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Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2026, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.
At age 14, PBSO Capt. Nichole Addazio’s family moved to Wellington because of its safe neighborhoods and strong public schools. Now, decades later, Addazio has become one of the top local leaders in charge of ensuring the safety of the community. BY PATRICK SHERRY
A new pickleball group turned social club is taking Wellington by storm. The Wellington Picklettes now number 40 members, despite only being founded last spring. BY FIONA SLUSAREV
Dreams of international success and Olympic medals have led Canada’s Sofia Popescu to Wellington, home of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival. BY SIENA ROSATO TECHNOLOGY MEETS TRADITION AT LM BOOTS
The master bootmakers at LM Boots have measured by eye and hand for 120 years. Now, they’ve introduced the world’s first digital laser scanner of the foot and leg. BY CARRIE WIRTH
This year, the Norton Museum of Art celebrated its 85th anniversary. But rather than looking back, the Norton is looking ahead to creating new ways to educate and inspire. BY SCOTT SIMMONS
WELLINGTON PHILANTHROPY
Our Wellington Philanthropy series this month features the work of the Rotary Club of Wellington. BY PATRICK SHERRY
WELLINGTON TODAY
Here in Wellington, spring represents progress — projects moving forward, plans taking shape and priorities becoming clearer. BY JIM BARNES
WELLINGTON TABLE
The newly opened Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, now open in Lotis Wellington, combines authentic Japanese cuisine with interactive dining and new culinary experiences. BY JOSHUA MANNING
Featured on our cover this issue are Nikki Stinson and Maria Fernanda Cruz, president-elect and president, respectively, of the Rotary Club of Wellington. The club is the focus of our Wellington Philanthropy feature this month, which details how local Rotarians have put “service above self” for the past 45 years, supporting the Wellington community.
Also this month, we profile Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Nichole Addazio, the law enforcement official in charge of the PBSO’s District 8 in Wellington. Once a teenager growing up in Wellington, Addazio was recently awarded a Community Impact Award from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County. Next, we visit with the Wellington Picklettes, a group of pickleball enthusiasts who have added a fun social dimension to their favorite sporting activity.
In the equestrian arena this issue, we visit with the master bootmakers at LM Boots, who have developed a new boot-fitting technology — the world’s first digital laser scanner of the foot and leg. We also profile Canadian rider Sofia Popescu, who has moved to Wellington to continue her training with dreams of Olympic glory in the future.
As part of our series profiling regional cultural institutions, we explore the current exhibitions on display at the Norton Museum of Art. Finally, Wellington Table visits Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, now open in Lotis Wellington. If you love sushi and crave unique experiences, this is the place for you.
As the school year draws to a close, all of us at Wellington The Magazine wish to congratulate the Class of 2026. We are excited to see where the future takes you. And when you get there, don’t forget all of your friends here in Wellington.
Dawn Rivera
Dawn Rivera, Publisher
The Women of the Western Communities turned Wellington National Golf Club into a high-energy celebration of community, compassion and a little country flair at the “Boots & Boogie” fundraiser on Saturday, April 18. With music, line dancing and a lively silent auction, the event brought together supporters from across the western communities to raise funds for local women.
Attendees enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch buffet before the excitement ramped up with dance music and line dancing di-
rected by DJ Kristi Moynihan, door prizes and the much-anticipated auction close. The event concluded with winning bids announced and a celebratory checkout as guests left knowing they had made a meaningful impact.
“Boots & Boogie was more than just a fun afternoon, it was a powerful reminder of what happens when a community of women comes together with purpose,” WWC President Teresa Harrington said. “Every dollar raised helps us continue our
mission of supporting women in our community who need a hand up.”
Funds raised from the event will directly benefit the group’s scholarship program, as well as this season’s charitable initiatives, which include support for organizations such as the Tree of Life Resource Center, Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches and Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.
For more information about the Women of the Western Communities, visit www. womenofthewesterncommunities.org.
The annual Wellington Egg Hunt was held on Saturday, April 4 at Village Park. Several hundred people attended the family-friendly event celebrating the Easter season. The event featured two Easter Bunnies in attendance, and volunteers from Christ Fellowship Church handed out breakfast and snacks to participants. The egg hunt was divided into four age groups, and children hunted for eggs in hopes of finding the special eggs with winning tickets in them, earning special prizes.
The Village of Wellington celebrated Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind and Councilman John McGovern on Monday, March 23 at Wellington Village Hall. The celebration took place just one day before their final meeting on the Wellington Village Council, capping more than 10 years of service each. This event was followed three weeks later by a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, April 14 to welcome two newly elected councilmen, Johnny Meier and Stephen Levin. A reception was held in the lobby before a formal ceremony in the council chambers immediately before the first meeting of the new council.
The Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce held its annual Board Installation Luncheon on Wednesday, March 25 at Wellington International. During the luncheon, Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Mike Caruso installed the chamber’s board for 2026-27, which will be led by attorney Alexander L. Domb. Attendees enjoyed food, networking and a presentation by the event’s sponsor, Sherron Permashwar of the Modern Savvy CPA and the Prosperity Academy.
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Brad P. Glick, DO, MPH, FAAD
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BY PATRICK SHERRY
At age 14, Capt. Nichole Addazio’s family moved to Wellington because of its safe neighborhoods and strong public schools. Now, decades later, Addazio has become one of the top local leaders in charge of ensuring the safety of the same community that she spent her teenage years in.
Since 1998, Addazio has been serving the residents of Palm Beach County as part of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). Before joining the agency, she attended Welling-
ton High School. While pursuing her undergraduate degree, she started working for the PBSO and decided to attend the police academy soon after graduating.
“As I was working [at the PBSO] and studying criminology, it further piqued my interest in the field,” Addazio said.
Recruited as a cadet, Addazio worked her way up the ranks at the sheriff’s office. Through the years, she worked as a road patrol deputy, a detective for several different teams, a
special victims unit trainer, a watch commander and an executive officer in two PBSO districts.
In 2023, when former Capt. Rolando Silva retired, Addazio was promoted to captain at PBSO District 8, serving the village she used to call home, Wellington.
Addazio explained that part of the reason she was selected was because of her history in the community.
“To come back and be able to lead a group of men and women in law en-
forcement here, I would say, is a full circle moment for me personally and professionally,” Addazio said.
As district commander, she oversees all aspects of the PBSO’s operations in the area, including personnel, budgeting, administration and community engagement. She, along with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief Amanda Vomero, leads much of the excellent emergency services that Wellington is known for. The two women have made history by simulta-
“The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are out here doing the right thing for the right reasons, and that’s because they have a desire and a duty to serve.”
— Capt. Nichole Addazio
neously serving Wellington as leaders of law enforcement and fire-rescue in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Addazio said that she recognized that there were few women in leadership roles at the PBSO, and she wanted
to become an example to younger generations of how to work up to those ranks. While she was a sergeant, she helped start the Florida Women’s Law Enforcement Network, a nonprofit aimed at providing resources to aspir-
“I am most proud of my team: our deputies and our detectives. They work tirelessly to keep this community safe. We are absolutely one of the safest communities in this county. I am extremely proud of the low crime rate that we have in the area.”
— Capt. Nichole Addazio
law enforcement has a direct and significant impact on the safety of our community and the well-being of our community,” she said.
Throughout her time as captain, Addazio has prioritized leading by example to show junior officers that leadership roles are attainable. She believes that law enforcement officers are critical. With recruitment and retention being a top priority at the PBSO, Addazio emphasizes that there are significant sacrifices they make to protect the public, but the profession is very rewarding.
“There is an absolute need for a willingness to learn and to be openminded,” she said. “As law enforcement officers, you wear many hats. Not just a rule enforcer, but a counselor, sometimes a family member to others, and a teacher.”
ing individuals looking to pursue leadership roles in law enforcement.
“Our goal of the network was to prepare women for leadership roles through guidance, mentorship and exposure, help build confidence, to make training available to those women, and really identify future female leaders in the organization,” Addazio explained.
This year, Addazio was awarded a Community Impact Award from the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County at the organization’s 30th annual Giraffe Awards. Chamber members nominated her because of Addazio’s continued service to the county, as well as her work at the nonprofit she founded.
“It was a really great recognition, and I appreciated the nomination,” Addazio said.
She believes that her roots within
Wellington and her understanding of the community have given her the support of residents. However, Addazio recognizes that the outstanding service that the PBSO provides to the community would not be possible without her dedicated team.
“I am most proud of my team: our deputies and our detectives,” Addazio said. “They work tirelessly to keep this community safe. We are absolutely one of the safest communities in this county. I am extremely proud of the low crime rate that we have in the area.”
Importantly, Addazio believes that responsibility and the desire to support the community are key to her continuing to find fulfillment in such a demanding profession.
“It’s a strong sense of purpose and commitment to serving others and to knowing that the work that we do in
As she continues to work as captain at Wellington’s District 8, Addazio said she is looking forward to continuing the advancement of the PBSO and developing her team. She is proud that she is a key figure in mentoring the future leaders of the agency.
Her best advice to the community and those interested in joining law enforcement is that there is more to deputies than the uniform and badge they carry. It is a stressful position that can lead to mental health issues. However, the public can do their part by engaging with officers to understand their needs and work together to address community problems.
“The overwhelming majority of law enforcement officers are out here doing the right thing for the right reasons, and that’s because they have a desire and a duty to serve,” Addazio said.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY FIONA SLUSAREV
courts every day of the week at sun rise. However, this dedicated group of pickleball enthusiasts didn’t start out with any grand goals in mind. It began with Wellington’s free pickleball clinics at Greenbriar Park and a group chat.
Alana Chia was one of the clinic attendees and later became the creator of the group chat and Picklette organizer. Like many of the other women who were trying pickleball for the first time, Chia found herself on the courts practicing with other newbies on Tues-
a more limited threat of serious injury.
“I play in the mornings,” Zywczyk explained. “It’s the first thing I do, and then the rest of my day just seems so positive and happy. I just love it.”
Both Zywczyk and Chia agree that pickleball seems to have an addictive quality. It’s a physical challenge that is accessible to individuals with old injuries or people who want to prevent incurring new ones. It’s also a workout for the mind with different gameplay strategies. Each game is quick, so at
“Pickleball is very addicting. There’s something about it that [makes] you just want to keep going,” Zywczyk said.
Chia has found herself spending up to four hours on the pickleball court without noticing the time pass.
“We just laugh a lot, and I think the addiction comes from each game going by so quick, and you’re like, ‘I’ve got to play another one!’” Chia explained.
Since the group’s inception, women from all different times in their lives have come together. Members of the
“We just laugh a lot, and I think the addiction comes from each game going by so quick, and you’re like, ‘I’ve got to play another one!’”
— Alana Chia
thing I do, and then the rest of my day just seems so positive and happy. I just love it.”
— Sharrie Zywczyk
Picklettes range in age from their 20s to their 70s. Some have jobs and some are retired; some are married and some are single. Meeting all these varied individuals and coming to call them friends is a highlight for the members.
“I have like 30 friends that I didn’t have a year ago, and I know 90 percent of them would probably have my back in any type of situation. It’s a close-knit group,” Zywczyk said.
Chia has noticed that many of the Picklettes, like herself, are 50-plus single ladies. It can be hard to meet new people and form friendships as an adult, as people become stuck in their routine or don’t venture out of their comfort zone. Through the Picklettes, these women have become more social and integrated into the Wellington community.
“From what I’ve learned, some of them were just so grateful to have a new set of friends. They were not that active [in the community], and they just loved interacting and making new friends,” Chia noted.
This friendly, welcoming atmosphere is what keeps attracting new members. Other players see the Picklettes laughing and enjoying their time on the court, and then newcomers want to join in. The ladies even come together to have special themed pickleball days. Occasions like holidays and birthdays are celebrated on (or next to) the courts. Everyone brings food and drinks to the picnic tables at Greenbriar Park while they rotate pickleball matches.
“With this group, we’re here to have fun. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, [but] you’re always laughing and playing music,” Chia said.
The Picklettes have even expanded outside the realm of pickleball to host a variety of outings. Some of the women are involved in the equestrian world. The group has taken excursions to polo matches and horse shows to support their fellow pickleball players in their other sports.
The ladies also frequent happy hours at local Wellington businesses.
When they first began, three people would attend, now 25 turn out. They go to community events like the Thursday night concerts at the Wellington Food Truck & Music Series. Their latest group foray was line dancing.
“Once you meet on the court and you socialize off the court, it’s just fun. It’s fun getting to know people of all different personalities and ages. [Pickleball] is something that brings us together,” Zywczyk explained.
It is impossible to spend any amount of time on the court with these ladies without having a little bit of their infectious energy rub off on you. Whether it’s playing a match, joking around on the bench, or sampling a new recipe someone is trying out, the Picklettes have truly created a community.
“All of these ladies are so nice,” Chia reflected. “They have such good hearts… I’m so grateful for this group. It has been a gift.”
To learn more about pickleball programs in the Village of Wellington, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/pickleball.
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STORY BY SIENA ROSATO/CAVALETTI CONSULTING | PHOTOS BY MIA BAKER
For young riders chasing international dreams, there are certain places that feel legendary — venues that represent not only top of the sport, but opportunity, growth and belonging. That is certainly the case for Canada’s Sofia Popescu, whose dreams of international success and Olympic medals have led her to Wellington, home of the renowned Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF).
After only a short taste of the circuit in 2024, Popescu made the decision to return last season, an intentional shift in her program that reflects both her long-term ambitions and the undeniable draw of Wellington as a global hub for equestrian sport.
Popescu began her junior career in Langley, British Columbia, where the realities of Canadian winters limited her competition schedule. “I was only able to show in the summers because of weather,” she explained, noting that winter competition initially meant just a couple of weeks at the Desert International Horse Park in California.
As her ambitions grew, so did her willingness to travel. In pursuit of goals like qualifying for the Pony Finals, Popescu began spending entire winters on the west coast, balancing time between California circuits and summer competition, eventually committing to a full-time move west, which was the first pivotal step in her development as a rider.
Still, Wellington remained on her ra-
dar. “I have dreamed about showing at WEF ever since I started trying horses there many years ago,” she said.
That dream became reality at the end of the 2024 winter season, when she spent several weeks competing on the east coast. It didn’t take long for her to recognize the difference.
Following that initial experience, Popescu made another major decision: to base herself out east with trainer Ilan Ferder and his team. What began as a temporary stay quickly became something more permanent. “After that, I realized I was right where I wanted to be and never wanted to leave,” she explained.
Part of Wellington’s appeal lies beyond the showgrounds. The community itself offers a unique blend of small-town charm and world-class infrastructure. For riders, it’s a lifestyle built around proximity to horses, to trainers and to peers who share the same level of dedication.
“Being a golf cart away from my horses is so important to me,” Popescu said, emphasizing the convenience and connection that define daily life during the circuit.
But it is the sport itself that truly sets WEF apart. Each week, riders face technical tracks, international-caliber competition and an atmosphere that mirrors championship conditions. For a developing rider, that consistency is invaluable.
“I think WEF does a fantastic job
with courses and classes,” Popescu said. “Getting to ride against and watch some of the best of the best is so special.”
One moment in particular stands out from her first winter: watching top international competitors deliver a standout Nations Cup performance under the lights on a Saturday night. “It was one of the most impressive performances I’ve ever seen,” Popescu recalled.
Experiences like that, she said, are both inspiring and motivating reminders of the level she hopes to reach.
From a competitive standpoint, Wellington has also proven instrumental in helping Popescu work toward one of her key goals: representing Canada at the North American Youth Championships (NAYC). The depth and difficulty of WEF competition provide ideal preparation for the pressures of championship riding. “I always feel so prepared for it every year after jumping my whole winter here,” she said.
Popescu has competed at the NAYC three times and has even bigger goals of representing Canada on Nations Cup teams — and one day, potentially, at the Olympic Games.
Wellington has become a hub for a strong Canadian contingent each season, with top professionals, fellow juniors and national team figures all based in the area. Popescu finds herself immersed in the very environment she hopes to be part of long-
term. “It’s really a great experience to ride amongst the people I will hopefully jump on international teams with someday,” she said.
Central to her progress has been her partnership with Ferder, whose guidance has shaped both her riding and mindset. “One thing he reminded me my first winter here was that this sport is a marathon, not a sprint,” Popescu explained.
In a setting where comparisons can be inevitable, that perspective has helped her stay grounded and focused on her own development. “Mostly, you are in competition with yourself,” she added, a philosophy that has allowed Popescu to measure success in terms of growth rather than results alone.
That growth has been evident. This winter marked Popescu’s introduction to the CSI2* level, where she has found increasing consistency against deeper fields. “Starting to jump these bigger
classes amongst so many professionals I look up to has been really incredible,” she said.
With a talented string of horses, her focus remains on building confidence and consistency across the board. At the top of her string is Sade De Rialfo Z, a 10-year-old warmblood mare that Popescu began riding a year ago. Each round is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships and refine her approach, an effort that paid off in a standout performance during WEF Week 9. “My favorite accomplishment this winter was the 2* that I jumped with Sade,” she said. “She gave me such great effort and really showed me how much we have both grown together.”
Outside the ring, Popescu has embraced the rhythm of Wellington life. From discovering local coffee shops with friends to enjoying slower Mondays at the barn, she values the balance that the circuit provides. “Wellington
has so many hidden gems,” she said. “I really love and appreciate the feel of a small community.”
Looking ahead, Popescu plans to continue building on this momentum. A summer in Traverse City awaits before she returns to Wellington with even bigger goals. Chief among them is stepping into the U25 division in 2027, alongside continued progress with her horses.
For Popescu, the decision to base herself in Wellington full-time has already proven transformative. In a sport where progress is measured over years, not weeks, she has found a place that supports both her ambitions and her day-to-day growth. And as she continues to climb the ranks, Wellington remains not just a winter destination, but a cornerstone of her journey toward the top of the sport.
To follow Sofia Popescu, find her on Instagram at www.instagram.com/sof_eq.
Recognizing the signs of a possible stroke and acting swiftly is crucial for minimizing brain damage and improving outcomes.
Balance: Is the person experiencing dizziness or having trouble walking?
Eye: Is the person having trouble seeing in one or both eyes?
Face Drooping: Ask the person to smile. Is one side of their face drooping?
Arm Weakness: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech Difficulty: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange?
Time to Call 911: If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.
To
If you think you or someone near you is having a stroke, every second counts. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
The master bootmakers at La Mundial Custom Boots (LM Boots) have measured for fit by eye and hand for 120 years. Now, this preeminent boot maker is enhancing that accumulated knowledge and craftsmanship with the world’s first digital laser scanner of the foot and leg.
The LM Master Fit Scan captures precise, three-dimensional measurements of the leg and foot with unprecedented accuracy to create perfectly fitted tall and short boots. LM Boots, known for comfort, performance, style and longevity, just singularly surpassed itself.
The pursuit of the perfect-fitting custom boot began as a family affair in 1906. Don Francisco Rivas Figueroa was not a romantic. He was a craftsman with a workshop in the old center of Quito, Ecuador, and had a cleareyed view of what the market was about to do.
In 1906, the mass production of footwear was on the horizon. He knew it. He chose handmade anyway
— not as a statement, but because he believed a custom boot was simply a better boot. Now, 120 years later, the company he founded, La Mundial or LM Boots, is still making them one pair at a time — and has just become the first equestrian bootmaker in the world to integrate 3D scanning fit technology.
The Rivas family story runs five generations deep. Today, sisters Alejandra and Isabel Rivas are taking over the management of the business, which includes two Florida locations — one here in Wellington and one at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala — while production remains rooted in Quito, where 20 employees work in manufacturing, administration and client services.
The company also has 30 U.S. sales representatives trained specifically in fit, style and measurement.
A Name with a Plan — On Aug. 10, 1919, Don Francisco received a gold medal from Ecuador’s Society of Shoemakers as the country’s finest boot-
maker. The recognition crystallized something he had already decided. He named the company La Mundial. In Spanish: the world. It was not a boast. It was a target.
He wanted his boots to cross borders, and eventually, they did. The country has produced leather goods of exceptional quality for generations. Ecuador’s leatherworking tradition gave LM Boots the raw material and craft advantage that endures today.
Fixated on Perfect Fit — Getting a riding boot right is harder than most people appreciate. Calves, arches and toes vary infinitely in shape, width, height and length. Riders who spend years in the saddle develop specific fit preferences.
The industry’s standard solution has always been a tape measure, a paper form and a fitter who has seen enough legs to make reasonable guesses about what the numbers mean. It works, mostly.
However, LM Boots improved on the fit process. They developed a Vel-
cro strap tape measurement system. It was a practical fix for a persistent problem, holding the tape in place, and the measurements got more consistent. Clients noticed, and business grew.
Combining Craftsmanship with Technology — In the 2000s, LM Boots built something no competitor had: a custom client digital customization program tailored to client preferences. Clients could design their boots on screen, choosing color, type of leather, piping, finish and other details. The order is fed directly into the manufacturing software, reducing margin for error. The system did two things simultaneously: It gave clients more control over what they were buying, and it gave the artisans more precise instructions to work from.
It was, in hindsight, the foundation for everything the LM Master Fit Scan would later build on — proof that the company was willing to rewire its own process if the result was a better boot and a happier client.
LM Boots launched its LM Master Fit Scan at the 2026 FEI World Cup Finals in Fort Worth and became the world’s first equestrian bootmaker to integrate 3D scanning into its standard measurement process. The device digi-
“The scan talks to the factory, and it gives our artisans superpowers.”
— Isabel Rivas
tally captures the precise geometry of each client’s feet and legs and sends that data directly to the production software.
“The scan talks to the factory,” Isa-
bel Rivas explained. “And it gives our artisans superpowers.”
For boot lovers, the difference is real.
LM Boots has never tried to scale into a volume business, and 120 years in, that position looks less like a constraint and more like a strategy. In Ecuador, the Rivas family is working toward a shared-ownership model for employees, giving them a direct stake in the company’s future. For those living in Ecuador, this could be life changing. It says something about how this particular business has survived five generations: by caring about the people who do the work.
Don Francisco Rivas named his company after the world and then spent his life perfecting a single product. The fifth generation has the world now, in Wellington and across North America — and they are still making the same bet he made in 1906: That a boot made for one specific person, measured precisely and built by hand, is worth more than anything a factory line can produce. So far, 120 years of clients have agreed.
LM Boots is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd. To learn more, call (561) 331-4000 or visit www.lmboots.com.
BY SCOTT SIMMONS
This year, the Norton Museum of Art celebrated its 85th anniversary, and it recently hosted “Art and Life in Rembrandt’s Time: Masterpieces from The Leiden Collection,” a critically acclaimed exhibition that drew more than 100,000 visitors and received international news coverage.
But rather than looking back, the Norton is looking ahead to creating new ways to educate and inspire the community with exhibitions, lectures, films, performances and community days.
As always, art comes first.
Fifteen years ago, the Norton made a commitment to showcase art by
women, offering its Recognition of Art by Women (RAW) series. Two shows in that series are now on view, “Danielle Mckinney: Shelter” and “Recognition of Art by Women: In Retrospect.”
“The Recognition of Art by Women series is central to the Norton’s mission,” said Ghislain d’Humières, the museum’s Kenneth C. Griffin Director and CEO. “Each exhibition offers an opportunity to showcase the work of exceptional women artists and to highlight their lasting impact on the field.
Danielle Mckinney’s exhibition continues this legacy, reflecting the power and diversity of artistic voices that define the RAW program.”
In a world in which works by women artists figured in only 14.9 percent of exhibitions at 31 prominent U.S. museums between 2008 and 2020, the Norton included works by women in 44 percent of its shows. Over the last five years, that trajectory has accelerated, with women artists featured in 57 percent of all Norton exhibitions.
Curated by J. Rachel Gustafson, chief curatorial officer at the Norton, “Danielle Mckinney: Shelter” showcases works that center on solitary female figures within interior settings, offering glimpses into moments of private contemplation, respite or ease.
“Mckinney’s paintings unfold like
moments suspended in time,” Gustafson said. “They invite viewers to consider the emotional and spiritual dimensions of solitude, and how stillness itself can become a site of imagination and strength. Her work captures an interior world that feels both deeply personal and profoundly human.”
The exhibition continues through Oct. 4.
The companion exhibition, “In Retrospect,” curated by Arden Sherman, the Norton’s Glenn W. and Cornelia T. Bailey Senior Curator of Contemporary Art, traces the breadth of practices that the RAW series has championed over the past iterations.
The nine featured artists are British painter Jenny Saville (2011), American painter Sylvia Plimack Mangold (2012), British sculptor Phyllida Barlow (2013), Swedish sculptor Krista Kristalova (2014), Nigerian painter Njideka Akunyili Crosby (2016), Austrian painter Svenja Deininger (2017), American artist Nina Chanel Abney (2019), Colombian visual artist María Berrío (2021) and Santa Clara Pueblo artist Rose B. Simpson (2024).
The exhibition continues through Sept. 27.
These shows are joined by an array of other exhibitions on display this summer at the Norton, including:
• Artists at Work — Through June 21. Through paintings, sculptures, photographs and more, this installation reveals a sliver of the who, where and how behind the art. Artists’ portrayals of themselves and others in the act of artmaking accompany depictions of dynamic studios, while examples of artists’ preparatory works illustrate their creative processes.
• That’s Entertainment: Japanese Prints and the Art of Leisure — Through July 5. This exhibition presents 31 Japanese woodblock prints by Utagawa Kunisada (1786-1864) and other leading artists of the Edo period (16151868) and focuses on portraits of celebrated Kabuki actors from major productions staged in Edo (presentday Tokyo) theaters during the 19th century.
• 60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection — Through Aug. 16. This exhibit
Danielle Mckinney: Shelter Through Oct. 4
27
Through June 21
© ARTIST’S ESTATE
Through Aug. 16
celebrates the photography’s signature immediacy, tracing how artists have embraced Polaroids, or instant film, for their ability to produce a unique image in mere moments.
• Galloping Steed: Celebrating the Year of the Horse in Chinese Paintings Through Aug. 23. This exhibition brings together works by Xu Beihong (1895-1953), one of the most celebrated artists of early 20th-century China, alongside rare paintings by Louis Antoine de Poirot (1735-1813), a French Jesuit artist who served at the court of the Qianlong Emperor (reigned 17351796). “Galloping Steed” is part of a multiyear exhibition series developed by the Norton Museum of Art in partnership with the Dongguan Lou Collection.
• Portrait Mode: Self-reflections from Past, Present and Future — Art by students on display through Aug. 16.
• Cursed Images: Pictures Out of Context — May 9 through Nov. 1. This exhibition features 20th-century everyday, amateur snapshots from the Peter J. Cohen Collection, one of the largest privately held archives of anonymous photographs in the United States. It highlights photographs whose subjects or object relationships evoke a subtle, inexplicable unease.
• Art & Independence: America at 250 — July 4 through Dec. 6. Works from the collection that celebrate the U.S. semiquincentennial.
• Florida Roots: Ralph Coburn — July 25 through Jan. 3. This exploration explores the work of Ralph Coburn (1923-2018), who spent most of his winters in Miami Beach and was influenced by its Art Deco architecture.
• Visible Fiction: Photography and Artifice — Sept. 19 through Feb. 21. An
exhibition that explores the theatricality of photography.
The Norton also hosts Art After Dark from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, with admission that’s free for members; $10 for adults and seniors; and $5 for students. First Friday of the month is Jazz Friday. Tours are 5 and 7 p.m. Open Studio art workshops are 6 to 9 p.m. Artist tours are at 8 p.m. the third Friday of the month. Meanwhile, check the calendars each month for the Jazz Brunch hosted in the restaurant.
The Norton Museum of Art is located at 1450 S. Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $18 for adults; $15 for seniors; $5 for students; and free for active military and veterans with ID, Florida educators with ID, and free Saturday admission for Palm Beach County residents from Memorial Day to Labor Day. To learn more, call (561) 832-5196 or visit www.norton.org.
• 121,000+ total museum visitors
• 1,300+ docent and curator-led public tours
• 470+ diverse public programs and events
• 29,000+ free admissions
• 17 original and traveling special exhibitions
• 100+ corporate, community and civic partners
• 118,500+ visitors to headlining special exhibitions
• 160+ new artworks added to the collection
• 3 artists-in-residence
• 8,750+ artworks in the museum collection
• 567 artworks on loan from other museums and collections
The Norton’s Art After Dark program runs from 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, with admission that’s free for members; $10 for adults and seniors; and $5 for students.
BY PATRICK SHERRY
“Service above self” is the motto that members of Rotary clubs around the world diligently follow. The Rotary Club of Wellington is no different. With its community-driven efforts to respond to the needs of the public, its members serve people with compassion and open arms.
The local club was founded in 1980 through sponsorship by the Rotary Club of Belle Glade. For more than four decades, Wellington Rotarians have been creating impactful change through a variety of initiatives. Club members also work closely with the Village of Wellington to support grassroots projects that serve the community.
Current President Maria Fernanda Cruz explained that the Rotary “turns compassion into action.”
“It supports students, helps seniors… and assists families during times that they need it the most. It also matters because we work through strong partnerships,” Cruz added. “That gives us the means to do so.”
The club’s work is extensive, with multiple projects throughout the
year that focus on a variety of needs. The club does not center its identity around one major initiative. Instead, club members contribute to multiple projects that align with the shifting needs of the community at any given time.
Cruz said that some of her favorite projects are during the holiday season. Every year, club members prepare Thanksgiving meals for people in need. Each December, the club hosts distribution events for local students through the Back to Basics Angel Program, which gifts children with new sneakers, socks, underwear and a toy.
“The most memorable moments I’ve seen are the immediate impact when we deliver holiday meals and seeing these people being thankful not just for the meal, but for the time that we give them,” she said.
One of the most notable areas that the organization focuses on is education. The Wellington Rotary supports scholarships for high school students. It also sponsors an Interact Club at Wellington High School, which introduces students to Rotary’s community
efforts while helping them learn how to serve others.
One of the club’s largest educational initiatives is its Dictionary Project. Since 2005, the Wellington Rotary has been distributing dictionaries to thirdgrade students across Wellington elementary schools. The project is intended to promote literacy and education by providing students with a valuable reference tool for their studies. Last year, Rotarians reached the milestone of more than 24,000 dictionary donations to students in the village.
Club members are determined to meet any needs and regularly pursue new projects if it means helping the community. For example, during the pandemic, Rotarians volunteered weekly at food distribution sites in Wellington for more than a year. More recently, the organization assisted in clean-up efforts when a large tornado damaged a wide swath of western Wellington.
Nikki Stinson, who will be installed next month as club president for the upcoming year, said that the Rotary’s work is important because there are
constant needs in the local area, and the club is here to fill those gaps.
“I’m just very proud that we can be relied upon to meet immediate needs within the community,” Stinson said.
The Rotary Club of Wellington is one of thousands of local Rotary clubs around the world. In 1905, Chicago attorney Paul Harris founded the first Rotary group in Chicago for local community members to form meaningful, lifelong friendships. The group named their club “Rotary” because of the rotational meeting spots where members
would gather. Through the years, the club expanded to having clubs across the world, with the collective organization changing its name to Rotary International in 1922.
The organization’s mission was originally based on building local camaraderie among business leaders, but it soon evolved to focus heavily on humanitarian efforts to promote peace and community-focused assistance. Now, Rotary International consists of more than 45,000 clubs and more than 1.2 million members working to create
impact locally and internationally.
“Many people don’t realize what Rotary is or what type of organization we are,” said Donald Gross, vice president of the local club. “But then when they see Rotarians at work, they realize that we’re out there in the community, and we’re there as a way to help our neighbors.”
With such a large network, the Wellington club is able to contribute to projects that assist communities abroad. Members have participated in projects in places like Colombia and
Kenya to provide assistance to nursing homes, farms for individuals with special needs, orphanages and more. The Wellington club collaborates with other Rotary clubs to match funds that are used to support these initiatives.
All of these efforts are driven by its members, who fully commit themselves to following the organization’s motto of “service above self.” Club members praise the organization for their openness and positive energy that they apply to every project they do.
“It’s the best thing I’ve done,” Gross said. “My wife and I moved to Wellington in 1992, and when you think of what we’ve accomplished since then, so much of it for me has started through joining the Wellington Rotary Club.”
The Rotary Club of Wellington is always happy to welcome new members. Stinson stressed that they are working to change people’s perception of who can join, and is focused on showing that the club is open to anyone who is interested in service and community involvement.
“The most memorable moments I’ve seen are the immediate impact when we deliver holiday meals and seeing these people being thankful not just for the meal, but for the time that we give them.”
— Maria Fernanda Cruz
“Giving back can be done now — whatever age you are — not just when you’re retired,” Stinson said. “We just have this infectious energy within our club for giving and for fellowship, and it’s really a fantastic group for all ages.”
Looking ahead, the club will close out its year of activities at its annual installation dinner on June 27. There, they will salute Cruz for her accomplishments and install Stinson as the new president, who will begin the role on July 1, which marks the new fiscal year for Rotary clubs around the world.
As Stinson steps into the role of president, she is looking forward to
continuing the club’s dedicated service to the community. “Stepping into the role of president of this esteemed club is an absolute dream,” Stinson said. “I get the honor of leading some of the best and brightest, most dedicated, and selfless individuals within our community. I hope my presidency is inspirational and inviting to those interested in community service and leadership.”
To learn more about the Rotary Club of Wellington, and to find out about upcoming activities, visit www.wellingtonrotary.org. To learn more about membership opportunities, call Don Gross at (561) 723-8461.
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BY JIM BARNES, WELLINGTON VILLAGE MANAGER
Here in Wellington, spring represents progress — projects moving forward, plans taking shape and priorities becoming clearer.
There’s something about May in Wellington that feels like a quiet exhale. The energy of the season has softened. As equestrian events wind down, seasonal visitors begin their journey north, the end of the school year is in sight, and our community settles into a different rhythm — one that’s a little slower, a little warmer (OK, maybe hotter), and a little more reflective.
But if you look closely, May is not a pause. It’s a pivot. It’s the time of year when Wellington shifts from hosting the world to focusing even more intentionally on the people who call this place home year-round. In local government, we often talk about seasons not just in terms of weather, but in terms of momentum. Spring represents progress — projects moving for-
ward, plans taking shape and priorities becoming clearer.
Across the village, that momentum is visible in both big and small ways. It’s in the continued evolution of our Town Center, where thoughtful investments are creating spaces for connection, events and shared experiences. Elsewhere in Wellington, it’s in the steady, behind-the-scenes work on our multi-year stormwater pump station program. This is an effort that may not always make headlines but is essential to protecting our community and enhancing long-term resilience.
And it’s in places like the Wellington Environmental Preserve, where the balance between conservation and community access reflects something deeper about who we are: a village
that values both growth and stewardship. These aren’t just projects. They are commitments to quality of life, to sustainability and to the idea that local government works best when it is both forward-thinking and grounded in community values.
While capital projects and infrastructure matter, what truly defines Wellington is the everyday moments. It’s families gathering at neighborhood parks and playgrounds as the days grow longer. It’s residents connecting at community events, even as the seasonal crowds begin to thin. It’s the familiar faces you see at local businesses, schools and volunteer activities. It’s the people who are here not just for a season, but for the long haul. These are the moments that don’t always make it into reports or presentations, but they are the foundation of a strong community. And they serve as a reminder that local government, at its core, is about people. It’s about creating an environment where those moments can happen — safely, consistently and meaningfully.
May is also when we begin looking ahead. Budget planning is underway. Strategic priorities are being refined. Conversations about the future are taking shape to determine what Wellington will look like not just next year, but in the years to come. This is where community voice becomes especially important.
Whether it’s participating in public meetings, sharing feedback or simply staying informed, civic engagement plays a critical role in shaping the direction of our village. The decisions
we make today are strongest when they are informed by the perspectives of those we serve. Local government works best when it is a partnership.
As we move into the summer months, it’s also worth reflecting on what makes Wellington unique. Our equestrian identity continues to set us apart on a global stage, but it’s the way that identity integrates with everyday community life that truly defines us. It’s not just about world-class venues or international events; it’s about how that heritage shapes our sense of place, our open spaces and our shared pride. It’s about being a community that is both distinctive and welcoming. A place where tradition and innovation coexist.
If April is about energy and activity, May is about appreciation. It’s a chance to take stock of where we are, recognize the progress we’ve made and recommit to the work ahead. In our “Great Hometown,” that work is ongoing, as well as deeply rewarding. Because at the end of the day, success isn’t measured solely in projects completed or milestones achieved. It’s measured in the strength of the community we continue to build together.
As we head into the summer season, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and for the residents, businesses and community partners who make Wellington such a special place to call home. This month may feel like a transition, but it’s also a reminder: the best parts of our community are not seasonal. They’re enduring. And they’re built, day by day, by all of us.
Springtime is when residents can enjoy great events at the Wellington Amphitheater.
The Town-Crier Newspaper is the only community newspaper regularly covering the Village of Wellington, and you can get it delivered directly to your mailbox for FREE just by requesting to be placed on the mailing list.
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The newly opened Kura Revolving Sushi Bar combines authentic Japanese cuisine with interactive dining and new culinary experiences.
If you’re like many sushi connoisseurs, you have things that you enjoy. You head to your favorite sushi spot, take one look at the menu and fill your table with the items you are used to.
However, if you’re looking for a different sushi experience, Kura Sushi held its grand opening last month at Lotis Wellington, with its unique revolving sushi conveyor belt carrying an array of small plates throughout the brightly lit restaurant. Something looks interesting? Grab it from its stay-fresh container, the patented Mr. Fresh ventilated sushi lid. Perhaps your new favorite sushi creation is just one small plate away. Along with many of the common
sushi choices, there are items on the conveyer belt that you do not ordinarily see, such as salmon toro, seared eel with miso cream cheese or Spanish mackerel. You can also try the signature Kura Roll, with salmon, shrimp mayo and avocado, or perhaps the seared beef with Yakiniku sauce.
Kura Sushi is the nation’s largest brand of revolving sushi restaurants. Lotis Wellington is the brand’s first location in the Palm Beach metropolitan area, and its fifth location in the State of Florida.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar combines authentic Japanese cuisine with interactive dining, as guests enjoy a whimsical journey of flavors with more than 100 dishes available on the two-layered conveyor belt system, enhanced by drink delivery robots and prizes.
“Kura Sushi delivers a delicious and fun dining experience serving authentic Japanese cuisine made with highquality ingredients on a two-layered conveyor belt system,” said Robert Kluger, chief development officer at Kura Sushi USA. “While Kaiten sushi is quite popular in Japan, it is not as prevalent here in the United States. Kura brought this concept from Japan in 2009 and, quite frankly, nobody does it better than Kura.”
It is Kura’s philosophy to prepare food using fresh, high-quality ingredients free of artificial sweeteners, seasonings, preservatives and colorings.
“All sushi plates are priced at $3.90, while other dishes, including ramen and udon bowls, hot and cold side dishes, and desserts, vary in price,” Kluger said.
He is excited about Kura’s expansion into the Palm Beach market.
“We have existing locations in other Florida markets, including Miami, Orlando and Tampa, and the Palm Beach market demographics compare favorably with our most successful restaurants in Florida,” Kluger said. “Once we started researching further in the Palm Beach market, Wellington stood out as a rapidly expanding community with an abundance of up-and-coming diverse and successful eateries. We are thrilled to be part of Lotis Wellington’s premier mixed-use development and are confident that Kura Sushi will resonate with this thriving community’s palate.”
He has been happy with the response during the restaurant’s opening weeks.
“We’ve been very well received by the community during our soft opening period with nods to our welcoming staff and food quality,” Kluger added.
During a visit, guests will enjoy the unique Kura Sushi experience, which includes the Revolving Sushi Bar, the Express Belt and the Bikkura Pon Prize System.
“The sushi plates circulate on the revolving sushi bar under patented sushi plate lids that limit airborne exposure and have tracking technology,” Kluger said. “All menu items — sushi, noodles, side dishes and desserts — are available for selection from the ordering touch panel, and they’ll arrive on the overhead belt. Guests will also find enjoyment with our drink delivery robots and prizes.”
The Revolving Sushi Bar is the primary belt that snakes through the dining area with plates of sushi that are protected by the Mr. Fresh lid, with the plate-tracking technology that monitors how long the item has been circulating, ensuring that food is always fresh and delicious from conveyor belt to table.
The Express Belt is positioned above the primary belt and delivers food items ordered via the touch panel menu directly to guests from the kitchen. Want something on the menu but can’t find it on the main belt? The Express Belt will bring it right to you.
“The sushi plates circulate on the revolving sushi bar under patented sushi plate lids that limit airborne exposure and have tracking technology. All menu items — sushi, noodles, side dishes and desserts — are available for selection from the ordering touch panel, and they’ll arrive on the overhead belt.”
— Robert Kluger, Kura Sushi USA
The Bikkura Pon Prize System is an integral part of Kura Sushi’s innovative and interactive dining experience and is comprised of a prize machine, touch panel and plate disposal slot located at every table in the restaurant that are connected via sensors. The touch panel registers the number of sushi plates dispensed into the plate disposal slot. After every five plates inserted, a short animation will play on the touch panel, and after consuming 15, 25, then every 15 plates thereafter, a prize will be dispensed from the prize machine.
Kura Sushi is open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Reservations can be made up to one week in advance through the Kura Sushi Rewards app and online at https:// kurasushi.com/locations/wellington-fl.
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is located in Lotis Wellington at 1349 S. State Road 7, Bay 101, Wellington. To learn more, call (561) 507-1171 or visit www.kurasushi. com.
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