Town-Crier Newspaper July 29, 2022

PROJECT BRINGS SMILES TO SENIORS SEE STORY, PAGE 3

MEET THE ITID SEAT 3 & 5 CANDIDATES SEE STORIES, PAGE 4

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TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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INSIDE

Latest ITID Budget Proposal Would Still Raise Assessments

Volume 43, Number 15 July 29 - August 11, 2022

Serving Palms West Since 1980

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PALMS

Under the latest fiscal year 2023 budget proposal from staff, Indian Trail Improvement District residents could pay an additional $319 per acre to fund a $19.8 million budget, supervisors were told during a Wednesday, July 20 budget workshop. Page 3

Animals From The Okeeheelee Nature Center Visit KCF

Kids Cancer Foundation welcomed a visit from representatives of the Okeeheelee Nature Center to the Kids Cancer Center in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday, July 12. The staff from Okeeheelee brought a collection of Florida native animals for the kids to interact with.

Page 8

Barky Pines Hosts Its Dog Days Of Summer 5K

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary held its annual Dog Days of Summer 5K on Saturday, July 23 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The Loxahatchee-based nonprofit has been holding two 5K events each year since 2020 to raise money and awareness. Page 16

Local Referees And Umpires Enjoy The Game-Day Experience

When sports stories are written about high school games, they are focused on the players and coaches who are the central figures. But rarely is a story written — unless there’s a huge blunder — about the men and women who are the referees, officials and umpires who make the decisions. Yet these game officials are a big part of every athletic event at every level.

Page 21 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 18 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 SPORTS..........................21 - 24 PEOPLE................................. 25 BUSINESS......................26 - 27 COLUMNS............................. 28 CLASSIFIEDS................ 29 - 30 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Shakespeare fans unfolded lawn chairs and broke out refreshments in front of the amphitheater at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24 to enjoy performances of William Shakespeare’s play Richard II, adapted and produced by the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival free of charge. Shown above is Seth Trucks as King Richard II with Thomas Prater and Jay Washington. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18 PHOTO BY MEREDITH BUROW/TOWN-CRIER

Four Democrats Eye Open District 93 State House Seat

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report The western communities will elect a new representative in Tallahassee this fall, and four Democrats are vying in the Aug. 23 primary for their party’s nomination for the newly drawn District 93 seat in the Florida House of Representatives.

The incumbent would have been State Rep. Matt Willhite, who represents the current District 86, but his decision to run for the Palm Beach County Commission left the District 93 seat open. Seeking the Democratic nod are Wellington community activist Shelly Albright, social worker Seth Densen, former Willhite legislative aide Tom Valeo and Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Katherine Waldron. The primary winner will face Republican candidate Dr. Saulis Banionis, who does not have a primary election.

Still centered around Wellington, Willhite’s old district has been redrawn slightly to the south, now including all of Wellington, Greenacres and parts of suburban Lake Worth.

Shelly Albright — A resident of Wellington for 19 years, Albright is known locally for her work with

a number of local organizations, including her church.

“I am the director of children and youth ministry at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church. I raised my four children in Wellington. I am a longtime community advocate and volunteer,” she said. “I sit on the Wellington Education Committee as vice chair. I chaired interfaith and worked closely with the Village of Wellington’s Community Service Department.”

She also sits on the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club Advisory Board and serves as recording secretary, and she is a past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches.

“Interfaith is probably my biggest accomplishment, being able to work in the community and serve the people in the community,” Albright said. “I work with families on a daily basis in my current position. Because of that, I know the needs of the residents.”

She believes that living and working in this community has given her the opportunity to know and understand the needs of residents.

“Just seeing what the needs are on the community level gives me insight that the other candidates

may not have,” Albright said. “I have the life experiences to back it up. I’m a parent, I have been a married woman, I am a single woman. I own a home. I have been through things with people in this community.”

Education is a key issue for her.

“There is a real need for raising experienced teachers’ salaries.

We currently rank number 48 in the United States in salaries. We have a teacher shortage, which leads to our students not getting their needs met and our teachers being overworked,” she said. “A personal issue for me is mental health. I have experienced it with my children, and I know how devastating it can be for a family.

I see that issue rising in children, adults and seniors, particularly right now.”

Albright also plans to be a strong supporter of home rule in Tallahassee. “I believe that municipalities need to be instrumental in making decisions about things occurring in their back yard,” she said. “I am also concerned about affordable housing and our healthcare costs, which are definitely hurting the people in our communities.”

Yet Albright realizes the difSee DISTRICT 93, page 14

Lox Council Keeps Preliminary Tax And Assessment Rates Unchanged

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council set its TRIM (Truth in Millage) rates on Tuesday, July 19, leaving its property tax rate and assessment rates unchanged from the current year.

Rates could still be lowered as the budget process continues but cannot be raised. Due to rising property values, however, many residents are likely to pay slightly more in ad-valorem taxes since the approved rate of 3 mills is above the rollback rate of 2.67 mills, which is the rate at which the town would take in the same revenue as last year.

Former Councilman Todd McLendon asked the council to adopt the rollback rate. But given the higher-than-normal inflation rate and economic uncertainty, the council unanimously voted to keep the rate at 3 mills, which was the recommendation of town staff.

Also at the meeting, the council set its TRIM rate for solid waste collection, unchanged at $450 per residential unit. According to Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, this rate may be lowered somewhat before the final budget is adopted. Representatives from Coastal, the town’s trash collection vendor, will be attending the next council meeting to discuss that and other issues.

Sitting as the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District, the council also set the town’s preliminary drainage assessment rate at $200 per unit, also unchanged from the current year.

During that item, there was discussion over an ongoing dispute with the Village of Royal Palm Beach regarding a handful of properties at the town’s border with the village that still get their drainage from the LGWCD but are now part of Royal Palm Beach and cannot

be assessed directly by the town.

Ramaglia said a discussion on how to proceed on that issue will come back to the council in September.

For the first time in three years, the town received an increase in its Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office contract. The three percent increase raised the contact $18,666 to $640,866.

This item was approved 3-2 with Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia and Councilwoman Marge Herzog opposed.

Maniglia reiterated her view that the town could get by without a law enforcement agreement, accepting the level of service provided in unincorporated areas.

This would eliminate the current agreement that stations a deputy in the town at all times.

Maniglia noted that town residents already fund the PBSO through their county taxes. She asked Ramaglia to get a number from the county on how much town residents already pay the PBSO through other means.

“I would like to see the money stay in-house and go into very needed facilities, such as drainage and roads,” Maniglia said.

Other council members noted the benefits to town residents afforded by the PBSO contract.

“Because we have this contract, we have a physical human body in a car, in our town 24/7,” Vice Mayor Laura Danowski said.

She agreed that the number is high, but not when you break down how much it costs the PBSO to provide that round-the-clock service. Danowski suggested public outreach to find out if residents really want that lower level of law enforcement service before any change is made, particularly since it would require a referendum to change the town charter.

McLendon, who opposed the See LOX COUNCIL, page 7

AMERICAN LEGION INSTALLATION DINNER

Service With A Smile At The Wellington Postal Annex

Postal worker Ann Milton at the Wellington Retail Annex.

PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report There is an always-smiling face ready to greet customers at the United States Postal Service’s Wellington Retail Annex in the original Wellington Mall at the corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace. Her name is Ann Milton, and she brings with her more than 35 years of postal experience.

It all started in 1987, when Milton’s college roommate said the postal service was hiring, and they both applied for a position. “I got the job,” she said. “I didn’t have a roommate anymore, but I got the job, and life started from there.”

At the time, Milton had been

opening stores for McDonald’s and didn’t have experience sending letters. “So, it was a learning process,” she said.

But she caught on quickly.

Over the years, Milton has learned many lessons while working for the USPS. “I have learned the value of people versus materialistic things.

I’ve learned to be appreciative and humble of people in life,” she said. “I learned how to be happy.

It’s not an easy thing for people to do nowadays, but I wake up and I always ask myself, ‘What’s going to make me happy today?’ And I make a point to do that.”

Support from her husband, a See MILTON, page 7

Wellington’s American Legion Post 390 held its annual awards dinner and installation ceremony on Wednesday, July 13 at the Wellington Community Center. Butterfields sponsored the food for the 50 people attending. Shown above are outgoing Commander Jay Froehlich and incoming Commander Robert Nappi. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

St. Juste And Siperstein Vying For Circuit Court Seat

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report While high-profile races such as those for governor and congressional representatives dominate the headlines, elections also decide officials for other important parts of everyday life, including who sits on the judicial bench. On Tuesday, Aug. 23, voters will choose a new judge for the Group 23 seat on the Palm Beach County Circuit Court. Two well-known attorneys, Alcolya St. Juste and Caryn Siperstein, are vying for the seat.

Vote-by-mail ballots have already gone out, and early voting begins Monday, Aug. 8. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Visit www.

pbcelections.org for details on voting and locations in Palm Beach County.

Alcolya St. Juste —St. Juste is a third-generation Floridian from Palm Beach County. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and was at the top of her class when completing her law degree at Nova Southeastern University. St. Juste is currently the special magistrate for the City of Riviera Beach and a managing partner at St. Juste Gordon Law. “I decided I wanted to be a lawyer in the sixth grade. At that time, and still today, my desire was to provide legal assistance to members of the community who often did not have access to legal

representation,” St. Juste said. “I wanted to be in the courtroom doing what I could to help clients through the legal process, advocating on their behalf and advising them along the way.”

St. Juste noted that she has been endorsed by dozens of local elected officials, including Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto and Wellington Councilman Michael Napoleone, who is also a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. She said that her endorsements from past presidents of national, state and local bar associations speak to her dedication to the field of law.

“Running for judicial office is a natural extension of my pasSee COURT SEAT, page 14

Alcolya St. Juste

Caryn Siperstein

Page 2

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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Page 3

NEWS

Latest ITID Budget Proposal Would Still Raise Assessments

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report Under the latest fiscal year 2023 budget proposal from staff, Indian Trail Improvement District residents could pay an additional $319 per acre to fund a $19.8 million budget, supervisors were told during a Wednesday, July 20 budget workshop.

That is down from staff’s previous budget proposal, but still represents a $7.2 million increase over the current year’s budget.

While the supervisors approved the proposal for purposes of the state’s TRIM (Truth in Millage) law deadline of July 22, it repre-

sents the upper limit of where next year’s assessment increase could be. The final budget and assessment numbers will be less, ITID Vice President Betty Argue said.

“I can’t defend this… The timing is terrible,” she said, referencing inflationary pressures in housing, food, gas and other essentials.

“We’ve got to find a way to reduce that number… I could cut $3 million right now.”

“What is the amount that the board can live with?” Executive Director Burgess Hanson asked.

“I can get it down to whatever you want. Give me a number, and let’s get it done.”

It’s not a matter of a specific number, Argue said later. “I think we can do better so that it is not so painful for our residents,” she said.

“If we could get [the assessment] down a couple of hundred dollars, it would make a big difference for people.”

ITID’s fiscal year 2022 budget was $12.5 million with an average per-acre assessment of $600.

In June, district staff presented an initial “wish list” proposal of $24.3 million — an $11.7 million increase that would have doubled the per acre assessment, not including the $53 per acre assessment in some of the district’s

units to fund the R3 road program.

It included many of the programs and projects often requested by supervisors.

A public hearing on the budget will be held Wednesday, Aug. 17.

Even though the budget presented by Hanson represented a $4.5 million reduction from staff’s first proposal, Argue was particularly frustrated with the line item that included $500,000 for “future litigation expenses,” and $500,000 to begin replenishing a reserve fund that ITID has been tapping for several years.

ITID has been involved since August 2020 in a lawsuit with

Minto Communities USA, the City of Westlake’s major landowner and developer, and the Seminole Improvement District over access to 140th Avenue North.

Overall, the proposed budget contains more than $2 million for attorney fees of one kind or another, Argue said, adding that the district’s legal fees are “out of control.”

As for the reserve fund, she said, “We can’t afford to have a cushion. We need to have a budget and stick to it.”

Other areas of concern among the supervisors were equipment purchases — from heavy, road-

working equipment to pickups to specialty mowers — and salary increases for a number of positions.

Argue noted that the district is still playing catch-up on infrastructure maintenance and improvements neglected for the past 20 years. “We need to continue with those infrastructure projects,” she said. “[But otherwise,] we need to do only what we need to do.”

In other business: • The board held a workshop regarding the Santa Rosa Groves neighborhood and heard from Hanson that there is an “80 to 90 percent chance” that ITID will See ITID, page 7

Wellington Florist Teams Up With Foundation To Deliver Smiles

Wellington Florist teamed up with the Wellington Community Foundation and Wellington Cares volunteers to deliver hundreds of smiles to senior citizens across Wellington on Thursday, July 21.

“This has become one of Wellington Florist’s leading charitable projects,” owner J.P. Varvarigos said. “Our team looks forward to this annual event and loves organizing and selecting the most bright and cheerful flowers to create each unique floral arrangement.

Teaming up with the Wellington Community Foundation was an easy choice for us, as their entire mission is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals in Wellington — and what a better way than a knock at the front door with a special delivery to brighten up a senior’s day.”

The foundation has long partnered with Wellington Florist on a variety of projects, including “Celebrating Our Seniors,” which annually delivers a beautiful floral

arrangement to each participant of the Wellington Cares organization on their birthday.

“When Wellington Florist approached the foundation about spreading smiles during this year’s campaign, we turned to our leading community partner for their assistance,” WCF Chair Tom Wenham said.

Diane Gutman and her Wellington Cares team of volunteers were ready to roll up their sleeves and deliver to all their participants.

“It just warms my heart,” said Gutman, as she recalled watching the smiles grow on their faces as she approached with the flowers.

“One senior went on to explain how this was a rough week for her, and this kind gesture really turned it around. This is the reason we all do what we do.”

The foundation also worked with Wellington Regional Medical Center CEO Pam Tahan and her staff to organize and distribute dozens of smile bouquets to seniors

who were patients at the hospital during the campaign. When Tahan was approached, her immediate response was, “absolutely, we will make it happen.”

These cheerful arrangements

are designed into an iconic yellow mug adorned with the internationally recognized smile emoji and filled with some of the most gorgeous roses, daisies, marigolds and more — each as unique as

J.P. Varvarigos of Wellington Florist, Tom Wenham of the Wellington Community Foundation and Diane Gutman of Wellington Cares.

Wellington Florist owner J.P. Varvarigos, Terri Kane, Justin Morante, Tom Wenham, Jim Sackett, Carole Browne, Ann and Glenn Brinson, Diane Gutman and Maggie Zeller.

The mugs brought big smiles the faces of local seniors.

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Women’s Foundation of Florida Board Member

For more information about the Wellington Community Foundation, or how you can become involved in future projects, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

(Above) Bernice Steele, Selma Waters, Pat Fishman, Tom Wenham, and Mary and Roger Hansen were some of the first seniors to receive a smile during distribution. (Below) J.P. Varvarigos brought the arrangements to CEO Pam Tahan, shown with her staff at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Wellington Florist took special care with each arrangement.

State House candidate Shelly Albright has worn many hats in our community.

Commission on the Status of Women

the senior they were delivered to.

“We’re proud to have such amazing community partners,” WCF Board Member Maggie Zeller said.

“Any time there is an opportunity to serve, they all step up.”

Welling ton Inte Commit rfaith tee

Junior League President

EMPOW H Board M ER ember ol Foundation Suncoast High Scho Board of Directors

Citrus Cove PTA President

Shelly’s priorities will be: Fight for a women’s right to choose/access to abortion Meaningful gun reform Increased funding for Mental Health treatment, resources and availability Transportation solutions to relieve traffic Improve safety measures at our schools, more resources for kids who learn differently, increase teacher salaries

Now, Shelly Albright wants to serve as our State Representative.

And it’s an open seat!

ENDORSED BY:

and several Wellington and Royal Palm Beach elected officials

www.shellyalbright.com 2220100 Albright Crier ad.indd 1

“As a native Floridian, a Hispanic woman, the current Director of Children and Youth Ministries at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, an education and women’s advocate and an active community leader, I have the qualifications and long-term perspective needed to serve as our State Representative.

I am running to bring my 18 years of local experience as a community leader and longtime Wellington and former Boynton Beach resident to Tallahassee. I know District 93. I know the issues important to our community. I will be the strong effective leader the district needs. I ask for your vote.”

Shelly Political advertisement paid for and approved by Shelly Albright, Democrat for State Representative, District 93.

7/26/22 6:47 AM

Page 4

July 29 - August 11, 2022

The Town-Crier

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NEWS

Supervisor Candidates For ITID’s Seat 3 Address The Issues

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report In advance of the Tuesday, Aug. 23 primary election, the Town-Crier has reached out to the nine candidates seeking one of the three available seats on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

In this story, we are focusing on the candidates for ITID Seat 3, where incumbent Supervisor Joni Martin is seeking re-election.

The responses of the three Seat 5 candidates — Patricia Farrell, who resides on 87th Lane North; Martin, a Hall Blvd. resident; and Grissel Ramos, who lives on 37th Place North — are presented here.

The non-partisan primary will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23 with mail-in voting getting underway this month. The two top vote-getters advance to the Nov. 8 general election, unless a candidate gets more than 50 percent of the primary vote and is elected outright.

PATRICIA FARRELL Background: Farrell is part owner of KP Farrell Inc., an athletic training facility recently opened in Royal Palm Beach under the named D1 Training. Born on Long Island, N.Y., she grew up in Miramar. She and husband Kenny moved to The Acreage in 2003. They have four children, ages 13 to 30. She worked for a construction company for some 30 years, and for the last eight years has managed a Palm Beach condominium building.

Why did you get into the race?

“For a while, I’ve been thinking I need to get more involved in the community… I’ve been dis-

appointed at what I’ve seen at some recent board meetings. It has been embarrassing,” she said.

“I thought, ‘I can help here.’ With my history, with what I’ve done, I think it can be really beneficial.

I’ve had to handle a lot of difficult situations.”

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Number one, she said, would be to encourage more events, especially at Acreage Community Park, that would create a greater sense of community.

Number two, she said, would be to avoid “unnecessary legal battles,” adding that she would work with other entities to head off such confrontations.

Number three, she said, would be to work with other municipalities in the area, such as Westlake, to improve traffic flow within the district.

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in ITID? Farrell noted that three of her children played youth sports under the AAL umbrella, but, “I think it would be beneficial to have another entity involved… [and] give people another option.”

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake? “It depends on whether State Road 7 is extended to Northlake,” she said. “If it is, I don’t see [the Coconut expansion] as necessary. But if they don’t do State Road 7, then yes, it probably will be needed.”

What can be done to deal with the long-delayed completion of the Corbett levee? “We need to get a professional engineer in here

and get it done… in a cost-effective way,” she said.

Are you for or against incorporation? “I believe in incorporation. It would allow us to control how it’s done… and give us the ability to regulate the laws we live under,” she said, noting that would not be the case if the district were annexed by one or more of the surrounding municipalities.

In closing… “If you choose me, you’ll get an honest person who is not in it for my own special purposes,” Farrell said. “You get someone who really wants to represent the best interests of the residents.”

JONI MARTIN Background: Martin is a New York native who studied radio and TV production at George Washington University. She has lived in Palm Beach County’s western communities for almost 20 years and in the ITID area for six. A makeup artist with a background in retail sales, Martin is a single mother who has long been involved with animal rescue. She is seeking her second term on the board.

Why are you running for re-election? “I think we’ve made a lot of great changes to streamline and update the way the district works… We’ve got the best staff the district has had in a long time,” Martin said. “Four years on the current board has been an invaluable learning experience and given me very important background information on the district and the current issues facing our area… I want to continue to make positive changes for the future of the district.”

Patricia Farrell

Joni Martin

Grissel Ramos

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Number one, Martin said, is continuing to maintain and improve ITID’s roads and drainage. “We’ve tackled a lot of the old issues, and done a massive amount of work, especially since 2020,” she said. “We’ve streamlined things to be more efficient.”

Number two, she said, is also road related. “We need to add additional traffic-calming measures, such as more speed tables,” she said, noting that many of the district’s roads are being used as cut-throughs between major thoroughfares. She pointed out that unlike a municipality, ITID does not have the authority to put up stop signs or traffic lights, but she added that ITID is working on an interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County that would allow more flexibility.

Number three, she said, is con-

tinuing to update ITID parks and athletic amenities, especially with an eye toward safety and protecting ITID facilities. “Four years ago, there were no working cameras in any of our parks,” Martin said. “Now we have 70 cameras throughout the district.”

She said that while the enhanced video presence has helped curtail vandalism in the parks, it “continues to be a major issue for me.”

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in the district?

“No, I don’t think any entity should have a monopoly on anything in the district,” she said. “We need more checks and balances…

That’s something that should be examined going forward.”

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake? “Absolutely not.

We have to do anything we can to stall them,” she said, adding that the obvious solution is to connect State Road 7 to Northlake.

What can be done to deal with the long-delayed completion of the Corbett levee? The unfinished levee “is definitely a danger to our community. It’s something that has to be completed,” she said, explaining that it’s a multi-jurisdictional task that requires good communication and good relationships with a variety of governmental entities. She said that ITID has hired a lobbyist to seek state money and is applying for grants to gather the remaining $6.8 million needed for what is now projected to be a $10 million project. “I think we’re in better shape going forward than we’ve been in past years,” she said.

Are you for or against incorSee ITID SEAT 3, page 14

Indian Trail Seat 5 Candidates Share Their Views On The Issues

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report In advance of the Tuesday, Aug. 23 primary election, the Town-Crier has reached out to the nine candidates seeking one of the three available seats on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

In this story, we focus on the candidates for ITID Seat 5, where incumbent and current ITID President Michael Johnson is seeking re-election. The responses of the three Seat 5 candidates — Johnson, who lives on 64th Place North; Tangerine Blvd. resident John Rivera; and Todd Wax of 61st Lane North — are presented here.

The non-partisan primary will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23 with mail-in voting getting underway this month. The two top vote-getters advance to the Nov. 8 general election, unless a candidate gets more than 50 percent of the primary vote and is elected outright.

MICHAEL JOHNSON Background: Johnson is orig-

inally from Michigan. He moved to Florida 12 years ago, and to the ITID area in 2016. He is married to wife Isabella and is plant manager for TKM Bengard Farms in Belle Glade, one of the nation’s largest lettuce producers. He won Seat 5 in 2018, defeating Rivera in that race.

Why are you running for re-election? “We live here, and we plan on staying here. We want to keep the area’s hometown feel,” he said. “We have a lot of good projects going for the community.

I want to see them through to the end.”

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Number one, he said, would be seeing to completion plans for the R3 road paving, milling and traffic calming tables. “The traffic calming is very important for safety with [ITID] roads being used as cut-throughs to Northlake and Seminole Pratt,” he said. “We don’t want all our roads out here looking like Northlake and Seminole Pratt.”

His second item is also related to

OPINION

Vote Yes On Wellington Charter Amendments

When Wellington residents vote in the upcoming August Primary Election, the Village of Wellington has placed two charter amendments on the ballot, which are deserving of your consideration and your “YES” vote.

Question 1 asks residents to further cement the term limits, which have been in the village charter since Wellington’s incorporation in 1996. When the charter was amended to allow for a separately elected mayor, term limits were correspondingly amended to allow office holders to serve up to two terms in each office. This means that after serving two terms (eight years total) a council member is term-limited, unless she or he runs for mayor. One could then serve up to two terms as mayor (another eight years). Question 1 seeks to remove any ambiguity that could allow a person to continually alternate between the offices of council member and mayor without limitation — forever.

Elections themselves are not term limits because incumbents hold many advantages over first-time candidates, making it harder for challengers to win at the ballot box. Wellington has always benefited from term limits, which create an opportunity for new leaders to emerge and provide residents with

more choices on Election Day. Vote YES on Question 1.

Question 2 seeks to allow the canvassing board appointed by the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections to canvass Wellington’s elections without the need for Wellington to designate its own separate canvassing board.

Wellington is one of just three municipalities in Palm Beach County that still appoints its own canvassing board. Service on the canvassing board is time-consuming and duplicates work the can be performed by the county’s board.

Members must attend training workshops, the testing of the voting equipment, and then, after the election, multiple meetings where they may review ballots for signature matches. The council believes that there is no need for Wellington to continue to have its own separate canvassing board for anything other than a special (Wellington-only) election. Vote YES on Question 2.

Michael Drahos Wellington Vice Mayor John McGovern Wellington Councilman Tanya Siskind Wellington Councilwoman Michael Napoleone Wellington Councilman

THE

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the R3 project. “The traffic is really tough on some of our residents.

We want to create better traffic flows to help with the congestion we have around some schools,” he said, citing particularly problems on North 162nd Drive and 180th Avenue North.

Number three is completing the Corbett levee, he said, noting that he is ITID’s representative to the Palm Beach County Water Resources Task Force. “We’ve worked with [several agencies], and the project has been brought back to life,” Johnson said. “All the permits are there. Now it’s just a matter of getting the rest of the funding so that it is not a burden on the taxpayers.”

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in ITID? Johnson said he has “no problem” with the AAL but also could see more than one organization holding a service provider agreement to oversee sports in district parks.

“We need to do whatever we need to do to make sure residents are being provided the best service,” he said.

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake? “No. It would not be safe for that area,” he said. “The obvious solution is extending [State Road 7] through to Northlake… The county is working with us.”

Are you for or against incorporation? “It’s scary to see what’s happening with Palm Beach Gardens pushing farther out Northlake… and now we have Westlake,” he said. “We want residents to be aware. We want to give them accurate information… and provide them with the options.

At the end of the day, it’s up to the residents to vote. They deserve the right to vote yes or no.”

In closing… Johnson said his style is not to be overly vocal during meetings but to work behind the scenes with staff to accomplish goals for the community. “We have a lot on the table, and a lot of programs that need follow-through,” he said. “I want to keep things going and continue to fight for the residents of the district.”

JOHN RIVERA Background: Rivera was born in Puerto Rico and has lived in Florida since 1979. He moved to Palm Beach County in 1989 and to the Acreage/Loxahatchee area in 1999. He started his own business in 1997 and now is president and owner of Sunshine Safe & Lock.

He is married to wife Jennifer,

Michael Johnson

John Rivera

Todd Wax

and they have four children. A former president of the Acreage Horseman’s Association, he ran unsuccessfully for Seat 5 in 2018.

Why did you get into the race? “The board meetings are embarrassing. They’re shameful.

The fighting back and forth.

There’s just so much division.

The board members need to be respectful of the speakers [during public comments] and respect each other,” he said. “I don’t know Mr. Johnson at all. I don’t see myself as running against him. I’m running for the seat. But as far as I can see, he hasn’t done anything for us.”

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Number one, he said, would be “trying to unite the community. Get rid of some of the division… and listen to the people.”

Number two, he said, would be improved maintenance of the parks. “The parks are a great tool to bring people together… [but] I see all sorts of safety issues,” said Rivera, who plays on an adult co-ed softball team that uses ITID parks. “The fields need to be safe.”

Number three would be more law enforcement. “There’s a lot of petty theft in the area,” Rivera said.

“We could use more police who could pull over people who don’t belong here. It’s all about safety.”

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in ITID? “I don’t have any argument with any organization [being in the parks] as long as they are legitimate and doing something good for the community.”

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake? “No, that’s way too big. I would not support that at all,” said Rivera, adding

that State 7 needs to be finished to Northlake instead.

What can be done to deal with the long-delayed completion of the Corbett levee? “It has to be a priority. Who knows how bad it could be the next time?” Rivera said regarding future hurricanes or major rain events. “It’s a life-safety issue. We’ve got to get that fixed.”

Are you for or against incorporation? “I’m totally against it,” he said. “I won’t support it today or four years from now.”

In closing… “I’ve been here a long time, and I can see what’s going on,” he said. “I don’t like the direction we’re going in.”

They’re not paying attention to what really is necessary to be done,” Wax said. “I don’t feel like they’re being completely honest with the community. I will be. I think I have something to offer in terms of settling things down.”

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in the district?

“There has to be a main organization that keeps the programs running… [But] it’s just not right not to share,” he said, referring to the district’s recreation facilities.

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake?: “It’s crazy the amount of car traffic [that already exists]… There are no horses walking around the roads anymore. There’s too much traffic… We have to be realistic. It’s just part of the area growing. We have to make the traffic flow. We need to do both,” said Wax, referring to plans to five-lane Coconut and push State Road 7 through to Northlake.

What can be done to deal with the long-delayed completion of the Corbett levee? “I’m not sure why this hasn’t gotten done,” he said. “[The supervisors] should make it a priority.”

Are you for or against incorporation? “I don’t see the need for something like that. I’m not for more government. It’ll be a huge expense and a waste of money for all the people who live here with very little benefit,” said Wax, adding that fears of annexation by one of several surrounding municipalities is “just total hot air.”

In closing… “[Johnson] doesn’t stand up for the masses of the community,” Wax said. “In fact, I don’t see him standing up for anything.

He just goes with the flow… I have zero interest in politics. I really just want to help.”

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

STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ Art & Production Manager

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

TODD WAX Background: Originally from Michigan, Wax has lived in The Acreage since 1989 and has worked for the Village of Royal Palm Beach since 1999. He began his career there as an electrician in the Public Works Department and is now a plans examiner and analyst. Wax also is the owner of Wax Electric LCC, a family owned and operated electrical company.

He has been married for 34 years to wife Christine. They have two adult children. This is his first run for public office.

Why did you get into the race?

“Having worked for a municipality all these years, I understand how they work,” he said. “I understand what it takes to run it, especially from the budget side of things…

As a businessman, I see that side of it, too.”

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Wax did not list a specific set of priorities but said that many of ITID’s problems boil down to too much division on the board and the supervisors “trying to push things down the people’s throats.”

“They’re trying to overextend the boundaries of what they do.

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Page 5

NEWS

WELLINGTON AMERICAN LEGION POST 390 HOSTS AWARDS & INSTALLATION

Wellington’s American Legion Post 390 held its annual awards dinner and installation ceremony on Wednesday, July 13 at the Wellington Community Center. Butterfields sponsored the food for the 50 people attending. Incoming Commander Robert Nappi took over for outgoing Commander Jay Froehlich, and the year’s slate of officers were installed, including Adjutant/Public Relations Officer John Shwiner, First Vice Commander Jim Napuli, Second Vice Commander Laurence Williams Sr., Chaplain Al Ziker, Sergeant-at-Arms James Sparrow, Finance Officer Anthony Tahan, Service Officer Jerry Klein and Historian Bill Bartels.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Outgoing Commander Jay Froehlich and Incoming Commander Robert Nappi.

Honorary Life Membership recipients Jay Froehlich, Jerry Klein, Fred Quan, James Sparow, Henry Tocci, Laurence Williams and Commander Robert Nappi.

Sergeant-at-Arms Edward Manak escorts incoming officers to the front.

Ernie Zimmerman receives a patriotic quilt from Quilts for Veterans.

Blood donors Barry Bausch, Sandi Clarke, Jay Froehlich, Fred Quan, David Roman, Anthony Tahan and Commander Robert Nappi are recognized.

John Isola, Bob Wigersma, Jerry Klein and Henry Tocci.

Commander Robert Nappi, Past Commander Jay Froehlich and District 11 Commander Harry Malecki.

15-year Continuous Member Certificates are given to James Napuli, Fred Quan and Al Ziker by Commander Robert Nappi.

The officers for 2022-23 are installed.

District 11 Commander Harry Malecki presents the Billy Award to John Shwiner as Commander Robert Nappi looks on.

Certificates of Honor-Blue Star are presented

by Commander Robert Nappi to Laurie Horan with Olivia and James Napuli.

Stan Brown, Mike Mathias, Tom Wenham, Richard Smith and Harry Malecki.

Commander Jay Froehlich and Sergeant-at-Arms Ed Manak salute the flag.

Robert Nappi, Ramon Silvacoll and Ernie Zimmerman.

Jorge Perez, Fred Quan and James Napuli.

Commander Robert Nappi gives a 35-year Continuous Member Certificate to Jerry Klein and a 45year Continuous Member Certificate to Henry Tocci.

Tom Wenham receives a 15-year Continuous Member Certificate from Commander Robert Nappi.

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NEWS

Royal Palm Council Approves Plan To Keep Tax Rate Unchanged

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council held a special meeting on Thursday, July 14. At the meeting, the council gave tentative approval to next year’s proposed village tax rate of 1.92 mills and scheduled public hearings for Thursday, Sept. 8 and Thursday, Sept. 15 to finalize the tax rate and next year’s budget.

At the meeting, the council also gave preliminary approval to changes to the village’s existing floodplain management code.

Addressing the council, Village Manager Ray Liggins provided some context for keeping the tax rate unchanged at 1.92 mills, which has been the village’s tax rate consistently for years.

“The main reason is because we don’t use our millage rate, and the taxes we collect, to balance our budget, nor have we for the last 15 years. Eleven of those years, we used the proceeds from the utility sale,” Liggins said, referring to the sale of the village’s water utility to Palm Beach County. “This year, we are using ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] money to balance the budget. We are fortunate when we sold the utility, and we invested those monies. We’ve been able to spend almost $35 million, but we still have $80 million in reserves.

The policy of this council is to try to keep the reserves for as long as we can. We are doing it with a tax base that isn’t all that wealthy. We have stretched the proceeds over

the last 15 to 16 years, while continuing to increase services. The reason for not lowering the rate, even though assessed values have gone up, is the idea of continuing these reserves as long as we can into the future.”

Turning to the updates regarding floodplain management, the ordinance spans nearly 18 pages, and Village Engineer Chris Marsh addressed the council virtually to summarize the changes.

“This is a housekeeping item. It will help preserve our CRS rating and make us consistent with what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requires,” Marsh said.

CRS is the Community Rating System in place under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

“There is a good item in here as it relates to flood protection,” Marsh said. “It gives us the ability to look at things basin by basin, and those flood elevations, and force property owners to be a foot above that.”

The update is necessary for Royal Palm Beach to maintain its current certification and 20 percent discount. If it did not pass, FEMA’s rating of Royal Palm Beach will decrease. No negative impacts on current structures are expected, since the ordinance is directed toward new structures only.

The council unanimously approved the first reading. The second reading will take place on Aug. 18.

In other business: • The council approved a vari-

ance application for an existing gazebo located within an easement. The owner, Myrione PierreLouis, purchased the property with a shed and gazebo already in place and was unaware that the structures lacked the necessary permits. She has already removed the shed and will go through the process of getting approval for the gazebo now that the variance was approved.

• The council unanimously approved renaming the entire span of Park Road North and Park Road South, which runs from Sparrow Drive to Crestwood Blvd., as simply “Park Road North.”

This does not affect residents or any buildings in the area, as there were no addresses on Park Road South, only Park Road North.

This change will avoid confusion in the future.

• Two regular agenda items were postponed to the Aug. 18 council meeting. One on the merging of four vacant parcels of land along State Road 7 into one plat was delayed for a second time. A variance application

by Glen Weldon & Associates regarding a nonconforming City Mattress sign on State Road 7 was also tabled until Aug. 18 to allow the applicant an opportunity to provide a full presentation to the council after some technical difficulties. Neither village staff nor the Planning & Zoning Commission recommend approval of the requested sign variance. The sign was recently installed before gaining the necessary approvals.

Lox Council Priorities Workshop Focuses On Roads And Canals

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council held a workshop discussion on Tuesday, July 19 regarding its priorities for the future.

The discussion was based on a list provided by Town Manager Francine Ramaglia, which was put together after conversations with individual council members and previous workshop sessions. She called the list a “work in progress” that has been and will continue to be updated frequently.

“In April, each council member provided a list of priorities and possible projects, as did staff,” Ramaglia wrote in her report. “A condensed version of that list is attached but is not yet based on ranking and/or timing.”

Ramaglia noted several areas of common interest, including: • A drainage plan, including a

Milton

Wellington Postal Annex

continued from page 1 good cup or three of coffee, a quiet moment to soak in the morning, mangoes from a customer — all are small joys that make a difference for Milton.

Customer-facing jobs can be difficult, but in Wellington, for Milton, it’s easy.

“We have the best customers in Wellington,” she said. “These customers are so great that they network and teamwork to make sure we don’t have lines. So, it makes the job easier. If you have come in here, you know that customers will step aside and be courteous to other customers.”

Having a long line, she ex-

maintenance plan restoring canals, re-sloping canal banks and replacing culverts.

• A road plan, including paving and rock plans, a maintenance plan, as well as consistent and visible signage placement and painted speed humps.

• Defining maintenance limits and using maintenance easements to keep things clean and clear, with a focus on safety along rights-ofway.

• Obtaining additional easements for roads, recreation trails and drainage.

• Developing a five-year capital improvements plan, including designating use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

• Improve the town’s communications, web site and social media.

The list will be used as a starting point for building the town’s

budget and strategic plan for the next three to five years.

The workshop included a Public Works Department update with a focus on achievements over the past year from Public Works Director Larry Peters and Assistant Public Works Director Mario Matos.

“The canals are clean,” Peters said. “A year ago, we got a lot of comments about the canals being in really bad shape. Right now, the canal water is clean, and the vegetation control is doing an excellent job maintaining it.”

He added that work is underway to clean additional trash and debris from the canals. The town is also working to clean all drainage ditches they can get to, but easements are needed to get to some areas, Peters said.

Other priorities include working to fix broken guardrails and failed culverts. Some culverts have been

fixed, with several more to come, Peters said.

He also went over the list of roads set for repair over the next year, based on the list previously approved by the council.

“We are trying to create swales where we have easements to get water away from the asphalt,” Peters said. “We are also working to repair all canal washouts.”

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia noted algae present in some canals and asked for third-party testing of the algae. “I would like to see another company verifying what they are supposed to be doing,” she said. “I’ve seen more wildlife in our town, and I think keeping the canals safe is key to that.”

There was a discussion of keeping “sight triangles” clear at intersections, and the town will be working with residents to cut down and pick up debris. Letters

are going out asking residents to participate in the process.

An annexation item on the list provoked concern from several council members. Ramaglia said that it was in reference to discussions regarding annexation to the west along Southern Blvd. That would be based on requests from property owners, not action by the town, she said.

Maniglia opposed any annexation, but other council members said they would consider looking at annexation requests, but only if they benefit the town and conform to the town’s underlying land use of one unit per five acres. “We are one unit for five acres,” Mayor Robert Shorr said. “That’s our zoning.”

There was one project that inquired about annexation for a multi-family project, Ramaglia said, but that did not go any fur-

ther once the town’s land use and zoning provisions were explained.

Maniglia said she wanted all references to multi-family use removed from the town’s uniform land development code. Councilwoman Marge Herzog noted that there is a senior living facility included as part of the Solar Sportsystems project on Southern Blvd., but the town has been working with them to change that to another use, such as a hotel.

Ramaglia said that the projects on the priorities list would be spread out over three years, and she will continue with individual conversations and group conversations at meetings.

“We got a lot of good direction so far tonight,” she said. “If we pick at this a little each time, and the conversation goes a little bit further, I think that is a pretty good thing.”

plained, is something that is frowned upon, so she and the team in Wellington truly appreciate that customers work together, and those with a great deal of packages try to come in during slower times.

Milton fondly recalls the days when there were real birds in the original Wellington Mall, and she had been biding her time until an opening was available at the Wellington Retail Annex. It finally came through about 18 months ago.

One of the things she truly enjoys about being in Wellington Retail is that she can share her passion for the postal service.

“I look at UPS and FedEx, which are supposed to be our competitors, and we have tremendous, great rates,” Milton said. “It’s just amazing. I have a habit of shipping anything and everything, probably flat rate, without any questions asked, and I can track it on my

own. I use my mobile app and get a text. It gives me comfort. I don’t have to do any research or anything.”

Though the Wellington location isn’t a full-service post office, the annex works hard to cater to the community. Being such a small but mighty presence provides a neighborhood feel.

Customer Service Manager Rob Tobias couldn’t have been happier to have Milton join the Wellington team.

“Ann makes you feel special just as you’re approaching her counter,” he said. “She’s happy to see the customers. You can tell she’s happy to see the customers, whether you’re there for the first time or whether you’ve been coming for years. She has a special quality to her that puts everyone at ease, and you know you’re at the right place. All of our post offices are like that, but Ann makes it that

much more special, and brings that certain quality to Wellington.

I believe that’s why our customers have gravitated toward us.”

Based on customer satisfaction, different offices are ranked. Prior to Milton coming to Wellington, the site’s ranking was in the middle of the pack. That quickly changed.

“She brought it well into the No. 1 spot,” Tobias said, noting that Milton’s experience as a trainer has raised the bar.

Part of the ranking comes from responding to customer needs.

Milton, Tobias said, is incredibly responsive, and she has inspired others to improve their scores, as well.

“She’s encouraging other supervisors and managers to run their stations and answer their customer inquiries the same way,” he said.

Wellington Retail works in conjunction with the Wellington Carrier Annex, located at 3161 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 1, in Wellington.

Most post offices are in one building. Having detached units in Wellington, it’s different, but it works, Tobias said.

Tobias explained that Customer Service Supervisor Sandra Bailey and Assistant Customer Service Supervisor Nertil Kristollari work together to keep the two entities serving the community.

The end of the month tends to be busiest, Milton said, which can be a challenge.

“But we’re always up for the challenge,” Tobias said.

In addition to unique local challenges, the postal service is also focusing on how to best serve customers and provide a greater value through its Delivering for America plan.

This plan focuses on business customers and providing yearround predictable service six or seven days a week, with 95 percent of packages and mail delivered on time. There’s a new suite of ecommerce solutions called USPS

Connect that provides more access to the postal network, and there are new tools, new programs, new resources and new offerings as well. To learn more about this program, visit www.usps.com/ deliveringforamerica.

Ann Milton with Customer Service Manager Rob Tobias at the Wellington Retail Annex.

NEWS BRIEFS Temple Beth Tikvah Open House Aug. 14

Temple Beth Tikvah, located at 4550 Jog Road in Greenacres, invites families with children, individuals and couples to an open house for prospective members, to enroll children in religious school, register for the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registry and drop off items for the shredding truck. All can be accomplished on Sunday, Aug. 14 from noon to 2 p.m.

Meet Rabbi Howard Shub, congregation members and staff.

Learn about the temple. High Holiday tickets are free for members.

Religious school families benefit from reduced membership rates.

Temple member children who attend Camp Ramah are eligible for scholarships of up to 80 percent off camp tuition.

Hear about the innovative religious school directly from Orly Jacobs, education director of the Adler and Angrist B’Yachad Community Religious School.

Contact Jacobs at relschooldir@ templetoratemet.org.

The religious school is a cooperative effort with Temple Torat

Emet, providing small class size and individualized attention for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. Membership at Temple Beth Tikvah or Temple Torat Emet is required for attendance.

The religious school meets in-person on Wednesdays and Sundays. School orientation is on Sunday, Aug. 21 starting at 9:30 a.m., and classes begin on Sunday, Aug. 28. For further information, contact Temple Beth Tikvah at (561) 967-3600 or templebt@ bellsouth.net.

Barky Pines Family Fun Day July 30

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary will host a Trail Walk and Family Fun Day at Acreage Community Park, located at 6701 140th Avenue North, on Saturday, July 30 from 3 to 8 p.m.

Along with a freestyle walk along the winding park trail, there will be pet adoptions, a kids zone, vendors, raffles, DJ Riz, a fitness class with Nomad Mobile Fitness at 5:30 p.m., free Kona Ice, and food and beverages provided by

the Acreage Landowners’ Association.

Sponsors include Pet Supplies Plus Royal Palm Beach, Bornheimer Farms of Loxahatchee, Saylor Physical Therapy of Jupiter and Nomad Mobile Fitness of Loxahatchee. Swag will be provided to the first 100 guests.

Learn more at https://runsignup. com/Race/FL/WestPalmBeach/ DogDaysofSummerFamilyFunDayEvent.

Saint Lucian Cultural Event At Library July 31

The Children of Helen Alliance and the Saint Lucia Association of South Florida, both nonprofit groups, aim to share Saint Lucian culture and heritage with others in the community. They will be hosting a presentation in celebration of Saint Lucia’s Emancipation Day, titled “Shaped from the Fire,” on Sunday, July 31 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the Wellington branch library, located at 1951 Royal Fern Drive. The program will include a lecture presentation with drama and dance in celebration of Saint Lucia’s emancipation. It will be

directed by Dr. Travis Weekes and choreographed by Richard Ambroise. Donations are welcome.

Back-To-School Events At PBCHS

Palm Beach Central High School will welcome students back to school with special events next week.

Senior Check-In will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2 in the cafeteria from 9 a.m. to noon. Junior CheckIn will be held Wednesday, Aug. 3 in the cafeteria from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by Sophomore CheckIn also Wednesday, Aug. 3 in the cafeteria from 1 to 3 p.m.

The school will welcome the Class of 2026 with Freshman Orientation on Friday, Aug. 5 in the gym from 9 to 11 a.m. or 1 to 3 p.m. This will include school tours, along with club and athletic activity information. All new students are welcome.

Also coming up will be a SAC meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. in the media center, and the annual open house on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Learn more about the school at https://pbch.palmbeachschools. org.

Lox Council

PBSO Contract

continued from page 1 PBSO contract when he was on the council, asked the council to reject the increase and eliminate the contract. “That is well over $600,00 that could be used on our roads,” he said.

Councilwoman Marianne Miles noted that the PBSO has not increased the contact in three years.

“I see this as an investment for our residents who feel that their situation deserves a timely response from the sheriff’s department,” she said. “When you

ITID Meeting

Santa Rosa Update

continued from page 3 be able to obtain $3 million in financing for improvements to the roads and canals of the newly activated unit.

“Santa Rosa Groves basically has no infrastructure,” he said.

“We have to build everything from scratch.”

At 6.65 percent interest over 20 years, the per acre annual assessment on $3 million would be $469.30. On $2 million, it would be $320.37, Hanson said, while warning that he was unsure a $2 million loan could be obtained.

In the long run, “$3 million is the cheaper path,” he said.

However, during public comment, Elizabeth Accomando, who lives in Santa Rosa Groves and

are in that situation, only you can determine how you feel if all the other deputies are busy and you are sitting and waiting.”

In other business: • The town approved a legal contract with an outside law firm to handle a case brought against the town by property owner John Pata.

The vote was 4-1 with Maniglia dissenting. She wanted to settle the lawsuit as soon as possible rather than fight it in court. A closed-door council session will be set up in the near future to decide how to proceed.

• Finally, the council approved sending out a request for proposals (RFP) for a new three-year auditor contract. was one of the leading proponents of activation into ITID, urged the district to stay with the $2 million number that had been previously discussed.

“We can’t afford the [higher] debt,” Accomando said. “If we can do the minimum, make the roads passable and get drainage intact so nobody floods… everyone would be more than happy living with that at this time.”

• During the board’s regular session, supervisors heard that the developers of a planned shopping center at the southwest corner of Northlake and Coconut boulevards — to be known as the Shops at Indian Trails — are seeking a letter of support from the board.

The shops would be located across Northlake from the sprawling Avenir development, which is slated to eventually contain 3,000 single-family homes and 250 multi-family units.

Garden Club Presents Unsolicited Landscape Awards To Two Local Establishments

The Wellington Garden Club recently announced that two local establishments have received “Unsolicited Landscape Design Awards.” These awards recognize and encourage well-designed and maintained plantings in the public and private sectors. The awards are “unsolicited” in that they are not submitted by location owners.

Nominees are not notified they are being considered.

The winner in the “Public Facility” category is the Westlake Adventure Park in the City of Westlake.

The winner in the “Private Facility” category is Axis Apartments in the Village of Wellington.

“I am so pleased that out of a five-county area, which comprises District X of the Florida Federa-

tion Garden Club, two winners are located in the Wellington Garden Club outreach,” President Maria Wolfe said. “These entities won based on the first impressions of the plantings, suitability of design, the aesthetic aspect and maintenance of the areas. Congratulations to both!”

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, landscape design, conservation of natural resources, civic beautification, and instilling in youth the love of gardening and the respect and protection of the environment.

For more information, visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

Page 8

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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NEWS

ANIMALS FROM THE OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER VISIT WITH KCF CHILDREN Kids Cancer Foundation welcomed a visit from representatives of the Okeeheelee Nature Center to the Kids Cancer Center in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday, July 12. The staff from Okeeheelee brought a collection of Florida native animals for the kids to interact with.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Peter Cassi, Anthony and Dominic Hernandez, and Volunteer Coordinator Savannah Hottel.

Sophie Nelson pets Penne, a Florida king snake held by Volunteer Coordinator Savannah Hottel.

Manager Emilie Travis with Henry, the Virginia opossum.

Wellington Art Society Announces New Exhibition

The Wellington Art Society recently announced its new art exhibition, “Elegant.” The public is invited to experience “Elegant” in the upper and lower floors of the Wellington Municipal Center gallery located at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The exhibition is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from July 19 to Nov. 15.

“Elegant” features 16 artists and 55 original artworks, including painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, mixed media, digital art and more. The 16 artists exhibiting are: Emily Bergstrom, Heather Bergstrom, David Ciofalo, Audrey Freedman, Laura Jaffe, Carol Krenkel, Lou Ann La Bohn, Susan Mosely, Charles Moses, Susan Oakes, Leslie Pfeiffer, Janine Sabinsky, Raymonde Talleyrand,

Dominic made a donation, accepted by Kids Cancer Foundation Executive Director Michelle O’Boyle.

Kenisa Helm reads a book to the kids.

Cindi Taylor, Elaine Weber and Tammy Wolfson.

All artwork in the exhibition is for sale and a portion of the proceeds goes toward the Wellington Art Society’s scholarship and outreach programs. To arrange the purchase of artwork hanging in the exhibition, e-mail presidentofwas@gmail.com. For more information about the featured artists and the exhibition, visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

Volunteer Lindi Cody-Solomon lets Dylan LaPaglia feel owl wing feathers.

Naturalist/Volunteer Coordinator Savannah Hottel, Assistant Naturalist Chelsea Groelle, Manager Emilie Travis, and volunteers Mikie Green and Lindi Cody-Solomon.

Assistant Naturalist Chelsea Groelle lets Peter Cassi pet Penne, a Florida king snake.

Manager Emilie Travis with Sparky, a male gopher tortoise, and Kiki Smith.

Impact The Palm Beaches Announces Start Of $100,000 Grant Process For Local Nonprofits

Impact the Palm Beaches is seeking applications from local nonprofits interested in receiving a $100,000 grant to create transformational change in Palm Beach County. The 2022-23 grant process opens Friday, Aug. 5. Eligible nonprofits in central and northern Palm Beach County may apply for grant funding that supports their mission, programs or services.

“A grant from Impact the Palm Beaches gives local nonprofits the opportunity to make immediate and lasting impact,” said Lauren Sterlacci, president of Impact the Palm Beaches. “We invest in programs and projects that provide sustainable, innovative solutions to overcome the challenges that hinder the growth of our community.”

Before applying for an Impact grant, agency representatives are encouraged to learn about the process at a grant application training session. Sessions will be held in-person Aug. 1-3 at the Town of Palm Beach United Way office, 44 Cocoanut Row, Suite M201, in Palm Beach. For eligibility requirements and more information, visit www.impactpalmbeaches. org. To reserve a spot, call (561) 655-1919.

Impact the Palm Beaches seeks to fund programs and projects that are truly transformational, address unmet needs through an innovative approach, greatly impact the beneficiaries, and are sustainable for years to come. The organization seeks projects that

foster change and have long-term positive impact, are well-defined and deliberate, and demonstrate specific, measurable goals.

Nonprofits can submit applications that align with any of the five Impact focus areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Animal Welfare, Family and Health & Wellness.

“Impact has awarded grants that address a variety of needs in our community, including mental health, affordable housing, homelessness, food insecurity, job training, arts funding, hygiene, high school graduation, marine preservation, foster care and so much more,” Grant Committee Chair Aleese Kopf said. “We look forward to working with our area

nonprofits to ignite change in our community.”

Impact grants will be awarded at an annual award celebration in April 2023. Last year, Feed the Hungry Pantry of Palm Beach County and Vita Nova each received $100,000 grants. The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County and Project LIFT each received $16,500 merit grants.

Since 2015, Impact has awarded more than $1.1 million to area nonprofits.

Impact the Palm Beaches is a charitable fund of the Town of Palm Beach United Way. To learn more about Impact the Palm Beaches, e-mail info@ impactpalmbeaches.org or visit www.impactpalmbeaches.org.

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE

We help Realtors and lenders close fast: Homes, Airbnb, Seasonal, Farms, Equine, Flood and Auto.

Does your agent discuss coverage options or just tell you what a great rate you have?

Let’s discuss your options before it’s too late.

Quality of service of matters. Contact me to insure your peace of mind.

Bill Thomas Agency Owner, Wellington Resident 561-331-6652 BrightwayBillThomas.com

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one seat on the Education Advisory Board. The Education Advisory Board meets on the second Monday of the month eight months out of the year, with one special meeting in April of each year for scholarship interviews. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. Board Members shall meet the following qualifications at the time of their appointment and throughout the course of their service: they must be a Village resident; have a background in education and experience in the field of education; be a member of a parent teacher organization, parent teacher association, school advisory council or other similar organization associated with or sponsored by the school district or a public or charter school located within the Village; or be a parent/legal guardian of a child currently enrolled in a Village public or charter school. Those ineligible to serve on the Board are: employees of the Palm Beach County School District; employees of an organization funded by the School District (e.g. charter school employee); or employees of a charter management organization or charter education management organization. If you would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, go to the Village’s website at COMMISSION/BOARD APPLICATION. Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on August 9, 2022 for Council consideration at its August 18, 2022 meeting.

If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at (561) 790-5102.

By: Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

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The

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Page 10 July 29 - August 11, 2022

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Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS

PRIVATE SCHOOL

United States Post Office

#1 Education Place 753-6563

Town-Crier Newspaper & Wellington The Magazine

Wellington Collegiate Academy 701-3462

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

RESTAURANT

PEDIATRICIAN

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Raja Indian Cuisine 855-2765

Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 793-3232

Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 798-8023

CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR

Children’s House of Wellington 790-3748

Dr. Michael Harris 204-3242

Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 790-6200

Wheels of Wellington 795-3038

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING COMPANY

GENERAL INSURANCE

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

SYNAGOGUE

ENGINEERING SERVICES

VETERINARIAN

CHIROPRACTOR

Advanced Imaging Specialists 800-354-6868

Chris Barker Insurance 242-3603

Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 793-7515

Temple B’nai Jacob 793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.com

Alan Gerwig & Associates, Inc. 792-9000

Animal Medical Clinic 798-2900

Taylor Chiropractic Center 793-5050

ENGINEERING SERVICES

MORTGAGE BROKER

BARBERSHOP

BOOT & SHOE REPAIR

MARTIAL ARTS

TITLE INSURANCE

NAIL SALON

AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES

RJ Behar & Company 333-7201

Sunvest Mortgage Group 337-4848

Arturo Fashion Cuts 328-7176

Woody’s of Wellington 798-1440

Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 792-1100

South Shore Title, Inc. 798-9092

Glamorous Nail Spa 422-8882

AeroGear Telemetry 223-2590

COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

SURVEYOR

EQUINE INSURANCE

JEWELER

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

REAL ESTATE

PC Pros of Wellington 420-0554

Barron & Kogan, CPAs 795-4448

JDC Development 790-4471

Marshall & Sterling Insurance 318-5604

Wellington Jewelry 798-6110

Andrea Rusher, LCSW

Dunamis Capital Consulting 313-0535

CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS

CAREGIVER SERVICES

MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER

La Mundial 459-1629

Tom Wenham, Inc. 333-9843

Nutinfits 795-3278

True Angel Care Services Inc. (954) 326-8551

Calla Genics 252-5398

U.S. POST OFFICE

FirstService Residential 795-7767

(GRADES 1 -12)

793-7606

Wellington Mall Center Court CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 790-1488

www.therapyofwellington.com 444-7230

The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties

468-7653

Leasing Information Call Chris Santamaria 793-4500

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The

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Conveniently Located at the Corner of Forest Hill Blvd. and Wellington Trace.

PRIVATE SCHOOL

NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE PUBLISHERS

PRIVATE SCHOOL

United States Post Office

#1 Education Place 753-6563

Town-Crier Newspaper & Wellington The Magazine

Wellington Collegiate Academy 701-3462

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

RESTAURANT

PEDIATRICIAN

GENERAL DENTISTRY

Raja Indian Cuisine 855-2765

Dr. Rosa Fernandez, M.D. 793-3232

Dr. Steven Miller, DDS 798-8023

CHILDREN’S PRE-SCHOOL

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR

Children’s House of Wellington 790-3748

Dr. Michael Harris 204-3242

Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce 790-6200

Wheels of Wellington 795-3038

DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING COMPANY

GENERAL INSURANCE

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

SYNAGOGUE

ENGINEERING SERVICES

VETERINARIAN

CHIROPRACTOR

Advanced Imaging Specialists 800-354-6868

Chris Barker Insurance 242-3603

Children’s Pediatric Dentistry 793-7515

Temple B’nai Jacob 793-4347 www.templebnaijacob.com

Alan Gerwig & Associates, Inc. 792-9000

Animal Medical Clinic 798-2900

Taylor Chiropractic Center 793-5050

ENGINEERING SERVICES

MORTGAGE BROKER

BARBERSHOP

BOOT & SHOE REPAIR

MARTIAL ARTS

TITLE INSURANCE

NAIL SALON

AEROSPACE COMPONENT SALES

RJ Behar & Company 333-7201

Sunvest Mortgage Group 337-4848

Arturo Fashion Cuts 328-7176

Woody’s of Wellington 798-1440

Villari’s Studios of Self Defense 792-1100

South Shore Title, Inc. 798-9092

Glamorous Nail Spa 422-8882

AeroGear Telemetry 223-2590

COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIR

CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

SURVEYOR

EQUINE INSURANCE

JEWELER

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

REAL ESTATE

PC Pros of Wellington 420-0554

Barron & Kogan, CPAs 795-4448

JDC Development 790-4471

Marshall & Sterling Insurance 318-5604

Wellington Jewelry 798-6110

Andrea Rusher, LCSW

Dunamis Capital Consulting 313-0535

CUSTOM BOOTS & SHOES

WELLINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

MEN & LADIES ALTERATIONS

CAREGIVER SERVICES

MED SPA, REJUVENATION & SEXUAL WELLNESS CENTER

La Mundial 459-1629

Tom Wenham, Inc. 333-9843

Nutinfits 795-3278

True Angel Care Services Inc. (954) 326-8551

Calla Genics 252-5398

U.S. POST OFFICE

FirstService Residential 795-7767

(GRADES 1 -12)

793-7606

Wellington Mall Center Court CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

Spillane & Zahul, CPAs 790-1488

www.therapyofwellington.com 444-7230

The Fabbri Group Concierge Properties

468-7653

Leasing Information Call Chris Santamaria 793-4500

Page 12

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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Page 13

NEWS

DOG SHOW BRINGS HUNDREDS OF PUPS TO SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

The Jupiter-Tequesta Dog Club presented its American Kennel Club-sanctioned All-Breed Dog Show from Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17 at South Florida Fairgrounds. Special events included the AKC Owner-Handled Series, the AKC Pee Wee Class and the North American Mobile Dock Diving Dogs. More than 800 dogs in 140 breeds or varieties competed for Best in Show titles on each day.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Judge Robert Robinson and First Place Working Group owner/handler Lisa Boucher with akita Noelle.

Judge Linda Hurlebaus with Glenda Stephenson and Owen.

Judge Donna Ernst with Janice Granda and Ibiza, Jessi Herzon and Catalina, Alejandro Lima and Cocoa, and Milton Lopez and Baxter.

Maureen Parsons with poodle J.J. and papillon Rhett.

Pee Wee Handlers, age 5 to 9, with their dogs.

Handler Hanna Sunderman and mini longhaired dachshund Abbey show off their ribbons.

Montgomery and Nanette Blair with Nautica and Bridgett.

John Carlino of Genesis Assistance Dogs with golden retriever assistance dog in training Knight.

Handler Kellie Williams with golden retriever Spirit.

K9 Fitness Lab certified fitness trainer Rosie Feeley with Siri, owned by Lisa Donia.

Golden retriever puppies Maverick and Bea play tug-of-war as Trinity Lonsdale looks on.

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one (1) alternate member on the Planning and Zoning Commission with the term expiring in March of 2025. The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall.

If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, go to the Village’s website at COMMISSION/BOARD APPLICATION and return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than August 9, 2022 for Council consideration at its August 18th meeting.

If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at 790-5102.

By: Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

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Bob Silverback with Cruise, a bull mastiff.

Pee Wee Handler Edward Sawyer with beaver terrier Poppy.

Jett Nieves with Australian shepherds Reef and Scout trying dock diving for the first time.

Cassandra Cooper with papillons Kisa, Bliss and Bee.

Bronze Grand Champion Poodle Diamond Sky Steal the Moment is “spokespup” for New Edge Grooming Supplies, owned by Paula Romberger.

Page 14

July 29 - August 11, 2022

District 93

Democratic Primary

continued from page 1 ficulties of getting things accomplished in the legislature.

“I hope to move the ball as far down the field as possible,” she said. “Being a Democrat, that will be difficult, but I am very good at collaborating and building consensus. My goal is to accomplish what needs to be accomplished in our area. We can move the ball down the road as far as education, mental health issues and housing.”

Albright noted that she has the endorsement of many leaders in the western communities, including most of the current Wellington Village Council.

“I think it is important that the person representing us knows the residents of the western communities and lives in the western communities and has a life experience to truly know the issues to be able to impact change,” she said. “The reason people should vote for me is because I love the people in this community, and I have built a life here. No one in this race knows this community better than I do. I have the skillset to impact change.”

To learn more about Albright, visit www.shellyalbright.com.

Seth Densen — Originally from New York, Densen has lived in South Florida for 11 years.

“I have a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah in family studies and human development.

My master’s degree is from Adelphi University in social work,” said Densen, who works as a social worker at Jupiter Medical Center.

A Wellington resident, Densen noted that he was born premature and wasn’t expected to survive.

“I was named Seth because the nurse told my mother that Seth, biblically speaking, was a strong fighter who was determined,” he said. “When I survived, it was clear that I was determined to fight.

That determination has followed me throughout my life… I am determined to fight not only for what I believe in, but for what the State of Florida needs.”

His key issues are education funding, child welfare and mental health.

“We are the greatest nation in the world, yet we cannot provide basic school supplies in the classroom for our children,” he said.

“Our educators, in many respects, are on the front lines when we look at the great lengths they went to make sure our children get educated, especially during the pandemic, and yet we pay them a fraction of what educators get in other states.”

Densen noted that Florida ranks third in the nation for child trafficking, and Palm Beach County ranks third in the state.

“We need to do more to combat this epidemic in child trafficking and other forms of child abuse,” he said. “We need better preven-

Court Seat

St. Juste Vs. Siperstein

continued from page 1 sion for the law and the pursuit of justice. I am inspired by several jurists who came before me, who took the time to mentor and guide me on my legal journey. I want to serve as a bridge to the community to help build trust in the judiciary and our justice system,” St. Juste said. “I have been vetted by the Judicial Nominating Commission, a rigorous and thorough process to determine one’s capability and readiness to serve as judge. I am the only candidate in my race who has been selected as a finalist for consideration of merit judicial appointment to a circuit court position.”

Having spent more than 18 years as an attorney, St. Juste has served as lead chair on more than 200 trials and heard more than 250 cases as a special magistrate.

Her civil practice has worked extensively in juvenile dependency

ITID Seat 3

On The Issues

continued from page 4 poration? “At this point, the issue is not yes or no,” Martin said. “It needs further clarification and explanation.” Martin said she hates to see the level of conflict the issue has created in the community and that ITID needs to restart the discussion from scratch. “There’ll have to be much more transparency for me to ever support it,” she said. “And I certainly don’t want to see any sort of annexation from municipalities around us.”

In closing… Martin cited the four years of knowledge and experience she has gained as board member and said, “I want to help the district grow and move for-

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NEWS tion programs and more education. And we need to increase the starting salary for those who investigate child abuse and elder abuse… These are individuals tasked with ensuring the safety and well-being of our most vulnerable populations. I believe that we need to be able to provide these first responders with a livable wage.”

Regarding mental health, he would support a bill to expand Florida’s Baker Act. “If elected, I would propose a bill that expands the Baker Act, where instead of an individual staying in a facility up to three days before a court order, I would make that minimum stay seven days,” he said. “How much can you truly accomplish in a 72-hour period?

All too often we see individuals who leave these facilities and there is no follow-up care.”

Densen would also like to see laws regarding drowning prevention and firearm safety. “We live in Florida. Water is everywhere.

There should be more programs funded through state dollars that will help children learn how to swim,” he said. “Of course, I support red flag laws and the age being moved to 21 for all firearms.

I do not believe that an individual should be allowed to purchase a semi-automatic weapon. However, I do recognize the importance of the Second Amendment.”

Densen also supports a woman’s right to choose and would fight against additional abortion restrictions in Florida.

“We don’t need to create more problems; we need to create more solutions,” he said. “If we wait for our leaders to have honor and take action, we will be waiting too long.

We have become so divided, that I worry that we forget what it is like to be united.”

Densen hopes to be a unifier in Tallahassee.

“While I am running as a Democrat for District 93, I am running for all Floridians,” he said. “If you have a concern, I want you to be able to call me. You shouldn’t have to go through all these hoops to get things done. This is about being a voice for the people.”

Densen said that he has spent his entire career helping people and would continue to do so if elected.

“Voters should vote for me because not only am I genuine, but I know what it is like to struggle,” he said. “I can speak to issues important to people in Florida. I rent a house because I can’t afford to buy a house because our market is in shambles. I know what it’s like to work two or three jobs and work paycheck to paycheck.

I believe that voters should vote for me, because, quite frankly, I genuinely care.”

To learn more about Densen, visit www.votedensen.com.

Tom Valeo — A resident of Wellington since he was three years old, Valeo originally wanted to be a musician. That changed during his studies at Florida Atlantic University.

“I became the first member of

Shelly Albright

Seth Densen

Tom Valeo

Katherine Waldron

my family to graduate from college when I graduated from FAU,” he said. “I wound up studying politics, government and sociology. When I left college, I got a job with State Rep. Lori Berman, now Sen. Berman, and I worked with her until I got a job with Rep. Willhite and spent the last six years working in the legislature. It was a really great experience. There are not a lot of aides who get to help the residents in the area you grew up in.”

Valeo remains a resident of Wellington and recently became engaged to his fiancé Sarah, which he describes as “happiest honor of my life.”

He is proud of this work with Willhite in the legislature.

“I built great relationships up in Tallahassee, and I loved the work,” he said. “Once the redistricting was finished up, I saw that it was going to be an open seat, and Wellington was in the district. So, I decided that this community gave me my voice, and now I would like to use it fight on their behalf.”

Valeo noted that he has worked on 23 pieces of legislation that have been signed into law.

“I have also worked on a litany of appropriation project requests,” he said. “I have already been part of the team that has brought home millions of dollars to the county.

That is a great feeling, when you feel that you are making your hometown a better place.”

Valeo said that his unique experience makes him the best candidate in the race.

“When term limits are in place, it is important to have someone who can go up and from day one, start doing the job,” he said.

“Aside from that, I grew up here.

This is my everything. This is the only place I know. I only have this community’s best interests in mind.”

Speaking with registered Democrats, Valeo said their two biggest issues are reproductive rights, protecting a women’s right to choose, and passing common-sense gun laws.

“I also recognize the everyday

issues that folks are dealing with.

The rents are too damn high, and there needs to be some form of rent control,” he said. “We also need to work with our local partners, county and municipal, to find affordable housing solutions. The legislature recently had a special session on insurance issues, and they did absolutely zero to help ordinary Floridians.”

He also wants to see better funding for public education and a focus on “smart growth.”

“There are a lot of people who live out here, and we are continuing to build communities,” he said.

“We need to build partnerships to make sure we have smart development and help continue to ease the congestion of traffic.”

Being a Democrat in Tallahassee means that getting bills passed is a challenge. “I recognize that as a freshman Democrat, the prospect of me getting a lot of bills passed is an uphill battle, but I think that I’m uniquely situated to bring the stories of members of our community dealing with all the issues we have talked about,” he said. “If there was one issue that I would focus in on, it would be on the affordable housing crisis.”

Valeo wants to see the powerbrokers in Tallahassee stop focusing on “the red meat politics that accomplishes nothing and is only meant to rile a base of support.”

He added that his experience in Tallahassee makes him uniquely suited for the job.

“Don’t just vote for me. Treat me like a car. Kick the tires. Voters should know what they are getting,” he said. “I have experience working in Tallahassee over the past six years that no one in this race has. I have the endorsement of already elected officials working in Tallahassee because they understand the work effort and integrity that I will bring there.”

To learn more about Valeo, visit www.tomvaleoforflorida.com.

Katherine Waldron — Waldron is the only current elected official seeking the seat. She has served on the Port of Palm Beach Commission since 2017.

“I come from the Washington, D.C., area, where I was born and raised. I attended the University of Virginia and more recently got my MBA from Palm Beach Atlantic University,” said Waldron, who has three adult children. “I moved down here about 18 years ago, and coming from D.C., where politics is a part of life, I became friends with a many elected officials. When I came down here, I started a downtown political action committee, and I co-founded Palm Beach County Cares to help hurricane victims in the Caribbean.”

As an executive with Sprint and Nortel, Waldron looked for a way to put her business background to use in public service. “U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, who has always been a good friend to me, suggested I run for the port commission because it is a big economic driver for our community, and the port district includes Wellington,” she said.

She was spurred to action by a controversial port vote in favor of a deep dredge.

“There is maintenance dredging that is always needed, but they voted for a deep dredge to massively deepen it, which would have been an environmental disaster,” Waldon recalled. “When I got on the commission, I was able to flip that vote, so they voted against it.

I’m a big believer that business can thrive, and you can still protect the environment. They are not mutually exclusive.”

While she considers overturning deep dredge her top achievement at the port, she is also very proud of her work helping hurricane victims.

“The Palm Beach County Cares initiative was a non-partisan effort, and the community, from elected officials, community leaders and volunteers came out after Hurricane Maria, and we really made a difference sending supplies to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” she said. “It was reactivated after the hurricane in the Bahamas and the earthquake in Haiti.”

Waldron does not currently live in District 93 as it is now drawn.

“Before the redistricting happened, I was in Matt Willhite’s District 86. So, as a lot of people who are elected by district, they found they no longer actually lived in the district they were running in,” she said. “I am working with a Realtor to move into the district, however, I have been representing Wellington as a port commissioner for the past six years.”

Waldron said that she will be a hard worker on behalf of local residents.

“I am very passionate about helping and promoting my community, which is what I have always done,” she said. “I am very focused on trying to improve and maintain our quality of life.”

Key issues for her are education, security and women’s rights.

“I want to improve our schools and protect our environment,” Waldron said. “A lot of the effort from the Democrats in Tallahassee will be to trying to mitigate and undo some of these draconian measures that the government has implemented. To do that, you need someone who is aggressive, a fighter and can build coalitions to get that done.”

Waldron believes that she can support the area despite the challenges of being a Democrat in Tallahassee.

“In a perfect world, I would undo almost everything Gov. DeSantis has done, but in reality, I will work on bills to help our community,” she said. “As a port commissioner, I know the impact of having a strong infrastructure, and there are a lot of infrastructure dollars flowing into this state.”

Waldron said that she has been knocking on many doors and said that she has found local Democrats to be very engaged in the upcoming election.

“I will be a fighter up in Tallahassee,” she said. “I will be able to push back on what DeSantis is doing, and I will work tirelessly for my community and this district.”

To learn more about Waldron, visit www.votekw.com.

and family law, immigration and business law.

“Voters should select a candidate whose experience, leadership and integrity will be an asset to the Palm Beach County Circuit Court,” St. Juste said. “My legal experience has afforded me the opportunity to serve as lead counsel in various hearings where I have zealously advocated on behalf of my clients, including the State of Florida and some of the most vulnerable in our community, our youth. I have served as an advocate for indigent clients — individuals in the community who are unable to afford the services of an attorney.”

Through community service and volunteering, St. Juste has provided free legal services and taken the time to mentor young attorneys and help build capacity in the legal field as it becomes more diverse.

“This process has allowed me the opportunity to meet with voters from all over the county,” she said.

“I have enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to speak with each and every one of them and to learn

more about their concerns about the judiciary. My work history and dedication to the law and the community has prepared me to serve as Palm Beach County’s next circuit court judge.”

To learn more about St. Juste, visit www.votestjuste.com.

Caryn Siperstein — Siperstein has practiced law for nearly 20 years. She transitioned from a private practice after 10 years to work as a public servant, first as a state mediator at the Palm Beach County Courthouse. Siperstein graduated cum laude from Brandeis University, majoring in American studies, and completed her law degree at Brooklyn Law School. She currently serves as a Florida senior assistant attorney general in the Civil Litigation Bureau.

“My desire to become a judge began when I clerked for two judges, one in New York when I attended Brooklyn Law, and another after in New Jersey,” Siperstein recalled. “I had an opportunity to see the inner workings of the courthouse and how justice was served. My interest to become a

judge grew stronger as my career developed. I have worked to achieve a breadth of knowledge and experience to serve as a circuit court judge, and to hit the ground running in the various areas of law that a judge may be required to preside over. Notably, I served as a civil circuit court appointed arbitrator deciding cases in New Jersey in the very same subject matters that I would handle as an elected judge.”

Volunteer work has also been important to her. Siperstein has been a member of the Education Committee for the City of Delray Beach since 2018. She serves as a coach for the Palm Beach County Federal Bar Association’s civics education program and has judged the Palm Beach County high school mock trial competition.

Siperstein has also mentored students for years as they progressed through high school, college and law school.

“It is important that our youth are given the opportunity to study the law so that they can be positive influences in our community

and teach the next generation the importance of our legal system,” she said. “I am honored that each has chosen to volunteer on the campaign committee.”

Siperstein noted that she has also garnered support from a variety of prominent local groups.

“I am honored to be endorsed by the major groups in Palm Beach County, which include the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County Local 2928 IAFF, the Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO, the Fraternal Order of Police District 4, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Women’s Issues NOW (National Organization for Women) and the Hispanic Vote.

These endorsements are important because they each illustrate their confidence in my experience and knowledge to best serve as a circuit judge, and they each represent large, diverse voter populations,” Siperstein said.

Siperstein has extensive experience as a mediator, having handled

more than 500 cases ranging from divorce and child custody issues to real estate and business contracts.

In New Jersey, she served as an arbitrator in a quasi-judicial capacity as well.

“In 2015, while teaching law to high school students, I was selected from a pool of teachers to learn from the Florida Supreme Court justices at the Justice Teaching Institute,” Siperstein said. “The fellowship included a training from each justice, who taught their personal research techniques and methods of case analysis.

I was fortunate to have studied a live case that was before the Florida Supreme Court, listened to how each justice prepared for the hearing, listened to the live oral arguments, the justices’ questions and ultimate ruling. This was a highly valuable experience to observe the case analysis and decision making of the Florida Supreme Court, and this fellowship uniquely assists me to serve as judge.”

To learn more about Siperstein, visit www.caryn4judge.com.

ward, and deal with the encroachment all around us… I’m very much concerned with protecting the area and representing what residents want.”

tion and the advent of COVID-19 increased her interest in politics, she said. “It also became clear to me how important local politics are. I started thinking, ‘I can be a positive, impartial voice for the people.’ I know it sounds corny, but that’s who I am, what I want to be. I want to represent the people, not my own opinion,” Ramos said.

If elected, what would be your top three priorities? Number one, she said, “would be to do anything I can, big or small, to protect our way of life and our citizens.” That would include protecting and improving ITID’s roads and drainage system, she said.

Number two would be managing costs. “People are getting hit from all sides with higher gas and food prices, tax increases,” Ramos said. “We can’t allow our [ITID]

taxes to get out of control.”

Number three would be to bring the board together. “A lot of what we see going on now is very toxic. It’s painful to watch,” she said, adding that her experience at the administrative level of a major corporation would help her create a better environment among board members. “You have to work with each other… It doesn’t mean we can’t disagree, but it doesn’t have to turn nasty,” she said. “We can and should be working together for the community’s good.”

Should the Acreage Athletic League enjoy a near monopoly on youth sports in the district?

“We need sports in our community. I support the AAL. They give wonderful service in many areas,” she said. “[But] I believe we live in a country where competition

is healthy. Parents should have a choice without having to go outside the community.”

Do you favor Palm Beach County’s plan to five-lane Coconut Blvd. from 60th Street North to Northlake? State Road 7 needs to be pushed through to Northlake before any consideration is given to expanding Coconut, she said.

“We’re putting the cart before the horse,” Ramos said. “I see both sides of it, but I feel for the homeowners on Coconut.”

What can be done to deal with the long-delayed completion of the Corbett levee? “I don’t like kicking the can down the road. It has to be completed,” she said. “I’d like to make it a priority… [but] I realize there are a lot of other projects on the table.”

Are you for or against incorporation? “I realize the com-

munity has to grow. It has to evolve… [but] developers are fundamentally changing our way of life. Now we don’t have a seat at the table. We don’t have a voice. Incorporation may be the only way to get that seat and that voice,” she said. “We fell in love with the ‘Lox Life.’ We love our ATVs, buggies and boats. I want to protect as much of that as we can. If that means I’m pro-incorporation, then so be it… Either way, it needs to come to a vote so that we can put the issue to bed one way or another.”

In closing… “I just want to reiterate that I’m not in this for anyone. I’m not affiliated with anyone,” Ramos said. “I’m here as your neighbor and your friend, and to look out for you and your best interests… I’d like the opportunity to be your voice.”

GRISSEL RAMOS Background: Ramos, who was born in Cuba and grew up in Miami and California, returned to South Florida where she has held administrative positions with a major credit card company. She and her husband moved to the ITID area in 2006 and has since cared for her daughter and her mother, both of whom had health issues. Now that their situations have changed, the mother of five and grandmother of nine said she’s ready to become more involved in the community.

Why did you get into the race? The 2016 presidential elec-

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Page 15

With Marcia Andrews steady leadership, our students receive an education that prepares them for a global economy.

The Florida Department of Education just released their 2021-2022 school grades. Palm Beach County came out on top!

Of the largest school districts in the state, only two received an “A” grade: Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County.

Here’s some good news about our schools: ! Palm Beach County is an “A” rated school district ! Our graduation rate is at an all-time high of 95.9% ! Palm Beach County students made gains this year on their Florida assessments in Math and English Language Arts

! We funded over 650 fine arts, choice and career academy positions

! We have a police officer in every school, many have more than one

! Our recent agreement with the PBC Sheriff’s Office,

combined with our local municipalities, adds additional officers to the force

! We fortified all our schools after Parkland ! We have a nurse in every school ! We have a mental health professional in every school

ENDORSED BY: The Palm Beach Post

Sun Sentinel

Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA)

Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance

Equality Florida

Palm Beach – Treasure Coast AFL-CIO

Women’s Issues NOW

ELECTED OFFICIALS:

Joaquin Almazan, Belle Glade City Commissioner

Mike Martin, Belle Glade City Commissioner

Alexandra Ayala, School Board Member

John McGovern, Wellington Village Councilman

Keith Babb, Mayor of Pahokee

Taranza McKelvin, South Bay City Commissioner

Frank A. Barbieri, Jr., School Board Member

Melissa McKinlay, Palm Beach County Commissioner

Betty Barnard, South Bay City Commissioner

Clara Murvin, Pahokee City Commissioner

Mack Bernard, Palm Beach County Commissioner

Michael Napoleone, Wellington Village Councilman

Andrew L. Berry, Belle Glade City Commissioner

Clara Perez, Pahokee City Commissioner

Esther Berry, South Bay City Commissioner

Fred Pinto, Mayor of Royal Palm Beach

Allie Biggs, Former Pahokee City Commissioner

Bobby Powell, State Senator

Regina Bohlen, Former Pahokee City Commissioner

Wayne Richards, Port of Palm Beach Commissioner

Michael Drahos, Wellington Village Councilman

Katrina Long Robinson, Former Westlake City Councilwoman

Jervonte Edmonds, State Representative

Jan Rodusky, Royal Palm Beach Village Councilwoman

Jean Enright, Port of Palm Beach Commissioner

Jess Santamaria, Former Palm Beach County Commissioner

Lawrence Gordon, Vice Mayor of Haverhill

Robert Shorr, Mayor of Loxahatchee Groves

Jeff Hmara, Royal Palm Beach Village Councilman

Tanya Siskind, Wellington Village Councilwoman

Keith James, Mayor of West Palm Beach

Richard Valuntas, Royal Palm Beach Village Councilman

Justin Katz, President, Palm Beach County Classroom Teachers Association (CTA)

Mary Ross Wilkerson, Vice Mayor, Belle Glade

Joseph Kyles, Mayor of South Bay

Steve Wilson, Mayor of Belle Glade

Charlotte Leonard, Westlake City Councilwoman

John Wilson, South Bay City Commissioner

Marcia Andrews knows public education. As a former teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, HR Chief, and current School Board member, Marcia knows what it takes to improve student achievement and keep our kids safe. www.marciaandrewsforschoolboard.com Political advertisement paid for and approved by Marcia Andrews for School Board, District 6.

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July 29 - August 11, 2022

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NEWS

BARKY PINES HOSTS ITS DOG DAYS OF SUMMER 5K AT RPB COMMONS PARK

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary held its annual Dog Days of Summer 5K on Saturday, July 23 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The Loxahatchee-based nonprofit has been holding two 5K events each year since 2020 to raise money and awareness. It allows dogs and their humans to run the race together. The first human to cross the finish line was Elijah Arterburn, while the first dog to cross was named Cocoa. Some dogs in attendance were rescued by Barky Pines and have since been adopted into loving homes. To learn more about Barky Pines, call (561) 402-1451 or visit www.barkypinesanimalrescue.com.

PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Nikki Carpenito with Cocoa, the first dog to cross the finish line.

Elijah Arterburn was the first person to cross the finish line.

There were participants from all age groups, including many running with their dogs.

Elizabeth Accomando, Caitlin Burroughs and Beth Beckum of Barky Pines.

The 5K race gets underway.

Aiden Newton (third) and Elijah Arterburn (first) are track team members.

Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary founders Elizabeth and Steve Accomando with Harley.

Veteran Family Surprised By Gift Of New Lennar Home At Arden

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Jimenez and his family, who have been living out of their RV, were surprised Thursday, July 21 with a life-changing gift: the news that they were selected by Operation Finally Home to receive a brand-new Lennar home at Arden, South Florida’s first agrihood community.

“There are no words for what this means for me and my family, and how this will change our lives,” Jimenez said. “We are grateful to Operation Finally Home and Lennar, as well as the Arden community for such a warm welcome. I am shocked and in awe.”

Jimenez enlisted in the U.S. Army in October 2005. In 2010, while serving in Afghanistan, Jose suffered a traumatic brain injury, temporarily losing his sight and

the ability to use his legs. Still, he remained dedicated to his platoon and returned to duty one month after the incident.

Jose met his wife, Alex, also a veteran, while they were both serving in Afghanistan. Drawn together by their service and shared friends, they got to know each other better while salmon fishing after they had returned to the U.S. They married in 2012 and have a young son. As a family, they enjoy outdoor activities, building helicopter and plane models, visiting beaches and parks, and playing miniature golf, among other activities.

Jose was honorably discharged in 2013 having served nearly eight years, including two combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, and received countless other military awards, including a Purple Heart, two Army Good Conduct

Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars, and a Combat Action Medal.

Now, Lennar Palm Atlantic Division and the nonprofit Operation Finally Home have partnered to build hope and a stable future for Jose and his family.

“It was an honor to join with Lennar in surprising U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Jimenez and his family with the news they had been selected to receive a new home,” Operation Finally Home President Rusty Carroll said. “It is such a blessing for us to continue to honor America’s heroes in this way.”

Lennar Palm Atlantic Division President Michael Meyers agreed.

“It is an honor to be able to give back to such a deserving family for all of the sacrifices they have made

Staff Sgt. Jose Jimenez with his wife Alex and their son. to keep our communities safe,” Meyers said. “We look forward to continuing to work with Operation Finally Home and the Jimenez family to make sure this is a home they can call their own.”

Representatives of home builder Lennar and the nonprofit Operation Finally Home surprise U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jose Jimenez and his family at a ceremony on July 21.

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NEWS

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PALMS BRINGS ‘RICHARD II’ TO RPB COMMONS PARK

Shakespeare fans unfolded lawn chairs and broke out refreshments in front of the amphitheater at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24 to enjoy performances of William Shakespeare’s play Richard II, adapted and produced by the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival free of charge. One of Shakespeare’s historical plays, it told the story of the ill-fated title character, performed by Seth Trucks. The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival has been bringing the Bard’s plays to life for more than 30 years at the Seabreeze Amphitheater at Carlin Park in Jupiter. The shows in Royal Palm Beach were added last year. For more information about the organization, visit www. pbshakespeare.org.

PHOTOS BY MEREDITH BUROW/TOWN-CRIER

Seth Trucks, Jay Washington, Juan Mojica, Courtney Poston and Madi Fernandez.

Richard II cast members Juan Mojica, Brandon Dawson, Jay Washington, Jack Richman, Thomas Prater, Darryl Willis, Seth Trucks, Madi Fernandez, Amy Simms, Courtney Poston and Sara Grant.

Courtney Poston, Seth Trucks and Madi Fernandez.

Madi Fernandez and Courtney Poston perform a sword fight.

Darryl Willis and Brandon Dawson.

Production drummer Lisa Stephens with play director and husband Trent Stephens.

Production crew members Daniel Gordon, Trey Mazza, Kelly Hussey, Christopher Bell and Grey Bethune.

Actors and musicians Thomas Prater and Jack Richman.

Courtney Poston, Seth Trucks, Thomas Prater, Jack Richman and Madi Fernandez.

Holly and Dan Wagner await the show.

Darryl Willis and Courtney Poston.

Darryl Willis and Amy Simms.

Thomas Prater, Seth Trucks and Jay Washington.

Alma, Lena and Nick Uhren take advantage of the Shakespearian props.

Liz and Ariella Green relax and wait for the performance to start.

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SPORTS & REC, PAGES 21-24 • PALMS WEST PEOPLE, PAGE 25 • BUSINESS, PAGES 26-27 • COLUMNS, PAGE 28 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 29-30

SPORTS & RECREATION

Local Referees And Umpires Enjoy The Game-Day Experience

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report When sports stories are written about high school games, they are focused on the players and coaches who are the central figures. But rarely is a story written — unless there’s a huge blunder — about the men and women who are the referees, officials and umpires who make decisions on who commits a foul, steps out of bounds, is offsides, or is safe or out at home plate.

Yet these game officials are a big part of every athletic event at every level. Fortunately, there are many residents of the western communities who are game officials. Without them, the hundreds of high school games and recreational contests that take place every year in our communities would not be possible.

While all game officials are trained and paid for their efforts, the financial compensation often works out to less than minimum wage for their time and expertise.

So, why are people doing this job?

For Rick Schiliro, Ronnie Wood

and Darin DeCosta, who all have strong ties to the western communities, they are referees because they love sports and enjoy providing a helping hand to their community.

They are not motivated by the game fee, which doesn’t come close to compensating them for their time driving to the game, officiating the game and then driving home, often getting home late.

There’s no extra compensation if the game goes to overtime, extra innings or has a delayed start.

Schiliro, Wood and DeCosta all have jobs that require their presence the following morning, even if a game finishes late. Schiliro is an insurance broker, Wood is a sales account manager for CocaCola and DeCosta is a teacher at Royal Palm Beach High School.

Schiliro officiates because he wants to lend a helping hand. “I started officiating local rec basketball games in Wellington more than 15 years ago because other basketball officials encouraged me to do it. So, I did. They needed help,” he recalled. “And I’m still officiating basketball games.”

Game official Ronnie Wood.

Schiliro now works basketball games involving middle school and high school-age athletes.

For Wood, who played football, basketball and baseball at Forest Hill High School back in the early 1970s, becoming a sports official was a natural thing for him to do after graduating from Troy

Rick Schiliro officiates on the basketball court.

State in 1979. “I work in sales, and I love the players, coaches, administrators and parents I have met over the years through athletics,” said Wood, who has officiated high school football in Palm Beach County for 44 years. “Being an official has also opened up doors for me in my professional life.”

Palm Beach County basketball officials Mark DeAtley, John Fouchet and Darin DeCosta.

In addition to officiating high “I was first introduced to basschool football, Wood also works ketball officiating back in Rhode at girls high school flag football Island,” DeCosta recalled. “I and recreation league flag football, moved to Florida and continued youth football and basketball. officiating basketball. It has stuck As for DeCosta, he was intro- with me ever since.” duced to basketball officiating DeCosta has officiated pro basnearly 30 years ago, and he could ketball (ABA, USBL and summer never walk away from it.

See REFEREES, page 23

Basketball Coach Gaffney Also An Expert At Playing Drums

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report As they say, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” That’s a good way to describe longtime Palm Beach Central High School girls varsity basketball coach Bruce Gaffney.

For more than 30 years, Gaffney has been patrolling the high school basketball sidelines in his native South Carolina, and now here in Florida. For the past 17 years, he’s been a fixture in Palm Beach Central’s girls varsity basketball program as its head coach.

While Gaffney is a “basketball

lifer,” there’s more to his life than basketball. When he’s not teaching the fast break, demonstrating the pick and roll, and showing his players how to box-out on rebounds, he’s playing music with a number of local bands. He plays the drums and Afro-Cuban percussion. Gaffney has been playing in bands for nearly 50 years, and he’s not planning to stop any time soon.

Gaffney was attracted to the drums for the same reason he likes basketball.

“To play the drums and to play basketball, you must use all your limbs,” Gaffney said. “Playing

xxx Coach Bruce Gaffney (center) with some players on Palm Beach Central High School’s basketball court.

drums is a workout. And, as the drummer, you get to influence the flow of the music. Physically, it’s fun to play the drums.”

Gaffney is affiliated with a number of tribute bands playing the music of Tina Turner, Eric Clapton, Motown and the Allman Brothers.

Just like basketball players idolize and admire other basketball players, Gaffney has a list of drummers who he has admired over the years. They include Bernard Purdie, Tony Smith, Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Ringo Starr, Charlie Watts and Mick Fleetwood.

When asked to name his favorite basketball players during his coaching career at Palm Beach Central, he declined the offer.

“I’ve had too many great players and wouldn’t want anybody to get upset by not having their name appear on the list,” Gaffney said.

But he didn’t hesitate to name his most accomplished team at Palm Beach Central, which was the Bronco squad from the 201112 season. That team reached the FHSAA’s Class 8A final four in Lakeland. Unfortunately, they lost by one point, 65-64, in the state semifinal game against Dr. Michael M. Krop High School from Miami.

The memories of that season and his starting five remain vivid.

“That year’s starting five of Lexus Love, Mariah Smelzer, Crystal Primm, Ashante Doby and Kensha’dra Smith was very talented,” Gaffney said.

Just as Gaffney’s teams have only played with the best brands of basketballs, such as Wilson, Rawlings and Spalding, he only plays drums from some of the best brands. “I have two sets of drums from Gretsch and Pearl,” Gaffney said. “They are great drums.”

Just as proper preparation is one of the keys to being a great basketball coach, Gaffney has the same mindset when it comes to getting ready to play music. In fact, he’s ready to depart for the next gig at a moment’s notice.

“I have one of three cars that I take to play music,” Gaffney said.

“One car is for my drums, a second car carries my percussion instruments, and my third car is for any kind of dress rehearsal.”

When asked if he is a better basketball coach or a better drummer, Gaffney had a diplomatic response.

“In basketball and music, I’m only as good as my supporting cast,” he said.

Bruce Gaffney on stage playing the drums.

While Gaffney is content with So, if you want to put a label his life as a local drummer, it on Gaffney, is he the basketball doesn’t stop him from dreaming coach who plays the drums or about what it would be like to is he the drummer who coaches play with some big-time groups. basketball? The answer is that If he had a chance to pinch-hit as he’s both. And when asked if he a drummer, he’d love to play with is known a “coach” or “drummer Return to Forever, Parliament- boy,” he just smiles and laughs.

Funkadelic, Carlos Santana or It’s fair to say that he answers Steely Dan. to both.

Palm Beach Central Football Team Prepares For 2022 Campaign

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach Central High School football team will be gathering in the pre-dawn hours on Monday, Aug. 1 for its first official day of football practice for the 2022 season.

According to new head coach Kevin Thompson, practice will begin at 6 a.m., sharp. Thompson expects a herd of Broncos to attend practice.

“We’re expecting about 90 players on day one, with 29 seniors,” said Thompson, who is taking over as head coach for Scottie Littles, who has accepted a coaching position at Booker High School in Sarasota.

According to Thompson, a focal point of practice will be getting the offensive line in place.

“We have a young offensive line that we’re trying to build chemistry with,” Thompson explained.

“They have a great coach, and he will have them right.”

Thompson expects a big year from many of last year’s playmakers on offense.

“We have a couple of guys who we will be leaning on this year,” Thompson said. “Ahmad Haston, our fearless leader, will be at the helm for us at quarterback. He had a great year last year, and we’re just trying to build on that. Our two receivers on the outside will be a huge part of the offense. They are Luby Maurice and Javorian Wimberly. Our defense is led by our free safety Justin Bostic, who will be protecting the back end.

Our front seven will be led by senior outside linebacker Nick Toussaint.”

Two other key players for Palm Beach Central will be Tony Williams, a 6-foot-2 sophomore wide receiver and cornerback, and sophomore wide receiver Nedrick

Boldin. Both players have offers from Bowling Green University.

Haston was the leading high school passer in Florida last season, throwing for 3,100 yards and 32 touchdowns with just four interceptions.

The Broncos are coming off a stellar season in 2021, when they had a record of 10-1 and reached the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 8A regional final, losing 34-0 to Treasure Coast High School on Friday, Nov. 26.

Palm Beach Central’s first opponent for its kickoff classic is Atlantic High School from Delray Beach. That game against the visiting Eagles will be played at Palm Beach Central on Thursday, Aug. 18. The Broncos open their regular season schedule at home against the Palm Beach Lakes High School Rams on Friday, Aug. 26.

Palm Beach Central’s quarterback Ahmad Haston in action last season. PHOTO BY MORGAN WATERS

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GASTROENTEROLOGY

Relief for Severe Acid Reflux and Swallowing Disorders Advanced care for the upper digestive tract Hundreds of times a day the muscles of the esophagus work to propel food and liquid from the throat to the stomach. When the muscles do not work properly, it can cause a number of health issues, including chronic acid reflux and swallowing disorders. Today advanced endoscopic techniques are used to care for patients with upper digestive tract conditions without open surgery.

“During upper endoscopy, we pass a flexible tube with a camera on the end down through a patient’s throat to both examine the surfaces of the esophagus and stomach and treat certain conditions,” explains board-certified gastroenterologist Tolga Erim, DO, Chair of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and Regional Director of Endoscopy for Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Swallowing disorders One such endoscopic procedure is called POEM (Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy). It is used to treat swallowing disorders, including achalasia, a rare condition in which the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t open properly and prevents food from entering the stomach.

During POEM, the endoscope is tunneled into the wall of the esophagus. A special knife is then passed to the end of the endoscope and used to cut the tight esophagus muscles, which allows the esophagus to empty normally. Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital was the first in South Florida to offer POEM and today has the highest experience in the region.

Diabetes-related stomach paralysis Another cutting-edge endoscopic treatment available at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital is used to treat gastroparesis, a disease in which the stomach cannot empty normally. This is a common condition in people who have diabetes-related nerve damage, but it may also occur in other situations.

POP (per oral pyloromyotomy) is a nonsurgical procedure in which an endoscope is used to reach and cut the pylorus, the muscular valve that empties the stomach. This allows food to move from the stomach into the small intestine more easily. “We were also the first in South Florida to perform POP,” notes Dr. Erim.

Chronic reflux and Barrett’s esophagus Chronic acid reflux is a much more common complaint of the upper digestive tract that also can be treated endoscopically.

It occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter doesn’t close properly, allowing food and stomach acid to back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the severe form of acid reflux, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can damage the esophagus and increase the risk of esophageal cancer.

Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital offers a number of advanced treatments for acid reflux-related disorders, including Barrett’s esophagus, which appears as lesions on the surface of the esophagus.

EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection) is one of the most successful techniques for removing surface lesions on the esophagus. It involves raising the lesion, either with an injection of a solution from underneath or with suctioning from above, and then removing it with a wire loop tool called a snare.

ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection) is a newer technique that is used to remove a larger lesion in one piece. It uses the same injection method to elevate the lesion, but instead uses a cautery knife to meticulously remove the lesion.

Cryoablation, which involves freezing the esophageal lesions, and radiofrequency ablation, which uses heat energy to destroy the abnormal cells, also are used to treat Barrett’s esophagus.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Erim or another gastroenterology specialist, call 877.463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Digestive to learn more.

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July 29 - August 11, 2022

Page 23

SPORTS & RECREATION

As Soccer Coach At Berean, Luke Schartner Is Always Learning

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report For the past 16 years, the varsity boys soccer program at Berean Christian School has been under the direction of Luke Schartner, who is also the dean of varsity athletic coaches at the school.

For Schartner, who teaches physical education, his coaching roots took hold as a child.

“I grew up and played in Illinois,” Schartner recalled. “My

high school career was at Libertyville High School, and I played as a midfielder.”

After high school, he moved to West Palm Beach to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and played college soccer. “I had one season as a PBA Sailfish,” Schartner said.

His desire to be a soccer coach can be traced to his father.

“I grew up watching my dad coach,” Schartner said. “It was

Luke Schartner (center) addresses his players.

Referees

A Labor Of Love

continued from page 21 pro league games in Miami), college basketball (NAIA) and high school basketball (mainly in Palm Beach County). He now focuses just on officiating high school basketball.

In the last 12 months, Schiliro estimates that he has officiated more than 300 basketball games in Palm Beach County, from local rec games involving elementaryage children up to high school games.

While fans and coaches have criticized a few of their calls, all three men have learned to ignore the critics in the stands.

“I get a great deal of satisfaction from seeing a young player actually shoot the basketball and make it,” said Schiliro, who still plays basketball himself. “I applaud them and encourage them.”

“For every call I make in a game, half the people agree with me, and half the people think I’m wrong,” added Wood, who has

officiated a few state final high school football games and many state final games in girls flag football.

From time to time, Schiliro and Wood receive compliments for their efforts.

“Just recently, a parent approached me after a game and thanked me for my efforts guiding and encouraging the players on the court,” Schiliro said.

“I’ve had many people come up to me afterward and compliment me on my performance as a referee,” Wood said.

All three juggle busy game schedules during any given season.

“During football season, I might have a freshman or junior varsity game on a Wednesday night, high school varsity games on Thursday and Friday nights, a youth football game on Saturday morning, and then an FAU home game that Saturday night,” Wood said.

“During basketball season, I’m officiating four or five games a week,” DeCosta added.

It certainly helps keep them in shape.

“By officiating basketball, it’s great exercise running up and

something I was always interested in. It’s a huge part of my life now.”

His reasons for becoming a soccer coach were driven by the importance of providing a positive and supportive atmosphere for his players.

“A lot of people coach because they had positive coaches and wanted to do the same for others,” Schartner said. “For me, it was somewhat the opposite. I had some negative experiences with coaches and really wanted to be different.”

While some coaches are regarded as being the ultimate source of information for their players, Schartner believes that he is still learning about soccer every time he steps on the field.

“I feel like this journey has always been about learning for both me as a coach and also for my players,” Schartner said. “Even after 16 seasons, I have much to learn. I strive to focus on the players and building them up as men and not as much focus on building a program. I also want to instill ownership in the boys. So, they see it as their team and performance.”

While every soccer season at Berean has been filled with memorable moments, some of his recent

teams have produced profound memories.

“Our team that made that run to the regional final in 2018 was talented, but played really well as a unit, too,” Schartner said.

“They also knew how to make things really fun, thanks to Mark Sadek. And the 2020 post-season run was a fun memory. We had three playoff games in one week.

All three games went into overtime, we had two penalty shootouts, and we defeated a really quality undefeated Yeshiva team to clinch the district championship.”

Berean’s athletic director Michelle Metzler is delighted to have Schartner as the leader of the varsity boys soccer program.

“I’ve witnessed his solid coaching skill set and experience during games and practices,” Metzler said. “He intentionally grabs opportunities to create meaningful relationships with his athletes.

The level of trust he builds extends into long-term, successful character development. His unyielding commitment to progress is notable, despite any setbacks. I am, personally, constantly encouraged by him. Coach Schartner challenges his players, on every

down the basketball court,” said Schiliro, who has added recreation flag football and volleyball games to the list of sports that he officiates.

During the basketball season, Schiliro also works at all Keiser University men’s and women’s basketball games. There, he works at the scorer’s table where he’s in charge of the game clock, the shot clock, the home scoring book or the scoreboard.

“I work more than 50 basketball games a year for Keiser University and have done that job for many years,” Schiliro said. “And I watch those college basketball refs. They are good refs.”

One of the reasons that Wood and his fellow football officials are working varsity games on Thursday nights is because there are not enough qualified high school football officials to work all the high school games traditionally held every Friday night in the fall.

“We only have enough officials in Palm Beach County to work 12 high school varsity games on a Friday night,” said Wood, who also assigns football officials for

the Western Communities Football League in Wellington. “On any given Friday night, we’ll have 17 or 18 games. So, some games have to be moved to Thursday nights.

We need more men and women to become registered football officials for local rec games on the weekends, plus freshman, JV and varsity games during the week.”

DeCosta noted that working as a game official is not as easy as it looks.

“So many high school basketball fans watch NBA games on television,” he said. “Pro basketball is totally different than high school basketball. Many fans think they know what we should or shouldn’t call, but they don’t.”

So, next time that you attend a high school sports event, you might see Schiliro, Wood or DeCosta in black-and-white striped shirts with a whistle dangling from their neck. Take time afterward to thank them for their time and effort.

Meanwhile, if you have interest, consider joining the ranks of high school sports officials.

They’ll be happy to see you join their team.

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Luke Schartner (center) provides guidance and advice to his team. level, to be impactful. There’s an impressive balance that he is able to generate and maintain.”

When asked to assemble a Berean “dream team” boys soccer squad, based on his first 16 years as the coach, he was able to create a list, but it was not an easy selection process.

“I know I’m probably forgetting some names,” Schartner said.

His top goalkeeper is Mikael

Guerrier, though former Bulldog Derek Medellin and his current keeper, Miles Kelly, would also be worthy selections. His starting defenders would be Caleb Wells, Barak Degler, Armani Zalez, Keilon Stube and Chris Intoppa.

His top four midfielders would be Arrun Rajoo, Nael Guerrier, Justin Dieck and Brock Dion, and his two goal-scoring forwards would be Noah Torres and Alex Silva.

Palm Beach County’s Third Annual Youth Entrepreneurship Forum Will Be Held On Aug. 4

The Palm Beach County Office of Equal Business Opportunity (OEBO) will be hosting the “Mind Your Business” third annual Youth Entrepreneurship Forum in August.

The unique forum will be presented virtually on Zoom, on Thursday, Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The event is free for youths ages 8 to 18.

Mind Your Business features three workshops: “Boss Moves” presented by Dominique Ford, “Network or Not Work” presented

by Corey Jones, and “Brand New! Brand You!” presented by Malik Yant. There will also be a panel discussion with youth entrepreneurs as guests.

“Palm Beach County is committed to investing its resources in the small business and en-

trepreneurship community in this county. That includes our youngest business owners. Mind Your Business is in its third year, and our goal is to effectuate the spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Tonya Davis Johnson, director of the OEBO. “By encouraging and teaching entrepreneurship, there is, in the long run, a benefit not only to these business owners but the county as well.”

If you are interested in attending this event, register at https:// survey.pbcgov.com/s3/OEBOMind-Your-Business. It is free, and the public is invited. For details, call (561) 616-6840 or e-mail asmith5@pbcgov.org.

The Zoom link to attend is https://pbcgov.zoom.us/meeting/ register/tZIqfu6qrTwqGtPCGwZp0FHrr7nZu48LhjMz.

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Page 24

July 29 - August 11, 2022

The Town-Crier

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Wahoos Of Wellington Swim Team Wins Big At The Junior Olympics

Martin County Swimming and the North Palm Beach Swim Club hosted the 2022 14 & Under Long Course Junior Olympics Swimming Championships held Thursday, July 14 to Sunday, July 17 at the Sailfish Splash Waterpark in Stuart.

Teams from Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties competed at this prestigious championship event. The grueling four-day event consists of preliminary qualifying races during the morning and early afternoon session, followed by finals held each evening of the four-day event.

The Wahoos of Wellington Swim Team has been hard at work over the summer, with early morning training practices six days a week, along with strategic afternoon practices on certain days. The Wahoos fielded a team of 27 athletes that pre-qualified for the event, led by head coach Rich Whalen and head age group coach Becky Richey. Over the course of the meet, the team had many swimmers who made finals and placed inside the top eight finishers, including Chole Abinuman, Allison Connors, Andreas Dasilva, Nikolina Dengerud, Julian Granison, Luca Gray, Emma Han, Katerina Malyshev, Dillon Metz, Veronica Metz, Aria Mindley, Ares Rilo and Sage Shach.

In addition to the many swimmers who earned individual podium finishes and personal best times, Dillon Metz earned an individual age group division High Point Award in the men’s 13-14 division, and Veronica Metz earned an individual age group division High Point Award in the women’s 11-12 division. In addition to multiple podium finishes for the relay teams, the Wahoos also earned a second place overall team high point in the women’s division, and a third place overall team high point award for the combined women’s and men’s team efforts as well.

Congratulations to all 27 Wahoo athletes who qualified for the 2022 Long Course Junior Olympics: Chole Abinuman, Uliana Antonyan, Alejandro Bahos Andrade, Allison Connors, Andreas Dasilva, Nikolina Dengerud, Vincent Elliott, Oliver Fergus, Jolie Gabriel, Julian Granison, Luca Gray, Ney-

Brother and sister age group division High Point Award winners Dillon and Veronica Metz.

Head coach Rich Whalen and head age group coach Becky Richey. lin Gultepe, Emma Han, Natalie Honzik, Aleksey Kaladzinski, Steven Lee, Katerina Malyshev, Vlad Malyshev, Dillon Metz, Veronica

Metz, Aria Mindley, Yogi Patel, Ares Rilo, Athena Rilo, Gabrielle Rivarola, Ivan Rodriguez and Sage Shach.

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July 29 - August 11, 2022

Page 25

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Wellington Resident Ava Parker Joins Kravis Center’s Board

At the last meeting of the season, the board of directors of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts elected Sherry Barrat as board chair starting July 1. Barrat succeeds Jeffrey Stoops, who served as board chair for the past three years. Evan Deoul and Ava Parker, a Wellington resident, joined the board and will serve three-year terms.

“The Kravis Center is excited to announce Sherry Barrat as its new board chair,” Kravis Center CEO Diane Quinn said. “Her dedication, commitment and generosity to the Kravis Center spans nine years, and her business acumen and financial expertise has been invaluable to our organization’s mission. Bringing a wealth of experience and passion for the arts, she will help guide and ensure the continued growth of this performing arts center as we enter our 30th anniversary season.”

Barrat has held several leadership roles on the Kravis Center board, including vice chair, Finance Committee chair and Governance/Nominating Committee chair. She has also been a member of the Employee Relations Committee and continues to serve on the Executive Committee. Barrat is the lead director of NextEra Energy Inc., the largest generator of wind and solar power in North America and the parent compa-

ny of Florida Power & Light.

She also serves as a director of the Prudential Insurance Funds, which oversees $170 billion of client investments, and of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co, the world’s fourth largest insurance broker.

Barrat is a board member of the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties. She and her husband, Tom, reside on Singer Island.

“I attended the Kravis Center opening in 1992,” Barrat said.

“I have enjoyed being a patron, supporter and board member, and I look forward to expanding my role with this premier organization.”

Parker has served as president of Palm Beach State College since 2015. She is the first female president in the history of the institution. Under her leadership, the college opened a fifth campus, improved student success rates, increased enrollment growth and developed a Cross-Cultural Equity Institute. PBSC also achieved a top gold ranking in the Florida College System in 2017.

Parker is chair-elect for the American Association of Community Colleges and serves on the board of directors for MasTec, an American multinational infrastructure engineering and construction company; Professional Bank, a Florida-based community bank; and Orchid Island Capital, a pub-

licly traded specialty finance company. She is on the advisory board of the Community College Research Center and is a member of the Orange Bowl Committee, Achieve Palm Beach County Executive Champions and the West Palm Beach Federal Courthouse Committee.

In 2021, Palm Beach Illustrated recognized Parker as one of Palm Beach County’s “Most Influential Business Leaders,” along with Florida Trend’s 2020 Florida 500 issue. Palm Beach Illustrated also named her a returning member of the Palm Beach Top 100, recognizing Palm Beach County’s most influential community and business leaders. Parker and her husband, Joe Gibbons, and their two children, Bailey and Parker, reside in Wellington.

Deoul is senior managing director at AB Bernstein, where he leads Bernstein’s private client practice in West Palm Beach with oversight for their Miami, Cleveland and Minneapolis private client offices. He currently serves as a member of the Kravis Center Investment Committee and Finance Committee, as well as the Kravis Center Corporate Partners Executive Committee. Deoul and his wife, Joan, reside in Palm Beach Gardens.

Other officers elected to serve one-year terms for 2022-23 are

engagement efforts with Jessica at the helm.”

Additionally, Clasby was recently named to the South Florida Fair Board of Directors. In this role, she will provide input on all matters related to the South Florida Fair, which brings together many different parts of South Florida’s agriculture community.

Prior to joining the Florida Sugar Cane League in 2018, Clasby owned her own business and held leadership positions in Palm Beach County service organizations. She is a double alumna of Palm Beach Atlantic University, earning her master’s in leadership and bachelor’s in organizational management.

Currently, Clasby serves as president of the Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumni Association Board, vice president of the Palm

Beach County Farm Bureau, vice president of the St. Mary’s Medical Center Foundation, and a board member with Executive Women of the Palm Beaches, Leadership Palm Beach County and the South Florida Fair.

Clasby is a graduate of Leadership Palm Beach County’s Class of 2020, Boca Leadership Class of 2021, and is very active in numerous chambers and philanthropic organizations. She is a member of the current Leadership Florida Cornerstone Class 40.

The Florida Sugar Cane League was founded in 1964 by George Wedgworth and a group of South Florida farmers. Today, the league has offices in Washington, D.C., and South Florida, employing scientists, government affairs professionals and a community outreach team representing the industry.

Sherry Barrat

PHOTO BY GONZALO VILLOTA

PHOTO BY EMILY HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO COURTESY THE KRAVIS CENTER

Vice Chair Paul Leone, Vice Chair Monika Preston, Treasurer David Lambert and Secretary Bradley Hurston. Other board members include past chairs Jeffrey Stoops, Michael Bracci, Jane Mitchell, William Meyer and Alexander Dreyfoos, as well as Penny Bank, Sherry Endelson, Lourdes Fanjul, Stuart Frankel, Robert Fromer, Irene Karp, Norma Klorfine, David Mack, Bill Peterson and Richard Sloane. Ex officio members are Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard, West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James and Kravis Center Chief Executive Officer Diane Quinn.

Reaching the mandated term limit, James Harpel was elected to the position of life trustee following his 12 years of service on the board, of which he served four

years as board secretary. Harpel chaired the Investment Committee and Operations Committee and served on the Executive Committee.

The Florida Sugar Cane League Promotes Jessica Clasby To Palm Beach County Director

The Florida Sugar Cane League recently announced that Jessica Clasby has been promoted to Palm Beach County director. Clasby’s new responsibilities include managing all of the league’s regional outreach efforts, public education and tours of the South Florida farming region.

“Since coming to the Florida Sugar Cane League, Jessica has demonstrated a tremendous passion for local farming and an excitement for educating members of the public about sugarcane and vegetable farming in South Florida, and for this reason, she is a natural fit to lead our community outreach team,” said Ryan Weston, chief executive officer of the Florida Sugar Cane League.

“With our farmers set to begin another harvest this fall, we look forward to continuing our public

Evan Deoul

Ava Parker

Jessica Clasby For more information, visit www. farmersgrowourfood.org.

Nicoloso Joins Boys & Girls Clubs Of PBC

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County recently welcomed Erin Devlin Nicoloso as vice president of marketing and business development. Nicoloso was previously the regional marketing manager at ShopCore Properties and brings 10 years of experience to her new position.

“I am excited to join the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County to spread the mission across the county,” Nicoloso said. “I look forward to making an impact on our youth and the community.”

Nicoloso is a graduate of Cardinal Newman High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, and relocated back to Palm Beach County in 2009 upon graduation.

At ShopCore Properties, Nicoloso worked overseeing marketing for six shopping centers in the southeast, more locally, Downtown Palm Beach Gardens. She was formerly the special event and public relations director for the Gardens Mall and the marketing and events coordinator for the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce.

Nicoloso enjoys giving back to the community and has served on numerous committees and boards for local nonprofits, such as the Jupiter Medical Center Foun-

Erin Devlin Nicoloso dation, Loggerhead Marinelife Center, Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. She was awarded second place in the prestigious Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year campaign by raising more than $56,000 for the organization in 2014.

Nicoloso will be responsible for the execution of all marketing for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, and growing partnerships and relationships with local and corporate businesses in order to continue providing worldclass club experiences for children across Palm Beach County.

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It’s smart to be proactive when caring for your pets. It’s always better to prevent a situation from occurring than to have to deal with it after the fact. Call us for an appointment at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH (798-5508), for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. We are conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Where Pets Are Our Passion! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

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1200 Corporate Center Way, Suite 103 | Wellington, Florida 33414

Elizabeth Zimmerman with her son, Ernie Zimmerman.

Elizabeth Zimmerman passed away on Friday, July 8. Elizabeth was born on Dec. 30, 1916, making her 105 and a half years old when she passed away.

Elizabeth was the mother of Ernie and Steve Zimmerman, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of eight. She was a USO girl during World War II, when she met her husband Manny. May she rest in peace.

Page 26

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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BUSINESS NEWS

Marcus & Millichap Arranges The Sale Of 7-Eleven In Westlake

Marcus & Millichap, a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm specializing in investment sales, financing, research and advisory services, recently announced the sale of a high-end 7-Eleven store, a 4,500-square-foot gas station and convenience store located in Westlake.

This unique asset sold for $13,570,000.

“We continue to see strong interest from investors in convenience store properties. This 7-Eleven is the eighth one our team has sold in the past two years and the 13th convenience store in that same

time frame. This particular property traded at a high price point with the buyer recognizing the fantastic location in a high-growth market,” said Barry Wolfe, senior managing director in Marcus & Millichap’s Fort Lauderdale office.

Alan Lipsky, senior vice president of investments, was also involved in the sale.

“Many investors in 1031 Exchanges recognize the value and stability offered by long-term leases with tenants like 7-Eleven,” he said. “We have several other convenience store properties under contract and on-market with

fantastic operators like 7-Eleven and Wawa.”

The 7-Eleven is located at 4001 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in Westlake. The new concept store, developed by the Chaudhary Petroleum Group, features a state-of-the-art building, car wash, Fusion Fresh restaurant, nitro cold brew and other artisanal beverage options.

Barry Wolfe, Alan Lipsky and Joseph Prio in Marcus & Millichap’s Fort Lauderdale office had the exclusive listing to market the property on behalf of the seller, Westlake Fueling LLC.

An individual trust purchased the property.

When it opened last year, the 7-Eleven marked Westlake’s first new retail development since its incorporation. It is just minutes from the Westlake Adventure Park and Westlake Town Center, with future developments underway.

Marcus & Millichap Inc. is a leading brokerage firm specializing in commercial real estate investment sales, financing, research and advisory services with offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.marcusmillichap.com.

The 7-Eleven concept store in Westlake sold for $13.57 million.

Back-To-School Fun And Fashion Show At The Mall At Wellington Green July 30

Gene Gibson and Zack Hornby of Top Notch Property Watch.

Top Notch Property Watch Earns Accreditation

Top Notch Property Watch has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association for the fourth year.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 in order to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada (www. nationalhomewatchassociation. org). Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence.

Owners Gene Gibson and Zack Hornby have more than 52 years of combined service in the United States Coast Guard, managing the upkeep of millions of dollars’ worth of military housing units, government buildings and all connected properties. In addition, they were responsible for maintaining millions of dollars’ worth

of other military assets, including Coast Guard small boats, cutters and vehicles. They are also Coast Guard licensed captains for up to 100-ton vessels.

After serving their country, Gibson and Hornby wanted to start their own business, and Home Watch seemed like a great opportunity for them to help serve their community. A Home Watch business also allows them to utilize some of the training and skills they learned during their years in the military.

Top Notch Property Watch serves Palm Beach County, including Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach and North Palm Beach. They will also serve Broward and Martin counties upon request.

You can reach them at (561) 781-0555 or at topnpwatch@ gmail.com. Learn more at www. topnotchpropertywatch.com.

Join in a day of fabulous curbto-classroom​ fashion at the Mall at Wellington Green. On Saturday, July 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.​, ​scoop up fashionable finds and tax-free deals for the entire family. Kids can stock up on Instagram-able trends while parents cash in on wallet-friendly retail savings during the B ​ ack-toSchool Sales Tax Holiday running now through Aug. 7.

Fun family pursuits will include a high-octane fashion show, dance and musical performances, music by electric violinist DJ Lexey, and more. ​Plus, enjoy a chance to win exciting prizes, including gift cards and a $500 back to school shopping spree.

During the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday at the Mall at Wellington Green, stock up on learning aids selling for $30 or less; school supplies selling for $50 or less; clothing, footwear and accessories selling for $100 or less; and computers and accessories

(when purchased for non-commercial and personal use) selling for $1,500 or less.

Up next is the Kids Club “Fun in the District.” On Saturday, Aug. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m., visit the mall’s new event space, the District, and partake in a variety of family-friendly programming, including kids’ yoga and Zumbini classes, and painting workshops.

The little ones will also enjoy face painting, fun games and a chance to meet their favorite costume characters.

The Mall at Wellington Green is a 1.2-million-square-foot, two-level regional shopping destination featuring more than 160 stores.

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. in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 227-6900 or visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.

Electric violinist DJ Lexey will perform at the event

Business Women’s Association To Meet Aug. 10

The Northern Palm Beach Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 10 at 6 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens library, located at 11303 Campus Drive. Networking will start at 6 p.m. There will be no food served.

Bagged food and beverages may be brought in and consumed. To make reservations, or for more information, contact President Loretta Remy at (561) 317-3227 or loretta.spalady@gmail.com.

The August speaker will be Liz

Houser. The topic of the August program is, “Discover How to Attract and Retain Trustworthy Employees Who Want to Grow with Your Company.”

Houser is an author. Her first book is titled, Forever Faithful. In 2022, she co-founded Kale Houser Leadership with her husband.

Houser likes to make coming to work a fun adventure where everyone can find success easily by reaching their goals and helping you grow your business. Join in for an informative discussion and

learn how to attract and keep your dream team with her Three-Step Alignment System.

The mission of the American Business Women’s Association is to bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.

For more information, visit https://northernpalmbeach.abwa. org.

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Page 27

BUSINESS NEWS

Developer Minto Unveils Four New Townhome Models In Westlake Minto Communities, the master developer and primary homebuilder in Westlake, has unveiled four furnished models for its first townhome neighborhood. They are now open to the public. The Crossings of Westlake will feature 130 townhome residences with prices starting in the $400,000s.

The two-story model homes are from the newly created Bay Collection. The 1,669-square-foot Aventura floorplan is designed with three bedrooms and twoand-a-half baths. The Brickell, with 1,978 square feet, has four bedrooms and three-and-a-half

baths. With 2,113 square feet, the Biscayne is the largest floorplan with three bedrooms and two-anda-half baths.

There is a mix of four- and fiveunit buildings and three unique exterior architectural styles — Coastal Contemporary, Modern Bermuda and Urban Transitional.

Each home comes with a two-car garage, a brick-paver driveway and walkway, fenced-in backyard and covered lanai. Premium interior features include an island kitchen with granite countertops, tile flooring throughout all main living areas, stainless-steel Whirl-

pool kitchen appliances, full-size Whirlpool washer and dryer, and impact windows.

Residents will have full access to the nearby Westlake Adventure Park where they can take a dip in the lagoon-style pool with water slide. Residents will also enjoy the bocce ball courts, BMX pump park, dog park and community activities at the expansive event lawn and food truck court.

“We are proud to introduce our much-anticipated townhome collection to the public,” said Steve Svopa, Minto’s division president. “Once people see the

quality and value we are offering at the Crossings, we expect there will be overwhelming demand for this new product in Westlake.”

The Crossings is the sixth Minto neighborhood to be developed since the 3,800-acre Westlake opened for home sales in October 2017. Altogether, Westlake is approved for 4,500 homes and more than 2 million square feet of non-residential space.

Westlake is located at 16610 Town Center Parkway North, off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call (888) 2993628 or visit www.westlakefl.com.

Several townhome models are now available at Westlake.

D1 Training Opens Royal Palm Beach Location

D1 Training in Royal Palm Beach celebrated its grand opening on Saturday, July 9.

D1 is an athletic training facility that trains anyone ages seven to adult, as well as professional athletes.

D1 Training utilizes trusted and proven training techniques used to

build the world’s best athletes and deliver them in age-appropriate workouts by expert coaches.

On the coaching staff is head coach Matthew Thomas, formerly a strength and conditioning coach from Florida Atlantic University. He has an extensive training background, training

athletes of many different sport backgrounds.

Also on the coaching staff is Yamon Figurs, a retired NFL player from the Baltimore Ravens.

The facility is owned by Kenny and Patty Farrell, who are excited to bring D1 Training to the Palm Beach County area.

In attendance at the grand opening was Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto, Vice Mayor Selena Samios, as well as other members of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council.

For more information, call (561) 867-8703 or visit www.d1training. com/royal-palm-beach.

Consign & Design’s new Palm Beach Gardens location.

Consign & Design Unveils Renovated Flagship Location In Palm Beach Gardens

Consign & Design has opened its newly renovated flagship location at 7700 N. Military Trail in Palm Beach Gardens. Open daily, Consign & Design specializes in high-end home projects, partnering with interior designers and staging luxury model homes, offering new and consigned furniture, unique lighting, accessories and gifts.

Owner Nanci Smith opened Consign & Design more than two decades ago, with her first location in Wellington.

“I feel a location in Palm Beach Gardens would do well because our clients love our elevated level of service in Wellington,

and we want to extend that into the Gardens, Jupiter and Stuart areas,” Smith said upon choosing the Palm Beach Gardens location.

For more than 20 years, Consign & Design has offered highend luxury furniture and lighting consignments and accessories to South Florida. The company continuously offers new and consigned lines of furniture and custom accessories to stay up to date with trends and designs. Visit the new flagship location today, with more than 20,000 square feet of merchandise.

To learn more about Consign & Design, visit www.myconsignanddesign.com.

(Front row) Melissa Yakup, Robert Corbett, Royce Corbett, Franco Alegria, Kyrie McCloud, Gavin Farrell, Tyhler Small, Dvir Dangerfeild and Tylin Hill; (middle row) Jacorey Johnson, Tyler Young, Andrew Fisher, Kenya McCloud, Jeff Fisher, Owen White, Addison White, Yamon Figurs, Gabriel Dobsky, Imri Campbell, Bryson Hightower and Channing Saunders; and (back row) Kenny Farrell, D’mari Patterson, Leon Williams, Nathan Ramirez, Jadon Ramirez, Lucian Angel Najera, Chase Farrell, Nolan Farrell, Sam White, Logan Weinstein, Deon Williams, Patty Farrell, Alice Leitz, Tyler Farrell, Jen White, Carl Gibbons, Katie Farrell, Bobby Carlson, Chandra Farrell, Emily Thomas and Matt Thomas.

Mayor Fred Pinto with owners Patty Farrell and Kenny Farrell.

PBI Wins Prestigious Award As Fifth-Best Domestic Airport

Travelers voted Palm Beach International Airport as the fifth-best domestic airport in the renowned Travel + Leisure Magazine’s 2022 World’s Best Awards. For the sixth year in a row, PBI ranks in the top 10 Best Domestic Airports category for access, check-in/se-

curity, restaurants/bars, shopping and design.

“We work hard to ensure PBI provides an easy, stress-free and convenient airport experience,” said Laura Beebe, director of airports for Palm Beach County. “We are extremely proud to receive this

award since it demonstrates that our passengers recognize and appreciate our efforts to provide the best airport experience in South Florida.”

PBI is in excellent company in the World’s Best Awards for 2022. Find the entire list at www.

travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/ best-domestic-airports-2022.

Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) serves more than 6.7 million passengers annually and offers 200 nonstop flights daily with 13 airlines. For more information, visit www.pbia.org.

Page 28

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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FEATURES

Nothing’s Better Than Decorating Using Someone Else’s Money

A few years ago, my daughter Jen bought the two-bedroom house across the street from her own house as an investment. Her plan was to rent it out to people she knew and trusted. However, after several years of watching these trusted renters a) tear up the house, b) invite hordes of unknown, untrusted friends to live with them, c) bring in a variety of undisciplined pets, and d) not pay the rent anyway, she decided to convert it to an Airbnb.

I was concerned about this, as I recall that “b-n-b” stands for “bed and breakfast.” Even in her own home, Jen usually doesn’t have time to make either beds or breakfast, but the “air” part evidently

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER means “that section of the definition is up in the air.” If you want either “b” made, you’ll have to make it on your own. You’ll get to stay there for a week, use the linens and dishes, and we’ll clean up after you when you leave, but that’s about it.

The best part of Jen’s experiment is that she hired me to decorate the house. Yay! There is no fun greater than re-designing the interior of a house using someone else’s money. And there is no compliment better than someone saying, “I like your taste so much I want it replicated here.”

And there is nothing more thrilling than one of your kids saying, “And I want to work alongside you because we have so much fun together.”

I was in heaven.

Of course, then we started working.

We patched and painted and sanded and “touched up.” We spent four days buying furniture, moving in furniture,

shoving furniture from room to room and deciding that we still didn’t have enough furniture. I was getting tired. On the fifth day, we rested.

Jen hadn’t intended to rest — ever. But it was Sunday, and I had heard about a brunch restaurant that offered a fabulous menu option entitled, “Make Your Own Mimosas.” Yes! They would bring you a carafe of orange juice and a bottle of (half price!) champagne, and you could stir it up your own way. The fact that the bottle of champagne was three times as big as the carafe of orange juice told me they were our kind of people. “And they package up the leftover champagne for you to take

home!” I enthused. It didn’t take more than that to convince her.

Two and a half hours later, as common sense started to settle back in, we headed back to the house to paint that last room.

But we thought we’d unwrap the new couch cushions first and put them onto the couch. And we’d bought a vintage hifi (that’s “high fidelity,” kids) at an estate sale, and it had an old Perry Como album in it, and we figured we’d better see if it still worked — you know, for her guests’ sakes. So, we fired that puppy up.

And tried out the couch cushions.

And finished off the champagne.

And that was that for Sunday.

The Official Inflation Rate Only Tells A Small Part Of The Story

I was looking over the bills for our Fourth of July picnic a couple of weeks ago and wound up asking myself the question, “How come the government says prices are up 9.1 percent from last year when the price of just about everything went up a lot more than that?” I mean the pack of hot dogs that cost $5.99 last year were now $8.99. That’s just about 50 percent! And the rolls, burgers and so much else was much more expensive. I’m not certain about the mustard, but then again, I seldom need to buy much.

Chatting with friends I found out that most people were confused by the issue.

So, using the economics classes I took so long ago (long enough ago that you needed to actually use math as part of the work!), I thought it might be useful to explain the discrepancy by explaining the Consumer Price Index.

We hear about it all the time on television, usually now starting with, “The Consumer Price Index has gone up again

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler this month...” followed by percentages for the month and year. What does it all mean?

The CPI follows the cost of what is called a “typical market basket” and, generally unknown to most people, there are actually several of them based on whether people live in cities or rural areas or suburbs. There are a whole group of items on the list, often broken down into subgroups. For example, food is broken down into “food at home” and “food away from home.” Interestingly enough, food at home rose at around 12.2 percent over the past year, while that at restaurants

only 7.7 percent. Restaurants have been working hard to keep business and have cut profits (and sometimes staff) to keep business. Keep in mind that some items go up in a given month and some go down.

Meats actually went down slightly in June, probably as a reaction to large increases the preceding couple of months. That means if you bought a steak for $10 last month, you’ll only pay $9.99 this month.

So celebrate!

Energy prices are through the roof, as anyone who goes to fill up their car knows.

Gas is up 60 percent over the year, which is nothing compared to the almost doubling of prices for home fuel oil. Nice that we live in Florida with our mild winters! And, of course, those who drive for a living, like the truck drivers who bring our goods to us, will be paying a real lot more.

Some things have not risen all that much. While the real estate industry has its issues, on average, the cost of shelter (if you’re not trying to move) has stayed

pretty much the same thanks to the fact that fixed-rate mortgages don’t increase with inflation. Also, rents are generally part of relatively long-term leases, so they stay the same until the next one comes up. Of course, landlords are thrilled when leases are up so they can raise the rent, but that doesn’t affect a large part of the population at any give time. Medical care is pretty stable because of long-term deals (yay for Medicare!) and clothing has been pretty steady thanks to the large markups.

But for many of us, the pain really hits daily as we go to gas stations and buy food.

There are separate informal price indexes (see “Shadowstats,” which provides a group of them, although they are not in any way official and government people hate them) that more closely demonstrate our pain. One of them just focuses on food, gasoline and utilities and is running close to 25 percent.

Government leaders tell us to have patience, things will get better. But prices

on diesel fuel are up a lot, which means the cost of transporting goods across the country is way up. We have the threat of a railroad workers’ strike and the effects of an actual strike in California from independent truckers. All of these will keep prices up. And even things that seem to stay steady, like homeowners’ association fees, will go up as workers ask for raises to match inflation.

There are many brilliant people working on the problem. But keep in mind there are a lot of factors that are just out of our control. The war in Ukraine will cut the supply of wheat greatly throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East, even if some diplomatic agreements get made.

The heat in the Midwest will affect our crops and not in a good way. There are dozens of factors that no group of governing people, no matter how well-motivated, can really change.

To paraphrase a line in a great movie, “Hang on, we’re in for a bumpy ride.”

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A/C G & REAIR CONDITIONINinstallation new JOHN C. HUNTON INC.—Service & FRIGERATION, participating contractor. Lic. CAC FPL independent are proud supporters of the Sem057272 Ins. “We 561-798-3225. Family Owned inole Ridge Hawks” 1996. Credit Cards Accepted & Operated since

Professional Services r

Journeyman/Carpente

years experitrim carpenter, 25 Journeyman, customreasonable. Crown molding, base ence. Adult, honest, sills & doors. 561-255-7225 board, casings,window

Professional Services

Professional Services Pressure Cleaning

|

WASHING - (561)810-7679 Grime. Support BELLA’S PRESSURE exterior of Mold and 5 star rated. pressure washing HomeAdvisors a women Business.

Septic Service

SERVICE — 561-689-1555 DANNY’S SEPTIC Septic Tank and Grease Trap Commercial/Residential*Lift Stations *Drain Cleaning Pumping *Drain Fields Lic#SRO111 696 www.Dannys -Septic.com

Sprinkler Systems

Roofing reLLC — Complete ROOFING — Spe- AQUATIC SPRINKLER, Owner OperatBonded,in561types of systems.

ROBERT G. HARTMANN Free estimates, . pair of all Office: 561-964-6004 Cell: Servcializing in repairs. 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763 ed. Michael Bonded & Ins. 1990 sured. Lic. #CCC Since 236-8595 Lic.#U17871 O O F I N G A L L ing the Western Communities PA I R S R E - R e HonROOFING RE Construction, Inc.CounCleaning - Home/Offic get your Beach TYPES — Pinewood Wallpapering Serving Palm — I can help once and est and reliable.

Call Mike 561-309-0134 me CLEANING LADY Professional InstalPainting over 20 years. than ever! Try RC-0067207 PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Neat, Clean & ReINC. ty for house cleaner disappointed ! 561-657-0420 Bonded. CGC-023773 l. Repair of Paper. touch. 30 years CLEANING & PAINTING,clean- Lic. Ins. lation,Remova you will not be woman’s a PRESSURE pressure J&B All types of — Roofing & Re- liable. Quality work with big or too small. Lic. & Ins. JR. ROOFING Established 1984.Cleaning, houses, driveways, too & NEIL O’NEAL owned and operated. Residential/ experience. No Job 561-795-5263 Electrical Contractor INC. — — ing, Chemical Roof Family Coatings, References available. & Residential. Interior cleaning roofing.

Replacement, Roof CONTRACTING, Fully patios etc. Commercial price, Certified -pressureCall Butch Commercial. Wood & Roof Ventilation. 561-656SINGER ELECTRICAL Exterior painting. can trust at an affordable Vents, Skylights ree Estimates Lic. #U21552 Electrical work you EC#13007941 561-425-5409 & painting contractor.i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t Solar Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.F 4945 r v Licensed and Insured.

309-6975 o andpainting .com nt www.jbpress urecleaning Home Improveme INC. — Interior/ExSerpopcorn All Around HandymanOnce JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING pressure cleaning, owned/ ANMAR CO.— James’ Old time values.

Family terior - Repaint specialist, 73 vice. Excellent craftsman k! Lic. Ins. Certified repair & roof painting.

Law Firm

firm — Private law Law. EmployHR LEGAL LOGISTICS County. Business Visit: in Palm Beach Planning. Contracts. ment Law. Estate Call (561) 480-0779 www.LegalLogisticsFL.com.

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Jewelry Exchan

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HERE’S MY CARD For a pristine clean, we are the experts

(561) 228-6154

Michael Rose, President Call or email us for a quote today: info@advancejms.com

www.advancejms.com

Services include, but not limited to: • House Cleaning • Clean Up Projects • Deep/Detail Cleaning • General Cleaning • Move Out & Move In Cleaning • Pressure Cleaning • Window Cleaning • Medical Office Cleaning • Commercial Cleaning

DATTILE PLUMBING, INC.

Excellence in Education Sandra Lopez-Richter

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ACT - SAT College Prep FLVS FSA GRE

• • • • •

Japanese English Spanish TOEFL Piano Lessons

(561) 827-1866

THE BEST IN THE WEST DOUGLAS DATTILE

dattileplumbing@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT

SERVING WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY SINCE 1973

slopezrichter@aol.com

561 -793 -7484

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CFC057769

Residential Commercial

Knockdown Textures Interior - Exterior Carpentry Repairs Pressure Cleaning

W.H. BROWN,LLC PAINTING

SERVICES:

• Electric Panel Upgrades • Landscape Lighting • Generator Installation • Recessed Lighting • Troubleshooting

Thomas McDevitt, Master Electrician P 561.798.2355 admin@twmcdevittelectric.com F 561.784.9401 LIC# EC13007161

Free Estimates

Lic. #U-16274 Bonded Insured Wallpaper Removal

(561) 313-0409 Drywall Repairs

FULL SERVICE

AUTO REPAIR

Family Owned and Operated since 1985

KEANER STONE INC. Your Countertop Solution In Granite, Marble & Quartz

(561) 506-5818

Kevin Sierra

Manager keanerstoneinc@outlook.com

@keanerstoneinc

3745 S. Congress Ave #2 Palm Springs, FL 33461

keanerstoneinc.business.site

AUTO REPAIR » Brakes » Suspension » Oil Changes » Routine Maintenance » A/C Repair

» Engine Replacements » Transmissions » Electrical » Automotive Sales

587 105th Avenue North Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561-333-6444 www.transmissionandautorepair.com

Roy & Ryan Walker

“We buy your care if you don’t want to fix it”

Keaner Stone Inc.

Owner & Manager

561-758-8676

David Bardin Owner

WELLING ON LANDSCAPE LIGHTING Accent Lighting • LED technology Low Energy systems • Plug and play • Lightscapes

Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured sonlightresidential@gmail.com | www.SonlightResidentialServices.com

Sunbelt Sprinkler & Well Drilling, Inc. Family Owned & Operated for 40 Years

• Installations • All Necessary Repairs • Pump & Well Installation • Conversions from Indexing Valves to Electric Valve Systems • Pool Reroutes • Monthly Maintenance

POOL SERVICE 1 Month FREE! Call or Text

561-635-0541

hrhsbs@aol.com

Lic #U-12396 • Insured

B. ELLIS ENTERPRISES, INC.

ENTRY DOORS REPLACED ALSO

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Mobley Pool Service

561.795.9234

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LABOR & MATERIALS

RDB TRIM INC. LICENSED AND INSURED - U-20945

CALL RICK 561-282-8135

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Jason Ellis President Office 561.798.1477 Mobile 561.722.5427

4,599 on 11/4 Acre Lots

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U2597 CGC015908 8620 Wendy Lane E. West Palm Beach, FL 33411

CLASSIFIEDS • • • WELLINGTON ROYAL PALM BEACH LOXAHATCHEE THE ACREAGE

Legal Notice

- Job Openings Front Desk Clerk Person with good verbal/written communication skills and the motivation to provide good customer service. Flexible schedule needed. Experience preferred, but we will train the right motivated person. Royal Palm/Wellington/ Acreage residents will save on gas and travel time.

Housekeeper Responsible for cleaning guest rooms in a timely and thorough manner. Experience and fluency in English is preferred. Must be able to work weekends and/or holidays.

To Apply: E-mail or Fax Resume to: info@royalinnhotel.com 561-795-1502 or Apply in person

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July 29 - August 11, 2022

Page 31

Man it’s HOt! Time to have the a/c checked...

Specials who should I call?

1-Topping Pizza + Any Side Salad $11.49

2-2-2 $21.99

Three 1-Topping Pizzas $24.99

over

2 Pizzas 2 Toppings 2 Fountain Drinks

OF SERVICE Family Owned & Operated Since 1996

2 Specialty Pizzas $20.99 Margherita BBQ Chicken Pesto Pizza Veg Up Hawaiian Meateater

White Out Buff. Bacon Ranch Chicken Caprese Mushroom Arugula Spinach & Artichoke Steak Pizzaiolo

SPECIALIZING IN TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR Service & Repair • New Equipment • Sell All Brands www.johnchuntonac.com

Expires 9/30/22. Limit one special per customer. Prices to change without notice. Not valid with any other offer. Cauliflower crust, GF crust, pan crust and vegan cheese are additional.

15673 Southern Blvd.

Next to Publix at Binks Forest & Southern

(561) 508-7800 FIREDUPPIZZA.com

Lic.#CAC057272 • Ins.

Modern, Elegant & High-Quality Comfort

Welcome to Pioneer Inn

SAY GOODBYE TO PESTS FOR GOOD

ARMAND

E N V I R O N M E N TA L S E R V I C E S FAMILY OWNED and OPERATED

Over 60 years combined local experience • PEST PREVENTION • ANT SPECIALISTS! • FLEA & TICK CONTROL • RODENT & WILDLIFE CONTROL • RODENT EXCLUSION • TERMITE CONTROL • WHITEFLY CONTROL • LAWN FERTILIZATION • FREE INSPECTIONS NO CHARGE RE-TREATMENTS LICENSED & INSURED

Call 561-789-8777 Mair & Scott Armand

www.armandpest.com www.facebook.com/armandpest

Rated BEST by delivering an EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE at a TREMENDOUS VALUE

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

For better rates please call us at

561-855-6055

9121 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach www.pioneerinn.us

Scott M. Fair, DO David A. Mittleman, MD Retina Specialist General/Cataract Surgery

• • • • •

HD channels with high-speed internet Centrally located in Palm Beach County Walking distance from South Florida Fairgrounds Conveniently located near many restaurants and Wellington Mall Close to Lion Country Safari Florida Turnpike, I-95 Palm Beach International Airport Wellington Polo Club • Short drive from Dreher Park Zoo • Close to Shark Wake Park

Justina Vasiliauskas, OD Steven Edens, MD Eye Physician General/Cataract Surgery

Shaun Holliday, OD Eye Physician

Elon Luzon, OD Eye Physician

IV-Free Cataract Surgery in our Private Surgery Suite

We now have in-house office space for IV-free cataract surgery. This allows our patients to undergo cataract surgery in the same location they receive their eye care. Although having an in-house office space is becoming more common in top eye care practices across the country, Mittleman Eye is currently the first and only eye practice in all of Palm Beach County to offer this for IV-free cataract surgery. Having this facility allows us to provide convenience and superb care to our cataract patients.

IV-FREE SURGERY SUITE

Luxury Apartments Housekeeping Maintenance Utilities Transportation Personalized Care

All-Day Dining Fitness Center Salon and Spa Putting Green Shuffleboard Movie Theater

Minimizes Anxiety • Scheduling Freedom • Cleanliness • Hassle-free • Quicker Recovery For more info: mittlemaneye.com/iv-free-cataract-surgery

Providing a Lifetime of Vision Care In a Setting of Excellence 11.7K 11911 Southern Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 561.570.2090 | www.InspiredLiving.care Assisted Living Facility License #AL13539

Luxury Assisted Living and Memory Care

Redefining Excellence.

Call/ Text 561.500.EYES Schedule Appts Online mittlemaneye.com

info@mittlemaneye.com

mittlemaneye.com

West Palm Beach 2000 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 400, West Palm Beach, FL 33409 Jupiter/Gardens 601 University Blvd, Suite 101, Jupiter, FL 33458

Page 32

July 29 - August 11, 2022

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NRI INSTITUTE OF

HEALTH SCIENCES

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NEXT CLASSES START SEPTEMBER 2022 Call 561-688-5112

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Day and Evening Classes Small Class Size Tutoring Assistance For All Programs

Financial Aid Available For Students Who Qualify SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE! 503 Royal Palm Beach Boulevard | Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Located In the Royal Plaza At The Intersection of Southern Boulevard and Royal Palm Beach Boulevard

561-688-5112 Visit us on the web at www.NRIINSTITUTE.EDU Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 1768 Accredited By The Council On Occupational Education