Town-Crier Newspaper April 8, 2022

MEMORIAL GROWS AT RPB CRASH SITE SEE STORY, PAGE 3

LEAGUE OF CITIES HOME RULE HEROES SEE STORY, PAGE 4

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Acreage Incorporation Group Prepares For Next Legislative Session

Volume 43, Number 7 April 8 - April 21, 2022

Serving Palms West Since 1980

VINCEREMOS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Acreage Incorporation Committee met at the Acreage branch library on Monday, April 4 for the first time since the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation voted down the committee’s first attempt to get an incorporation bill through the state legislature late last year. Page 3

Wellington Chamber Installation Luncheon At The Showgrounds

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual installation luncheon on Wednesday, March 23 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, now known as Wellington International. Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig presided over the oath of office for the new board, including incoming President Scott Sweigart.

Page 13

St. Peter’s CEC Hosts Annual Spring Fair At Church In Wellington

St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center held its 33rd annual Spring Fair on Saturday, April 2 at the church on Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. The day of family fun included a petting zoo, a bungee, a trampoline, a silent auction with baskets, bounce houses, a trackless train, food and a bake sale.

Page 18

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on Monday, March 28 at the nonprofit’s facility in Loxahatchee Groves. Vinceremos has been providing therapeutic riding services locally since the early 1980s. Founder Ruth Menor was saluted for her many years of service. Shown above are Director of Operations Jessica Rhinelander, Founder Ruth Menor and Director of Development Susan Guinan in front of a display featuring photos of riders spanning 40 years. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Four Democrats Headed For Primary In Newly Configured State House District 93

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Four Democratic candidates have filed to run for the newly reconfigured State House District 93 seat, setting up what is likely to be a crowded primary election in August.

The new District 93 includes all of Wellington and several areas to the east, including parts of Greenacres, parts of suburban Lake Worth and parts of suburban Boynton Beach.

The incumbent in the district would be State Rep. Matt Willhite, but he announced plans last year to run for the Palm Beach County Commission instead.

Willhite’s decision left an open

seat that has generated a great deal of interest. The four Democratic candidates that have already filed are Wellington resident and community activist Shelly Albright, social worker Seth Densen, longtime Willhite aide Tom Valeo and Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Katherine Waldron.

There is still time for additional candidates to file before the deadline at noon on Friday, June 17.

Currently, Saulis Banionis is the sole Republican in the race.

Former Wellington Mayor Bob Margolis announced a run for Willhite’s old District 86 seat last year, but he has not yet filed for the new District 93 seat.

Shelly Albright — Albright is

a Florida native, Hispanic, an 18year resident of Wellington, and the current director of children and youth ministries at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, where she is responsible for children’s programming for infants through 12th grade.

As the former founder and CEO of the Sophisticated Octopus, Albright specialized in inspirational retreats and workshops for women and girls. She serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Foundation of Florida. She also serves on the advisory board for the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, on the board of directors of EmpowHer and as vice chair of the See DISTRICT 93, page 4

Indian Trail Board Agonizes Over Community Center Construction Costs

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors recently discussed the increasing cost of building a community center at Acreage Community Park, as well as the possible availability of $3 million in Palm Beach County funds for the project.

At the Wednesday, March 23 meeting, ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said that the steel base construction discussed previously had become more costly due to Florida construction codes.

“Florida’s building code just destroys that approach,” Hanson said. “It may not work the way we had hoped.”

Assistant Executive Director Rob Robinson said the community center had been planned as a 45,000-square-foot structure.

He and other members of ITID staff looked into alternative methods of construction and got three estimates. They found that tilt-wall construction is cheaper than the steel-based construction originally planned.

“Once you get above 20,000 square feet, the alternatives, from a cost standpoint, go the way of a tilt-wall,” Robinson said. “The foundation is basically the same.

They bring a large crane up.

Once the walls are poured, it flies up in a day. I’ve seen them put warehouses up in a week once everything is poured.”

He said the walls could be finished in whatever style, similar to a steel building.

“One of the drawbacks with the steel building is everything in it

needs to be brought up to a commercial fire-code rating,” Robinson said. “Once you start talking about habitation in that building, it has to meet the fire code restrictions. The fire-coding process kind of negates all the cost savings that you would get from putting up a steel building.”

After Robinson put together a spread sheet comparing construction costs, he found the tilt-wall less expensive compared to steel construction.

“A bare-bones square-foot number, this is commercial grade, entry level… at $350 per square foot,” he said. “That doesn’t really matter if we’re going vertical, two-story or not. Just as an entry-level commercial building, whether we go concrete, CBS construction, tilt-wall or steel, we’re looking at a minimum base of $350 per square foot.”

Although the plan is approved for up to 45,000 square feet, Robinson said he scaled back the cost estimate to 20,000 square feet.

“It’s $7 million,” he said. “This is commercial-grade, base-level, nothing fancy,” Robinson said, adding that he had other estimates with exterior and interior finishing that were much higher.

ITID Vice President Betty Argue said supervisors and staff had talked about the potential $3 million from the county and pointed out that the district’s prime supporter, County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, would be leaving office soon.

“Six months has been wasted, and we still haven’t requested See ITID COSTS, page 14

RELAY FOR LIFE AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

Forza Stefano Bringing ‘Art For Everyone’ To Wellington

WCFL Expands Flag Football Offerings With Friday Girls League

In the western communities, the Friday Night Lights experience is not the sole domain of the varsity football teams at area high schools. Now, pre-teen girls — ages 10, 11 and 12 —are playing under the spotlight as competitive flag football games are being conducted on Friday evenings at Wellington’s Village Park on Pierson Road. Page 21 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 18 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 SPORTS......................... 21 - 23 SCHOOLS.......................24 - 25 PEOPLE................................. 26 BUSINESS............................. 27 COLUMNS............................. 28 CLASSIFIEDS................ 29 - 30 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report Families with teenagers battling cancer have a new resource for help and support. The Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation is reaching out from its roots in Pembroke Pines to help families in Palm Beach County. To celebrate their work, the foundation is hosting a free, family-friendly art event on Saturday, May 7 from noon to 5 p.m. in the center court area of the original Wellington Mall.

The Dioguardi family has a deep understanding of the challenges and stress placed on the entire family when a member, especially a child, is battling cancer.

“When someone in the family has cancer, the whole family has cancer. The whole dynamic — it affects everyone,” explained Tamara Roth-Dioguardi, one of the organization’s founders and See STEFANO, page 7

The Dioguardi family includes (front) parents Vito and Tamara, and (back row) sisters Stella and Silvana.

The Relay for Life of Palm Beach County, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday, March 26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event raised money for programs serving those battling cancer, while honoring survivors and remembering those who have been lost. The day included a chili cookoff, a silent auction, a lip sync contest and more. Shown above are Jannyelis Medina, Jonathan Perez, survivor Geo Marquez, Lisandra Perez, Jadrian Perez and Carmen Coloma.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 16 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ITID Hosts Public Meeting On Roads, Traffic Calming, Sidewalks And Pathways

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Dozens of residents came to the Indian Trail Improvement District’s presentation on future road and infrastructure plans held Tuesday, April 5 at the Acreage branch library.

ITID officials and Palm Beach County staff had tables set up so residents could review separate aspects of the improvement plans.

ITID supervisors and Executive Director Burgess Hanson were at the head table to give an overview of the district and explain the meeting format.

“What we’re trying to do tonight

is, rather than people having to get here right at the beginning of the meeting, we want to have engagement with the public, landowners and residents,” Hanson told the Town-Crier. “Instead of having a formal speech and then you ask questions, we want people to go right to the tables and ask their questions, look at the plans and maps. They can go to one table if they want, or go to all of the tables.

It’s less structured, but we’re trying to get more input on a less formal basis from the residents.”

ITID Traffic Engineer Joe Capra was at one table to explain ITID’s mobility plan, which is designed

to help advance the safety and mobility objectives contained in the Transportation Planning Agency’s long-range plan that prioritizes the needs of ITID residents.

ITID Engineer Jay Foy and Chief Construction Officer Rob Robinson were at another table to answer questions about the district’s recently adopted R-3 Road Plan, along with traffic-calming measures and the associated costs.

ITID Grants Coordinator Scarlet Cantley was at a table to discuss and answer questions about two grants, whose conditions include getting support from residents who live in the project area.

Indian Trail Executive Director Burgess Hanson speaks to residents at Tuesday’s meeting. PHOTOS BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER Project 1 includes a total of eight speed tables installed on 140th Avenue North from Orange Blvd. to Northlake Blvd., Hall Blvd. from Orange Blvd. to Northlake Blvd.,

and Temple Blvd. from Coconut Blvd. to Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. Project 2 will include the widening of sidewalks to 8 feet, See ITID ROADS, page 14

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NEWS

Incorporation Group Prepares For Next Legislative Session

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Acreage Incorporation Committee met at the Acreage branch library on Monday, April 4 for the first time since the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation voted down the committee’s first attempt to get an incorporation bill through the state legislature late last year.

About 10 residents attended, in addition to committee members Bob Morgan, Elizabeth Accomando and Lou Colantuoni, and Indian Trail Improvement District Supervisor Betty Argue.

Colantuoni said the purpose of the meeting was to prepare for next year’s attempt to get the bill through the legislature, explain why they were working for incorporation and to get feedback from residents.

“We’re trying to petition the State of Florida to allow us to have a referendum vote to become incorporated,” Colantuoni said, explaining that a successful referendum outcome would give Acreage residents the same powers as nearby municipalities. “I call it trying to fight a fire with fire. The process has to go forward this fall, and once approved, the next fall we would have to vote.”

Argue noted that at the delegation meeting last December, local members from the Florida House of Representatives voted to approve the bill, but it failed to get a majority of votes from members of the Florida Senate.

“The rules for a local bill to be filed, you have to have a majority

from the House of Representatives and a majority of the senators present in order for it to be approved to move forward,” she said. “In our case, what happened was one senator, Bobby Powell, who has a small portion of the area in his district, was not supporting it. Two of the other senators also went his way.”

State Sen. Gail Harrell supported the bill.

“This coming year, the election is kind of important, but the redistricting does change things a bit, because our whole area will be in what will likely be Gail’s future area, if she decides to run in the same district, which I’m assuming she is,” Argue said.

Colantuoni said a feasibility study required by the state to show that the district could survive financially was reviewed favorably.

“If anything, there was some criticism that we really underestimated our potential income, which is a good thing, because it’s going to be reworked with more up-todate figures, and it will be an even better picture,” he said. “We’re all in agreement that the new municipality would be sustainable and feasible from a financial point of view.”

Colantuoni said there has been a great deal of discussion about taxes for a municipality.

“It also has to do with when you bought,” he said. “If you bought in the last six years, you’ll probably see a little raise because the home values are higher, and if you bought a long time ago, like I did, or 10 years ago, it may be a little less.”

Argue said the feasibility study states that the municipality would need an ad valorem tax of 3 mills to cover costs.

“The proposal in the feasibility study relies on the Indian Trail Improvement District to remain independent, because we really cannot make it dependent. We have other areas that have bonds that are in another city,” she said.

“That was the preference of the local delegates, so we changed it.

Once those bonds are paid off in 2031, at that time, we could have a referendum where we would either dissolve the district or have a referendum to make it dependent on the municipality.”

Residents in an incorporated municipality would pay a 3-mill property tax, and ITID would turn over all its assets, except for drainage, and non-ad valorem assessments that ITID charges would be reduced.

“We figure that it will be reduced to about a quarter of the budget that Indian Trail currently spends,” Argue said. “If you take 3 mills on what your taxable value is, and then deduct what the reduction is of your non-ad valorem assessment would be, in some cases you would see a reduction if you’ve been here for a long time, depending on how much property you have.”

However, non-homesteaded residences assessed at $850,000 bought less than six years ago would see a $1,500 increase in their taxes.

Argue added that there are a lot of things that a number cannot

Publix At RPB’s Crossroads Plaza To Close This Month For Major Renovations

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Publix supermarket at 1180 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in the Crossroads Plaza is due to close April 23 for almost a year for renovations.

The renovations have been in the planning stages for a while and were approved by the Village of Royal Palm Beach last year.

“They have a permit for the

demolition and a big remodel for that whole Publix,” Royal Palm Beach Community Development Director Rob Hill said.

The new Publix will be bigger and modernized.

“They’re going to close and tear it all down and replace the building, including the one that was next to them… and build a little bit bigger Publix,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said.

“They’re looking at being done in about a year.”

Liggins said the council approved the application in June of last year, and that Publix is good about getting projects done on time.

Publix officials did not respond to inquiries.

The contractor on the project is Hawkins Construction of Tarpon Springs.

be put on. For example, ITID is a special district, which can only levy non-ad valorem assessments.

“You pay 100 percent for absolutely everything that Indian Trail provides for you, it’s roads and parks and drainage,” she said. “We don’t get funding from anyone else. Whatever that cost of infrastructure, of improvements, of capital improvements, the impacts from outsiders who are not paying taxes, you’re paying for it.”

Argue added that when ITID was created years ago, it did not

have a municipality that was dropped in the middle of it, or a municipality infringing on the northern boundary.

“Now, we’re faced with a city being built in the center of us, wanting to connect to our roads and wanting to benefit from the use of our roads, and not have to pay for it,” she said. “The financial impact of that on our roads is going to be in excess of $20 million. We’ve never had to deal with what we’re faced today with Westlake and the Seminole Improvement District.”

She said that ITID has to rely

solely on Palm Beach County for law enforcement, traffic control and speed limits, including stop signs and intersection lights.

“The county has refused any requests to lower speed limits on our roads, specifically in locations where we have a high number of crashes,” Argue said.

“Because of the onslaught, I call it the traffic tsunami, that’s coming… the people are going to really get hammered with traffic if we don’t do something.

We have to do something to help ourselves.”

A memorial has grown at the accident site, honoring the two students who have died from their injuries. PHOTO BY JOSHUA MANNING/TOWN-CRIER

Memorial Grows At Site Of Deadly RPB Accident

A makeshift memorial has grown in Royal Palm Beach at the site of a deadly accident last month that claimed the lives of two Royal Palm Beach High School students.

The accident happened Tuesday, March 22 at the intersection of Crestwood Blvd. and Cypress Lake Drive.

According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report, a 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio driven

by Angel Antonio Lopez, 57, of Royal Palm Beach, went out of control shortly before 7 a.m.

Four RPBHS students waiting at a nearby bus stop were injured in the accident.

Two of them — Tiana Johnson and Chand Wazir, both 15 — later died from their injuries at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

Since the accident, a heart-felt memorial filled with candles, notes, balloons, flowers and gifts

has continued to grow at the accident site.

On Tuesday, April 6, Lopez was arrested and charged with two counts of DUI manslaughter, two counts of vehicle homicide, one count of DUI serious bodily injury, one count of DUI injury, one count of reckless driving with serious bodily injury and one count of reckless driving with injury.

Lopez was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail.

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NEWS

Wellington Equestrian Committee Finishes Review Of Code

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee finished reviewing the environmental chapter of the village’s code on Wednesday, April 6, which it began at its last meeting on March 2.

It was the second time that the code had been before the committee. The Wellington Village Council had sent the environmental chapter back to the Equestrian Preserve Committee to scrutinize the best management practices section that focuses on livestock manure management.

The council approved the first reading of the village’s environmental chapter of the code of ordinances on Jan. 25 and directed the Equestrian Preserve Committee to take a second look.

The village has a legal obligation to observe the state’s laws on best management practices (BMPs), which the village has attempted to follow by enacting the revised codes.

Wellington has long been at odds with some equestrians regarding the BMPs on the handling of livestock waste.

The committee wrapped up the most contentious portion of the document that referred to required horse washes.

Committee Chair Jane Cleveland said she had made it clear to the council that the committee had a version that it had approved in November to go concurrently with staff recommendations that was not in the council’s draft.

There was a difference of opinion between what had been pre-

sented to the council and the committee’s recommendations, referring to staff requirements that all properties with a barn where horses will be housed must have a horse wash designed with a floor drain or drains where no water is permitted to leave the horse wash area except through an approved drain system.

The committee’s recommendation, taken from the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS), was, “If constructing a permanent horse rack, a concrete slab with a rough finish is ideal. Rubber mats or poured rubber particle finishes can also be used on top of the concrete, if desired. Slab drains can be designed to discharge into small on-site holding ponds or filter strip. If a drain in the slab is

not constructed, the slab should be pitched so that the water gently runs off. A trench filled with gravel can then be incorporated into the design to receive water from the lowest point of the slab. If not using a permanent wash rack, rotate horse wash sites, using established turf areas to prevent mud and sedimentation problems.

If necessary, portable rubber mats can be used to prevent denuding of turf areas. Whether permanent or temporary washing areas are used, locate them at least 50 feet away from water bodies, wells and domestic septic tank drain fields.”

Cleveland believes that the committee’s version of the horse wash rules should be considered by the council.

“I had to get up and tell the

council that our version was not there,” she said.

Planning, Zoning & Building Director Tim Stillings said that the council had directed the committee to go back and look at the draft that the council had approved on first reading.

“That’s exactly what they asked you to do,” Stillings said. “To be honest with you, what we’re asking you to do is look at what they approved in January. That’s the language they’re asking you to look at.”

Stillings said the sections had been reformatted in the council’s version that omitted some of the committee’s language from the FDACS. Committee Member Glen Fleischer said the Oct. 8 draft was where the committee had

added the FDACS language, but it was after removing the original language. “That may be the confusion,” Fleischer said.

“The council never saw that version,” Commission Member Dr. Kristy Lund said.

Cleveland said that the committee’s version and the staff version were not presented side by side to the council.

“That’s why council sent it back to us,” she said, adding that what had triggered owners of horse property was that all properties with a barn on which horse washes will be done must have a horse wash area.

Lund made a motion to replace the language approved by the council in the preliminary draft with what the committee approved last November, which carried 7-0.

Florida League Of Cities Honors Wellington Mayor And Loxahatchee Groves Manager As Home Rule Heroes

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig and Loxahatchee Groves Town Manager Jamie Titcomb were among more than 150 municipal officials recognized by the Florida League of Cities as “Home Rule Heroes” for their work during the 2022 legislative session.

Home Rule Hero award recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue, according to a press release from the Florida League of

Cities. They worked throughout the legislative session to promote local voices making local choices, protect the home rule powers of Florida’s municipalities and advance the league’s legislative agenda.

Gerwig and Titcomb both said the recognition is “all in a day’s work” as public officials.

“Sometimes I get it, and sometimes I don’t,” Gerwig told the Town-Crier. “On behalf of municipalities, I go to Florida League of Cities Days in Tallahassee and talk to the legislators about home rule issues and e-mail them when things are going awry.”

She explained that one big issue

this year was controlling smoking in parks and at beaches.

“We were asking to be able to control that,” she said. “We did get that. I’m not sure if the governor has signed it yet, but it was the one thing that we were actually saying, ‘Do this.’ They were previously saying we could not control that outdoors, and it’s OK to smoke no matter where you were, but at parks, we want our children to be able to play sports without getting second-hand smoke. That was one of the things that was pushed by the league that did get through.”

Gerwig said that she loves the Florida League of Cities for the

training it offers, the camaraderie and the sharing of information.

“The Florida League of Cities has made me 100 times a better representative of the village than I could ever have been without their help,” she said.

Titcomb said the award is given to officials who have made a difference during the legislative session in Tallahassee in protecting home rule or were successful in changing legislation that would have compromised home rule initiatives.

“It’s recognition of being involved in the process and working for the collective cause of favorable legislation toward local

government and local decisions as it relates to legislation that’s crafted in Tallahassee and trickles down upon us,” he said. “In my case, I would not tie it to a particular piece of legislation. Because of my longevity in the system, I just tend to facilitate and leverage others into the process in terms of being effective and shortcutting the steps and the stops to be effective in the advocacy and outcomes of the legislation. I kind of work in a teacher/mentor role.”

Florida League of Cities Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook thanked all the honorees for the work they do.

“On behalf of the league and its

legislative team, we’re very proud to present this year’s Home Rule Hero awards to a deserving group of municipal leaders,” Cook said.

“We had a record number of Home Rule Heroes this year, which shows the dedication and impact of local officials on behalf of their residents and businesses in protecting local decision-making. These local officials were constantly engaged and actively advocating for their communities throughout the 2022 legislative session. They’re heroes for home rule, and we thank them for their efforts.”

Visit www.floridaleagueofcities. com to learn more about the Florida League of Cities.

Lox Council Cuts Size Of Rest Areas, Number Of Signs In SWA Grant

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council on Tuesday, April 5 downsized its agreement with the Solid Waste Authority regarding its grant for Okeechobee Blvd. intersection enhancements.

The purpose of the town’s application to the SWA’s Blighted and Distressed Property Clean-Up and Beautification grant program was to address the misuse of roadside areas along Okeechobee Blvd. with site improvements, including five monument signs and five 10-foot-by-10-foot shelters for pedestrians, trash and recycling receptacles, and landscaping at 10 key intersections.

Planning Consultant Jim Fleischmann said the original agreement was for $442,500, with

District 93

Four Democrats File To Run

continued from page 1 Wellington Education Committee.

She is also a longtime member and past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches.

“I am running to bring my many years of experience as a children and youth ministries director, as an active community leader and longtime Wellington and Boynton Beach resident to Tallahassee,” Albright said. “I know District 93 and the issues important to our community. I will be the strong and effective leader the district needs.”

The mother of four adult children, Albright has a degree in English literature from the University of Florida. She previously served on the Palm Beach County Advisory Commission on Women, as chair of the Wellington Interfaith Council, as president of the Elbridge Gale Elementary School PTO, as president of the Citrus Cove Elementary School PTA and as co-chair of the Cattle Baron’s Ball for the American Cancer Society.

Visit www.shellyalbright.com to learn more.

Seth Densen —Densen has more than 20 years of experience in social services and more than five years in child welfare services.

He has seen firsthand the need in Florida for reforms related to ed-

the SWA contributing $331,875 and the town contributing the balance.

“The projects in the original application included five monument signs and five rest areas,” Fleischmann said. “We found that the cost for the rest areas far exceeded the amounts of the initial grant, and as a result, we found that we need to discuss the facilities that were in the grant in terms of possibly reducing them so that we could operate within the grant amount.”

He noted that the council had discussed reducing the size of the rest areas at the agenda review meeting the previous evening.

“The result of the discussion last night was to create two separate rest area components,” Fleischmann said. “The first would be ucation funding, child trafficking, elder and child abuse, adoption, LGBTQ+ equality and women’s rights.

“I have a track record for standing up for what I believe in and defending Palm Beach County and its residents,” Densen said. “We need leaders who will change the tide and speak up for those who are repeatedly silenced.”

Densen said he will work across the aisle to create lasting change on critical issues, such as education, child welfare, homelessness, mental health, infrastructure, drowning prevention and firearm safety. As a representative, Densen plans to advocate for child abuse and human trafficking reforms and will push for modifications to the foster care system.

With more than 1,500 homeless individuals in Palm Beach County, Densen pledges to work with his colleagues in Tallahassee to improve accessibility to affordable housing, provide more resources for domestic and family violence victims, and improve access to healthcare.

“Our state needs representatives who will look beyond politics and come up with thought-out, real solutions for the people of this great state that will have a positive impact for generations to come,” Densen said.

Learn more at www.votedensen. com.

Tom Valeo — Valeo is a native of Wellington. For the last six years, he has worked as a legislative assistant to Willhite in the Florida House of Representatives,

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facilities located on the east side of the lettered roads located in the Okeechobee [Blvd.] right of way, and the second was facilities on the west side of the lettered roads within the canal heads.”

He said the first set would remain within the SWA grant, and the west side facilities would be held for future projects and not funded under the agreement.

The east side facilities would consist of bike racks, an enclosed 95-gallon trash receptacle and landscaping.

“East side facilities would be located within the Okeechobee Blvd. rights of way,” Fleischmann said. “The west side facilities would consist of hitching posts, a mounting block and a handpumped water well. They will be located within the lettered road

canal heads approximate to the Okeechobee Blvd. crossings, so we have created two separate projects, one to be funded by the grant.”

He said the revised grant application would include the east side facilities, along with the five monument signs.

“We feel that this revision meets the objectives of the grant and will fall within the grant amount,” Fleischmann said.

Assistant Manager Francine Ramaglia said the modifications would mitigate the conditions of blight that are created by current circumstances.

“This is not to create any type of structure for anyone to congregate at, simply to address the issue that we currently have, which is unnecessary and not characteristic of our

town, with trash and a disarray of bikes,” Ramaglia said.

During public comment, resident Virginia Standish said the grant agreement does not appear to benefit the residents or taxpayers of the town.

“It seems that it would be encouraging more garbage drop-off and questionable use of benches,” Standish said. “More importantly… since 2006, not one crossover on Okeechobee Blvd. What is the point of benches if no one can cross the road safely? I think this money would be better spent designing a crossover.”

Vice Mayor Laura Danowski made a motion to direct staff to go ahead with the permitting for five locations, with a reduced size of 4-foot-by-6-foot for trash coverings at the ends of lettered roads,

and for two of the five monument signs, which carried 3-1 with Councilwoman Marge Herzog absent and Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia dissenting.

In other business, the council re-elected Robert Shorr to serve another year as mayor. Councilwoman Marianne Miles made the motion, which carried 3-2 with Maniglia and Herzog dissenting.

The other votes for appointed positions were less contentious.

Maniglia made a motion to re-nominate Danowski as vice mayor, which carried 5-0. Maniglia also made a motion to re-nominate Danowski as chair of the water control district, which carried 5-0. Finally, Maniglia made a motion to nominate Herzog as treasurer of the water control district, which also carried 5-0.

Shelly Albright

Seth Densen

Tom Valeo

Katherine Waldron

working on policies related to public safety and access to healthcare.

“This community gave me my voice, and now I intend on using it to speak on your behalf,” Valeo said. “Just this last legislative session, the Florida Legislature ignored the problems that everyday Floridians are talking about at their kitchen tables. It’s time for that to end. I’m going to work hard to solve the problems of everyday people like us.”

He said fighting for affordable housing, equal access to public education and public safety aren’t political, they are core tenets to living out the American dream.

“Over the next few months, I intend on coming directly to you to hear about the issues that keep you up at night,” he said.

Since graduating from Florida Atlantic University in 2016, Va-

leo has had extensive experience working in Democratic politics.

He currently serves as the president of the Palm Beach County Young Democrats, the Palm Beach County Democratic Party’s sergeant at arms and the Treasure Coast regional director for the Florida Young Democrats.

“I come to you today with a public servant’s heart, ready to serve to the higher ideals of what our great state can accomplish,” Valeo said. “I come to you asking to be your voice in the Florida Legislature.”

Visit www.tomvaleoforflorida. com to learn more.

Katherine Waldron — An elected member of the Port of Palm Beach Commission since 2017, Waldron initially announced plans to run for Willhite’s District 86 seat last year. She switched to District

93 once the new district lines were finalized.

“I’m ready to get to work representing Palm Beach County in the legislature by focusing on strengthening our state and local economies, bringing good-paying jobs to Palm Beach County, supporting our first responders and frontline workers, increasing investments in safety and learning at our public schools, making healthcare more accessible and affordable, and taking care of our seniors,” Waldron said.

She entered the race with a number of high-profile endorsements, including that of U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, State Sen. Lori Berman, Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo, Palm Beach County Mayor Bob Weinroth, Palm Beach

County Vice Mayor Gregg Weiss and others.

Waldron noted that the Port of Palm Beach is one of the largest employers and economic drivers in the county with 2,400 workers and more than $7 billion in commodities moving through the port each year.

A county resident for more than 20 years, Waldron is co-founder of MK Inc. of the Palm Beaches, a minority-owned company focused on economic development projects in the Caribbean. In 2017, she co-founded and co-chaired Palm Beach County Cares to provide help to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands following Hurricane Maria in 2017 and to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian in 2019.

Learn more at www.votekw. com.

BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager RON BUKLEY Senior Editor

STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ Art & Production Manager

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Erin Davisson • Denise Fleischman Mike May • Louis Hillary Park • Callie Sharkey CONTRIBUTORS/ Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Joetta Palumbo STAFF/ Yolanda Cernicky • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Carol Lieberman

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Page 5

NEWS

VINCEREMOS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER MARKS ITS 40TH ANNIVERSARY

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center celebrated its 40th anniversary on Monday, March 28 at the nonprofit’s facility in Loxahatchee Groves. Vinceremos has been providing therapeutic riding services locally since the early 1980s. Founder Ruth Menor was saluted at the event for her many years of service. Photos of riders spanning 40 years were on display. Learn more about Vinceremos at www.vinceremos.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(L-R) Ethan Borys, Summer Tijero, Neva Rae Powers and Subentz Charles.

Susan Guinan and Ruth Menor share a toast.

Patti Hadden, Judith Behren and Iseult Broglio.

Founder Ruth Menor receives flowers and an etched-glass statue from Chip Perkins.

Emily Marschok, Allyn Schiavone and Feroukje Staal.

Raisa Krupnik, Grayson Shaulov and Irina Shaulov.

Volunteer of the Year Cassidy Johnson with Volunteer Coordinator Megan Tessaro.

Eric, Hayden, Nolan, Camden and Elyse Schwartz with Ziggy.

40-year client and volunteer Jeffrey Perham with instructor Sarah Menor.

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Madyson Greear with Terri Kane, who adopted Sugar for the year.

Page 6

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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CARDIOLOGY

Cardio-oncology monitors a cancer patient’s cardiovascular health before, during and after treatment Thanks to newer and better forms of treatment, the number of people surviving cancer has improved over the years. There are currently 17 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number should increase to about 20 million in the next five years or so.

Many of these cancer survivors, however, may face another threat to their health – cardiovascular disease caused or accelerated by the medications and procedures used to treat their cancer. A growing understanding over the last decade of the negative effects of cancer treatment on the heart, known as cardio-toxicity, has resulted in the emergence of a new medical subspecialty called cardio-oncology.

This collaboration of cardiology and oncology specialists is designed to monitor a cancer patient’s cardiovascular health before, during and after cancer treatment.

The cardio-oncology program at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Weston Hospital recently earned the Gold Center of Excellence designation from the International Cardio-Oncology Society.

“We navigate together so that the patient can complete cancer treatment while we also protect the heart,” says cardiologist Diego Sadler, MD, head of the cardio-oncology program at Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Weston Hospital. The program recently earned the Gold Center of Excellence designation from the International Cardio-Oncology Society.

Are all cancer patients at risk for cardio-toxicity?

In general, patients with existing heart disease at the time they start cancer treatment and those with risk factors for heart disease are at highest risk for cardio-toxicity. Some chemotherapy drugs, some immunotherapy drugs and some radiation treatments can negatively affect the heart and vascular system. Cardio-toxicity can develop during cancer treatment or it can occur years after cancer treatment has ended.

Cancer patients are identified as being at risk for cardiotoxic complications from cancer treatment if they previously had or currently have heart disease or have elevated risk factors for it, such as being obese, being a smoker or having a family history of heart

disease. Prior to treatment, cancer patients are given a thorough cardiovascular physical examination and heart function tests.

How are patients cared for within the cardio-oncology program?

For patients who are at-risk for cardio-toxicity, Dr. Sadler says he and his team assess the extent of the cardiac risks from treatment, the cancer risk, and the impact of the cancer treatment on those risks.

“Before a patient starts treatment, we work together to establish the best pathway for the patient to get the optimal cancer treatment while also protecting the heart,” he says.

Active monitoring of patients during treatment allows cardiooncology specialists to find and treat heart and vascular changes early and adjust the cancer treatment, if necessary, in order to create the best possible long-term outcomes.

Because heart damage can occur within the first year after therapy or later, Cleveland Clinic Florida’s cardio-oncology program offers ongoing, long-term follow-up care after cancer treatment ends.

Care when and where you need it The multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals in Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Cardio-Oncology Program is dedicated to caring for patients in every stage of cancer treatment who are at risk for, develop or have established heart disease.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. Specialists at our Weston Hospital and West Palm Beach locations are available to see patients or collaborate with a patient’s local physician. Telemedicine consultations are also available.

Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to learn more.

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Page 7

NEWS

Commissioners End Pet Boarding Zoning-In-Progress Moratorium

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At a zoning meeting on Thursday, March 24, the Palm Beach County Commission voted unanimously to end a zoning-in-progress moratorium that temporarily discontinued the acceptance of applications for limited pet boarding facilities.

At a zoning meeting on Thurs-

Stefano

May 7 Event In Wellington

continued from page 1 mother of Stefano, for whom the foundation is named. “At the hospital, during our lengthy stays at Joe DiMaggio, we would see that all the little kids would get presents and have activities planned, and tickets to the movies or concerts.

But for Stefano, there was nothing.

So that’s when we saw that helping teenagers was really going to be something new and needed.”

Stefano Dioguardi lost his battle with cancer in 2016, but his family was inspired to continue giving his life meaning, and they created the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation.

“He loved life. He was a wonderful boy, and we had so much

day, Jan. 27, the commissioners approved conditional use applications to allow limited pet boarding at two locations in The Acreage.

The approvals were made on 4-2 votes, and immediately after approving the applications, the board voted 6-0 to enact a zoning-in-progress moratorium to temporarily halt any further applications until county staff wrote

an ordinance placing limits on pet boarding.

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said pet boarding had been the subject of several contentious e-mails that commissioners had received and directed staff to do some further research on the issue and return with recommendations.

Principal Site Planner Jeff Ga-

gnon said that county staff first looked at limited pet boarding as an accessory to a residential primary use in 2013. The current code was enacted in 2017.

“We do feel that the existing regulations are sufficient in order to properly regulate the use,” Gagnon said. “What we are going to do is take a much closer look at this specific use to make sure that there

is no morphing into a kennel-type use or a commercial operation.”

He said that county staff would continue conversations with Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control concerning the regulations.

“We’re going to have a much closer look at these applications as they are submitted,” he said.

“Currently, there are 10 limited pet

boardings locations within Palm Beach County. We are requesting that the zoning-in-progress be ended at this time.”

McKinlay said she had met with county staff and accepted their reasoning.

“I’m good with this,” she said, making a motion to discontinue the moratorium, which carried 7-0.

more love to give to him, and since he wasn’t here anymore, we wanted to share the love with the other teenagers like him who are dealing with cancer,” RothDioguardi said. “These teenagers aren’t dealing with college applications or figuring out what car to buy, they are trying to survive.

That is when we transformed our pain into a beautiful labor of love for the teens who are not really being prioritized. There was a niche that we saw that needed some love. That’s really when things started.”

The mission at Forza Stefano is to support cancer patients between the ages of 13 and 21 years old.

They are not little kids anymore, but not adults either.

What started as holiday wish lists for four or five teens has grown into an international cause to help these young people and their families. Now, the foundation will even help families pay utili-

ties, treatment and when necessary, funeral costs.

The Dioguardi family is also a water polo family, which is a sport Stefano passionately played. The foundation hosts a massive annual water polo tournament at its home base in Pembroke Pines.

“Water polo was really his favorite thing to do. We had so much support from the water polo community when Stefano got sick, that we decided to start the Forza Stefano Water Polo Tournament that takes place every March for the past seven years,” RothDioguardi said. “We get more than 600 athletes from across Florida, and it’s fabulous. We can feel Stefano’s presence there, and you can’t help but think how one boy could inspire all of this?”

The funds are then used to help kids not only in Florida, but also in Venezuela, where Stefano was born. Recently, the foundation paid for a 19-year-old to complete all

the necessary radiation treatments for his cancer, and when they learned of his desire to become a graphic designer, also purchased the computer and equipment he needed to have a career after his treatment ends.

Roth-Dioguardi explained that the foundation often sends medications and pays for treatments in Venezuela because the healthcare system there is greatly lacking.

“We always have hope that everyone will recover and always want to improve their quality of life, so they aren’t sitting wasting away. Keeping them engaged gives them the opportunity to focus on recovery and know there is a future,” she said. “We want them to feel like there is life after cancer.”

As the foundation continues to grow, they are also looking for more families to serve. On May 7, the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation is bringing both beauty and art to the center court of the original Wellington Mall, located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

“It’s almost like an art fair, where the families can spend some quality time together without being in a formal or strict gallery setting,” Roth-Dioguardi said.

“There will be activities, beauty queens from the Ms. International World Organization and other special guests, without having to pay anything. We want to give this to the community as a gift so they can enjoy it as a family.”

The foundation has hosted

a similar event in the past, but never in Palm Beach County, and they found Wellington the perfect choice to host the event.

During the event, supporter Jess Santamaria will receive a special piece of art from internationally renowned painter and sculptor Rafael Montilla. Art pieces will also be for sale along with foundation t-shirts. There is no fee to attend the event. Proceeds will support the work of the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation.

For more information about the special guest artist, visit www. rafaelmontillaart.com. To learn more about the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation, visit www. forzastefano.org or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

“We always have hope that everyone will recover and always want to improve their quality of life, so they aren’t sitting wasting away.

Keeping them engaged gives them the opportunity to focus on recovery and know there is a future,” Tamara Roth-Dioguardi said.

Acreage Rock Your Park Concert Series Will Include Easter Activities April 16

The Acreage Landowners’ Association’s Rock Your Park concert series will continue on Saturday, April 16 at Acreage Community Park with the Shane Duncan band playing country rock, top 40, dance and disco starting at 7:30 p.m.

Helping Hearts of Loxahatchee will offer children’s Easter crafts at 5 p.m., followed by a children’s Easter egg hunt at 6 p.m.

Food trucks will be on hand starting at 5 p.m., with Dan Did it Again, Four Corners, Crazy Cuban Flavor, Earl’s Slow and Low BBQ,

Cardona’s Kitchen, Juju’s Feel Good Foods, With Everything Hot Dogs, as well as beer and wine vendors.

The event is free to attend.

Acreage Community Park South is located at 6405 140th Avenue North.

WEF Showgrounds Now Known As ‘Wellington International’

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC), the longtime home of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) as well as nearly 30 weeks of annual series horse shows, will now be called Wellington International.

The acclaimed venue hosts the longest-running hunter/jumper horse show in the world and has welcomed thousands of riders from all 50 states and 38 countries. The new name is the start of many exciting changes to come in the near future, including facility improvements that will make Wellington International the preeminent equestrian venue in the world.

The reveal of the new Wellington International name came ahead of the WEF 11 Saturday Night Lights class of the 2022 WEF circuit on March 26 with an official announcement from Michael Stone, president of Wellington International. He signaled

an important shift in the development of the storied facility.

“Along with our new owners at the Global Equestrian Group (GEG), we look to the future in order to better serve our exhibitors, stakeholders and community.

We are committed to setting new standards for our venue, as well as for equestrian sport, guest experiences, entertainment and innovation. To commence this exciting new initiative, our first step is transitioning the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to its new name, Wellington International,” Stone said.

The renaming and rebranding of the iconic property, complete with a makeover of the iconic bridge over the International Arena entrance, is the next step in the facility’s history. Committing to a new motto of “setting new standards,” Wellington International will enhance the experience and offerings

on-site for the community, both equestrian and non-equestrian.

Riders, trainers, sponsors, spectators and more can expect to see significant improvements across Wellington International in the coming years. Already a popular destination for participants and visitors from across the globe, the property is slated to see even more growth as significant investments are made, all with the goal of elevating equestrian sport.

“The Winter Equestrian Festival came to Wellington in 1974, made its permanent home here at our facility in 1989, and has continued its unprecedented growth ever since, along with the entire Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County, to become the pinnacle of equestrian competition throughout North America and beyond,” Stone said. “We take great pride in our designation as the ‘Winter Equestrian Capital of the World’

Wellington Launches New Mobile App

Wellington recently announced the launch of its new mobile app, allowing residents to access information, connect with village services, and report issues about infrastructure and services, on the go.

GoWellington is a real-time platform, developed with both residents and visitors in mind.

The app contains nine direct buttons for commonly searched items: Wellington Website, Latest News, WellingtonTV, Golf Cart Information, Meeting Calendar, Water Bill, Garbage Guide,

Events and Public Engagement.

There is also a request feature that allows users to report a missed garbage pickup, a pothole, graffiti or other issues simply by taking a picture. Requests will be immediately sent to the appropriate village department.

The app also allows users to pinpoint the exact location of their request, attach a photo and have the ability to see the status of their requests in the system.

“This app will be an invaluable tool for our community, serving as both a source of quick reference

and a way to ‘see something, say something.’ It will not only expedite response to problems around the village, but also encourage more people to reach out when they see something that needs attention,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said.

Residents will also be able to easily sign up to receive garbage and recycling collection reminders via e-mail or text.

The new GoWellington app is available for download in both the Apple App and Google Play stores.

and enjoy welcoming thousands of exhibitors and visitors each year to experience the joys and thrills of the sport.”

While the history and status of Palm Beach is recognized, appreciated and contributed greatly to the previous venue name, Wellington International looks to move forward and continue to bring the Wellington name greater prominence in Florida, the United States and around the world.

Wellington is now a destination for thousands of equestrians every year and is a reputable name in its own right. While equestrian sport is and will continue to be the main focus at Wellington International, future plans include the versatility to host an assortment of events to broaden horizons outside of the main horse show weeks.

As Wellington International, the famous equestrian show venue promises to further modernize as it

The new look for the famous bridge over the entrance to the International Arena at Wellington International was unveiled. builds upon the strong foundation of success it has seen over the past four decades.

Following the conclusion of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival season, the first phase of upgrades

PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

will begin. Further updates regarding Wellington International and the exciting endeavors in store for the venue and its events will be announced in the coming months.

St. David’s Church In Wellington To Host Community Yard Sale May 21

St. David’s in-the-Pines Episcopal Church will be hosting a Community Yard Sale next month.

Spaces and tables are available for purchase for those who want to sell their own items, and the church will be collecting donations of gently used items to sell at its own table. Baked goods will also be sold.

“We’re excited to bring this fun, family-friendly event to the community and to provide an opportunity for residents to do their

spring cleaning with a purpose,” said Father Steven Thomas, the Rector at St. David’s. “Spring represents a time of cleansing and renewal, and what better way to begin anew than to clean out those things, both physical and spiritual, that are cluttering up our lives.”

The Community Yard Sale will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 7 a.m. until noon. Single and double spaces are available, with or without tables.

Donations for the St. David’s table may be brought to the church, located at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace, on May 7 and May 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information about the event and event pricing, contact Laurie Cohen at (561) 252-9828 or visit the church’s web site at www. saintdavidsinthepines.org.

“We hope everyone will join us for this wonderful community event,” Thomas said.

America Beautiful, inspires thousands of volunteers of all ages across America to take part in efforts to clean up and improve their local communities.

Beginning at 10 a.m., Wellington, with the assistance of staff and volunteers, will take part in the Great American Cleanup by collecting as much trash as possible in selected neighborhoods throughout Wellington.

If you are interested in participating in this event, contact Ian Williams with the Community Services Department at (561) 7914796 or iwilliams@wellingtonfl. gov.

Earth Day & Arbor Day Celebration — Following the Great American Cleanup, enjoy a free day of fun and learning at Wellington’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration at the Town Center Promenade (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event will include earthfriendly products and demonstrations, free butterfly orchids, free native seedlings, a free raffle for a Jatropha tree in a 15-gallon container, other giveaways, local vendors and community partners, and a proper tree pruning demonstration. Join the Wellington Village Council at the start of the event as they plant a cypress tree in honor of Arbor Day. The event will also feature the FLOWER (Fabulous Landscapes

of Wellington Earning Recognition) awards ceremony, and visitors can stop by booths highlighting the Wellington Garden Club, the Wellington Art Society and the Wellington Tree Board.

NEWS BRIEFS Wellington’s Egg Hunt Returns April 16

Get your baskets ready for Wellington’s annual Egg Hunt, returning to the Village Park softball fields at 11700 Pierson Road on Saturday, April 16.

The event begins promptly at 10 a.m. and will be divided into four age groups: ages 2 and under, or those in need of special accommodations; ages 3 to 4; ages 5 to 7; and ages 8 to 10. At each egg hunt, two eggs will contain a pink bunny ticket, indicating a special prize. Families are encouraged to arrive early, as traffic congestion may occur. Don’t forget to bring a basket.

The village thanks Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center, for its support as the featured sponsor. Find information on more family-friendly events at www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.

Historical Society To Host Vino & Videos

Join the Wellington Historical Society for Vino & Videos on Wednesday, April 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club.

At the event, the Wellington

Historical Society will launch its new oral history video series featuring people instrumental in Wellington’s history.

Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and beverages while viewing the first three videos in the oral history series.

The videos feature Kathy Foster, the first mayor of Wellington; Jess Santamaria, an early Wellington developer; and former Mayor Tom Wenham along with his wife Regis, who were among Wellington’s earliest residents.

“We’re pleased to present our oral history video series,” Wellington Historical Society President Sue Bierer said. “This gives the community the opportunity to hear about Wellington’s history directly from people who had a hand in its formation.”

Purchase tickets for $20 at www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety. org. For additional info., e-mail info@wellingtonhistoricalsociety. org.

Margate Park To Close For Improvements

Wellington’s Margate Park, located at 12771 Buckland Street in Greenview Shores 2, will be closed to the public beginning on Monday, April 11 to allow crews to replace the existing playground structure.

Construction is expected to be completed and the park re-opened in late May, weather permitting.

The village thanks residents for their patience and understanding as these improvements are completed and apologizes for any inconvenience.

Help County’s Animal Shelter Stop Euthanasia

There’s never been a more important time to foster or adopt dogs from Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control (ACC). ACC’s intake kennel has reached capacity, and help is critical to preventing euthanasia.

ACC veterinary staff performed routine surveillance testing for canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD) pathogens in the dog population and found that pneumovirus, a novel respiratory virus that is in the county, has been introduced to the shelter. Those dogs found to be infected were immediately pulled into a separate kennel from the adoption-ready dogs, but due to the highly infectious nature of this virus, there is concern about its continued spread, and healthy dogs need to be removed from the shelter.

In light of this fluid situation, ACC is asking the public to consider fostering or adopting a dog

through the #HealthyHome program. Adopting or fostering the shelter’s dogs would reduce the risk of in-shelter transmission.

If you are interested in helping, visit the shelter’s web site to select a dog at www.pbcgov.com/snap.

Complete the adoption application at https://bit.ly/3wxbIZP and e-mail it to the address listed. Once an application is submitted, come in to meet and pick up a new “pawtner.” Most dogs are more than 40 pounds and have outstanding dispositions.

During this critical time, foster or adopting parents are given all of the supplies needed to take care of their dog.

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control is located at 7100 Belvedere Road. For additional information and shelter hours of operation, visit www.pbcgov.com/ animal or call (561) 233-1200.

Wellington To Host Cleanup, Earth Day Celebration

Wellington will host two Earthfriendly events on Saturday, April 23 in recognition of Earth Day and Arbor Day. Great American Cleanup — Each year, the Great American Cleanup, an initiative of Keep

Kindergarten Round-Ups This Month At RPB Schools

Cypress Trails, H.L. Johnson and Royal Palm Beach elementary schools will be hosting Kindergarten Round-Ups in person at each of these local Royal Palm Beach schools this month. If your child is turning five by Sept. 1, you are invited to learn more about the exciting year ahead in Kindergarten.

Cypress Trails Elementary School will host its Kindergarten Round-Up on Friday, April 22 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the school’s media center.

H.L. Johnson Elementary School will host its Kindergarten Round-Up on Wednesday, April 27 at 6 p.m. at the school.

Royal Palm Beach Elementary School will host its Kindergarten Round-Up on Friday, April 22 at 8:30 a.m. in the school cafeteria.

Visit www.palmbeachschools. org and click on the “Find My School” tab to determine which school you are zoned to attend.

Page 8

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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NEWS

WELLINGTON ROTARY HOLDS FIRST GOLF CLASSIC AT THE WANDERERS CLUB

The Wellington Rotary Club held its inaugural golf classic on Thursday, March 24 at the Wanderers Club. The event raised money for local Rotary programs, including scholarships and programs for children. For more information about the organization, visit www. wellingtonrotary.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

First-place winners Denny Deaton, Ezra Joyner and Kip Pelham (Jessie Lee not shown).

Head Golf Pro Jeff Fraim.

Second-place winners Todd Carreras, Tom Carreras, Frank Ferrante and Peter Visconti.

Tom Schlechter, Justin Jones, Andy Jones and David Lively.

PBSO Deputy Dwayne Brown presents a “Sheriff for a Day” certificate to high bidder Denny Deaton.

John Weber, Craig Turner, Dennis Kuznetz and Gene Gibson.

Event committee members Lloyd Astmann, Chair Larry Falk, Maggie Zeller, Scott Armand and Deputy Dwayne Brown.

Al Marulli, Stuart Fried, Mark Elfant and Lloyd Astmann.

Ron Culbertson, Donald Chandler, Todd Miller and Michael Cox.

ROYAL PALM RESUMES POPULAR SENIOR MEALS PROGRAM AT REC CENTER

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Village of Royal Palm Beach re-started its senior meals program Monday, March 21 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. The program provides a hot meal at lunchtime Monday through Friday. The food is provided by Palm Beach County and distributed by a dedicated combination of village employees and volunteers. Anyone who is 60 years or older is eligible to receive a meal. For more information, call Shakeera Thomas at (561) 753-1241.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Volunteers Maria Gonzalez, Vinette Tracy, Barbara Patterson, Lorna Pearson, Maria LoVerso, Dolly Hughes and Seniors Program Supervisor Shakeera Thomas.

Nancy Mendenhall is served lunch by volunteer Lorna Pearson.

Volunteer Barbara Patterson helps Donna Wilhelm sign up for meals.

Sandra Meeranje, Melrose King and Ferdinand Hinds are served lunch by volunteers Prudel Belle, Shakeera Thomas, Lorna Pearson, and Vinette Tracy.

The Village of Wellington is currently seeking residents and business owners to volunteer and serve on the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. By participating as a citizen volunteer on an Advisory Board and/or Committee, you will have an opportunity to become involved in the decision making process within our Village government.

Are you dread about the complexities of your Tax Preparation for 2022?

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Affordable Housing Advisory Committee The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee’s (AHAC) primary goal is to preserve and foster Wellington’s affordable housing stock. AHAC members provide assistance by reviewing new strategies for preserving and enhancing attainable housing, enhance existing strategies, perform Community Outreach and Feedback, and help create SHIP Procedures. The AHAC may consist of as few as eight members and a maximum of 11 members.

The general duties of the AHAC, as summarized from sec. 420.9076(4) of the Florida Statutes, are: • Recommend monetary and non-monetary incentives for affordable housing • Review policies and procedures, ordinances, land development regulations, and the Comprehensive Plan.

• Seek financial assistance through regulatory incentives to facilitate private sector development of affordable housing.

Membership qualifications: *** Pursuant to Sec. 420.9076 (2), Florida Statutes, at least six (6) of the following areas and at least Residential home building industry related to Affordable Housing 1. Banking or mortgage banking industry related to Affordable Housing 2. Engaged in labor of home building related to Affordable Housing 3. Advocate for low-income persons related to Affordable Housing 4. For-profit provider of affordable housing 5. Not-for profit provider of affordable housing 6. Real estate professional in connection with AH 7. Local planning agency member per 163.3174 8. Citizen who resides within the jurisdiction 9. Representatives of employers 10. Representative of Essential Services Personnel 11. One elected official (Village Councilmember) The AHAC must develop an AHAC Report to be reviewed by Florida Housing Finance Corporation once a year.

Interested individuals should submit an Advisory Board Application to the Village Clerk Department. Applications are available in the Village Clerk Department at Village Hall, 12300 Forest Hill Boulevard, Wellington, Florida 33414 and on the Village’s website at www.wellingtonfl.gov. For more information, contact Chevelle D. Addie, Village Clerk at (561) 791-4118 or Kelly Avery, Assistant Village Clerk, at (561) 791-4784.

Gather and organize your tax records, Check your Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for possible expiration date, Consider adjusting your withholding if you owed taxes or received a large refund last year, Reconcile advance Child Tax Credit payments, and Claiming Recovery Rebate Credit seem to constitute the core of information for speed tax refunds.

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NEWS

Wellington Chamber Hosts Installation Luncheon At Showgrounds

By Melanie Kopacz Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual installation luncheon on Wednesday, March 23 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, now known as Wellington International.

Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig presided over the oath of office for the new board, including incoming President Scott Sweigart, immediate Past President Kevin Shapiro, Secretary Jodi Gast, Treasurer

Stuart Hack, and directors Lisa Banionis, Peter Bartuska, Dermot MacMahon and Roxanne Stein.

Shapiro was praised for his leadership and support during a period of growth.

“Kevin gave us opportunity and flexibility to power forward,” Executive Director Michela Green said. “He never said no to any initiative and has been a tremendous asset, a crucial sounding board and a tremendous leader.”

Shapiro said that he intends to remain a leader within the cham-

ber. “I still want to hear from each of you, ideas, interests and what we can do to make you a success,” he said.

Sweigart said he’s looking forward to the unique challenges and plans to continue to grow membership.

“My goal is to grow our membership substantially. With a solid infrastructure already in place, we can manage a larger investment of members while maintaining our boutique chamber feel,” he said.

About 100 chamber members

filled the Wellington Club for the event while taking in an impressive show jumping competition.

The luncheon was sponsored by new Wellington-based digital marketing agency, DigitAlly.

New chamber members were introduced with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, including Gary Ross of Allies in Leadership and William Sauers of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, along with renewing member Christina Ortado of Floor Specialists of Wellington.

Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig leads the new board in the official oath of office.

PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ/TOWN-CRIER

Tiffany Rodriguez, Meghan Williams, Erica Davis, Laurie Davis and Maggie Hanson.

(L-R) Christopher Levy of DigitAlly, a digital marketing agency, sponsored the event; outgoing President Kevin Shapiro introduces incoming President Scott Sweigart; incoming President Scott Sweigart addresses the luncheon crowd.

Chamber members enjoyed spectacular show jumping action during the luncheon.

Lynn Stockford, Diann Hack and Arlene Smith.

Director Peter Bartuska, President Scott Sweigart, President-Elect Daryl Lyon, Immediate Past President Kevin Shapiro, Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig, Director Roxanne Stein, Treasurer Stuart Hack, Director Lisa Banionis, Director Dermot MacMahon and Secretary Jodi Gast.

Women of Wellington Committee Member Kathleen Williams is honored as Ambassador of the Year.

Luncheon sponsor Christopher Levy of DigitAlly with Roger Plevin.

The Wellington Chamber welcomes new member William Sauers of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Andrea Plevin, Jordan Lexi Ray, Cari Cantillo and Marsha Pitt Lyles at the DigitAlly table.

Daisy Nelson and Maggie Leandro of Coldwell Banker.

Darlene Curti of FNBBC.

The Wellington Chamber welcomes new member Gary Ross of Allies in Leadership.

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NEWS

ITID Roads

Meeting At The Library

continued from page 1 and a 10-foot multi-purpose path will be installed across the street from the existing sidewalks on Hamlin Blvd. from Hall Blvd. to Grapeview Blvd., Grapeview Blvd. from Hamlin Blvd. to Citrus Grove Blvd., and on Citrus Grove Blvd. from Hall Blvd. to Avocado Blvd.

Letters from Hanson explained that ITID has applied to the TPA for two grants totaling almost $1.4 million to pay for the multi-use trails and sidewalks, as well as

the speed table traffic-calming projects.

Chief Operations Officer Jason Lester, Assistant Chief Operations Officer Greg Shafer and Maintenance Supervisor Lon Ackley were prepared to answer questions about roads and millings.

Kathleen Farrell, assistant director of Palm Beach County’s Roadway Production Division, was there to answer questions about ongoing county projects, including Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, 60th Street North, and Royal Palm Beach, Orange, Coconut and Northlake boulevards.

More information about many of these infrastructure plans is available at www.indiantrail.com.

ITID Assistant Executive Director Rob Robinson.

ITID Engineer Jay Foy.

ITID Supervisor Betty Argue.

Kathleen Farrel of the county’s Roadway Production Division.

ITID Traffic Engineer Joe Capra.

BAM Festival Brings 39 Award-Winning Authors And Illustrators To WPB

The BAM Festival will return as an in-person event on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 39 national award-winning authors and illustrators.

The festival takes place in downtown West Palm Beach at the Mandel Public Library and the 400 block of Clematis Street.

The event is free and open to the public, and celebrates books, art and music through interactive activities, including book signings, author readings, writing workshops, illustrator demonstrations and activities, writing and drawing competitions, live music, street chalk drawing and more.

“BAM is bigger and better than ever this year with almost 40 bestselling authors, illustrators and musicians. The festival gives children and young adults a chance to meet, learn and be inspired by their favorite authors

and illustrators,” BAM President Claire Salmon said. “It is truly a unique experience that can inspire children to read, write and explore the next level for those aspiring to be authors and artists.”

An event highlight is the author and illustrator panels that take place at the Mandel Public Library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and include author story times and a variety of panels and workshops that will inspire and ignite the imagination.

A total of 34 panels are available for students in grades K through 5, middle schoolers and young adults. For a complete schedule of activities and author/illustrator panels, visit www.bamwpb.org.

Panelists and presenters include: Audrey Ades, Alexandra Alessandri, Valerie Bolling, Vanessa Brantley-Newton, Yangsook Choi, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Antwan Eady, Robert Forbes,

Van G. Garrett, Lauren Gibaldi, Shannon Hitchcock, Kim Johnson, Adib Khorram, Stephen Kozan, David LaRochelle, Jarrett Lerner, Lynne Marie, Ed Masessa, Kwame Mbalia, Juana Medina, Jenin Mohammed, G. Neri, Kerry O’Malley Cerra, Claribel A. Ortega, Linda Sue Park, Akshaya Raman, Stacie Ramey, Jess Redman, Debbie Reed Fischer, Shauna Reynolds, Chad & Dad Richardson, Rob Sanders, Neal Shusterman, Eric Smith, Dana Swift, Danette Vigilante, Sherri Winston, Mike Wohnoutka and Ashley Woodfolk.

Participants can pre-register at www.bamwpb.org/signup to begin receiving information and updates and a chance to win prizes and giveaways that could include a meet-and-greet with their favorite author/illustrator, BAM merchandise, book swag, signed books

and posters, and more. For those who cannot make it in person, one panel per hour will be streamed on YouTube. Links will be sent out the day of the event to those who register.

Sponsors include the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Trust Fund, the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Webauthor, Publix, the Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach, the Itto A. Willits Charitable Foundation, the Arts & Entertainment District of West Palm Beach, the Belle Glade Rotary, the Palm Beach County Library System, Discover the Palm Beaches, the City of West Palm Beach, the West Palm Beach Library Foundation and Palm Beach County.

The BAM Festival brings together authors, artists, musicians, teachers, students and the community to share their love of books, art and music. Founded in 2011, BAM is a nonprofit organization dedicated to children’s literacy that has served more than 166,000 local youth and families. All proceeds support children’s literacy, fund author visits to schools, provide Title I schools with books and provide scholarship opportunities

ITID Costs

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“We need to get the plan done and submit it to her.”

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“I think if we get the plans submitted, the other things we talked about in terms of a sponsor for the skate park, we can do that concurrently,” Argue said, “but we’ve got to get that submitted, or we’re going to lose that opportunity.”

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Originally titled “April is for Authors,” the event was re-branded “BAM Festival” in 2018 to include not only books, but art and music. The festival is free to the public, and the organization provides buses to families from underserved areas. For more information, visit, www.bamwpb.org.

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NEWS

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RELAY FOR LIFE HELD AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

The Relay for Life of Palm Beach County, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday, March 26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The event raised money for programs serving those battling cancer, while honoring survivors and remembering those who have been lost. The day included a chili cookoff, a silent auction, a lip sync contest and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Ken, Deborah and Jonathan Clein.

H.L. Johnson Team Super Jaggy members Liz Torres, Danielle Agudelo, Providence Haines, Cathy Seevers and Michelle Haines.

Chili Cookoff judges Tony Davis, Claire Cox and Bonnie Kipp. The winning team was Hip to be Square.

RPBHS JROTC Honor Guard members Melvin Knight, Lilyan Moran, Damian Gayle and Christopher Singh.

Jannyelis Medina, Jonathan Perez, survivor Geo Marquez, Lisandra Perez, Jadrian Perez and Carmen Coloma.

WRMC’s Dan Rubin, Brian Bedard, Karla Bedard, Samantha Rubin and CEO Pam Tahan.

Cindy Johnson, Katie Rice, Maria Charles, Sherri Boyce and Debbie Brooks of Your Bosom Buddies II.

Lauren and survivor Dean Ringuette.

Holly and Frankie Cosentino.

Lily Whitaker, Daniella Hernandez, Emma Lamb and Karissa Whitaker at the arts and crafts table.

Len and Harriet Waghelstein.

Candice Adams and Jessica Higgins.

Sophia and Sabrina Der release butterflies.

The Tanner family at the pink pumper.

PBCFR’s Art Barry, Lynette Schurter and Richard Cioffoletti with the pink pumper.

Tracy O’Connor walks for her late brother Christian O’Connor.

Veronica Johnson leads the Crestwood Middle School Eagles chorus and handbells ensemble.

The RPBHS Groove Machine performs.

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Page 17

NEWS

Pilot Rises To The Occasion In Overtime To Claim USPA Gold Cup

Hilario Ulloa of Park Place (left) battles with Facundo Pieres of Pilot (right). PHOTO BY ALEX PACHECO

An eager crowd assembled at U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington on Sunday, March 27 to see the highly anticipated conclusion of the USPA Gold Cup between 2019 Gauntlet of Polo champions Pilot and reigning 2022 C.V. Whitney Cup champions Park Place.

Ranking first and second in Gauntlet scoring, the two teams brought firepower from the field to combine for 21 goals. Largely deadlocked for the majority of the second half, a back-and-forth from both teams required overtime to settle the score, as Pilot’s Facundo Pieres led his team back to the podium, scoring the golden goal to secure the thrilling 11-10 victory to raise the prestigious USPA Gold Cup. Awarding Pilot one goal on handicap, a collision between Park Place’s Cody Ellis and Pilot’s Matias Torres Zavaleta resulted in a double yellow card and Penalty 2 in favor of Pilot. Following a successful Penalty 2 conversion from Pieres, Park Place found themselves trailing 2-0, while facing the challenge of defending Park Place shorthanded for two minutes.

Pieres struck once again for

Pilot on their advantage, but the return of Ellis allowed for Josh Hyde to score the first goal for Park Place at the end of the first chukker, but his team remained trailing 3-1. Pilot continued to generate offense from the penalty line with four penalty goals from Pieres in the first half, but Juan Britos helped bring Park Place back within reach, scoring three field goals over the second and third chukkers. A choppy third chukker resulted in two penalty conversions for each team, leaving Pilot ahead 8-6.

As Park Place has done consistently throughout the season, they turned to open play to fight their way back into the game.

The two highest-scoring players from the field, Ulloa and Britos, combined for three field goals on perfect shooting to quickly erase the deficit and tie the game at 9-9.

With the two teams now tied in the high-stakes final, the defense tightened and little separated Park Place and Pilot. Trading goals in a crucial fifth chukker, Britos and Pieres continued to push their teams forward, but the score remained deadlocked at 10-10 with one chukker left to play in the second leg of the Gauntlet of Polo.

Matias Torres Zavaleta of Pilot (left), Hilario Ulloa of Park Place (center), Mackie Weisz of Pilot (right), followed by Cody Ellis of PHOTO BY ALEX PACHECO Park Place (back).

The two high-powered offen- and earn a return to the podium at sive teams ran into tough opposing IPC for the first time since 2019. defenses, as chances at goal were For his 10-goal performance, hard to come by with time ticking Facundo Pieres was named Most down. Unable to produce a signif- Valuable Player, while Pieres’ icant chance on goal, a scoreless Open Azarenka claimed both Best sixth chukker sent the game into Playing Pony as well as Argentine overtime — treating spectators to Bred Best Playing Pony. a phenomenal conclusion to the The third leg of the Gauntlet of USPA Gold Cup. Polo, the U.S. Open Polo ChampiIn the overtime period, Pilot’s onship, began Tuesday, March 29 Pieres broke free from the pack at IPC featuring a record-breaking once more and carried the ball 20 teams. The U.S. Open will conacross the line just 42 seconds in, tinue until the season’s grand finale scoring the golden goal and secur- on Sunday, April 24. Learn more at ing the exhilarating 11-10 victory www.internationalpoloclub.com.

TRAIL RIDE & POKER RUN RAISES MONEY FOR LOX GROVES SCHOLARSHIPS

The third annual Loxahatchee Groves Scholarship Horse Trail Ride and Poker Run was held Sunday, March 27. Riders headed out from G&M Ranch on 42 horses, stopping at the Rainforest Clinic, Swank Farms, Sunsport Gardens and a natural area rest station.

The final card was given out when riders returned to G&M Ranch for a barbecue lunch and music. Project 425’s M37 was set up for musician Tom Blake, and nearby, Project 425’s UH-1H was set up for photos. The three winners of the poker run were awarded nice plaques, and a wide variety of raffle items were given away.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Poker winners David O’Connor, Christine Catchpole and Sarah Hoblin.

Ruth Haggerty on Shadow, Sandy Hollon on Clover, Anne Walker on Tease, Kathy Hoecherl on Phoenix and Denielle Rosen on Lorelei.

Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Bob Shorr, Project 425’s Dr. Ginnie Sayre and Mike Carroll, and Vice Mayor Laura Danowski.

Vance and Christine Carpenter with John and Kelly Kendrick.

Project 425’s Dave Pietrafese, Ray Branch, Mike Carroll, Curt Rich, Mayor Bob Shorr, Dr. Ginny Sayre and Bill Arcuri.

Jamie Wilson on Sundance and David O’Connor on Chapparal.

Tom Blake entertains.

Nicole Parisi with Leo, Mike Dalotto with Dually and Taylor Williams with Cowboy.

Haley Hamilton of the Rainforest Clinic greets riders at the first stop.

PBSO Deputy Scott Kellerman, Deputy Brandon Serraes on Roscoe, Deputy Audrey Miranda on Bella, and Deputy James Levey.

Riders emerge from the preserve.

Jerry Eick on Sparkling Whiskey and Janet Eick on Bug.

Darrin and Jodi Swank of Swank Specialty Produce make mimosas.

Sunsport Gardens General Manager Tom Vuk gives Candra Conner a drink.

Ashlee Bond Rides To Victory In $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5* The pinnacle event of the 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival came to an exciting conclusion on Saturday, April 2. Olympian Ashlee Bond and Karoline of Ballmore ascended to the top of the podium after an exciting five-horse jumpoff in the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI5*.

Course designer Guilherme

Jorge set a large and technical course befitting a five-star event for the 40 entries that qualified for the class.

“It’s always very special to build this Grand Prix,” Jorge said. “I’ve been coming to Wellington since 1999. This is the fifth time in a row I’ve designed the Rolex Grand Prix. Wellington is home now, so

Ashlee Bond rides Karoline of Ballmore to victory. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

for me it feels very special.”

As a late addition to the starting order due to a scratch in the original order, Spencer Smith and Quibelle, a 13-year-old Hanoverian mare owned by Gotham Enterprizes, were first into the ring for both the opening round and the jump-off. Over the shortened course, they had an unfortunate rail for four faults in 45.68 seconds, which would leave them in fifth place at the end of the class.

Chloe Reid was next to contest with Live Oak Plantation’s Souper Shuttle. She and the 11-year-old Hanoverian mare put in an efficient clear round in a time of 47.63 seconds to take the lead, but with two more double clear rides after her, she would land in the thirdplace position on the podium.

“I felt fortunate that we got to jump this class last year,” Reid said. “I think that helped because I walked the course and felt confident today, whereas last year I was definitely nervous for the track. She’s everything I love in a horse. She has a lot of blood, a

lot of character, she’s super smart, and she really tried everything for me today.”

Always a threat in the jump-off, Daniel Coyle piloted Legacy, a 12-year-old Zangersheide mare owned by Ariel Grange, to the fastest time of the jump-off in 43.88 seconds, but a downed jump for four faults gave them fourth place at the end of the class.

Bond and Karoline of Ballmore, competing in their first jumpoff together, were able to blaze through the jump-off course in 44.09 seconds and leave all of the jumps up to take the lead.

“I thought this course really suited a big-strided horse, or a horse like Chloe’s where you can do all the add strides,” Bond said.

“It seemed like a really nice course to me. I just had to make sure to come really slow into the triple combination, but she was so rideable and just zipped around there, so it felt really nice.”

Daniel Bluman, winner of the event’s 2012 edition, was clear and just off the winning pace in 44.29

seconds with Ladriano Z, owned

by Over The Top Stables.

“He’s a really special horse, so I’m really grateful to have him back. He has been really phenomenal since his comeback,” said Bluman of the 14-year-old Zangersheide gelding, who dealt with an injury in 2020. “When you have a horse like this, where we’ve had a partnership already for many years, and he’s been a very successful horse, you learn to appreciate those types of partnerships. When I realized there was actually a chance of a comeback, I made it clear to my team that the idea was to get the horse back in good shape and aim him for the Grands Prix that we enjoy jumping and that we wish to win.”

Bluman has now finished in second place three times in the finale of WEF, and he felt the conditions for the day were amazing. “The field looked beautiful, and I think that the Rolex Grand Prix has to feel different than the others we jump at in Wellington,” he said.

Bond only started riding “Kor-

ra” five weeks ago. The horse previously competed with Belgian Olympian Nicola Philippaerts.

“In the short time I’ve known her, I don’t think I’ve ever sat on a horse so brave,” said Bond of the 12-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare. “I jumped almost at the tops of the standards in the warm-up, adding so many strides and going so slow, and she jumps a foot over it. She’s like a rocket, like a ball of power.”

Bond felt her win was “super surreal” but was validation for her team for “all of the hard times and all of the times you’re unsure of what you are doing.”

“You just keep plugging along and trusting in your team and believing you will come out of the other side better,” she said. “I think it really showed that our perseverance through the circuit, coming together, and fighting through the hard times, really works toward the good. Today really proved that.”

The 2022 Winter Equestrian Festival concluded competition on Sunday, April 3.

Page 18

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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NEWS

ST. PETER’S CEC HOSTS ANNUAL SPRING FAIR AT CHURCH IN WELLINGTON

St. Peter’s Child Enrichment Center held its 33rd annual Spring Fair on Saturday, April 2 at the church on Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. The day of family fun included a petting zoo, a bungee, a trampoline, a silent auction with baskets, bounce houses, a trackless train, food and a bake sale.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Students from the Academy of Dance and Acrobatics.

Danielle and Christopher Burnett with Jordan and Merrick.

Sofia Desauteo, Lola and Lucy Riaboukha, and Matthew Desauteo enjoy Kona ice.

Cevanna Johnson and Julia Treece visit with mini horse Pedro.

Ava Yacaman and Sophia Yacaman.

Cake walk winner Lilymae Hooks.

Ella Tanis get her face painted by Contessa Luna of Bedazzling Party Entertainment.

Dancer Sofia Lora.

Ryon and Makena Abramski.

Cake walk winner Elijah Britt.

Event committee members Mandi Hill, Meri Abramski, Patricia Neffgen, Lori Maxwell and Traci Picknell.

Jennifer Boursiquot and Cindy Johnson look over the bake sale table.

Diana Cosgrove and Claudia Castro at the bake sale table.

Brian Hansen examines the auction items.

The Precision Dance Conservatory students perform a hip-hop dance.

Dancer Sophie Izenwasser.

Precision Dance Conservatory students gather for a group photo.

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SPORTS, PAGES 21-23 • SCHOOLS, PAGES 24-25 • PEOPLE, PAGE 26 • BUSINESS, PAGE 27 • COLUMNS, PAGE 28 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 29-30

SPORTS & RECREATION

WCFL Expands Flag Football Offerings With Friday Girls League

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report In the western communities, the Friday Night Lights experience is not the sole domain of the varsity football teams at area high schools. Now, pre-teen girls — ages 10, 11 and 12 —are playing under the spotlight as competitive flag football games are being conducted on Friday evenings at Wellington’s Village Park on Pierson Road.

It’s all part of the Western Communities Football League’s (WCFL) effort to give more local girls a chance to play flag football, which is a varsity-level sport in high schools across Florida.

In addition to the girls-only league, which has four teams, the WCFL is conducting a coed division for ages 5 to 16 on Saturdays. The co-ed division has 60 teams. Those games — 30 in all each Saturday — start at 9 a.m. and don’t finish until late in the day. For these co-ed games, five fields are being used at Village Park. The girls who play on Friday nights are also allowed to compete in the co-ed division on Saturdays.

This is the inaugural year of the Friday night girls division.

Each squad in the division has 10 players. The season started in late March and will conclude with the WCFL’s Super Bowl games on May 21. The girls-only flag football teams are named after four of the major football-playing uni-

versities in Florida: FSU, Florida, Miami and UCF. According to WCFL President Marc Basis, the league worked with schools in Wellington to distribute fliers to the students in order to generate registrations. The idea worked, and now games are being played.

“Encouraging girls to play competitive flag football is a mission and priority of the WCFL,” Basis said. “So far, the girls are having fun, and the games are very competitive. Every aspect of the program is volunteer-driven and supported.”

In an effort to equally distribute the more highly skilled players throughout the league, a combine was held on Feb. 26.

“Like in the NFL, we have the athletes run the 40-yard dash, catch a pass and do an agility drill so coaches can evaluate them for the draft,” Basis said.

According to Basis, local high school students are earning volunteer hours, which they need for high school graduation, by working the concession stands and the scoreboards.

According to WCFL Treasurer Josh Zillmer, the teams practice once a week and play on the weekends. The regular season features nine games for each team, followed by playoffs. Each flag football game features two 20-minute halves.

“This is a great community effort, and it’s being supported by

A new flag football league for girls ages 10-12 is currently underway Friday evenings at Village Park in Wellington through the Western Communities Football League. PHOTOS COURTESY WCFL

local businesses, which receive on-site exposure at the fields at Village Park and on the WCFL’s web site,” Zillmer said. “Two of our key sponsors are Joe DiMag-

gio Children’s Hospital and Dick’s Sporting Goods.”

Referees for the games are being supplied by Mr. Official. Many of the game officials are also ap-

proved by the Florida High School Athletic Association.

More information about the Western Communities Football League can be found at www.

wcflfootball.com. The league also runs its long-standing tackle football and cheerleading programs, and registration for the fall season is now underway.

Palm Beach Central Baseball Team Off To A Winning Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity baseball team has been playing well and winning games in recent weeks. After a rough start to the season where the Broncos lost four out of their first seven games, the squad has rallied and won seven of its last eight games. The only loss during this eight-game stretch was a 9-8 road loss against Palm Beach Gardens High School on Friday, March 25.

Palm Beach Central’s record is 11-6 after its first 17 games. The most recent victory was a 15-9 home win against the King’s Academy on Tuesday, April 5.

Palm Beach Central head coach Tony Gullo is pleased to see how his team has responded to its early season defeats.

“Other than that Friday night against Gardens, things have started to come together,” Gullo said.

“We have been playing more complete games. At the beginning of the season, it seemed we couldn’t put it all together. We would have hitting, but no pitching or defense, or we would throw the ball well on the mound and not have hitting.”

But now, things are different on the diamond for the young Broncos. For the most part, they are hitting the ball in all the right places and playing good defense, too.

Based on the team’s current .387 batting average and .493 on-base percentage, the team’s offense is in sync, and the pitching is improving.

“Juan Hung has been consistent most of the season on the pitcher’s mound,” Gullo said.

“He has a steady mix of pitches and is usually around the plate.

Bryce Szala struggled earlier in the season and was thrust into action when our scheduled starting pitcher couldn’t go about five minutes before gametime at Santaluces. Bryce, who was scheduled to be in relief, was immediately inserted as the starter and had a great game. David Urrutia, Hector Camacho and Brody Gullo have also contributed on the mound as of late.”

As is the case with many teams, it takes time for players to understand what is taught and emphasized in practice. “We throw a ton of new stuff at our players at the beginning of each season,” Gullo

said. “It takes some players longer to grasp our concepts.”

One of the big reasons why Palm Beach Central is winning is because of the play of senior Cameron Smith, the team’s starting shortstop.

“Cam Smith is having an outstanding season,” Gullo said.

“Cam’s success is only possible by others getting their job done around him. Our players have been stepping up and delivering when they try to pitch around or intentionally walk Cam. It’s also critical to get on base in front of Cam to prevent this from happening.”

Smith is scheduled to be playing college baseball next season at Florida State University, or he might turn pro this summer.

“He could possibly go as high as the first or second round in this year’s MLB amateur draft in July,” Gullo said.

One of the strengths of this year’s Bronco baseball team is its veteran leadership provided by 10 upperclassmen. Two of those seniors are Smith and the coach’s son, Brody Gullo. In the most recent win against TKA, both Smith and Gullo hit home runs.

The Palm Beach Central High School boys varsity baseball team. PHOTO COURTESY PBCHS ATHLETICS “We have 10 seniors,” Gullo said. “Six or seven usually start, depending on the pitcher for the day.”

If the pitchers keep finding the strike zone and hitters continue

finding the outfield gaps with line drives, Palm Beach Central will be a tough out in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state playoffs, which take place in May. “Hopefully, with some luck,

we can keep piecing this together and have a successful ending to our season,” Gullo said. “We love coaching players who work hard and play hard. My team is working hard and finding ways to win.”

Gay Polo League Tournament Returns To IPC In Wellington This Weekend

The Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, will feature four days of festivities at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington from April 7 through April 10.

Beginning with an invitationonly Thursday night VIP Reception at the 7th Chukker, players and sponsors will have the opportunity to meet and greet while hearing about the 2022 festivities and its benefiting charity, the onePULSE Foundation.

Friday kicks off with the Gay Polo League (GPL) Senator Cup preliminary matches before the fun turns up a notch during the GPL

Polotini’s Wigstock, presented by Baccarat, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at IPC’s Mallet Grille. Experience hair-raising fun, cocktails and light bites, live entertainment and dancing. Tickets are $250.

On Saturday, the gates open at 8 a.m. when tailgaters will begin to deck out their tents before the first match begins at 10:30 a.m.

The colorful competition taking place off the field is always a sight during the world-famous tailgate competition, recognizing winners in one of five categories: Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate and Best Multiple Tailgate, sponsored

by First Republic Bank.

The rolling thunder of majestic ponies only complements the lighthearted laughter from the tailgaters, as they race up and down the field in the event-culminating match featuring elite athletes from around the globe.

Highlight of the day will be the GPL Senator Cup Finals and GPL Founder’s Cup Finals, which begin at 10:30 a.m. Teams participating in the tournament include Baccarat, Cherry Knoll Farms, First Republic Bank and Woodford Reserve. Tickets range from $30 general admission to $1,800 for a VIP table for 8.

Sunday is the conclusion of the weekend with an exclusive brunch

beginning at 1 p.m. in the Mallet Grille. Relax while indulging in delicious foods, cocktails and great company while watching a U.S. Open polo match. Tickets are $150.

Founded in 2006 by Chip McKenney, the tournament h­ as grown in popularity, creativity and impact with nearly 3,000 players, attendees and merrymakers from around the world attending the event annually. This year, 16 LGBTQ+ polo players, representing six countries, will participate in the matches. The event was created to generate awareness and to move the needle forward for LGBTQ athletes.

The work expands beyond the game of polo and equestrian sports, and the Gay Polo League was recently named the recipient of the prestigious Palm Beach County Sports Commission “Champion of Equity & Diversity Award.”

“Being named the award recipient, from a non-gay organization, is validation for diversity event organizers like us,” McKenney said. “This reflects a belief in the value our event brings to the community. This recognition is crucial for LGBTQ athletes and their supporters. We are proud that GPL has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces

gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who may not have known gay people firsthand.”

In addition to the awareness and outreach, raising money in support of diversity and inclusion initiatives for other LGBTQ organizations remains a priority. The 2022 event will benefit onePULSE Foundation, an organization born after the tragic events that unfolded at Pulse Nightclub where 49 people lost their lives in 2016.

“We are grateful to be back this year and invite everyone to join us for an incredible weekend,” McKenney said.

For more information, visit www.gaypolo.com.

Page 22

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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Page 23

SPORTS & RECREATION

WHS Alum Named Palm Beach County’s Top Amateur Athlete

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Keiser University defensive back and 2017 Wellington High School graduate Sage ChenYoung has been named the Palm Beach County Sports Commission’s Amateur Athlete of the Year.

The announcement was made Sunday, April 3 during the 45th annual Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame Awards Celebration held at the Palm Beach Kennel Club.

Chen-Young’s honors, accolades and accomplishments on the gridiron include being named the NAIA’s top vote-getter for the Cliff Harris Award, which is given to the NAIA’s top defensive player of the year. He garnered the American Football Coaches

Association NAIA All-American honors for the third-straight season at cornerback.

Chen-Young captured the Associated Press NAIA All-American honors for the second time following the 2021 season. He was also selected to the Mid-South Conference Sun Division First Team for the fourth time in his career. Chen-Young also earned CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America) Academic All-America honors.

During the 2021 season, he led Keiser University in interceptions with six and registered 37 tackles, including one tackle for a loss, recovered two fumbles, and blocked one kick.

Keiser University head football coach Doug Socha has nothing

but strong words of praise for Chen-Young. “Sage is not only a tremendous player, but a great person,” Socha said. “He is very easy to coach because of how driven he is.”

The 2022 inductees into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame were former Royal Palm Beach High School head football coach Willie Bueno, former NFL wide receiver Pierre Garcon, longtime equestrian star Laura Kraut, NFL punter and Palm Beach Central High School graduate Pat O’Donnell, NFL place kicker Cody Parkey, longtime local sports broadcaster Steve Politziner, and Palm Beach Central High School graduate/baseball standout and former Major League Baseball player Devon Travis.

Sage Chen-Young on the gridiron for the Keiser Seahawks. PHOTOS COURTESY KEISER UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

Three-Sport Star Tajauni Elliot Aims High At Berean Christian School

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report A year ago, Berean Christian School’s Tajauni Elliot had a sensational sophomore season as a member of the Bulldogs track and field team. Not only was he new to the world of competitive track, Elliot surprised his teammates and coaches by advancing to the Florida High School Athletic Association Class 1A track and field state championships.

It was an impressive feat for a rookie athlete.

Elliot, a Royal Palm Beach resident, finished in seventh place in the boys 400-meter run at the FHSAA’s Class 1A state meet last year with a time of 51.52.

Throughout the track season this spring, Elliot has been busy getting focused, fitter and faster.

“Tajauni’s progression in track for his junior campaign is going great,” said Mario Jackson, the assistant coach of the track and field team at Berean Christian School.

“He has had an opportunity to put his talent against some of the best in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties. His focus is on the 200-meter and 400-meter dashes this year.”

As Elliot has trained throughout the season, he has been motivated by what happened last year in the 200-meter run. A year ago, he was fast, but not fast enough. Elliot

is focused on not having history repeat itself.

“Tajauni missed out on qualifying for the 2021 regionals in the 200-meter by one-tenth of a second,” Jackson recalled. “He is determined to qualify in both races — 200-meter and 400-meter — for the state meet and to make a major push at winning both.”

Just recently, Elliot ran a personal best in both races at the Palm Beach County qualifier with a time of 22.80 in the 200 and 50.36 in the 400.

“With the progress he is making, I would not be surprised to see a sub-50-second in the 400-meter and a lower time in the 200-meter by the district meet in late April,” Jackson said.

Elliot is more than just a track athlete at Berean, as he also plays football and basketball for the Bulldogs — and he’s a solid contributor to both teams.

“Tajauni’s junior campaign in football started strong offensively and defensively,” said Jackson, who also serves as the head football coach at Berean. “His season was cut short with nagging injuries. Nevertheless, I believe the values and work ethic fostered in football have catapulted Tajauni’s athletic career in other sports. He has become a tougher kid mentally and physically. He was most productive on the defensive side of the

Kota Ramsey Earns Adult Black Belt Advancement

Tajauni Elliot of Berean Christian School. ball, ending the season with seven getting himself ready for the distackles, one sack and two tackles trict track and field meet on April for loss.”

27-28. After that, it’s the Class 1A Berean’s boys varsity basketball regional meet, followed by the coach John Lantz has strong words FHSAA’s Class 1A track and field of praise for Elliot’s competitive state meet, which will be held on desire on the hardwood. the Percy Beard Track in the James “Tajauni was new to our team G. Pressly Stadium on the campus this year since he had not played of the University of Florida in competitive basketball since mid- Gainesville from May 11-14. dle school,” Lantz said. “He had Time will tell if Elliot’s junior a good attitude, worked hard and year in track will be as memorable was a good teammate. He knew and sensational as his sophomore his role, and he could jump high campaign, but his coaches are to block shots and grab rebounds.” certainly steering him in the right Right now, Elliot is focused on direction.

Genbu-Kai Karate in Wellington recently announced the promotion of Kota Ramsey to adult ShoDan Ho (1st degree probationary black belt).

Ramsey started in the Karate Kid program (3- to 6-year-olds) in April 2010 and advanced to the rank of 7th kyu, the last beginner level. In December 2010, Ramsey moved to the Junior Karate program, where he was active three times per week. He tested for his junior black belt rank during Genbu-Kai’s annual seminar events in front of Demura Shihan in October 2016 and received his ranking in February 2018.

In early 2017, due to Ramsey’s age, physical size and maturity level, he moved into the adult program, working his way, still training three days per week, toward the adult black belt.

In February 2022, Ramsey traveled to California with Sensei Moore to test in front of Demura Shihan for his adult black belt rank.

In Genbu-Kai, anyone testing for their 1st level black belt ranks are presented with either a plain red or black belt. For juniors (under 18), a plain red belt is awarded, and for those over 18, a plain black belt is awarded. After this initial promotion, students must wait and prove their dedication, and within a year’s time, are awarded their official Sho-Dan ranks, with their names embroidered on one side,

Kota Ramsey with Sensei Keith Moore. and the other side with the name of the organization, in Japanese Katakana font.

In today’s society, many who test and pass this rank often quit shortly afterward, thinking they’ve reached the top. However, this is the first step in understanding the true essence of martial arts training. Therefore, many miss the benefits, and true essence, of martial arts training.

Genbu-Kai Karate is located in the Wellington Marketplace.

For more information on classes, call (561) 804-1002 or visit www. floridagenbukai.com.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office Honors the memory of

Deputy Sheriff Richard J. Landes Who died in the line of duty on April 18, 1981 while proudly serving the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s Office and the citizens of Palm Beach County.

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Page 24

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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NEWS

WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB MEMBERS ENJOY LUNCHEON AT VILLAGE PARK

The Wellington Seniors Club held a luncheon on Wednesday, March 23 at the Wellington Recreation Center at Village Park. The seniors enjoyed boxed lunches from TooJay’s and music from comedic singer Manny Silver.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Comedic impressionist Manny Silver sings.

Mae Loglisci and Maria Pickford.

PBSO Deputy Jennifer Baker, Stephanie Parreco, Deputy Harold Harper and Deputy Ashley Carseni.

DeDe Beher, Selma Waters, Evelyn Regan, Faye Ford and Susan Odell.

Nancy Salviola, Hilde Wanklyn and Margaret Howlett.

volunteers. They serve socio-economically challenged students in need, attending public schools in Palm Beach County.

In addition, they provide college scholarships, the growth of student instrumental music programs, a student mentoring program and the support of the nationally acclaimed college-bound teaching and learning program, AVID, in several elementary schools.

Recipients of this scholarship attended a banquet at the Mirasol Country Club in Palm Beach Gardens to receive their awards and were paired with mentors.

Bob Nappi, Ernie Zimmerman and Ramon Silvacoll.

SCHOOL NEWS

PBCHS Students Get Scholarships

Four Palm Beach Central High School seniors were recently awarded the TeamWorks Education Foundation Scholarship for $4,000.

These $4,000, one-year scholarships are based on financial need, community service and academic performance requiring a minimum GPA of 3.0. These awards can be used to pay for tuition, books, fees, and college-approved room and board.

The TeamWork Education Foundation is dedicated to providing innovative team support with the involvement of families, teachers and TeamWork trained

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BRONCO BAND EARNS SUPERIOR RATINGS

Congratulations to the Palm Beach Central High School Symphonic Band and the PBCHS Wind Ensemble on their performances at the District Concert Band Music Performance Assessment. Under the direction of James Yaques, both bands earned the highest rating of Overall Superior, and the Wind Ensemble earned straight Superiors.

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April 8 - April 21, 2022

Page 25

SCHOOL NEWS

Area Teachers Among Finalists For Dwyer Awards ACCOLADES FOR PBCHS The Economic Council of Palm Special Programs, Steven Gordon excited to honor and celebrate Advancement/Career Education.

LATINOS IN ACTION Beach County Foundation this of Western Pines Middle School; these remarkable teachers in our The award recipients will be anweek announced the 28 finalists in STEM Education, Laura Arena community with an in-person nounced and honored along with for the 38th annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation. The list includes eight educators from schools in the western communities.

Local finalists for the award include: in the category of Elementary Education, Katherine Kovalsky of Royal Palm Beach Elementary School and Jennifer Allen of Wellington Elementary School; in Early Learning Education, Cathy Eckstein of Wellington Elementary School; in Middle School Education, Lisa Welz of Emerald Cove Middle School; in

of Elbridge Gale Elementary School and Caroline Westervelt of Western Pines Middle School; and in Career Education, Ted Glipits of Wellington High School.

The Dwyer Awards, an annual program developed in 1984 and supported by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County, increases awareness of the exemplary teaching, supports educators with financial awards and encourages all residents to promote high standards for excellence in education. “We are very

event this year,” said Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County. “This awards event will also be an opportunity to highlight our 2020 and 2021 winners in-person, as we are continually grateful for our teachers and their commitment to our students during these most challenging of years.”

The seven categories for the Dwyer Awards include Elementary Education, Grow Up Great/ Early Learning Education, Middle School Education, High School Education, STEM Education, Special Programs, and Student

all finalists, nominees and past recipients at the Dwyer Awards ceremony on Tuesday, May 10 at the Kravis Center. Mark Kelly, anchor at WPBF 25, will serve as emcee.

Tickets to attend the 38th annual William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education are $40 each. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception beginning at 5:30 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 7 p.m.

To purchase tickets, visit www. eventbrite.com/e/303748789807.

Visit www.economiccouncilpbc. org/dwyerawards to learn more.

The Latinos in Action Leadership Youth Conference was celebrated on March 10 at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. Latinos in Action of Palm Beach Central High School was awarded the 2022 Rookie School of the Year. In addition, the group earned the Gold Seal for SMARTE (Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Reason, Time-Based, Enlist Help) Goals. The Latinos in Action students not only attended the leadership workshops but also performed during the entertainment, receiving an outstanding ovation from the public.

Polo Park Cyber Stallions On A Roll

(Left) Staff members from Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School attend STEAM Day. (Right) Dr. Vetaley Stashenko showcases the Anatomage Table to instructors at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School.

PBSC Loxahatchee Groves Campus Hosts STEAM Day As Part Of New Partnership

Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves campus recently hosted its inaugural STEAM Day as part of a new partnership with Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School to increase community engagement.

“This partnership is a great extension of the college’s long-standing collaboration with the Palm Beach County School District,” said Kimberly Lancaster, dean of the Loxahatchee Groves campus. “It will not only help the elementary school meet some of its STEAM goals, but it also helps expand awareness of the Lox Groves campus and our programs. It is a win-win, especially for students.”

The professional development

day drew more than 50 of the elementary school’s instructors and others who took part in different STEAM activities led by PBSC faculty from the Loxahatchee Groves and Belle Glade campuses.

The activities, led by professors Gregory Maxwell, Jeanne Murcia, Dr. Vetaley Stashenko and Candace Walker, included demonstrations on a Anatomage Table, an augmented reality platform called Magic Leap and on a Syndaver, a synthetic human cadaver. Instructors also explored the Virtual Anatomy Laboratory using zSpace 3D technology and learned STEAM lessons designed for elementary school children that they could apply to their classrooms.

“The engaging professional de-

velopment on this day allowed our teachers to expand their toolbox of STEAM activities to help our students deepen their knowledge across curriculums,” said Juliana Bradley, assistant principal at Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School. “With state testing around the corner, our students are feeling the pressure. By collaborating with one another with the various STEAM learning opportunities, they will be able to push their students’ critical thinking skills while taking a break from the pressures of preparing for the test.”

Also in attendance was Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School Principal Richard Myerson, School District Instructional Superintendent Vivian Green,

School Board Member Marcia Andrews, and Mary McNicholas, liaison to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

“Teaching is hard, especially now. It doesn’t matter if it’s pre-k or college, that’s one thing we can all bond over,” said Walker, an associate professor who teaches science at the Belle Glade and Loxahatchee Groves campuses.

“To have opportunities to pour encouragement into each other, spark creativity and remember why we fell in love with teaching in the first place is priceless.

This event, held March 21, marked the first event of the partnership which began in February of this year. The campus plans to hold STEAM Day annually.

Pets Are Family, Too!

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DOGS AND HEATSTROKE

Hyperthermia, or heatstroke, is a common problem year-round, but particularly in the warmer months. The most common cause of heatstroke, a serious medical emergency, is leaving a dog in a car without adequate ventilation. A dog’s body temperature can elevate very rapidly, often within minutes, because it cannot control its body temperature by sweating, as humans do. The primary way dogs regulate their bodies is by panting. In addition, being left in a yard without shade or water on a hot day and exercising a dog too vigorously in hot temperatures can contribute to hyperthermia. It is better to leave pets at home inside with a fan or air-conditioning. Of course, never leave a dog alone in a parked car.

AT COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, we are well-aware that a commitment to preventive care is the best way of avoiding the many health hazards, infections, diseases, pest invasions, conditions, and other problems that can plague the pets we love. Whatever pet you choose to share your space with, an awareness of its needs is crucial to its good health. Keep your pet in the peak of health and happiness with comprehensive health care. We’ll be glad to share our knowledge of pet care, including, of course - NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET CONFINED IN A CAR IN HOT WEATHER. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. We are conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. P.S. Signs of hyperthermia include excessive drooling and panting, and vomiting.

Polo Park Middle School’s Cyber Stallions robotics teams continued their winning streak with victories at the regional tournament hosted by Palm Beach Gardens High School on Feb. 26.

Team 16113, the Cyber Guardians, took first place for Core Values. This victory advanced them to compete in the Florida State Invitational in Niceville held March 31 through April 2.

Team 36112, the Rockin Robots, won first place for Robot Performance, scoring 510 points, the highest score in the state, also ensuring their appearance at the Florida State Invitational.

Team 44893, the Royal Robots, earned a third-place spot for Robot

Performance with 420 points, and as regional champions will represent South Florida at the World Invitational in Houston, Texas, set for April 20-23.

“All of these kids have worked so hard to get to this point,” said David Grad, the Cyber Stallions’ coach. “I have watched them grow from individuals into a family.

This is what first robotics is all about. It also focuses on the six core values, which are fun, teamwork, inclusion, impact, innovation and discovery.”

The teams have set up a page on GoFundMe to raise money to help with travel expenses. If you would like to contribute, visit http://gf.me/u/2skkfq.

The Cyber Stallions celebrate their regional tournament success.

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Page 26

April 8 - April 21, 2022

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Palm Beach Symphony Recognizes Outstanding Local Music Students

Wellington resident Ellen Dahlstrom with her new Howarth XL-VT Grenadilla wood professional oboe.

PHOTO COURTESY INDIEHOUSE FILMS

The Palm Beach Symphony recently recognized Santaluces High School senior Dion Sellitti, a resident of Boynton Beach, with the 2021-22 Lisa B-Major Award.

Wellington resident Ellen Dahlstrom was honored as runner up.

Sellitti will receive a Selmer Paris Series II Jubilee model baritone saxophone as part of the program that awards an advanced-level instrument that can be used for college auditions and to launch a lifetime in music.

Sellitti has represented Palm Beach County in the FBA All-County Bands, All-County Jazz Bands and All-State Symphonic Bands. He has passed preliminary auditions at the University of Miami where he may one day study with Palm Beach Symphony Music Director Gerard

Wellington Author Publishes Book On ‘Vestiges Of Slavery’

The Vestiges of Slavery: Struggles of the Disadvantaged, a new book by Reginald Murray of Wellington, has been released by Dorrance Publishing Co. The Vestiges of Slavery is a firsthand account of how the practices of slavery affected the descendants of slaves and how socioeconomic political ideals reinforce these practices. Told through the lens of an educator in Florida working with Black and immigrant children, Murray provides an eye-opening look into the disparities between white schools and their practices versus minority schools.

A vital read for educators, parents and the community at large, The Vestiges of Slavery brings to light the reality of the educational system and encourages drastic

actions and changes for equal and fair schooling for children.

Murray is an 84-year-old father of seven, grandfather and great-grandfather. He has been married for 58 years. He is a retired educator with an array of work and educational experiences that have allowed him to be insightful when assessing societal problems.

Murray served in the U.S. Army for three years. This service gave him the opportunity to visit several states, as well as Korea. It also gave him a different perspective of the values of those different from himself.

Prior to pursuing his educational career, he worked as a bookkeeper at a historically Black college, Florida Memorial College. This experience helped him to understand the financial

concerns college students from economically depressed families encounter.

Murray received his master’s in education degree from Florida Atlantic University. He did further study at Nova University, earning his leadership certification. He was a guidance counselor and coordinator for 20 years and an assistant principal for 15 years.

Being a victim and product of the Jim Crow south, Murray understands how this system has impacted the perpetrators and the perpetrated.

The Vestiges of Slavery is a 48page paperback with a retail price of $10 (eBook $5).

To buy the book, visit https:// bookstore.dorrancepublishing. com/the-vestiges-of-slavery-struggles-of-the-disadvantaged.

Schwarz. Sellitti said his goals are to earn a master’s degree in performance and potentially join one of the Armed Forces Bands.

The announcement of the winner was made in the Venetian Ballroom at the iconic Breakers Palm Beach during the sold-out Palm Beach Symphony 20th Annual Gala. Sellitti delighted the gala guests by performing Bach’s Cello Suite #1 Gigue.

Dahlstrom, a student at the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, has received solo and ensemble Superior awards. Like her father Todd, who is a symphony board member, she is committed to others and started Young Musicians of the Palm Beaches to give student musicians in Palm Beach County paid performance opportunities in the community.

Dahlstrom has held several positions in the high school’s band department, including librarian, vice president and president.

She received a Howarth XL-VT Grenadilla wood professional oboe as her prize, which she can use as she pursues her plans in classical music and attend one of the nation’s renowned conservatories.

The honorees were determined by audition, with finalists participating in an interview and playing two contrasting musical works before of a panel of judges. Both students worked closely with the Palm Beach Symphony to identify, test and select their ideal instrument.

Sellitti and Dahlstrom will take part in a free outdoor concert at Meyer Amphitheater on Saturday,

May 21 with symphony musicians and students from the Dreyfoos School of the Arts.

Nominations will re-open in the fall for next year’s awards.

Eligible students must be current high school seniors in the fall and in good academic standing who are planning to enter a music degree program at a university or institution of higher learning.

Nominations are accepted from music teachers and private instructors and are judged upon the nominee’s accomplishments and activities, future musical plans and financial need.

The Palm Beach Symphony is South Florida’s premier orchestra known for its diverse repertoire and commitment to community.

For more information, visit www.palmbeachsymphony.org.

TBT Brotherhood To Honor Todd Barron At Golf Tourney May 1

For more than 17 years, the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood has consistently supported local charitable and governmental agencies, including funding scholarship and educational programs at Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah through its fundraising endeavors.

“A primary tenet of Judaism is — and always will be — tikkun olam, repairing the world. Our brotherhood understands how much the impact of performing the mitzvah of giving back impacts the world around us,” Rabbi Andrew L. Rosenkranz of Temple Beth Torah said.

On Sunday, May 1, the TBT Brotherhood will hold its 17th annual golf benefit at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. This year, the event will honor Todd Barron for the continuing work he does to

support the community, the temple and the temple brotherhood.

Each year, the golf event attracts more than 120 golfers and corporate sponsors.

“Our annual golf benefit is one of the premier golf events in South Florida. By selecting pristine private golf venues such as the Wanderers Club, and honoring such amazing people like Todd Barron, we attract avid golfers and major corporate sponsors year after year,” said Joel Zaidspiner, president of the Temple Beth Torah Brotherhood.

If you would like to make a donation to the brotherhood, participate or sponsor in the annual golf benefit, call Zaidspiner at (917) 771-3936. For more information on the tournament, visit www. tbtbrotherhood.com.

Todd Barron

Local Equestrian To Join Elite Club Honoring Senior Riders And Horses

Cassandra Ann Thompson of Greenacres will be inducted into a nationally known group for senior dressage riders and horses on April 16. The ages of Thompson and her horse, Byriels Murphy, qualify them to become members of the Dressage Foundation’s Century Club.

The Century Club recognizes dressage riders and horses whose combined ages total 100 years or more. Thompson is 72, and Byriels Murphy is 29. In addition to having ages totaling 100 years or more, the horse and rider perform a dressage test of any level and are scored by a dressage judge.

Thompson will be riding at the Gold Coast show held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

The Dressage Foundation provides a Century Club ribbon and wall plaque to each horse and rider team. Local dressage clubs, family and friends help to make the ride into a celebratory event.

The Century Club was formed by the Dressage Foundation in 1996, at the suggestion of noted dressage judge and instructor Dr. Max Gahwyler. The intent was to encourage older dressage riders to remain active in the sport. Since that time, the Century Club has grown into a meaningful and pop-

ular endeavor and has more than 540 members.

The Century Club is sponsored

by Platinum Performance. Since 1996, Platinum Performance has been committed to providing high-quality equine nutritional supplements that are developed, tested and made with care to en-

sure results. For more info., visit www.platinumperformance.com/ equine.

For more information about the Dressage Foundation or the Century Club, contact Sara Weiss, director of grants and programs, at (402) 434-8585 or visit www. dressagefoundation.org.

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BUSINESS NEWS

‘Mindful Body & Soul Healing Retreat’ Held In Royal Palm Beach

During uncertain times, many could use a weekend to relax, unwind and rejuvenate their mind, body and soul. Attendees did just that last weekend at Mindful Moments, a spiritual and natural healing center in Royal Palm Beach, at the Mindful Body & Soul Healing Weekend Retreat. Participants came from California, Texas and throughout Florida.

“At our retreat, we made many new friends who experienced wonderful results,” Psychic Medium Stacey said. “Mindful Moments is a welcoming place for all to feel like family. Whether receiving a reading, participating in classes, workshops or events, guests are sure to leave feeling focused, empowered and confident.”

Event attendees completely

Barbara, Michelle and Marci at the Mindful Moments retreat.

Free Educational Fair Set For April 9

Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC), a federally funded TRIO program at Palm Beach State College, the PBSC Foundation and the Salvation Army will sponsor a Community Educational Fair to help individuals get handson assistance with college admission and scholarship applications, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and get access to a range of community services.

The event is free and open to the public. There will be food, fun and games. Attendees must register at bit.ly/triocef.

The event will take place on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army (600 N. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach). The event will include EOC staff and representatives from more than a dozen state agencies, nonprofit organizations, PBSC trade programs and the PBSC Career Center on hand to provide information about their services.

For more information, call (561) 868-3961 or e-mail eocnorth@ palmbeachstate.edu. To learn more about the EOC, visit www. palmbeachstate.edu/r/eoc.

relaxed and let go of their bodily ailments and stresses that held them down. Starting on Friday evening, the attendees were led through a guided meditation, followed by finding balance with crystals on Saturday, and sound bath and reiki healing under the stars on Sunday. The weekend retreat concluded with a full body sage cleanse.

Mindful Moments hosts events each month, and the calendar is updated frequently. The next big event is “Mediumship Moment in Time” on Saturday, April 23 with Psychic Medium Stacey and Spiritual Mediumship Artist Diane. While Stacey connects and communicates with, and provides messages from those whom have passed away, watch Diane draw an

Crystal and Robin take part in a guided meditation.

11x14 portrait of a loved one who has passed without ever seeing a photo. Each attendee will take their own portrait home.

Located at the front of the store, Mindful Moments has a retail area. The store carries the highest quality gemstones at affordable prices, along with environmentally friendly candles, angel and tarot cards and lucky trees. In the back,

there are individual reading and reiki rooms, and a room where the classes and events take place.

Walk-ins are welcome on the weekends, but guests can also schedule their appointments in advance.

Mindful Moments is located at 10397 Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., visit www.mindfulmomentspb.com.

Attendees drink tea to receive their positive message.

Palms West Breaks Ground On ER Expansion

Leadership at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital broke ground Monday, April 4, on a $16 million emergency room expansion project.

The expansion will include an additional 4,400 square feet of space and renovate the existing 17,900 square feet to add 12 beds to the ER. The expansion will also allow for a fast-track emergency area, adult ER entrance and triage, and an EMS entrance.

Additionally, the expansion allows for a dedicated pediatric emergency room, which will have a pediatric ER entrance, a pediatric triage area and dedicated pediatric emergency rooms.

“It’s our job to take advantage of this opportunity to expand healthcare across Palm Beach County and care for and improve human life,” said Jason Kimbrell, CEO of Palms West Hospital. “[The expansion is] the next step toward where I believe we will be a next-generation hospital for our community to count on for being their hospital of choice, employees to count on for a great place of employment and a great place for our doctors to practice medicine.”

Last year, Palms West saw nearly 50,000 patients in its emergency room. The expansion is expected to be complete in the spring of 2023.

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital take part in the groundbreaking.

Barrett-Jackson To Auction Charity Vehicles At Palm Beach Event To Help Ukraine Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions, has a long-standing reputation for helping those in need with the sale of charity cars. Continuing that tradition, Barrett-Jackson will auction two vehicles, one from the George Shinn Collection and one from Mark Pieloch’s American Muscle Car Museum Collection, together as a pair to benefit Samaritan’s Purse and its humanitarian

relief efforts in Ukraine.

“We are proud to work with such generous individuals like George and Mark who have graciously donated these two vehicles to support those suffering in Ukraine,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “To date, we have helped raise more than $144 million for charitable causes around the world, and we are pleased that during our return

to Palm Beach this week, we can be a platform for raising funds to support the men, women and children of Ukraine.”

Offered from the world-class George Shinn Collection is a 2009 Ford Shelby GT500 Super Snake (Lot #3003) that will support Samaritan’s Purse for disaster relief and emergency medical care in Ukraine. The matching-numbers Official Indy Pace Car 1986

Chevrolet Corvette convertible (Lot #3003.1) also benefiting Samaritan’s Purse is offered from the renowned American Muscle Car Museum out of Melbourne.

“The generosity of our consignors and bidders continues to amaze me more and more at every Barrett-Jackson auction,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “The opportunity to play a role in providing

much-needed support to the men, women and children suffering in Ukraine right now is something I’m very honored to be a part of.

I want to thank George and Mark for their incredible kindness, and I look forward to what will surely be a spectacularly memorable moment when these two cars cross our auction block in Palm Beach.”

Samaritan’s Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Chris-

tian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.

Those interested in registering to bid on these charity cars supporting humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine and the entire 2022 Palm Beach Auction docket may do so at www.barrett-jackson.com/ bidder/home. The Palm Beach Auction will be at the South Florida Fairgrounds April 7-9.

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Page 28

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FEATURES

I Can’t Figure Out This Universe, Now I’ve Got The Metaverse

The following is a highly technical column with lots of big words and stuff, not like my usual columns at all. Just a heads up for those of you who want to call the Geek Squad to come out and translate.

My daughter Jen is a mechanical engineer, and what that means is that she is always using big words that I usually nod at and try to figure out while she’s talking.

The other night, she wanted to talk about the metaverse.

Because of the “verse” part, I had an inkling this was going to be something about nursery rhymes, poetry or the universe.

Universe won. Evidently there is something out there that real human people are involved in that is completely virtual — the money is virtual, the products are virtual

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER and the people are virtual. Nothing is real.

And yet, it’s all real. If you have pretend people trading pretend products for pretend money, it’s still economics. She told me how much safer the metaverse is than the universe. (The universe is something I’ve come to love even though I don’t understand it either).

She told me about artwork that can have only one owner because it has been imbedded with a virtual microchip, proving its provenance. It can’t be copied. Hmmm.

She said virtual snippets of NFL games are being traded like baseball cards, and Nike has designed a line of virtual sneakers that can’t be stolen from virtual owners. Meanwhile, rapper Snoop Dogg gave a virtual concert in the metaverse with really high bitcoin prices.

“Oh, please,” I said. “A virtual concert?

That’s television. Anyone can watch.”

“No, no, no,” she continued. “Concert-goers like to be able to look around the arena and see what other concert-goers are doing. Are they dancing? Waving their virtual lighters in the air? Putting the moves

on another concert-goer? What? Seating has to be limited for these avatars.”

“Avatars?” I had seen that movie with the blue people, and I do play games on my phone, so an avatar was something I knew about. It’s a creation where a real person can look however they want to look and be whatever they want to be.

“Some avatars even get married in the metaverse,” Jen said. “They may live on different continents in our world, but they live together in the virtual world.”

“With all the freedom of the metaverse, getting married is first on their list?” I screeched. “What about flying or being a shape-shifter?”

“Maybe they have all that,” she said.

Anyway, Nike is suing someone in the

metaverse for copying their shoes. “Ha!” I said. “So the metaverse isn’t that safe after all! There are crooks everywhere!”

“I suppose,” Jen replied. “Mom, I really appreciate how you’ve taken an interest in this stuff. You’re a great role model.”

“Thanks, but that’s not it. I’m interested because I view this as the next cell phone.

You have to know how to use it or you fall by the wayside. Plus, if you call me and tell me you’ve broken your leg, I have to know — is it really broken or is it metaversally broken? And do they have hospitals there? And how do I get you to one? And how much bitcoin do I need?”

She interrupted me with a hug, but I really wanted to know where these virtual hospitals were. One has to keep up.

Marvel’s New Vampire Flick ‘Morbius’ Is One Better To Avoid

I had high hopes for Morbius when I first read of the project. A key antihero in the Spider-Man universe, he is a “living vampire” who is always on the edge between good and evil. The problem is that the movie is on the edge between boring and “maybe I can sit through the rest of this because there might be a point.” Or at least one that goes beyond the computer-generated fangs of the lead character.

This is not only a film to avoid when having to pay in the theater, it is one that can be easily skipped when it plays at home.

Dr. Michael Morbius (Jared Leto) is a genius, suffering from a rare blood disease that both cripples and disfigures him. He is, to make it simple, anti-social, except for his friend Lucien (Matt Smith), who has the same disease. Both are getting near death when he tries out a new serum mixing human blood with, guess what? Blood of a vampire bat. You expected a spider,

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler maybe? In that case, he might do some good. Here, well, he doesn’t do all that much that’s really good. He does hate his thirst for human blood and has developed a substitute that holds off, somewhat, the need for the real thing.

But his buddy Lucien, called Milo for much of the movie, gets some of the serum and turns into a real baddie, having fun doing the whole Dracula thing.

Actually, the “real” Dracula, Vlad Tepes, did not drink blood at all. He was just a

really nasty fighter who is a folk hero in his native Transylvania/Wallachia. Our picture of him comes from Victorian-era writer Bram Stoker. But Milo embraces all of the decadence of the caricature, even boasting about how good it feels to bite into human necks. Most of what Morbius does is trying a bit to mitigate the damage.

That includes fighting Milo after his buddy attacks Morbius’ lab partner Martine Bancroft (Adria Arjona), who he loves. They also deal with a couple of seemingly not very interested investigators (Al Madrigal, Tyrese Gibson).

Leto’s acting is over the top most of the time. He enjoys playing extreme characters and does them very well. But at times, Morbius is simply dull, and at others he is over the top. So, at times, we are rather bored… it might have been a better picture if they focused on a vampire-like guy who created artificial blood that could

both save lives through transfusions and handle all vampires and their wannabees.

Smith is far better, getting a lot of fun out of his role. Unlike Leto, he can let it “all hang out,” having a great time doing the blood-sucking bit as the real villain. Most of the others do sort of fade away, although Jared Harris in a relatively small role as a mentor/father figure to Morbius, does stand out.

The big problem is that Morbius is neither hero nor villain. He does work to save his lab partner, but that is mostly for more personal reasons and because he might have guilt that she died because his friend stole the formula. He uses his super strength and flying ability for some interesting fight scenes, but they really go nowhere. The only bad guys he really goes after are some who are creating fake copies of his artificial blood, and even then the real reason is not to protect the public but

because he wants the lab. Who do you root for in a movie where the most important character is a pseudo-vampire who does not like being in that position? I liked the bad Milo more than our so-called hero.

Marvel has made many good movies over the last decade and a half. Several of them have been exceptional. And last year’s Spider-Man: No Way Home clearly demonstrated that complex issues can be handled in ways that are not as simple as we usually find in these kinds of movies.

I guess it finally is time for Marvel to have a clunker, and they found it in Morbius. They’ve done the Venom movies where anti-heroes have taken the lead, but those were entertaining. Here the main character is boring, the effects meaningless.

Skip this one. There are many more superhero movies coming this year, and we can hope all will be better than this one.

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Date: 04-08-22

Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper

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Page 31

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Page 32

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