Wellington To Host Ceremony Recognizing 25th Anniversary Of 9/11

By Fiona Slusarev

The Village of Wellington will recognize the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a morning remembrance ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11 in partnership with the Fire Chief’s Association of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the Wellington Community Foundation.

At 8:46 a.m., the same time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center, village officials, law enforcement and fire-rescue personnel, joined by residents from across the community, will gather to honor the victims and first responders of the attacks. Held at the Wellington Amphitheater and Patriot Memorial, the event will offer a light breakfast while Wellington Village Council members speak, and Lt. Col. Todd Beer gives an address.

Beer, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force for more than 20 years, piloted Air Force One for President George W. Bush during the aftermath of the attacks. He will share his story about how he and President Bush handled the information they received immediately following the attacks as the country worked to understand what happened. He will also recount how he and the plane’s crew planned and executed the mission to fly the president to safety. Beer will also be expanding on his story at a ticketed keynote presentation at 11 a.m. in the Wellington Community Center.

Beer’s address is made possible in part by support from the Wellington Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the community by serving seniors, children and veterans. The nonprofit provides vital support and services to neighbors across the community.

Wellington Community Foundation Chair Jim Sackett is proud to contribute to honoring the victims, survivors and heroes in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the attacks.

“This is a wonderful event for our community, and we look forward to seeing everyone there,” Sackett said. “We wanted to be sure our local heroes were able to be up close and personal with heroic veteran Todd Beer. Being able to invite American Legion Post 390 is one of our greatest honors.”

The master of ceremonies will be Ashley Glass, morning news anchor at WPTV. Along with Beer’s address and comments from elected officials, the ceremony will include the national anthem and invocation, a presentation of colors, the laying of a wreath, a moment of silence, a rendition of “Taps” and a gun salute. It is expected that 1,000 or more people will be in attendance.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes sees the ceremony as a way to unite the community for a shared moment of reflection on the almost 3,000 lives lost, and honor the firefighters, police officers, emergency medical personnel and other first responders that ran toward danger to help others.

“The 25th anniversary is a significant milestone, and we want this year’s ceremony to reflect the importance of that moment while remaining true to the purpose of the event: remembrance. The event will be an immersive and heartfelt tribute honoring the victims, knowing that many attending may have lost loved ones during the attacks or were responders on that fateful day,” Barnes said.

Now 25 years after the attacks, many adults can remember the tragedy and living through the tumultuous time that followed, while young adults and teens were born into a world that views 9/11 retrospectively. Barnes hopes to show young community members that the attacks aren’t just history and to bring all generations together for a time for reflection.

“For our younger residents in particular, I hope they take away an understanding that history is not just something we read about. It is something that shapes who we are and the responsibilities we have to one another,” Barnes explained.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on Channel 20, as well as posted to the village’s YouTube channel. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find a seat before the prompt 8:46 a.m. start. All community members are invited to participate in this memorial honoring the victims, families and first responders affected by the 9/11 attacks.

“We hope people leave remembering that, even in our darkest moments, we are capable of extraordinary acts of courage, kindness and unity,” Barnes said. “Twenty-five years can create distance from an event, but it should never diminish our commitment to remember. We should remember the lives lost, honor those who served and recognize the importance of looking out for one another.”

For more information about the September 11th Remembrance Memorial, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/663/September-11th-Remembrance-Ceremony.

Saluting The People Who Help Make Wellington Better

Every hometown has its landmarks, traditions and familiar faces. But what really defines a community? The people who show up. The people who notice what needs to be done and don’t wait for someone else to do it. The people who open doors, lend a hand, rally for a cause, mentor people, support neighbors and make the community around them stronger. That is the spirit behind the Our Wellington Awards.

This year, we are proud to recognize three extraordinary individuals whose contributions have left a meaningful mark on the place we call home: retired newscaster turned community leader Jim Sackett, veteran and businesswoman Krissy Robbs, and artist and author Dinah Mirson. Their paths are different. Their passions are different. Their stories are uniquely their own. But they share something that matters most: a genuine commitment to Wellington and the people who make this community special.

From giving their time and talents to championing causes, creating opportunities and stepping up when their community needs them, Our Wellington honorees remind us that making a difference doesn’t always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s a series of small decisions to care, give of yourself and do a little more.

This year’s honorees represent the heart, energy and generosity that continue to shape Wellington. They are the people behind our hometown. They are the reason it feels like home. This is Our Wellington.

Congratulations To Our 2026 Honorees

 

Jim Sackett:  From Longtime News Anchor To Wellington Civic Leader

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Frank Koester

Jim Sackett is a huge fan, advocate and supporter of Wellington. The long-time WPTV/News Channel 5 anchor (now retired) and his wife Paula moved to Wellington in 1983, and they have no plans to leave. In fact, they have always encouraged anybody they meet to follow in their footsteps.

“The nicest, friendliest people live in Wellington,” said Sackett, now 80. “I would encourage people to move to Wellington in a heartbeat.”

Sackett has been an eyewitness to the growth and expansion of the community.

“When we built our house in Sugar Pond Manor, our home was just the third house on the street,” he recalled. “Now, there are more.”

Today, Sackett is busy in Wellington as a volunteer with the Wellington Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving Wellington’s seniors, children and veterans in need. He is currently in his ninth year with the organization, now serving as chair of its board of directors.

Sackett concurs with the organization’s motto that “together, we are building a stronger community.” Sackett said it’s that type of commitment to civic excellence that makes Wellington stand out from other places in South Florida.

As chair, Sackett represents the organization by making appearances at many events in Wellington. He’s also a hands-on leader who has been known to use his “elbow grease,” from time to time.

“I do what I can,” Sackett said. “In early August, I packed backpacks for children headed back to school, spoke at a local appreciation luncheon for Palm Beach County teachers and helped organize a back-to-school event for the general public.”

While Sackett loves Wellington, he also has ties and commitments outside of the village.

“I’m also the chair of the Women’s Circle in Boynton Beach, an organization spearheaded by Catholic nuns that helps Haitian women learn how to read, speak English and develop skills that will help them live in South Florida.”

Another activity that has kept Sackett connected to the community is the sport of softball.

For 30 years — from age 49 to 79 — Sackett played senior softball in the western communities.

“I have been on softball teams that have played at the fields behind Wellington High School, at Okeeheelee Park and at Seminole Palms Park,” Sackett said. “I retired from softball about six months ago due to an injury to my rotator cuff, and my legs were starting to get a little wobbly.”

While the Sacketts have been happily living in Wellington since 1983, his life prior to moving to Palm Beach County was filled with a few ports of call.

“I was a U.S. Air Force brat,” Sackett said. “I was born in London, England, but I really grew up in central Illinois.”

After graduating from high school, he studied at Southern Illinois University, the home of the Salukis. Back then, the Salukis had some star-power on their football and basketball teams.

“Our football team’s quarterback was future pro quarterback Jim Hart, who played with the NFL’s St. Louis Cardinals, and one of the guards on the men’s basketball team was Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier, who later starred with the NBA’s New York Knicks,” Sackett recalled.

After college, Sackett joined the U.S. Army, where he emerged as a captain. Part of his time defending the United States was spent living in Germany.

After life in the military, he pursued opportunities in broadcasting in places like Washington, D.C., and Bangor, Maine. In 1978, he received and accepted an offer to come work at WPTV, the NBC affiliate in West Palm Beach. The Sacketts were intrigued by the idea of living and working in Florida. He stayed at WPTV until he retired in 2011.

“Initially, I worked weekends, where I wrote scripts, edited copy, produced the show and then anchored the broadcast,” Sackett said. “I was eventually promoted to anchor the evening news at six and at eleven on Monday through Friday, which I did for the rest of my career.”

Since his retirement, when he hasn’t been playing softball, volunteering or relaxing at home, he and his wife have enjoyed traveling the world.

“We have visited the Baltic countries in Northern Europe, Austria, Scotland, Belgium, Ireland, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Galapagos Islands,” Sackett said.

As much as he and Paula relish visiting other countries, they always enjoy returning home to Wellington, where Sackett remains the community’s biggest fan, advocate and supporter.

 

Krissy Robbs:  From Army Broadcaster To Creative Business Leader

By Mike May

Krissy Robbs has built a life rooted in communication, leadership and service. A U.S. Army veteran, entrepreneur, speaker, wife and mother of three, Robbs is the founder of Fix My Flyer, a service-disabled veteran-owned creative marketing agency that helps businesses and organizations communicate clearly and prepare for new opportunities.

Raised in Shelby, North Carolina, Robbs grew up in a close-knit community that shaped her appreciation for family and meaningful relationships. “I grew up in a small town where people knew one another and community mattered,” she said. “That experience still influences how I approach my family, business and service.”

Robbs attended Western Carolina University, where she earned a degree in communications with a minor in marketing in 2012. It was also where she met her husband, Bevans Robbs. They married in 2014.

In 2013, Robbs joined the U.S. Army, serving as a public affairs broadcast specialist. She reached the rank of Specialist (E-4) and worked as both a television news reporter and radio disc jockey. In this role, she interviewed service members, developed stories and communicated information under pressure — skills that would later shape her career.

“My military experience taught me how to tell stories, communicate with different audiences and complete the mission even when circumstances were challenging,” Robbs said.

In 2019, Robbs and her family moved to Wellington, where they are raising their three children: Melani, Maci, and Bevans Robbs III, known as Tre.

In 2023, she launched Fix My Flyer, which provides marketing strategy, graphic design, print services and business workshops to businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions and community organizations.

“Fix My Flyer is about much more than making something look good,” Robbs said. “We help clients think through their strategy, communicate their value and show up prepared.”

Recognized as one of the top veteran-owned businesses in South Florida, her long-term vision for the company is to make professional design and printing more accessible and efficient.

Robbs’ commitment to service extends well beyond her business. She serves as public relations officer for American Legion Post 390 in Wellington. Although she is one of the post’s younger members, she has found a strong sense of camaraderie among veterans from multiple generations.

Her involvement includes delivering Memorial Day and Veterans Day speeches, participating in wreath-laying ceremonies, attending military funerals to honor fallen service members and supporting local service projects. “The American Legion has given me another family,” Robbs said. “Whether we are laying a wreath, attending a funeral, sharing a meal or checking on one another, we do it together.”

Robbs has also been a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. for more than 15 years. She is active in the West Palm Beach chapter and serves as chair of the Build Our Economic Wealth Committee. “Service is at the heart of everything we do,” Robbs said. “We help families, support young people, care for seniors and meet people where they are.”

She also serves on the board of the Western Carolina University Catamount Club, giving back to the university that played a key role in her life.

The Wellington community has become an important home base for her family. She values its close-knit atmosphere, strong schools and family-centered environment.

“It is rare for my family to go anywhere in Wellington without seeing someone we know,” Robbs said. “That sense of connection makes it feel like a small town.”

Her children enjoy the many family-friendly events throughout the village. The area’s equestrian culture also reminds her of her North Carolina roots, where members of her family were involved in equestrian activities.

When she is not working or serving, Robbs enjoys traveling with her family. They frequently visit Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, travel to North Carolina, attend concerts and cheer for the NFL’s Pittsburgh Steelers. She also enjoys hosting celebrations. “I enjoy creating moments that give people something to look forward to,” she said. “I love bringing people together and creating memories we can share.”

Robbs’ journey is equally defined by service — supporting veterans, strengthening communities, mentoring youth and helping others communicate with purpose.

“I want the work I do to mean something,” she said. “Whether I am serving a client, supporting fellow veterans, working with my sorority sisters, giving back to my university or creating memories with my family, I want people to feel that I showed up with purpose.”

 

Dinah Mirson

Artist & Author Joins Fernando To Shine Light In The World

Story by Mike May  |  Photo by Denise Fleischman

There are many ways to describe Dinah Mirson. She is caring, giving, kind, artistic and a talented author. Married to husband Brian and mother of two now-grown children, Mirson is happy to be living in the community.

“I moved to Wellington with my family in June 2006,” Mirson recalled. “We chose Wellington because it offered everything we were looking for — a strong sense of community, excellent schools, and a peaceful atmosphere while still being close to everything South Florida has to offer. It has been home ever since, and I truly can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

Right now, Mirson is retired and busy carrying out some lifelong goals. One of her most recent accomplishments is getting a book designed, written and published: FERNANDO. live. laugh. love. Fernando is her dog. This book would never have been written had Fernando, a silken windhound, not become a part of the family in August 2019.

“The book combines colorful artwork, lighthearted stories behind each painting and positive reflections that encourage readers to slow down, appreciate life’s simple moments and find joy in everyday kindness,” Mirson said. “Fernando reminds us that even small acts of compassion can make a meaningful difference.”

Mirson added that many readers feel the book has brought them comfort, joy and encouragement during difficult times — which, of course, was the point. “The response has been incredibly heartwarming,” she said. “Readers have shared that the book has made them smile, laugh and, in some cases, even helped them through difficult times. Our audience is wonderfully diverse, but many younger adults have embraced Fernando’s message that kindness, positivity and slowing down are things worth celebrating.”

The colorful coffee table book has been popular with people ranging from the religious community to medical professionals. “I’ve been donating copies to clergy members, mental health providers, assisted living communities, hospitals and organizations such as the Kids Cancer Foundation because I believe its message is meant to be shared,” she said.

Mirson’s recent artistic accomplishments were triggered during the pandemic. “I actually started painting again during Covid-19,” Mirson recalled. “I had some health issues, and painting became part of my healing process. The colors, creativity and joy they brought lifted my spirits and ultimately led me back to creating art full time after retirement.”

The foundation for FERNANDO. live. laugh. love. can be traced to Mirson’s work in New York City and later in Florida.

Before retiring from a 15-year career in banking on Palm Beach in July 2022, she worked in New York City for comic strip syndication service United Feature Syndicate, beginning in 1984. In her role there, she worked in marketing and licensing, which included working with Peanuts and Garfield. Her work with United Feature Syndicate was a profound period of her professional life. “That experience taught me the power of storytelling and creating emotional connections, something I now try to do every day through Fernando,” Mirson said.

Nowadays, Mirson and her muse Fernando, a retired show dog and licensed therapy dog, spend time helping other people overcome their current struggles in life.

“Since 2023, Fernando and I have been making therapy visits throughout the community,” Mirson said. I think Fernando enjoys the visits just as much as the people he meets. Also, we are now proud to be affiliated with Bonafide Pet Therapy, where Fernando achieved his advanced therapy status this past July.”

For Mirson, her years of work in the corporate world and being a pet owner have taught her a few lessons. “I believe aging well means continuing to learn, staying connected, giving back and having a sense of purpose,” Mirson said. “Fernando has given me all of those things, and together we’ve found a wonderful way to share a little more kindness wherever we go.”

Mirson is not content to be just an author. “I’m currently collaborating on a block-to-block community art project with Tito’s Handmade Vodka at Satchel’s Last Resort pet rescue and sanctuary in Sarasota, while also planning author meet-and-greet programs at Books & Books in Coral Gables this fall,” Mirson said. “The project is designed to create a joyful, welcoming environment that celebrates rescue dogs while encouraging kindness, hope and community.”

Moving forward, Mirson is focused on devoting her time to painting, writing, community projects and therapy visits with Fernando. Mirson and Fernando have many followers on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about them at www.thatsfernando.com.

 

Glazer Hall Builds On Success With Spectacular Second Season

By Chelsea Casagrande

Following its successful inaugural season, Glazer Hall is setting the stage for its spectacular 2026-27 season this fall and winter. From contemporary jazz, rock and comedy to film screenings, classical concerts and acrobatics, Glazer Hall will once again captivate audiences with an eclectic lineup of performances in its intimate 400-seat theater, where every seat offers a great view.

Founded by longtime Palm Beach residents Jill and Avie Glazer, Glazer Hall is a not-for-profit organization providing world-class, innovative cultural experiences to the community. The former Royal Poinciana Playhouse has been reimagined as a waterfront cultural center and theater that opens a window into the world of arts and culture — inspiring and educating Palm Beach residents and visitors with programming that is accessible, relevant and reflective of the tremendous cultural and philanthropic ethos that defines the Town of Palm Beach.

Glazer Hall’s upcoming season will showcase an all-star lineup of performances, such as Broadway’s Grammy and Emmy-nominated entertainer Cheyenne Jackson, and the sounds of Frank Sinatra from legendary actor and singer Tony Danza, both part of Glazer Hall’s Cabaret/Theater Series. Enjoy a night of laughs from acclaimed comedians John Mulaney and Jon Lovitz as part of Glazer Hall’s Comedy Series.

For Glazer Hall’s Jazz Series, feel the rhythms and blues with iconic performances from 11-time Grammy winner Christian McBride and acclaimed quintet Ursa Major, or Grammy Award-winning smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. Experience the diversity of Glazer Hall’s Rock Series through the dynamic string performances of the Grammy-nominated duo Will Baptiste and Kev Marcus on their Black Violin: The Be Free Tour, or enjoy the captivating vocals of Italian singer Matteo Bocelli, son of the legendary Andrea Bocelli.

Glazer Hall’s Family Series offers fun-filled performances for the whole family, such as the Rock and Roll Playhouse Plays Music of Taylor Swift, the Shanghai Acrobats and Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland. Witness the magic of movement with beautiful ensembles from the Miami City Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre and the New York City Ballet, each a part of Glazer Hall’s Dance Series. Cherish classical repertoire by celebrated international pianist Emanuel Ax, the renowned New York Philharmonic orchestra or operatic tenor James Valenti as part of the Classical Series.

Glazer Hall’s exclusive Speaker Series will return, including engaging conversations by René Silvin, the cast of Twin Peaks, Garrison Keillor and Hugo Vickers. The popular Film Series will also be back, with a screening of Rocky in Concert — a 50th anniversary special featuring a live orchestra from Bill Conti’s legendary Academy Award-winning score.

Glazer Hall is located at 70 Royal Poinciana Way, Suite P70, in Palm Beach. To learn more, contact (561) 576-7860 or contact@glazerhall.org, or visit www.glazerhall.org.

 

Wellington Historical Society Preserves Village’s Past For Future Generations

By Patrick Sherry

Wellington’s history is written every day by the residents who call it home. Some of the people who helped shape the community in its early days are now gone, while others are still here, but the history they made will not be forgotten because of the Wellington Historical Society.

The Wellington Historical Society was created in 2018 by residents who saw the importance of preserving the community’s past for future generations. To them, a bright future is possible by learning from local history and the people who made it. The organization undertakes this mission by sharing Wellington’s history through the recording of firsthand experiences and the collection of historical documents.

Made up of community leaders and long-time residents, the society understands that the knowledge of history can disappear if no one preserves it. However, remembering yesterday can guide those who want to build toward a greater future.

“Our work helps connect people to the place they live,” explained Sue Bierer, president of the Wellington Historical Society. “Understanding how Wellington developed gives residents a greater appreciation for the vision, determination and community spirit that shaped our village.”

The organization’s collection boasts several historical materials that document Wellington’s early years and its rapid growth. Its members archive these documents online for the community to access. Members also interview long-time residents and local leaders who made Wellington what it is today. Their stories detail their experiences seeing the small community grow into a thriving village that has become one of the most desirable places to live in Florida.

Bierer said that the most meaningful pieces in the organization’s collection are those from events and people that many residents remember, like when Prince Charles and Princess Diana came to Wellington in 1985 or the first meeting of the Wellington Village Council in 1996. Sharing stories that have never been recorded before, or seeing families recognize familiar faces, creates a personal connection to history that reminds people why preserving it matters, she said.

“We focus on collecting and documenting Wellington’s history because today’s memories become tomorrow’s history,” Bierer said. “Our goal is to preserve not only major milestones but also the everyday experiences that define our community.”

Before becoming Wellington, the area was part of a vast wetland connected to the Everglades with few people living here. But over the last 75 years, the once remote swamp was transformed into the prosperous community it is today. Even with its short history, the members of the Wellington Historical Society pride themselves on learning and understanding the place they call home.

“Although Wellington is a relatively young community, many of its founding residents recognized that important stories, photographs and historical materials could easily be lost if they were not collected and preserved,” Bierer said. “The society was created to ensure that those memories would be available for future generations.”

In 1951, accountant Charles Oliver Wellington worked with Arthur William “Bink” Glisson to purchase and assemble the 18,000 acres of land that would become Wellington’s namesake community. He named the property south of Southern Blvd. and west of State Road 7 as the “Flying COW Ranch,” with COW standing for his initials.

Shortly thereafter, state lawmakers created the Acme Drainage District on the land acquired by Wellington to provide drainage and flood control. The area was subsequently turned into agricultural land that was sold and leased to farmers. At one point, more than 2,000 acres were strawberry fields, and it was believed to be one of the largest strawberry patches in the world.

“The stories of Charles Oliver Wellington and Bink Glisson are fascinating chapters in our community’s history,” Bierer said.

When Charles Oliver Wellington died in 1959, it would take a couple more decades for the property to begin its transition to the community we know today. The decision to develop part of the land was made by Wellington’s son, Roger Wellington.

The Investment Corporation of Florida (ICOF) partnered with the Alcoa Corporation to begin the first major residential development of Wellington after it purchased 7,400 acres of the land in 1971. Rapid development followed as the population of the community continued to grow. In 1995, residents voted to establish the Village of Wellington as a municipality.

Wellington Historical Society members work to ensure that children who grow up in Wellington learn about this history. Bierer and a team of retired teachers created a curriculum that teaches elementary school students about the history of the community they live in. Schools across Wellington use the curriculum during social studies classes to celebrate the achievements of the village.

Throughout the year, the Wellington Historical Society also hosts educational programs, lectures and social events to make the village’s history accessible to everyone in the community.

“We’ve received tremendous encouragement from residents who appreciate having a place where Wellington’s history is preserved and celebrated,” Bierer said. “Many people are excited to contribute their own photographs and memories once they learn about our mission.”

Bierer said that Wellington is important to residents, so preserving and honoring the past is a meaningful way that they can ensure it will never be forgotten.

“It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” she explained. “I’ve met wonderful people, learned so much about Wellington’s remarkable history, and had the privilege of helping preserve the story of a community that means so much to so many people.”

Wellington started with less than 100 people decades ago and has since grown to a population of more than 62,000. Many early residents are still alive today, and their descendants are the future of the community. A photograph or memory is not just a keepsake, but part of the story of the resilient, passionate people who contributed to making their community.

The Wellington Historical Society prides itself on recording those stories so it can be preserved in the unique history of the village for future generations, so they can continue the village’s legacy.

“Every community has a story worth telling,” Bierer said. “Local history reminds us where we came from, celebrates the people who built our community, and provides valuable lessons for future generations. If we don’t preserve these stories today, they may be lost forever.”

To learn more about the Wellington Historical Society, access its online archives, or donate to its fundraising initiatives, visit www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

The Wellington We Choose To Be

Thirty years ago, Wellington’s residents chose to build a community of their own. Twenty-five years ago, our nation was reminded in the most painful way possible how much communities depend upon one another. Today, we have the privilege, and the responsibility, of learning from both.

Thirty years is a long time. For some residents, Wellington’s incorporation is something they remember. For others, Wellington has been home their entire lives. And for many newer residents, the community they moved to may seem as though it has always been here. But Wellington was not inevitable. Thirty years ago, a group of residents made a decision that they wanted their community’s future to be shaped locally. They believed local government should be close to the people it serves, and that Wellington’s unique character and quality of life were worth protecting. That decision created the village we know today.

This September, as we continue to celebrate Wellington’s 30th anniversary year, we also pause to mark another anniversary, one that has nothing to do with budgets, development or local government, but has everything to do with community. Twenty-five years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001, our country changed forever. The events of that day reminded our entire nation of something fundamental: communities are more than the places where we live. They are the people we stand beside. They are the first responders who run toward danger when others are running away. They are the neighbors who check on one another. They are the volunteers who step forward when they are needed. They are the people who, in difficult moments, put aside their differences and ask a simple question: How can I help?

Twenty-five years later, those lessons remain important. And as I think about Wellington’s first 30 years of incorporation, I believe they are connected to the story we are writing for the next 30. Because communities are living things. They grow. They change. New families arrive. Businesses open. Roads are improved. Parks evolve. New neighborhoods are built. Technology changes how we work and communicate. The expectations residents have of their local government change, too.

Our responsibility is not to freeze Wellington in time. Our responsibility is to make sure that as Wellington changes, we remain intentional about what should never change. We should continue to be a community that values its open spaces, parks, trails, equestrian heritage, neighborhoods and sense of place. We should continue investing in infrastructure that supports our residents today while preparing for the demands of tomorrow. We should continue creating places where people want to gather — not simply places where people pass through.

And we should continue to be a community where neighbors know that their voices matter. That last point may be the most important. Local government works best when it is a conversation, not one-way communication. Over the past several years, we have made it a priority to make village government more accessible and more personal. That includes sharing information more openly, communicating directly with residents through social media and other platforms, and looking for more opportunities to explain not only what we are doing, but why we are doing it.

Our residents should not have to attend a council meeting to understand what is happening in their community. At the same time, government should not assume that communicating means we have done our job. We also need to listen, and Wellington residents have certainly demonstrated that they are willing to engage. We see it during the budget process. We see it when development proposals come forward. We see it when residents advocate for their neighborhoods, parks, roads, schools and community institutions. We see it at village events and community meetings.

Sometimes that engagement leads to agreement. Sometimes it doesn’t. But that is what a healthy community looks like. We don’t have to agree on everything to care deeply about the same place. One of the things I have learned during my 23 years with Wellington is that community character is not created by a single comprehensive plan, ordinance or development project. It is created by thousands of decisions, large and small, made over many years.

It is created by the resident who volunteers. The coach who gives their time to young athletes. The business owner who invests in the community. The neighbor who looks out for someone down the street. The employee who takes pride in serving the public. The parent who brings their child to a village program. The senior who participates in a community activity.

And it is created by the men and women who choose public service, whether they are elected officials, village team members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, teachers, healthcare workers or any of the countless others who serve their neighbors every day. September gives us a reason to remember that. Twenty-five years after Sept. 11, 2001, we should remember not only the tragedy and the lives that were lost, but also the extraordinary sense of unity and service that emerged in its aftermath.

We should remember the courage of those who responded. We should remember the generosity of strangers. We should remember that, when faced with something larger than ourselves, Americans came together. And perhaps most importantly, we should remember that the strength of our country ultimately rests on the strength of our communities.

That is something worth carrying forward. As we look toward Wellington’s next 30 years, we will face difficult choices. Wellington will continue to grow and evolve. There will be proposals we support, proposals we oppose and proposals that require compromise. There will be competing demands for limited resources. There will be new technologies and new ways of delivering services. There will be challenges we cannot yet anticipate.

Our job is not to predict all of them. Our job is to be prepared for them. That means continuing to plan ahead. It means maintaining the financial discipline that allows us to invest in our community. It means protecting the infrastructure and public spaces that define our quality of life. It means being willing to embrace new ideas while remembering the values that brought us here in the first place. And it means continuing to listen to the people who call Wellington home.

Thirty years ago, Wellington’s residents chose to build a community of their own. Twenty-five years ago, our nation was reminded in the most painful way possible how much communities depend upon one another. Today, we have the privilege, and the responsibility, of learning from both. Not with one grand decision, but through the thousands of decisions we will make together over the next decade and beyond.

The Wellington of tomorrow is being built today. And ultimately, the question is not simply what Wellington will become. The question is, what kind of Wellington do we choose to be? I believe the answer should be a community that continues to grow without losing its identity; that embraces the future without forgetting its past; that welcomes new residents while maintaining the sense of community that brought so many of us here; and that remains committed to service, compassion, courage and looking out for one another.

Thirty years ago, Wellington’s residents chose to build a community of their own. Twenty-five years ago, our nation showed the world what community could mean in the face of tragedy. Our responsibility now is to make sure that the next 30 years are worthy of what they started, and that we never forget the people and principles that made both stories possible.

Wellington Figure Skating Team Fuels Success With Friendship

By Patrick Sherry

On less than an inch of sharp blades and in complete unison, Olivia Kotel, 13, and Rylin Reaves, 14, combine high-intensity athleticism with artistry. Their friendship started at the same ice rink while training under the same coaches, and now the two are chasing the same dream to reach figure skating’s biggest competitions together.

The two Wellington teenagers train nearly every day at Palm Beach Skate Zone off Lake Worth Road. Both began their figure skating journeys as young children and have been diligently training ever since.

Kotel and Reaves were already close friends before they began their partnership two years ago.

The two first teamed up for a performance at Skate Zone’s annual holiday show. Recognizing their friendship and chemistry on the ice, their parents and coaches suggested they become a pairs team.

“We’ve always skated together,” Kotel said. “We have the same coaches, so it was just a decision that we made because we did a show one year.”

Pairs skating is one of the most physically demanding and difficult disciplines in figure skating. In it, a male and female skater perform in unison, showcasing synchronicity and athleticism through the execution of complex elements.

Pairs teams incorporate all elements seen in singles skating, like jumps, footwork and spins. Its main differentiator is the inclusion of side-by-side jumps, overhead lifts and throw jumps, in which the male assists the female into the air, allowing her to complete and land a jump.

Before partnering, Reaves admitted that he was initially jealous of Kotel’s skating abilities. While he is hesitant to say whether he has surpassed her yet, they both acknowledge that they have strengths that complement each other. Their combined skills push them to grow and learn together.

“I used to be jealous of her because she was a lot better than me,” Reaves said. “When she was younger, she had a lot higher jumps than me, and I remember there was a good couple-month period where I was jealous of her… But then we became really close. One thing led to another, and we started skating together.”

To transition from singles to pairs skating, they had to learn new elements and how to coordinate their movements, all while being in tune with music.

Kotel and Reaves said the biggest adjustment was learning how to synchronize their skating, especially during side-by-side jumps. Yet, they acclimated quickly to the changes, which they attribute to the similar techniques learned from the same coaches.

Moving as one is now even second nature to them. They’ve developed a natural sense of each other’s movements by relying on visual or audio cues to match timing and complete elements seamlessly.

“When we started, we were very slow and hesitant, and we really didn’t match crossovers or side-by-side moves,” Kotel said. “This year, we have more power in the little in-between things, and we’re more connected. I feel like that makes us stand out compared to other teams.”

Kotel and Reaves participate in multiple individual and pairs competitions across the country each year. As a pairs team, they currently compete as juveniles on the figure skating championship track. During the season, the two participate in U.S. Figure Skating’s National Qualifying Series (NQS), which brings together nearly 1,500 skaters from around the country to compete at multiple qualifying events. The NQS allows skaters to develop their rankings within the sport and serves as one of the pipelines to qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships.

Last year, the team made it to the NQS U.S. Pairs Final. This earned them spots at National Development Camp and on the National Development Team. The camp was a multi-day training program for top-performing skaters in the NQS. It took place around the same time as the U.S. Figure Skating Championships, so young competitive skaters could watch the competition live and train with high-level coaches in a group environment.

The pair explain that becoming a part of the National Development Team is one of the highlights of their competitive careers so far. They added it was a privilege to watch elite figure skaters in competition and learn from world-class coaches.

“It was definitely challenging, learning different views coaches have on certain elements and connecting what our coaches have taught us with what they were saying,” Reaves explained. “It was challenging, but I feel like we got a lot out of it, and it was very fun.”

Kotel and Reaves recently kicked off the NQS competitive season with other skaters from Palm Beach Skate Zone. This year, they will be performing to the song “Hallelujah” that they reworked from last year’s holiday show. They usually perform to upbeat music, but they are excited to take on the challenge because it was a crowd favorite.

This year, they have their sights on reaching the National Development Team Championship competition. As they continue to develop as skaters, they are learning and incorporating more difficult elements while focusing on improving artistry. To help them achieve all this are their parents and coaches, who are supporting them along the way. They describe their coaches almost as second parents because of how much time they spend together.

Jennifer Kane, one of their coaches, believes that their close bond makes Kotel and Reaves a great team.

“Rylin and Olivia are both very strong skaters independently. As a pairs team, they have a very common ground in their skating skills,” Kane said. “They have this natural capability to match each other in their movements and skating style, and their speed and power are equivalent. When they started skating together two years ago, it just seemed so natural.”

The two bring that connection to every competition. Reaves said their friendship motivates them to improve and continue to show their best every time they are on the ice. While figure skating can be full of falls and missteps, this strong relationship makes every competition enjoyable.

“It’s definitely easier doing a competition with somebody else — doing pairs instead of singles,” Kotel said.

Like most young elite athletes, Kotel and Reaves want to reach their sport’s biggest stages. They hope to qualify for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in the future and eventually compete at the Winter Olympics. To get there, they are going to work hard while maintaining a positive mindset. If they can accomplish these goals, they said they would be proud to represent their hometown and the rink where they train.

“Since this is my first [figure skating] club, and it’s my hometown, if in the future we go really far, it would feel great to represent where I came from,” Reaves said.

Built on friendship and a commitment to growing together, the partnership that Kotel and Reaves have is turning their bond into their competitive advantage. They skate, fall and get up together, and hope they can achieve their dreams side-by-side.

“Don’t let anything that anybody says or any negative results that you see get in your head — and definitely make sure you have good chemistry with your partner,” Reaves said.

To learn more about Olivia Kotel and Rylin Reaves and their exciting figure skating journey, follow them on Instagram @team_rylivia.