Town-Crier Newspaper September 8, 2023

Antisemitic And Racist

Flyers Stun Wellington

Neighborhoods

Residents in several Wellington neighborhoods woke up Labor Day morning to find plastic baggies containing hateful antisemitic and racist rhetoric thrown on hundreds of front lawns. The reports activated a swift response from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was a key topic of discussion at the next day’s meeting of the Wellington Village Council. Page 3

UltraCon Brings Comic Book And TV Show Fans

To The Fairgrounds UltraCon Comicon was held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center from Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27, featuring dozens of vendors, a cosplay contest and many special guests, including Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada, stars of the 1980s TV show “CHiPs.” There were also comic creators and vintage collectibles. Page 13

Central And Hispanic Chambers Present Young Professionals Mixer

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County held a Young Professionals meeting and mixer on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Everglades Equipment Group in Loxahatchee Groves. Page 16

ONAM CELEBRATION IN ROYAL PALM

Baxter Proposes

Palm Beach County Grandfather In Some ITID Truckers

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District could become a haven for long-haul truckers and others pulling heavy loads under a plan proposed by District 6 Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter.

The Acreage area “is one of the few places where [these] small businesses are still allowed,”

Baxter said last week, referring to family-owned hauling and lawn maintenance businesses and other enterprises that use trucks and trailers. “I want to preserve at least one area in Palm Beach County where that’s allowed.”

Baxter hopes to find a solution that works for all parties involved.

Wellington Council Finalizes Utility Budget; Approves First Reading Of Spending Package

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council gave final approval to its water and wastewater utility budget and rates on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and also held the first of two required public hearings on the village’s overall budget for the new fiscal year that begins Oct. 1.

As discussed at previous meetings, Wellington’s water utility rates will be increasing by 10 percent next year, which is a monthly increase of $6.84.

Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel said that the increase is necessary due to rising costs and inflation. In fact, further increases are recommended for future fiscal years to make sure that the village has the revenue necessary to continue the upkeep of its critical utility infrastructure, she said.

The council, however, did not take action on staff’s suggestions for future years, only the upcoming fiscal year. A recent study also suggested issuing new public debt for future utility capital projects,

but that is also not included in the current budget.

The proposed utility budget for fiscal year 2024 is $28.2 million, an increase of $3.4 million, or 14 percent. This is due to higher personnel expenses and rising costs for chemicals and spare parts, Quickel explained. Utility capital projects, however, are down $2.6 million.

“The proposed fiscal year 2024 utilities budget continues funding to maintain the utility infrastructure responsibly,” Quickel said, adding that money is being taken out of reserves to help fund the budget.

Mayor Anne Gerwig noted that it is important that the water utility stays ahead of all necessary improvements to protect the health of residents.

Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone agreed. “This is the most critical infrastructure we have, and people take it for granted,” he said. “This is a public safety item, and you really can’t cut corners there.”

Councilman Michael Drahos added that all responsible governments need to keep investing and reinvesting in their utilities.

“This reflects good fiscal management over a long period of time,” he said.

Gerwig asked for more innovative ways to protect the village’s utility investment without continued increases. She noted that the utility has begun a spare parts program to keep extra parts in house to fix things quickly and less expensively.

“Continuing 10 percent increases on everything is just not sustainable,” she said before the utility budget was approved unanimously.

Turning to the village’s overall budget, the council approved the first reading of the budget unanimously after the first public hearing.

The total budget is $137.7 million, up $9 million over the current year’s budget, based on the latest figures available. While the

See WELLINGTON, page 4

Westlake’s Education & Youth Advisory Board Gets Reprieve

Louis Hillary Park

Bermudez said that organizing and getting the committee into action had been like “climbing a ladder while building it.”

The board was formed by the council in June 2020 to serve as a liaison group between Westlake and the School District of Palm Beach County; to promote awareness of programs, opportunities and initiatives at local schools; to recognize and promote accomplishments of students and administrators; and to monitor school district activities and report back on anything impacting the city.

Current board members are: Chair Lisa Lariano, Vice Chair Wesley Logsdon, Julie Acevedo,

Dr. Anita Kaplan, Bermudez and alternate Ashley Merola.

The board has met nine times in the last three years and four times since January 2022, official records show. According to the ordinance that created the board, it was to meet quarterly “or more frequently if necessary.” The board should have met at least 12 times since June 2020, according to those requirements. Kaplan, a retired dean of Palm Beach State College’s bachelor’s degree programs, told the council that she was “very frustrated” about the lack of meetings, but under the state’s Government in

See YOUTH BOARD, page 7

“There are plenty of areas where that’s not appropriate,” said Baxter, who lives in The Acreage. “[But] I’m in favor of finding a place for them. A space for them to go.”

Baxter’s comments came following a Wednesday, Aug. 30, county commission meeting at which commissioners directed Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building staff to revamp code regulations for the area to allow two commercial vehicles on property of one-and-a-quarter acres or more. The vehicles can range from “light duty” — defined as 16,000 pounds or less — up to 18-wheel tractor-trailer rigs that often weigh 80,000 pounds or more.

PZB staff is expected to come back to the commission at its November meeting with a proposal, Baxter said.

For now, the proposal would

cover only individuals who have been in the ITID area prior to 2019 when, according to Baxter, the code was updated and “misinterpreted,” creating a ban on heavy trucks in the area. Since then, bigrig owners such as Natalia Melian and her husband Ricardo Alonso have faced tens of thousands of dollars in fines.

Under Baxter’s proposal, those fines would be dismissed for residents who are grandfathered in, since they moved to the area believing, correctly, that such trucks were allowed.

“It’s not everything I wanted, but I’ll take it,” said Melian, who has been a leader in the fight against big-rig code enforcement. “It’s a huge victory that will help those who’ve been suffering.”

Melian said she intends to go before the ITID Board of Supervisors at their Sept. 20 meeting seeking a letter of support for Baxter’s proposal. Though the truckers have sought the support of the board over the last couple years, supervisors have previously declined to get involved.

ITID Vice President Betty Argue said this week that grandfathering in pre-2019 heavy-haulers and capping the number of vehicles allowed per residence at two may be a “reasonable solution.”

The notion of expanding the exemption for post-2019 and incoming residents with big-rigs and thus turning the ITID area into a truckers’ haven is a different matter, she said.

“I have concerns about how that would change our community,” Argue said. “Our roads are not

See TRUCKERS, page 4

NEW HORIZONS MEDIA CENTER RENOVATION

New Horizons Elementary School in Wellington celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated media center on Tuesday, Aug. 29. The morning included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live dance performances by students. Shown above, Principal Dana Pallaria and Media Specialist Paula Bodner cut the ribbon and welcome community members to see the newly remodeled media center. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

Wellington Council Thanks Top Cop, Top Firefighter

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Meeting Tuesday, Sept. 5, the Wellington Village Council lauded the influential examples set by its Top Firefighter, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Capt. Cecilia Eaton, and Top Cop, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Detective Tim Barbusio. Take Eaton. She began volunteering as a firefighter at age 15 in her native Peru, not letting go of that dream, even after coming to the United States and learning English while dealing blackjack on cruise ships. Eaton began her career as a Palm Beach County firefighter in 2000, rising through the ranks and operating out of Wellington. Along the way, she married and became the mother of two.

“I won the lottery and didn’t even know it,” Eaton said. “To be

a firefighter is all I wanted, and I am beyond blessed to be here.”

Colleagues and council members alike saluted the impact she has had in the community.

“One thing Capt. Eaton has done is take a compassionate and personal interest in the elderly we run calls on,” recently retired Battalion Chief Kenneth Wooldridge said. “This means oftentimes she will be following up with their children, or other family members, to ensure they receive follow-up attention after the call is finished.

This is rare.”

That also impressed Councilman John McGovern, who noted that he is the father of daughters himself.

“What you have done and what you have achieved tells all young girls everywhere that everything is possible,” McGovern said. “You

PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

The Kerala Association of Palm Beach hosted a celebration of the Hindu holiday of Onam at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 2. Onam is a cultural feast that is traditional in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig was this year’s special guest speaker. Also attending was Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara, who was the guest speaker last year. Shown above are Matthew Thomas, Biju Thonikadavil, RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, Sajan Kurian, Reji Sebastian, Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig and Jijo Jose. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(Left) Top Cop Detective Tim Barbusio with PBSO Capt. Nichole Addazio. (Right) Top Firefighter

Capt. Cecilia Eaton with retired Battalion Chief Kenneth Wooldridge. PHOTOS

Appearance Of Antisemitic And Racist Flyers Stun Wellington Neighborhoods

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Residents in several Wellington neighborhoods woke up Labor Day morning to find plastic baggies containing hateful antisemitic and racist rhetoric thrown on hundreds of front lawns. Reports on social media quickly turned into news reports and acti-

vated a swift response from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The incident was a key topic of discussion at the next day’s meeting of the Wellington Village Council.

“This was a very significant incident of hate speech being delivered into our community in a very individualized sort of

Westlake A Step Closer To Second-Straight Year Of Trimming Tax Rate

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The Westlake City Council adopted a tentative property tax rate of 5.0 mills for the 2024 fiscal year at its first budget hearing Tuesday, Sept. 5.

The rate represents a small decrease from the city’s 2023 tax rate of 5.1 mills, which was a decrease from the 5.125 mills used from the city’s inception in 2016 through the 2022 fiscal year.

“This was no small feat,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said. “I challenged the staff to lower the millage rate… I thank the staff for sharpening their pencils and getting it done.”

City Manager Kenneth Cassel, who had proposed keeping the rate at 5.1 for 2024, explained that he and his staff looked at more recent numbers that came in better than expected, making a decrease feasible.

“We want [the city] to remain lean,” Vice Mayor Greg Langowski said. “We’re committed to keeping money in people’s pockets.”

If the tax rate remained at 5.1 mills, the average Westlake homeowner with an assessed value of $450,000 and a $50,000 homestead exemption would pay approximately $2,040 in city property taxes. At 5.0 mills, the same homeowner will pay approximately $2,000. That does not include taxes levied by other Palm Beach County taxing authorities.

In July, the council agreed to set the tax rate at 5.1 mills to meet Florida’s Truth-in-Millage (TRIM) deadline. The action meant that the council could not

set a tax rate higher than 5.1 mills but could decrease it.

The city’s proposed $9,144,800 budget represents a $1,245,800 or 15.8 percent increase over the 2023 budget of $7,899,000, funded by a 51.2 percent or $1,709,369 increase in property tax revenues — for a total of $5,054,932 — as Westlake continues to be one of Florida’s fastest-growing municipalities.

The numbers vary only slightly from the earlier staff-proposed budget.

The 2024 fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1, will be the first for Westlake without a major subsidy from developer Minto Communities USA as a backstop. Minto has kicked in millions since 2016 to get the city government on its feet. The company supplied $930,000 for the 2022 budget. In 2023, Minto was scheduled to put in $762,000, but the city did not need to draw on the funds.

The second and final budget hearing will be Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 6 p.m.

In a related matter, the assessment for residential solid waste services will remain at $280.60 per parcel for the upcoming fiscal year.

Cassel said he plans to go out for bid on the service before the 2025 fiscal year.

In other business:

• The council voted unanimously to approve a site plan modification to the Grove Market at Westlake shopping plaza, also known as the Winn-Dixie plaza, at the northeast corner of Persimmon Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The change to the

See WESTLAKE, page 14

way through weighted bags being delivered to houses in numerous neighborhoods,” Councilman John McGovern said at the Tuesday, Sept. 5 meeting.

The hate-filled flyers were reported in the neighborhoods of Emerald Forest, Sugar Pond Manor, Pinewood Manor and Paddock Park. However, Capt. Nichole Addazio, who leads the PBSO’s Wellington district, said that the flyers were not confined to Wellington.

Addazio offered the council a summary of what the PBSO has done and is still looking to accomplish. She noted that it is an ongoing law enforcement investigation, so there are details that she will not be able to share.

“Yesterday [Sept. 4] including a lot of sharing of information from about 7:30 in the morning when we were first notified to about 3:30 in the afternoon,” she said. “We made some great strides. We learned that Wellington was not really targeted here. It was a very widespread distribution, and that included Boca Raton, North Palm Beach, Jupiter, as well as other police agencies and in Martin County.”

Addazio said that a number of different flyers were distributed, each with a different message, con-

tained in baggies weighed down by a type of pellet. She noted that the PBSO’s strategic intelligence unit and its targeted violence unit are on board, looking into the situation, as are Wellington detectives, particularly trying to determine if the flyers pose a “credible threat.”

“Some of these organizations are very smart in their approach,” Addazio said. “They know just what to write for it not to be a violation.”

Addazio noted that she and other PBSO leaders have spoken directly with leaders of the local Jewish community, adding extra patrols both in the community and at Jewish houses of worship, which are about to celebrate the key Jewish holidays that make up the High Holy Days.

“This could be an indication of things to come,” she said. “We are fully aware, and we are on top of things.”

Addazio added that the entire countywide agency is working collaboratively on this case. She informed the council that a bill was passed in Tallahassee this year regarding “public nuisance littering.” House Bill 269 was approved by the governor on May 1, which “prohibits a person from distributing onto private property any material for purpose of intimi-

dating or threatening the owner, resident or invitee.”

“There are a couple of different statutes that we are looking at,” Addazio said. “This includes misdemeanor charges versus felony charges. With the felony charge, it has to be a credible threat.”

She believes that the PBSO has a copy of at least one of each type of the five or six different flyers that were distributed. Detectives are also reviewing video evidence that was collected.

“A large number of citizens, in the morning, when they woke up and saw all these bags, some of them, on their own, just went and collected them around their neighborhoods and disposed of them in an effort as to not upset their neighbors and have other people see these flyers,” Addazio said.

Mayor Anne Gerwig was glad to hear that the PBSO was on top of the situation.

“We are handling it the best that we can, and that is, I think, what the public wants to know,” she said.

McGovern was proud of how Wellington residents responded to the situation.

“I want to thank our residents,” he said. “From the very first moments of this, residents from all portions of the community made it very clear that hate is not going to be tolerated in this community.”

Addazio noted that this week’s distribution is not an isolated incident. Both the PBSO and the West Palm Beach Police Department have made some recent arrests of a particular group out of Port Saint Lucie.

“It is unfortunate that this keeps happening, but we are not just one targeted area,” she said. “This was a blanketed effort across the county.”

WCF Announces Eighth Annual Red, White & Blue Jeans Gala ‘A Salute To Our Heroes’

The Wellington Community Foundation is proud to extend a warm invitation to the community for the highly anticipated eighth annual Red, White & Blue Jeans Gala, themed “A Salute to Our Heroes.”

The event will take place on Friday, Nov. 10 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club, located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington.

The Wellington Community Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Wellington’s veterans, seniors and children. Its mission is to support and enhance their quality of life, and in doing so, “Build a Stronger Community.”

“Your support has a profound effect on the lives of those we

serve, and we invite you to join us for this special evening as we honor our heroes and continue to strengthen our community,” WCF Chair Barry Manning said.

The entire community is invited to join in this special evening. You can purchase tickets on the foundation web site for $100 per person, including a cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. VIP tables of eight are $1,250, and sponsorship packages are available. Visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org to learn more.

The support of its donors has been instrumental in the continued success of the Wellington Community Foundation, which extends its heartfelt gratitude to all those who support its mission of helping Wellington’s seniors,

The Red, White & Blue Jeans Gala “A Salute to Our Heroes” will take place Nov. 10 at the Wellington National Golf Club.

children and veterans in need.

“Without your unwavering commitment, our mission would not be possible,” Manning said.

“We look forward to celebrating our heroes and making a meaning-

ful impact within the Wellington community together.”

For more information about the Wellington Community Foundation, visit online at www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

A New Approach to Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

If you are a male over the age of 45, and suffer from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), there is a new treatment option for you.

BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. There are a variety of treatments — from medication to major surgery — but, until recently, the choices lacked a less-invasive option. Now there is the UroLift® device, which is inserted through the urethra and holds the enlarged prostate tissue out of the way, so it no longer blocks urine flow. Patients typically can return home the same day without a catheter, and experience rapid symptom relief and recovery with low complication rates.

To schedule an appointment, or find a physician, call 561-798-9880.

There were several different flyers thrown on Wellington lawns that included antisemitic (left) and racist (right) rhetoric.

Modern Home Designs Get Architectural OK At Farrell West

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Builders unveiled to a Wellington board the first six examples of what the luxury homes might look like in the 27-lot Farrell West development near the entrance to the Palm Beach Polo community, in a style decidedly more modern than old-school Mediterranean.

Meeting Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Architectural Review Board heard village staff note that while some newer homes around Wellington do incorporate a modern style, features such as flat roofs and a relative lack of adornment around entrances merit discussion about how comfortably they fit existing guidelines.

Developers signaled that they were willing to put an awning over the front door in one model, for example, but the board gave a

green light to their initial impulses.

“I’ll make a motion to keep it to the original design,” Board Member Maria Raspanti said.

A 6-0 vote for all the proposed models followed. The proposed homes reflect a change in customer tastes that has been occurring over the last five to seven years, said Rich Granoff, founder and CEO of Granoff Architects, the group designing the homes.

“I don’t think many people are building stucco homes with arches and red-tiled roofs so much anymore in southeast Florida,” Granoff told the board. “Part of the concept of doing an all-modern subdivision here, to be honest, was driven by the market demand.”

Given the size and price point, he expects each home to be customized to the buyer.

“We’ll see how sales go, but I suspect there will be 27 unique homes,” Granoff said.

The first round of homes featured floor plans of 5,000 square feet to 7,000 square feet.

The models included varied roof lines and a mix of sloped metal and flat roofs. The façades show various configurations of stucco, wood and composite materials in contrasting colors.

In the early offerings, brown and beige tones are accented by black and gray trim. There is an abundance of glass, even on some garage doors — though the glass would be frosted in that case, Granoff said.

All materials will meet hurricane standards, officials added.

“What’s the price range on these homes?” Board Member Maria Antuña asked.

“It’s obviously what the market will bear,” said Michael Sanchez, representing the builder. “We’re anticipating $5 million to $7 million.”

The Farrell Companies received Wellington Village Council approval to develop the 23-acre parcel earlier this year. The company completed a purchase of land that had largely been dormant green space for many years after use as a golf course, polo ground and adult soccer field southwest of Forest Hill Blvd. and Polo Club Road.

Granoff said he studied the modern architectural style when he was beginning his career almost four decades ago, but in recent years, it has played a larger role in market demand, particularly for upscale homes. “That’s where the world is going,” he told the board.

The National Trust for Historic

The Model 7000 at Farrell West provides a roomy 7,000 square feet of space.

Preservation notes modernism’s roots date from the early- to mid20th century. Architects associated with it include Frank Lloyd Wright and Philip Johnson.

According to the trust, “In archi-

tecture, it’s defined as a design language with an emphasis on form rather than ornament; structure and materials rather than picturesque constructions; and the rational and efficient use of space.”

Some Design Changes Approved For Lotis, But Not Shingle Roofs

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington’s Architectural Re-

view Board denied a switch from metal to asphalt shingle roofs while approving other changes to the Lotis Wellington mixed-use project under construction on State Road 7.

“I think you would be taking away from that ‘downtown’ look,”

Board Member Maria Raspanti said at a meeting held Wednesday, Aug. 23. In a 5-1 vote, the board followed the recommendation of village staff not to support the requested move to shingles on the multi-fam-

Truckers Compromise Is In The Works

continued from page 1 designed for use by [a large number of] tractor-trailer rigs. It could make it dangerous for children… and especially for equestrians.”

Argue pointed out that most of ITID is currently zoned agricultural-residential. She fears allowing a major influx of heavy trucks and trailers would open the door for the district to be rezoned for more commercial uses.

“I don’t think many people have a problem with a long-haul trucker coming in off a two-week run and parking his truck at his house until he heads out again,” Argue said. “It’s when people start running a commercial trucking operation from their residential property that it becomes a problem.”

“Truckers are an essential part

ily residential and clubhouse buildings at the project, which includes a mix of residential and commercial uses located on the west side of SR 7, north of Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Cost, insurance, ease of procurement and maintenance were among the reasons to go with different roof materials, said Rich Kasser, representing the Lotis Group. He and his colleagues argued that the roofs would not be seen by most people visiting the restaurants or other commercial sites.

But a majority of committee members said it was inconsistent

of our economy,” Baxter has said.

“They perform an essential service. They need to know they’re appreciated and supported.”

In related matters: • Baxter said she has reached out to the Federal Aviation Administration about using part of the Palm Beach County Glades Airport in Pahokee as a temporary dragstrip while working out details for construction of a permanent raceway on county property near 20-Mile Bend off State Road 80.

Other small airports with lightly used runways have been used for similar purposes, she said.

“It would fill a temporary need,” Baxter said.

The county is seeking information from anyone wishing to design, construct, manage or maintain the proposed raceway at 20-Mile Bend. The deadline has been extended to Oct. 20. For more information, visit https://discover. pbcgov.org and search “racetrack.”

• Argue said she knows of no one who thinks an off-highway ve-

with recent projects of this kind in the village.

The board did approve other changes that village staff supported. These included the use of paver-stone material for the project’s main boulevard instead of poured concrete, in part for ease of maintenance, repair and access by utilities.

For decorative strips along the route, the board also approved switching from a poured composite featuring pieces of blue glass to a paver that achieves a similar effect with greater ease of replacement. “We think, functionally, it makes a lot more sense,” said

hicle (OHV) park and campground near the Santa Rosa Groves section of the district “is a good idea for the community.”

The park has been pushed by Baxter, who got a commitment for the 200-acre facility as a last-minute sweetener for the land swap deal that allows GL Homes to build a 1,000-unit adult community on 477 acres of the 681-acre Hyder West property in the Ag Reserve off State Road 7 just north of the Stonebridge Country Club. In return, GL will cut the amount of residential and commercial space planned for property it owns at Indian Trails Grove, plus add water control structures in the northwest section of ITID.

The park would “exacerbate traffic problems in the area,” Argue said. She suggested that many non-residents drawn to the location likely would use ITID’s numerous dirt roads as “their playground” instead of paying to ride in the park.

Putting an OHV track and RV

Bryan Donahue with Insite Studio, a planning and architectural firm working on the project.

In another permitted change, what was initially an enclosed mailroom inside the clubhouse will be replaced by an exterior, wall-mounted system of boxes for mail and packages. The board approved that change with the condition of additional landscaping, including shrubs two to three feet high accented with trees of eight feet.

Approved by the village in late 2020, the Lotis Wellington Master Plan covers 64 acres on the west side of SR 7 about a mile north

of Forest Hill Blvd. It consists of 191 multi-family residential units, a combined 260 units for independent and assisted living, restaurants, retail, banking, medical and professional offices, a daycare center, and 28 acres with a lake, cypress preserves and trails.

In other business:

• The board approved a bigger sign, blue awnings and other features of the proposed Lock Up Self-Storage facility on 5.5 acres behind Cheddar’s restaurant on the west side of SR 7, north of Forest Hill Blvd.

By a 6-0 vote, the panel allowed a monument sign near SR 7 to ex-

pand from a permitted space area of 32 feet to 52 feet. That was in order to include the self-storage logo under Cheddar’s without creating a new sign, a company representative explained. In addition, the board permitted a blue color for awnings that was not already on the village pre-approved palette.

• Also gaining approval were wall signs of 48 inches and 72 inches high, exceeding the usual village standards, for the planned new Wellington Aquatics Complex along 120th Avenue South near Pierson Road at the back end of Village Park.

Lox Groves Council To Finalize Budget At Sept. 19 Meeting

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

and tent camping areas in a residential neighborhood would be another step in commercializing the district and shifting it away from its current agricultural-residential designation, Argue said.

Argue’s comments came just ahead of the town hall meeting Baxter planned for Wednesday, Sept. 6 at Seminole Ridge High School on the topic of roads and the proposed OHV park.

“It’s not everything I wanted, but I’ll take it,” said Natalia Melian, who has been a leader in the fight against big-rig code enforcement. “It’s a huge victory that will help those who’ve been suffering.”

OPINION

Communities Should Help Find Safe Homes For Stray Cats And Other Companion Animals

As I read in the Town-Crier that employees were moving into their new Royal Palm Beach Village Hall home and the Village of Royal Palm Beach is sponsoring a “Picture a Place You Call Home” photo contest, I saw a Facebook plea for help for a cat and her kittens living at the scheduled-for-demolition old Village Hall. Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control was called to remove the family. Their fate is unknown.

The mother cat obviously pictured RPB Village Hall as a safe place to call home. The contest said, “The Village of Royal Palm Beach is recognized as one of the 10 best communities in the U.S. to raise a family.”

Although streets shouldn’t be homes for our discarded pets, South Florida is inundated with abandoned cats left behind unsterilized. As a result, Palm Beach

County enacted a community cat ordinance where cats are trapped, sterilized and returned to be cared for where trapped. As an “open admission” shelter, PBCACC can’t refuse abandoned, neglected, abused, sick or injured animals in need. Local nonprofit shelters are “closed” or “limited admission” and turn animals in need away. Pets end up left on streets, in vacant homes, or hastily given away “free” to anyone on social media. When “open admission” PBCACC is overcrowded, healthy animals face euthanasia if adoptions or transfers to rescues don’t occur. Scared community cats trapped, like this family, who are deemed unadoptable and for policy or safety reasons not allowed to return where they lived outside, are at risk for euthanasia.

It takes a village to solve deadly, human-caused pet overpopulation.

Government officials in every South Florida municipality should help county shelters by publicizing on web sites/digital signage photos of shelter animals needing fosters/ adoption, the need to spay/neuter (and where to get it free or low cost locally), and the need for volunteers and donations. For public health and safety, municipalities should help fund programs to assist the public in timely getting pets sterilized, including sponsoring TNVR programs where residents can borrow humane traps and recruit volunteers to provide free TNVR services for elderly, disabled or time/transportation disadvantaged neighbors who are feeding abandoned cats, but unable to do it themselves.

Residents should be allowed to continue to feed and protect unadoptable, sterilized cats outside in designated places. Food drives

are needed for pets of financially stressed owners and colony cat caretakers feeding cats put back on the streets after sterilization.

There is no reason why unadoptable community cats can’t live at Village Hall. Cats are excellent at scaring rats away, and they accept food for wages. When cats are removed, absent timely, targeted TNVR, even more cats will repopulate the area. Promoting and funding community-based help for companion pets in need and adopting this family as Village of Royal Palm Beach community cat mascots would set an example for other municipalities to follow as a caring community for its residents, including our discarded companion animals, for whom it also should be a safe place they also can call home.

Debbie Lewis The Acreage

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The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council gave preliminary approval to a $10.8 million spending plan for fiscal year 2024 on Tuesday, Sept. 5. Final approval and adoption of the budget is slated for the council’s meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

The meeting started with a detailed budget presentation by Finance Director Chris Wallace of Munilytics, which took into account council input from a number of different budget workshops.

The total budget, up from $9.2 million in fiscal year 2023, includes $4.2 million in the General Fund and $2.6 million in the Capital Projects Fund. Most of the rest accounts for transfers from one fund to another.

The key budget priorities maintain the same level of staffing as in prior years, plus the conversion of the town’s code contract to two staff positions. There is also a 5 percent cost of living adjustment (COLA) for all employees.

As for capital projects, the focus is on four key areas: continue the road overlay and road rock

Wellington Council’s First Budget Hearing

continued from page 1 property tax rate of 2.47 mills is unchanged, there is an increase in the Acme Improvement District drainage assessment from $230 per unit to $255 per unit, as well as increases in solid waste collection rates. Those assessment increases were approved previously.

The 2.47 mills will provide approximately $27 million in revenue, bolstered by a 12.1 percent increase in the village’s taxable value. That means that while the rate remains the same, most property owners will see some increase in their village taxes, although that will be small for homesteaded properties.

Quickel noted that only 18 percent of a Wellington resident’s total tax bill goes to the village. The rest goes to the county, the school district and other taxing authorities.

“This proposed budget funds

programs; swales, catch basins and culvert replacements; improvements to control structures, gates, weirs and pump stations; and canal restoration/bank stabilization.

The budget includes several pages of proposed capital projects, but the council is still discussing the final list, although the $2.6 million figure for the total money to be spent on capital projects was approved unanimously.

A motion to approve the non-ad valorem assessment rate of $200 per unit, budgets and assessment rolls for roads and drainage in the dependent Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District was approved 3-2 with Mayor Laura Danowski and Vice Mayor Robert Shorr opposed.

When it came to adopting the solid waste assessment, Shorr once again asked to lower the rate to $350, but his motion failed for lack of a second. A motion to set the rate at $400, the same as the current year, passed 4-1.

The tentative millage rate of 3.0 mills, unchanged from the current year, and the tentative budget passed unanimously.

Wellington’s high levels of service, and includes great projects, with no millage rate increase,” Quickel said.

Gerwig said that while people want the higher levels of service that Wellington provides, she wants to make sure that the budget does not continue increasing dramatically, particularly in the area of capital projects.

Councilman John McGovern noted that the village is keeping 32 percent reserves in the general fund.

“That has been our longstanding policy to make sure that we have reserves in case there is some kind of catastrophe or crisis,” McGovern said.

He added that while other municipalities are lowering their millage rate slightly, Wellington made the decision five years ago to set the rate at 2.47 mills and leave it there.

“We made the decision not to play that up and down game with the political winds,” McGovern said. “I think this is a good budget for where we are.”

The second public hearing and final adoption of the budget is set for Wednesday, Sept. 20.

Commissioner Sara Baxter

Wellington’s New Horizons Elementary School Celebrates Renovated Media Center

New Horizons Elementary School in Wellington celebrated the grand re-opening of its newly renovated media center on Tuesday, Aug. 29. The morning included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live dance performances by students. The media center renovations help create a dynamic and adaptable learning environment that caters to the evolving needs of students. It also marks a significant step toward fostering dynamic and inclusive environments for stu-

dents in the school’s International Spanish Academy dual-language program.

The project is the product of more than a year of renovations, countless volunteer hours, and key support from volunteers and staff.

“Our new media center represents a leap forward in creating an adaptable and engaging educational environment,” Principal Dana Pallaria said. “We’re excited to showcase this space that truly caters to the diverse learning styles of our students.”

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Key features include dynamic seating options, adaptable table configurations, new bookcases and a revamped layout, inspiring wall murals, an engaging maker’s station nook, an enhanced story time area, and refreshed desk and lounge seating. The project was made possible through a collaborative effort with the school district. The removal of original bookcases, meticulous flooring and baseboard repairs and a fresh coat of paint were all part of this joint endeavor,

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Albert’s enduring spirit at St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington, Florida on Thursday, September 14 at 7 p.m.

In Loving Memory of Albert J. Buglio, Jr.

September 14, 1948 – August 16, 2023

Albert J. Buglio, Jr., a remarkable soul whose warmth and kindness touched countless lives, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, at the age of 74. Born in Cranston, Rhode Island, he was the cherished son of the late Albert J. Buglio, Sr. and Jennie Buglio. He was a devoted husband of nearly 50 years to Elizabeth (Betty) Buglio.

Albert’s memory lives on through his family, including his wife, brother Anthony S. Buglio and his wife Jamie of Coventry, Rhode Island, along with the loving generations he touched: his beloved nieces Ashley Guillemette (Christopher) and Jennifer Buglio, and nephews Benjamin and Remi.

Albert’s life was a symphony of passions, and he found joy in each note. His culinary artistry led him to become a top chef, leaving a mark at Players Corner Pub and Villa DiGiorgio. His culinary journey extended to Palm Beach, where he and his wife crafted culinary experiences that warmed hearts and palates. Albert later went on to become a lead baker for both Target and Winn-Dixie and trained dozens of employees. Albert’s love for music and dance, especially Broadway show tunes, added a melodious rhythm to his life. He could recite verses from the stage’s finest with a twinkle in his eye. Albert found wanderlust in the sea breeze, embarking on memorable cruises and heartwarming family reunions.

In 1985, Albert and Betty planted roots in Wellington, Florida, and their spiritual journey flourished. They shared a profound connection with the Catholic faith, serving and guiding through various boards and committees. Albert’s early days as an altar server paved the way for a lifetime of devoted service. His contributions to the growth of St. Therese de Lisieux’s spiritual haven were invaluable and enduring. As an integral part of the local newspaper and magazine team at Newspaper Publishers Inc., Albert’s zest for community and connection left an indelible mark.

Albert’s friendships evolved into family bonds, and his absence leaves an irreplaceable void. His absence is especially profound for his cherished wife, Elizabeth, who finds strength in prayer and trust in the divine plan.

A final farewell for Albert took place in his hometown at Nardolillo Funeral Home & Crematory, 1278 Park Avenue, Cranston, Rhode Island, where his life was honored with a visitation on Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Rocco’s Church, Johnston, Rhode Island. He was laid to rest in the serene embrace of St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

Additionally, a memorial service will celebrate Albert’s enduring spirit at St. Therese de Lisieux Catholic Church in Wellington, Florida, on Thursday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Please join us in paying tribute to Albert’s beautiful life and sharing your cherished memories on his Facebook page @al.buglio or offer your condolences at NardolilloFH.com. As we remember Albert’s journey, let us find solace in the love and light he brought into our lives.

Principal Dana Pallaria and Media Specialist Paula Bodner cut the ribbon and welcome community members to see the newly remodeled media center.

New Horizons Elementary School PTA leaders gather around Media Specialist Paula Bodner.

Principal Dana Pallaria, Assistant Principal Monica Anthony, Media Specialist Paula Bodner and PTA Treasurer Leslie Salas Leffler outside the media center.

New Horizons club de baile students perform during the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Media Specialist Paula Bodner in the new media center.

Ana Jaramillo checks out the new reading area.

Several areas of the media center were remodeled with a new look.

New Horizons club de baile student dancers with (back, L-R) Wellington Councilman John McGovern, Councilman Michael Drahos, Mayor Anne Gerwig, School Board Member Marcia Andrews and club de baile leader Lynca Diaz.

Club de baile students specialize in Spanish-style dancing.

Printed Farms Shows Off World’s Largest 3D-Printed Structure

to Printed Farms, Florida is well positioned to lead the country in 3D-printed buildings. Increasing catastrophic climate events will necessitate stron-

ger more sustainable buildings, and 3D concrete printed structures fill that need. They are also energy efficient and have lower cooling and heating costs.

To learn more about Printed Farms, e-mail info@printedfarms. com or visit www.printedfarms. com.

Safari’s AAZK Chapter Raises Awareness For Rhino Conservation

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

Since 2001, staff at Lion Country Safari has maintained a chapter with the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK). While the nonprofit organization was founded by San Diego zookeepers in 1967, it has spread across the country with a mission to provide resources and support for animal care professionals.

Now, AAZK has expanded to include research and conservation, and the LCS AAZK chapter is celebrating with “Rhinopalooza” — five different events designed

to raise funds for rhinoceros conservation through the International Rhino Foundation and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.

“Our chapter this year has focused on the 11 endangered species that we have here on property [at Lion Country Safari], and then other conservation work,” said Frank Verney, LCS AAZK chapter president and a 17-year employee at the park. “This is my first year as president of the chapter, but I’ve been involved for 10 years. I am the program manager for Bowling for Rhinos nationally, so I help oversee all the other chapters. I’m

doing a presentation on what all 70 to 80 chapters across the nation have done for rhino conservation at the AAZK conference in Akron, Ohio.”

Bowling for Rhinos is the name for an annual event through AAZK, but Verney’s chapter combined a quarter auction, an art class called Art Gone Rhino, a twilight tour and Winos for Rhinos with the traditional bowling night.

“At our Bowling for Rhinos event, we raised just over $2,500,” Verney said. “In total, we’ve raised more than $3,000 and hope that our Winos for Rhinos event, which is coming up on Sept. 29, will send us over the top. 100 percent of the

Youth Board Keep It Or Drop It?

continued from page 1 the Sunshine law, she could not even reach out to the chair about it.

She noted that the last event that the board was involved in was creating back-to-school bags for students in September 2022.

Vice Mayor Greg Langowski, who took over as liaison to the board after he joined the council in March 2022, said he also was unhappy with the lack of meetings.

“I want to see something happen,” he said. “[But] I can’t make them meet.”

NEWS BRIEFS Wellington To Host 9/11

Remembrance

The community is invited to join the Wellington Village Council at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with a remembrance ceremony at the Wellington Patriot Memorial (12198 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), near Village Hall.

During the ceremony, village leaders will share their thoughts and lay a memorial wreath. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the New York Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 3100 will be in attendance to show solidarity with those lost and affected by the events of 9/11.

Wellington dedicated its Patriot Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the attacks. The memorial includes one of the largest steel beams salvaged from the World Trade Center, as well as an eternal flame, fountain and etched-glass panels inscribed with the names of the victims.

Jessica Ransom At Sept. 13 Art Society Meeting

The Wellington Art Society will feature Jessica Ransom on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will open with a meetand-greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by a member spotlight and a brief meeting. For more information, contact Heather Bergstrom at presidentofwas@gmail.com

Ransom manages, curates and

oversees the installation of all exhibitions as the director of artist services at the Cultural Council for Palm Beach County. The Cultural Council is the only organization solely dedicated to supporting arts and culture in the Palm Beaches. In its sustaining effort to foster growth of the cultural sector, the council provides support services to cultural organizations and creative professionals, administers public and private grant programs, advocates for cultural funding, enhances local arts education, and promotes cultural tourism.

Ransom serves as the primary contact for professional visual artists in Palm Beach County and leads the council’s Artist Resource Team. She has held positions throughout the art industry as an art advisor and appraiser, developing clientele for a fine art handling firm, and managing the contemporary art space Culture Lab at CityPlace. Her experience includes advising private collectors on purchases, sales and appraisals, overseeing both private and public art installations, and managing all aspects of art loans. Ransom received her master’s degree in the history of art and the art market from Christie’s Education in New York City. She is the current chair of the City of West Palm Beach Art Life Committee and is a board member of Impact the Palm Beaches. For more information about the Cultural Council, visit www. palmbeachculture.com.

The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization in its 42nd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community

through art. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

‘Princess And The Pea’ Auditions At Dolly Hand

Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “The Princess and the Pea” on Monday, Sept. 11 at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center from 4 to 6 p.m. Those auditioning should arrive at 3:30 p.m. to preregister and should plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.

Among the roles to be cast are the Princess, the Pea, King and Queen Size, Storm King and Snow Queen, the Prince, Jack Frost, the citizens of Riverdom and Glacierdom, Dust Bunnies, Princesses and Leprechauns. Currently enrolled students ages 5 to 18 years old are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery and props. Actors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week; a schedule will be given after the auditions.

“The Princess and the Pea” will be presented at 11 a.m. at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center at Palm Beach State College on Saturday, Sept. 16. Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children under 12 and are available at the box office by calling (561) 993-1160. The Missoula Children’s Theatre residency in Belle Glade is supported by the H.E. Hill Foundation. To learn more, call Outreach Coordinator Vera Valerio at (561) 993-1161.

money raised goes to conservation, and we’ve already donated more money this year than any previous one for our chapter.”

The Winos for Rhinos event includes a wine tasting and dinner (adults only) for $25 per person. To keep the event intimate, there are only 50 spaces available.

In addition to celebrating the 40th southern white rhinoceros calf being born at Lion Country Safari, the chapter has planted a butterfly garden, volunteered with other nonprofits and provided presentations for local groups. The group is already looking ahead to working with Bat Conservation International on a new project.

The liaison’s role is to sit in on the meetings that do occur, give input as requested and take information back to the council, Langowski said.

During the July council meeting, it was suggested that the formal board be eliminated. That would allow citizens to form an ad hoc committee without the communication restrictions required by Florida’s Sunshine law.

Doing so also would allow the committee to interact with schools outside of Westlake’s 6.3 square miles, an important factor, since students who reside in the community often attend schools outside its boundaries, Langowski said.

Alicia Torres, a Westlake resi-

Wellington Environmental Preserve Finalist For Award

The Wellington Environmental Preserve at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Everglades Habitat has achieved a significant milestone by being selected as one of the three finalists for the prestigious American Planning Association (APA) Florida 10th annual Great Places in Florida Award as a “Great Resilient Place.” This recognition highlights the dedication of the Wellington community to preserving its natural beauty and promoting resilience. The award celebrates outstanding places that enrich the lives of residents and visitors. The preserve’s nomination underscores its vital role in the community and its contribution to creating a sustainable and resilient environment.

To secure a victory for the Wellington Environmental Preserve, the village needs the community’s support. The public voting period will be open from Sept. 4 through Sept. 29, during which anyone can cast their vote for the Wellington Environmental Preserve as their favorite “Great Resilient Place.”

To vote, visit https://florida. planning.org/community-outreach/great-places-florida/2023 before Sept. 29 to cast your vote for the Wellington Environmental Preserve. Encourage others to vote as well and share this exciting news on social media platforms, community groups and with the entire Palm Beach County community.

The winners of the APA Florida 10th annual Great Places in Florida Award will be announced on Monday, Oct. 2.

“We wanted to see if we have Florida bonneted bats flying around our area. There is no known recording of any Florida bonneted bats flying in Palm Beach County; they are only located south in Fort Lauderdale and Miami-Dade County. They are critically endangered with less than 1,000 of them left, so we put up a detector to see what kinds of bats we have here,” Verney explained.

The good news? Eight different bat species were recorded flying over Lion Country Safari, including the Florida bonneted bat and the endangered tricolored bat.

“We are so excited as the first

dent since 2018, said dissolving the board would be “a black eye for the city” and replacing it with an ad hoc committee “just sounds like more social committee stuff.”

Bermudez said she believes that the board has become “stagnant,” but that “it has a ton of potential. It needs better direction.”

Langowski said the resolution to eliminate the board as a formal part of the municipal government was not an effort to end its existence, but a way to “remove the handcuffs” created by state laws and the city’s boundaries.

Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor agreed.

“This is all about making it better, not killing it,” he said. “We’re

facility to record them in Palm Beach County. Now Bat Conservation International is coming out again to see where we can put the radar again and see if they are landing here,” Verney said. “If they do, that’s even a bigger plus for us, and we will put bat houses up for them to make sure that they’re doing OK. So, that’s another whole big project.”

For more information about AAZK, visit www.aazk.org. To support Lion Country Safari’s AAZK chapter, visit them on social media, through the “Saving Wildlife” section at www. lioncountrysafari.com or e-mail aazklcs@gmail.com.

trying to give you an avenue.”

“Other cities have successful boards,” Councilman Julian Martinez said. “What are we missing?”

City Manager Kenneth Cassel suggested that the council needs to take a stronger hand in setting the agenda for the board.

“Goals and objectives need to be established through this council, which will provide direction to this board,” he said.

Langowski said he was going to look into how other local municipalities, such as Wellington, handle their citizen-driven boards and committees. He made a motion to table the resolution until the council’s November meeting. The motion passed 5-0.

Julie B. Foundation Gala At Wanderers Club Sept. 23

The Julie B. Foundation (JBF) will host its 2023 gala on Saturday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. The night will be filled with inspirational messages from keynote speakers, a gift raffle, a gift auction and a delicious, full-course dinner provided by the Wanderers Club. A cash bar will be available.

All proceeds from the gala will go toward the Julie B. Foundation “Gift a Warrior Project” and scholarship fund. Donation tickets are $100. Purchase tickets at www. thejuliebfoundation.org/events.

JBF was founded by Jaelyn Brown in honor of her mother, Juliet Brown, who passed away in April 2020 from metastasized sarcoma cancer. Sarcoma cancers arise in the connective tissues. They make up approximately one percent of all adult cancer

cases. The foundation’s mission is to bring awareness to sarcoma cancers via community education and engagement.

“We aim to connect with battling cancer warriors and their families through support groups, expense assistance, personalized care packages and scholarships for their children,” Brown said. “The vision is to decrease the number of individuals and families that are burdened by the negative socioeconomic impacts of cancer.”

The 2023 gala aims to raise $10,000 for the foundation’s community initiatives. Sponsorships are still available. Gifts are taxdeductible. For more info., e-mail officer@thejuliebfoundation.org. Learn more about the foundation and its mission at www. thejuliebfoundation.org.

Outrun Hunger 5K Sept. 23 At Okeeheelee Park

Feeding South Florida, the leading hunger-relief organization in South Florida, will host its annual Outrun Hunger 5K in Palm Beach County in celebration of Hunger Action Day, which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 23. Runners, families and community leaders of all ages will come together to take steps in the beautiful Okeeheelee Park to raise funds and awareness to end hunger in South Florida.

Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative created by Feeding America, takes place throughout September and is designed to raise awareness about the issue of hunger in America and inspire others to take action toward ending it. Throughout the month, Feeding

South Florida will offer a range of events and activities to encourage South Florida residents to “Go Orange” and engage in various hunger-relief efforts. Outrun Hunger race day checkin opens at 6:30 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. After the race, an awards ceremony and a raffle will take place. Participants can join the event as an individual or a team and conduct online fundraising prior to race day. Registration costs $25. Registration with a T-shirt is $40. Registration as a “Hunger Hero” is $250. Learn more or register at www. feedingsouthflorida.org/events. Okeeheelee Park is located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd.

Officers for the Lion Country Safari AAZK chapter are Conservation Officer Charlotte Jones, Treasurer Ansley Barkheimer, Vice President Meghan Gillespie, LCS Vice President Jennifer Berthiaume, President Frank Verney and Communications Officer Brian Young. They are shown here at the recent Bowling for Rhinos event.

NATIONAL DOG DAY CELEBRATION AT KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY WELLINGTON

a National Dog Day celebration on Saturday, Aug. 26 featuring mu-

Wellington Garden Club Meeting To Feature Talk On Florida Everglades

The Wellington Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 11 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will feature a presentation at 10 a.m. by Lauren Butcher, environmental education coordinator at the Grassy Waters Preserve.

Grassy Waters is a pristine and vital remnant of the greater Everglades ecosystem. Butcher is excited to share her knowledge of the Everglades with club members and guests. Butcher has 14 years of experience as an environmental educator and holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management with a certificate in environmental education from Florida Atlantic University.

She also serves as a board member and education committee co-chair for Audubon Everglades. A third-generation Floridian, Lauren is passionate about connecting people with the natural world in South Florida. She welcomes the opportunity to help people learn more about the history and ecology of this remarkable wetland wilderness — and about what residents can do to conserve, protect and enjoy its waters.

The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, contact Carol Ralph at caroltaylorralph@ gmail.com.

The Wellington Garden Club,

Pets Are Family, Too!

By Randall S. Dugal, D.V.M.

BAD DOG BEHAVIOR

Dog behavior issues can arise for various reasons and can be challenging for all involved. One common problem is excessive barking, which boredom, anxiety, territorial instincts, or a lack of proper training can trigger. Aggression is another serious behavior issue that manifests in many forms, such as growling, lunging, or biting due to fear, resource guarding, or a lack of socialization. Separation anxiety is a distressing problem where dogs become anxious or destructive when left alone. Other behavioral issues include jumping on people, digging, chewing furniture, or pulling on the leash during walks. Addressing these problems requires patience, consistency, and professional guidance. Positive reinforcement training methods, behavior modification techniques, and creating a structured environment can help tackle these issues effectively.

Whether you come to us because you have questions about your pet’s behavior and how to deal with it, or it’s time for a routine wellness visit for your pet, we’d like you to know that we care for all the pets that come to us with kindness and great affection. At COMMUNITY

ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, we offer complete, state-of-the-art health care services for small pets of all kinds, including diagnostics and internal medicine, surgical care, dentistry, and nutrition counseling. Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., please call 798-5508 for an appointment. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

P.S. Only a licensed veterinarian can diagnose and prescribe medication when a dog’s behavior problems are caused by a medical condition.

founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design;

and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

Fright Nights Event At South Florida Fairgrounds Looking For New Members In Casting Call

Fright Nights, the largest haunted house event in central Palm Beach County, with four full haunts, carnival rides, live music, food and entertainment, has issued a casting call for scare actors and makeup artists for the 21st annual Fright Nights event in October 2023.

The casting call begins at noon on Sunday, Sept. 10. Enter through the main gate at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre off Sansburys Way at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

Fright Nights is looking for energetic male and female performers to join its “family of freaks.”

Participants must be at least 16 years old unless they have a parent who will volunteer to work alongside them.

Both paid and volunteer positions are available with all levels of experience. Two forms of ID are required. Event organizers also are seeking makeup artists and makeup helpers. For more information, visit www.myfrightnights.com.

Fright Nights at the South Florida Fairgrounds starts the season with a Behind the Scenes Tour on Thursday, Oct. 5 and will open on Friday, Oct. 6, and continue to be held on Oct. 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26 and 28. The Midway will open at 6 p.m., and the haunted houses will open at 7 p.m. The “carnival of terror” offers four new haunted houses, along with scare zones, midway carnival rides, live entertainment, video games and virtual reality.

Welcome to Starr Family Dentistry in Wellington

Keller Williams Realty Wellington and Considine Homes hosted

sic, food, vendors, dog rescues and a dog costume contest. The free event, staged by event coordinators Shareen Joseph and Amy Considine, also included tables featuring local businesses and a number of raffle baskets. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Daniel Mauricio with Muneca.

Semper Fi volunteers Jess Macomber with Bluey, Jeannie DeMarzo with Poppy, Executive Director Ryan Onda with Titan, Frank DeMarzo with Dante, Johnathon Musgrave with Ruger, and Kevin Bradlow with Shadow.

Event coordinators Shareen Joseph and Amy Considine.

Aria Madan and Rick Perez foster three mini schnauzers.

Stephen Butcher with Nero and Jennifer Nugue with Loki.

Kim Bebo with two-year-old birthday pup Mila.

Tom Benach with Jasmine, who got a treat from Pet Wants owner Susan Simpson.

Amy Considine, Shareen Joseph, Ibel Cruz and Tammy Burton with costume winner Moe.

Mutty Paws volunteers Jeff Meisler, Melody Atkinson with Prancer, and Nancy Fedison with Bubbles.

Environmental education coordinator Lauren Butcher.

ULTRACON BRINGS COMIC BOOK AND TV SHOW FANS TO THE FAIRGROUNDS

UltraCon Comicon was held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center from Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27, featuring dozens of vendors, a cosplay contest and many special guests, including Larry Wilcox and Erik Estrada, stars of the 1980s TV show “CHiPs.” There were also comic creators and vintage collectibles. Learn more about future events at www.ultraconofsouthflorida.com.

At

Academy, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children that feels like home. We believe that every child deserves exceptional care and attention during their early years, and we are committed to fostering their holistic development through play-based learning, love and respect.

Maids Abigail Blanton and Elisheva Menachof.

Darth Vader (James Martinez) with Marco Almeida.

Tina Carreiro of Loxahatchee Groves is the author of the “Power of the Moon” series.

The Florida Garrison’s Everglades Squadron of the 501st Legion portray “Star Wars” characters.

Liam Jimenez (the Joker), Sami Quinn (Harley Quinn) and Adriela Rodriguez (Catwoman).

Whitney Williams as Athena.

Scott Innes voices many HannaBarbera characters, such as ScoobyDoo, Fred Flintstone and Yogi Bear.

Fan art artist Michael McElroy with some of his favorite characters.

Wrestler Brutus

“The Barber” Beefcake with his championship belt.

Tom Cook is the director/animator of “Masters of the Universe” and other Hanna-Barbera shows.

Zayla (Wednesday Addams), Amayiah (Stitch), Sebastien Del Valle (Captain Jack Sparrow) and wife Ashley.

“CHiPs” stars Larry Wilcox (Officer Jon Baker) and Erik Estrada (Officer Frank “Ponch” Poncharello).

Steve Hamedl got helmets signed by Larry Wilcox of the TV show “CHiPs.”

Tracy Hill as Klingon officer K’rma.

Portraying characters from the movie Ghostbusters are Daymeon Golden (Egon Spengler), Brandy Small (Janine Melnitz), Rafael Tapia (Ray Stantz) and William Zuniga (Peter Venkman).

Joly on the bridge of the USS Enterprise from “Star Trek.”

Westlake Recognizes PBSC 90th Anniversary With Proclamation

Palm Beach State College received a special proclamation recognizing its 90th anniversary from the City of Westlake during a Westlake City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Accepting the honor on behalf of the college from Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor was Kimberly Lancaster, dean of academic affairs for the Loxahatchee Groves and Belle Glade campuses.

Joining her from PBSC was Edward Willey, dean of health sciences; Cynedra Blake, student activities manager for the Loxahatchee Groves campus; Associate

Awards

Top Cop And Top Firefighter

continued from page 1 have really been a trailblazer at every time in your career.”

Councilman Michael Drahos agreed.

“You have to be passionate, and you have to sacrifice to reach the top of whatever field you’re in,” Drahos said. “I mean, you started as a 15-year-old and identified

Westlake Outparcel Approved

continued from page 3

9.98-acre site increases the previously approved square footage for the unbuilt outparcel at the corner from 3,675 square feet to 8,317 square feet for a one-story building to house retail and medical office space. A bank also is being planned for the plaza. It will be the third bank coming to Westlake, Cassel noted.

• The council voted unanimously to prohibit medical marijuana treatment centers and dispensing

Dean Andraes Alexander; Raymond Coulter, facilities manager at the Belle Glade campus; Jessica Echeverria, director of the Library Learning Resource Center at the Loxahatchee Groves campus; Armando Carrasco, student development advisor for the Loxahatchee Groves campus; and Professor Colette Chiacchiero.

“Just like the commitment that PBSC has made for the last 90 years to Palm Beach County, we are making the same commitment to the City of Westlake,” said Lancaster during the meeting.

Lancaster noted that because the city is so close to the Loxahatchee

early in your life that is what you wanted to be.”

Wellington’s 2023 Top Cop and Top Firefighter award winners were selected from finalists by the village’s Public Safety Committee in June.

For his part, Barbusio has served more than 35 years, much of it in the Lake Worth area before joining the Wellington district three years ago. “In my career, I’ve been very fortunate to have great bosses,” Barbusio said. “I had one bad boss in the beginning, and since then, it has been great.”

He thanked his wife for her role

centers within the City of Westlake.

Cassel explained that the ordinance was not necessarily designed to permanently prohibit such businesses, but to give the council greater control if such a business wishes to locate in the area. Otherwise, if a medical marijuana treatment center were to suddenly open its doors, the city could not then go back and restrict or prohibit it.

With the ordinance in place, a medical marijuana treatment center could apply for a variance, but that would be up to this or future councils on a case-by-case basis.

• The council amended its golf cart ordinance to bring it into line

Groves campus, the college decided to place one academic advisor at Seminole Ridge High School and another at Wellington High School to educate students about PBSC and help them become better prepared for higher education learning.

“We consider you a major partner to our campus and our institution,” Lancaster said.

As a thank you to the city, PBSC gift bags that included emerald paper weights were given to the mayor, council members and others.

The City of Westlake proclamation marks 17 municipal proclama-

in raising their three sons as he pursued cases, such as searching shipping containers in Miami for stolen cars.

“Detective Tim Barbusio is synonymous with the go-to guy,” said Capt. Nichole Addazio, who leads the PBSO’s Wellington district.

A homicide case early in his career in Lake Worth was recently featured on an episode of “On the Case” with Paula Zahn, she noted.

He was instrumental in helping gain support for a state law that required criminals to be photographed as they left prison, and not just before going behind bars, to

with all state regulations. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, which provides law enforcement services for the community, said the change will make it easier for deputies to enforce golf cart regulations on Westlake’s streets and sidewalks, while noting that several developments do not seek or want traffic enforcement or patrols within their boundaries.

• The qualifying dates for the 2024 municipal election were set for Nov. 7 at noon through Nov. 14 at noon. The election will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, to coincide with the Presidential Preference Primary. The council’s Seat 1 and Seat 3 will be up for election.

• At 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12, the council will meet in a workshop session with the Seminole Improvement District Board of Supervisors to continue planning for the 50-acre park on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The city and the district are developing the park directly south of Seminole Ridge High School as a joint project.

tions to date presented to PBSC by municipalities in Palm Beach County, as well as the Palm Beach County Commission.

Throughout the year, PBSC will celebrate its 90th anniversary milestone with activities such as campus celebrations, open houses, innovation initiatives and capital projects. Stories will spotlight the achievements of alumni, students, faculty, staff and community partners on the college’s web site. Social media posts and special events will use the hashtag #PBSC90th. To learn more, visit www.palmbeachstate. edu/90th.

aid in identifying repeat offenders as they aged, she said.

In Wellington, he has been involved in more than 60 long-term cases, many involving financial crimes, including a bail-bond scheme with victims nationwide. Barbusio’s son Michael now serves as a PBSO deputy, Addazio noted. “I had a recent conversation with Mike and asked him about his career goals, and he said without

hesitation that his goal was to sit in his father’s chair one day in the Wellington district’s detective bureau,” she said. “I just thought, what a testament to Tim’s decades of hard work.”

Mayor Anne Gerwig said a common expression is “back the blue,” but in this case it’s back the dark green uniforms of the sheriff’s office.

“It’s a stressful life that you

lead in public service, especially the schedule and time away from family,” she said. “Congratulations on making the right choices and supporting each other, because that is not to be ignored in this.”

Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone thanked Barbusio for his service. “It’s an honor to have you out here, not only as a member of the PBSO but as a resident,” Napoleone said.

Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor, Palmer the Panther, Kimberly Lancaster and Edward Willey.

PHOTO BY CAROL MCDONALD

(Above) The Wellington Village Council honors Top Cop PBSO Detective Tim Barbusio, and (below) the council honors Top Firefighter Capt. Cecilia Eaton. PHOTOS COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF

CENTRAL AND HISPANIC CHAMBERS PRESENT YOUNG PROFESSIONALS MIXER

WRMC’s Dr. Andrew Shapiro Achieves Remarkable Milestone Of 1,000 Robotic-Assisted Surgeries

Wellington Regional Medical Center recently announced an outstanding achievement of Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a distinguished surgeon in the field of robotic-assisted surgery. Shapiro has successfully completed an extraordinary milestone of 1,000 surgical procedures utilizing the cutting-edge da Vinci Robot, cementing his status as a regional leader in minimally invasive surgical techniques. The da Vinci Surgical System has revolutionized the landscape of modern surgery, enabling surgeons to perform intricate procedures with enhanced precision, control and flexibility.

Shapiro’s mastery of this advanced technology has not only

brought about positive outcomes for his patients but has also elevated the standard of patient care in the region.

Through the integration of robotic-assisted surgery, Shapiro has consistently exhibited unwavering dedication to advancing medical practices, resulting in improved surgical outcomes, reduced hospital stays and quicker recovery times for patients. His commitment to staying at the forefront of medical innovation has made him an invaluable asset to the medical community and a beacon of hope for those in need of surgical intervention.

“Reaching this milestone of 1,000 robotic-assisted surgeries

with the da Vinci Robot is a testament to the transformative potential of advanced medical technology,” Shapiro said. “It has been an incredible journey, and I am deeply grateful for the trust my patients have placed in me. None of this would have been possible without the collaborative efforts of our exceptional medical team and the continuous support from the hospital staff.”

Wellington Regional Medical Center is proud to support Shapiro in his work.

“We are tremendously proud of Dr. Shapiro’s achievement in reaching this significant milestone,” WRMC CEO Pam Tahan said. “His dedication to advancing

surgical techniques and improving patient outcomes is truly commendable. Dr. Shapiro’s unwavering commitment to patient care is an inspiration to the entire medical staff.”

Shapiro’s patients have expressed their gratitude for the compassionate care and remarkable results they experienced under his skilled hands. His personalized approach to each case, combined with modern medical technology, has earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after surgeons in the area.

As Shapiro continues to break new ground in the field of robotic-assisted surgery, he remains committed to further advancing

medical science and exploring innovative ways to improve patient care.

His passion for excellence and commitment to improving the lives of his patients are attributes that have defined his exceptional career.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating residents in Wellington and the surrounding community, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, a comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and

Dr. Andrew Shapiro

level III NICU, a comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures, and a wellness and weight loss center. To learn more about the hospital, visit www.wellingtonregional. com.

For more than 70 years, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has served as a world-class pediatric care leader for children and families locally, regionally, and internationally.

Our new Wellington location offers same-day* and next-day appointments with fetal and pediatric cardiologists, and now gastroenterologists.

10111 Forest Hill Boulevard, Suite 110 Wellington, FL 33414 561-877-5870

nicklauschildrens.org/Wellington

* Subject to insurance approval and authorization

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County held a Young Professionals meeting and mixer on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Everglades Equipment Group in Loxahatchee Groves. Learn more about upcoming chamber events at www.cpbchamber.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Denise Negron of the Farmworkers Coordinating Council and Hispanic Chamber CEO Maria Antuña.

Attendees gather for a group photo.

Asad Sadiq, Albert Vandenberg, Commissioner Sara Baxter, Central Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford, David Adams, Starr Courakos, Chad Freeman, Hispanic Chamber CEO Maria Antuña and Alleigh Reitz.

Phil Werner, Chandler Felger and Jose Mendez.

Isabelle Langheim, Brody Hulten and Starr Courakos.

Alex Wooldridge, Samantha Rubin, Eliz Rochaine and Albert Vandenberg.

County Commissioner Sara Baxter with Wellington Community Grants Manager Gloria Kelly.

Everglades Equipment Group Marketing Manager Alleigh Reitz with Mall at Wellington Green General Manager Asad Sadiq.

From their little hearts to their tiny tummies, we’re here for every child.

The Kerala Association of Palm Beach hosted a celebration of the Hindu holiday of Onam at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Saturday, Sept. 2. Onam is a cultural feast that is traditional in the southern Indian state of Kerala. Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig was this year’s special guest speaker. Also attending was Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara, who was the guest speaker last year. Learn more at www.keralapb.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Debra Tendrich, Sanil Prakeash, Daisy Antony and Juna Thomas serve dinner.

Saji and Chiyezhath family members at the celebration.

Anchana Anil performs a dance.

Samuel, Arjun, Maria and Aria with a traditional flower arrangement.

Kerala Association President Reji Sebastian gives Mayor Anne Gerwig flowers as Vice President Matthew Thomas looks on.

A cinematic dance by the tiny tots.

Allison Mini Kuruvilla and Audrey Kallickal perform on stage.

Nial Rajesh, Rajesh Perumal and Anu Rajesh.

Mayor Anne Gerwig lights a candle with help from Reji Sebastian.

Debra Tendrich, Alan and Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig, Juna Thomas, Biju Thonikadavil, and Carolyn and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Riya Saji dances on stage.

Janaki and Bhavani Raj with Norah, Audrey and Allison.

The group participates in the Onam ceremony.

Rachel and Helen Sebastian on stage.

Matthew Thomas, Biju Thonikadavil, Carolyn and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig, Sajan Kurian, Reji Sebastian, Alan Gerwig and Jijo Jose.

looks on.

Palm Beach Central And Sem Ridge Open Football Season With Back-To-Back Wins

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The high school varsity football teams from Palm Beach Central High School and Seminole Ridge High School are off to perfect 2-0 starts going into the third week of the season.

The Palm Beach Central Broncos appear committed to repeating their strong performance last season when the team reached the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 7A state semifinals.

The Broncos opened this season with a pair of big road wins. On Friday, Aug. 25, Palm Beach Central traveled north to play highly touted Creekside High School near Jacksonville. It was a prolific offensive display by both teams.

The Broncos emerged victorious, 55-48.

Six days later, on Thursday, Aug. 31, the Broncos won their second game of the season when they traveled south to Boca Raton High School to play the Bobcats.

The Broncos prevailed again, 35-21.

The Broncos will pursue their third victory in as many games when they play their home opener on Friday, Sept. 8 against the Park

Vista High School Cobras. On Thursday, Sept. 14, Palm Beach Central hits the road again for an away game at Pahokee High School.

According to Palm Beach Central head football coach Kevin Thompson, the key to his team’s two road wins has been the willingness of his players to listen and learn from their coaches.

“Our early success has come from the coaches really helping and coaching a very young team and trying to get them to buy into our standard here at Palm Beach Central,” Thompson said.

The key players on offense for the Broncos have been wide receiver Nedrick Boldin and wide receiver/running back Ze’Quan Wright, while the key player on defense has been cornerback/free safety Tony Williams.

The Seminole Ridge Hawks opened up their current season with a pair of back-to-back Thursday night games at home.

On Thursday, Aug. 24, Seminole Ridge hosted Glades Central High School. Led by a spirited and disciplined defense, the Hawks defeated the visiting Raiders, 209. A week later, on Aug. 31, the Hawks welcomed the Wildcats

from Royal Palm Beach High School. With the assistance of another strong, aggressive, stingy defense, the Hawks blanked the Wildcats, 27-0.

The Hawks will be looking to improve their record to 3-0 when they travel to play the Forest Hill High School Falcons on Friday, Sept. 8. The following week, on Thursday, Sept. 14, Seminole Ridge will make another trek to play the Rams from Palm Beach Lakes High School.

The Wildcats (0-2) are struggling out of the gate, as they have yet to score a point in their first two games — a 36-0 loss to Fort Pierce Westwood Academy on Friday, Aug. 25, and the 27-0 loss at Seminole Ridge on Thursday, Aug. 31. Both games were on the road. Despite the setbacks, secondyear head coach Chuck Kenyon and his staff remain committed to changing the direction of the RPBHS football program.

“We are a young team that is continuing to head in the right direction. We are starting six freshmen, and they are getting good reps,” Kenyon said. “Our coaches are upbeat, and the attitude of our players is very positive. We are battling hard in practice and in

games. I’m very optimistic, and I know the wins will come.”

The Wildcats’ third game of the season was their home opener, when they hosted Suncoast High School on Thursday, Sept. 7. The score was not available at press time. Next week, Royal Palm Beach travels to play local rival Wellington High School on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Like the Wildcats, the Wolverines, led by first-year head coach Ross Pryor, are off to a tough start, but the Wellington team is determined to rebound and recover.

Wellington opened its season at home on Friday, Aug. 25 against the Park Vista Cobras. After trailing 10-0 at halftime, Wellington outscored Park Vista 7-2 in the third quarter, but the Wolverines were unable to score the go-ahead touchdown, and Park Vista won, 12-7.

On Thursday, Aug. 31, Wellington hosted the Tigers from Martin County High School. It was a tough game for the Wolverines, who trailed 42-7 at halftime. Despite holding Martin County scoreless in the second half, Wellington could only muster six second-half points. Martin County won, 42-13.

The Wolverines (0-2) resume play on Friday, Sept. 8, when they go on the road to play the Falcons from Jensen Beach High School (2-0). On Thursday, Sept. 14, Wellington hosts local rival Royal Palm Beach.

Despite the tough start to the season, Pryor remains committed to getting his team to properly execute the fundamentals in practices and in games.

“After two games, my biggest takeaway is that we had a ton of mental mistakes,” Pryor said.

“We are young and are improving. Last week [week one] to this week [week two], we made some major improvements in being disciplined. I think that we are starting to hit our stride and are playing better and will continue to do so.”

After two weeks, the King’s Academy Lions have proven that they can score points in bunches. In their season opener on Friday, Aug. 25, TKA traveled to Boca Raton to play St. Andrew’s School. Unfortunately, TKA lost a 55-54 nailbiter to the Scots. But a week

later, on Friday, Sept. 1, the Lions rebounded at home by blanking Glades Central, 43-0.

On Friday, Sept. 8, TKA (1-1) travels to Boynton Beach to play Somerset Academy Canyons. The Lions return home on Friday, Sept. 15 to play John Carroll Catholic School from Fort Pierce.

The Berean Christian School Bulldogs (0-1) began their season with a road game in Sarasota against the Out-of-Door Academy Thunder on Friday, Aug. 25. The Bulldogs suffered a tough 42-0 defeat. Berean’s second regular season game on Friday, Sept. 1 at home against the Oxbridge Academy was postponed.

The Bulldogs’ next game will be Friday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. against the St. Edward’s School Pirates from Vero Beach. That game will be the first-ever on-campus football game in Berean’s history.

According to Berean Athletic Director Dean Hendricks, the school plans to celebrate the occasion with some alumni spotlights during halftime.

Swimmer Caleb DaSilva Is Aggressively Pursuing A State Title

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School senior

swimmer Caleb DaSilva is extremely fast in the swimming pool, and he’s working on getting faster.

DaSilva, a captain for the Wellington High School boys varsity swimming and diving team, is a sprint specialist who competes in the two fastest events in high school swimming: the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle.

Last November, as a junior, DaSilva finished fifth in the boys 50-yard freestyle with a time of 21.01, and seventh in the boys 100yard freestyle with a time of 46.40 at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 4A state swimming championships in Stuart.

In the 50-yard state championship finale last fall, the top four swimmers all broke 21 seconds.

The winning time was 20.65, by Marcoaurelio Lopez-Casula, a senior from Miami Beach High School. In the 100-yard event, the winning time was 45.25 by George Gonzalez, a sophomore from G. Holmes Braddock High School in Miami.

The four swimmers who finished ahead of DaSilva in the 50-yard freestyle were all seniors, which means that DaSilva, based on past form, is one of the early

favorites to win the event this November. But swimming races are not contested on paper. Instead, they take place in the pool, and DaSilva is not the only fast Class 4A swimmer returning in the 50yard freestyle. The swimmer who finished right behind DaSilva in sixth place last fall was just seven one-hundredths of a second behind him.

For DaSilva to improve his times in these challenging events, he realizes that he must improve his starts, turns, stroke technique and kicking. If he does, he will dramatically improve his chances of becoming a state champion on Friday, Nov. 10, when this year’s FHSAA Class 4A state swimming finals will be held at the Florida Aquatics Swimming & Training Center in Ocala. It’s a pool that DaSilva likes.

“Off the blocks, I’m working on improving my reaction time, so I get in the pool faster,” DaSilva said. “My turns can be better, and my kick needs to be more consistent and stronger. I’m working on improving my stroke technique right now in practice.”

His favorite event is the 50-yard freestyle.

“I like the 50 free because it’s easier to swim, and it’s a faster race,” DaSilva explained.

DaSilva has a rather simple game plan when he competes in

the 50-yard event, which is just two laps in the 25-yard pool.

“I just swim, hold my breath, and get to the wall as soon as I can,” he said. “I don’t look for the other swimmers, but I do see them through the corners of my goggles.”

Another strategic decision DaSilva must make is how many times he takes a breath.

“Right now, I’m breathing twice, which is once per lap,” DaSilva said. “But I can cut that down to one breath.”

While DaSilva is a sprint freestyle specialist, he also swims the 100-yard butterfly and the 100yard backstroke, on occasion.

During the 6,000-yard to 8,000yard workouts at the Wellington Aquatics Complex, under the supervision of longtime WHS head swimming coach Richard Whalen, DaSilva said that he doesn’t let his mind wander, since he needs to be efficient in the water with his kick and stroke.

Another advantage that DaSilva has is that he has strong swimming genes, as his mother — Laura Nuudi — is a former international swimmer for Estonia. She swam the butterfly and backstroke. His younger brother, sophomore Andreas, is also on the WHS swimming squad. Andreas specializes in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly.

When he’s not swimming, DaSilva refuels his body with lots of food, and he’s not picky.

“I eat whatever I can find, and I eat whatever I want,” said DaSilva, who added that his mother is a great cook.

To his credit, DaSilva is as outstanding in the classroom as he is in the pool. He has an impressive 3.96 grade point average. His favorite subjects are math and science.

After graduating from WHS next May, DaSilva is committed to swimming in college, but he has not made a decision on where

he wants to go. He would like to pursue a degree in engineering.

But for now, DaSilva’s main objective in life is to re-engineer his swimming stroke so that he

can continue to get faster in the pool. Chances are strong that he will get faster. But will it be fast enough to win a state title? Only time will tell.

Wolverine swimmer Caleb DaSilva next to the starting block.

Seminole Ridge player Dylan Reid runs the ball in the game against Royal Palm Beach.

Preston Swope of Seminole Ridge pursues Glades Central quarterback Adrian Davis.

Wellington swimmer Caleb DaSilva with medals from last year’s state swimming finals.

Seminole Ridge’s Garrett Rimes hands the ball to Roberto Venero in the game against Royal Palm Beach.

Helen Monahan Andrews

Modern, Elegant & High-Quality

Jacksonville, FL — Helen Evangeline (Monahan) Andrews, age 80, of Jacksonville FL, formerly of West Chelmsford, MA and Reston VA, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at Cypress Village Senior Community. Born in Lowell, MA, she was the daughter of Richard L. Monahan and Helen Powers Monahan. She was educated in the Chelmsford schools, the Academy of Notre Dame in Tyngsboro, and graduated from Keith Hall High School, Lowell in 1960. She later attended George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

She spent her early years raising her three children. She began her professional career in the early 1970’s as an executive assistant employed by Xerox Corporation. In 1975, she started Herndon Concrete in Herndon, VA with her former husband Jack Andrews and family friend Scott Meese. In 1979 the concrete company rebranded to AMAX Corporation as it expanded into the Northern Virginia market and became the largest privately held ready-mix concrete business in Northern Virginia. She was the CFO for AMAX Corporation in Sterling where she worked until her retirement in 1989 when the company was sold to a British multinational company. Helen was especially proud to be a member of the Herndon Chamber of Commerce during this time. In 1993 she became partners with her son John creating Sterling Land Corp to purchase, plan and develop residential communities in Loudoun County Virginia. During the next 20 years they created over 18 communities including the Del Webb community of Potomac Greene that has over 1600 homes.

Helen was an energetic, multi-talented individual, who enjoyed painting and sketching, playing tennis, as well as playing ragtime piano music. She volunteered extensively in her community. She believed it was her responsibility to give back to the communities that had provided for her business success. Having lived in the D.C. area most of her life, Helen was keen on discussing politics. Helen was a sparkling and witty conversationalist who enjoyed the verbal interaction without becoming mean or angry. She loved traveling to various sites in Europe, Middle East and the Caribbean, and spending time in her home on St. John in the Virgin Islands. But perhaps her biggest joy came in researching the genealogy of her family.

In addition to her three beloved children: John A. Andrews of St. Augustine, Florida, Mark Andrews of Middleburg, VA and Christine Andrews of Delray Beach, FL, she is survived by her brother, Richard E. Monahan and his wife Nanci of Newburyport, MA, her sisters Ruthe Monahan of West Chelmsford, MA, Jane Monahan and her husband Richard Palazola of Trenton, ME, along with her six grandchildren: Jessica Andrews, John Andrews III, Laura Andrews, Annamarie Andrews, Mark Andrews II, and Amanda Burke, and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves Albert (Buddy) and Nancy Andrews, Sarah Andrews, Susan and Herb Cline, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Kathleen Andrews, Lynne Andrews and Dana Andrews.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Visiting hours Friday, September 29 from 11 am to 12 Noon at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME ~ 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA.

Funeral service 12 Noon at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery, Lowell.

ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041.

Pioneer Inn is the right choice for visitors who are searching for a combination of charm and a convenient position from where to explore surroundings.

• HD channels with high-speed internet

• Centrally located in Palm Beach County

• Walking distance from South Florida Fairgrounds

• Conveniently located near many restaurants and Wellington Mall

• Close to Lion Country Safari, Florida Turnpike, I-95, Palm Beach

Berean Girls Team Ready As Volleyball Season Gets Underway

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The girls varsity volleyball team at Berean Christian School has a new direction under a new head coach — Sam Skelton, a veteran South Florida volleyball coach

who has been successful at other schools in the past.

Skelton has brought a sense of structure and optimism to the girls volleyball program at Berean. Last year, Skelton coached the girls volleyball team at the King’s Acad-

emy to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 3A regional semifinals. Skelton’s arrival on campus has generated great interest in the girls volleyball program, which was evident during the summer break.

“When we had open gyms this summer, I was getting roughly 40 players in the gym to play volleyball,” Skelton said. “And for high school tryouts earlier this month, I had more than 40 players.”

While Skelton admits that he’s

always optimistic at the beginning of every volleyball season, the mood and the vibe in the Berean gym during practice has been better than he expected, and it has been attention-getting.

“We have a pretty neat group of players, and I like the momentum, which has picked up since the first day of practice,” Skelton said. “I am impressed with the atmosphere in practice.”

Skelton is also impressed with the leadership and skill level of his four seniors: Ashley Hendricks, Renee Brown, Abigail Francis and Yemeli Tavares.

“At 6-foot-1, Ashley will be a key outside hitter for us. Renee is our top setter. Abigail is also a setter who provides valuable on-thecourt leadership, while Yemeli is a great basketball player who will play middle for us,” Skelton said.

Skelton also has a few underclassmen who will fill important spots in the rotation.

One of his pivotal players will be junior Lily Young, who will play middle. Cami Echeverry will be Berean’s libero. One of the team’s new setters will be junior Evelyn Vejvoda. Sophomore Katelyn Baer is another talented outside hitter

Hana Lohmann Named Florida Athlete Of The Year

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington resident Hana

Lohmann — a 2023 graduate of Glades Day School in Belle Glade —was recently voted SBLive Florida’s 2022-23 Female High

School Athlete of the Year. Lohmann earned an impressive 81.92 percent of the 89,359 votes in a Florida statewide poll. She was one of 15 statewide finalists for the title of the top Florida Female High School Athlete of the Year.

During Lohmann’s senior season at Glades Day School, her girls varsity soccer team compiled a 176-1 record. In Lohmann’s senior campaign, she scored a state-best 65 goals and had 29 assists. Her team won the Class 2A, District

13 championship and advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 2A regional semifinals. A 7-0 loss to the South Florida HEAT ended Glades Day School’s season and Lohmann’s high school soccer career.

In addition to playing soccer, Lohmann started on the girls varsity volleyball team, ran track and field, and was also a varsity cheerleader.

In volleyball, Lohmann helped guide her team to an FHSAA Class 1A, District 8 championship. Last fall, Glades Day School’s girls varsity volleyball team also advanced to the FHSAA’s Class 1A regional semifinals. In track and field, Lohmann was the FHSAA’s Class 1A, Region 4 district champion in the 100-meter hurdles and 400-meter hurdles. She is the Glades Day School record holder in five events — the 100-meter hurdles (18.09 seconds); 400-meter hurdles (1:13.3 seconds); 300-meter hurdles (49.35 seconds); 4x100-meter relay (52.78

seconds); and the triple jump (9.94 meters).

On the soccer field, Lohmann’s goal-scoring prowess was not restricted to her senior season. Her soccer career at Glades Day started when she was in the sixth grade. After combining her productivity from sixth grade through her senior year, she scored 198 goals and had 113 assists. Throughout her entire high school varsity career, her head coach was her mother, Angee Lohmann, who is also a teacher at Glades Day School.

Coach Lohmann enjoyed the front-row seat to her daughter’s seven-year-long goal-scoring barrage.

“I just did the best I could do each day as a wife, mother, teacher and coach. And, I’ve always loved it,” she said. “Hana had many great coaches at Glades Day School and through club sports. I think that’s what drives me. I want to find and nurture the best qualities in student-athletes, present opportunities and see what they do with them. It’s rewarding to see them

who Skelton is expecting big things from this season. And, Skelton’s daughter, Ellie Skelton, will also be a key outside hitter on the team.

“I think we’re going to surprise some people this year,” Skelton said. “This group is united and plays for one another. By the end of the regular season, this team will have improved a great deal since the beginning of the season.”

That kind of progress will bode well for the Bulldogs when they begin play in the FHSAA postseason district tournament in late October. Like all girls volleyball teams, they have the ultimate goal of reaching the FHSAA’s Class 2A girls volleyball final, which will be held on the campus of Polk State College in Winter Haven in early November.

The Bulldogs are 3-3 after their first six games. In their most recent game at home on Tuesday, Sept. 5 against Atlantic Christian Academy, Berean won in four sets.

“We lost the first set. It was a rough start because of the long [Labor Day] weekend and no practice,” Skelton said. “I think we gave them 18 of their 25 points. Then, we picked up and won the next three sets.”

succeed. I think every coach feels that way.”

Lohmann is currently a freshman at Trinity Baptist College in Jacksonville, where she is starting for the women’s soccer team as the team’s attacking midfielder. After Trinity’s first three games this fall, the squad’s record is 1-1-1. During those three games, Lohmann has scored one goal and had one assist. Her one goal was the game-winner in Trinity’s 3-2 victory over Agnes Scott College on Aug. 26.

Berean’s Lily Young executes a successful block against the Pine School. PHOTOS BY JENNY SCHARTNER

Berean’s Ellie Skelton attempts a winning kill.

Hana Lohmann currently plays for Trinity Baptist College.

Hana Lohmann kicks the ball in match for Trinity Baptist College.

U.S. Polo Assn. Extends Global Partnership With Federation Of International Polo

USPA Global Licensing Inc. (USPAGL) has announced that U.S. Polo Assn., the official brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has extended its global partnership with the Federation of International Polo (FIP) through 2026. This extension marks a continued commitment to the global promotion of the sport of polo from the authentic, sport-inspired brand. True to the heritage of the brand, U.S. Polo Assn. is proud to support polo around the world. FIP is the international federation representing the sport of polo, officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. This strategic partnership between FIP and U.S. Polo Assn. represents the strong alliance that has thrived since the partnership’s inception in 2015, and means that the global, sport-inspired brand will continue to be the “Official Apparel Partner” for FIP’s top events.

In 2022, the shared vision of FIP, the USPA and U.S. Polo Assn. culminated in the historic XII FIP World Polo Championship held at the USPA National Polo Center-Wellington. The 2022 FIP tournament was only the second time in history the competition was held in the United States and was its first time being broadcast on ESPN to millions of households around the world. As the Official Apparel Partner for FIP events, U.S. Polo Assn. will continue to support the sport’s leading events, including the FIP World Polo Championship, FIP European Polo Championship, FIP Ladies World Polo Championship and FIP Ladies European Polo Championship. The brand will also continue to supply custom performance jerseys for all teams, alongside other essential apparel items, such as hats and shirts, for players and officials to elevate the experience

both on and off the field.

This partnership will also encompass support for the highly anticipated Ambassador Cups, set to take place this year in Brazil and Italy, the FIP Arena Polo World Championship, as well as other international polo events, such as potential Olympic exhibition games.

“We’re looking forward to continuing our strategic relationship with FIP over the next four years,” said J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPAGL, the company that manages and oversees the U.S. Polo Assn. brand. “This meaningful partnership underscores our continued efforts to help grow the sport of polo around the world and aligns with our strategy as a brand to authentically connect with our global markets as we continue to execute our aggressive international growth strategies.”

“We are thrilled by this renewed partnership with U.S. Polo Assn.

New Genbu-Kai Black Belt Honored

Genbu-Kai Karate is proud to announce the advancement of another adult student to the rank of black belt.

Taiga Ramsey advanced to the rank of Karate Shodan Ho (probationary first degree black belt). This initial level recognizes a student’s achievement, and they are presented with a plain black belt with no writing. Six months to a year later, students are awarded with their full black belt advancement, which includes a black belt with their name on one end, and the organization’s names embroidered on the other end in Japanese Kanji. This level also includes their menjo (certificate).

Ramsey began his training April 12, 2012, in the junior karate program and advanced to first kyu, last level before junior black (red) belt. Due to his age, Ramsey advanced into the adult program in July 2018.

This past July, Ramsey traveled with Sensei Keith Moore to a Genbu-Kai event weekend held in Minnesota, where he tested for this rank. Ramsey follows in his older brother Kota’s footsteps, who made junior black (red) belt in 2017, and he received his adult black belt in October 2022.

Genbu-Kai Karate is located in the Wellington Marketplace. For more info., call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.floridagenbukai.com.

and their continued support of the sport of polo, which goes far beyond supplying jerseys and gear for our players,” FIP Chair Piero Dillier said. “With the support of U.S. Polo Assn., we are now able to reach so many new polo fans globally through ESPN. This is a dream come true for us, and we are excited to use this platform to help broaden interest, access and exposure to polo around the world.”

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the USPA, the nonprofit governing body for the sport of polo in the United States and one of the oldest sports governing bodies, having been founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,100 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores and thousands of department stores, sporting goods channels, independent retailers and e-commerce, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories and footwear in more than 190 countries worldwide. U.S. Polo Assn. was named as one of the top global sports licensors in 2023, according to License Global. Visit www.uspoloassnglobal.com to learn more.

As the Official Apparel Partner for FIP events, U.S. Polo Assn. will continue to support the sport’s leading events.

USPAGL is the for-profit subsidiary of the USPA and manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand, providing the sport with a long-term source of revenue. Through its subsidiary, Global Polo Entertainment, USPAGL also manages Global Polo TV, which provides polo, sport and lifestyle content. A historic, multi-year, global arrangement between USPAGL and ESPN now showcases many of the top championship polo games in the

U.S., enabling millions of sports fans and consumers to enjoy the sport across ESPN’s broadcast and streaming platforms. For more sport content, visit www. globalpolo.com.

Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the FIP is the global organization representing the sport of polo. FIP’s mission is to promote, develop and regulate the sport of polo internationally. Learn more at www.fippolo.com.

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Locally Written Play ‘The Mummy Speaks’ Makes Off-Broadway Debut

Once again, the mystifying conceptions of American gothic author Edgar Allan Poe were witnessed in New York City during the Equity Library Theatre Play Festival on Aug. 12 at the 53rd Street auditorium.

Poe’s original short story “Some Words with a Mummy” presents the trials of bringing an Egyptian mummy to life by use of electrical currents. The story has been adapted into a short play by Florida playwright Cynthia Morrison and entitled The Mummy Speaks The play, along with the actors’ performances, won first place in the Equity Library Theatre 2023 virtual play festival.

Upon arrival to the Big Apple, the acting group was honored with a letter from Mayor Eric Adams, welcoming them to the historic New York Theatre District. Actors David Rafaidus, Roger Shorr, Marsha Rickles and Miriam Rafaidus, along with Gary and Anita

Cast members David and Miriam Rafaidus, Gary and Anita Alexander, Marsha Rickles and Roger Shorr.

Alexander, are all a part of the Ibis play readers group based in West Palm Beach who, by invitation, presented the play Off Broadway.

“It was an absolutely incredible experience!” said Miriam Rafaidus, who played the role of Shannon on stage.

Sensei Keith Moore with new black belt Taiga Ramsey.

Families First To Honor JustWorld Founder Jessica Newman

The 17th annual Families First Children’s Day Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 3 will honor JustWorld International founder Jessica Newman as the recipient of the distinguished Harriet Goldstein Award. This prestigious award is dedicated to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to families in need across Palm Beach County.

Families First of Palm Beach County is a nonprofit organization that offers essential family services, including health, mental health, behavior and housing programs. Goldstein was a social worker and longtime Families First board member who dedicated her life to the advocacy of children, and upon her passing, the Harriet Goldstein Award was established in her name.

This year, Newman was named the recipient in recognition of

her outstanding philanthropic efforts and her dedicated advocacy and ambassadorship for at-risk children and child welfare. JustWorld’s deep connection to Palm Beach County can be found in Belle Glade, shining throughout Pioneer Park Elementary, a school that was once expressing negative literary statistics in students from pre-k to third grade. The trajectory changed for the better in 2018 when JustWorld implemented a pilot literacy program called Storybook Treasures, which supplies classrooms with books and lesson materials while also building an at-home library for each student.

Over the next five years, students not only demonstrated exceptional learning gains, with Pioneer Park averaging more than a year’s growth annually in 2022 and securing the highest gains in

the county, but fostered their love for learning.

Ensuring Storybook Treasures enjoyed continued success in 2023 was a youth equestrian community effort. The Youth Ambassador Gala Committee, composed of 15 motivated JustWorld ambassadors, raised more than $30,000 as part of their annual end-of-year fundraiser. Today, the nonprofit’s intervention continues to be an essential element of the Pioneer Park curriculum, brightening student’s educational paths every day.

With thousands of equestrians around the world riding for the cause, it all began with Newman’s dream 20 years ago to create a more “just world.” Growing up as an accomplished equestrian, Newman reached international Grand Prix level at the age of 16. After graduating from the American University of Paris with a degree

Cub Scout Pack 125 Supports Forgotten Soldiers Outreach

In a display of community spirit and dedication to making a difference, the young members of Cub Scout Pack 125 from Wellington, chartered by the Rotary Club of Wellington, recently embarked on a new and impactful journey.

Each month, these scouts will select a different charity to support, demonstrating their commitment to service and compassion. For their inaugural month, they teamed up with Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, an organization that provides assistance and care packages to U.S. military members deployed overseas.

For Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, Pack 125 collected single-serve drink packets and crafted handwritten thank-you cards. The initiative serves a dual purpose — offering comfort to military members while teaching the scouts the importance of gratitude, empathy and service.

In a world that’s increasingly digital, these handcrafted notes carry a special touch, showing that the scouts took the time and effort to express their appreciation in a personal and meaningful way. The scouts are learning that even a small act of generosity can have a profound impact on others, and that by working together, they can create positive change in their community.

As the months progress, Cub Scout Pack 125 will continue to extend a helping hand to a diverse range of charitable organizations, reaffirming their commitment to being conscientious and respon-

sible citizens. By embracing this monthly service project, these scouts are not only making a difference but also nurturing qualities that will stay with them for a lifetime.

in international affairs, she went on to gain extensive humanitarian experience working with organizations such as the American NGO Trickle Up in Honduras, the Friends World Experiential Program in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and the Crisis Center for children in Casa Alianza.

In 2003, Newman formally established JustWorld International to better serve children through comprehensive education, healthcare and nutrition programs. Throughout its 20-year history, Newman has never taken a salary and has devoted countless hours and resources to its success and growth. JustWorld and its local partners support more than 10,000 children in Cambodia, Honduras, Guatemala and the United States. Its positive impact has only grown, and the goal is to continue building the Belle Glade community for many years to come.

JustWorld is looking forward to celebrating these efforts at the 17th annual Families First Children’s Day Luncheon, co-chaired by philanthropists Denise S. Fraile and Domenick Macri Sr. The event will be held at the Kravis Center in

West Palm Beach and promises to be an afternoon full of entertainment with art and music. Families First will also welcome Deonte Thompson as this year’s keynote speaker. Thompson is a former NFL wide receiver and Super Bowl champion who grew up in Belle

Glade. “Guardian of the Glades” Tammy Jackson-Moore will also join him on stage to share her story. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the 17th annual Children’s Day Luncheon, visit www.familiesfirstpbc.org or call (561) 318-4219.

OR And ER Colleagues Latest Daisy And Bee Honorees At P.W. Hospital

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is proud to announce its latest Daisy and Bee award winners.

Thessa Klansky has been selected as the latest nurse to win the Daisy Award.

Klansky, a registered nurse from the hospital’s Ambulatory Surgical Unit, was nominated for the care and attention that she provided a patient as he prepared for surgery.

“Thessa was the perfect nurse for [my husband]. She intuitively caught on to his free spirit and made him feel right at home — in a surgical room no less,” according to her nomination form. “Thessa is a human angel with a gift she freely shares.”

Klansky has been with Palms West Hospital for nearly seven years.

The hospital’s latest Bee Award winner is Stanley Pulido, a paramedic in the hospital’s emergency room who has been with the hospital for two years.

Pulido received several nominations for the award, including one that read, “From the moment my

grandmother walked into the ER, Stanley made us feel at home and safe. He was so patient and caring with her. He made her laugh and smile, and gained her trust.”

The Daisy Award is a nationally recognized distinction that honors “the super-human work nurses do for patients and families ev-

ery day,” according to the Daisy Foundation.

The Bee Award, which stands for Beyond Exceptional Expectations, is also a nationally recognized award that recognizes team members outside of nursing for going above and beyond to care for patients, visitors and each other.

JustWorld founder Jessica Newman works with a student.

Colton King, a Webelo scout representing Pack 125, provides Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Executive Director Lynelle Chauncey Zelnar with the many donated items collected by the pack.

Thessa Klansky Stanley Pulido

MEET THE TEACHER A SUCCESS AT WES

Wellington Elementary School’s campus was full of smiles, friends and greetings on Wednesday, Aug. 9 for the annual “Meet the Teacher.” The children got to meet their teachers and see their classrooms and friends. Students also had opportunities to tour the spacious, beautiful campus. Everyone was excited for the start of the new school year.

Added Capacity Brings New Faculty And Staff To The Rosarian Academy

The Rosarian Academy has expanded its capacity, and the extra classes bring strong new faculty and staff to its West Palm Beach campus. The additions to Rosarian’s faculty and staff boast more than 100 years of teaching experience, as well as multiple master’s degrees, post-graduate degrees and teaching certifications.

Joining the returning highly qualified faculty and staff, the new teachers allow the school to accommodate a larger student body while ensuring that each student receives a top-notch education, steeped in spiritual values, strong academics and the arts.

Jeff Atkins joins Rosarian’s Academic Center for Enrichment (ACE) as a certified middle school exceptional student education (ESE) teacher with 25 years of experience teaching and coordinating special education programs.

Ellie Marino will serve as a physical education teacher. She is certified to teach physical education and has two years of teaching experience in Alabama. She is a former competitive gymnast and coach, as well as a certified fitness trainer.

Ilse Mish joins Rosarian as the seventh and eighth grade Spanish teacher. Mish is a certified teacher with 17 years of experience teaching Spanish, most recently as a middle and high school level Spanish teacher. Meghan (Bulfin) Monteiro comes to Rosarian in the role of lead advancement officer. She has 13 years of experience in

Emerald

advancement and fundraising for nonprofits, most recently at a local independent school. Monteiro is also an alumna of Rosarian Academy’s Class of 2000.

Morgan Pate will serve as a third-grade teacher. She holds her teaching certification, has K-8 teaching experience, and has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

Amy Pelletier comes to Rosarian as a fourth-grade teacher. She is a certified teacher with 20 years of experience teaching fourth grade and serving as director of a private learning center.

Amanda Petrucco joins Rosarian as the eighth-grade language arts teacher. She is a certified teacher with 13 years of experience teaching ELA in grades 7 to 12, including 11 years in eighthgrade English.

Jessica Pincheon comes to Rosarian as a certified elementary teacher with 15 years of teaching experience in New York between the grade levels of kindergarten and second grade. She will be teaching second grade.

Elizabeth Straight will teach seventh and eighth grade religion. She is a certified middle school English teacher with eight years of experience teaching English, public speaking and meditation.

Rohan Wight will be serving as the seventh and eighth grade science teacher. He holds his teaching certification and has seven years of experience teaching science in grades 5 to 10 in Australia and

Texas, including his most recent position as department chair at St. Clare’s College, a Catholic school in Canberra, Australia.

Pam Williams will serve as a second-grade teacher. She is an elementary-certified teacher with 10 years of teaching experience between the grade levels of kindergarten and third grade.

Dawn Woods joins Rosarian as a third-grade teacher. She is a certified elementary teacher with 15 years of experience teaching third grade.

Other additions to the Rosarian faculty and staff include Kerrie Alsop, Montessori assistant; Gloria Hernandez, kindergarten assistant; Olivia Bennett, kindergarten assis-

tant; Emma Runko, kindergarten assistant; and Sydney Sommer, Montessori assistant.

The Rosarian Academy, founded in 1925, educates students from early childhood through eighth grade and offers a strong academic program enriched by athletics, visual and performing arts, and community service opportunities. The independent, Catholic school is located on Flagler Drive in downtown West Palm Beach and is sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Bus service is available throughout Palm Beach County.

For more information, visit www.rosarian.org or call (561) 345-3106.

Cove Middle School Receives Grant For Diverse Titles

We Need Diverse Books (WNDB), a nonprofit striving to diversify the publishing industry from creation to classroom, recently announced the five winners of the inaugural round of the Books Save Lives Grant, including Emerald Cove Middle School in Wellington.

These five schools, each located in battleground states where pervasive book bans are quickly expanding, will receive up to $5,000 in diverse titles. The funds will purchase more than 250 quality, diverse titles, rushing these books to schools to immediately fight back against discriminatory bans barring

students from life-affirming texts.

Book challenges doubled in 2022 — reaching the highest rate ever — according to the American Library Association, disproportionately targeting diverse titles. Each challenge often aims to ban multiple, sometimes hundreds, of titles. These challenges have restricted reading opportunities for more than four million children nationwide, denying students access to identity-affirming stories and books providing diverse perspectives. Selected schools are located in states with soaring numbers of book bans. Recent restrictive

laws now require extensive and time-consuming vetting of new titles, a process previously streamlined, efficient and focused on providing students with diverse titles that promote literacy, build empathy and reduce racial bias. The Books Save Lives grant will supply diverse titles specifically requested by winning educators, circumventing the arduous review process to ensure the books go where they are most needed — directly into the hands of students.

Other schools receiving grants were: Clay County Schools in Clay County, Florida; the Fort Worth Independent School District

in Fort Worth, Texas; and Brandywine Middle/High School in Niles, Michigan.

“The simple act of reading the right book at the right time can change a reader’s outlook, perspective and even their future,” said Amy Yuzenas, media specialist at Emerald Cove Middle School. “The Books Save Lives program is the perfect answer to what our students need in these turbulent times. This grant will allow our students to grow not just intellectually, but also emotionally and socially.”

WNDB Executive Director Caroline Richmond aims to expand

this program. “It’s imperative that students across the United States, no matter where they live, have access to diverse, life-affirming titles. Book bans and challenges have created a critical shortage of diverse texts, and we are responding to this emergency with immediate action. Students will be able to read books they can see themselves in this school year because we believe in fighting these bans head on,” Richmond said. “These grantees care deeply about their communities, and with this program we are honored to provide books that will encourage literacy and understanding.”

WNDB created the Books Save Lives program specifically to address these bans. Books Saves Lives is a three-pronged approach to providing diverse books, educator resources and author support all where it is needed most. Grantees can choose from a list of nearly 500 titles.

Established in 2014, WNDB strives to support and amplify diverse literature by mentoring marginalized creators, providing resources to diverse publishing professionals, and donating diverse books to schools and libraries nationwide. Learn more at www.diversebooks.org.

(Front row) Gloria Hernandez, Olivia Bennett, Dawn Woods, Pam Williams, Jessica Pincheon, Meghan Monteiro, Ellie Marino and Amanda Petrucco; and (back row) Amy Pelletier, Jeff Atkins, Kerrie Alsop, Elizabeth Straight, Sydney Sommer, Morgan Pate and Rohan Wight.

The PTO and administration supplied a wonderful breakfast to welcome teachers back on Aug. 4.

(Left) VPK student Chase Corsentino has fun exploring his classroom. (Right) First-grade teacher Lindsay Oerter with her daughters, third grader Chloe and fourth grader Emma.

Stephanie Canas Opens New Brightway Agency In Wellington

The daughter of South American immigrants, Palm Beach County businesswoman Stephanie Canas has opened her own tribute to the American dream. The South Florida native recently unveiled the new Brightway, The Canas Agency insurance office.

After nearly two decades of working within the insurance, real estate and customer service industries, Canas decided that helping protect her community through the world of insurance was something that was very important to not only the customers, but to herself. “Being the person standing up for them and helping them protect what they have worked so hard for means so much to me,” Canas said.

Canas’ parents moved from Argentina to South Florida in the early 1980s in search of a better life. That’s when the family placed roots in Palm Beach County, where Canas was born and raised. “My parents were always the foundation of my journey. It was their hard work and sacrifice that fueled my ambition and drive to become a business owner,” Canas said. “They taught me to always be an advocate for my community. So, this is truly a tribute to our family legacy.”

The daughter of a retired lifelong machinist and a professional housekeeper, the 36-year-old South Florida business pro is quick to share that it’s family that makes it all possible. “They work so hard and have always helped set the

tone for me in doing business here at home,” she explained.

For the past two years, Canas and her father have also worked successfully in the South Florida real estate industry.

Canas and her daughter currently reside in Royal Palm Beach. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida Atlantic University and is an alum of Palm Beach Central High School’s first-ever graduating class in 2005.

Brightway, The Canas Agency offers customized home, flood, auto, boat, condo, renters, personal articles, RV, motorcycle, umbrella, commercial and life insurance policies from numerous insurance companies. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday/ Sunday by appointment. Visit the new office at 1035 S. State Road 7, Suite 315-29, in Wellington, online at www.brightwaycanas.com or call (561) 593-4747. Brightway’s corporate office staff provides expertise and support in areas including customer service, technology, accounting, marketing, distribution and business analytics. In addition, Brightway handles carrier relations and appointments, as well as support with personnel hiring, licensing, onboarding, training and retention. The company’s signature afterthe-sale service empowers agency owners to focus on new business sales and provide customers the personalized service they deserve.

Bainbridge Promotes Shannon To Senior VP Of Human Resources

The Bainbridge Companies, a fully integrated family of real estate companies based in Wellington, recently announced that Julie Shannon has been promoted to senior vice president of human resources.

The promotion comes as Shannon celebrates 25 years with the Bainbridge Companies. She is responsible for leading all of Bainbridge’s human resources disciplines, including compensation and human resources systems, labor and employee relations, benefits, human resources strategy, and compliance with all employee-related state and federal regulations.

pre-leasing for new construction, marketing outreach, accounting functions and assisting executives.

Shannon is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Human Capital Institute (HCI), two of the nation’s most well-known organizations in the compliance and human resources sector. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and business management from the State University of New York at Potsdam and the University of Seville in Spain.

Stephanie Canas

Established in 2008, Brightway has grown to become one of the largest privately owned property/ casualty insurance distribution companies in the U.S. with more than 300 franchises in 35 states and more than $1 billion in annual premiums. Recently, Brightway’s success led to a private equity investment that has infused the company with financial and human capital, and data and analytics access, to accelerate growth and deliver new and exciting market opportunities. Brightway produces winning outcomes for franchisees and their customers by offering access to customized coverage solutions from a range of insurers paired with full back office and marketing support.

Wellington International Honored With Awards At FFEA Convention

The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) recently announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards during the organization’s 29th annual convention and trade show, and the Wellington International showgrounds was honored with five awards in several different categories.

Wellington International was recognized with the following awards: first place for PR/Media Campaign, second place for Billboard/Signage, second place for Facebook, second place for TikTok and third Place for Sustainability Program.

“We are extremely proud of our teams and what they’ve ac-

complished over the past year,” Wellington International Director of Marketing Alicia McLaughlin said. “Wellington International has an annual economic impact of more than $300 million in Palm Beach County, and with that comes great responsibility. Our teams take amplifying the voice of the equestrian industry and promoting Palm Beach County to visitors very seriously. We couldn’t be more delighted to be recognized for these efforts.”

Nominations were judged by a blue-ribbon panel representing media outlets, printing companies, web site designers, photographers, promotional marketing profession-

als and social media experts. The SUNsational Awards recognize members’ innovation, individuality and creative collaboration across 10 categories.

“The SUNsational Awards have recognized and celebrated the talents of our members for more than two decades,” said Suzanne Neve, CEO of the FFEA. “We’re proud of our members and their events — and excited to recognize them in this way each year. This year, in particular, was incredibly rewarding, as we showcased the innovation and resilience of festival and event organizers throughout the state during this unprecedented time.”

“It’s an honor to name Julie as our SVP of human resources,” Bainbridge Companies CEO Richard Schechter said. “Bainbridge has a track record of delivering unforgettable experiences and rewarding relationships to residents, clients and partners alike, and this wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and diligence from Julie and our human resources department.”

Shannon’s experience with Bainbridge is extensive, as she has served in multiple roles since joining the company in 1998, including leading labor and em-

Julie Shannon ployee relations, state and federal regulations compliance, and payroll and benefits administration. She has also provided HR support for acquisitions, dispositions and budget preparation. Prior to joining Bainbridge, Shannon served in various roles within the multifamily industry, including supporting

Bainbridge is a multifamily real estate company that has developed and acquired more than 43,000 rental homes representing $7.8 billion in transactions since its inception in 1997. With more than 650 associates nationally, Bainbridge engages in every step of the real estate process, from development and construction, acquisition and disposition, to asset management and property management of multifamily real estate.

Bainbridge is headquartered in Wellington and has offices in Atlanta; Austin; Charlotte; Washington, D.C.; Dallas; Orlando; Raleigh; and Tampa.

Learn more about Bainbridge at www.bainbridgecompanies.com.

Homeless Coalition Of PBC Welcomes New Board Members

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County recently announced the addition of new board members Ilan Kaufer, Melissa McKinlay, Neil Schiller and André Wade. President Christian Bergstrom is grateful for their leadership in addressing homelessness, one of the nation’s most serious problems.

“For more than 30 years, the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County has generated awareness through advocacy, education and community outreach, motivating a community-wide response to end homelessness in our area,” said Bergstrom, a senior benefits consultant for the Gehring Group and a board member since 2018. “It is the work of the board of directors that shines light on issues and enacts change. We are looking forward to continuing to make even more progress with

these four new leaders.”

Ilan Kaufer joined the board in August 2023. He is an attorney and the external affairs manager for Florida Power & Light and the former vice mayor of the Town of Jupiter. Kaufer is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Florida.

Melissa McKinlay joined the board in July 2023. She is the vice president of government relations at WGI, a former Palm Beach County mayor and county commissioner, and a graduate of Florida State University.

Neil Schiller joined the board in October 2022. He has been a partner with the Government Law Group, with offices in Broward and Palm Beach County, since April 2021. A veteran of South Florida politics since his days at the University of Miami, Schiller has run many successful political cam-

paigns in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.

André Wade joined the board in October 2022. Wade is a trading analyst at NextEra Energy with an extensive history of fundraising volunteerism. He is a graduate of Florida State University and New York University.

While homelessness has many causes, the primary reason is the growing gap between housing costs and income. Every night, hundreds of individuals and families are homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless in Palm Beach County, with one in five local children living in poverty. The nonprofit is a leader in providing gap funding for programs that end homelessness in Palm Beach County. For additional information about the Homeless Coalition, visit www.homelesscoalitionpbc.org.

My New ‘Regimen’ Has Taken Over My Life... And I’m Grateful

I have decided to spend my two-week vacation walking around the block.

Not really. I’m what they call “retired,” so I don’t even get a vacation.

In my youth, I wondered what the heck these old people did all day, since they didn’t go to work. Here’s what they do — sit around in doctors’ offices. And lately, I’ve been unhappy with my back. Or maybe my back is unhappy with me. Either way, we’re not getting along.

So, I mentioned this during my last check-up and was immediately sent for x-rays, and then physical therapy. The experts have yet to tell me what’s going on back there, but I now have something called a “regimen.”

Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

Each morning, this regimen takes me an hour to complete. An hour! I calculated that out to 365 hours a year or, roughly, the two weeks I mentioned earlier. What a waste of time!

I’d quit right now except I feel so much better — almost like I did growing up.

In fact, I’ve come to the conclusion that the only difference between a prescribed “regimen” and a good mother is the language.

“Walk 30 minutes a day” used to be “Get outside and get some fresh air!”

“Strengthen your core” used to be “Suck in your gut!”

“Bend and stretch” used to be “Reach up there and get it yourself!” with the added flourish of the guilt-producing addendum “What am I, your maid?”

Also, a prescribed regimen only promises success — a good mother delivers. Mom is 94 now, doesn’t use a cane or walker, and has been telling me to lie in bed and “do the clamshell” for the last

20 years. That sounded a bit perverse, so I ignored her, but it is now a key part of my life. Turns out it strengthens your hip assemblage. Has mom ever broken a hip? No, of course not.

My problem is, during the hour I am exercising and strengthening and clam-shelling, I am thinking about all the other stuff I could/should/would be doing. Then I get resentful.

I had to change my thinking. Changing my thinking is something new to me, but I’m having success with it. It’s all in the approach. In this case, I don’t think about the hour I’m wasting each day. I think about how, being retired, I still have seven hours “off.”

If you had come to me when I was 42 and said, “Would you like to work only one hour a day instead of eight?” I would’ve said yes. Not right away, of course. First, I would’ve asked, “What’s the catch?” and you would’ve let out your breath and rolled your eyes and yelled, “The catch is you’ll live a longer and healthier life! Now, do you want to take this deal or not?!” Then I would’ve said yes.

So now I’m quite religious about my regimen, especially about walking around the block, and will continue in this manner until I’m inevitably hit by a car. Changing my thinking does not mean abandoning dark humor and sarcasm.

Politicians Should Leave Teachers Alone And Let Them Teach

One of the worst things about education is when politicians put their big feet in their mouths and start telling teachers what should be taught. Almost as bad is when people in “the ed biz” get involved in politics rather than focusing on things others may think unimportant, like teaching children to read, write and do math. After all, who cares who a teacher wants to have sex with as long as it’s not with one of his/her/their students?

A great example of this is the manufactured kerfuffle over a single line in the Florida history curriculum that states that some slaves learned skills which made their lives better. Start with a simple fact: that statement is true. If a slave learned how to be a really good carpenter, he (or she, although it was almost always a male) would be treated better than someone who worked in the fields all day. After all, the master could make money off the work.

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

That is not a feature of slavery. A skilled slave was still a slave with the same lack of rights as others. But, as a high school social studies teacher in New York City for a couple of decades, I taught lessons about slavery. And, as teachers should, I focused on what are called “higher thinking skills.” Simple facts are useful, but a key part of lessons is learning how to analyze information, move facts together logically, and evaluate events, people and activities.

It seems simple enough when you ask kids to evaluate whether or not being taken over in the Roman Empire was a good or bad thing. But what do you do when you know there is no way someone can find something good about an institution. Do you ask for the good points of slavery?

Of the Holocaust?

What we ask for then is to look at the ideas behind the actions. A typical lesson might examine Southern arguments in favor of slavery before the Civil War. And, yes, students will point out the racism and corruption there. We want them to be able to evaluate things like that. But some writers, like George Fitzhugh, argued that slaves were better off than many northern factory workers. He argued that the slaves were treated better, were taken care of when they got too old to work or got sick. Factory workers were treated terribly, and Fitzhugh was not entirely wrong.

But slavery was still slavery! A slave could not just walk away and try something else. It was a brutal system, and there were hundreds of restrictions, even as some slaves were treated better than others.

To understand slavery, you have to realize that institutions, even those most horrible, are complicated. What good teachers try to do is have students come to what most of us would consider the correct evaluation of the “peculiar institution” by themselves. And that means really learning.

The attack on one line in a complicated curriculum is ridiculous. First of all, it was not designed by politicians, but by educators. William Allen, a longtime teacher, was the leader, and he is Black.

But we have a Republican governor who is running for president. So Randi Weingarten, the head of the American

Federation of Teachers, leads the wave of condemnation. As a former member of the teachers’ union, I regret to inform her that teachers in New York City taught a more complex version than she wants, one that is essentially the same as the one Florida now has.

Those people who are pushing the notion that somehow learning the complexities of life when slavery was prevalent is wrong are either fools or corrupt politicians.

This current mess would not have existed if the governor were not a Republican with a campaign trying for the White House. There are legitimate reasons to dislike his actions, but not this one. Let teachers teach and hope they teach facts with enough complexity that it can be used to teach kids to really think. Kids with critical thinking skills are what we need for our future.

Deborah

St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us.

St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition. A.A.