Town-Crier Newspaper April 18, 2025

WELLINGTON • ROYAL

COUNTY BUILDING NAMED FOR PINTO

Westlake SpringFest Spectacular

A Big

Residents Help Shape RPB’s Future At ‘Citizen Summit’

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

Each year, the Village of Royal Palm Beach invites residents to its Citizen Summit, an open forum in which village elected officials, senior staff and residents collaborate on key issues and opportunities.

About 60 residents turned out to this year’s Citizen Summit held at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center on Monday, April 14. The purpose was to provide a forum in which residents could share their ideas and help shape the future of the community.

“Get your idea on the record,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said.

“Every idea is recorded. Staff and the council either include the idea in the next budget year or make it a policy agenda item for next year’s strategic planning process.”

Liggins noted that experience has shown that the concept works.

“This village is a conglomeration of the ideas of many,” he said. “The process of getting ideas works. Have fun.”

The participants seemed to take his advice, as the room buzzed during the process of residents sharing their opinions, ideas and vision for the village.

Mayor Jeff Hmara warmly welcomed the crowd by reminding them that this is the 14th year that Royal Palm Beach has held a Citizen Summit.

“This summit is an important tool in our strategic planning process,” he explained, introducing other Royal Palm Beach Village Council members in attendance, as well as senior village staff and department heads before introducing and turning the meeting over to professional facilitator Lyle Sumek.

Sumek applauded residents for turning out in numbers and advised them of the basic rules of brainstorming, centering on common courtesy and mutual respect. Residents were asked to dive in, brainstorm and discuss 12 questions. Each table had a village department head as the official

recorder, and the elected officials took the time to visit each table. It took about two hours for attendees to discuss and record each idea in response to questions ranging from, “What does ‘hometown community’ mean to you?” to harder questions like, “Do you support the mayor and village council increasing ad valorem property taxes?”

Typical of attendees were Madison Green neighbors Mike Louramore and Diane Schult. Louramore, retired after 40 years working for Publix, made a strong case at his table for the village helping local schools achieve A status.

“When we were searching for homes in the western communities, our first priority was buying where our kids could attend an A-rated school,” he said. “Good schools raise property values.” Louramore also made the case for better habitats for wildlife, just as his birdfeeder app alerted him

Wellington Collects $9.4 Million To End Big Blue Case

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

After more than a decade of delays and litigation, Wellington has collected $9.4 million in a case involving a developer’s handling of an environmental preserve, and village officials are discussing setting aside that money to preserve or create green space.

“It shows violators, particularly when they are violating environmental and wetland laws, that we are serious about the environment,” Village Attorney Laurie Cohen told the Wellington Village Council at its meeting Tuesday, April 8. “We think that’s a great accomplishment by the village.”

The case involved Palm Beach Polo Inc. and code enforcement efforts by the village regarding the Big Blue Preserve, described as the largest remaining cypress hammock in Florida.

“We have brought this to finality in a way that benefits everyone,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said. “We have rules, and they’re going to be enforced, and people need to appreciate that and not just flout them and think they can do whatever they want.”

Fines and penalties that built up in that case can help foster other green areas, Councilman John McGovern said.

It was a case that spanned several different iterations of the council and ultimately unsuccessful appeals to the supreme courts of Florida and the United States.

In filings, developers raised “due process” concerns about the village’s approach. The final amount collected was $9,447,056.08, Cohen said.

In a workshop on Friday, April 4, council members and village budget managers talked about

ways to dedicate the money, rather than simply sticking it in the general revenue fund.

For example, McGovern cited a former golf course property of more than 50 acres near the Wellington branch library that could become a village park area as part of the approval of a development plan in the equestrian area by Wellington Lifestyle Partners.

The developer has agreed to make contributions toward preparing the area known as the North Course, but the village will be responsible after that.

“We know that area will require future investment from us,” McGovern said.

Or consider the existing village pool area that will be replaced by a new aquatic center at Village Park, he said.

The latest plan is to recreate

See BIG BLUE, page 7

Related Ross Negotiating With WPB For A Second Private School Site

By Charles Elmore

Staff Report

FAMILY CHURCH GRAND OPENING

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Sixteen years on the Palm Beach County School Board will be enough, Vice Chair Marcia Andrews said this week about her decision not to seek re-election in November 2026.

As her 50th year in education unfolded, Andrews said she began talking about retirement to the mayors and other community leaders in her District 6 and it “feels like the right time.”

Now she’s making it official. Besides her time on the school board, which dates back to 2010, Andrews has served as a middle school teacher, assistant principal, principal, director of recruitment and chief human resources officer for the school district, which is the county’s largest employer. A longtime resident of Wellington and later Royal Palm Beach, Andrews said she does not

Barky Pines Dedicates Local Version Of

create such a bridge at

‘Rainbow Bridge’

the organization’s Loxahatcheearea facility.

“When the bridge in the Carolinas was devastated by the hurricane, many hearts were shattered,” Accomando wrote on the Barky Pines Facebook page. “People from all over went there to place their beloved pet’s collars, harnesses and even favorite toys… We hurt for them. We wanted something accessible for people here.”

Dr. Richard Cebula, a longtime Barky Pines supporter who helped with funding and a paint brush, said the colorful bridge at Barky Pines is meant to be an exact replica, with some extras.

Included at Barky Pines is an evolving “gratitude garden” with a seating area among a small

Nearly 900 smiling faces graced the newly renovated halls of Family Church Wellington on Sunday, April 13, during the church’s official launch. The building previously housed the First Baptist Church of Wellington, which recently merged with Family Church West to create a unified congregation. Shown here are Sandy and Scott Crawford with Pastor Joel and Tamara McDonald. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY MEREDITH BUROW/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Richard Cebula with Elizabeth Accomando

Barky Pines at the Rainbow Bridge ribbon

Wellington High School Seniors Preparing For May 14 Graduation

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report

The 680 students graduating with Wellington High School’s Class of 2025 will walk across the South Florida Fairgrounds stage during a commencement ceremony starting at noon on Wednesday, May 14.

“The Class of 2025 is truly an outstanding group of students who have consistently demonstrated excellence throughout their high school journey,” Principal Cara Gorham said. “Their commitment to academic achievement, personal growth and school spirit makes them a special and memorable part of the Wellington community.”

She is looking forward to celebrating the journey they have gone through over the last four years.

“Graduation is not just a ceremony; it represents the culmination of their hard work, growth and resilience,” Gorham said. “As I watch each student walk across the stage, I am filled with pride, reflecting on the challenges they’ve faced and the milestones they’ve achieved.”

This year has had its share of experience-defining moments.

“Our school community has come together in remarkable ways, fostering a spirit of support and perseverance among students, staff and families alike,” Gorham

said. “As we celebrate our large graduating class, we recognize their incredible achievements and resilience, which serve as a testament to the strength and unity of our community. Together, we have navigated obstacles and created lasting memories, reinforcing the bonds that make our school a truly special place.”

She noted that the class has risen above challenges while continuing to thrive.

“It’s a deeply personal moment for me, as I think about the late nights spent studying, the friendships formed and the lessons learned — both in and out of the classroom,” Gorham said. “Each student has a unique story, and being part of their journey has been a profound honor.”

Leading the class will be valedictorian Daniel Robbert and salutatorian Kelli Martin.

When Gorham and her team “stormed” Robbert’s classroom playing music, he was glad to be in class. Every sleepy morning, he said, “My biggest motivation to get up was saying, ‘What if the valedictorian gets announced today?’ Because I knew that was something I would regret for the rest of my life if I missed.”

When his mother saw the video on Instagram, she began to cry. “Honestly, I wish I could’ve been with her for that,” he said.

All of the time spent being productive

and getting schoolwork done was worth it, because he was using his time intentionally, Robbert said. And that intentionality is what he suggests for others who want to rank high in their class. It doesn’t always have to mean schoolwork, because hanging out with friends is good for mental health, but it’s important to focus on things that will have a long-term benefit.

“Even though it’s absolutely still a work in progress, time management is probably the skill I’m most grateful to have,” he said.

As Robbert looks toward his next academic chapter, he’s likely to major in economics as well as either applied math or physics. He’s deciding between Duke University, Vanderbilt University or the University of Florida.

As he gears up for graduation, he’s backing up his Google Drive and saving those files. That schoolwork, resources and memories are all digital, and something he wants to keep long after his school account is deleted.

And, of course, he’s looking forward to delivering his speech. He has spent a great deal of time working on it and wants to savor the presentation.

To his fellow students, Robbert said, “Always look toward the future and remember that it always gets better. Most

of you didn’t know who I was in ninth grade, which makes sense. That was before I was valedictorian and before I was homecoming king, but that was a time when I really wasn’t enjoying anything about school.”

That’s when he decided to aim for becoming valedictorian.

“I started signing up to take extra AP classes every summer and dreaming about

becoming No. 1 someday, so that period of not enjoying my life was probably the greatest motivational period I’ve ever had,” Robbert said. “Whenever I started feeling down or pessimistic, I would just picture myself standing behind the podium talking to 5,000 people, and it has never failed to cheer me up… Always thinking about the future and the long-term benefit

Palm Beach Central To Salute Graduating Class Of 2025 On May 16

By Julie Unger

Town-Crier Staff Report

Graduation starts early for approximately 700 seniors at Palm Beach Central High School who will be graduating as part of the Class of 2025, walking across the stage at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Friday, May 16 during a ceremony starting at 8 a.m.

“Graduation is always one of the most rewarding moments of the school year,” Principal Reginald Myers said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the joy on the faces of our graduates and their families as they cross the stage. It’s a celebration of hard work, determination and the promise of a bright future. I can’t wait to hear the cheers, see the smiles and honor each student’s unique journey. Watching each graduate walk across the stage, proud and full of potential, is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.”

This school year has been a great one for the Bronco Nation, he said, with student and staff success on and off the field, vibrant school spirit and an inspiring energy across campus.

“I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve accomplished this year — not only in preparing the Class of 2025 for post-graduate success, but also in laying a strong foundation for our underclassmen

as they continue their academic journey,”

he said. “Together, we are shaping bright futures and fostering a culture of excellence across our school community.”

The Class of 2025, he said, holds a special place in his heart, as they have grown to share a strong sense of community, purpose and pride — becoming compassionate, driven and resilient students who lead by example.

“They embody the values we promote at Palm Beach Central and serve as incredible role models for the students who follow,” Myers said. “This class has faced and conquered a range of challenges over the years — from academic pressures and personal growth journeys to navigating the lasting effects of post-pandemic learning. They’ve emerged stronger, more focused and more determined than ever. Their ability to adapt, support one another and still reach high levels of achievement is a true testament to their character and perseverance.”

Leading the way will be valedictorian Jennifer Han and salutatorian Sarita Atehortua.

Han will be attending Rice University, majoring in neuroscience, with a minor in medical humanities.

When she found out she had secured the top spot for her class, she felt grateful. “I

felt like all of my work over high school came together,” Han said. “It made me realize how everything I do outside of school comes together to make me the person I am.”

Her parents congratulated her and told her how proud they were of her, her hard work and her dedication.

For other students who would like to rank high in their class, Han has this advice: “Find your intrinsic motivation, whether that be your family or your career goals. Don’t do something if you hate it. Do it because you love it and you care for it, whether that’s academic or community. And don’t get caught up in other people’s opinion about what you’re doing, because when you succeed, other people will see that and naturally support you.”

Over the next few months, Han is looking forward to a family trip to China to reconnect and explore her roots. “We’re headed to Beijing,” she said, “and I’m very excited.”

She’s looking forward to enjoying the lull between high school and undergrad, where she can live in the moment, not worrying about building her résumé or keeping her grades up.

“You can let go and you have your future set for you, where you’re going to college, and you don’t have to worry

about where you’re at right now,” Han said. “You finally get to be present. And I love that.”

To the Class of 2025, Han emphasizes that everyone’s path or goals might look different, but that doesn’t mean you’re ahead or behind. Everyone has their own definition of success, and you shouldn’t let others define you, she explained. A quote she once saw on a street sign really

CareYou Can Count On Emergency

When you or a family member is involved in a medical emergency, experience and speed are extremely important. The Emergency Department at Wellington Regional Medical Center offers both — qualified and welltrained emergency physicians and other healthcare professionals, and a streamlined evaluation and treatment process so you can get the care you need as quickly as possible. In addition to treating serious illnesses and injuries, our staff also treats minor injuries, such as cuts and bruises.

The ER at Westlake* is a freestanding emergency department that is staffed 24/7 with an ER physician and other medical staff and is capable of treating general emergency cases from cuts and bruises to stabilizing care for heart attacks and strokes. Outpatient Radiology and Laboratory Services are available 24/7 with no appointment needed.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

resonated with her: “Maybe your path is harder because your calling is higher.” Han’s list of accomplishments is vast, with some highlights including: AICE Diploma with Distinction, 2024 Sunshine State Scholar, 2025 National Merit Commended Scholar, 2024 Student Motivational Award for Resolutions Today (SMART), Kenan Fellows Intern for the See PBCHS GRAD, page 7

Valedictorian Daniel Robbert Salutatorian Kelli Martin

Valedictorian Jennifer Han Salutatorian Sarita Atehortua

See WHS GRAD, page 14

Wellington Pondering Changes To Rules On Runoff Elections

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington leaders have begun discussing whether to change or drop a runoff election requirement if the leading vote-getter attracts less than 35 percent of the vote in a municipal election, after six-figure runoff costs hit the village in the 2024 council races.

In a workshop on Thursday, April 3, Wellington Village Council members encouraged village staff to proceed with drafting various measures to clarify the qualifying period for local candidates and the make-up of a local canvassing board, if that were needed in special circumstances. Those would come up as formal voting matters before the council later.

The runoff discussion, though, generated a wide variety of opinions, if not a clear consensus. An initial option was for staff to pursue rules to eliminate the runoff entirely.

For now, members decided to put off considering a new policy on that issue until after the state legislative session ends in May, followed by the governor’s veto period, in case Tallahassee sets down rules that could change the debate.

Still, some members made clear they do want to talk about it, whether that means eliminating runoffs, or just lowering the percentage of votes needed to trigger one.

“I’d like to discuss this further,” said Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, who faced a runoff in a four-way race in her election to the council. “I think I’d be very comfortable lowering the percentage. I think I got 31 percent and still had to go into a runoff, and that was very frustrating.” She suggested a lower threshold.

“Maybe we could do 30 percent instead of getting rid of it altogether,” Silvestri said.

Not everyone agreed. “I wouldn’t want to go below 35 percent, because that means 65 percent of the people voted against the person who got 35 percent,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said.

One consideration in all this is the cost. Other government election entities typically absorb the tab on election days that also have other local, state, federal or judicial races, or ballot questions, but municipalities can take the brunt when they open the polls more or less alone. Wellington spent $118,119.25 on 2024 runoff activity, village officials said.

At the same time, the issue presents some basic questions about what seems just and fair. If a race attracts a big field of candidates, is it OK for the top vote-getter to win, even if that means a sizable majority of voters didn’t choose that person?

“If there were 10 candidates, can a candidate that gets 11 percent

win?” Councilman John McGovern asked.

The answer seems to be yes for municipalities without a runoff provision.

Fourteen of Palm Beach County’s 39 municipalities require a runoff if a candidate does not reach 50 percent of the vote, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link said.

A 15th municipality, Wellington, sets that threshold at 35 percent, she said at the workshop.

“The rest say top vote-getter wins no matter what,” Link said.

Wellington initially had a runoff requirement with a 50 percent threshold, but lowered it to 35 percent through a ballot referendum in 2010.

Apart from runoff requirements, state rules require a recount if the winning margin is below a certain amount.

Four or five of the county’s municipalities are reviewing their

charters and considering dropping a runoff requirement based on feedback she is hearing, Link said.

The last round of Wellington elections featured as many as five candidates per seat, as was the case for Councilwoman Maria Antuña, in a race that eventually saw her seated on the council after a runoff.

Antuña also received 31 percent of the initial vote, triggering the runoff.

One wild card is a bill in the state legislature that could require municipalities to hold their elections in November of even-numbered years, in order to avoid low-turnout local elections. Observers don’t necessarily expect that to pass this session, but if it did, it could make it difficult to hold runoffs at all.

Napoleone said he wanted to “kick the can down the road” at least a short distance, until after the legislative session.

In other election matters, Link

said that Palm Beach County has experienced swings in voter registrations among its total population of 1.5 million people. Breaking out registered voters, about 36 percent countywide are Democrats, 33 percent are Republicans, and 31 percent are registered to no party or other parties, she said. That represents about a 5 percent loss for Democrats and corresponding gain for Republicans over five years, with the no/other party contingent staying about the same. In Wellington itself, the breakdown is currently 35 percent for Republicans, 32 percent for Democrats, and 33 percent no/ other parties, she said. The largest bloc of Wellington voters, more than 16,000, cast ballots in early voting in Wellington in the 2024 general election. More than 9,000 voted by mail, and more than 7,000 on election day, she said.

Act Now To Be Part Of The Patriotic Flags Of Wellington Display

By Mark Caracciolo Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Rotary Club will be partnering with the Village of Wellington and others to plant flags this spring in a joint project known as “Flags of Wellington.”

During the patriotic fundraiser, community members are invited to sponsor flags that will be displayed prominently in the community.

“On behalf of the Rotary Club of Wellington, we are pleased to announce the launch of our joint inaugural Flags of Wellington program, created in partnership with the Village of Wellington and with the support of Scout Troop 777 and Comcast VetNet,” Rotary Club

President Walter Imperatore said at the Tuesday, April 8 meeting of the Wellington Village Council.

“From May 10 to Flag Day [June 14], a field of approximately 100 American flags will be displayed in an open space adjacent to the Patriot Memorial along Forest Hill Blvd.” Imperatore is excited to get community members involved in the project.

Summit Residents Take Part

continued from page 1 that a northern cardinal was snacking in his backyard.

Meanwhile, his neighbor Schult pointed out that she is a relatively new resident, not grandfathered in to lower property taxes.

“I probably pay thousands a year more taxes than Mike, but I like the level of service the village provides and would probably be willing to pay a minor tax increase to the village,” she said.

“The inspiring exhibition will stand as a celebration of remembrance, unity and community spirit,” he said. “For a $75 sponsorship, individuals, families or groups can dedicate a three-footby-five-foot flag on a six-foot pole with a personalized note, either in honor of a veteran or loved one, or to share a message of pride and hope. Participants will have the opportunity to keep the flag, pole and tag at the end of the program.” Flag sales began on April 9 and are ongoing at www.zeffy.com/ ticketing/flags-of-wellington.

Wellington’s Emergency Management & Public Safety Director Nicole Coates is overseeing the project for the village. She said that the idea began with Village Manager Jim Barnes.

“He had us look into the concept of bringing a field of American flags to the Village of Wellington, and when we said the Wellington Rotary Club would be perfect for this, they embraced the concept to help bring this project to life,” Coates told the council.

The money from the project will go into projects that serve the

Not all attendees were village residents. Barbara Stafirn of Loxahatchee attended because she is about to move from her farm to a condo in Royal Palm Beach. “I love this village because there is so much to do and so many services,” she said. “I already take advantage of the Young at Heart Club and can’t wait to become the village’s newest resident.” By all accounts, the summit was a success. La Mancha resident Philip Karas loved the experience. “I got to meet some of my neighbors and everyone gave great input. This was a very positive experience for me,” he said.

Wellington community through the Rotary Club of Wellington Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports a wide range of local efforts, including youth service, leadership programs, scholarships, resources for children in need, and assistance for veterans, first responders and families facing hardship.

“The Rotary Club is a group founded in the early 1900s based around community service. It’s a combination of a general community group and a business networking group,” Imperatore told the Town-Crier. “There are more Rotary clubs than there are McDonald’s. Every community needs a Rotary club. Every community has needs. Every community has youth, first responders, veterans and families in need.”

He said that Rotary’s primary mission is to serve the community and provide community service.

“The Flags of Wellington event was generated through Village Manager Jim Barnes,” Imperatore continued. “He and his group asked us if we could partner with him on this. We are very

Councilwoman Jan Rodusky hopes the village does even more to gather community input.

“I like the process, but I wish we could do more to get ideas from the quieter citizens,” she said. “Maybe next year we can make use of technology like they use in focus groups.”

Gary and Shila Garrett decided to bring their three children, Levi, Shane and Sailah.

“Tonight was tremendous,” Shila Garrett said. “I really enjoyed the process of brainstorming and creative collaboration with my neighbors. They did an awesome job.”

appreciative of him for this very inspirational project.”

The event is also sponsored by Comcast, specifically, its program dedicated to veterans. Comcast’s Veteran Network (VetNet) has donated 100 American-made flags for the display. The VetNet team will also volunteer their time to assist with the installation of the flags. VetNet supports numerous veteran service projects, including Wreaths Across America, a tribute to fallen veterans, and Operation Old Glory, which replaces American flags.

The flag display is set to begin May 10 and will be on display during the village’s Memorial Day observance on Monday, May 26. The observance will include a parade from the Patriot Memorial to the Wellington Veterans Memorial, right past the display of flags.

To learn more about the Flags of Wellington project, e-mail wellrotary1@gmail.com. If you wish to purchase an American flag along with a message to be displayed, visit www.zeffy.com/ticketing/ flags-of-wellington.

At the end of the meeting, the facilitator thanked parents who brought their children, and the children were given an ovation because they were so well behaved. Fifth-grader Levi Garrett was impressed. “It was very interesting to listen to the wealth of ideas. I really enjoyed this process and would like to attend next year,” he said.

Village staff will carefully review each Citizen Summit idea, paying special attention to the ideas voted as priorities at each table. The results will be tabulated and posted on the village web site at www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov.

How Are Advances In Artificial Intelligence Impacting Your Job?

By Noel J. Guillama-Alvarez

Special to the Town-Crier

I recently had the honor and privilege of discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the Wellington Rotary Club. Going beyond the headlines and hype, my objective was to portray what is happening with not only today’s AI but also this hour’s AI. Yes, it’s moving that fast.

A technological advancement unlike any we have witnessed in our lifetime, AI is not a fad and not going away. Growing at an extraordinary rate, AI is making it impossible for most people to grasp. At its core, AI is mathematical and can trace its roots to formulas used at the beginning of the electronic database era. Significant differences are seen in part through innovations applied to video games. Moreover, graphic processing units (GPUs), processing speed, segmentation and predictive functions are allowing for transitions from formula, algorithm, machine learning and neural networks to what we label today as Artificial Intelligence or AI. What I told my Rotary Club was that nearly every job in our

community is going to be changed by AI, with some expansion and lower costs, as well as some significant dislocation of jobs.

A series of reports on AI by the World Economic Forum has stressed a few key factors for the future. Worldwide, 170 million new jobs will be created by AI with 92 million being “displaced.” In fact, let’s just call it what it is: eliminated. If your job involves sports (such as playing polo or servicing horses here in Wellington), AI will likely not impact you very much. However, the World Economic Forum predicts that 86 percent of all businesses will be affected by AI. In fact, Goldman Sachs has identified these top industry segments as most likely to experience disruption: office and administration support, legal, architecture, engineering, social services, business and financial operations, community and social services, management, sales and computers/mathematics. In a 1995 interview, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs told us, “Everyone should learn to pro-

gram a computer because it teach-

es you how to think.”

Today, he or someone like him might say the same about Artificial Intelligence, with a warning that, “AI will not replace you, but someone using AI may.”

Anyone reading this has been through at least three of the last five technological waves. Recall the development of the personal computer (PC) by IBM in the 1980s, followed by Internet access in the 1990s. Following this, the 2000s saw mobile computing, the arrival of the cloud in the 2010s and the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Now, with hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments in this year alone, growth of AI systems is expected to be exponentially larger than most of these innovations combined by 2030, if not sooner. What can we do?

First, you can’t afford to ignore AI. Don’t use it to avoid critical thinking; use it to enhance all you do. I can’t use it to write this article or hundreds of my corporate blogs. Why? AI changes my tone, adds irrelevant information and doesn’t accurately represent how

I think. In short, I don’t recognize it as my own.

Essentially, the lesson is to learn AI prompting and even how to have a conversation with AI. Natural Language Processing (NLP) makes this easy to do. Still, I warn you. Don’t trust AI. Using it as a reference tool may deliver information from sources with which you may not know or agree.

Recently, the Holy See (the Vatican) distributed a paper, recognizing the incredible potential of Artificial Intelligence in what it called Antiqua et Nova (Ancient and New). While noting that AI is a tool of human ingenuity, it also expressed the need to use it wisely.

Noel J. Guillama, a 25-year resident of Wellington, previously served on Wellington’s Education Advisory Board, the Palm Beach Education Commission and the FIU Foundation. He is an executive committee member of the NOVA MD College of Medicine and vice chair of the Palm Beach State College Foundation. Guillama has been issued more than 30 patents in the use of technology, software and blockchain.

Rotarians Walter Imperatore and Maria Fernanda Cruz invite you take part in the Flags of Wellington program.

PHOTO BY DENNIS GOLUB

Public Works Director Paul Webster records comments at the Citizen Summit. PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

Councilman Adam Miller with Shila Garrett and her children Levi, Shane and Sailah.

Madison Green Neighbors Mike Louramore and Diane Schult brainstorm ideas.

COUNTY BUILDING IN ROYAL PALM BEACH RENAMED TO HONOR FRED PINTO

Attendees gather for a group photo by the new signage.

Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas, Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo, County Commissioner Joel Flores, Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, Indian Trail Improvement District President Elizabeth Accomando, Donielle Pinto, County Commissioner Gregg Weiss, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino, Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara, School Board Member Marcia Andrews and Royal Palm Beach Councilman Adam Miller.

Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter speaks as Donielle Pinto looks on.

Donielle Pinto admires the sign honoring her late husband.

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps.

Andre Blackwood, Lynn Balch, Dan Splain, Palm Beach County

Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara, RPB Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Keith Jordano.

Royal Palm Beach Village Clerk Diane DiSanto, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Village Engineer Chris Marsh, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Carolyn Hmara and Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas.

Mayor Jeff Hmara, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps and former County Commissioner Jess Santamaria.

Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps, Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky, Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino, Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara, Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas and Belle Glade Vice Mayor Joaquin Almazan.

PBCFR District Chief Amanda Vomero, Capt. Eric Aho,

driver Brandon Wexler, firefighter/paramedic David Habegger and District Chief Corlas Goodman.

PBSO Capt. Ulrich Naujoks, PBSO Col. Eric Coleman, Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino, PBSO Major Tristram Moore and PBSO Capt. Robert Sandt.

SATURDAY | MAY 3 | 3:00 PM

Get ready to experience the excitement, style, and grace of the Derby Race Day like never before at Wellington’s Premier Derby Celebration returning again to the exquisite Diamante Farms! Immerse yourself in the splendor of horse racing culture and the charm of Southern sophistication at this unforgettable event.

Slip into your most elegant attire, crown the day with your fanciest hat, and prepare to root for your top pick in an atmosphere buzzing with anticipation and festivity. This is more than an event; it’s an opportunity to make a difference. Proceeds will benefit the Wellington Community Foundation, supporting vital initiatives close to home.

Treat your palate to an exquisite culinary adventure crafted by the talented Executive Chefs. Savor delectable dishes while sipping signature beverages,including the quintessential mint juleps, as the excitement builds.

Whether you’re a racing aficionado or simply looking for a lively evening filled with good company and great entertainment, this celebration will leave you inspired and uplifted.

Mark your calendars, saddle up, and join us for an evening of elegance, gastronomy, and philanthropy. Together, let’s make this Derby Party another resounding success and continue to support the heart of our community.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of racing, revelry, and giving back—where every moment is a winner.

McGovern Gerardi Law Offers Personal Yet Professional Legal Expertise

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

McGovern Gerardi Law is not your typical personal injury law firm. After speaking with partners John McGovern and Kristina Gerardi, who formed the firm in 2015, you quickly realize that both attorneys have the right attitude and are available, accessible and addressable.

They are quick to point out that unlike many, their business cards have their office phone numbers, their personal cell numbers and their e-mail addresses on full display.

“You can call us, you can text us and you can reach us via e-mail,” Gerardi said. “And if you call our office after business hours or on the weekend, it goes straight to my cell phone. I will pick up the phone.”

“If you need to reach us, you can easily do so,” McGovern said. “If

you want to speak with one of us, we will visit you in the hospital, in our office, at your home or via Zoom.”

A message on their web page sums up the firm’s attitude: “At McGovern Gerardi, from Day 1, you will work directly with an attorney — not a paralegal — who truly cares about you, your case, and, most of all, your physical and financial recovery.”

In addition to being available to any prospective client, McGovern and Gerardi are committed to integrity and excellence in their profession.

“Making a claim post-accident is complicated,” McGovern said. “We will make sure the correct things are happening, and they will happen quickly.”

“Every case, big or small, is important to me,” Gerardi added.

“When you have been in a car ac-

Rainbow

New At Barky Pines

continued from page 1 rainbow bridge to eternity where they play and run in a place of joy, waiting for their loved ones to join them.

For many pet owners, however,

Big Blue Code Case Comes To An End

continued from page 1 green space there, perhaps supplemented by a splash fountain for children. It all serves to demonstrate the village’s commitment to environmental standards, not just rhetoric, he said.

“This fund is literally putting our money where our mouth is and designating it and walling it off,” McGovern said.

It could also be used as matching funds for grant applications,

PBCHS Grad Ceremony

May 16

continued from page 3

Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, 2024 Regeneron Biomedical Science Award, Second Place in Microbiology in the 2024 Palm Beach Regional Science Fair, 2024 Wen Family Foundation Award for Excellence in Chemistry, 2024

Tiger Shark Cove Playground Will Be Closed

Until May 16

Wellington’s Tiger Shark Cove Playground, located at 13800 Greenbriar Blvd., will be temporarily closed from Monday, April 14 through Friday, May 16, to allow for important sidewalk replacement work.

During this time, construction crews will be on-site completing necessary maintenance to enhance the park. The playground is scheduled to re-open on Saturday, May 17, weather permitting.

The Village of Wellington appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as it works to improve this popular recreational space. To explore other parks and amenities available in Wellington, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/parks.

American Legion Blood Drive

American Legion Post 390 will host a blood drive on Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. All

cident, the most important things are having doctors and lawyers who care about getting you what you need — immediately.”

McGovern and Gerardi bring honesty and compassion to prospective clients.

“If you feel that you may need an attorney, then you absolutely do need an attorney,” advised McGovern, who was the first-indecades just-out-of-law school hire by the late, famed, trial attorney Robert “Bob” Montgomery.

“People matter to us, our community matters to us. It’s as simple as that,” Gerardi said.

McGovern and Gerardi don’t just make their living in the western communities. They are fully invested in the western communities and are truly woven into the fabric of life in the area.

“I have a local perspective. I was raised in Wellington. That makes me different,” McGovern said.

McGovern graduated in the top 10 from Wellington High School in 1992 and earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice from the University of Florida in 1996. He then graduated from UF’s Levin College of Law in 1999. He is a past president and was a board member of the Palm Beach County Justice Association, a 500-plusmember strong association of local trial lawyers, for more than a decade. Since 2015, McGovern has also been serving as a councilman for the Village of Wellington. He and his wife Michelle are fixtures in the community. They have two daughters, Emilia and Victoria.

Gerardi graduated from John I. Leonard High School in Greena-

cres in 2003. She was the valedictorian of her graduating class. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science with minors in sign language and business from the University of Florida in 2006. She then returned to South Florida to attend law school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale so that she could be in the area to help take care of her ailing grandmother. She earned her law degree in 2010. Gerardi and her husband have three sons, all of whom play baseball at Okeeheelee Park, where they spend many hours a month. As a big baseball fan, Gerardi always wanted to be an agent for pro athletes, but life took her in a different direction.

Both McGovern and Gerardi are as honored to be giving back to the western communities as they are about winning cases for clients.

“We love giving back by promoting and sponsoring our local public schools and local sports teams,” Gerardi said. “I provide multiple hours a month of volunteer legal service to the Okeeheelee Baseball Association.”

In addition, Gerardi was honored in March by the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County and received a Gold Level pin for her pro bono work.

On April 11, McGovern Gerardi Law was recognized by the Palm Beach County School Board with the Bronze Level Award for being a small business that helps and is involved with the School District of Palm Beach County. The Bronze Award was distributed during a volunteer and business partners awards breakfast held at the Kravis Center.

Even though both McGovern and Gerardi are experienced personal injury lawyers, the vast majority of their cases never reach a courtroom. Most are settled out of court, McGovern noted. Gerardi stressed that her firm but approachable style is a winning approach.

“You get more bees with honey,” she said. The offices of McGovern Gerardi Law are on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach, which McGovern said is convenient for both clients and for doing their legal work.

“We’re as close to the Palm Beach County Courthouse as we are to our many western communities’ clients,” he said.

If you are injured in an accident, McGovern and Gerardi believe that they are best qualified to respond directly with assistance, care and candor.

“If you are hurt in an accident, we will personally advise you of your legal rights, so you get full compensation and complete justice,” Gerardi said. “At McGovern

the wait on this side of the bridge is something they struggle to deal with. As an extension of Barky Pines’ mission, Alexander hosts an animal companion grief and loss support group at the Acreage branch library at 15801 Orange Blvd., usually on the first Tuesday of each month.

“For some people, losing a pet is very hard, like losing a member of

Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel noted. In other business:

• At its April 8 meeting, the council unanimously selected Tanya Siskind to serve as vice mayor, after McGovern’s one-year term in that role ended. The council also unanimously approved a new contract for Cohen to continue as village attorney through April 2029.

• The council recognized Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Nichole Addazio for graduating from the FBI National Academy course in Quantico, Virginia. She leads the PBSO district serving Wellington. About one percent of law enforcement personnel in

State Science and Engineering Fair Finalist, Honorable Mention, and Outstanding Project in the Senior Division.

Atehortua was surprised when she was called into the office for the news that she was second in the class.

“I expected it to be about Dance Marathon, because we got called down the Monday after our event was on Saturday, and I thought they just wanted to congratulate us,” she recalled. “But when I found out, I was so excited. The

the family,” said Alexander, who holds a doctorate in philosophy. “They need to share about it... others just come to listen.”

The sessions aren’t religious, but they are spiritual, she said.

In June, Alexander will host a “celebration of life and memorial” at Barky Pines. Members of the community are encouraged to bring “love objects” to the event

the nation are selected for the prestigious program. She became the second woman in PBSO history to achieve the distinction.

• On its consent agenda, the council unanimously approved nearly $144,000 for the overhaul of an aging traffic light at Bent Creek Road and Binks Forest Drive.

Several residents expressed concerns not just about malfunctions there but also what they see as a need for a full-time light with continuous red, yellow and green cycles, rather than a flashing yellow during non-school hours.

“There’s very little visibility,” resident Danielle Greenfield said. “It’s a very scary area.”

first thing I thought about was telling my mom because I know my mom was really looking forward to it.”

Her mother started crying when she got the call. But she had to wait until her father got home from work to tell him, and he was excited as well. They knew how much hard work she put into it. For other students who want to rank high in their class, Atehortua suggests having a good balance of academics and extracurriculars, as well as a social life.

NEWS BRIEFS

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Mounts Spring Plant Sale

April 26-27

The Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden will host its largest Plant Sale and Family Fun Weekend of the year on Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27. Whether you’re an avid gardener or plant curious, the weekend promises to be so much more than just a plant sale.

“It’s going to be an entire weekend of fun, entertainment, learning and family-friendly activities,” Executive Director James May said. “It’s not only the perfect weekend to find beautiful plants for your home and garden, but we are also inviting the community to enjoy a wide variety of free family-fun activities and entertainment, all while making lasting memories and exploring nature’s beauty.”

The event will be open Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a members-only preview from 8 to

9 a.m., and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Funds raised during plant sales allow the nonprofit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden to maintain the 20-acre tropical oasis and continue offering memorable experiences combining nature’s beauty and education for the community.

Event highlights include 70plus highly sought-after top plant growers and artisan vendors. Shop a wide variety of rare, exotic and hard-to-find orchids, plants, trees, herbs, ornamentals, succulents, cactus, bonsai, butterfly/native plants, shrubs and fruit trees, as well as garden accessories, baskets, fine crafts and more.

Learn about South Florida’s plant culture by speaking directly with growers. There will also be fun and informative presentations by speakers and authors who are experts in their respective fields. The event will also include the Conrad-Sunrise Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society Hibiscus Show & Sale. Plus, additional horticultural “must-haves” and unique treasures for your home and garden are also available in the garden’s gift shop, nursery and vintage garden thrift shop.

Family fun events include lawn games, a reading nook, arts and crafts, live entertainment by Mari-

that can become a permanent part of the bridge, she said.

The couple, who are the proud parents of two rescue toy poodles, note that Barky Pines is not merely a canine rescue and sanctuary. The facility also is home to pigs, goats, chickens, peacocks, a tortoise and horses. It’s also a TNVR (trapneuter-spay-return) facility for feral cats.

Napoleone noted that he lives near that light and is aware of the concerns, but the first step is to get it functioning properly. “We’re working on it,” he said.

• The council also approved code changes designed to clarify “normal hours of operation” for construction near homes to include 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Another measure, also passed unanimously, updated a noise ordinance to say certain work that produces noise across property lines of residential neighborhoods faces restrictions between 8 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday.

“I would also say to do dual enrollment; it’s so important,” she said. “I didn’t realize it then, but it definitely boosted my GPA.”

Atehortua will be attending the University of Florida in the fall, studying business administration and pre-law.

But before she starts, she’s looking forward to spending time with family and friends, and savoring the last big events of high school, like prom and Grad Bash. Then, she’s excited to prepare for her apartment in Gainesville.

jah & the Reggae All Stars, food vendors, and Ribbit the Exhibit II featuring whimsical human-sized frog sculptures throughout the garden by artist Andy Cobb. With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, the Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants. The garden is located at 531 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www.mounts.org.

Cultural Diversity Day May 10 In RPB

CAFCI and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will host Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 10 from 1 p.m. until sundown at Veterans Park, located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The event will include food vendors, creative displays, prizes and much more. There will be a diverse array of live cultural entertainment. Bring your chairs, blankets and tents for a fun-filled day. Learn more at www.cafcipbc. org/cultural-diversity-day.

Cebula, who holds a doctorate in economics and finance and teaches at the University of Tennessee, said he and his wife were drawn to Barky Pines because “of the extraordinary work they do there. They work from their hearts and souls for these animals.”

Though a version of the Rainbow Bridge at Lure Lake was rebuilt within weeks, Accomando said they felt it was important to move forward with their project because not everyone can get to North Carolina.

“This is for the Loxahatchee community and beyond,” said Accomando, also an Indian Trail Improvement District supervisor.

“It’s for everyone.”

She’d like to tell the rest of her class that, “As cliché as it sounds, everything happens for a reason, and everything will fall into place.”

Atehortua speaks both Spanish and English fluently, and she has enjoyed being a translator, helping families where the parents don’t speak English, or the children don’t speak Spanish. She said her biggest accomplishment in high school is raising more than $100,000 for Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as a junior and senior head of Dance Marathon.

Atehortua’s accomplishments

also include being varsity cheer captain for the 2024 Sideline Season, AICE Diploma recipient, Junior Achievement volunteer and a Pathfinder Nominee for Business. “I am incredibly proud of the Class of 2025 — and of Bronco Nation as a whole,” Myers said. “This class has left an indelible mark on our school’s legacy. I also want to thank our dedicated faculty, staff and families for being the support system that helped guide the Class of 2025 to reach this milestone. The future is theirs to shape, and I have no doubt they will do so with excellence, integrity and heart.”

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raise public awareness about sexual violence and support survivors. Palm Beach County’s Public Safety Department Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center invites the community to stand with survivors by participating in awareness events throughout the month.

A Field of Flags will be displayed at two locations. One is in front of the county’s Historic Courthouse in West Palm Beach, and another is at the Pahokee Library. The flags symbolize the 596 adult, teen and child survivors served by the county’s Public Safety Department Victim Services in 2024. Each flag represents a life affected by sexual violence. All are welcome to view the flags and take a moment to honor these survivors and the many others who have not come forward.

Additionally, the county’s Historic Courthouse and Four Points Building at 50 S. Military Trail will be illuminated in teal throughout April. “Unfortunately, these crimes are

a lot more common than people think they are. This month, we invite the community to take a stand, educate themselves and show their support,” Public Safety Department Victim Services Division Director Nicole Bishop said. Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities will close with “Healing through the Arts: A Community Art Event” on Saturday,

Kristina Gerardi and John McGovern at their law office, which is located on Belvedere Road in Royal Palm Beach. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Personal injury lawyers, partners John McGovern and Kristina Gerardi go over the facts about a case.

Aside from their legal work, both John McGovern and Kristina Gerardi put a strong focus on community service.

(Above) Barky Pines supporter Dr. Gigi Alexander. (Left) The new Rainbow Bridge.

Learn more about Barky Pines at www.barkypinesanimalrescue. com.

Musical ‘Annie Kids’ Comes To Life At Golden Grove Elementary School

Golden Grove Elementary School presented the musical Annie Kids on Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10 to a packed house of students, family and friends.

The show was directed by teacher Anna Allahar and featured student actors Annabelle Crosson,

Ava McGriff, Genevieve Paquin, Leyla Alkurdi, Courtney Dawes, Kaitlin Greensword, Isabella Witter, Vishala Sivakumar, Talyn Kirk, Delalie Ahlijah, Kataleya Albert, Irie Thompson, Ayden Nieves, Maddie-Lynne Holland, Otto Hagen, Calvin Phillips, Jimmie Clifton, Charlie Lindner,

Harper Colina, Crystal Hoffmann, Khloe McCloud, LeeAna Varney, Alden Beni, Clover Coffie, Gisel Urbano Prado and Giovanni Russo.

Other cast members included: Ian Gonzalez, Scarlet McGill, Zinnia Sanders, Merrick Perryman, Adelyn Jacobs, Nevaeh Lemorin,

Madelyn Levy, Athena Laclaustra, Mariana Williams, Julianna Rivera, Kaylee Arruda, Sterling Lopez Pollino, Juliette Castillo, Cameron Jacobs, Alexia Bernard, Giuliana Gonella, Isabella Talani, David Gonzalez, Haylee Bartkiewicz, Gianna Gruman, Zuri Spence, Zofy Cline, Mia Gines, Cypress

Holy Week Services Holy Week Services

Malott, Giuliana Dornevil, Dakota Besaw, Trinity Nelson, Paloma Monroy-Castillo, Mila Green, Sophia Rocha Aguilar, Madyson Zeman, Autumn Gardner, Cassidy Bumgardner, Juleen Ismail, Elizabeth Pupo, Valeria Palacio Camacho, Laura Moreno, AnaPaula Roraff and Nori Simmons.

American Cleanup on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Registration will take place from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m. at the Recreation Center located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane where participants will be equipped with bags and gloves for the cleanup. Refreshments and lunch for participants will follow the cleanup! Contact

Costumes were by Heather Hopper with choreography by Danielle Besaw, Brittany Spradling and Maria Nunez. Acting/line coaches were Desiree Lindner, Madeline Nicklo and Amber Zeman. Set design was by Mike, Summer, Bri and Juliana Farrell, with sound by Callie Varney. A large cast of

PHOTOS BY MARGARET HUNT/TOWN-CRIER

MORE LEADING DOCTORS IN MORE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY.

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Our newest practice, NYU Langone Medical Associates—West Palm Beach, offers gastroenterology and pain management services. With the vast array of specialties we provide throughout Palm Beach County, streamlining access to care is vital. That’s why we use a single electronic health record for each patient across all of our locations, so they and every medical professional can access their conditions, tests, images, medications, and more. NYU Langone Health is committed to bringing you exceptional care from leading doctors…with much more coming soon.

Better health starts with a better health system.

RENAISSANCE CHARTER SCHOOL AT WELLINGTON HOSTS A SPRING

The

the

inflatable

on

School representatives (L-R) Crystal Webster, Araceli Olivera, Ivette Santiago, Yaneylis Camacho and Odalis Diaz-Garcia.

Lily Alsous takes a few shots at the basketball hoops.

Amelie Rivera enjoys a game of Connect Four.

The sack race is always a favorite.

Kids enjoy the bounce house slides.

Peter Boffa served as DJ.

Jannah Millare and Kayden Bien-Aime get ready for a water balloon fight.

Friends have fun during a water balloon fight.

School dancers and cheerleaders perform during the festival.

Kids stand in line for Kona Ice.

Parents and family members watch the dancers and cheerleaders perform.

Evelina Gracia gets a facial from Ximena Zuniga as Sofia Laiseca looks on.

Gianni Hudson and Charlize Hubbard hunt for eggs.

Annie Joseph with Ty, Peter Grosso with Lola and Amber Nelson with the Easter Bunny.

Paul Galluccio with Emmy, the Eater Bunny and Amber Nelson. Rowan Pelfrey and Ziggy meet the Easter Bunny.

Dr. Evan Blair, Chris Canino and Howard Barr (seated) with Dr. Chani Rue, Karissah Barr and Jenifer Barr (standing) of Community Animal Hospital in RPB.

Charlize Hubbard with the Easter Bunny.

Volunteer Debra Lesan with Pony Boy.

Adoptable dog Dobby with the Easter Bunny.

The Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activities Group enjoyed Jukebox Bingo at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center on Friday, April 11.

The event featured DJ Doug Shannon, a pizza lunch, gift card prizes and a jukebox handmade by Carolyn Hmara.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(Seated) Randee Strassler, Lynn Volgel, Carol Perrine, Kimberly Raab and Mindy Saltzman with (standing) Lisa Shaul, Moreen Fant and Lorna Dubinsky.

Barbara Searls and Jenny Lopez with Josefa and Francisco Ramos.

Ronni Kaplan and Helene Bloom at the check-in desk.

Sandy Rubin, Lee Messina, Elliot Gordon and Ferdinand Hines.

Barbara Stafirn and Barbara Jackson (seated) with Donna Shrode and Carol Stewart (standing).

Cathy Thompson, Virginia Guido and Janice Dawson.

Rose LaForge and Lorna Mills with their Jukebox Bingo prizes.

Steve and Mary Kaminsky with Carolyn and Mayor Jeff Hmara (standing).

Program Supervisor Shakeera Thomas with DJ Doug Shannon at the jukebox.

Schools Competing Sites?

continued from page 1 around the region. They calculated 400 to 500 students in Wellington alone already commute to private schools outside the community, which could be a significant starting point to fill classrooms at a school expected to serve 1,675 students when fully built out in two phases.

The presence of a separate new school in West Palm Beach would not rule out such bus service.

“The Wellington private school catchment area includes West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, so the school would provide bus connections to those and other locations within the county,” said Marianne Rehn, representing the Wellington private school organizers.

The West Palm Beach school would stand on 55 acres that the city currently owns near Okeechobee Blvd. and Florida’s Turnpike, with no student head count, construction timetable or opening date yet spelled out. It would sit on what is sometimes called the Roebuck Road site.

Related Ross is in negotiations to buy the site for a future private school not owned or operated by the developer, possibly supplemented on site with workforce housing or affordable housing for

WHS Grad Ceremony

May 14

continued from page 3 of whatever you’re doing is something I would say is super important.” While being the valedictorian is something that’s important to Robbert, the reality is that it’s based on one thing — your weighted GPA through the first seven semesters of high school, ignoring everything else you’ve accomplished, worked for or worked through.

“The reality is that I come from a position of privilege where I never had to worry about working a job to support my family or taking care of younger siblings, and even just compared to everyone who plays sports or does band, chorus, theater or dance, they spend so much time contributing to the school and its community — often at the expense of their grades —

teachers built by the developer.

The West Palm Beach school could serve local families as well as those of financial executives and others relocating from the northeast corridor of the U.S., among other places. A number of them would work in business sites

Related Ross has built or planned in the West Palm Beach market.

Many of those prospective arrivals have been accustomed to private-school options where they are from and have sometimes expressed concerns that existing, high-quality private schools in Palm Beach County are largely full, with wait lists.

The land deal could also provide money, at least $6.6 million, to benefit a public school in West Palm Beach, Roosevelt Elementary School, according to Related Ross officials.

“We are currently in the term sheet and due diligence phase, with additional public hearings scheduled over the next six months before closing,” the Related Ross statement explained. “This transaction serves two key purposes: providing immediate funding to Roosevelt Elementary School, a public school, and reserving land for a future private school campus, which is important as the region grows and attracts new businesses and residents. Related Ross will continue to facilitate and enable positive outcomes in the community without intending to develop or operate schools ourselves.”

and none of that gets appreciated when you just look at their GPA,” Robbert said. “While I’d like to think that I still did a good job doing community service and staying engaged around campus and making a positive impact on others, I really can’t overstate that so many other people could’ve been valedictorian, and I’m just fortunate to come from a position where I’m able to focus on academics enough to do so.” Martin found out her class rank through the online gradebook, but it really clicked when it was announced while she was setting up for Dance Marathon, an event she had been looking forward to all year.

“The layers of excitement established by the enjoyable decorating process and the cheering of some of my closest friends created an unforgettable energy,” she said.

“The announcement of my rank in this way has truly made me appreciate my support system and

The official name of the planned Wellington school has not yet been announced.

“There is no formal name for the school at this point, but we look forward to launching the new name in the coming months,” Rehn said.

It is being created by the founders of the international school group Education in Motion, Karen Yung and Fraser White. It would operate independently from EIM as a U.S.-based not-for-profit venture and would feature a $350 million investment spearheaded by the EIM founders’ own funds and

Andrews Not Seeking Re-Election

continued from page 1

Washington, D.C.-based Council of Great City Schools (CGCS) Board of Directors. The council consists of two representatives from each of the nation’s 78 largest school districts, serving approximately eight million students.

The Palm Beach County School District ranks 10th nationally, serving some 189,000 students.

At the Wednesday, April 23 school board meeting, Andrews will be honored for her service to the county and the country as part of the CGCS executive board, first as secretary, then treasurer, chairelect and finally chair. She will

how far I have come, creating an ecstatic reaction filled with pride and gratefulness.”

Her parents were thrilled for her. “They could not believe that despite facing so many challenges in the past year, especially with the loss of my brother, I persevered to prove myself academically and mentally,” Martin said. “As I came home from our Dance Marathon at midnight, my parents were up waiting for me with smiles and a gift in their hands. A balloon printed with a large ‘Congratulations!’ strung from a large jar of chocolates. They were beyond proud.”

Martin’s advice for other students is to find your strengths and weaknesses in your learning abilities, and to keep an open mind when approaching subjects and classes.

“To be able to rank, it is a given that high-level AICE, AP, IB, dual enrollment and honors classes are necessary to have on your schedule,” she said. “Unfortunately, be-

supplemented by bond offerings, according to school officials.

In January, the Wellington Village Council approved a $47 million deal to sell land known as K-Park to Related Ross and the school in separate parcels. The school would sit on the western end of close to 70 acres southwest of State Road 7 and Stribling Way.

Related Ross, led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, agreed to pay $31 million for land on which it proposes to build perhaps 500 residential units, including rental townhouses and apartments, interwoven with a

remain a part of the organization as past-chair through July 2026.

Though Palm Beach County has been a CGCS member for some 20 years, Andrews was the first representative from the local district to gain the top position.

Council Executive Director Dr. Ray Hart said this week that Andrews’ service to the council and those they serve has been stellar.

“She’s a visionary,” said Hart, who will be on hand to honor Andrews. “She can see around the curve to what’s needed.”

The coalition is dedicated to the improvement of education for children in the inner cities, according to its web site at www.cgcs.org.

The council and its member school districts work to help school children “meet the highest standards and become successful and pro-

ing brave enough to put them there is only one step, and learning can come in many forms. For instance, do not be afraid of utilizing virtual lectures, completely online dual enrollment courses or virtual AP classes to further educate yourself enjoyably. Hard work is necessary, but understanding when and where excelling is possible can be even more vital.”

Martin will be studying electrical engineering, with possible career interests in biotechnology, sustainability, motorsports and spacecraft systems at the University of Florida.

“I am passionate about using my acquired STEM knowledge to create projects through collaborative methods that I can watch come to life, whether it be an arm or a Formula 1 car,” she said.

Martin aims to run another half-marathon and train to join the UF club cheer team. She is looking forward to challenging herself physically and chasing those

hotel of 150 to 180 rooms, restaurants, boutique grocers, stores, trails and green space. Pairing with a private school in the development pitch represented a first for the company, officials said. The West Palm Beach school would represent a second instance.

The Wellington land deal remains subject to final development approvals from the village over the next 18 months or more.

The school agreed to pay $16 million for its portion of the land. While it describes Related Ross as a partner, it would operate independently.

ductive members of society.”

Andrews said that while the issues are different for districts from Seattle to Miami and Los Angeles to Boston, “we have more in common than we have differences.”

As immediate past-chair, Andrews will continue to help set the vision for the organization, Hart said.

Andrews, whose district includes 41 schools throughout the western parts of the county, said the goals she set for herself and the district when first elected in 2010 have been accomplished. The goals included improving facilities and education opportunities in the Glades, and building or renovating a number of District 6 schools to meet the needs of the county’s booming western communities. The latest addition is Saddle

goals before academic deadlines demand her energy.

“As a final word to my fellow students, I advise you to respect your opinions and those of others,” she said. “Self-respect is crucial to establishing confidence in how you develop and present yourself, and a lack of it can reflect poorly on your mental state. By fostering respect and cooperation in your community, you can create mutual bonds that can save lives, metaphorically and literally. So many young lives have been lost at the hands of themselves, and others as a result of anger, unresolved sadness and feelings of insignificance. Not only are others’ perspectives vital to developing solutions and ideas for the modern world, but they are also vital to sustaining the quality of life of everyone every day.”

Martin has been a competitive cheerleader since age seven and has achieved a great deal.

“The past decade has blessed me with a state championship,

Related Ross’s statement said the region’s existing private schools are already at capacity with wait lists, “demonstrating the clear need for additional educational options.” The statement noted, “The arrangement to buy the land is separate from our Wellington K-12 school project, which is the only new private school slated for construction in Palm Beach County. While we are in the early stages of due diligence for the Roebuck Road site, we are not in discussions with school operators.”

multiple regional and a few national runner-up titles,” she said.

“As I have grown older, this sport has made me realize my passion for being part of a team — especially one that could be capable of achieving massive positive changes in the world’s environmental and social standings. As a result of this realization and others, I hope that people can deduce how I am an optimistic individual who aims to use collaborative human abilities to create unique methods to find satisfaction in life.” As graduation approaches, Gorham is proud of the incredible Class of 2025. “Watching our students grow into confident, capable young adults has been one of the greatest joys of my career,” she said. “The passion and care shown throughout our school community is truly inspiring. It is an absolute privilege to lead Wellington High School and to be part of a team that works each day to uplift, guide and celebrate our students.”

View Elementary School, due to open in August just outside the gates of the Arden community near 20-Mile Bend. Another elementary school is expected to open in Westlake in 2027, with a new high school set for the area near Northlake Blvd. and Seminole

Marcia

Leading Show Jumpers Linger In Wellington For Spring Show Series

By Sarah Eakin Town-Crier Staff Report

Not all the international riders packed up and left the day after the Winter Equestrian Festival ended. Top show jumpers ditched the norm and stuck around to compete in the first three weeks of the ESP Spring Series at Wellington International — with the Derby Field at Equestrian Village being the main attraction.

“We have a beautiful grass field here, so it’s a nice experience for these horses before going into the summer,” said U.S. rider Kent Farrington, world ranked at No. 2, after winning the $62,500 FEI 3* Grand Prix qualifier aboard Myla on Friday, April 11.

The field of 73 horse-and-rider combinations included, among other notables, world No. 4, Britain’s Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue; Paris Olympic gold medalist, Germany’s Christian Kukuk aboard Cepano Baloubet; world No. 10, U.S. rider McLain Ward and Imperial HBF; and world No. 11, Ireland’s Conor Swail and My Lady Lavista.

“I think that’s the evolution of what South Florida has become,” Farrington said in explanation of the lingering field of top riders.

“You’ve got multiple venues, which in a way helps strengthen

all of the venues, because it gives people a reason to come to Florida, and multiple places where they can base and show, run a business, have a great lifestyle and have high-level sport. So, it’s quite cold up north. I think it’s still pretty cold in Europe. So, when we’ve got great weather here, and great conditions like today, I think it’s an easy choice for people to stay.”

Maher, who was soldiering on through the past weeks with a fractured foot, saw his decision to still compete come to fruition. Maher landed the final round of the WEF Challenge Cup at the end of March with Point Break, in the final week of WEF in the International Ring. He then closed out his Wellington season with back-to-back wins on the grass in Week 2 of the ESP Spring Series. Aboard Exit Remo, Maher took first in the CSI3* 1.45-Meter Speed Classic, stopping the clock at 61.73 seconds, ahead of Ward and La Serra, who took the runner-up place in 62.65 seconds. U.S. rider Natalie Dean took third aboard Iron Dames Caramba de Janeiro in 63.62 seconds. Maher then switched the following day to Ginger-Blue to win the $120,000 Bainbridge Companies CSI3* Grand Prix. Earlier in the season, she carried Maher to an-

other three-star win on the grass during WEF Week 6. The pair crossed the final timers in 37.33 seconds to come out on top from an 11-horse jump-off.

“She loves it on the grass over here,” said Maher of the 14-yearold Dutch Warmblood mare. “She felt confident, but it’s always hard to know how much to do. I couldn’t do anything more today. With the riders who were in the jump-off, and Kent [Farrington] going last, it wasn’t over until the last moment, but fortunately it was enough for us today.” Maher and his horses, includ-

ing Ginger-Blue, will now take a respite before heading to Europe for the summer shows.

“She naturally has a lot of ground speed, but her stride is not the biggest, so all the distances were moving,” Maher said. “She’s a very experienced horse, and everything came up right for me today. It was a great end to the Wellington season for my team.”

The Wellington International Spring Series continues for five weeks through May 11 and is highlighted by two CSI3* competitions. Learn more at www. wellingtoninternational.com.

25th Annual Sweet Corn Fiesta At

Palm Beach County’s freshly harvested sweet corn will be the star of the 25th annual Sweet Corn Fiesta. The popular event will take place from 11 am. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, in Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds (9067 Southern Blvd.). The fiesta has become a favorite among families who come to enjoy the hot, buttery locally grown sweet corn. There also are amateur contests that include corn eating, corn shucking and cooking contests, as well as a green market and children’s games.

The National Sweet Corn Eating Championship will make its return as one of the favorite stops of the 2025 season, presented by Major League Eating. This signature event invites corn lovers from all over the world to come and cel-

ebrate the sweetness of Florida’s finest corn. Spectators cheer on their favorite contestants as they watch them use different styles to eat as many ears as possible for 12 thrilling minutes.

Miki Sudo, who claimed backto-back corn crowns by consuming an impressive 56 ears of corn, will look to make it a three-peat championship. She’ll look to break Carmen Cincotti’s world record of 61.75 ears. The total prize purse is $6,100 with $2,500 for first place. The event will also feature live music by the Krystal River Band and the Andrew Morris Band. Palm Beach County farmers grow more sweet corn for the fresh market than anywhere else in the world. Making residents aware of the crop’s importance is one of the top reasons to hold the fiesta.

Read more by equestrian writer Sarah Eakin at www.paperhorsemedia.com.

Ben Maher and Ginger-Blue make the most of the Derby Field before heading to Europe. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

Back-to-back wins ended Ben Maher’s Wellington season, including success with Exit Remo. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

World No. 2 Kent Farrington extended his Wellington campaign through the Spring series, winning on Myla.

PHOTO BY CASSIDY KLEIN/WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL

THIRD

Eggs were hunted, faces were painted and snow cones were devoured as the City of Westlake cel-

ebrated its third annual SpringFest Spectacular on Saturday, April 5. Crowds of friends and family also enjoyed a petting zoo, balloon twisting, a foam party for children and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, all free of charge.

PHOTOS BY MEREDITH BUROW/TOWN-CRIER

Kids run to find Easter eggs as the hunt opens. PHOTO COURTESY THE CITY OF WESTLAKE

James and Jheneal

Pierre-Louis with family friend Kamilah Anderson, along with Jeremiah, Jelayna, Joel and Joshua.

Liz Thompson with daughter, Ella.

Mya Kirshenbaum as Belle and Teigan Altenbach as Cinderella with 3-year-old Tamara.

Taylor, 9, with Silkie chicken Jessica. Bianca Castro of 2 Little Chicks Coop with Ken the pig.

Curtis James of Smackin’ Smash Burger.

Face painter Karla Abraham turns Eddie into Spider-Man.

Judy-Ann Blake, owner of Imagitive.

Sisters Ana and Elena with the Easter Bunny.

Twins Kassidy and Kristen play in the foam.

Morgan Dickson makes balloon characters.

Irina Onescar, Tatyana Maia and Lana Gorski.

Leah with Teigan Altenbach as Cinderella and Mya Kirshenbaum as Belle.

Danery Cruz and Carolina Rodriguez with Zavier and Christopher.

Evelyn Talbot and Lisa Swanson of City Sweets Italian Ice.

Sisters Elliott and Elena with hairdos courtesy of J Mini Chic Boutique.

Graham Randall of Papa G’s Country Kitchen.

Cheryl Lavietes, owner of Chezy’s Bracelets.

Christ Fellowship volunteers Edward Hoffpauir, Debora Fontanez and Casey Dunlap.

World Heritage Day Brings Culture And Geography To Life At Berean

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

World history and world geography came to life on Thursday, April 3 at Berean Christian School. For the second straight year, Berean’s sophomore history students, under the direction of teacher Richard Roberts, transformed the school’s auditorium into a series of 21 tabletop nationality/country displays.

The event was called World Heritage Day. At each display, there were detailed descriptions of the various countries. Images, pictures and various accessories were used to bring each display to life.

“Our students at Berean Christian School have diverse backgrounds,” said Roberts, now in his fifth year teaching history at the school. “By staging World Heritage Day, we allow the students to showcase their own family heritage and share that information with the entire school.”

The countries represented were China, France, Scotland, England, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Colombia, Trinidad & Tobago, the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Ukraine, Poland and Russia.

“World Heritage Day is a chance to take learning of world history, geography and social studies to a new level,” said Marsha Cruz, high school principal at Berean. “Our students, teachers and administrators all enjoyed the experience,” At each booth, background information on the country was shared via PowerPoint presentations, student-designed brochures, and various student-made signs, posters and charts. Throughout the day, Berean’s entire student body, faculty and school administrators visited the series of exhibits to listen and learn from the presentations that took place at each booth.

The students who were stationed at each booth were often dressed in clothes that reflected the country they were representing. In many cases, food from the various countries was prepared and served to those in attendance. For example, samples of black beans and rice were available at the Cuba booth, pizza was served at the Italy display, the Argentina exhibit had cheese and beef empanadas, Cadbury chocolate was given away at the England booth, chocolate cake was enjoyed at the Germany exhibit, rice and chicken were served at the Haiti booth, and

fortune cookies were on display at the China booth. Those who visited the Cuba booth were given a chance to play dominoes, which is a very popular activity in Cuba.

Berean students really enjoyed the food.

“The empanadas were really good,” said junior Liz Britton, who worked the Colombia booth last year.

“The cake served at the Germany exhibit was really good,” added junior Mateo Aristizabal,

who also worked the Colombia booth last year.

“I really enjoyed the Morir Sonando drink served at the Dominican Republic,” noted junior Michael Nelms, who worked at a Vietnam display last year.

The students who manned the national booths also enjoyed sharing their research and information with their fellow students.

“I felt really connected to the students, and I enjoyed helping them understand and comprehend

St. Michael: A Small Church With A Big Heart

St. Michael Lutheran Church in Wellington, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, warmly welcomes everyone to its numerous and diverse community programs.

Centered in the Christian scriptures and rooted in the Reformation tradition, the church has a bustling campus that serves the community in various ways, including an Alzheimer’s Care Center that provides compassionate care and respite. The church also hosts various Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous meetings seven days a week, offering a safe space for those seeking to overcome addiction.

The church is involved in numerous outreach projects that address different community needs. From Forgotten Soldiers Outreach and the Farmworkers Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County to first responders appreciation and the food nonprofit CROS Ministries, these projects enhance the

overall well-being and resilience of the community. Children with disabilities receive specialized support at the Sprout school, ensuring they thrive with caring educators and programs. The Haitian community finds a cultural home at the COGP Church, celebrating their heritage and traditions.

Music lovers enjoy Espressivo concerts throughout the year, which raise funds for music scholarships. The Palm Beach Pipes and Drums Band, supported by the church, adds a unique musical element to local events.

St. Michael follows Jesus by serving the community with compassion and justice. All are welcome at the church, which is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington and served by ELCA Pastor AJ Striffler, a former U.S. Navy chaplain. To learn more about St. Michael Lutheran Church, call (561) 7934999 or visit www.stmichaelelc. com.

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community service and leadership skills

• Providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors

• Offering foreign exchange opportunities to local students

• Distributing hundreds of dictionaries annually to third graders in the community

• Providing holiday gifts to kids who otherwise might not have received any

• Supporting programs for

• Donating

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for

• Providing

the information we presented,” said sophomore Tenli Krauel, who was connected to the China booth.

“I really enjoyed the process of doing research on Scotland, displaying it on a poster, and sharing it with the students, especially the younger students,” added sophomore Alena Antoniak, who was affiliated with the Scotland booth.

Many of the younger students at the school were required to visit the booths and come back with proof of each visit in the form of a stamp that was produced by each country display. The younger students were given a “passport” by their classroom teachers to collect each national stamp.

Some of the interesting facts revealed during World Heritage Day included Colombia having

of snails each year; “The Soldier’s Song” is the national anthem of Ireland; and Scotland, where the official animal is the unicorn, has a 3,000-year-old tree known as the Fortingall Yew. Roaming around the room at World

Capstone Senior Living To Host Second Annual Yard Sale On May 17

The Capstone at Royal Palm, an assisted living and SHINE memory care community, recently announced its second annual Community Yard Sale Fundraiser, set to take place on Saturday, May 17 from 8 to 11 a.m. at 10621 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. The event aims to raise funds for Capstone’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s team. The yard sale will feature multiple sellers and a wide variety of gently used items, including furniture, clothing, books, toys, home goods and more. Residents, families and friends are encouraged to come out, browse the unique finds and support a great cause. For those interested in supporting the fundraiser, monetary and item donations are welcome prior to the event. Become a seller at the yard sale with a $15 donation. Contact Denae Woodward at (561) 570-2005 for more information. The Capstone at Royal Palm is an assisted living and memory care community founded on a care philosophy that fosters dignity and respect for residents, promotes their independence and individuality, and offers a variety of amenities, activities and programs. Visit www.thecapstoneatroyalpalm. com to learn more.

Sophomore Tenli Krauel teaches students about China. Alena Antoniak at the Scotland booth. PHOTOS BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

coastlines along both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; explorer Christopher Columbus discovered Haiti in 1492; the Mexican flag features an eagle eating a snake on a cactus, which is symbolic of an Aztec legend; the French eat 25,000 pounds

St. Michael Lutheran Church is located at 1925 Birkdale Drive off Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington.

The Family Church Wellington worship team.

Family Church Wellington’s Pastor Joel McDonald leads a Bible study service.

Leo Mesa, Leslie Gutierrez, Emmanuel Gutierrez and Alejandra Evangelista.

Keaton Spaulding, Dalva Durante, Blanca Bavosa and Sandy Jones.

Hannah McDonald and Audrey Casteel.

John Weaver serves up a barbecue lunch.

Shepherd McDonald hits the bounce house.

Monica Poza and Marcia Gunsalus help serve lunch.

Page Burow and Shelby Morales.

Amanda and Zack Bradshaw with Liam and Mason.

Tania and Todd Gilmore with Jaxon and Luke.

Sarah Casteel with Nolan.

Bradyn and Lexi Stebbins.

Ellie McDonald after enjoying the slide.

Claire Casteel in the bounce house.

Sandy and Scott Crawford with Joel and Tamara McDonald. Wyatt Dowd, Nathan Heyman, Ezra Kanoff and Samuel Dancik.

Adriana Gajic with Victoria, Elizabeth, Christopher and Eva.

Josh Bechtel on the obstacle course.

Chloe Dowd, Reagan Harger, Julianne Backherms and Nathan Heyman.

Lee S. Freidman, MD

Randy S. Katz, MD

Steven M. Naids, MD

Megan A. Rowlands, MD

James M. Walsh, OD

Area Resident Edner Breton Earns Soccer Hall Of Fame Honor

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Longtime Acreage/Loxahatchee

resident Edner Breton was one of five soccer legends recently inducted into the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame during a ceremony held in Huntington, New York.

Aside from Breton, the others inducted with the Class of 2025 on Saturday, March 22 included Lloyd Monsen, Manny Matos, Keith Van Eron and Michelle O’Brien.

Based on Breton’s lengthy affiliation with soccer on Long Island, being inducted into this particular hall of fame was an honor long overdue.

“When I was notified by the president of the hall of fame, he was congratulating me on the honor, while also somewhat apologetic that it took so long for me to be inducted into the Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame,” recalled Breton, now 77. “This is

truly a dream-come-true experience for me.”

Breton’s illustrious international soccer career spanned nearly five decades as both a player and later as a coach. In 2000, he relocated to South Florida from New York and has been an Acreage resident for nearly 25 years. During that time, he served as the director of coaching for the Wellington Soccer Club from 2001 to 2007 and then served as the club’s youth head coach from 2007 to 2019. He retired from coaching in 2021. Breton was born in Port-auPrince, Haiti, and his love for soccer started early. As a young boy, Breton played soccer in his backyard with his six siblings and with other children in his neighborhood. By age 13, Breton was a star player and a member of multiple tournament-winning teams throughout Haiti. At 16, he was recruited by the Racing Club of Haiti, the First Division premier soccer club in Haiti. In 1965 and

1966, he led the Racing Club to back-to-back league championships. At 18, he was selected to represent Haiti’s national team. It was during this time that his connection to soccer in the United States was developed. In 1968, the Detroit Cougars of the North American Soccer League (NASL) visited Haiti as part of a Caribbean tour. After playing in a match against Breton, the Cougars expressed interest in him joining their team in Detroit. Breton accepted the offer and moved to the U.S.

Breton played with the Detroit Cougars for a short time and continued to represent Haiti on the national scene. He participated in the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) competition in 1968 and 1969. Once the competition was over, he came back to the U.S. and played for New York’s Inter-Giuliana

Club of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League during the winter seasons. In 1970, Breton was back playing in the NASL with the Rochester Lancers, which won the championship that year. In 1971, Breton joined the New York Apollo team of the American Soccer League. That was the beginning of his affiliation with soccer on Long Island. He and his wife, Monique, purchased a home in Hempstead on Long Island. While playing with the New York Apollo, he led the club to titles in 1973 and 1978. The team was declared cochampions along with the Boston/ Worcester Astros in 1975.

In 1977, Breton was hired by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and worked as a lead ticket agent with the company. His full-time job also gave him the unique opportunity to continue playing soccer, as the airline had an international soccer club called the KLM Bravos, Long

Wellington Cougars Program Produces Home-Grown Cheerleading Champions

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

During the current school year, cheerleading teams from the King’s Academy, Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School all advanced to this year’s Florida High School Athletic Association state cheerleading finals in Lakeland. One of the big reasons for the success of those three schools can be attributed to the existence of the Wellington Cougars.

For the past 24 years, the Cougars, under the guidance of owner Christina Reickel, have been offering beginner cheer, competitive cheer, dance and tumbling to area children, starting at a young age.

“We offer programs for boys and girls ages 4 to 18,” said Reickel, who currently oversees more than 50 girls on competitive cheer teams. “The cheer season runs from June until the following April each year, with training and choreography all summer, and competition season from January to April.”

When any of the Cougar teams perform in competition, a great deal is expected from each squad during every cheer routine.

“A competitive cheer routine

is two minutes and 30 seconds of action-packed excitement with jumps, tumbling, stunting, pyramids and dance,” explained Reickel, who is assisted by fellow cheer coach Patti Gailey, Chloe Wilson and Grace Mercurio.

This spring has been filled with big wins by the Cougars, who practice at Village Park in Wellington.

“Our most recent event was the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in Daytona Beach,” said Reickel, who was an NCA cheerleader in college at Florida Atlantic University. “Our mini team placed second, the youth team came home in first place, and our junior team also placed first.”

Experiencing success in competition is the norm for the Wellington Cougars, which started with one 13-member squad in the very first year of the club’s existence. The club is now the longest-standing competitive cheer program in Palm Beach County.

“The Cougars have won notable competitions through the years with too many championship trophies and banners to count, but pride themselves on being a gym that builds champions and helps mold the next generation of leaders in our community,” Reickel said.

Golf Pro Georgia Oboh Sharpens Her Game In Royal Palm Beach

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

In recent weeks, the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach has been the setting for a young, ambitious Nigerian-born golf professional from England whose goal is to make it to the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour.

The golfer is Georgia Oboh, who hails from Manchester, England. She is currently playing on the Epson Tour, the proving ground for the LPGA Tour, but during a break in the tournament calendar, she and her father/caddie decided to stay with family friends from Royal Palm Beach. Every day while in the area, Oboh spent countless hours working on her driving, putting, pitching, chipping and bunker play at the Village Golf Club.

“My father and I were blessed to be hosted by the Johnsons, family friends for the past 10 years,” Oboh said. “They invited my father and I to the area. They took

great care of us. My father and I are blessed to know them, and we are very appreciative of their hospitality.”

According to Oboh, spending time with the Johnson family made sense after the first few events on this year’s calendar.

“After the first three Epson Tour events, all of which took place in Florida, and with this year’s schedule, there was a break in the season, leaving over a month in between the Florida events and the West Coast swing,” Oboh explained.

The Village Golf Club offered her a great deal on club access that she couldn’t refuse.

“The staff were very gracious in allowing me to play the golf course and use the practice facilities without restriction, and then I paid for range balls when I wished to use the driving range,” said Oboh, now 24.

Every practice session was long and detailed. She practiced a minimum of four hours, but no

more than seven hours, each day.

Throughout each practice session, every shot was calculated and executed as if she was playing a competitive round in a pro event.

“Being intentional with every shot, so I can best replicate that on the golf course, allowing my skills to reach the challenges that I will encounter on the golf course,” added Oboh, who has been playing golf since the age of six.

Even though Oboh is a fully exempt player competing this year on the Epson Tour, with the goal of earning a LPGA Tour card for next year, it has helped that she has played in five LPGA Tour events since 2020, three of which were last year’s Meijer LPGA Classic in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan; and the Portland Classic in Portland, Oregon.

Her performance in last summer’s Dow Championship, which is a team event, was a highlight of her professional career. There, she and partner Lakareber Abe

finished in a tie for eighth place.

Even though Oboh is enjoying the chance of making a living by playing golf at some first-class golf courses around North America, she never forgets her family back home in England. She also feels blessed to have a chance to play golf on the Epson Tour.

“I’m the oldest child of three, so spending time with my siblings is what I miss most,” Oboh said. “Overall, I am just grateful to God for the opportunity to compete and showcase the great gifts God has bestowed on me for the growth of his kingdom.”

Her next Epson Tour event is the IOA Championship, which will be held April 25-27 at the Morongo Golf Club at Tukwet Canyon in Beaumont, California.

And, if Georgia Oboh earns her LPGA Tour card later this year, she will always remember the many professional practice courtesies extended to her by the staff at the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach.

See BRETON, page 24

Golf professional Georgia Oboh at the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach. PHOTO BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame founder Kevin McCrudden presents Edner Breton with his award.

The Wellington Cougars junior 2.2 team were champions at the 2025 NCA held in Daytona Beach. PHOTO COURTESY CHRISTINA REICKEL

Edner Breton in 1966, when he played for the Racing Club of Haiti, as well as the Haitian National Team.

Crestwood Middle School Honors Last Season’s Track Champs

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Saturday, April 5, 18 mem-

bers of the 2024 Crestwood Middle School track & field team gathered to be honored for winning last spring’s Palm Beach County Middle School Track & Field Champion-ship. It was Crestwood’s second straight county title. According to head coach Marque Drummond, there were 21 members of the school’s 2024 track & field team — Alphonzo Carter, Brandon Pendergrass II, Rajon Fleurima, Jayden Espino, Ashton Davis, Ashton Fountain, Brandon Greenfield, Dennis An-

derson, Fabian Pompilus, Javian Wrisper, Blake Girard, Caleb Fulbright, Michael Saget, Benjamin Drummer, Aiden Castillo, Adrian Gomez-Canas, Micah Baker, Michal Baker, Rayan Moutaouakkil, Nigel Smith and Ahmari Ryner.

Since the 2023 team from Crestwood received championship rings, the members of the 2024 squad were honored during a jacket and pendant ceremony. Of the 21 members of the 2024 team, 18 were in attendance at Crestwood during the ceremony this month.

In addition to the players, also attending were Crestwood staff members, parents of the athletes,

family members and friends. The guest speaker was Jerome Groover, the head coach of the track & field team from Palm Beach Lakes High School in West Palm Beach.

According to Drummond, who doubles as Crestwood’s athletic director, all attendees were served a meal featuring baked chicken, jerk chicken, buffalo-style chicken, meatballs, mixed salad, mac and cheese, deviled eggs and cake for dessert.

The key performances that propelled Crestwood to the 2024 Palm Beach County championship were: Alphonzo Carter (first in the 110-meter hurdles, 15.66; second in the long jump, 18 feet, 3 inch-es; and fourth in the 800-meter run, 2:15); Michael Saget (second in the 110-meter hurdles, 17.00); Ahmari Ryner (first in the long jump, 18 feet, 4 inches; and first in the high jump, 5 feet, 6 inches); Brandon Pendergrass II (sixth in the 100-meter dash, 11.77, and third in the 200-meter dash, 23.68); Ashton Davis (sixth in the 200-meter dash, 23.99); Aiden Castillo (first in the 400-meter run, 54.31, and seventh in the long jump, 17 feet, 1 inch); Jayden Espino (fifth in the 400-meter run, 56.17); and Ashton Fountain (fourth in the shot put, 39 feet, 9 inches).

The school’s 800-meter medley relay team finished in sixth place with a time of 1:51.13. The members of that team were Benjamin Drummer, Rajon Fleurima, Jayden

Espino, Michael Saget and Ashton Davis. Drummer, Fleurima, Davis and Brendan Pendergrass II were the four members of Crest-wood’s 400-meter relay team, which finished in fourth place with a time of 48.57.

Crestwood will be looking for its third consecutive Palm Beach County championship when this year’s county meet is held during the week of May 12. Drummond is cautiously optimistic that Crestwood has a chance of winning this year.

“So far, they look pretty decent, but we have many first-time members of the team, so they will have to learn and grow in the sport,” Drummond said.

Alphonzo Carter with coach Marque Drummond.

(Front row) Coach Marque Drummond, Micah Baker, Dennis Anderson, Alphonzo Carter, Jayden Espino, Michael Saget, Rajon Fleurima, Benjamin Drummer and Aiden Castillo; and (back row) Ashton Fountain, Nigel Smith, Blake Girard, Ahmari Ryner, Brandon Greenfield and Michal Baker.

Coaches Carmine Ciofoletti, Joe Mazzeo and Paul Heckler, Principal Robert Hatcher and Athletic Director Cliff Gailey with the seniors.

The baseball program at Seminole Ridge High School held senior night on Friday,

SRHS baseball senior Luke Vento with his family.

Jayden Espino with coach Marque Drummond.

RPB’s Schartner Family Focused Building A Lasting Soccer Legacy

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Schartner family of Royal Palm Beach are dedicated to the sport of soccer. Luke and Jenny Schartner are the parents of four passionate, dedicated and talented soccer players — Elena (Ellie), 17; Kira, 15; Jax, 12; and Josiah, 11.

Breton Soccer Player And Coach

continued from page 21

which competed globally. Breton served as captain of the Bravos, which won multiple tournaments throughout Europe and South America during the 1980s.

As a player, one of the highlights of his career was playing in a match in Rochester in the early 1970s against Santos, one of the great clubs from Brazil, which was led by global superstar Pelé.

“Santos won the game, but it was a privilege to be on the same playing field as Pelé,” Breton recalled. “He was a brilliant player.”

In the 1990s, Breton began transitioning into a career as a coach and began seeking opportunities in the New York area where he could help cultivate young soccer talent. As a resident of Long Island for more than 20 years, Breton immersed himself in the local soccer landscape. He became trainer of the Levittown Blue Angels U-12 girls team of the

Soccer is such a big part of their lives. The children are the third generation of soccer players in the Schartner family.

Luke played high school soccer in Illinois, and for the last 19 years has been the head coach of the boys varsity soccer team at Berean Christian School, where Ellie, Kira and Jax are currently enrolled, while Josiah is home schooled. For the last few years, Luke has also been a coach for the Royal Palm Beach Strikers travel soccer club, which is based at the Katz Soccer Complex. Meanwhile, Luke’s father, Mark Schartner, has a long track record in the sport. He played college soccer at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois, in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Mark has also been an assistant coach for Luke for many years at Berean. Mark’s affiliation with soccer can best be measured in decades rather than years. Mark became the head men’s soccer coach at Trinity in 1973, just a year after earning his bachelor’s degree in physical education teaching and coaching from Trinity. During his 13 seasons at the

Long Island Junior Soccer League, which captured the 1998 league title. He also served as trainer for the Levittown Cosmos U-15 boys team. Additionally, Breton was head coach of the John Jay College men’s soccer team in Manhattan.

When Breton retired from his full-time job with KLM in 2000, he and his wife relocated to Palm Beach County. Given his background in soccer, it was foreseeable that Breton would land an opportunity with a local soccer program, which became a reality when he started his affiliation with the Wellington Soccer Club.

Although Breton has stepped away from the soccer spotlight, it remains a big part of his life. He enjoys watching the game on television or in person, and he doesn’t rule out a return to local coaching in some capacity.

“Once a coach, always a coach,” Breton said.

He and Monique have three daughters — Rachel, Regine and Melissa — and four grandsons.

While none of Breton’s three daughters played soccer, they enjoyed supporting their father’s role in soccer as a player and coach.

“Our memories growing up

helm of the Trinity’s soccer program, Mark coached the Trojans to the 1974 National Christian Collegiate Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship, the first national title in any sport in school history. Not surprisingly, the varsity soccer field at Trinity is now named Schartner Field. Mark was inducted into

Edner Breton in 1968, when he played left wing with the Detroit Cougars of the National American Soccer League. include being on the sidelines of soccer games wherever my dad was playing or coaching, and this is where we learned about sportsmanship, discipline, competitiveness and integrity,” Rachel said.

“Looking back now, I see the value in those important life lessons that were being taught to us as we cheered my dad on.”

the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Lake County (Illinois) Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

If you ask Ellie, her grandfather — affectionately known as Papa Schartner — may well be the most passionate soccer fan in the entire family. He’s now 72, but he has the soccer energy of a teenager. Ellie, Kira and Jax play soccer at Berean, as well as for the Royal Palm Beach Strikers and the Olympic Development Program (ODP). Josiah is too young to play ODP soccer, but don’t be surprised if he gets selected to follow this competitive soccer path in the nottoo-distant future. Currently, Ellie and Kira are key members of the girls varsity soccer team at Berean, coached by Jon Iverson. And, Jax

plays for the Berean middle school soccer team, coached by Richard Miller.

As for Ellie, currently a high school junior at Berean, she is committed to play collegiate soccer at Palm Beach Atlantic University, which is an NCAA Division II program. Her commitment to the school will become official this fall when she signs her letter of intent. She’s thrilled about continuing her soccer-playing career at Palm Beach Atlantic but knows the skill level of her collegiate teammates and opponents will be at a higher level. Kira has similar collegiate soccer aspirations. Ellie is thrilled to have collegiate soccer in her future, especially with it being a local experience, which will allow her family to

come watch her play home games. “Soccer has had a great legacy in our family,” she said. In order to get experience against collegiate competition, Ellie and Kira, a sophomore at Berean, are also playing matches for Tiki Taka, which is an invitation-only squad of talented high-school-age players from Florida who play competitive friendly matches against female collegiate teams, usually junior colleges, NAIA and NCAA Division II squads around Florida during their collegiate offseason. Whether it’s playing

Registration Open For Wellington Summer Camps And Academies

Does trying to find positive and fun activities for your child this summer feel like a daunting task?

The Wellington Parks & Recreation Department offers a variety of summer camps and academies to help keep kids happy, healthy and active.

Village Park (1700 Pierson Road) will be the site of a variety of athletic camps, including a Basketball Academy for ages 7 to 15; Cheer, Dance & Tumble Camp for ages 5 to 15; a Fishing Academy for ages 6 to 13; an Indoor/Outdoor Volleyball Academy for ages 9 to 15; and a Tumble Camp for ages 5 to 15. For younger children,

ages 3 to 5, Tumblekids Kamp offers a safe environment to enjoy gymnastics, sports, musical fun and more.

At Greenview Shores Park (2163 Greenview Shores Blvd.), campers can participate in a Boys and Girls Soccer Academy for ages 5 to 14; Lacrosse Camp for ages 8 to 14; Speed & Agility Training Camp for ages 9 to 18; and/or World Cup Soccer Camp for ages 6 to 18. The Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will be offering Coding & Robotics Club for ages 4 to 11; Eco Creations Art Camp for ages

6 to 12; KemKids Dance Studio Summer Camp for ages 5 to 12; and Level Up Youth Esports for ages 7 to 17. The Wellington Tennis Center (3100 Lyons Road) is also offering Summer Break Tennis Camps for ages 5 to 18, and a High Performance Tennis Camp for ages 8 to 18. For more information on tennis programs and camps, visit www. wellingtonfl.gov/tennis. For more information on summer programs and how to register, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/camps, or call the Parks & Recreation Department at (561) 791-4005.

Summer Art Camp at the Armory runs from June 2 through Aug. 8. The camp offers classes for kids and teens, starting as young as preschool age. Kids ages 5-and-a-half to 12 will create their own masterpieces based on cultural themes from around the world, including South America, Europe, Asia and more. New this year are half-day preschool summer camps for ages 3 to 5 where little artists will explore and develop new art skills. Teens ages 13 to 17 can participate in studio intensives to develop portfolio-ready artwork while developing their creative skills and techniques. Students will work in a variety of media, such as painting, drawing, three-dimensional sculpting, pottery and more. Dress for the mess and join the Armory for some fun hands-on art. There will also be bi-weekly exhibitions featuring art made by camp artists. The Armory is located at 811 Park Place, West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org/summercamp.

The Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp is now in its seventh year. The program is designed for both boys and girls who want to learn to row, as well as experienced rowers looking to improve their sculling technique and fitness. Come have fun on the water. The program rows on Lake Wellington, a fresh water, protected, 2,000-meter-long lake. Registration is limited to allow individual, personalized coaching and instruction. The summer program is open to students age 12 and up led by head coach Doug Cody. For 35 years, the Florida Rowing Center has attracted and trained elite-level competitors from North America and Europe. Register and learn more at www.floridarowingcenter.com.

Mark Schartner encourages Ellie Schartner after a Berean Christian School soccer game.

Kira Schartner playing for the Royal Palm Beach Strikers. PHOTOS COURTESY

SCHARTNER

Schartner family members (L-R)

Josiah, mother Jenny, dad Luke and Jax after a Royal Palm Beach Strikers soccer game.

Homes For Our Troops Donates Adapted Custom Home To Injured Sailor

The national nonprofit organization Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) completed its donation of a specially adapted custom home to Navy HM3 Edward Bonfiglio on Saturday, April 5. Bonfiglio was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan. His new home is in the Loxahatchee area.

On Aug. 10, 2009, during his third combat deployment, Hospital Corpsman Third Class Bonfiglio was on a routine patrol with D Company, 2nd Assault Amphibian Battalion, when his unit was ambushed in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Bonfiglio was shot in the left leg and sciatic nerve during the firefight. Empowered by the freedom and

independence of an HFOT home, Bonfiglio will have more time and energy to pursue other opportunities. Currently a software consultant, his goal is to start his own business. He would also like to volunteer more with veteran organizations.

Bonfiglio’s new home features more than 40 major special adaptations, such as widened doorways for wheelchair access, a roll-in shower, and kitchen amenities that include pull-down shelving and lowered countertops. The home will also alleviate the mobility and safety issues associated with a traditional home, including navigating a wheelchair through narrow hallways or over

Local author Alan Tonks has republished his novel The St. Kitts Connection and has also written a screenplay for the book. The St. Kitts Connection is set in Wellington in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is an exhilarating financial thriller that masterfully weaves together high-stakes banking, international crime and political intrigue.

Based on real-life events, this gripping novel offers readers a rare glimpse into the shadowy underbelly of offshore banking and its ties to global corruption. Tonks spent most of his career in the banking business, holding various top management positions in Maryland and Florida financial institutions. The book is inspired

thresholds, riding on carpets or reaching for cabinets that are too high. HFOT was able to donate the home thanks to contributions from donors, supporters and corporate partners.

“What you do to help injured military veterans is nothing short of extraordinary,” Bonfiglio said. “It is a selfless act to give folks like myself the opportunity to lead a full life after injury.”

Currently, there are more than 73 active projects underway nationwide. To find out more about how to get involved, or make a donation, visit www.hfotusa.org.

Learn more about Edward Bonfiglio’s story at www.hfotusa.org/ bonfiglio.

by his personal experiences.

The story, set in Wellington, follows a young commercial banker who, after being unceremoniously fired from his high-ranking position in a Florida bank, stumbles upon an unexpected opportunity. Offered a lucrative role managing the real estate and banking operations of a pair of Canadian developers, he soon finds himself entangled in a web of illicit financial dealings, drug smuggling and arms trading. What starts as a promising new beginning quickly spirals into a dangerous conspiracy that spans international borders and could affect the outcome of India’s national elections. The St. Kitts Connection is available on Amazon.com.

Know an aspiring scientist? The Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Heroes. Camps run Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pickup at 5 p.m. is available for an additional fee. For more information, and to register, visit www.marinelife.org/camp.

With the school year ending soon, parents are scrambling for ways to fill long hot summer days. While there are many options for kids that love sports, now there’s a great alternative for young artists at the Summer Art Camp at Potters Cove. Potters Cove, located in western Lake Worth, is offering an exciting program that exposes campers to real art and real crafts taught by real artists. Campers will learn to use the potter’s wheel and do hand building, painting, mosaic and more. Classes run from 9 a.m. to noon daily with a different theme each week. Daily, weekly and monthly registration is available. Learn more at www.potterscovestudio.com.

For those exotic animal lovers interested in an exciting summer program, the Wellington Conservation Center is now taking reservations for children ages 8 to 14 for the summer months. This camp is an all-access pass to animal fun for the summer. Become a junior zookeeper, learn about conservation or even just focus on some of the animals at the farm. There are three unique programs, with each week full of hands-on learning experiences sure to excite the interest of kids of all ages. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with before and after care available. The cost is $300 per week, per child. To register, call Cole at (203) 206-9932. Learn more at www.wellingtonconservationcenter.org.

RPB Resident Receives Lifetime Service Award

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recently recognized longtime volunteer Carolyn “Ocean” Friedman and awarded her the esteemed Lifetime Service Award.

Introduced in 2014, this prestigious honor is awarded to volunteers who have made extraordinary contributions to the Girl Scout mission, who give their time and talents generously through consistent and far-reaching acts of volunteerism that have strengthened the organization and shaped the lives of countless young women.

“We are so fortunate to experience the outcomes of extraordinary volunteers, like Ocean, who give, and give, and give to Girl Scouts,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “She exemplifies a life lived with volunteer service at the heart. Lucky for us, her heart is deep green, and Girl Scouts will be all the better for having known her.”

A lifelong champion of volunteerism, Friedman has served in numerous volunteer leadership roles within Girl Scouts, including as a troop leader, trainer and mentor. Her passion for guiding young girls, with a special affinity for leading Daisies, has provided them with an exceptional start with Girl Scouts.

Friedman has also been instrumental in supporting fellow volunteers, offering orientation for new leaders and sharing her extensive knowledge and experience to help others succeed. She is also known for organizing engaging programs, including her legendary Fire Circles, an outdoor experience that introduces young Girl Scouts to fire safety, songs, games, night hikes and more. She is a past recipient of the Volunteer of Excellence Award and has received the Thanks Badge and the Thanks Badge II, which is the highest recognition a Girl Scout volunteer can earn.

“I always knew Girl Scouts was an organization I wanted my daughters to be part of, but I never imagined how much it would become a part of me,” Friedman said. “Volunteering has given me the opportunity to watch girls grow into strong, confident women who go on to become community leaders, teachers and professionals.”

A recent report from AmeriCorps estimates that more than 75 million people formally volunteered through an organization in 2023, giving almost five billion hours of volunteer service.

“The time and talent that our volunteers dedicate to positively

impacting the lives of girls is truly priceless,” Johnson said. “We have a long and proud tradition of volunteer service in Girl Scouting. After all, volunteering brings us closer together as families, as neighbors, as communities and as a movement. We are surrounded by individuals who volunteer with Girl Scouts in dozens of capacities with countless

Kids Cancer Foundation Awarded Grant

The Kids Cancer Foundation recently announced that it was awarded a generous grant from the Admirals Cove Foundation during the annual Philanthropy Celebration held Monday, April 7 at the Club at Admirals Cove. This support will have a profound impact on the children and families that the foundation serves, providing critical funding for various vital programs.

The grant will support several initiatives that are key to the foundation’s mission, including the Child Enrichment Program, Educational Advocacy and Tutoring, Spring and Summer Camps, and the Pediatric Oncology Patient Care Navigation Program.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Admirals Cove Foundation for this generous grant, which will directly support the families we serve,” said Michelle O’Boyle, executive director of the Kids Cancer Foundation. “This donation will enhance our ability to provide es-

sential services to children battling cancer and their families, ensuring they receive the care, support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

The Kids Cancer Foundation remains committed to improving the lives of children diagnosed with cancer, offering services that address not only their medical needs but their emotional, educa-

tional and social well-being. With the support of partners like the Admirals Cove Foundation, the nonprofit can continue its mission to make a difference in the lives of children across the community. For more information about the Kids Cancer Foundation, and how you can support them, visit www. kidscancersf.org.

Edward Bonfiglio raises the American flag in front of his new home.

Kids Cancer Foundation children thank the Admirals Cove Foundation for its support.

Community supporters cheer on Edward Bonfiglio as he arrives at his new home.

Carolyn “Ocean” Friedman with her award.

Local Author Alan Tonks Republishes Financial Thriller

Alan Tonks’ book is available through Amazon.

RPBHS NJROTC

COLOR GUARD AT MARLINS GAME

The Royal Palm Beach High School NJROTC color guard recently had the honor of presenting the colors at the Miami Marlins game as part of a special event recognizing Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara. The color guard was commanded by C/SCPO Gamarra, with C/CPO Green, C/CPO Pantaleon and C/CPO Villeda also representing the unit. This event also celebrated Jeff Conine’s induction into the Marlins Hall of Fame. Conine, nicknamed “Mr. Marlin,” helped lead the franchise to World Series victories in 1997 and 2003. Shown above, Hmara gives an honorary salute during the presentation of colors at the Marlins vs. Pirates game on Sunday, March 30.

EMERALD COVE FBLA COMPETES AT STATES

Emerald Cove Middle School is celebrating the achievements of its Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) competitors at the recent state leadership conference in Orlando. The school congratulates all the students on their hard work, dedication and professionalism throughout the competition. A special shoutout goes to students Abigail, Hashem, Zachary and Nicolas, who earned top honors and will be representing Emerald Cove on the national stage in California this summer. They will showcase their leadership and business skills at the FBLA National Leadership Conference.

2025 Finalists Named For Dwyer Awards

The Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation recently announced the 28 finalists for the prestigious William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. These educators were selected from an impressive pool of more than 500 nominees. They were celebrated at a picturesque waterside reception at Lamarina at Safe Harbor Rybovich in West Palm Beach on Tuesday, April 8. Finalists from the western communities include: Kerry Grayson of Palm Beach Central High School in the Senior High School Education category; Jennifer Barry of Western Pines Middle School in the STEM Education category; Tamra Helman of Discovery Key Elementary School in the Exceptional Education category; and Taylor Hoover of Discovery Key Elementary School and Allyson Joseph of Wellington High School in the Student Support & Advancement category.

The highly anticipated Dwyer Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, May 5 at Dreyfoos Hall in the Kravis Center. The winners will be revealed and honored alongside all finalists, nominees and past recipients of this distin-

guished recognition. Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as mistress of ceremonies for the evening.

“Every year, the William T. Dwyer Awards allow us to shine a spotlight on the incredible work happening in classrooms across Palm Beach County. These outstanding finalists represent the very best in education, and we are thrilled to celebrate their dedication to the success of our students,” said Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County.

The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984, honor the extraordinary contributions of educators in Palm Beach County’s public and private schools. The program increases awareness of exemplary teaching and provides financial support to educators and their schools. The rigorous evaluation process is carried out by nearly 100 prominent business leaders from the area, ensuring that the most deserving educators are selected as finalists.

“The Hanley Foundation is proud to once again present the Dwyer Awards, hosted by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, where I am honored to serve on the board,” Hanley Foundation CEO Dr. Rachel Docekal said. “Our partnership reinforces Hanley’s unwavering commitment to building a strong and healthy community through our mission to eliminate addiction. Through our grant-funded prevention education programs, reaching students and families across 34 Florida counties, we are providing proactive intervention and education,

American Heritage Students Honored As Presidential Scholar Candidates

American Heritage Schools recently announced that 16 students from the Class of 2025 — four from the Palm Beach campus and 12 from the Broward campus — have been named semifinalists for the U.S. Presidential Scholars program. The program is the nation’s most prestigious recognition for distinguished graduating high school seniors.

The two campuses of American Heritage Schools account for 11 percent of all Presidential Scholar candidates in Florida. The Broward campus is the No. 1 school in Florida with the highest number of Presidential Scholar candidates. The Palm Beach Campus is the No. 1 school in Palm Beach County and the No. 3 school in Florida.

“Being named a Presidential Scholar candidate is an extraordinary honor that reflects the dedication, intellect and perseverance of our students,” said Dr. Doug Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “We are incred-

ibly proud of these outstanding young leaders whose commitment to excellence and service sets them apart on a national stage.”

The United States Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors. Each year, approximately 500 students from across the country are named semifinalists and forwarded for further review. In April, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars will select 161 outstanding students to receive the U.S. Presidential Scholar Medallion, the highest scholastic honor awarded by the U.S. government.

The students from American Heritage who have been named 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates are: Julius Kulla, Ryan Weissblum, Jeffrey Yu and Catherine Zhao from the Palm Beach campus, and Rajam Arunprakash, Lila Cohen, Sebastian Estrada,

Presidential Scholar Candidates — (Front row) Jack Finneran and Catherine Zhao; (second row) Jeffrey Yu, Julius Kulla, Timothy Kong and Ryan Weissblum; (third row) Lila Cohen, Rolando Perez, Yusuf Sheikh, Rajam Arunprakash and Sebastian Estrada; and (fourth row) Roshini Shivakumar, Junsouh Hong, Emily Wang and Samuil Petrov. Not pictured: Chunyu Li.

The finalists for the prestigious William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education were recently honored at a reception in West Palm Beach. PHOTO BY CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

Jack Finneran, Junsouh Hong, Timothy Kong, Chunyu Li, Rolando Perez, Samuil Petrov, Yusuf Sheikh, Roshini Shivakumar and

Emily Wang from the Broward campus. For more information, visit www.ahschool.com/presidential-scholars.

Aging Athletes Gather For Wisdom Warrior Challenge At Wellington Bay

Luxury senior community Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory

Care buzzed with energy and enthusiasm on Wednesday, April 2, as residents embraced the spirit of competition and camaraderie at the Wisdom Warrior Challenge. This uplifting event, held at the Wellington Bay campus (2590 Wellington Bay Drive), celebrated the vitality and dedication of seniors through friendly, age-inclusive track races.

Participants, ranging in ability and utilizing various mobility aids such as canes, walkers and motorized wheelchairs, enthusiastically took to the track. Distances ranged from a spirited 50 meters to an inspiring one-mile trek.

The Wisdom Warrior Challenge was designed with inclusivity at its core, offering specific divisions to ensure that everyone could participate and experience the joy of movement. The morning commenced with participants gathering at 8:30 a.m. for stretching and preparation.

All participants were celebrated with swag bags, exciting prizes and a valuable 90-day fitness program designed to encourage continued health and wellness journeys. The sidelines were filled with the encouraging cheers of children, families and friends.

Among the residents participating were Bob Goldberg, who will celebrate his milestone 100th birthday this summer and recently commemorated his 73rd wedding anniversary, and June Isaacson, a respected former local elementary school teacher. Their participa-

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its annual Triunfo Gala on Saturday, April 26, as testament to a quarter-century of celebrating Hispanic culture and community impact.

This year, the gala will honor County Commissioner Joel Flores, recognizing his historic election as the first Hispanic commissioner in Palm Beach County. In keeping with tradition, part of the proceeds will help further the mission of the Luciano “Lou” Martinez Scholarship Fund, to provide financial support to promising Hispanic high school seniors as they pursue higher education.

Jay

Wellington Bay

Wisdom Warrior Challenge

Perry and Wellington Bay Wellness Director Melissa Clark. tion exemplified the active and engaged lifestyle embraced at Wellington Bay.

The success of the Wisdom Warrior Challenge is a testament to the dedication of its sponsors and the vision of its founder, Linda Borgmeyer, an occupational therapist with a master’s degree in kinesiology specializing in geriatric exercise science and the owner of Novoleo Therapy and Fitness.

“The Wisdom Warrior Challenge is an incredible event that empowers seniors from 50 to 110 years young to experience the joy of movement and celebrate their capabilities,” Borgmeyer said.

“Our primary goal is to encourage everyone to embrace an active lifestyle for enhanced health and well-being.”

The event was made possible through the support of sponsors,

The gala, themed “Noche de Cultura: Celebrating Hispanic Culture,” will start at 6:30 p.m. at the West Palm Beach Marriott (1001 Okeechobee Blvd.) with a cocktail hour featuring signature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music, cigar rolling and performances highlighting Hispanic artistic expression.

A formal dinner and an evening of dancing will follow.

E-Care Ambulance, a growing local medical transportation service company, is the event’s presenting sponsor. Additional support is provided by FPL and Florida Crystals as platinum sponsors; Baptist Health South Florida and Joe DiMaggio

including Healthcare Solutions, Fox Rehab, Liberty Rehab, AARP Florida, Dignity Memorial, Always Best Insurance, Visiting Angels, Trustbridge, Novoleo Therapy and Fitness, Home Suite Home, Social Savvy Seniors, the Partnership for Aging, Roaming Medical and Shoreline Insurance.

“We were absolutely thrilled to host the Wisdom Warrior Challenge at Wellington Bay,” Campus Director Jay Mikosch said. “Their enthusiasm and commitment to an active lifestyle are truly inspiring and serve as a powerful reminder that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing well-being.”

To learn more about the Wisdom Warrior Challenge, visit www. wisdomwarriorchallenge.org.

For additional information about Wellington Bay, visit www. wellingtonbayfl.com.

Children’s Hospital as gold sponsors; Wellington Regional Medical Center as silver sponsor; the City of Greenacres, Lewis, Longman & Walker Attorneys at Law, the Palm Beaches, the Mall at Wellington Green and WPBF25 as bronze sponsors; and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, Comcast, Kindred Hospitals, REG Architects and the South Florida Fair as community partners. To secure tickets, visit https:// cpbchamber.chambermaster.com/ events/details/25th-annual-triunfo-awards-gala-6001587. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Ana Alegre at ana@cpbchamber. com.

Wellington Regional Medical Center Celebrates 100th TCAR Procedure

Wellington Regional Medical Center is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its 100th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure.

This milestone highlights the hospital’s dedication to providing advanced, minimally invasive treatments for patients with carotid artery disease.

TCAR is a cutting-edge procedure designed to reduce the risk of stroke during carotid artery surgery. By utilizing a smaller incision and temporarily reversing blood flow, TCAR minimizes the risk of stroke-causing fragments reaching the brain. This innovative approach allows for quicker recovery times and improved patient outcomes.

Pam Tahan, chief executive officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center, expressed her pride in this achievement.

“Reaching our 100th TCAR procedure is a significant milestone for our team and our community,” Tahan said. “This accomplishment reflects our commitment to adopting the latest medical

technologies to enhance patient care. We are proud to offer TCAR as a safer, less invasive option for our patients, helping them return to their daily lives more quickly and with better outcomes.”

The hospital continues to lead the way in advanced surgical care, ensuring that

Two New Businesses Arrive In Westlake

The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County recently assisted with ribbon-cutting ceremonies for two new businesses in Westlake.

The popular Florida-born restaurant 3Natives, known for its fresh açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads and more, recently opened its newest location in the Westlake Landings plaza. A ribbon

cutting was held on Wednesday, April 2. Westlake Mayor J.P. O’Connor, Vice Mayor Greg Langowski and Councilman Gary Werner joined owners Tony and Josi Villagomez, Westlake locals, for the special occasion.

3Natives is located at 4901

Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Suite 1100.

On Thursday, April 3, a rib-

Dental Care at Seminole Ridge. O’Connor and Langowski joined Dr. Jean Russell and his team to celebrate the official opening of this new, top-of-the-line family dentistry practice.

Care at Seminole Ridge offers personalized

3Natives brings a new healthy dining

Westlake.

Dr. Jean Russell recently opened his new practice, Dental Care at Seminole Ridge.

Wellington Regional Medical Center recently celebrated its 100th Transcarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) procedure.

Hispanic Chamber To Host 25th Triunfo Gala

(L-R)

Campus Director

Mikosch with

participant Mary Louise

Recalling My Childhood Days Visiting My Grandparents’ Farm

This morning I got to thinking of all the things that progress has cost us. It’s not that I mind progress (usually), it’s just that sometimes things are gone before we know it — replaced by easier, faster, more modern things. Then, one day, we look up and wonder, “Where did that go?” When I was a kid, we went to “the farm” every summer. “The farm,” located near the tiny town of Alpha in Upper Michigan, was where my mother had grown up, together with her eight siblings, her mama and her tata (Polish for papa). My father would help out around the place, even though my uncles teased him mercilessly about being a “city slicker” who was barely able to hoist a

bale of hay onto the truck without help.

My mother would hang out with grandma, chattering happily in Polish. The chattering was musical in a way, because I didn’t understand the words, but it was also concerning to hear, “Blah-blah-blahDebbie-blah-blah-blahski.” Huh? What?

My brother Jim and I loved the farm.

Unlike our home in the city, the farm boasted acres and acres of land upon which we were free to roam with one caution — “Stay away from the well!”

The well, unlike pastoral drawings in which a circular brick structure is topped with an adorable shingled roof and an accompanying wooden bucket on a rod, was a hole in the ground with a piece of plywood slid over it. One false move, and you fell to the center of the earth. We gave it a wide berth — about an acre in circumference — and were spared. Instead, we spent our days picking raspberries, strawberries and hazelnuts; climbing the apple trees; tossing hay at each other up in the barn’s hayloft; and chasing the chickens.

We also gave a wide berth to the bull (easily distinguished from the cows by the brass ring in his nose) and watched when grandpa did the milking, something my mother used to do before walking a mile through snowdrifts to school. (My dad thought a hay bale was heavy until he loaded 12 cans full of milk onto the delivery truck.)

One of our favorite things to do was to hang around in the shed where grandpa kept his tractor. The smell of old grease and oil, together with the sound of clanking metal tools, still brings me back to that place. The farm is still there. After grandpa died and grandma moved “to town” (population: 124), Uncle Walter took it

over. He did some farming, but mostly he filled the house with junk. It was a shame, because grandpa and his neighbors had built the house by hand back in the 1920s. It had three bedrooms — one for the boys, one for the girls and one for the parents. My mother’s three sisters slept in a double bed, and mom slept across the bottom with their feet. The littlest sister, a baby, had a cradle in the parents’ room. I’ve gone back to visit, and everything is so much smaller than I remember! The house is small. The apple trees are small. The chicken coop is small. I ventured onto the property and poked my nose into the tractor shed. I breathed deeply. Ahhhhh. Some things never change.

‘The Amateur’ With Rami Malek Is Pretty Good, But Not Great

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Rami Malek’s new film The Amateur is not really that new. It is a remake of a 1981 film, and things have changed a lot since then. The movie is competent, very well done with good action scenes, but also brings in a new sense of ambivalence to the genre. Ironically, the lead bad guy seems more sympathetic than some of the hero’s supposed allies. As such, this is a thinking person’s revenge action flick. Charlie Heller (Malek), a top-level cryptanalyst for the CIA, says goodbye to his wife Sarah (Rachel Brosnahan) as she goes off to London on a business trip for a few days. A few days later, he is brought into the office of CIA Director O’Brien (Julianne Nicholson) and shown a horrifying video of a hostage situation where his wife is shot down. Suffering from grief, Charlie asks his boss, Moore (Holt McCallany), for training so he can go to Europe and get revenge. Moore sends him for training with violent Colonel Henderson (Laurence Fishburne) as mentor who quickly shows Charlie that he is not only terrible at what’s required but is not a killer. Henderson is told to shut Charlie down. But Charlie has help from an agent he has previously communicated with, Inquiline (Caitríona Balfe), and escapes to Europe. There is a lot of action despite Charlie not being good at violence. As might be expected, Charlie is betrayed by his own people, who have their own agenda. And

there is a superb scene at the end as he faces up to Schiller (Michael Stuhlbarg), the leader of the group and the man who killed his wife.

One of the main differences between this and the book by Robert Littell is a current willingness to believe the worst about “our” CIA. Reading through some of the recently released information on the death of John F. Kennedy and some other more recent antics, it is clear that the agency often follows its own agenda. Watching the cool manner that some of the top leaders lie to the very top leadership, as well as to their own people, would have seemed purely fictional 44 years ago when the book was published. These days it seems all too real.

Another twist is the focus on the character of the main players in this drama. Charlie is hurt and angry. He wants revenge. But he is also the kind of person who is not violent. He is told by several people that

he is not a killer. But he does do the job, and Malek is a good enough actor to show his torment. This is very much Malek’s movie. Almost all the other characters appear only briefly. He is a superb actor and can carry the film.

Although rare in an action picture, Charlie is a duck out of water. Much of the time it looks like things are out of his control. I was reminded of the last movie I reviewed, A Working Man, where Jason Statham’s character casually bashed around many people; at one time besting more than a half dozen in a close-up fight. Charlie is not like that. But he uses his brains, and that in of itself is fascinating.

The supporting cast, although generally seen only briefly, is exceptional. Brosnahan dies early in the film, although Charlie occasionally visualizes her, but she presents a warm enough decency that we feel bad at her death. Fishburne, a really fine

performer, plays the ambivalent mentor really well, trying to obey nasty orders but hating having to do them. Balfe is particularly good as the contact, forced to come out of hiding to help protect Charlie. I liked Nicholson as the CIA chief who gradually comes to realize that her subordinates are trying to play her. And Stuhlbarg is superb in what should have been a simple villain’s role. In some ways, he is the twisted mirror image of Charlie. This is a solid action film. Not great, although most of the performances are far better than one would expect in this type of movie. Director James Hawes knows how to keep things moving well, mixing character-revealing slower scenes with fast action scenes. It rates a solid B. So should you go? You could do a lot worse, but this one will probably work as well if you wait until it gets to a streaming service or shows up on cable.

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. s.r.