Town-Crier Newspaper December 30, 2022

HOLIDAY EVENT AT DELMAR FARM

Committee Studying Plan That Could Keep Students

At PBCHS

Wellington residents made a case for not being zoned out of highly rated village schools to help fill a new high school opening in suburban Lake Worth. After a pitched debate, momentum seems to be swinging in their favor. At least, a key panel advising the Palm Beach County School District voted Tuesday, Dec. 20 to study a revised map for the new Dr. Joaquín García High School that could keep hundreds of southern Wellington students at Palm Beach Central High School. Page 4

RPB Quarter Auction

Raises Money For High School Scholarships

The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted a quarter auction on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center to help raise money for scholarships going to local high school seniors. Page 16

Village Of Wellington Concludes Successful Toy Drive For Holidays

Wellington’s Hometown Holiday Toy Drive successfully culminated on Thursday, Dec. 15, where parents and children came to choose their holiday gifts at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington. Page 17

RPB Council OKs Car Wash, Postpones Public Art Project

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

At the Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, the council approved a car wash project despite opposition from its neighbors and decided to rethink a planned public art project.

El Car Wash RPB LLC was granted approval to redevelop an old, vacant bank site located at 151 S. State Road 7. The new car wash facility will include a 3,399-square-foot standalone automated car wash and a self-service detailing area. The developers intend on designing a sustainable facility and keeping as many of the existing canopy trees as possible.

However, nearby residents were not happy with the idea. Victoria Grove HOA President Donna Maes spoke on behalf of her community.

“We are opposed to a car wash at that location. Right now, there are five car washes within Royal Palm Beach, within 2.7 miles of Victoria Grove. The area is getting built up,” Maes said, adding that there are already many accidents nearby. “I’ve been here before. Is it necessary? No. Apartments are necessary. Car washes are not. We are like the stepchild down here — we keep getting passed over. We always try to be good neighbors,

and we weren’t even approached on this. I can speak for 616 homes, and we are definitely against the car wash.”

Maes was followed by fellow resident Patricia Henry, who also expressed concerns about the project. “I got this e-mail at 4 p.m., and I work in Broward. I jumped into the car to be here,” she said. “The roundabout is already dangerous. The car wash is an insult to the people who live here. We purchased with the intent to increase in value, not decrease.”

While Maes and Henry asked the council to deny the car wash, Royal Palm Beach officials said that while the village can place conditions on this type of approval, it can’t outright reject it.

Mayor Fred Pinto, who lives in that area as well, said he understood their concerns, but also that the council does not have ultimate power.

“In terms of statutes, we have no ability to determine the number or types [of businesses]. It’s an open market,” he said. “A lot of times our citizens make an assumption that we have arbitrary power to do certain things when, in fact, we don’t. In full disclosure, I am a resident of Victoria Grove. I am aware of the points that were raised. But the point of the matter is Victoria Grove is not a stepchild.

Redevelopment is happening around the entire village. I want to put it in context. The issue tonight is a technicality. Have the requirements been met?”

Village Attorney Keith Davis clarified that there is nothing in laws or existing codes — including distance separation requirements — that legally permits the council to deny the car wash application.

George Missimer of the planning firm Cotleur & Hearing spoke on behalf of the applicant.

“There is extensive research done on the market competition in the area. This product that we are bringing, a self-service car wash, is a very nice facility and very well maintained,” he said. “We understand the resident’s concerns, but then again, we are taking a property that has been run down… and we are revamping it.”

Pinto said his initial reaction to the project echoed that of other residents, but he still saw no legal reason to deny the project. Councilman Richard Valuntas concurred. “I feel your pain. I don’t want that traffic, and no one wants that in their neighborhood, but I don’t see any way in justifying a denial,” he said.

Pinto emphasized limitations on what actions they can take.

“There is nothing we are going See RPB COUNCIL, page 4

Wellington To Partner With The County On Senior Meal Program

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Senior citizens in Wellington looking for free, nutritious meals, along with social activities, will soon be able to find both, Monday through Friday, at the Wellington Community Center.

In partnership with the Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services, a congregate meal site will begin operations in January 2023 at the community center. It is the culmination of several years of discussions.

Village Manager Jim Barnes said that Wellington first approached the county about a congregate meal site before Paul Schofield retired as village manager.

“The county’s Division of Senior Services has a program that they operate at several sites, including the one in Royal Palm Beach,” Barnes said. “When we reached out to them, they were not in a position to establish a new site. This year, when they reached out to us, they were in a position to establish a new site and asked if we were still interested.”

Wellington certainly was interested and started getting all the moving parts in order to host a congregate meal site at the Wellington Community Center.

Breakfast and lunch will be served Monday through Friday, with the exception of federal holidays. Funding is through the Older Americans Act (OAA) and sponsored by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

“At our open house event on Dec. 13, we collected 40 applications to attend the meal site and 10 volunteer applications to help serve the meals,” Barnes said. “Additional applications were given out to seniors in need, and we expect to collect more applications before the programs kicks off.”

The Wellington Village Council approved an interlocal agreement with the county for the congregate meal program in September for an initial term of three years, after which it would be up for renewal.

Aside from the new site in Wellington, the county also offers meal sites in Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach, Pahokee, Lake Worth and Riviera Beach.

In order to attend a meal site, eligible seniors must complete an application called a Form 701c, which is a requirement of the federal nutrition program.

“Once we receive an application, we review the information and send it to the Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services for finalization of registration,” Barnes said. To receive free meals at Wellington’s congregate meal site, applicants must meet one of the following criteria: The individual is 60 years of age or older, or is the spouse of a person 60-plus years of age who eats at the meal site. The program is also open to people under 60 years of age, who are disabled, reside in the home of a person 60-plus years old and is accompanied to the meal site by the older person. People providing volunteer service at the congregate meal site during the meal hour also receive meals.

The congregate meal site program provides nutritionally balanced meals, nutrition education and nutrition risk screening for older Floridians, and encourages socialization and better health through disease prevention and health promotion programs. The meals meet nutritional standards by incorporating the federal dietary guidelines.

“Seniors who applied or are interested in applying indicated to us that as important as the meals are, the companionship and fellowship with other seniors in the program also is an incentive to participate,” Barnes said.

The county’s role in the program is to deliver the food to the community center. The village will staff the site using a combination of village employees and volunteers.

“I truly do think that while the provision of balanced meals for our senior population is a great benefit, this actually achieves an additional win to be able to provide the fellowship and companionship that these seniors want and need,” Barnes stressed.

He added that the community center is a site that many Wellington seniors are already familiar with.

“This is great for seniors who also participate in our other programs,” he said, explaining that

Region’s Football Stars Shine At High School All-Star Game

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the King’s Academy was the site of one more high school football game. It was the annual Palm Beach County and Martin County High School All-Star Football Game. The game featured the top senior high school football players from Palm Beach County and Martin County. Page 21

Visit With Exotic Animals At Conservation Center

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report

Hidden

trian communities of southern Wellington, there is a hidden gem: a conservation center for exotic animals.

“The first exotic they got here

was in 2013, a black-and-white ruffed lemur, Mork,” said Cole Davis, who wears many hats at the Wellington Conservation Center.

The center began in a different iteration in Illinois, where owners Matthew and Sherri Carfi had an exotic animal farm, including lions, tigers, cougars and other large animals. They came to Wellington in 1994, raising and breading Hackney ponies and American Saddlebreds.

The Carfis wanted to also have a black bear rescue, but that wasn’t in the cards.

“They haven’t given up on the black bears — they’ve recently

After Protest, Roth Working To Pause Fines Against Truckers

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

State Rep. Rick Roth (R-District 94) is talking individually this week with members of the Palm Beach County Commission in an effort to tamp down the flames of resentment and frustration that has been ignited in The Acreage by what some residents see as overly aggressive code enforcement by the county.

“With the holidays, it has been difficult, but I’m starting to have conversations with key people in my group,” said Roth, who represents most of the Acreage/ Loxahatchee area. “I’m developing some talking points that I intend to share with each of the commissioners.”

He has no plans to formally ad-

dress the commissioners at their next meeting Jan. 10 but has not ruled it out, he said this week.

Whether publicly or behind the scenes, Roth will be seeking a moratorium of code enforcement/ zoning regulations and fines that the area’s long-haul truckers claim are wrecking their livelihoods. Fines can run to $1,000 per day, per vehicle for parking a tractortrailer at their residence in the semi-rural community.

Roth and some 200 others supporting the moratorium or outright rollback of regulations had plenty to say, loud and clear, when they gathered Monday, Dec. 19 in the green space outside the county’s government building in downtown West Palm Beach.

Wearing red T-shirts and carry-

ing signs, truckers, their spouses and some children chanted slogans such as “Save Our Truckers,” “Save Our Ag” and “Give Us Freedom.” Through a bullhorn, they heard from Roth and Natalia Melian, an Acreage resident who has been organizing much of the resistance to a 2019 change in the county code that they say took away their right to park their big rigs on their property.

With the onslaught of the pandemic in early 2020, the change went mostly unenforced. But now, enforcement has increased — and aggressively so, Melian said.

“Why are we here? We’re here to be heard,” Melian told the crowd. “They’re putting us out of business… We won’t let that stand. Together we can win this.”

partnered with a landowner in Wisconsin,” Davis said.

In Wisconsin, the goal is to give orphaned bears, or those that are a nuisance, a safe home.

In the meantime, the Wellington Conservation Center is home to exotic animals that are threatened by habitat loss and poaching, as well as those that are critically endangered. It’s a place where unwanted, abandoned and orphaned animals are able to live safely, with nurturing and care.

Davis started at the center as an intern, and over the last few years has taken on more responsibilities, including running the tour pro-

gram, acting as a camp counselor, taking care of animals, designing merchandise, running the digital presence and more.

For the animals that are not thriving in the wild, the center is working on its breeding program. This includes the lemurs, the wallabies, foxes and there have even been rabbits. Since Davis started at the center, there have been almost 20 baby animals.

The Wellington Conservation Center is home to animals such as a black-and-white ruffed lemur, red ruffed lemur, two-toed sloth, wild hog, pot-bellied pig, pale

the

said, she

the

“But I’m not happy that the commissioners did not come down,” she said. “That was disappointing.”

However, Jon Carter, chief-ofstaff for newly elected Commissioner Sara Baxter, intends to re-

quest from the county commission a “zoning in progress” designation for this issue that would provide a moratorium on enforcement and fines for up to one year so that the issue can be studied.

Under existing county code, residential storage/parking is

Claudia Campbell of the Loxahatchee-based nonprofit animal sanctuary Delmar Farm hosted a special Holiday Wonderland event on Saturday, Dec. 17. Families were able to enjoy story time, cookies, decorating, games, animal encounters and pony rides. Guests were able to bring unwrapped toys to be donated to the Kids Cancer Foundation, and all other proceeds benefited the sanctuary and its animals. Shown above is Claudia Campbell with her team at Delmar Farm. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY CALLIE SHARKEY/TOWN-CRIER

away among the horses, tall shrubbery and winding roads that are prevalent within the eques-

State Rep. Rick Roth addresses the hundreds of people who showed up at a Dec. 19 rally in downtown West Palm Beach.

PHOTO BY LOUIS HILLARY PARK/TOWN-CRIER This week, Melian

was pleased by

turnout for

protest.

The capybara (left) and the red ruffed lemur (right) are just two of the exotic animals you’ll see at the Wellington Conservation Center.

GOOD SAMARITAN AWARD

JessSantamaria Good Samaritan Award2022

Since moving to the western communities in 1974, Jess Santamaria has made a huge difference to the residents there. He first developed commercial businesses, providing much-needed services to the growing Village of Royal Palm Beach.

Santamaria has since given back to his community with numerous charitable works. In 2006, he was elected to the Palm Beach County Commission for District 6, which includes Royal Palm Beach, the Acreage/ Loxahatchee area, Wellington and the Glades. During his eight years on the board, Santamaria donated his yearly $100,000 salary to the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County.

And for the past 16 years, Santamaria has partnered with PBSO deputies in the western communities to help families in need, donating $15,000 to $25,000 each year to support this mission.

For distinguishing himself for more than 50 years of exceptional service to his neighbors, Jess Santamaria is more than deserving of the Samaritan Award. Congratulations!

(Front row) Michelle, Victoria and Jess Santamaria; (back row) PBSO Lt. Mike Ferrante, Capt. Ulrich Naujoks, RPB Mayor Fred Pinto, RPB Village Manager Ray Liggins and Chris Santamaria.

ITID To Focus On Roads In 2023; State Road 7 Delay A Setback

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

A survey of Indian Trial Improvement District supervisors indicates the focus for the fivemember board will be roads, roads, roads in 2023 — especially since the Florida Department of Transportation has again put off the long-awaited extension of State Road 7.

“Roads are a very major focus… dealing with the traffic,” recently elected Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando said this week. “I’m very disappointed that the State Road 7 extension has been put off again.”

The extension would connect SR 7 from 60th Street North to Northlake Blvd. The original plan would have then carried it through to the Beeline Highway. But in the face of persistent and ongoing litigation from environmentalists and the City of West Palm Beach in support the Ibis development, FDOT recently agreed to delay the lawsuit-plagued extension by at least five to seven years.

Without the SR 7 extension, motorists will continue in increasing

numbers to use roads in The Acreage — some county-owned, some maintained by ITID — as cutthroughs to and from Northlake, ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson has said.

Meanwhile, at its Dec. 20 meeting, the Palm Beach County Commission approved initiation of a comprehensive plan thoroughfare right of way identification map amendment for 60th Street North from 140th Avenue North to SR 7 from 80 feet to 100 feet in width.

While ITID has very little control over county and state road projects, the district is trying to be proactive when dealing with local roads.

“We’re trying to keep up with the [traffic] problem by installing more speed tables,” Accomando said. “And, of course, there’s the R3 road project.”

The R3 road improvement plan, finalized earlier this year, has the goal of paving or placing millings on certain roads that ITID has deemed to benefit all residents of The Acreage, with a specific focus of improving access to schools,

parks, impoundment areas, ITID facilities and Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue facilities.

“Speeding already is a problem on many of these roads, especially the larger ones,” Hanson has said, noting that the speed limit on most is 25 to 40 miles per hour. “We want to make sure the roads in the district stay safe for our residents — for people walking or riding their bikes or their horses, and just for people pulling out of their own driveways.”

Supervisor Keith Jordano said that the community will be “devastated” if traffic is allowed to continue to grow without local control. “We can’t keep allowing all this traffic,” he said. “We’re growing… and we have to be able to manage it.”

A key to controlling traffic in ITID may be decided in court this spring when a suit by Minto Communities USA against ITID is scheduled to go to trial. Minto, the major developer and landowner in adjacent Westlake, seeks to force the district to allow the fastgrowing city’s Persimmon Blvd. to

connect with Acreage-area roads. ITID contends that the heavy truck traffic that the connection would generate would create an unfair burden for ITID residents, who pay for their roads without county, state or federal funds.

“The district’s roads are maintained for the benefit of the district’s residents,” said attorney J. Michael Burman of the West Palm Beach firm Reid Burman Lebedeker Xenick Pepin.

Burman, who is defending ITID in the suit, said the developer has made no effort to find a compromise or settle the suit. “Minto is trying to impose their will on the district,” he said.

Minto Senior Vice President John Carter, who oversees the Westlake project for the developer, declined to comment for this story, citing company policy. However, at an October meeting of the Westlake City Council, he told that board that he is committed to seeing the suit through — no matter how long it takes.

Several ITID supervisors noted that the only realistic way to gain

control of traffic issues, zoning, code enforcement and more in the area is through incorporation. A local bill allowing ITID residents to do so will be presented to the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation meeting Thursday, Jan. 12 in Jupiter. If it gains support there, it will go before the state legislature in the spring.

The effort failed last session when it did not gain support from the local delegation in late 2021.

“I’m still a proponent of getting the right to vote,” said Accomando, who is part of the VoteLox group sponsoring the bill. “I’m hoping the local delegation will let the people decide.”

Other key issues mentioned by supervisors include:

• Making sure that Palm Beach County and South Florida Water Management District officials follow through on their pledge to complete the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area levee at a cost of $9 million plus. “We’re not in control of this project… and Indian Trail taxpayers are not paying for it,” ITID Vice President Betty

Argue said. “It’s long overdue.”

• Decide how to best make use of the 640 acres donated to the district by GL Homes as part of an agreement with the county that allows the developer to build 3,897 housing units, 300,000 square feet of commercial space and 50,000 square feet of office space on the Indian Trails Grove property in the northwest section of the district.

“We still have lots of work to do with drainage,” Argue said.

• A need to revisit the Acreage Athletic League’s domination of activities at Acreage Community Park. Supervisor Patricia Farrell, who also was elected to her first term in November, said no entity should have a “monopoly” on youth sports in district parks.

• More of an effort to develop a sense of connectedness among ITID residents. “One of the opportunities we have is to create greater community involvement,” Farrell said. She suggested encouraging residents to participate in events, such as those sponsored by the Acreage Landowners’ Association.

Wellington

The Wellington Community Foundation distributed hundreds of gifts wrapped with an extra dose of care this year. Gift packages were delivered just in time for Christmas to elementary school students in Wellington. The packages included new sneakers, socks, underwear and an age-appropriate toy. “We love working with our area schools to help identify those families who may need a helping hand,” WCF Chair Tom Wenham said.

The foundation partners up with local nonprofit Back to Basics to do the shopping each year. They assist in identifying and organizing, and allow the foundation to shop their warehouse for some of the basics. Maggie Zeller, a board member with both of these nonprofit organizations, heads up this wonderful event each year. This year, new WCF Board Member Terri Kane jumped in to assist with shopping and organizing this huge undertaking.

The foundation also kept it local with the purchase of all the ageappropriate toys by shopping at the Go! Calendars, Toys & Games store at the Mall at Wellington

Foundation

More Than Gifts In Delivering 100-Plus Packages For Christmas

Green. Store Manager Brittany Eskowitz went above and beyond to help the foundation stretch its budget and bring smiles to all of the children on the list. With the assist of choosing age-appropriate toys and a special discount, Eskowitz and the staff at Go! Calendars, Toys & Games really supported the community with holiday spirit.

The foundation also received an assist again from the staff at the Town-Crier newspaper, with each item being wrapped and adorned with a bright holiday ribbon, packaged up and labeled for distribution by some of the foundation board members before the winter school break began.

“This project directly aligns with our mission,” WCF Board Member Barry Manning said. “This is one of those feel-good projects that we look forward to every year.”

This is the seventh consecutive year that the foundation has approved funding for the project, and plans are underway to expand it again in 2023.

Learn more about WCF at www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.

Store Manager Brittany Eskowitz and staff member Magda Lopez at Go! Calendars, Toys & Games in the Mall at Wellington Green.

WCF Secretary Jim Sackett, New Horizons Elementary School Principal Dana Pallaria, Team Leader Dara Harris, and WCF board members Maggie Zeller, Don Gross and Terri Kane.

Desks at the Town-Crier newspaper were stacked with all the presents wrapped by volunteers and bagged, ready for distribution.

Committee Studying Plan That Could Keep Students At PBCHS

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington residents spoke up in meetings. They submitted hundreds of pages of e-mails. They made a case for not being zoned out of highly rated village schools to help fill a new high school opening in suburban Lake Worth. After a pitched debate, momentum seems to be swinging in their favor.

At least, a key panel advising the Palm Beach County School District voted Tuesday, Dec. 20 to study a revised map for the new Dr. Joaquín García High School that could keep hundreds of southern Wellington students at Palm Beach Central High School. The Advisory Boundary Committee meets again Thursday, Jan. 12.

“The quality of the schools was the central reason we decided to locate here,” said Mike Costello, one of scores of parents who spoke up on the issue. He lives in a part of Wellington

along the Lake Worth Road corridor that was initially zoned for the new school.

“Both Wellington High School and Palm Beach Central are A-rated schools,” he noted. “The new high school will not be ranked for a while.”

The first new high school to be built in Palm Beach County since 2005, Garcia is set to open in August on Lyons Road, north of Lantana Road in unincorporated Lake Worth. It will be a state-ofthe-art facility, but exactly how to set its boundaries has proved to be a big deal in the nation’s 10th largest school district.

One potential downside to the latest plan is it will likely leave at least one Wellington high school operating under crowded conditions for at least the next half decade. Planners say that could mean 110 percent of capacity at Wellington High School, or 107 percent to 109 percent at Palm Beach Central, depending in part on the assign-

ment of neighborhoods between the two village schools.

Some boundary committee members questioned at the Dec. 20 meeting why it was not possible to spread out enrollment better, so a host of schools across a large swath of the district could operate closer to or below 100 percent.

“It will be very difficult to do what this committee needs to do if we allow city limits to become a fence around which this committee has to work to relieve overcrowding or to populate a new school,” Committee Member Carlos Diaz said.

One piece of Wellington, a tract known as 179A, sticks out on the map village residents advocated. Such areas that flare out from a thin point of connection with the rest of their school’s territory are sometimes called a “bow tie.”

Garcia’s new campus is physically closer to many of the neighborhoods in question than Palm Beach Central, Diaz said.

But residents mentioned several factors, such as that Wellington offers supplementary grants to its public schools, and that an engineering program at Polo Park Middle School, for example, feeds into a similar specialty at Palm Beach Central.

Some noted that a new western-area high school planned in six years could relieve the excess enrollment over time.

Wellington resident Jennifer Hamilton said her daughter, a sophomore, was worried about leaving her friends at Palm Beach Central.

“I can tell you that she has been an emotional mess since the news of the proposed zones has come out,” Hamilton said.

Susan Perconte also believes that Wellington students should go to Wellington schools.

“My family and I love and take pride in our community and firmly believe that we live in Wellington and our children should remain in

our A-rated Wellington schools,” she said.

Speakers and e-mailers expressed concerns about ripple effects across a large number of schools spanning nearly half the county, but the biggest hotspots remained Palm Beach Central and another Garcia neighbor to its southeast, Park Vista High School.

The committee plans to study what will be a seventh version of the boundary plan in January, combining elements of previous proposals.

The first plan presented at a Dec. 8 meeting would have moved 495 students from Palm Beach Central’s boundary to Garcia in the first year, and up to 650 in later years, officials said. Palm Beach Central would have accepted some students from crowded schools to its east, with the goal to operate near its designed capacity of 2,744 students. After feedback from village leaders and residents, subsequent plans began to explore let-

ting Wellington students stay put. Garcia is projected to hold about 2,500 students by the 2027-28 school year. The name honors Dr. Joaquín García, a Cuban-born local businessman who died in 2021. He was a founding member of the Hispanic Education Coalition of Palm Beach County.

The process still has a long way to go, and the committee’s findings do not necessarily dictate what the school district ultimately chooses to do. District officials are expected to make a final decision in the coming months, perhaps by early spring.

But so far, Wellington residents have made their voices heard.

Members of the public can comment at the school district’s Advisory Boundary Committee virtual meeting set for Thursday, Jan. 12 at 5 p.m. Check the district’s online meeting calendar for details. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to public.comment@ palmbeachschools.org.

Palm Tran Looking To Royal Palm For Help With Pilot Program

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council received a special presentation from Clinton Forbes, executive director of Palm Tran, on Thursday, Dec. 15. He provided some background on the transportation system, followed by the introduction of an important project that will impact all of Palm Beach County — its bus shelter improvement program.

“Palm Tran has been in this community for 50 years. We provide public transportation services throughout the entire county. We touch every part of this county,” Forbes said. “I’m here to ask for your collaboration and cooperation with this project and increase communication. We will be working closely with your village manager.”

Meals Starting In January

continued from page 1

they can arrive for breakfast, then enjoy the available programming, then have lunch. “That is a great day of activities and meals that they might not otherwise receive.”

Generally, the seniors are responsible for getting to the community center from their place of residence. However, the village has partnered with the local nonprofit Wellington Cares to support people who are homebound.

“With the assistance of Wel-

RPB Council Car Wash Approval

continued from page 1 to say here tonight that is going to make you walk away feeling good about this, obviously,” he said. “People make statements like. ‘This is going to hurt my property values.’ This is not going to hurt property values.”

After additional discussion, the council requested a limitation on hours of operation, and the applicant agreed. With the addendum that the facility must close its operations at 9 p.m., and allow one additional hour for employees to close, the application was approved.

Also at the meeting, the first

Truckers

Moratorium

Possible

continued from page 1 allowed for one commercial vehicle — defined as registered and belonging to a resident of the property, and not exceeding 12,500 pounds and 26 feet in length. A tractor-trailer rig is often more than 60 feet long and weighs 80,000 pounds or more. Restrictions within municipalities vary.

Owners of dump trucks, smaller commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, swamp buggies, airboats and more, who often park them in the multi-acre yards common to unincorporated areas of the county, potentially run afoul of the ordinance.

Lawn maintenance businesses

Currently, Palm Tran offers three ride options: the fixed-route bus system, paratransit for individuals with physical limitations and a micro-transit choice called Mobility on Demand. The latter is a form of ride-share.

“Coming through the pandemic, I’m enormously proud of our industry and the innovation that we’ve implemented to protect our customers and employees. We recently implemented state-ofthe-art air filtration on our buses,” Forbes said, explaining that the conversion of humidity to invisible molecular hydrogen peroxide proactively cleans air and surfaces in confined spaces, such as the vehicles used in public transport.

Palm Tran is in the process of upgrading its 40-foot buses to include “infotainment” systems

lington Cares as our community partner, meals may be delivered to those who apply and are in the program but may not be able to make it to the community center for the program,” Barnes said.

The program, he added, will also help the village keep better track of this vulnerable population. “If someone stops showing up, we have access to the registrations, and then we can reach out to them for a wellness check,” Barnes said.

He describes the entire program as a win-win for everyone involved, and an important program offered to senior citizens in Wellington.

hearing for the commission of public art pieces to be placed at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, located at 151 Civic Center Way, hit a few bumps on its way to fruition.

Mario Lopez Pisani, the village’s public art professional, presented the photography project by New York-based artist Xan Padron. The project includes a $30,000 budget to purchase three pieces of artwork — one by commission and two others that are already in the artist’s inventory.

When Lopez Pisani explained that one piece was filled with photos of West Palm Beach residents, the council inquired about having only Royal Palm Beach residents in the images instead. The flag photo collage was popular with the council, but again, not with

already are being forced from locations in areas such as Heritage Farms, said Roth, who introduced Keely Haverland at the rally.

Haverland is the former owner of Haverland Ag and a third-generation nursery owner. She reached out to Roth in April 2022 and got him interested in the issue, which is affecting that industry as well.

“I was the next generation, but Palm Beach County officials stormed in and took that from me,” Haverland said in a press release from her group, Farms Under Fire.

Reversing changes to the zoning codes that disadvantage various aspects of the agriculture industry “is a fast-growing mission that includes many hardworking families, now fighting together to end the unlawful actions and impossible demands that local

— monitors with public service information, advertising and video monitoring that has already led to a reduction in incidents on buses. The newer models have a more curved design for aesthetics and Q’straint wheelchair securement systems.

To provide better service in the Glades, Palm Tran introduced Mobility on Demand, a sharedride system that travels between the cities in the Glades for $2 per one-way ride. The larger buses were removed from the area due to difficulty navigating on the roads, and this system has gone from 1,000 boardings when it began to more than 10,000 boardings a month.

“If you are going to use our system, we don’t want you to think much about it. Credit card, mobile

“Many senior services professionals agree that participation in congregate meal programs improves daily nutrient intake, nutrition status, social interactions and functionality in older adults,” Barnes said. “These improvements have the potential to affect health, quality of life and healthcare utilization for the senior population, and consequently improves the quality of life of our seniors.”

Eligible seniors who are interested in participating in the congregate meal program should call the Wellington Community Center at (561) 753-2484. More information is available at www.wellingtonfl. gov/2079/Congregate-Meals.

non-RPB residents in the images, if possible.

Village Manager Ray Liggins mentioned shifting gears a bit to include the one commissioned piece, but to see if the artist was willing to commission more than one for the same price point. Lopez Pisani agreed to reach out to the artist and find out what it might cost to change the agreement details. He explained the commissioned piece is approximately $11,000 of the total project cost, and there might be an option to work within the remaining money to make the artworks more local-community focused.

With the change in criteria from the council, the art project was tabled until the next council meeting to allow for time to negotiate a new agreement with the artist.

government is impressing upon them,” Haverland added.

Lou Colantuoni, a longtime resident of Indian Trail Improvement District, attended the protest. He also is a member of the VoteLox group that is seeking to gain permission from the state legislature to hold a referendum on Acreage incorporation.

“Change is upon us, and more is rapidly coming at us,” he said after the rally. “People want to preserve their rural lifestyle.”

The only way to do that is through incorporation, Colantuoni said.

ITID Vice President Betty Argue said this week that as an unincorporated special district, the area’s 45,000 residents “don’t really have a voice” in zoning or code enforcement.

“As many people who are upset

phone, smart card, cash — you should be able to pay the fare. We have more mobile users than smart card users in our system,” said Forbes, as he explained the Paradise Pass fare collection system. After years of planning, Palm Tran is ready to upgrade its “furniture,” too. Currently, there are 72 bus stops, nine shelters, two pole-mounted seats and six shelters in the Royal Palm Beach area. But Route 52, which serves the community, is operating at just under six people riding the system each hour. “Typically, good productivity is 12 to 15 people an hour. Riviera Beach and Royal Palm Beach are our two top

Animals Wellington Sanctuary

continued from page 1 fox, cattle, Brazilian porcupine, blue-and-yellow macaw, Pekin duck, Bennett’s wallaby, capybara, crab-eating raccoon, Patagonian cavy, citron-crested cockatoo, rex rabbit, sulcata tortoise, alpaca, Hackney pony, kinkajou, red-footed tortoise, Indian star tortoise, Muscovy duck, black-tailed prairie dog, southern tamandua and more.

Private tours are available every day by appointment except for Tuesday, and special animal encounters can also be booked.

Tours take place at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

“Every day is different when you’re working with animals,” Davis said.

For those interested in getting a more in-depth experience with one of their favorite animals, special encounters with a species of your choice are available. The most popular special encounters include spending time with the sloths, the anteater or the capybaras for a half hour.

There are many other ways to learn about the animals at the Wellington Conservation Center. They accept interns, offer educational trips, hold special programs for scouts to earn badges, provide volunteer opportunities for those 16 years of age or older, offer summer camp for children ages 8 to 14 and host birthday parties.

During the summer camp — registration has already begun — campers learn how to become

candidates for the 5-6-1 Plan,” Forbes said.

The plan includes first and last mile service, and even a light rail system running from Royal Palm Beach to downtown West Palm Beach along Okeechobee Blvd.

Improvements to Palm Tran include a goal of zero emissions for 25 percent of the fleet by 2032 through the use of electric vehicles. Bus stops will see upgrades beyond shaded seating ranging from solar lighting and USB charging ports to smart screens with real-time bus information. The timeline presented began with an ADA transition plan phase one this fall, and bus stop engineering

junior zookeepers, learn about conservation and focus on different animals at the sanctuary. The weeklong camps begin on June 12, with the last session starting on July 31.

Many of the animals are more active at night, which makes nighttime events a great way to see and interact with them. Coming up on Saturday, Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. is the center’s Wellington’s Wild Nights event, a fun-for-all-ages nighttime experience with the animals. For three hours — which is longer than a typical private tour — attendees will get to enjoy snacks and refreshments, as well as beer and wine for those of age. Tickets are available online now. They are $35 for adults and those over age

and design beginning in spring 2023. The first batch of new bus shelter construction should start in summer 2023.

“The bus shelter issue is important if we are really serious about creating a public transportation environment. That’s a big part of it, and people being able to not have to stand out in the sun,” Mayor Fred Pinto said. “It’s a piece of the puzzle for putting together the vision for where we think public transportation needs to go.”

Forbes emphasized working with communities such as Royal Palm Beach to ensure that the new shelters fit aesthetically with what residents want.

13. Tickets for children are $15.

“The sanctuary is all lit up with lights, and the enclosures are lit up,” Davis said. “We do interactions throughout the night… some of them are a lot more active at that time of day.”

The anteater walks around, visitors feed the lemurs and porcupines, and get to experience the animals in a fun, nighttime setting with refreshments.

The center is wheelchair accessible and handicap friendly, taking part on relatively flat grass. Visitors can call ahead to discuss mobility concerns. Visit them online at www. wellingtonconservationcenter.org for more information, or to book a visit.

OPINION

Thoughts At The Start Of 2023

Wellington prides itself on having a welcoming, inclusive and connected community, where residents can thrive and businesses flourish. This is not something that happens overnight or without effort. We collaborate intentionally with civic organizations, educational institutions and businesses, to provide a strong civic foundation.

Our welcoming and connected community takes planning, strong civic and business leadership, and a commitment to do what is right for Wellington now and in the future. The most successful communities leverage the strengths, skills and resources of each partner, making the whole stronger than the sum of its parts. Embracing collaboration as a fundamental principle has been key to what makes us a “Great Hometown.”

about code enforcement, there are others who feel different. [But] it’s clear we have a lot of small business owners affected in our community,” she said. “We want to maintain our rural, agricultural, equestrian lifestyle… [but] we need to have a real discussion about how we do that.”

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

STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ Art & Production Manager

The start of a new year always carries with it the feeling of a clean slate, a story yet to be told. The new year also usually carries a theme of health and wellness. That’s not by accident, as a new year often signifies a chance to start fresh and improve our mind, body and spirit. There’s no better time to showcase all our community has to offer in this arena than during these days when we are all crafting New Year’s resolutions. Indeed, it seems like the perfect time to focus on a contributor to wellness in which we all have a role — community. Grab a dictionary, or maybe these days “Google” it, and read that community can be defined

as a feeling of fellowship with others, often as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals. In Wellington, we do this in a big way. Even as our population has grown, we have managed to retain that feeling of connectivity. It is entirely a credit to the people who live here. We talk to our neighbors. We crowd to local events. We register our kids for youth sports and recreation programs. We have a club or organization to join for all interests. We are home to countless support and faith groups. 2023 brings a new opportunity to get out and make the most of your community. In the words of the beloved Mister Rogers, “If only you could sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” Happy New Year, Wellington! Hope to see you soon “in the neighborhood.”

Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Rally organizer Natalia Melian stands next to State Rep. Rick Roth at the Dec. 19 rally.

PHOTO BY LOUIS HILLARY PARK/TOWN-CRIER

Claudia Campbell of the Loxahatchee-based nonprofit animal sanctuary Delmar Farm hosted a special Holiday Wonderland event on Saturday, Dec. 17, where families were able to enjoy story

time, cookies, decorating, games, animal encounters and pony rides. Guests were able to bring unwrapped toys to be donated to the Kids Cancer Foundation, and all other proceeds benefited the sanctuary and its animals. Learn more about Delmar Farm at www.delmarfarm.org. PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY/TOWN-CRIER

Riley Hyatt, Madison McDevitt and Madalyn Cioffi volunteered with children in a “snowy” playtime.

Stephen, Jessica and Willow Moore.

Novak and his son Alexander Mirkovic.

Kaelyn Resnick keeps Fina company between children’s rides.

The Ramos family visit the petting zoo.

Families get ready for cookie time with Santa.

Luna Cantellon decorates her ornament.

Meagan Marchant and Max Gucott volunteer at Delmar Farm.

Wendy Moses and her granddaughter Harper Permenter at the toy donation drop-off box.

Sheela Agarwal and Reece Dreyer meet Teddy the horse.

Teagan Spradling and Noah Castellon write letters to Santa.

Sylvester Herrera waits with Laurent and Jacob for story time to begin. Amari Leigh makes ornaments.

Volunteers Marily Figueroa with Peanut and Leon DeGroot with Lucy.

Claudia Campbell with her team at Delmar Farm. Mrs. Claus (Kari Weiss) gets ready for story time.

Santa Claus visits with the Chang family.

Delmar Farm owner Claudia Campbell with her daughters Sasha and Arabella.

Sheriff Honors Heroes, PBSO Employees At Awards Ceremony

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw presented awards to members of the community and to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office employees on Wednesday, Dec. 14. The agency’s annual awards ceremony was held at the PBSO Training Facility in West Palm Beach.

Members of the public were presented with Samaritan Awards, which are given by the sheriff to residents for their outstanding acts, achievements or exceptional service relative to the ideals of law enforcement service.

PBSO employees, meanwhile, were honored with several awards, such as the Unit Commendation to PBSO units for exceptionally meritorious conduct; the Life Saving Award to employees who distinguished themselves by extraordinary achievement of lifesaving actions; the Combat Action Medal to deputies who participated in hostile action with exemplary performance; the Combat Star Medal, which is equivalent to the U.S. Armed Forces Purple Heart; the Combat Cross Medal to deputies who, while performing official criminal justice duties or serving in the line of duty, distinguished themselves by extraordinary heroism; and Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year, Corrections Deputy of the Year, Detective of the Year and Non-Sworn Employee of the Year.

There were a number of local honorees among the several dozen awards that were given out, including Samaritan Awards to former Palm Beach County Commissioner Jess Santamaria and Wellington High School student John Swiderski.

Since moving to the western communities in 1974, Santamaria has made a huge difference to local residents. He first developed commercial businesses, providing much-needed services to the growing Village of Royal Palm Beach. He has since given back to his community with numerous charitable works. In 2006, he was elected to the county commission. During his eight years on the board, Santamaria donated his salary to the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, and for the past 16 years, he has partnered with PBSO deputies in the western communities to regularly help families in need.

Swiderski is a student at the Fire Science Academy at Wellington High School who as -

pires to become a firefighter. This 17-year-old future first responder jumped into action when a day at the beach turned deadly serious last July. When 59-year-old Tim Schoener found himself caught in a rip current, he desperately tried to swim back to shore, but quickly became exhausted and yelled for help. Swiderski was nearby with his WHS football teammates. He heard the man’s cries for help and acted courageously and without hesitation, swimming out to Schoener and assisting him back to shore.

Local sheriff’s deputies honored with awards included Deputy Sheriff Tifani Liming, who received a Life Saving Medal, and Deputy Sheriff Alberto Rivas of District 9 in Royal Palm Beach, who was honored as Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year.

In July, Liming responded to a residential fire in Loxahatchee, where an injured elderly female was trapped inside. The victim’s daughter was afraid to enter alone due to preexisting medical conditions. Liming entered the house, which was filled with smoke. She located the woman in the kitchen, dragging her away from the flames and eventually from the home to a safe location. Both Liming and the woman were transported to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation. Despite having inhaled a considerable amount of smoke and placing herself in a life-threatening situation, Liming’s quick response saved the life of the elderly woman.

In the span of four workdays in November 2021, Rivas had himself quite a month. On day one, he conducted a traffic stop, netting a half pound of marijuana and a warrant for possession with intent to sell. The next day, Rivas observed a suspicious man at a bank ATM, this time coming away with 14 stolen debit or credit cards and a fully loaded 9mm concealed handgun. Day three was even busier, including another marijuana bust, confiscation of a fully loaded Uzi submachine gun and the apprehension of a suspect under an active felony warrant for armed burglary from 2008. Eight days later, Rivas arrested three men selling methamphetamine, fentanyl, Xanax and trazadone. Rivas made nine arrests, 48 traffic stops and completed 19 field information reports in one month alone, as well as all of his hard work, dedication and excellent attention to detail during the other 11 months.

Junior League’s Alliance For Period Supplies Delivers For Hurricane Ian Relief

In early November, the Alliance for Period Supplies at the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, a local women’s volunteer organization with 81 years of service in Palm Beach County, secured and hand-delivered a donation of 70,000 period supply products to support Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Fort Myers.

The supplies, donated by U by

Food Truck & Music Series Returns In January

Starting in January, Wellington’s popular Thursday night Food Truck & Music Series will return to Wellington Town Center. The events will be hosted on the Town Center Promenade at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. while the Wellington Amphitheater remains closed due to ongoing construction for the Town Center Phase 2 project.

The Thursday night series will feature approximately 10 to 12 food trucks each week, accompanied by live music tributes and performances by local bands. Saturday and Sunday concerts will remain at Village Park at 11700 Pierson Road and are scheduled on select dates each month.

For a complete list of upcoming events visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/events.

For additional information on the Town Center Phase 2 construction, visit the “Capital Improvement Projects” page at www. wellingtonfl.gov.

Watch WHS Band Perform In London Jan. 1

Tune into your local PBS station at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 1 to see the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band perform at the 2023 London New Year’s Day Parade.

The parade will be broadcast live on local PBS stations WXEL and WPBT. The local start time is 7 a.m. on New Year’s Day, so plan your breakfast watch party now and set your DVR.

The WHS band is currently listed as sixth in the lineup, so

Kotex, the founding sponsor of the Alliance for Period Supplies, are being distributed by the Junior League of Fort Myers and the Midwest Food Bank Florida Division. Dedicated to the cause, JLPB Period Supply Initiative co-chairs Courtney Lala and Susan Christiansen made the cross-state drive together to make the delivery.

Founded in 2019, the Alliance

don’t miss the start. Find the entire parade lineup at www.lnydp.com/ lnydp-runningorder.

If you’re not able to access the PBS stations, a live stream should be able at www.lnydp.com.

Cruizin’ For Crime Stoppers Motorcycle Ride

Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County will host its 12th annual Cruizin’ for Crime Stoppers Motorcycle Ride on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. This is the largest bike ride in Palm Beach County. The ride will start at Wellington Town Center, travel to the Pahokee Marina and end at Abacoa Town Center in Jupiter.

This is a safe, escorted ride by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Motors Unit. Crime Stoppers will provide lunch, a live band and raffle opportunities. Road assistance is provided by the Nam Knights.

To register, contact Heidi Schalk at (561) 385-1500 or visit www. cruizinforcrimestoppers.info.

Pre-Registration is $35 per bike with a free T-shirt. The cost is $45 per bike for walk-up registration on the day of the event. You can ride with your club or group. Vendor opportunities are still available.

PBC Legislative Delegation To Meet Jan. 12

State Sen. Tina Polsky, chair of the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation, recently announced that the delegation’s local bill and final public hearing prior to the 2023 Florida Legislative Session will take place on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. at the Els Center of Excellence,

for Period Supplies at the Junior League of the Palm Beaches has distributed more than 400,000 period supply products to women and girls in need in South Florida by partnering with more than 20 allied nonprofit organizations, including the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County, the Children’s Home Society of South Florida, the Florence DeGeorge

Boys

In the United States, two in five women struggle to purchase period products due to lack of income, and nearly one third of low-income women have reported missing work, school or similar commitments due to lack of access to period supplies. The Alliance

NEWS BRIEFS

located at 18370 Limestone Creek Road in Jupiter.

“These hearings are specifically designed to encourage the public to personally address the legislators on their concerns and issues involving state government,” Polsky said.

Prior to the public hearing, the delegation will hear and vote on local bill proposals. Anyone requiring further information can contact the delegation office at (561) 355-2406.

Acreage Citizens Group To Meet At

Library Jan. 10

The Acreage Citizens Group will be hosting an additional “Right to Vote” informational meeting prior to the local Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation meeting.

These monthly meetings are offered to provide information about the bill presented to Tallahassee for the community’s right to vote on self-governance, the process, pros and con, as well as other issues facing the community.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at the Acreage branch library at 15801 Orange Blvd. from 6 to 9 p.m. Additional information can be found at www. votelox.com.

LWV To Host PBC Administrator Verdenia Baker

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County will host an informative lunch event on Wednesday, Jan.18, 2023, at 11 a.m. featuring Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker.

The start of 2023 is the perfect time to get an update on “the State of the County” — and no one is

more directly involved in all relevant concerns and controversies than Baker, the county administrator since 2015. She oversees 6,800 positions and balances a $6 billion annual budget in Florida’s thirdlargest county.

Since becoming county administrator, Baker was the leader in a voter-approved 2016 infrastructure sales tax initiative that will generate $2.7 billion for new and renovated schools, roads and facilities over a 10-year period; led initiatives such as the Mandatory Inclusionary Workforce Housing Program, Community Land Trust, re-implemented the small/minority/women business enterprise program in 2019, and the recently created Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Baker also managed the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The luncheon will take place at Mel’s Way Bistro at 3536 Via Poinciana in suburban Lake Worth. The fee is $35. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. with a choice of regular or vegetarian lunch. The presentation begins at noon. Registrations, lunch choice and payments must be made in advance online at www.lwvpbc.org/event/ jan-hot-topic-state-of-the-county.

for Period Supplies is dedicated to supporting individuals, children and families who struggle to afford basic material needs, including period supplies.

This year, the JLPB plans to distribute more than 275,000 products to those in need by increasing awareness of the national and state issue of period poverty, expanding its local community outreach

program and partnering with more organizations interested in contributing charitable donations to fund its period supply bank.

Learn more about the Alliance for Period Supplies at the Junior League of the Palm Beaches at www.jlpb.org/community/ community-programs/periodsupplies. To support the project, e-mail periodsupplies@jlpb.org.

American Humane Cocktail Party At

NPC

Join American Humane for cocktails and plentiful hors d’oeuvres as the national nonprofit celebrates the nation’s veterans and raises money to provide lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering the invisible wounds of war — post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury.

The Pups4Patriots Cocktail Party will be held Thursday, Jan. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the National Polo Center in Wellington. The fee is $150 per person. For more information, e-mail jessical@americanhumane.org or call (561) 537-5887.

Founded in 1877, American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. For more information, visit www. americanhumane.org.

Garden Club

To Meet Jan. 9

The Wellington Garden Club will meet on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. A presentation by Will Gurney, superintendent of landscape for the Village of Wellington, will begin at 10 a.m.

Gurney’s presentation, “Using Native Plants in the Public Landscape,” will feature some of the landscape plantings and work he has done to include native plants in Wellington’s public landscape. He will also discuss the importance of adding canopy trees wherever possible and their positive impact on the environment.

Gurney’s education, experience

and personal motivation uniquely qualify him as the village’s superintendent of landscape. He has been successful in business management and project planning and has a strong turf grass background. He has owned and managed a successful turf and landscape company, is well versed in wetland ecology and conservation, and is an ISA-certified arborist and certified master naturalist.

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

The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design, and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with (L-R) Samaritan Award honoree Jess Santamaria, Samaritan Award honoree John Swiderski, Life Saving Award recipient Deputy Tifani Liming of District 15 serving the Acreage/Loxahatchee area, and Law Enforcement Deputy of the Year Alberto Rivas of District 9 in Royal Palm Beach.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

WPB Police Capt. Ted and Angela Swiderski with their son, WHS student John Swiderski.

Sheriff Ric Bradshaw with Combat Action Medal awardees Deputy Christopher Bergsma, Deputy Shea Fink, Sgt. Joseph Bonura, Deputy Louis Potter, Deputy Anthony Norris and Sgt. Mike Frazao.

Royal Palm Beach Village Manager Ray Liggins, Lt. Mike Ferrante, Deputy of the Year Alberto Rivas, Mayor Fred Pinto and Capt. Ulrich Naujoks.

Terry Sneed with honoree Deputy Tifani Liming.

Verdenia Baker

Will Gurney

& Girls Club of West Palm Beach and the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON HOSTS HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR LOCAL SENIORS

Inaugural Season Opens Jan.

The United States Polo Association (USPA) and the National Polo Center-Wellington (NPC) will open the inaugural winter season at NPC on Sunday, Jan. 1.

The schedule is highlighted by the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo series, the new Florida Circuit 16-Goal Super-Series, the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship and the historic international Westchester Cup.

The season will officially begin by ringing in the new year with the NPC Inaugural Cup Final and opening Sunday match on Jan. 1, 2023, and will conclude May 28, 2023. Tickets for Sunday brunch are available for purchase online at www.nationalpolocenter.com.

In 2023, select tournaments will be livestreamed at www.uspolo. org and via USPA social media

channels, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Twitch. Visit www.uspolo.org for more information.

The 2023 Gauntlet of Polo will serve as the premier spectacle of the NPC season, beginning Feb. 12-26 with the C.V. Whitney Cup, continuing with the USPA Gold Cup from March 1-26 and concluding with the U.S. Open Polo Championship from March 29 through April 23. The prize money distribution for the 2023 season will follow last year’s format, with $50,000 awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup, and $100,000 presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship.

In addition to the Gauntlet of Polo, the inaugural NPC winter

season will offer an unparalleled polo experience for players of all ages and backgrounds. The debut USPA Junior Open Final (Feb. 19) will unite some of the most talented youth players in the country, while the Westchester Cup (March 31) will showcase another elite international competition in the Wellington area.

Also included in the schedule is the brand-new Florida Circuit 16Goal Super-Series, which has generated significant interest among teams. Given the widespread attention that the super-series has garnered, the USPA is currently developing an iteration at the 8-goal level. The series would consist of four qualifying tournaments played January through April 2023, with the four winning teams playing a Super-Series Champion-

ship at NPC at the end of April.

NPC will also welcome additional matches and events from April 30 to May 28, expanding the opportunity for competitors of all experience levels to enjoy the prestige and thrill of playing on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. More details on spring events will be available soon.

The National Polo Center-Wellington, previously known as the International Polo Club Palm Beach, is located in the heart of South Florida’s legendary horse country. The perpetual home for polo in America, NPC is owned and managed by the United States Polo Association to showcase the finest the sport has to offer. Visit www.nationalpolocenter.com to learn more about NPC and the 2023 season schedule.

The Village of Wellington held a Senior Holiday Party on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at the Wellington Community Center. Local senior citizens got a chance to celebrate the season with a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, along with the Hannukah Dreidel, while music was provided by the Jody Marlow Duo.

Lynda Gusaeff, Joyce Cole, Joan Manning, Mary Lalla, Eleanor Rogers and Bonnie Sheil.

Jamie Tizol and the Zumba Ladies perform.

Michelle Garvey with the Hannukah Dreidel and Jason Katz of All Kids Entertainment.

Mrs. Claus and Santa with PBSO Deputy Roy Gonzales and K9 Charlie.

Eileen Kuhnel, Wanda Hill and Faye Ford.

Josephine Scalzo, Patricia Pramberger, Zoey Lobdell and Elizabeth Tremblay.

Mrs. Claus and Santa with Diane Rice.

Mrs. Claus and Santa with Jenifer Brito.

10-goalers Facundo Pieres and Hilario Ulloa competing in the 2022 Gauntlet of Polo in Wellington.

PHOTO BY DAVID LOMINSKA

PBC Sheriff’s Deputies And My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper Deliver Bags Of Turkey And Ham With All The Trimmings To 150 Families In The Glades, Plus $100 Super Walmart Certificates

During the past 13 Christmas holiday seasons, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies have brought more than 1,000 families in the Glades to the Super Walmart store in Royal Palm Beach on buses, and My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper Charitable Trust provided the funds to enable these families to buy food, clothes and toys to enjoy the Christmas holiday season. This Christmas holiday season, due to the pandemic, and to avoid having families close together on the buses, PBSO Major Eric Coleman and Jess

Santamaria decided to deliver the bags of turkeys and hams with all the trimmings to the homes of each of the 150 families in the Glades. In addition to the turkeys and hams, the sheriff’s deputies also gave each family $100 Walmart certificates to do their own individual shopping. This year, the Jess Santamaria family and the Ken and Arle Adams Charitable Foundation provided funds used by My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper, which resulted in the hundreds of happy faces during this year’s Christmas holiday season.

(Above and below) Deputies deliver bags of turkeys and hams with all the trimmings to more than 150 families in the Glades, producing many happy faces during the Christmas season.

HOSTED BY: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Winterfest with Vanilla Ice 2022 was presented by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Village of Wellington.

Our gracious Host Venue Sponsors were the Santamaria Family, the Royal Inn and the Original Wellington Mall, and our Stage Sponsors were Grand Champions Polo Club, CTV Sports and Orbital Gaming. These sponsors allowed a most successful Winterfest, providing a lineup of exceptional holiday performances, phenomenal food vendors, holiday shopping, exhibitors, Santa, Blizzard Beach Winter Wonderland Village and snow!

Local celebrity musical sensation, philanthropist and Emmy Award-nominated DIY Network star Vanilla Ice performed his iconic, celebrated musical hits to an overflowing crowd.

Winterfest is the most anticipated holiday event of the season. The exceptional hard work and dedication of sponsors, vendors and the professionals at the Village of Wellington allow us to celebrate the success of this event. Each has so many individual gifts and talents; collaboratively they are among the very best if not THE BEST event/ venue professionals in the industry. A very special thank you to our partners at the Village of Wellington, and their incredible team of Michelle Garvey, Jeffrey Goldman, Ryan Hagopian, Mark Belcourt, Alex Wamsley and Rick Febles for their extraordinary hard work.

Our magnificent stage, courtesy of Grand Champions Polo Club, was perfectly implemented and executed by Maureen Gross, Mike Ferreira, Chris King and their amazing team.

The Chamber wishes to thank our sponsors, without who we could not host such a spectacular event.

Host Venue and Title Sponsors

Jess Santamaria Family

The Royal Inn Hotel

Original Wellington Mall

Media and Stage Sponsors

Grand Champions Polo Club

CTV Sports Orbital Gaming

Presenting Sponsor

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center Wellington

Entertainment Sponsor

Gast Construction Group

Wellington International and the Winter Equestrian Festival

Blizzard Beach Sponsor

HCA Florida Palms West Women’s and Children’s Center

Our performers could not have been more phenomenal! The talents of our local superstars are amazing. If you have not heard or seen of the following, please make it a point to check them out. They are exquisite each in their own! Thank you to our Master of Ceremonies Wes Kain, Tom Blake, Larry Brendler, “Living the 80s” and Wellington Dance Theatre.

Thank you to our exceptional volunteers from Palm Beach Central High School, Wellington High School, Suncoast High School and Polo Park Middle School.

A very special thank you to Scott Sweigart, Felicity Biggans, Meghan Buser, Jane Garifo-Springer, Joe Cordero, Tina Martin and Walter Imperatore for donating their valuable time, talents and

Snow Globe Photo Booth Sponsor

Nicklaus Children’s Hospital

Snow Sponsors

Coral Shores Behavioral Health Shullman Orthodontics Wellington Bay

Lounge Sponsors

First National Bank Coastal Community Wellington

360 Photo Booth Sponsor Integrity Dental

Comfort Station Sponsors

Christ Community Church Hack Tax & Accounting Services LLC

Coral Behavioral Services

Selfie Sponsor 501cTees

diligence, as well as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Our local superstar and philanthropist Vanilla Ice astounds us each year. His spirit of giving and dedication to our community is outstanding. His efforts and those of his team make this event possible. Each is to be commended and thanked for their generosity and for giving back to Wellington. The chamber is grateful to have the privilege of collaborating with them!

The chamber salutes all the exhibitors, sponsors and performers for making their contribution to Wellington’s unique lifestyle, its economy and this spectacular event! And to each of you for attending… for being part of this event and for being a part of our community.

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce another smashing success!

Wellington American Legion Post 390 held a holiday meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at the Wellington Community Center. Attending the meeting were members of the Palm Beach Patriotic Quilters Quilts of Valor Foundation, who presented handmade quilts to several of the veterans. Veterans who went on the recent Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., were also recognized.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The veterans who went on a recent Honor Flight were recognized. (L-R) Al Ziker, Henry Tocci, Jim Napuli, Fred Quan, Ernie Zimmerman, Ramon Silvacoll, Robert Nappi and Laurence Williams with Janet Hoose.

Quilts of Valor recipients William Blazer, Commander Robert Nappi, David Roman, Ramon Silvacoll, Henry Tocci, Laurence Williams Sr., Al Ziker and James Sparrow.

Southeast Florida Honor Flight Chair Janet Hoose receives a certificate of appreciation from Commander Robert Nappi. David Roman receives his new quilt.

Kathy Jones, Jan Holler and Theresa Anderson of the Palm Beach Patriotic Quilters Quilts of Valor Foundation.

Commander Robert Nappi with Osceola Creek Middle School Junior Honor Society Advisor Sandy Clark, Vice President Alexa Swaim, President Peyton Teman, Treasurer Kyra Rottura and Secretary Falisha Dookie with a $1,000 donation for the American Legion.

Charles D. Carroll and Henry Tocci.

Cpl. Mike Venezia receives a certificate of appreciation for Honor Flight escort duties from Commander Robert Nappi.

Inspired Living at Royal Palm Beach held a holiday wreath silent auction to benefit Memphis Rose Hamman on Tuesday, Dec. 13. Hamman is a Wellington girl who was left paralyzed from a severe spinal cord injury due to a car accident. She is unable to move from the neck down and breathes through a ventilator. The silent auction event at Inspired Living was able to raise $807 for Hamman.

A number of people and groups donated wreaths: Delmar Farm, Roxanne Henry with Sotheby’s International Realty, Yamel Reyes with Allegiance, Zillmer Wealth Management, Wellington Scouts BSA Troop 4125, the Wellington Landings Middle School Kindness Ambassadors Club and Advocate In-Home Care. Other donated items were from customized wreaths and crafts by Michelle LangeKress from Tampa, along with art pieces on display by local artist Heather B.

WELLINGTON TOASTMASTERS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY AT MEETING

Wellington Art Society To Feature Carl Stoveland

The Wellington Art Society will host Carl Stoveland its guest speaker on Wednesday, Jan. 11. The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will open with a meet and greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by the member spotlight and a brief meeting. The event will conclude with a presentation by Stoveland, entitled “The Not So Unlikely Journey from Photographer to Painter.” For more information, contact Laura Jaffe at presidentofwas@gmail.com.

Stoveland grew up in New York near the Catskill Mountains and found his passion for photography while hiking along the many trails and streams near his home. His father spent his entire career working in photo labs, and his mother as an oil painter and water-

colorist. Stoveland was immersed in fine art his whole life. “While the other neighborhood kids were playing football in the street, my folks sent me to ceramics camp,” he recalled. “Creativity and play have been strongly connected for me ever since.”

Stoveland’s primary medium for many years was photography. About 20 years ago, he started playing with watercolor, and since moving to Florida six years ago, he has been exploring many different mediums, including watercolor, gouache, urban sketching with casein and even some film making. Stoveland’s current passions include a variety of photo and painting media, along with urban sketching and teaching.

He has been awarded several artist residencies, including most recently at Dry Tortugas National

Park. In 2022, he was awarded Best in Show in the Florida Showcase at the Box Gallery. He has also co-founded the Lake Worth Beach Urban Sketchers Group and has a podcast called “IAMLAKEWORTH.”

In February, Stoveland will be teaching a two-day urban sketching workshop with the New Studio for the Visual Arts in Jupiter. For information on this class, visit www.thenewstudiova.net. In addition, you can see his work during the “Myth America(na)” exhibition at the Box Gallery in West Palm Beach. Learn more about Carl Stoveland and his work at www.carlstovelandart.com.

The Wellington Art Society is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their artwork in local galleries,

‘Latin Divos’ At Dolly Hand Jan. 10

The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is proud to present “The Latin Divos,” along with their band, on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.

Featuring Ernesto Cabrera, Fernando Gonzalez and Will Corujo as director and founder, they are a pop/opera trio performing diverse repertoire from opera to some of the all-time greatest songs with Latin flavor. In addition, the violin and sax played by Corujo makes them unique in the music genre. Their repertoire includes hits sang in Italian, English, Spanish and French that are sure to be a delightful performance.

Come early to enjoy the photography exhibit in the lobby by Jose Jesus Zaragoza. Zaragoza’s photography, taken during his time living in the Glades from 2000-20, seeks to capture stories and people as life unfolds.

Tickets for “The Latin Divos”

“The Latin Divos” will be at Dolly Hand on Jan. 10.

are $30 and can be purchased online at www.dollyhand.org.

Tickets will also be available for purchase beginning Jan. 3 by calling (561) 993-1160 or visiting the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Box Office, located on the Palm Beach State College Glades Campus at 1977 SW College Drive in Belle Glade.

Wellington Toastmasters Club #6775 celebrated its 20th anniversary during a meeting on Monday, Dec. 19 with the theme “Celebrating the Past and Looking Forward to the Future.” Founding members and past presidents gathered and group members enjoyed refreshments. Learn more about the club at https://wellington.toastmastersclubs.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Vice President of Education Sonia Garate.

Former club presidents Gina Rascati, Tim Morell, Harold Blotcher, Brian Turcotte,Staci Kessler and Shastri Stuart.

Shea Greaves, Sonia Garate, Michelle Hill, Gary Neuper, Micheline Nembhard, Ray Melendez and Shastri Stuart.

Club members offer a toast to 20 years.

President Shea Greaves addresses the gathering.

Founding members Tim Morell and Gina Rascati.

Marc Kessler, Eileen Horowitz and Staci Kessler.

Ana-Sofia Membreno and Shastri Stuart. Staci Kessler speaks.

interact with other artists and serve the community through their art. Visit www.wellingtonartsociety. org to learn more.

Carl Stoveland

RPB QUARTER AUCTION RAISES MONEY FOR HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Village of Royal Palm Beach hosted a quarter auction on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center to help raise money for scholarships going to local high school seniors.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Lisa Rubino and Cindy Berry with their prizes.

Betsy Palermo and Michele Etzel at the Mary Kaye Cosmetics table.

Kerry Barnes made this door hanger welcome sign for Karen Gardner.

Lisa Rubino, Cindy Berry and Nancy Wall with their bidding paddles.

Young at Heart Club members at the quarter auction.

Shakeera Thomas, Sandy Rubin and Carolyn Hmara hold up their bidding paddles.

KB Social Artworking’s Kerry Barnes with RPB’s Shakeera Thomas.

Tracey Cassone won a raffle from Christine Farber of Designs by CCF.

Dolly Hughes, Shakeera Thomas, Kitty Lannaman and Lorna Pearson.

Shakeera Thomas with her parents, Khadijeh Hommasi and Mehrdad Ghezelayagh. Ed Sanders won cookies.

Mary Ellen Paulton, Ruth Ann Kravetz and Ceil Zorn from Deals by Ceil.

Sandy Rubin, 50/50 winner Deborah Roberts and Kerry Barnes.

Sweet Emporium owner Kathia Perbuli with her homemade sweets.

Young at Heart Sunshine Chair Rhonda Ninfo and President Sandy Rubin made these baskets to help the fundraising for high school scholarships.

PHOTOS

Members of the Alpha Alpha Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, also known as the Crowned Pearls of Wellington, provide gift wrapping.

Participants in the program were able to visit the many gift tables.

Markus Lockhart and Deputy Madison Lamm handed out gift cards for teens and preteens.

Alexandra Anderson with Councilman John McGovern.

Volunteer Gemini Williamson guides Diamond Gutierrez in a craft project.

Councilman John McGovern, Mayor Anne Gerwig and Councilman Michael Napoleone.

Sgt. Matt DeJoy, Jeffrey Goldman, James Smith, Deputy Glenn Palmer and Gus Ponce.

Markus Lockhart, Geneeka Morris, Ian Williams, Paulette Edwards, Jeffrey Goldman and Michelle Garvey.

Vicki Thompson, Shelly Albright and Marcia Kendall.

Bre Howard, Mayor Anne Gerwig and Monica Bailey work on wrapping gifts.

Councilman Michael Napoleone helps Leslie Smith choose gifts.

Shakeera Thomas with 100-year-old Angelina Dawkins.

Evelyn Odom and Andres Palacio.

Ann Hardin, Helen Pollock and Grace Mueller.

Patty McFarland, Charla Colburn, Jenny Lopez and Barbara Searls.

Sandy Rubin, Elisa Diament and Carolyn Hmara.

Santa brings out the kid in everyone.

Ugly sweater contest winners Ronni Kaplan (first), Angelina Dawkins (third) and Nancy Pennell (second).

Jeff and Carolyn Hmara with Santa.

Volunteers Francine Bryant, Dolly Hughes, Vinette Tracy and Lorna Pearson.

Beatrice Crooks, Mary Spry, Lillie Snell, Lurlene Layton and Newton Layton.

Clara Cardenas Jimenez and Omar Jimenez.

Shakeera Thomas with 96-year-old Ina Thomas.

Joan and George Canova, Richie Carmine, Dolly Hughes, Nancy Pennell and Gretchen Lugo.

SPORTS & RECREATION

Record 74 Teams Set For 2023 Flags For The Cure Tournament

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

While the current collegiate football season is nearing its completion, and the NFL regular season is nearly finished, the flag football season in South Florida is just getting underway. It all kicks off with the 16th annual Flags for the Cure flag football tournament, which will be held Jan. 4-8 in Wellington.

There are a record 74 teams registered to play in this popular local tournament.

In the past, this tournament has been held at Acreage Community Park, but that venue is not available due to it being renovated, so Flag for the Cure has been moved

to Village Park at 11700 Pierson Road in Wellington.

In addition to crowning champions in seven different competitive brackets, the event has a bigger purpose — it raises money for the American Cancer Society.

“In our first 15 years, we have raised $360,000 for the American Cancer Society from this tournament,” Tournament Director Dr. Hart Collier said. “Last year’s event generated $35,000 for cancer research, and we hope to raise at least that much this year.”

The tournament’s seven competitive brackets range from 10 & Under Co-eds to the Women’s Over 30 division. The tournament’s youngest registered com-

petitor is six years old, and the oldest is 57.

The bracket with the largest number of teams is the Men’s Open, which has 29 teams. In this special fundraising event, creative names are part of the fun. Some of the more creative team names this year are Hop Scotch Mafia, Swagcats, Dragon’s Playmakers and Toon Squad.

One of the major events at this annual tournament is the staging of a ceremony to honor and remember those who are currently battling cancer, those who have lost their lives to cancer and to the caregivers who are so instrumental during all stages of the battle against cancer. The ceremony at

the upcoming tournament will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Village Park football fields.

The starting time for games on Jan. 4 through Jan. 6 is 6 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 7, the games will start at 8 a.m. On Sunday, Jan. 8, the games will begin at 9 a.m. There is no charge to attend the games, and parking is free.

The opening games will start at 6 p.m. on Jan. 4. The championship games will be played Sunday, Jan. 8.

The tournament’s major sponsors include the Village of Wellington, Hubb’s Tire & Service and Builtx Inc. Learn more about Flags for the Cure at www.facebook. com/FlagsForTheCure.

Region’s Football Stars Shine At High School All-Star Game

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Saturday, Dec. 17, the King’s Academy was the site of one more high school football game. It was the annual Palm Beach County and Martin County High School All-Star Football Game. The game featured the top senior high school football players from Palm Beach County and Martin County. The players were divided into two teams — American and National.

In addition to the game being staged in the western communities, the two head coaches this year were from local schools as well.

The head coach of the American team was Mario Jackson, the coach at Berean Christian School, while the head coach of the National team was Wellington High School’s Danny Mendoza.

Both coaches were impressed by the team-first attitude of their players. Jackson had 43 players on his team, while Mendoza’s team had 45 players, which included seven seniors from Wellington High School.

“It was amazing,” said Jackson, who had served as an assistant coach in the game back in 2017.

“The buy-in from the kids was au-

tomatic. You could see their thirst for knowledge, and their football acumen was high enough to suggest ideas in critical situations. I’m honored and humbled just to have an opportunity to be a part of this great event.”

Mendoza had a similar experience as a head coach in this year’s all-star game, which was sponsored by the law firm of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath.

“Practices were awesome!”

Mendoza said. “It is tough getting all the kids there from all over the county and with them playing other sports, but we were able to put together three great days of practice.”

To bring parity to the game and to help make it competitive, Jackson and Mendoza selected players for their respective teams in the form of a draft. As result, high school teammates from some schools were on opposite teams.

The squads from both the National and American teams were selected from the following high schools: American Heritage, Atlantic, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Clewiston, Forest Hill, Inlet Grove, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, West Boca Raton, Palm

Beach Lakes, Lake Worth, Pahokee, Palm Beach Central, Park Vista, Pope John Paul II, Royal Palm Beach, Glades Day, TKA, Suncoast, Santaluces, Cardinal Newman, Boca Christian, Jupiter Christian, Spanish River, South Fork, Fort Pierce Westwood, Martin County, Berean Christian, Somerset Academy Canyons, Wellington and William T. Dwyer.

In the days leading up to the game, practices were held at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach. On the field, the American team prevailed over the National team, 20-10.

At the end of the game, defensive and offensive MVPs were named for each team. Wellington quarterback Ryan Anthony, the starting quarterback for the American team, was his team’s offensive MVP, while the American team’s defensive MVP was Matt Boylan, a defensive lineman from Boca Raton. Saint Andrew’s School quarterback Jacob Cashion, the starting quarterback for the National team, was that team’s offensive MVP, while the National team’s defensive MVP was Mi’Kel Hendrix, a defensive end from Atlantic.

RPBHS Hires Tim Maxwell As New Baseball Coach

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach High School has a new head coach for its varsity baseball team — Tim Maxwell.

Maxwell is replacing Jim Reynolds, who was hired less than a year ago to lead the Wildcats baseball squad. However, Reynolds resigned recently from being the head coach of the baseball team in order to accept an administrative position at the Glades Day School in Belle Glade.

“We wish coach Reynolds the best of luck as he transitions to his new position,” RPBHS Athletic Director Eric Patterson said. “Coach Reynolds did an excellent job in transitioning us with coach Maxwell.”

RPBHS Principal Michelle Fleming is excited about the new addition to the school’s athletic program.

“I am really thrilled for our baseball team to be able to learn from Tim’s expertise,” Fleming said. “His energy and enthusiasm for the game are contagious. I think we will have a great spring season with coach Maxwell at the helm.”

Patterson feels as if he has found a talented coach who will bring energy and enthusiasm to the baseball program at RPBHS.

“Tim will bring a fresh perspective to Royal Palm Beach baseball. He brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience to the Wildcats,” Patterson said. “Along the way, he has acquired a great

many connections and resources to help him be successful at the high school level. Coach Maxwell is very familiar with our community and coaching in the area. We are excited to have him join the Wildcat family.”

As a former player, Maxwell has roots in South Florida. He played high school baseball at the American Heritage School in Delray Beach and for West Boca Raton High School. Maxwell earned a scholarship to Cleveland State in Tennessee where he played in the outfield. As a youngster, Maxwell participated in the Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament as a 12-year-old. In that particular tournament, he won the tournament MVP out of a field of 104 teams. In high school, he was

the leadoff hitter and played in the outfield in 2007 for West Boca’s nationally ranked team. That year, West Boca was ranked as high as No. 7 in the U.S. Maxwell is pleased to be joining the program at Royal Palm Beach High School.

“I am very excited to become a part of the Wildcat family,” Maxwell said. “This is a challenge I have dreamed about achieving from the time I was a player until my beginnings as a coach. I look forward to leading this program and making an impact on these players’ lives. I am very passionate about this game, and I have a lot to give back to the school, the players and the community in building the Wildcats into a champion.”

Flag football action from last year’s Flags for the Cure event.

Tim Maxwell

(Above) Many athletic skills are required to do well at the tournament. (Left) Open Co-Ed division action at the 2022 event. PHOTOS BY RICHARD AREYZAGA

Offensive MVPs were (left) Jacob Cashion from Saint Andrew’s School for the National team and (right) Ryan Anthony of Wellington High School for the American team. PHOTOS BY CHRISTIAN PROSCIA

Ava McDevitt: Wellington High School’s Boys Soccer Social Media Specialist

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The boys varsity soccer program at Wellington High School is represented by its own personal social media representative in sophomore Ava McDevitt. She’s perfectly qualified to do the job because she is a good photographer and she also plays soccer — as a member of the defense, usually as a right back, for Wellington High School’s girls junior varsity team.

McDevitt has been snapping high school soccer images since the eighth grade. She focuses on one social media platform — Instagram. The handle is @wellingtonhighsoccer. Besides posting pictures and videos to Instagram, some of the pictures she takes will also be used by the school’s yearbook staff.

According to McDevitt, her video posts on Instagram are short and to the point.

“I use Boomerangs, which are three to five seconds long and they repeat,” McDevitt explained.

“Videos of goals are usually longer, lasting about 15 seconds.”

If you cannot attend a varsity game, you can often catch the highlights on Instagram while the game is being played.

“I post highlights on my phone while the games are going on so the people at home who could not make it can be updated,” McDevitt said.

Wellington High School varsity boys head soccer coach Chris Carrera appreciates the support that his team gets from McDevitt, who roams the same sideline as Carrera while varsity games are being played.

“Ava has been taking pictures for the soccer team for about three years,” Carrera said. “For the last two years, she has been assisting us with our social media account. Thanks to her, we have doubled our followers each year. She organizes the posts and makes sure we have flyers for every event and game we host. Thanks to her efforts and love for the game, we have also increased the number of students attending our home games. Ava has become an important team member, and we are truly lucky to have her assistance as our social media guru.”

McDevitt’s passion for photography started when she was in grade school.

“I’ve been interested in photography since as soon as I got an iPod in the third grade,” McDevitt said. “I started taking pictures off

my iPod and eventually upgraded slowly. It’s something I enjoy doing.”

Now, she uses a Canon camera. When asked if this work for the soccer program at Wellington High School is a precursor to being a professional sports photographer, she is open to the idea.

“I will always love to take pictures, so hopefully,” McDevitt said.

Is it possible that McDevitt will be working as a social media guru at the next men’s soccer World Cup when it comes to North America in 2026? She might. After all, she enjoyed following the action at this year’s World Cup in Qatar. Without a doubt, she would have enjoyed creating a few posts on Instagram had she been there, with her trusty Canon camera and phone at her disposal.

Tickets

Sample

Feb. 11, 2023.

The event is set to occur from 3 to 6 p.m. along the Wellington Town Center Promenade at 12150

For Wellington Classic Brew Fest Feb. 11

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance, or on the day of the event, through Eventbrite at http://bit.ly/WellingtonClassicBrewFest2023. A service fee will apply to online tickets sales.

Prices will go up on the day of the event, and ticket quantities are limited. All ticket purchases,

including day of sales, are subject to availability.

VIP pass admissions are $90 in advance and $95 the day of the event. Advance purchase sales end Feb. 10 at midnight, or when sold out. VIP tickets include exclusive sampling of limited-release VIP beers, exclusive access to the VIP room with direct access to

the promenade, food (available during early entry while supplies last), snacks, giveaways and a commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event.

General admission tickets are $60 in advance, and $65 the day of the event.

Gates open at 3 p.m. General admission tickets include unlim-

ited sampling and a commemorative pint glass upon exit from the event.

Non-drinker admission is $15 and includes unlimited soda and water, along with the commemorative pint glass.

For more information, visit www.wellingtonclassicbrewfest. com.

(Above and below) Soccer images taken by photographer Ava McDevitt for the Wellington High School boys varsity team. PHOTOS BY AVA MCDEVITT

a wide variety of craft beers and hard ciders at the fourth annual Wellington Classic Brew Fest, hosted by the Village of Wellington in conjunction with BrewFest Partners, on Saturday,

W. Forest Hill Blvd., with early access VIP ticket holder entry at 2 p.m.

Guests, 21 and over only, will enjoy an impressive array of craft brews and hard ciders. More than 40 breweries from Florida and beyond are expected, accompanied by an assortment of food trucks and craft beer-centric games.

Wahoos Swim Team Competes At Speedo Winter Championship

The Plantation Piranha swim team hosted the 32nd annual Speedo Winter Championships at the Plantation Aquatic Complex from Dec. 8 through Dec. 11. More than 50 teams from as far away as New York and Utah competed in this championship event, which saw the Wahoos of Wellington swim team field a sizeable team of more than 40 athletes qualifying for the four-day event.

While most athletes on the team achieved personal best times in multiple events during the meet, there were stand-out performances from several Wahoo team members.

First place gold medals were

awarded to: Andreas DaSilva in the 100-yard backstroke, Julian Granison in the 50-yard freestyle, Emma Han in the 100-yard breaststroke, Dillon Metz in the 100-yard freestyle, and Veroncia Metz was awarded gold medals in the 1,650-yard freestyle (one mile), 200-yard individual medley, 400-yard individual medley and the 200-yard fly.

These swimmers also achieved multiple top three podium finishes in other events over the course of the race weekend. Joining them with podium finishes included Luca Gray in the 100-yard backstroke, Katerina Malyshev in the 200-yard breaststroke and the

100-yard individual medley, Illari Rilo in the 50-yard backstroke, and rounding-out the podium finishes from the team was Jessica Smith with an excellent performance in the 1,650-yard freestyle (one mile).

The team also saw several athletes qualify for finals that just missed the podium for their best finishes, which included: Chloe Abinuman with a six-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle, Allison Connors with fourth in the 1,650yard freestyle (one mile), Caleb DaSilva with fifth in the 100-yard freestyle, Vlad Malyshev with sixth in the 100-yard individual medley, Leorah Rotchin with

sixth in the 500-yard freestyle and Lleyton Jobin with 10th in the 1,650-yard freestyle (one mile).

In addition, three athletes earned the prestigious high point awards for their respective age divisions, which included Veronica Metz, Dillon Metz and Andreas DaSilva. Veronica Metz scored the most points out of all Wahoo swimmers, and she was also recently recognized by USA Swimming as a national top ten swimmer in the 11-12 age group.

With the hard work and determination from the athletes, along with championship-level support from head coach Rich Whalen and head age group coach Becky Richey, the Wahoos ended the championship weekend ranked in seventh place overall out of 59 teams.

Congratulations to all the athletes who trained hard to qualify for this high-profile event: Chloe Abinuman, Valentin Alvarez, Uliana Antonya, Alejandro Bahos Andrade, Allison Connors, Billy Connors, Andreas DaSilva, Caleb DaSilva, Nikolina Dengerud, Emily Eaton, Vincent Elliot, Everhart Fergus, Oliver Fergus, Tanner Gil-

Ciana

Honzik, Lleyton Jobin, Steven Lee, Katerina Malyshev, Vlad Malyshev, Dillon Metz,

RPB’s Payton Reis Named To Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball Teams

Southern Connecticut State University volleyball player Payton Reis of Royal Palm Beach was recently named to the 2022 Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball Teams, selected by College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA).

The 2022 Academic All-District teams recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes volleyball honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA — for each gender. Selection to the team was contingent on student-athletes appearing in 50 percent of their teams’ games and hosting a cumulative grade-point average of 3.50 or higher.

Academic All-District honorees advance to the CSC Academic AllAmerica ballot.

Reis had a break-out season for the Owls, finishing third in points

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

CANINE DISTEMPER

Canine distemper is a serious and highly contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. It is one of the most severe diseases a dog can get. Dogs can get distemper through direct contact with an infected animal, through airborne exposure, and through the placenta. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, coughing, clear nasal discharge, seizures, head tilt, and a watery to pus-like discharge from the eyes, among others. Distemper is a risk to all dogs. The good news is that canine distemper is entirely preventable. A vaccine for canine distemper is available and veterinarians consider it a core vaccine. Remember to get the complete series of vaccinations and keep them up to date.

You don’t have to be a veterinarian to recognize when things are not right with your pet’s health. Unusual habits and behavior that is out of the ordinary are hardly signs of a healthy animal. Help your pet get healthy and stay that way with compassionate health care from COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH. Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., we offer complete, state-of-the-art health care services for small pets of all kinds. Please call 798-5508 for an appointment. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

P.S. There is no cure for canine distemper.

(247.5)

Reis

1.86 average

Payton Reis of Royal Palm Beach plays volleyball at Southern Connecticut State University.

and points per set (2.40).

totaled 192 kills for a

and had a dominant season on defense with a team-best 86 blocks, including 23 solo blocks.

Reis will complete her degree in sport management with a 3.57 GPA and will return to SCSU next season as she pursues her master’s degree in the same discipline.

Julian Granison, Andreas DaSilva, Dillon Metz and Kai Hall earned third place in the men’s 13-14-year-old 400-yard medley relay final. christ, Julian Granison, Luca Gray, Neylin Gultepe, Kai Hall,

Han, Emma Han, Miranda Han, Grayson Hejda, Natalie

Veronica Metz, Aria

Mindley, Gabriel Pangilinan, Yogi Patel, Gabriel Rezende, Ares Rilo, Athena Rilo, Illari Rilo, Gabrielle Rivarola, Leorah Rotchin, Sage Shach, Jessica Smith, Jaden Spooner, Eric Tauskela and Levi Vilson.

Age group division high point award winners Veronica Metz, Andreas DaSilva and Dillon Metz, with head coach Rich Whalen and head age group coach Becky Richey.

Vincent Elliot, Steven Lee, Luca Gray and Vlad Malyshev earned fourth in the men’s 11-12-year-old 400-yard medley relay final.

Allison Connors, Emma Han, Chloe Abinuman and Neylin Gultepe earned seventh place in the 13-14-year-old 400-yard freestyle relay final.

KCF Holds Annual Breakfast With Santa

The Kids Cancer Foundation hosted its annual Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Life.

Church of Wellington. The theme of this year’s Breakfast with Santa was “pajamas,” so, every family came dressed just like Christmas morning around the tree.

Families were immediately greeted by the delicious aromas of a hot breakfast before entering the auditorium, which was

transformed into a child’s dream winter wonderland. Breakfast with Santa is a wonderful event with a beautiful and loving environment far removed from the hospital, for children and their families to connect with one another and have a morning of fun just for them.

Children were able to ride on a big, red fire truck and meet Santa, thanks to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and F.O.O.L.S. Then,

once back inside, the families ate and traveled around the auditorium to various gift, game and craft stations. The generous volunteers of the Kids Cancer Foundation, including Life.Church and Journey Church of Lake Worth, banded together to create this event.

As if the generosity wasn’t already aplenty, Florida State University Pi Kappa Gamma Fraternity put together a giving

Arc Celebrates Opening Of Art Exhibit

The Arc of Palm Beach County is inspiring possibilities through art. On Thursday, Dec. 8, the Arc celebrated the grand opening of the alluring and thought-provoking ArtWorks exhibit in West Palm Beach. The exhibit displays the works of world-renowned artists with disabilities, presenting the unknown and often-overlooked experience of disability.

The Arc’s board of trustees and supporters gathered at the Square on South Rosemary Avenue to view the exhibition. Guests enjoyed drinks, food and live music while immersing themselves in the works of innovative artists.

The exhibition, “Their Own Truths: The Art of Sky Cubacub, Riva Lehrer, Jeffrey Mansfield and David Richards,” encompasses recent works by four artists who have disabilities. The collection

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Visit Macy’s For Holiday Shopping

Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Palm Beach and Martin Counties (BBBS), in partnership with Macy’s, held a private holiday experience in early December for more than 100 children across Macy’s locations in Palm Beach and Martin counties, including at the Mall at Wellington Green. What began 13 years ago in Macy’s at Treasure Coast Square Mall has now become the catalyst for a statewide event in 22 stores.

A holiday tradition like no other, BBBS kids were invited to a Macy’s store from Boca Raton, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach and Jensen Beach to participate in a magical morning. Kids received a Santa hat, a holiday goody bag and a $50 gift card to shop before the store opened to the public. Next, they had breakfast, where they wrote letters to Santa, put them into Macy’s mailbox, made arts and crafts, and everyone was a kid again as they played with toys from the Toys R Us in-store shop.

The Cresswind Women’s Club in Westlake recently held its first Toys For Tots toy drive, which was a great success. The community was extremely generous, and in only two weeks, the collection box was overflowing. Co-chairs Stormi Bivin and Sheree Biafore (shown above) were proud to deliver a huge boxful of toys to the drop-off location at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Sunday, Dec. 11.

Kids Cancer Foundation patients and siblings gather with Santa on the fire truck. PHOTOS BY LOIS SPATZ

Kathleen Alvarez, Julie Shapiro, Michelle O’Boyle and Megan O’Boyle of the Kids Cancer Foundation.

Rena Blades, Kimberly McCarten, Michael Erven and Cathy Law.

PHOTO BY JOEL HENSON

Kids from Big Brothers, Big Sisters visit the Macy’s store in the Mall at Wellington Green.

of paintings, garments, sculptures and photographs seeks to change perceptions and to open minds. It is free and open to the public and is on display through May 31, 2023.

“Their Own Truths” is curated by Rena Blades and sponsored in part by Related Southeast. To learn more about the exhibit, visit www. arcpbc.org/events.

The kids went on a shopping spree to find gifts for their families and were able to wrap them in the store. As a thank you, Macy’s was presented with a special plaque signed by the kids, families and mentors.

“We are grateful for our Palm

Beach and Martin County Macy’s partners and advocates who continuously invest in our mission to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth,” BBBS CEO Yvette Flores-Acevedo said.

Patient Sophia with her whole family and the elves.

fundraiser and presented the foundation with a check for $5,000 during the event.

Acreage Pines Elementary School students recently collected 175 pairs of new pajamas for the Casey Cares Foundation to donate to local children’s hospitals. This amazing group of fourth and fifth graders are part of the Future Teachers Club at Acreage Pines. They are led by teacher Jessica Hume (pictured back left). School counselor Jennifer Ohm (back right) also helped organize efforts to get the kids involved in this holiday service project. Casey Cares will distribute the pajamas to various local children’s hospitals where Casey Cares gets referrals to support children facing chronic illnesses like pediatric cancers.

Crestwood Middle School congratulates the students who received perfect scores on their FSA and EOC exams last school year. (Above) Special guest, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, recently stopped by to congratulate the students on their accomplishment. (Right) Andrews also congratulated Zarah Lee, who won the Superintendent’s Greeting Card contest countywide on the middle school level.

Rows of engaging display boards lined the Expo Center at the South Florida Fairgrounds on Dec. 14 as hundreds of young scientists and engineers competed in the Palm Beach Regional Science & Engineering Fair. Emerald Cove Middle School held its school science fair back in October and was proud to submit 12 top-quality projects to this prestigious event. Some of the categories included chemistry, engineering, physics, computers, the environmental sciences and environmental engineering.

Fourteen experimental science honors students from Palm Beach Central High School recently went out with shark researchers from Florida International University to set up baited underwater cameras and drum lines to tag sharks as part of a continuation shark conservation program with the Angari Foundation. All research was conducted under Florida permits held by FIU scientists.

The Wildcat Dancers Dance Team, along with Dance Director Michele Blecher, recently hosted their fourth community service event of 2022. The first event, “Shoes for Ukraine,” was held in September. The second was collecting clothes and non-perishable items for Hurricane Ian relief in October, followed by “Samaritan Boxes for Children Around the World,” which was held in November. As the final event, the dancers and the entire school donated toys and small gifts for children and young adults in need of happy winter spirits. All the donations for the four events were given by the Royal Palm Beach High School students and staff from the heart, without any reward attached. Shown above are Wildcat Dancers Dance Team Captain Gianna Nembhard (kneeling) and co-captain Jena’ Obilas, surrounded by the toy drive’s boxed gifts for Children & Family Services.

Tampa General Hospital Launches Concierge Healthcare In PBC

As part of its commitment to connecting the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast communities to world-class care, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is launching a concierge primary healthcare practice on Florida’s east coast. Dr. Laurie P. Rothman is the first doctor to join TGH Concierge Health.

Rothman is a concierge primary care physician, board-certified in family medicine and in obesity medicine. She has two decades of experience delivering world-class care to patients in Palm Beach County and has been practicing medicine for nearly 25 years. For an annual fee, her patients will receive the highest level of primary care, including personalized plans, along with after-hours and weekend access to the concierge medical team.

“I love what I do. I love taking care of patients and families, and the time I spend with people, and the relationships we build, are most important to me. This practice will allow me to have more time with my patients, and to be

there for them when they need me,” Rothman said. Other benefits of TGH Concierge Health include same-day or next-day appointments, after-hours communication with the concierge physician or staff, annual executive-level physical examinations, coordination of specialty or hospital care, more one-on-one time with the doctor, and telephone consultations or video visits. “If someone isn’t feeling well, they don’t want to wait for the next available appointment,” Rothman said. “In addition to more time, my patients will also have increased access. If there is an emergency or they are sick, and it’s 9 o’clock at night, they can call me or text me and we’ll be able to talk it through and make a plan.”

A former attending physician in the emergency department at Overlook Hospital in Summit, N.J., Rothman can also provide her patients with emergency room advocacy. Most recently, she served as the dedicated doctor for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Rothman is also a member of

the Florida Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Obesity Medicine.

“I’m very excited to join the Tampa General network and help start this concierge practice,” Rothman said. “I’ve known Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg with the TGH Cancer Institute for more than a decade, and we have collaborated to help care for many patients over the years.”

Rothman’s clinical focus is on preventative care, wellness, and metabolic health for adults and adolescents ages 12 and up. She is proactive, analytical and wholeheartedly committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate and evidence-based patient care. Rothman also prides herself on her strong collaborative and leadership skills.

“Dr. Rothman blends a brilliant mind with a compassionate spirit,” said Schwarzberg, executive vice president of network development, chief of oncology, and vice president of clinical and translational Research at Tampa General. “She

is a dedicated, patient-centered physician who becomes connected to her patients and cares about the best decision-making for them, both medically and within the context of their home and family lives.”

For more than two years, Tampa General Hospital has been creating a framework of state-of-the-art services for patients in the Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast areas, with the expertise and innovation of a preeminent academic medical center. The Florida East Coast Initiative began with an alliance with the Cancer Center of South Florida and then the Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches.

Since the alliances began, Tampa General has continued to grow its services for the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities. Recently, the TGH Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches recruited Dr. Sonja K. Olsen, a board-certified internist, gastroenterologist and transplant hepatologist from NYU Langone Health in New York City. The TGH Cancer Institute in Palm Beach County also includes West

Palm Beach-based Dr. Robert Scoma, a thoracic surgical oncologist, and Dr. Jason Hechtman, a breast cancer surgeon. Tampa General has also established TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches with renowned West Palm Beach robotic surgery specialists Dr. Daniel R. Higgins and Dr. Itzhak Shasha, along with TGH Advanced Kidney Care and TGH Imaging.

Tampa General is one of the highest-ranked hospitals in Florida by U.S. News & World Report, the primary teaching affiliate of the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and one of the largest hospitals in the nation. Patients who need a higher level of care have a direct connection to Tampa General’s academic medicine and resources, including research breakthroughs, a wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced immunotherapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment plans, and a convenient path to complex surgeries. Patients who receive more complex procedures or treatment at Tampa General will

be able to follow up with their local physician on the east coast upon returning home.

Those interested in learning more and/or becoming a TGH Concierge Health patient should call (561) 559-0955.

Mall At Wellington Green Announces Three New Store Openings

Three new retail and culinary destinations are joining the more than 160 stores at the Mall at Wellington Green. BoxLunch, Wonder Sweets Bakery and Trendz add to the robust offerings in apparel, health, beauty and more at this lifestyle destination in Wellington. BoxLunch — Altruistic gift and novelty retailer BoxLunch opened in October. Known for providing complimentary meals to people in need for every $10 customers spend, the expansive, 2,373-square-foot store showcases curated collections of pop-culture-

themed merchandise, ranging from T-shirts and accessories to collectibles and home goods. For more information, call (561) 4376106 or visit www.boxlunch.com.

Wonder Sweets Bakery —

Wonder Sweets Bakery’s owner Careli Bello has a knack for creating works of edible art that look almost too lovely to swallow. Launched on Nov. 5, Bello swathed the 688-square-foot shop in bright hues of white and pink, and she keeps it stocked with sweet offerings like cupcakes, cookies and celebration cakes. For more

information, call (941) 421-2958 or visit www.wondersweetsbakery. com.

Trendz — As its name implies, Trendz is a small business operation specializing in trendy, de rigueur accoutrements for kids and teens. The 1,148-square-foot store, which features clothing, carryalls, jewelry, headwear and footwear, opened on Nov. 3. Merchandise is updated weekly, so guests are encouraged to visit often. For more information, call (561) 333-8000.

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2-million-square-foot, two-lev-

el regional shopping destination, featuring more than 160 stores. Retail and restaurant favorites include Macy’s, Dillard’s, Apple, Brighton, Chico’s, Forever 21, H&M, Helzberg Diamonds, Zales, Tommy Bahama, City Furniture and more.

Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit www. shopwellingtongreen.com.

Minto Sells Parcel In Westlake To Growing E-Commerce Company

Commercial development activities remain robust in Westlake as Minto Communities has sold a nine-acre parcel to a West Palm Beach e-commerce company that plans to relocate its corporate office and operations to the city. The transaction closed Dec. 15. Terms were not disclosed.

The City of Westlake has already approved plans for Jamlyn Supply Inc. to develop the 145,643-square-foot James Business Park, which will be composed of a 10,103-squarefoot office flex building and a 135,540-square-foot warehouse distribution facility. The site is

located on the corner of West Persimmon Blvd. and Town Center Parkway, just west of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

The development site is also adjacent to the Publix at Westlake Plaza, currently under construction, where Jamlyn has leased a 3,600-square-foot retail storefront

Rocky’s Raises Nearly $26,000 To Support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 47 locations in nine states, kicked off the season of giving in November with its semi-annual “Round Up for Kids” fundraiser, raising a grand total of $25,908 across all participating locations.

Customers were asked to round up their purchase total to the next dollar, and the difference was donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals.

“We are thrilled with the results of this Round Up campaign, which really gets us in the holiday spirit each year,” Rocky’s President Rocco Falcone said. “CMN helps the more than 10 million kids each year who rely on care from a children’s hospital to get the best possible medical treatment.”

This was the third “Round Up for Kids” fundraiser Rocky’s has held this year, with 100 percent of the money raised going to benefit

local CMN Hospitals, including UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. Participating Rocky’s locations include the Stuart, Port St. Lucie, Wellington and Tequesta stores.

Since 1983, CMN Hospitals have helped fill funding gaps by raising more than $7 billion. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit’s mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible.

“We

A rendering of James Business Park that will be developed in Westlake.

Careli Bello is the owner of Wonder Sweets Bakery.

BoxLunch sells curated pop culture collections.

Dr. Laurie P. Rothman

for its first brick-and-mortar store, Aubrey’s Pet Supplies. The pet supply business is expected to open in the first quarter of 2023.

are pleased to welcome another thriving business to Westlake,” said John Carter, senior vice

its new home in the first quarter of 2024. “We are truly excited to be relocating our e-commerce business to Westlake and opening our first brick-and-mortar retail shop,” said Julianna Silva, special projects manager for Jamlyn.

Property Group acquired a 17.5acre site from Minto to develop the Westlake Commerce Center, a 227,000-square-foot warehouse distribution office complex in Westlake Landings, a 50-acre master-planned business park.

’Tis The Week After Christmas... But Is Anyone Cleaning Up?

’Tis the week after Christmas and all through the house,

The remnants of joy remain scattered about.

The tree is still trying to stand quite upright, But its ornaments, frankly, are looking a sight.

The ones that have fallen are still on the floor, Each day joined by others — and more, and still more.

Someone has licked every peppermint cane, Then put them all back where (like glue!) they remain.

The cat has climbed up there and batted the star. The angels? We no longer know where they are.

There are bits of striped gift wrap all over the place, And what once was a stocking is now jumbled lace. (It used to hold candy and small things like that, Now unraveled, it’s just a mere toy for the cat.) We’d take the tree down, except we have jobs, Plus its sap has all traveled to branch-ends in globs.

I guess soon we will have to attend to this chore, But whenever I say it... “Slam!” goes the door. So it’s me, but before I can clean up this mess, I know that I’ll have a few things to address.

The cat will be locked in her room for the night.

I’ll bring out the stepstool, cuz I’ll need the height.

The kids will be given free “screen time,” to play, My husband, I know, has some bills he must pay.

So I’ll set firm my jaw and take a deep breath, And get it all done without wishing for death.

The key to completing a gigantic chore, Is to make up your mind and just close the door, You will lock yourself in, together with wine, And reward yourself often... “You’re doing just fine!” Yes, reward yourself often with one little sip, A bite of a cookie, some chips dunked in dip.

Perhaps a ham sandwich, or maybe some cake, The corner from Aunt Ella’s coconut bake.

As you work through the room, just remember how fun, That it was for your guests and for, well, everyone!

Hey! Another reward seems to be quite in order, A slice of that pie (or maybe a quarter)!

Nobody’s looking, in fact, they’re avoiding, The room that they recently holiday-joyed in.

So, finish that wine! Have a big wonkin’ slurp!

There’s no-one around so, go ahead! Burp!

Before you can grasp it, the room is all done, The holiday’s packed, the last vestige of fun.

But wait! Here comes New Year’s! We’re having a bash!

Get up off that couch! There’s no time to crash!

Time to buy hats and a case of champagne!

Time to string banners around and raise Cain!

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

So the holiday season is not quite yet over.

And you? It will be with a massive hangover, That you’ll make resolutions that you’ll never keep...

Except for, “After the 2nd, I’m going to sleep!”

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from your friends at the Sonic Boomer!

New ‘Avatar’ Movie Is A Feast For The Eyes, But The Plot Is Weak

The original Avatar came out 13 years ago, and many of us have waited for a sequel all that time. Is it as good? Is it brilliant? Well, it’s an incredible treat for the eyes. CGI effects have come a long way, and director James Cameron knows how to build the world of Pandora. Some of the effects, particularly the great whales, the tulkun, are spectacular. Unfortunately, the plot is weak, and the dialogue never sparkles. Even worse, this is a long movie, well over three hours. And you really feel it. The plot is almost the same as the first film. That is a problem. Basically, as before, humans have destroyed much of the earth’s environment, so they are moving out to the stars to take over a few more planets. Colonel Quaritch (voiced by Stephen Lang), who died in the first film, has been resurrected in an avatar himself, and the one thing he wants is revenge. As some of us vaguely remember, the “sky people,” humans, were beaten back at the end of

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

the first movie. Add to that, the difficulty of identifying with alien creatures who do not really exist and generally seem to be presented as nearly perfect, prevents you from having a wild and exciting time. It is part of the Rousseau dream: the wonderful world of the untamed “savage.” Who is unspoiled by modern civilization? Personally, I like things like air conditioning and functioning toilets. But it is nice to dream of simpler times. Just not for more than three hours.

It is now 13 years after the first film’s

events, and former Marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a paraplegic who moved full time into his avatar body, has become leader of the Na’vi, the 10-foottall, blue-skinned residents on Pandora. He and Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), his wife, are parents to a whole group of kids, biological and adopted. One, somehow, is human, Spider (Jack Champion), but they also have Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), daughter of Grace, played by Weaver in the first film. And she is different, able to commune with other living creatures and with no hint of who her father is/was.

The invasion forces Sully and family to head out to sea, where they meet another Na’Vi tribe, the Metkayina, who are slightly different in color. But after a time, they work things out with the leader of the group, Ronal (Kate Winslet). But the war comes to the seas. It seems there is something in tulkun brains that can prevent aging. And the fact that the tulkun

are sentient beings has no impact at all on the greedy leadership of the “sky people.” So, there is a huge battle. What makes this different is that now the film is part of a series, potentially with five parts, which means that questions are not answered. Why can’t peaceful trade be set up? Why does genocide seem necessary? Not to mention a bit of anachronistic tech. Somehow, humans can go to new worlds around other stars, create gigantic war machines, yet cannot create armor that can stop arrows?

Saying the actors are just doing the voices is not really correct. A lot of the movie was done in motion-capture suits. That creates tough work, but does not allow for great acting. Yes, it’s spectacular. The 3-D and motion capture are an immense achievement, but the film did not fully enthrall us. One of the problems may be that we have become used to these broadbased dramas in the Marvel Cinematic

Universe. Avengers: Endgame was just about as long, but in that film, the time went by really quickly. There were lots of small sub-plots, lots of special interactions that kept my attention. The dialogue often sparkled. That never seems to happen in this movie.

The problem is that the plot is just too simplistic. Bad guys (humans like us) just want to get our hands on some product that we’re willing to kill the good guys (residents of Pandora) and destroy the environment to get it. That is not a novel approach. Actually, it is sort of the same as in Avengers. The bad guy, Thanos, and his minions want to kill us… well, half of us at first. And, of course, it is the theme of most horror movies. So, despite the technology used, there really is nothing new.

Is it worth seeing? Well, yes, as long as you understand how long it is. The first Avatar was a brilliant film. This one is just pretty good.

St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.