‘Our Wellington’ Issue: Giving Animals A New Lease On Life!
executive editor
Joshua I. Manning
publisher
Dawn Rivera
senior graphic designer
Stephanie Rodriguez
graphic designers
Nancy Pobiak
Yolanda Cernicky
account managers
Betty Buglio
Evie Edwards
Joetta Palumbo
bookkeeping
Jill Kaskel
Carol Lieberman
photography
Abner Pedraza
contributors
Matthew Auerbach
Meredith Burow
Gina M. Capone
Denise Fleischman
Melanie Kopacz
Mike May
Callie Sharkey
M. Dennis Taylor
Y.A. Teitelbaum
Deborah Welky
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Message From The Publisher
Dawn Rivera,Publisher
This month, in Wellington The Magazine’s annual “Our Wellington” issue, we got to meet with a variety of local nonprofits working to create a focal point for our community to come together and help animals in need. They show that with compassionate support from residents, donors and individuals, we can together truly make a difference in giving animals a new lease on life.
We begin with a visit to the Panther Ridge Conservation Center, where the focus in put on the survival of majestic big cats. Founded by Judy Berens and originally based in Wellington, Panther Ridge moved last year to a much larger home in Loxahatchee Groves and currently houses 19 exotic big cats representing many different species. Next, we tour McCarthy’s Animal Sanctuary. The eight-acre facility started out as a small, private space for Mark McCarthy and his exotic animal collection, and now puts its focus on the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wild animals.
Moving from these exotic creatures, we focus on nonprofits that are helping to save the burgeoning population of homeless pets, from Big Dog Ranch Rescue — the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the United States — to the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue, which has saved countless dogs and cats right here in our community. We also visit with Amber’s Animal Outreach, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, Luv-A-Pet and Danny & Ron’s Rescue, as well as explore how one local law firm, Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, has taken action to save animals in need.
Wellington Professional this month visits with Gwen Gottlieb of Gwen Lives Well, who has made a name for herself as a South Florida lifestyle influencer, while our Team Wellington series profiles the Village of Wellington’s hardworking Technology Services Department. Wellington Real Estate chats with Karen Allen of the Karen Allen Group at Keller Williams Luxury Homes International, while Wellington Health stops by the B-12 Store in the Mall at Wellington Green. Wellington Home tours a recently renovated Aero Club estate, and, finally, Wellington Table stops by the newly opened SoBol eatery in the Courtyard Shops to sample its super fruit creations.
We had a great time taking a walk on the wild side of life this month, meeting many four-legged and flying creatures alike. Special thanks to all who were involved in helping us put this issue together and spread awareness of all the wonderful things Wellington has in its own backyard.
Next month, we jump right into our Palm Beach Brides issue, where we will be featuring Wellington residents and their amazing weddings. As we look toward the upcoming season, we have a sense that Wellington is going to be booming with action — and you’ll learn all about it in our November Equestrian Season Preview, allowing you to start filling up your calendar with the “must do” events of the year.
Until then, we truly hope you enjoy this beautiful autumn weather here in South Florida.
Dawn Rivera