classroom Project (CCP) is an innovative 501(c)3 nonprofit organization launched by the team behind Space of Mind. CCP was created to provide experiential learning, educational resources, entrepreneurships, and scholarships by bridging the gap between students, parents, educators, schools, mental health providers, and the community and to rethink current approaches in education to reduce school-related stress. Their Community Classroom Kitchen (CCK) project is on a mission to enhance mental and physical health for families in South Florida through the art of cooking and communal dining. It commences with training a culinary workforce passionate and equipped to thrive in the dynamic restaurant industry. 

www.yourccp.org 

St. David’s 2024 Annual Fundraiser

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St. David’s 2024 Annual Fundraiser

Call for Sponsors

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This Memorial Day, The Human-Animal Alliance raises awareness and funding for military members and their pets

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This Memorial Day, The Human-Animal Alliance raises awareness and funding for military members and their pets

Military Appreciation Month highlights importance of pets for active-duty military and veterans

WELLINGTON, FL – The Human-Animal Alliance has announced two campaigns to keep military personnel united with their pets. The first campaign will provide foster care and emergency medical support to animals of active-duty military members during deployments, and the second will cover pet deposits for veterans in need of affordable, pet-friendly housing.  

Some 67% of the United States population – nearly 85 million households – own at least one pet. According to military.com, the number of service members owning animals is comparable. But being in service often brings a unique set of challenges in pet ownership, including lack of care options for pets while owners are deployed – leading to animals being surrendered to shelters or euthanized. The Human-Animal Alliance is offering solutions to these terrible scenarios, providing military members with foster care opportunities and financial support. Funds raised will keep military pets safe, well-cared for, and united with their owners – where they belong.  

“Military personnel often rely on their animals as a main source of emotional support post-deployment,” said The Human-Animal Alliance Founder Jackie Ducci. “Many veterans have even stated that their deep connections to their pets have prevented suicide attempts and, quite literally, saved their lives. The bonds that military members share with animals before, during, and after deployment are valuable beyond measure, and we are doing everything we can to protect them.”

Keeping people and their animals together has been central to The Human-Animal Alliance’s mission for years. In 2022, grants were given to the charity Harley’s Hope (and other similar organizations) to cover vet bills, pet food, and other pet expenses to families on the brink of being forced to surrender their animals due to financial hardship.

“The issue of owner surrenders is heartbreaking and, in many cases, preventable,” said Ducci. “This Memorial Day, we ask the public to recognize the importance of keeping military members and their beloved animals united, and to please join us in preventing animal surrenders by donating to the cause.”  

The Human-Animal Alliance is a nonprofit organization whose overheads are privately funded so that every dollar donated from the public goes directly to helping humans and animals. Donations can be made through their website at www.h-aa.org. 

Photo: ‘Keeping military members united with their pets is important for mental health and wellbeing. [Photo courtesy of The Human-Animal Alliance].

About The Human-Animal Alliance

The Human-Animal Alliance provides grants to exceptional, yet often overlooked nonprofit organizations that support and enhance human-animal connection. Programs receiving funding are identified nationwide through an extensive sourcing and screening process. The Alliance also supports relevant legislative policy initiatives and educates the public on the importance of human animal connection. For more information visit www.h-aa.org or call (561) 485-0445.

Garden Club Event to Feature CJ McCartney Talk on Butterflies, Pollinators and Native Plants

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Garden Club Event to Feature CJ McCartney Talk on Butterflies, Pollinators and Native Plants

Photos provided by CJ McCartney

Have you ever wondered how to attract butterflies and other pollinators to your yard? Here’s your chance to learn from an expert! In celebration of National Garden Week, June 2-8, Wellington Garden Club is pleased to sponsor a presentation by CJ McCartney, Master Gardener and Environmental Steward, who will help you learn how to enhance your landscaping by using native plants to attract butterflies and other pollinators.

The event will be held on Thursday, June 6, beginning at 5:30 PM at the Wellington Branch Library, 1951 Royal Fern Drive, Wellington.  Free native plant seedlings will be given to attendees.

CJ McCartney began her journey to become an Environmental Steward in the late 1990s when she moved to South Florida from Chicago where she owned a public affairs consulting firm. The move prompted a shift in interests. Unfettered from her company, and now living in a subtropical climate, she began cycling and hiking natural habitats, and started noticing all the wildlife that lived in and depended upon those habitats for survival.  Thus began her journey to become a knowledgeable and effective Environmental Steward. Along with training to become a Master Gardener, she began taking a variety of botanical and horticulture classes as well as seminars to supplement her formal Harvard education in public policy and urban management. Currently, she vouchers native plants for Palm Beach County Environmental Resources Management (ERM), serves on several Boards and committees and works as the Master Gardener in Residence at the Ann Norton Sculpture Garden.

She is passionate about native plants, their benefits to the environment and the pollinators that depend on the plants for survival. When she’s not hiking, gardening, photographing wildlife and giving presentations, she propagates native plants from seed and freely shares the seedlings with gardening enthusiasts who attend her presentations.  Wellington Garden Club is delighted that CJ has agreed to help the club celebrate National Garden Week by sharing her knowledge and seedlings with our community on June 6. No reservations are required. All are welcome.

Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design; and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information: www.wellingtongardenclub.org. 

National Garden Week, June 2-8, 2024, is a program of National Garden Clubs, Inc.  Each year during the first week of June, garden clubs across the country have an opportunity to encourage pride in their communities, interest new members, and work with other groups to be part of those efforts. www.gardenclub.org.

The Wright Stuff

Jaime Joshi Elder
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The Wright Stuff

By Jaime Joshi Elder with photos provided by Max Wright

Everything is bigger in Texas. 

From the trucks to the churches to the physical size of the state itself – it is the largest in the contiguous United States at over 200,000 square miles with a population of over 30 million proud Texans. 

But nothing is bigger in Texas than football. 

From Friday night lights to Saturday afternoons tailgating at college games to Sundays supporting the Dallas Cowboys or Houston Texans, football is part of the state culture and no-one reflects this better than Texas A&M tight end Max Wright.

The Katy native played six seasons for the Aggies, competing in 39 games and catching 32 passes for 441 yards and three touchdowns. 

These numbers are the result of a strict training regimen and dedication to his craft.

“My training regimen is a combination of lifting, mobility, exercise, and field training,” Max said. “My Monday is usually a leg workout with treadmill sprint work. Tuesdays are an upper body workout and field drills that consist of route running and blocking drills and Wednesday is my recovery and rehab day. I use this day to stretch and recover in order to train hard for the rest of the week.”

Rest and recovery is vital to maintaining peak athletic performance.

“Intense workout routines are designed to physically overload the athlete with the goal of improving athletic performance. To achieve maximal performance and obtain the most out of workout routines, it is important for an athlete to balance a workout routine with periods of recovery,” said John Hinson, M.D., board certified orthopedic surgeon at Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute. “If there is no allowance for recovery between these workouts, the athlete can suffer from the accumulation of physical and psychological stresses of the overload. This can ultimately increase the risk of injury and lead to compromise of athletic performance.” 

Maintaining good mental health is as vital to attaining peak athletic performance as exercise and good nutritional practices. 

As a sophomore, Max suffered a neck injury which changed the trajectory of his athletic path. Once a part of the Aggie defense as a defensive end, Max’s injury forced him to play offense as a tight end. The rehab was grueling but Max persevered, bolstered by his loved ones, the Texas A&M coaching staff and a strong spiritual center. 

“The rehab was difficult from a mental standpoint as neck surgery is hard to bounce back from because of the limitation of mobility,” Max said. “But the staff at Texas A&M was great in helping me bounce back. My faith was a huge part of my recovery. I’m a Christian and it was my dependence on the Lord that helped me stay positive and push through the doubts and frustration.” 

Dr. Hinson echoed Max’s statements.

“Focusing on your mental recovery including support from friends and family can help physical recovery and return to sports,” he said. “After having a plan in place there are ways to help speed and maximize your recovery. Appropriate rest and immobilization are important to protect the injured area so it can heal, I recommend continued use of ice, compression and anti-inflammatories if appropriate during the early recovery period, as well as instituting rehabilitation exercises when appropriate.”   

For young athletes looking to follow in Max’s footsteps and dream of one day playing professionally, Max has some advice.

“I think the combination of structured workouts and a good nutrition plan put you in a great position to train your body hard and safely,” he said. “It is important to work hard on lifts like power clean and other high mobility lifts that best prepare you for moving in sport. I admire (San Francisco 49ers tight end) George Kittles’ game a lot. He’s a great blocker and also a dynamic route runner.”

Safety and structure are foundational to any young athlete’s burgeoning career and with the proper training, coaching and attention to detail, Palm Beach County’s young football players could achieve their dreams of collegiate and professional glory. 

“Research on weightlifting in adolescents has shown that it can be done safely when done properly,” said Dr. Hinson. “The use of specific stretching and strengthening programs of the shoulder can help protect athletes from injuries to the shoulder and elbow. I encourage young athletes in these sports to consider making these exercise programs part of their workout routine.” 

Oh, what a night…Open Mic at Village Music & Café in Wellington, Florida

Denise Marsh
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Oh, what a night…Open Mic at Village Music & Café in Wellington, Florida

Interview by Denise Marsh

Interview with Stephen Willey, Co-owner of Village Music, Musician, and MC of Open Mic Night

I know that my life has been shaped by a lot of fated incidents – definitely not mere coincidences!  My writing has always been a big part of my life, especially the genre of poetry.  But, about six years ago I was wanting to try something courageous and life-changing; to give my poetry at home.  Of course, as they say, “when the student is ready the teacher appears” (pun intended with my own teaching career), and that is when I saw the neon sign for Village Music.  Something told me to park my car and go in.  I had passed the sign a million times, making excuses each and every time why I couldn’t go in, why I couldn’t ask about open mic…But, this one time I took the plunge and I asked, “Do you have open mic here?” And the rest is history…Open mic literally gave me a voice, newfound courage and the inspiration to write my books.  I have been able to read from my books and even sell some at Open Mic.  Imagine your life changing with the response to one simple question!  Hence, the time has come to “turn the tables” and interview the man behind the concept and the man that started my “stage life,” Stephen Willey (pictured below). 

Next “On Deck” …

AW: When did you first start doing open mic?

SW:  We did it right in the beginning, when we opened here in the Wellington location over 6 years ago; it was the perfect way to connect with the community of Wellington and other communities.    

AW: How often do you do it?

SW: We do it on the first and third Thursday of every month.  Sometimes it is busier at the beginning of the month than the other date, but we always expect the “unexpected.”

AW: What is the GOAL of Open Mic?

SW: Basically, to let people have the chance to perform on a stage where they might not have been afforded that opportunity with a professional sound system and an audience that is receptive.  Newcomers have commented to each other and in passing that they, “love the intimate environment” here.  When hear comments like that, it makes me feel that our goal is being accomplished on many levels. 

AW: Do you have to be a resident of Wellington to perform there?

SW: You can come from anywhere in the world to perform here. There are no boundaries-all are welcome.

Above: A Magician at Open Mic Night

AW: How has open mic changed throughout the years at Open Mic?

SW: We have a core bunch of people that seem to come most weeks but through time we’ve had different acts and stuff; things have changed that way.  But we actually had built up a lot of momentum at one point and then Covid hit; we had to start all over again.  We have stayed the course, time and time again. 

AW:  Can you order “regular” items for dinner at Open Mic?  What is being offered on the food, drink, and dessert menu? 

SW: Yes, Chef Brian is still serving delicious Cuban sandwiches, amazing cheesecake and killer Double Chocolate Cake.  We also have a variety of adult beverages, including Cugini Wine. 

AW: How long does each performer get on stage?

SW: Well, we go through the “set” first.  There is a sign-in sheet of performers’ names, and it is first come, first serve.  Each performer gets 8 to 10 minutes on stage whether they are a musician, poet, comedian, magician etc.   Usually, musicians get to perform 2 songs on the first “round.” If we go through the list once, whoever wants to come up again is welcome. 

AW: Are there any rules that the performers need to be aware of?

SW: If there are any children present in the audience or around in the vicinity, we cannot use any profanity or vulgar language.  But you can be either really awesome or really bad (laughing).

AW: Do you “vet” anyone from Open Mic?

SW: Sure, if someone wants the opportunity to play here, it gives us the chance to check them out but most bands that play here have been recommended by other people or the public.  It never hurts to try – everyone is welcome!

AW: Are there any requirements to perform?

SW: You just have to be ready, willing, and able and get yourself up there.  We all get “butterflies,” even me and I ‘ve been on stage many, many times. It is great practice for future performances or wherever life takes you. 

AW: What’s your advice for someone shy or scared to perform at Open Mic?

SW: Just in itself, it is a supportive and very receptive environment.  Realize that EVERYONE has had to start at the beginning, and nobody is going to judge you.  Even if you don’t give the best performance, you can still gain confidence.  Just do it! (laughing and smiling)

AW: What’s the most interesting act that you’ve seen people perform here? Something “unexpected”.

SW: Most interesting might not be the word…BUT, definitely had my mind blown with some people.  We had Yuri Didenko, a Russian, Classical Piano Player that actually played at Carnegie Hall and then played here.  Also, Gigi Perez has performed here.  She has played stadiums and has a hit song on Spotify!  The first time that I heard her voice, my jaw was on the ground!

AW: You’ve had musicians, poets, comedians, and magicians on your stage; what would you like to see for the future?

SW: I would like to see younger generation people engaging in learning instruments and playing. In addition, people “coming out of their shells” for the first time on a stage with an audience.  We also thrive on the support of the people that come in and enjoy great food or see the music store and realize they want to purchase something for themself or as a gift for someone else.  There’s a lot of give and take on both ends, but we absolutely love it! (Glowing with pride). Open Mic is available for anyone, but I would personally love to see more musicians playing music.  It ebbs and flows here, but there is a consistent base.

AW: Is it true that you perform at Open Mic?

SW: Yes, sometimes I do. I fill in gaps and get the crowd energized.  I also let people know that everyone gets stage fright, even people like me that have been doing this for a very long time.  I like to make people feel encouraged and Open Mic definitely accomplishes that goal.

Exit the Stage

If you’ve never been to an Open Mic, you are truly missing out on a wonderful and lively experience where you can support local musicians and other artists.  Village Music and Cafe is a great place to relax, socialize, and learn more about how performers get their start.  If you are a performer and have always wanted to showcase your work, this is the perfect, unintimidating and receptive environment.  I love reading my poetry at Open Mic. I am there once a month, and you never know who you are going to meet… I have seen a lot of regulars but also have had the opportunity to see some new faces.  If you are a new or upcoming musician or someone that wants to share your “art,” then Steve Willey would love for you to come to Open Mic.

 You can order a drink, appetizer, dinner and   dessert!   Remember to bring friends with you and spread the word… Dinner Service begins at 6:30 and continues throughout the evening.  Open Mic begins around 7pm but the sign-up sheet is there by 6pm.  You can make a reservation, but all performers must sign the list in person.  Hope to see you there on the First or Third Thursday of the month, maybe…BOTH!

(Below: the menu and the wine list)

(Below: Donna and Steve Willey, Co-owners of Village Music)

Mayor’s Column: Meet the Council

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Mayor’s Column: Meet the Council

By Mayor Michael J. Napoleone

Dear Wellington Residents,

It is an honor and a joy to write this column, my first as your newest Mayor. I look forward to using this opportunity to share important information with you about our community. For the first time in eight years, we have new leadership on our Council.  Following a contested election that included nine candidates for two open seats, and then a runoff among the top vote-getters, we welcomed Council members Amanda Silvestri for Seat #1, and Maria Antuña for Seat #4, who will serve alongside Vice Mayor John T. McGovern, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, and myself as your newly elected Mayor. This change marks a significant moment in our history, as for the first time we have a majority female council, and Councilwoman Antuña is the first Hispanic member of our Council.

As we transition into this new chapter, I wanted to use this column to help you learn a little bit more about each of our Council members and their dedication to serving our community.

Councilwoman Maria S. Antuña

Councilwoman Maria Antuña, elected in 2024, has had a remarkable journey of leadership and service. Maria is a 45-year resident of Wellington and a 45-year veteran of banking where she had a successful banking/sales career.  She currently serves as the CEO of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County, and her advocacy for business growth and support for minority-owned businesses through leadership has left a lasting impact on Palm Beach County. She has received accolades including the Community Leadership Award from the Hispanic Education Coalition and a service recognition from West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James for her contribution as a member of the Mayor’s Task Force for Racial and Ethnic Equality.  She is a Hispanic Women of Distinction Honoree and is fully engaged on numerous boards and committees including the Urban League of Palm Beach County, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Criminal Justice Board of Palm Beach County.  She also served as Chair and past Co-Chair of Wellington’s Architectural Review Board.  She is a Rotarian of the Wellington Rotary Club and a 2023 graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County.  Maria is of Cuban heritage, has been married to her husband Juan for over 48 years, and they are parents to two sons who attended Wellington public schools.  Her presence on our council marks a historic moment for Wellington, and her commitment to our community is truly inspiring.

Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri

Councilwoman Silvestri, also elected in 2024, brings a deep love for nature and a strong commitment to environmental conservation. Her dedication to preserving Wellington’s unique way of life and supporting local businesses is commendable.  A devoted wife and mother of two children attending Wellington’s public schools, Amanda has been an active member of the community for over a decade.  Alongside her husband Richard, she successfully owns Silvestri and Associates Insurance.  Her commitment to Wellington is evident through her involvement in the School Advisory Council and PTO at both Wellington Elementary and Wellington Landings Middle School.  Her passion for enhancing our community for future generations is truly admirable and she is a great addition to our Village Council.

Vice Mayor John T. McGovern

Vice Mayor McGovern, a native Floridian, has been deeply rooted in our community since 1986. He is a managing partner at McGovern Gerardi-Law, P.A. – Dedicated to the Injured, and has been serving on the Village Council since his appointment in 2015 to replace Councilman Howard Coates. He was elected in 2016 without opposition to complete the balance of Mr. Coates’s term, re-elected to his first full term in 2018, and then elected again in 2022.  He served two terms as Vice Mayor, first from 2016 to 2018 and again from 2021 to 2022, and is the first member of the Village Council to have grown up in Wellington and was a member of the first graduating class of Wellington High School.  Mr. McGovern holds both a Juris Doctor and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida where he served as President of the student body and is a member of the student Hall of Fame.  He’s been married to his wife Michelle for 22 years and together are raising their daughters, Emilia and Victoria.  Vice Mayor McGovern’s commitment to Wellington’s greatness is unwavering, and his dedication to public service is truly commendable.

Councilwoman Tanya Siskind

Councilwoman Siskind, a 23-year resident of Wellington, has been actively involved in our community through various leadership roles.  All three of her children attended Wellington public schools where she was extremely active in local and County PTA’s, as well as serving on Wellington’s Education Committee.  She has served on the Village Council since her appointment in 2016, winning her seat in 2018, serving as Vice Mayor in 2020, and winning re-election in 2022 for her final 4-year term.  Tanya’s extensive involvement in local organizations and her dedication to our community’s well-being are exemplary.  She currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee for Broward, the Palm Beach and St. Lucie Realtors, the Board of Directors for the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, and as Vice Chair of the HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.  Over her many years of service, she has demonstrated her commitment to making Wellington a better place for all.

Mayor Michael J. Napoleone

As for me, I have had the pleasure to serve on the Council since 2016 and was elected to be the seventh Mayor of Wellington in March of this year.  In addition to my service to Wellington, I have the privilege to serve as Wellington’s representative and an executive board member on the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency, as well as an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Palm Beach County League of Cities.  I am a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and past chair of its Professionalism and Diversity Committees.  I’m the past chair of The Florida Bar’s Constitutional Judiciary Committee, which focused on promoting civics education to adults and served for many years on the governing and executive boards of the Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County.  As for my “other job,” I am a partner in the law firm of Day Pitney LLP where I represent businesses and individuals in corporate disputes, trust, probate, and real estate litigation. I graduated from the University of Florida and St. John’s University School of Law.  My wife Cyndi and I will celebrate our 24th wedding anniversary this year, and our two boys, Christopher and Luca, have grown up in Wellington and attended Binks Forest Elementary, Wellington Landings, and Wellington High School.  In my “free time,” I enjoy biking through the Wellington Environmental Preserve, hiking, gardening, participating in scouting with my sons, and family travel.

As we welcome these new members, we also celebrate the achievements of our previous Council, who set a high standard of service and open government, and ensured that we maintain Wellington’s reputation as a great place to live, work, and play. This new Council is committed to maintaining and building upon that legacy. Our top priorities remain promoting public safety, delivering outstanding services and facilities to residents, and serving the best interests of our community. Thank you for your continued support as we embark on this new chapter together.

Paris Ballet at the Kravis Center June 2nd

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Paris Ballet at the Kravis Center June 2nd
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