Town-Crier Newspaper June 13, 2025

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE • WESTLAKE

Big Dog Ranch

Rescuing Veterans Along With Pups

On Friday, June 6, Big Dog Rescue Ranch (BDRR) in Loxahatchee Groves held a graduation ceremony for 30 veterans and service dogs who graduated from a program where they, in fact, “rescue each other.” Through intensive training, dogs who once faced uncertain futures find a purpose, while veterans gain loyal companions who help them navigate life with physical disabilities, PTSD and emotional trauma. Page 7

The NRI Institute Of Health Sciences Holds Graduation Ceremony

NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 1 at the original Wellington Mall. Students received associate of science degrees in nursing and diagnostic medical sonography. Student speakers included Jeeline Hillaire, Michelle Mathis and Wendy Hernandez. Page 16

A TASTY TRAVELING EXPERIENCE

On Thursday, June 5, the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2025, now in its 22nd year. Several hundred attendees had a chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food from a wide array of restaurants in the Wellington area along the five-hour bus route. The theme this year was “The Decades Tour,” and groups dressed to match a decade of their choice. Shown here are Alex Harris, Leah Hack, Stuart Hack, Diann Hack and Robin Darwin. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

Wellington Council Approves A Small Increase In Trash Fee

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington residents can brace for a bump in fees when they put out the trash and recycling in fiscal year 2026, though not quite as much as other recent increases.

The numbers translate to $320 for curbside pickup for most residential customers, Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel told the Wellington Village Council at a meeting Tuesday, June 10.

“That’s a $10 increase from the current rate of $310,” she said.

A year ago, the hike was $20 more. Fees for emptying centralized containers will rise $5 to a $235 rate, similar to a $5 increase last year.

The village’s contractor collects the refuse in coordination with the Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, which asks municipalities to start helping it

plan rates in June. The fees are set to be finalized by August.

The money covers projected operating costs and contract expenses. The increase adds $259,000 to the fiscal year 2026 village budget for solid waste, Quickel said. The fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

The council voted 4-0 for a resolution approving the proposed rates. Vice Mayor Tanya Quickel was absent following a death in the family, Mayor Michael Napoleone said.

In other business:

• The council voted 4-0 to approve the first reading of changes to the village’s comprehensive plan to make way for a proposed mixed-use development known as “The Marketplace at The Wellington.”

It’s a central part of a larger concept backed by Wellington Lifestyle Partners to develop homes and businesses around

a revamped equestrian showgrounds.

The proposal calls for an 80room hotel, 89 residences, and shops, restaurants and offices on nearly 18 acres at the southwest corner of Greenview Shores and South Shore boulevards. The property is currently zoned for commercial use and is not in the Equestrian Preserve Area.

A second reading and other matters associated with the project will come back before the council in coming months.

Looking at the project, the village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board unanimously agreed on May 21 to amend the village’s comprehensive plan and change the Future Land Use Map designation from commercial to mixed-use, gave a conditional-use approval for the hotel and approved master-plan amendments

See MARKETPLACE, page 4

Todd McLendon Rejoins Lox Council After Surprise Resignation By Maniglia

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

One week after Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia’s surprise resignation from the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council, former Councilman Todd McLendon was chosen to fill her seat at a special council meeting held Tuesday, June 10.

Maniglia submitted a letter of resignation at the tail end of the Tuesday, June 3 council meeting. It was read into the record by Mayor Anita Kane.

“Together, we have had many struggles to build up this town, and in the end, we have accomplished many great things,” she wrote.

However, she noted that she has been very upset by the malicious commentary being made both in the council chambers and around the community.

“This hostile environment culminated in unwarranted physical and character attacks on me,” she continued. “At this time, I believe that stepping down in the only next move I must make in order

to continue my mission for a better Loxahatchee Groves.”

Maniglia vowed to continue her service to the town.

“At this juncture, I can say with much certitude that I feel like I can be most effective not from the dais, but from the podium,” she concluded.

Maniglia was first elected to the council in 2018 and was one year into her third three-year term when she stepped down. Her resignation was effective the close of business on Wednesday, June 4.

The council agreed to hold a special meeting a week later to consider appointments to Maniglia’s now vacant Seat 1. Kane suggested putting the focus on candidates who had filed to run in the most recent election, since their necessary paperwork was already in order. Other candidates were given until Friday, June 6 to come forward.

At the special meeting on June 10, each candidate who wished to speak was given up to three

minutes to address the council.

McLendon was the first up at the podium.

“I’m requesting this appointment to the council confident that my proven track record demonstrates a strong commitment to our community,” he said.

McLendon was elected to the council in 2016 and served one three-year term. This past election cycle, he filed to run before dropping out before the election.

Since leaving the dais, McLendon said that he has continued to work with the sitting council members “toward the betterment of our town.”

While on the council, McLendon said that he fostered consensus among different viewpoints.

Dueling Court Rulings Leave Acreage-Area Truckers In Limbo

By Louis Hillary Park

Town-Crier Staff Report

Big-rig truckers in The Acreage are suffering whiplash after two diametrically opposed rulings were issued recently in the same case in Palm Beach County Circuit Court — and one prominent truckers’ advocate said she’s had enough.

Jorge Alfaro of Prestwich Drive and Clare Dougal of Tangerine Blvd. filed suit in April 2024. They alleged that Palm Beach County was engaged in a “taking” of their property rights when, in 2019, the county amended a 2002 ordinance to make it illegal for truckers to park their rigs on their residential properties in semi-rural areas of the county.

In 2020, the county began enforcing the ruling, fining many truckers in the Acreage/Loxahatchee area $50 to $100 a day or more for violations of the ordinance’s new stipulation.

Soon, unpaid fines grew into the thousands and tens of thousands, said truckers, threatening to put them out of business, force them to find expensive and scarce parking away from their residence, or to move away.

“We helped to build this community — the schools, the parks, the supermarkets — now they say they don’t want us,” Dougal said Wednesday, repeating an oftenheard lament of local truckers, who have lived in the semi-rural enclave for decades.

Dougal purchased her home in 2002 with the understanding that she and her family would be

able to park their trucks on the property.

Fast forward to 2025.

On May 22, Judge Robert Oftedal — sitting in for Judge Maxine Cheesman — said in a two-page summary judgment for the county that Alfaro and Dougal “presented no competent evidence of financial loss, diminution in property value or impairment of vested property rights.”

On June 1, Cheesman returned to the bench and issued a deeply researched 12-page ruling that said the case should proceed to trial as to whether there was a “taking” and the damages that Alfaro and Dougal might be due. However, on June 3, Cheesman withdrew her ruling without explanation. Then, on June 6, West Palm Beach attorney Christopher Mills, who represents Alfaro and Dougal, filed a 291-page motion for a rehearing based partly on the conflicting rulings of Oftedal and Cheesman.

“It’s very difficult to manage the emotions of your clients when you have conflicting rulings like this,” Mills said. “I sympathize with their confusion and frustration, considering the procedural quagmire we’re in. I’ve never seen anything like this in my career.”

Natalia Melian-Torres, who has been the face and voice of The Acreage’s “Save Our Truckers” movement for the last four years, said the judges in the case are “acting unprofessionally” and “playing with people’s livelihoods.”

“I never felt we were treated See TRUCKERS, page 14

PALM BEACH SENIORS ENJOY PROM

He considers his top accomplishments on the council to be reducing the speed limits on Okeechobee Blvd. and Folsom Road; mandating underground utilities; fighting the widening of Okeechobee Blvd.; advocating See LOX COUNCIL, page 4 meted from 72 to 43, and there were only 21 burglaries in the village compared to 60

larceny, the Total Crime Index rose 8.9 percent from 596 in 2023 to 649 in 2024. It should be noted that the overall crime trend in the village remains down from previous years. For example, 2024’s score of 649 compares favorably with 2014 to 2020, when the village achieved average scores of 856. Murder incidents dropped to 0 in 2024 compared to 1 in 2023. While forcible rape rose from 10 to 12, in all 12 cases, the victim and perpetrator were acquainted. Robbery fell from 9 in 2023 to 8 in 2024. Aggravated assault plum-

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Ulrich Naujoks and Senior Criminal Intelligence Analyst Harry Hook gave the annual report for PBSO District 9 at the

ROYAL

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club presented its Senior Prom Night with a “Black and White” theme on Friday, June 6 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The attendees enjoyed dinner, dancing, raffles and a photo booth. Music by the Gypsy Lane Band kept everyone dancing. Shown here are Elliott Gordon and Sandy Rubin. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

GL Homes Plans 448-Unit Residential Development In Westlake

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Longtime Florida builder GL Homes is moving forward with its first foray into the City of Westlake. A presentation on the development was made to the Westlake City Council at a meeting on Tuesday, June 3. The development, tentatively called Silver Lake, is south of Persimmon Blvd. and east of The Estates in the southeastern portion of the community.

Eventually, the development will have 448 single-family homes on 119.8 acres.

Donaldson Hearing of the planning firm Cotleur & Hearing, representing GL, presented the plat application for Phase 1 of the project, which envisions 294 homes with 40-foot and 50-foot street fronts and one-story and two-story designs unique to Westlake.

“GL is excited about being here,” Hearing said.

While not describing it as a partnership, Hearing said GL and the city’s primary developer and landowner, Minto Communities USA, are “cut from the same cloth” and have worked together to shape the project.

GL and Minto have a “longstanding relationship,” Hearing said. “They worked together to configure the site, so it is more consistent with the neighborhoods

and communities we have within Westlake.”

The development will have water on three sides, a 3,000-squarefoot amenities center and a “diversity of lot types,” he said. There will be a wide single entranceway off Persimmon featuring a sign with a waterfall motif, a multimodal path, a covered school bus stop and a contemporary guard house with stone columns and “clean lines — very, very crisp.”

“GL does an amazing job with landscaping and entryways,” said Hearing, who also often represents Minto before the council.

The development will not trigger the requirement for Persimmon to be expanded from two lanes to four lanes, Hearing said. However, GL will be installing a right-turn lane.

Councilman Gary Werner expressed concern that the development plans for only one entrance/ exit, plus an emergency entrance, also off Persimmon, for police and fire-rescue vehicles.

Hearing assured the council members that the plat met all necessary requirements and had been approved by Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

“That doesn’t give me much comfort... and doesn’t necessarily make it acceptable,” Werner said. “The question I would ask, were I to buy there, is, do I have an emergency way out were some

catastrophic accident to occur?”

Werner said this week he checked, and PBCFR officials confirmed that the development is within code.

Still, “in my experience, that’s a lot of houses with only one point of access,” said Werner, a longtime professional municipal planner.

In the end, the plat was approved 5-0. Councils cannot reject a plat request if it meets all state, county and municipal criteria.

The Silver Lake land is the only property GL owns in Westlake. However, the developer has permits to build 3,897 homes, 300,000 square feet of commercial space and 50,000 square feet of office space on the 4,871 acres it owns northwest of Westlake in the far western reaches of the Indian Trail Improvement District.

In other business:

• City Manager Kenneth Cassel reported that he is working to hire another Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy for traffic enforcement, and another for general duties. Westlake contracts with the PBSO for law enforcement.

At the same time, Cassel, who also manages the Seminole Improvement District, said SID plans to hire a full-time deputy to enforce trespass laws on district swales, lakes and waterside property. SID supplies most of the infrastructure in Westlake.

The PBSO currently supplies two patrol officers and a sergeant for each of three daily shifts for a total of 10 deputies assigned to Westlake.

Cassel said this week that the plan to hire additional law enforcement personnel does not reflect an increase in serious crime, but “people are speeding all over the place… [and] there are others who have no respect for SID’s property or that of our residents. They’re running ATVs where they shouldn’t be, and some are skiing on the lakes in violation of the law. The lakes are SID’s property and responsibility. A lot of these people are not even Westlake residents.”

A number of residents have complained to the city about people using the lake banks behind their houses for fishing. Cassel said hiring a 40-hour-a-week deputy specifically to oversee SID’s property is an effort to curtail such practices.

• The council appointed Dr. Christopher Tompkins to Westlake’s Education Advisory Board. Tompkins is a retired U.S. Army senior lieutenant colonel with a doctorate in educational policy leadership and management, a master’s degree in philosophy of education and a bachelor’s degree in business economics. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a

recipient of the Bronze Star. Most recently, Tompkins was a professor of military science and director of military affairs at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Though Tompkins moved to Westlake only within the last six months, he said he’s eager to “get involved and help the community.”

Vice Mayor Greg Langowski, who serves as the council’s liaison to the EAB, supported the appointment.

“He’s got a great résumé. I’d love to have him working on the board with me,” Langowski said. The council approved the appointment unanimously.

New Roof In The Works For Stadium At The National Polo Center

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

The proprietors of Wellington’s National Polo Center want to swing a metaphorical mallet at their own timber and terra cotta roof that is in “desperate need of repair” and build a new one that provides improved shade for spectators, along with platforms that better accommodate TV coverage.

The village’s Architectural Review Board gave the plan a blessing by a 6-1 vote at a meeting Wednesday, May 28. Such moves will “modernize the feel and style of the stadium” while eliminating temporary scaffolding now used for media, explained a justification statement that the architectural firm Schmidt Nichols submitted on behalf of owner USPA Sunday Field LLC.

“We’re looking to get construction going in 2026, getting ready for the 2027 season,” Jon Schmidt,

agent for the applicant, said at the meeting.

The proposed changes affect the National Polo Center at 3667 120th Avenue South. The property covers nearly 86 acres.

The current owners, affiliated with the United States Polo Association, purchased the property in 2022. The stadium was constructed in 2003 and 2004. The site also hosts a members-only club with a pool, spa, banquet facilities and tennis courts.

The plan is to remove 7,000 square feet of existing timber and terra cotta tile roofing and replace it with 11,000 square feet of different materials, including standing seam metal in a terra cotta color and panels over the crowd featuring translucent properties, letting in some light while controlling heat.

“Obviously, we’re going to let more light through than is cur-

rently there, but does it capture heat? How much heat penetrates through that?” PZA Board Member John Greene asked.

“This is almost like a superhigh-end insulated window,” Schmidt said. “It’s a sandwich panel. It’s designed to have very minimal heat.”

Unlike the current roof, which slopes down on two sides from a central peak in three segments, the new one will be unified across the stadium and angled in one direction. In case of rain, it will have a gutter system designed to route water to an underground sewer system, officials said.

Greene said he worried the plan introduces a new, modern product into a mix of different roof materials and colors, such as green and gray metal, already existing in the area.

“The commitment is there to get everything in one color, but it can’t

See

The proposed monument sign at GL Homes’ Silver Lake neighborhood in Westlake.

A northeast view rendering of the proposed new roof at the National Polo Center in Wellington. be done in one fatal, expensive swoop,” Schmidt said. Traditional clay terra cotta tile presents maintenance and durability issues that are falling out of

Groves Might Hire In-House Lawyer After Law Firm Gives Notice

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves will be parting ways with its current legal counsel after Town Attorney Glen Torcivia announced his resignation at the Tuesday, June 3 meeting of the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. Rather than looking for a new law firm, the town might consider hiring an in-house legal counsel. The West Palm Beach-based law firm of Torcivia, Donlon, God-

deau & Rubin P.A. has been the town’s legal counsel since 2019. Torcivia, who attended the meeting remotely, made his announcement during an item placed on the agenda to “discuss the town attorney’s contract and analysis of legal fees.” It was added to the agenda last month by Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia. The analysis provided by Torcivia did note that over the past five years, legal fees paid to his firm by the town have trended

upward from just under $200,000 a year to approximately $400,000 a year.

However, he did note in the report that the town has been using more legal services than previously, as it has tried to tackle a backlog of work. The report did provide suggestions on how to lower costs and the workload, but that got pushed to the wayside by Torcivia’s announcement.

“It has been a pleasure to represent the town these past few

years, but at this point, we will be providing you with the required 30 days’ notice that we will be resigning as the town attorney,”

Torcivia said. “We are certainly willing to continue to serve for the period of time necessary for you to determine the course you want to take to obtain a new town attorney, whether it’s going in-house or seeking proposals.”

He also promised to provide whatever services are necessary to provide a smooth transition.

Mayor Anita Kane noted that she brought up the possibility of hiring an in-house attorney with a paralegal last year.

“I said then, and I still think now, that it will save the town a significant amount in legal fees,” Kane said. “We can use a larger firm to do the large projects and the heavy lifting.”

The council directed town staff to prepare a presentation on the options available to be discussed at the next regular meeting, which

is scheduled for Tuesday, July 1. “Thank you for your service, Mr. Torcivia,” Kane said. “Sorry that we have had some rough roads recently.”

“We have had a lot of good times, too,” Torcivia replied. “And we accomplished a lot.” Torcivia’s decision came a month after a hastily called special meeting where Kane and the attorney clashed over how to handle a series of anonymous allegations against the town.

County Commission And School Board Ditch DEI (For Now)

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

With nearly $1 billion in state and federal funding at stake, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the Palm Beach County School Board recently bowed to pressure from the Trump Administration and agreed to remove diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) language from their policies.

A supermajority of six county commissioners was required for passage of the “emergency ordinance.” District 7 Commissioner Bobby Powell Jr., who represents communities such as Riviera Beach and Mangonia Park, was the only “no” vote at the Tuesday, June 3 meeting.

“I do know right from wrong… and this does not sit well with me morally or ethically,” Powell told his fellow commissioners.

Most of the commissioners agreed, but they were swayed by

PBSO Report

Shoplifting An Issue

In RPB

continued from page 1 message to the community:

“Please lock your vehicles! The great majority of vehicle burglaries, about 72 percent, are from unlocked vehicles. Last year, 11 firearms were stolen from cars and trucks — all of them unlocked.”

Naujoks praised the Citizen Observer Patrol, which patrolled parks 419 times last year, conducted more than 140 business checks and provided an overall value to the village of $18,207. District 9 support services last year included 1,381 requests for fingerprinting in the station lobby. That same lobby processed 210 pounds of unwanted subscriptions last year. Meanwhile, deputies provided 44 hours of bicycle

the possible loss of $300 to $600 million in state and federal funds if the county were to be found not in compliance with a federal executive order demanding the elimination of such language and policies.

Most impacted by the change will be the county’s Equal Business Opportunity Ordinance, which has focused on expanding small business opportunities for minorities and women, officials said.

Masimba Maxwell Mutamba of the county attorney’s office also told the board that the U.S. Department of Justice could push for civil or even criminal penalties against commissioners who allow violations of the Trump Administration mandate while accepting federal grant money.

“This is one of the hardest votes I’ve had to take,” District 2 Commissioner Gregg Weiss said. “I don’t support this… [but] the alternative is pulling the rug out

patrol, 20 hours horse-mounted patrol and 54 hours of marine patrol, plus support from the PBSO helicopter.

The PBSO’s annual report was well received by the village.

“We are very satisfied,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “The sheriff’s deputies are professional. They are experts in minimizing crime with their presence, intervening and deescalating negative encounters and enforcing the laws we all agree to abide by when necessary.”

Several members of the council expressed overall satisfaction with not only PBSO services, but with the performance of Naujoks.

Liggins put it this way, “The captain is first class. Sheriff [Ric] Bradshaw has always selected a captain for us who is committed to Royal Palm Beach. While it is not required, every captain has lived in Royal Palm Beach and has had a vested interest in everybody’s safety.”

from under people who need it the most.”

The grant money in question funds an array of programs for those in need.

“Losing this money would hit our most vulnerable residents the hardest — seniors, families, kids who depend on county services,” Weiss said. “It threatens the fairness we’ve all been working so hard to build into the system.”

Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, who represents District 6, took the opposite tack. Rather than quietly voting “yes” to the change, she said, “I don’t agree that this is a terrible thing to happen. Getting rid of programs based on race, I think that’s a good thing. I believe our taxpayers deserve the best job for the best price. I think it’s a benefit to taxpayers and everyone.”

Baxter said her Christian faith led her to believe that race should not be a factor in policymaking or any other aspect of life. She cited

Marketplace Wellington Council Gives Initial Approval

continued from page 1 to accommodate the 89 multi-family residential units.

One condition that could be imposed by the village in time for a follow-up meeting that involves master-plan amendments, probably in August, is beefing-up traffic monitoring. If traffic volume warrants it, they could make the developer pay for certain road improvements, such as bigger spaces to accommodate U-turns, larger medians, lengthened turn lanes or even new traffic signals on affected roads.

“They’d be required to fund modifications to the roadway,” Napoleone said.

A similar condition already exists for parking. Builders are proposing 629 parking spaces, but note they are ready to build a second parking garage to get to

Lox Council McLendon Replaces Maniglia

continued from page 1 for the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District to become a dependent district; implementing a more restrictive sexual offender ordinance; and establishing the greenway trail system.

“My experience will allow me to seamlessly hit the ground running and continue in improving Loxahatchee Groves,” McLendon concluded.

Also addressing the council to seek the appointment were residents Bill Ford, Brian Zdunowski, Paulo Santana, William Stephens, Manish Sood and Danielle Harrity.

McLendon was not the only person to be considered for Seat 1 once the council started taking nominations. Councilman Paul Coleman first nominated Bill Ford, a longtime resident who has served on several town committees. His nomination deadlocked 2-2.

Next, Councilwoman Lisa El-Ramey nominated Manish Sood, current chair of the town’s Finance Advisory and Audit Committee. That nomination also deadlocked 2-2.

Finally, Vice Mayor Marge Herzog nominated McLendon, who was appointed to Maniglia’s vacated position on a 3-1 vote

the central theme of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech, saying she believes all people should be judged by the content of their character and not the color of their skin.

“That’s exactly where I want to be,” Baxter said. “I stand firmly against discrimination… because I believe in equality, and equality comes from a merit-based system… We should learn to love everyone, and having racial preference programs doesn’t do that.”

District 4 Commissioner Marci Woodard said she “very much agrees” with Baxter’s position.

Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino called the change “a temporary insurance policy” against the loss of the state-federal contribution to the county’s $9 billion budget.

Weiss suggested that the county may DEI have an opportunity to revisit the issue once the federal courts have ruled on the legality of the executive order, which

746 spaces if annual monitoring shows a need for it.

• The council agreed by a 4-0 vote to modify a condition of approval for building homes in Phase 2 of the Lotis Wellington project on State Road 7, north of Forest Hill Blvd.

is being challenged by several states.

Baxter’s district encompasses most of the county west of State Road 7, including the predominately Black cities of Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay. She said this week she understands that some constituents there may be unhappy with her comments.

“Even if they disagree with me, I think they want me to be honest about where I stand,” she said.

In April, the Palm Beach County School Board also voted 6-1 to suspend its DEI rules. The “emergency” rule changes went into effect immediately but a second vote in July will be needed to make them permanent.

District 7 School Board Member Edwin Ferguson supplied the only “no” vote, though a supermajority was not required. Ferguson delivered an impassioned statement opposing removal of the language. He said the board should refuse to make the

change. Doing so could have put some $300 million in federal funding in jeopardy for the nation’s 10th largest school district with an annual budget of some $6 billion.

“I’m certainly not going to put at risk losing [money for] programs for our most vulnerable students,” Vice Chair Marcia Andrews, who represents District 6, said this week. “We need to go through the process. We need to follow the rules.” She noted, however, that the language is merely suspended, pending a second vote. Andrews, who also represents the western communities and the Glades, said the district will continue to provide training to minorities “who want to be competitive… [and] do business with us.” The school district, which is the county’s largest employer, will continue to hire “an array of people from all walks of life… [including] the best teachers for our schools,” she said.

Under a previous condition, builders had to complete a clubhouse by the time they had constructed 20 homes on this portion of the project. Applicants argued that the homes for sale could be efficiently built in batches in as little as six to seven months per residence, but the clubhouse would likely take a year, so they wanted to minimize construction noise and disruption to neighbors by requiring that the new clubhouse had to be built by the 86th home out of 172 total. The first home construction could begin in September, officials said.

• The council also agreed to codify something Wellington does already in practice, and formally set the rules to put the qualifying period for candidates for municipal office at two weeks in November. In addition, it voted to modify regulations for who sits on a rarely used village canvassing board. Both matters would eventually come before voters on the ballot for approval, officials said. Not addressed at this point: Whether Wellington should drop or change its requirement for a runoff election if no candidate receives at least 35 percent of the vote.

(Left)

A look at current site plan for “The Marketplace at The Wellington.”

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Senior Criminal Intelligence

Analyst Harry Hook with District 9 Capt. Ulrich Naujoks at the council meeting.

PHOTO BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Todd McLendon is sworn into office by Town Clerk Valerie Oaks at the end of the Tuesday, June 10 special meeting. He filled the seat vacated by former Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia. with El-Ramey dissenting. McLendon was immediately sworn in to the position. He will serve until the next scheduled election, when the final year of the Seat 1 term will be on the ballot.

FLAVORS 2025 ‘DECADES TOUR’ EVENING A TASTY TRAVELING EXPERIENCE

On Thursday, June 5, the Greater Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2025, now in its 22nd year. Several hundred attendees had a chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food from a wide array of restaurants in the Wellington area along the five-hour bus route. Each stop provided something sweet and savory, plus a beverage. Some locations also had live music for the guests to enjoy. The theme this year was “The Decades Tour,” and groups dressed to match a decade of their choice. The People’s Choice Award for Best Stop went to Masala Mantra. Sushi Yama and Masala Mantra were honored for Best Taste, while Agliolio won for Best Dessert. Kickback Tavern and Sushi Yama won for Best Cocktail. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

The Habitat for Humanity bus gathers for a group photo.

Alex Harris, Leah Hack, Stuart Hack, Diann Hack and Robin Darwin dressed for a 1970s theme.

Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor and Michael Maglio at Sushi Yama.

Zenia Mackey of Habitat for Humanity served as one of the bus ambassadors.

Lisa Kenny, Terri White, Shane Hochbrueckner, Kris Barnett and Manon Pess.

Sponsor Adam Eckstein, Wellington Chamber President Maureen Brennan, and Habitat for Humanity’s CEO Jennifer Thomason and board members Charlotte Leonard and Brion Lawler.

Madison Morris performs at Kickback Tavern.

Corinne and JD Whitaker at Sushi Yama. Nikolas and Sarah Hawkins.

DJ James Simmons performs at Mole Cantina.

Julia Murphy with Wesley and Natalie Ledesma.

Dalia Perez and Ana Ruiz at Mole Cantina.

Brian and Billie Jean Pizzuti.

Belly dancer Lulu Love performs for the crowd at Masala Mantra.

Anthony and Amanda Nastase. John and Paris Patterson.

Van and Michelle Williams enjoy the food at Rivales Taqueria & Craft Bar.

Alex Fish and Rahul Sudhakar at Franco Italian Bistro.

Guests sample the food at the newly opened restaurant Sushi Yama.

Katie McDonald and Kelly Hutcheson.

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Big Dog Ranch Rescuing Veterans Along With Pups

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

On Friday, June 6, Big Dog Rescue Ranch (BDRR) in Loxahatchee Groves held a graduation ceremony for 30 veterans and service dogs who graduated from a program where they, in fact, “rescue each other.”

Through intensive training, dogs who once faced uncertain futures find a purpose, while veterans gain loyal companions who help them navigate life with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional trauma.

Lauree Simmons’ passion for saving dogs led her to create BDRR, which is now the largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue in the United States. As the 30 veterans, their families and the dogs gath-

ered for the Veteran Service Dog Program graduation ceremony, Simmons addressed the crowd.

“There are two things very near and dear to my heart. One is dogs and the other is veterans. Being able to help a dog help a veteran is a win-win for both,” Simmons said.

The rescue organization works closely with local veterans’ organizations, including the Veterans Administration. The VA has classified the Big Dog Ranch Rescue Veteran Service Dog Program as a “non-traditional” and “innovative” therapy.

Since the program began, 190 veterans have been matched with fully trained service dogs.

“Every one of those dogs came from rescue. Many were aban-

doned, forgotten or failed by people,” Simmons noted. “Time and again, we’ve seen how these incredible dogs have brought peace and stability to veterans who have given so much.”

John Wayne Portch is one of those veterans who gave much. A double amputee and Vietnam veteran, he graduated with his large dog.

“Be sure to get his name right. It’s not just Tank. His full name is Tank of Love,” he said.

Portch then went on to explain how his wife exclaimed how large the dog was, and he replied, “Yes, he’s a tank alright — a Tank of Love.”

He said the program was totally worthwhile, and both he and Tank of Love sported huge smiles dur-

Wellington Wins Statewide Recognition Utility Plants

Wellington recently announced that both its Water Treatment Facility and Wastewater Reclamation Facility have received top honors from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as winners of the 2024 Plant Operations Excellence Awards for the Southeast Region. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in plant operations, maintenance, innovative treatment, pollution prevention,

recycling and regulatory compliance that go above and beyond state requirements.

The Wastewater Reclamation Facility earned the 2024 Operations Excellence Award for a “Type I Facility” — a designation reserved for wastewater plants treating 500,000 gallons per day or more. This is the second time that the facility has received this prestigious award, with the last recognition coming in 2019.

In a first for Wellington, the Water Treatment Facility has been awarded the 2024 Operations Excellence Award in the “Large Community Plant” category. This marks a significant milestone in the village’s ongoing efforts to ensure high-quality drinking water and infrastructure reliability for residents and businesses.

In addition to these honors, the Wastewater Reclamation Facility was recently named “Best Small

Facility Class AA Dried Product Biosolids Program of 2025” by the Florida Water Environment Association. This state-level recognition highlights Wellington’s innovative and environmentally responsible biosolids program.

The village’s facility produces Class AA biosolids — the highest quality designation — and safely recycles treated wastewater into reclaimed water for irrigation, reducing environmental impact and supporting sustainability.

“These awards reflect the hard work and dedication of our operators, mechanics, electricians, field crews and the entire support staff,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “They also underscore Wellington’s proactive approach to infrastructure investment and continuous improvement in water and wastewater services.”

The FDEP Plant Operations Excellence Awards are given only to facilities that demonstrate measurable achievements and innovations that exceed regulatory expectations.

The Village of Wellington is honored to be recognized among Florida’s top-performing utilities and remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and environmentally responsible services to the community.

63 Graduates Honored By Criminal Justice Academy

A total of 63 graduates were recognized on Wednesday, May 14 at the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as part of the 49th class of the Palm Beach County Citizens Criminal Justice Academy. The Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission coordinates the CCJA. The ceremony celebrated a diverse group of participants, including many students from the Palm Beach Lakes High School Law Academy, who dedicated themselves to learning about the local criminal justice system. Palm Beach County Commissioner Gregg Weiss delivered the commencement address, urging graduates to remain active in their communities. “Stay involved in community. Your involvement makes all our lives better,” Weiss said, underscoring the importance of civic engagement and public trust in justice. The CCJA offers residents an inside look at law enforcement, courts and corrections, helping build transparency and mutual understanding between citizens and the justice system. This fall, the academy returns with its 50th session, marking a milestone anniversary. Titled “The Best of the CCJA,” the program will celebrate many decades of outreach, education and community partnership. For more information about the upcoming session or how to enroll, visit the Palm Beach County Criminal Justice Commission web site www.pbc.gov/criminaljustice or contact Criminal Justice Commission Community Engagement Coordinator Rosalind Murray at (561) 355-2332.

Missoula Children’s Theatre At Dolly Hand

Is your child looking to be on the stage this summer? The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center in Belle Glade will again host its annual theater workshop this summer with the Missoula Children’s Theatre. The group will stage the show Hercules from Monday, July 7 through Saturday, July 12. To learn more, call (561) 993-1161 or visit www.dollyhand.org.

New Program

Helps Pre-K, Kindergarten

Girls Prepare For School

This summer, the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida has a fun way to help prepare incoming kindergartners and rising first graders for the upcoming school year with the new, exclusive Get Ready with Girl Scouts program.

Get Ready with Girl Scouts, open through June 30, is filled with fun, adventure and friendship as the girls grow their confidence, use their imagination and build skills they can take into the next school year.

Through this special program, girls will receive three school readiness, skill-building activity books, available in English and Spanish, shipped directly to them from June through August. The books will help prepare girls for kindergarten and first grade with fun, character-building Girl Scout activities that emphasize motor skills, communication, critical thinking, emotional regulation and more through imaginative play, puzzles and teamwork activities.

“This program is meant to inspire young learners. We want to build their confidence, promote curiosity and engage them in activities that will serve them well in the fall,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO

ing the graduation proceedings.

“These dogs don’t just follow commands,” Simmons said. “They wake veterans from nightmares. They help with balance. They don’t judge. They don’t ask questions. They remain loyal. Always. And in doing that, they save lives.” About 100 people were on hand

to cheer on the 30 veterans and their dogs.

Among the veterans was Royal Palm Beach resident Mariam Glisson.

“This program is awesome; my dog is awesome,” she said.

Glisson was a U.S. Army ranger for eight years.

“My dog Remi [Surefire Remi] has been such a blessing,” she said. “I want to thank all the folks who made this possible, including Director of Training Evan Fried. I am extremely grateful for the entire BDRR community.” Simmons stressed the special bond between the dogs and the veterans.

“To the dogs, thank you for reminding us that healing comes in many forms,” she said. “Sometimes on four legs, with a wagging tail and an unbreakable bond.” For more information about the program, visit www.bdrr.org/ veteran-dog-training.

NEWS BRIEFS

of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “They will be introduced to the Girl Scout journey, where they will unlock a world of possibilities and join our newest generation of future leaders.”

When signing up for Get Ready with Girl Scouts, girls will receive a Girl Scout membership through Sept. 30, 2026. As new Daisy level Girl Scouts, they can choose from a variety of activities, surround themselves with supportive peers and engage with mentoring adults. For more information about Get Ready with Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscouts.org/getready.

Halfway To Christmas Sale At Fairgrounds

The Halfway to Christmas Craft Fair returns to the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center this weekend, Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays with inflatable displays and watch for occasional snow flurries! This familyfriendly, holiday-themed event is expected to draw thousands of earlybird shoppers. Beat the heat and shop in airconditioned comfort while supporting artists and crafters from all over the state and beyond selling everything from clothing to jewelry, artwork, candles, soaps, holiday décor, baked goods, jams, fudge, woodcrafts, unique home décor, Father’s Day gifts and more. There will also be plenty of food and beverage choices available for purchase.

Be sure to register to win one of the many door prizes donated by the Halfway to Christmas Craft Fair exhibitors. Drawings are held every hour. In addition, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be stopping by to visit each day from noon until 2 p.m. Since it is Father’s Day weekend, dads get in free. The cost for admission is $7 with children 10 and under admitted free. Parking is also free. Whatever you are looking for,

you’re sure to find something you’ll love at the annual Halfway to Christmas Craft Fair at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Visit www.halfwaytochristmascraftfair. com for more information.

Frankel Joins

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council

U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (DDistrict 22) recently announced her appointment by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, which governs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.

“I’m deeply honored to join the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and help carry forward its mission to preserve the memory of the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust,” Frankel said.

“At a time when antisemitism is surging at alarming levels, it is our duty to keep the Holocaust’s lessons alive and stand united against bigotry, violence and ignorance in all its forms.”

Frankel, who serves as ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Programs, is one of five members of the House of Representatives appointed to the council. The council also includes five members of the Senate, 55 presidential appointees, and three ex-officio members representing the Departments of State, Education and the Interior.

Each year, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum welcomes nearly two million visitors, including students, educators and global dignitaries. As a world-renowned institution, the museum preserves one of the largest archives of Holocaust documentation, supports cutting-edge research, and educates millions through in-person and online programs. It also leads efforts to prevent modern-day atrocities through its Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide and works globally to combat antisemitism and uphold human

rights. Established by Congress in 1980, the United States Holocaust Memorial Council serves as the governing board of the museum, a living memorial dedicated to honoring Holocaust victims and educating future generations to stand up against hatred and defend human rights.

Peggy Adams Special Event Set For June 14

The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is celebrating a century of compassion and lifesaving work for animals across Palm Beach County with an exciting summer adoption event, “Summer Lovin’.”

The event will take place on Saturday, June 14 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Peggy Adams, located at 3200 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach.

This one-day event offers free adoptions for all cats, dogs, puppies and kittens in the league’s care, thanks to generous sponsors. A $20 rabies tag fee applies to Palm Beach County residents. With more than 400 animals currently in the care of Peggy Adams, the event aims to find loving homes for as many pets as possible.

Visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere and family-friendly fun, including games, giveaways, food vendors, a photo booth and even live watercolor pet portraits of their newly adopted pet.

“This event is one of our favorite days of the year,” Peggy Adams CEO Sue Berry said. “It’s a celebration of community, compassion and second chances for pets who deserve loving homes.”

The event is made possible by the support of generous sponsors, including Hill’s Pet Nutrition, MetLife Pet Insurance, Nozzle Nolen, VCA Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists, Scenthound and TD Bank.

Whether you’re looking for a playful pup or a cuddly kitten, your new best friend is waiting at Peggy Adams. For more information, visit www.peggyadams.org.

With the retirement of Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker after 10 years on the job, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners is in the process of recruiting and selecting the county’s next administrator.

After reviewing applications from across the nation, there are four candidates moving forward in the process. They include Assistant County Administrator Isami Ayala-Collazo, Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo, Palm Beach County Director of Strategic Planning Keith Clinkscales and Deputy County Administrator Patrick Rutter.

To give residents the opportunity to get to know these individuals, Palm Beach County is hosting a County Administrator Candidate Forum on Monday, June 16 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, located at 650 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach. All four candidates will be answering questions submitted by the public. The public is invited to attend the forum and submit questions in person. Questions can also be submitted in advance of the forum. Questions submitted in person at the forum will be accepted until 6

All questions will be screened to be legally appropriate. Depending on the number of questions received, there is no guarantee that the candidates will be asked your specific question. The questions will be placed into a bowl, selected randomly by a moderator, and each candidate will have the opportunity to answer. All questions should be applicable to all four of the candidates; questions directed to one specific candidate will not be accepted. The forum will also be broadcast live on PBC TV Channel 20 and streaming online at www. pbc.gov.

In addition to the County Administrator Candidate Forum, commissioners will be conducting in-person, one-on-one interviews with the candidates earlier on Monday, June 16 and will hold a workshop on Tuesday June 17 at 9:30 a.m. in the Jane Thompson Memorial Chambers at the Palm Beach County Governmental Center. In this workshop, the commissioners will publicly question the candidates with a goal of selecting a new administrator by the end of the meeting. This workshop will be broadcast live on PBC TV Channel 20 and streaming online at www.pbc.gov.

Challenge 2025

Members of the Wellington Village Council gather with Utility Department staff members to congratulate them on their recent statewide awards.

Double amputee and Vietnam veteran John Wayne Portch with Tank of Love. PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

Veteran Mariam Glisson and her dog Remi.

BDRR founder Lauree Simmons speaks about the program.

Wellington Library To Host ‘Positively Africa’ To Honor Juneteenth

By Mark Caracciolo Town-Crier Staff Report

On Friday, June 20 at 1 p.m., the Wellington branch library will host an event for all ages featuring musicians Julius and Julia Sanna of the band Positively Africa. The event will have attendees listening to live performances by the musical duo as they both teach about Swahili words and traditional African instruments. The event is free and designed with families in mind.

“We offer a wide range of events throughout the year — cultural

performances, author talks, STEM workshops and more — that are designed to educate, entertain and bring the community together,” said Jessica Consuegra, manager of the Wellington branch library, part of the Palm Beach County Library System. The various library branches host many community events throughout the week, often geared toward seasonal and holiday observances.

“We are excited to welcome Positively Africa back to our branch,” Consuegra said. “Pre-

sented by Julius and Julia Sanna, the performance is a vibrant and engaging celebration of African culture through music, storytelling and interactive activities. The program highlights the positive and diverse traditions of Africa in a way that is both educational and entertaining for all ages.”

It is not the first time that the Sannas have brought their performance to Wellington. Positively Africa visited the Wellington branch on Feb. 21 of this year for Black History Month. The audience was enamored by the en-

gaging performance, including the interactive format of the show that displayed parts of African culture.

The Sannas founded their band Positively Africa in 2007, and released their debut album, Introducing Positively Africa, in 2011. The duo combines several genres together, such as funk, jazz, afrobeats and afrofusion to make a unique sound. Some songs in their discography include “Pendo (Love),” “Pambazuka (Arise)” and “Beautiful Africa.”

Since the release of their album, they’ve performed all around the

South Florida area in festivals, concerts and libraries, educating people about African music. Aside from the event in Wellington, they have several other events next week at libraries in Broward County. Learn more at www.positivelyafrica.com. “Juneteenth is a meaningful occasion that commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrates African American history, culture and resilience,” Consuegra said. “At the Wellington branch, we are dedicated to providing programs

that reflect and honor the diversity of our community. Observing Juneteenth supports our mission to connect, inspire and enrich the lives of all residents through inclusive and educational events.”

The Wellington branch of the Palm Beach County Library System is located at 1951 Royal Fern Drive. The Positively Africa event will be held on June 20, the day after Juneteenth. The event is for all ages and backgrounds. Visit https://pbclibrary.bibliocommons. com/events/68066885bc2a6fc8d-

Wellington Community Comes Together To Restore Trees Along Flying Cow Ranch Road Downed By Recent Tornado

The Village of Wellington, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, hosted a successful community tree planting event on Wednesday, May 28 along Flying Cow Ranch Road.

The volunteer-powered initiative brought together local organizations, including dedicated members of the Wellington Garden Club, to plant 33 trees in an area impacted by the Hurricane Milton tornadoes.

The tree planting project was part of Wellington’s ongoing collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation, the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees. Through this partnership, Wellington continues its mission to restore and strengthen the community’s tree canopy while promoting longterm sustainability, resilience and environmental stewardship.

“Community tree plantings like this not only enhance the beauty

and livability of our neighborhoods but also serve as a powerful reminder of the role each of us can play in building a healthier, more resilient Wellington,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “We’re grateful to our local volunteers and the Arbor Day Foundation for their partnership and passion for environmental stewardship.”

The event engaged residents in taking an active role in the health and vitality of their surroundings.

Volunteers planted wind-resistant tree species selected for their environmental benefits and ability to thrive in Florida’s climate. The initiative reinforced Wellington’s designation as a Tree City USA, a recognition of its long-standing commitment to urban forestry and green space preservation.

“The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to helping our local planting partners unlock the transformative power of trees in their community,” said Dan Lambe,

chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees clean our air, cool our cities and improve the lives of the people around them.

We’re happy to help Wellington maximize the impact of their urban canopy and inspire more people to engage with nature in a meaningful way.”

Trees provide a wealth of benefits to the community, from improving air and water quality to reducing heat and stormwater runoff.

Vibrant urban forests help reduce respiratory illnesses, encourage physical activity, lower stress levels, reduce crime and foster a deeper sense of community pride.

Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members and supporters. To date, nearly 500 million trees have been planted through its global efforts. Learn more at www.arborday.org.

Village

Wellington Councilwoman Maria Antuña and Councilman John McGovern plant one of the trees.

The project was done with support from the Arbor Day Foundation.

The trees helped restore some of the trees downed by a tornado last October.

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July 18-26

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This MonTh’s WellingTon hisTory spoTlighT

Early Events Help Bring Wellington Together

As described in the initial Wellington History Spotlight, Sharon Edelman Reuben was responsible for many of the events and organizations that are still a part of our community today, including the Wellington Holiday Parade and what is now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce. She was instrumental in many happenings in the emerging community.

For example, golf professional Donna Horton White, then a Wellington resident, teamed up with tennis legend Billie Jean King to host a sports weekend event called Hug A Kid with both tennis and golf workshops for children and their families. It was very well attended and perhaps ignited a love of those sports in some local kids.

Our local Boys & Girls Club has a long history. Our growing community needed such a facility, and developer Corepoint came through by donating 17 acres on South Shore Blvd. to the Acme Improvement District, which was leased to the Boys & Girls Club for $1 per year. The site opened in 1987, included a 3,500-square-foot building, two baseball fields and two outdoor basketball courts.

In 1988, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the club, Corepoint brought in Buffalo Bob Smith from the Howdy Doody TV show, which had aired from 1947 until 1960. He brought with him not the marionette Howdy Doody, but his brother Double Doody, since Howdy was by then residing in the Smithsonian. With him was Clarabell the Clown, originally played by Bob Keeshan, who went on to star as Captain Kangaroo. The children enjoyed the show, but possibly not as much as their parents, who had grown up with the iconic TV show.

In 1998, the club expanded to 7,000 square feet. Eventually, a larger facility was needed, and in 2012, thanks to generous donations from Neil S. Hirsch, a prominent polo player and owner of the Players Club, Palm Beach County, the Village of Wellington and others, a new, 22,570-square-foot building was built on Wellington Trace. In April 2013, the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club opened.

Another event that focused international spotlight on Wellington was the 1985 visit by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Charles was here to play polo. As a rule, polo matches were held on Sunday afternoons, but this match was scheduled for a Tuesday. Because the regular food vendors were at their jobs, members of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce pitched in to sell drinks and snacks at the match.

Another way that the developers marketed the young community was using the Wellington hot air balloon. With so much of the area undeveloped, including the site where Wellington Regional Medical Center is now, there was plenty of space to tether and launch the balloon. Early on Saturday and Sunday mornings, if the weather cooperated, one might see (or hear!) the balloon in the air over Wellington and beyond. Sharon eventually became part of the crew and, despite her not liking heights, enjoyed drifting over the landscape.

When one thinks of Clydesdale horses, it is probably in relation to Budweiser, but Wellington was fortunate to have its own team of Clydesdales. The Wellington Clydesdales, owned by Sam Groom, appeared twice in the nationally televised Orange Bowl Parade. When a red-haired foal was born, it was named Lady Sharon, in honor of Sharon Edelman Reuben.

Back in the 1980s, local high school students attended Forest Hill High School until Wellington High School opened in 1990 with Dr. Jake Sello as principal. But there were no bleachers at the football stadium. A school in West Palm Beach was getting rid of their bleachers, but it would cost $80,000 to have them moved to the new high school. Sharon approached George de Guardiola, who arranged to have Corepoint pay to have the seats relocated to the field, which was then named Corepoint Stadium.

To learn more about Sharon Edelman Reuben and her contributions to Wellington, visit the Wellington Historical Society’s web site at www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org, and view her oral history.

West Boynton Beach

Learn more: Lee S. Freidman, MD

Randy S. Katz, MD

Steven M. Naids, MD

Megan A. Rowlands, MD

James M. Walsh, OD

Developers marketed the young community using the Wellington hot air balloon.

One event that focused international spotlight on Wellington was the 1985 visit by Prince Charles and Princess Diana.

WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES ENDS SEASON WITH SCHOLARSHIPS

The Women of the Western Communities gathered for the last meeting for the season on Thursday, June 5 at the Wellington National Golf Club. At the meeting, scholarships were awarded to Deandria Leonard and Paola Velasquez Vasquez. Donations were collected for Our Community Cares, and State Rep. Anne Gerwig was the guest speaker.

Palm Beach County League of Cities held its annual Board of Directors & Executive Installation Banquet on Wednesday May 28 at the Kravis Center. The keynote speaker was Holly D. Smith, vice mayor of the City of Sanibel. The honor of installing the 2025-26 president and board of directors went to Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino. In attendance were more than 250 elected municipal and county officials, state legislators and business partners. The Palm Beach County League of Cities also presented its annual William A. Cruickshank Scholarships to four out of a total of seven recipients who were able to attend.

installed include: President Molly Young, mayor of the Village of Tequesta; First Vice President JohnPaul O’Connor, mayor of the City of Westlake; Second Vice President Michael Napoleone, mayor of the Village of Wellington; Secretary/Treasurer Leondrae Camel, manager of the City of South Bay; District 1 Representative Danielle Moore, mayor of the Town of Palm Beach; District 2 Representative Patti Waller, councilwoman of the Village of Palm Springs; District 3 Representative Michael Brown, mayor of the Town of Hypoluxo; District 4 Representative Greg Dunham, manager of the Town of Gulf Stream; District 5 Representative Joaquin Almazan, vice mayor of

the City of Belle Glade; and Immediate Past President Chelsea Reed, councilwoman of the City of Palm Beach Gardens.

Also installed were large city representatives Susy Diaz, deputy mayor of the City of Greenacres; Marc Wigder, councilman of the City of Boca Raton; Betty Resch, mayor of the City of Lake Worth Beach; Jan Rodusky, councilwoman of the Village of Royal Palm Beach; Malise Sundstrom, councilor of the Town of Jupiter; and Shalonda Warren, commissioner of the City of West Palm Beach; as well as at large seat representatives Roger Michaud, mayor of the Town of Lake Park, and Allan Kaulbach, mayor of the City of Atlantis.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Deandria Leonard, the first recipient of the Mary M. Rowe Memorial Rise and Shine Scholarship, with Mary Rowe’s daughters Sherrie Rhoads and Pam Scire.

Sabrina Zeller, Sue Welch, Elisha Finocchietti and Christine Vocaturo.

Kerrilynn Collins, Peggy McClelland and Dr. Jolene Reiter.

Lynda Chicano with WWC founding member Joan Manning and longest member (39 years) Allyson Samiljan.

Susan Vogt, Donna Banno and Shannon Prudden.

Audrey Valentine and Linda Rosbrough.

Teresa Harrington, Our Community Cares Volunteer Shannon Prudden and Donna Kuebler.

Scholarship recipient Paola Velasquez Vasquez with Teresa Harrington and Donna Kuebler.

Guest speaker State Rep. Anne Gerwig.

The

(Front row) Atlantis Mayor Allan Kaulbach, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Greenacres

Deputy Mayor Susy Diaz, Belle Glade Vice Mayor Joaquin Almazan, Hypoluxo Mayor Michael Brown, Jupiter Councilor Malise Sundstrom, Gulf Stream Town Manager Greg Dunham, Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch, and South Bay City Manager Leondrae Camel; and (back row) Lake Park Mayor Roger Michaud, Boca Raton Councilman Marc Wigder, West Palm Beach Commissioner Shalonda Warren, Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor, Tequesta Mayor Molly Young, Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, Palm Beach Gardens Councilwoman Chelsea Reed, Palm Springs Councilwoman Patti Waller and Town of Palm Beach Mayor Danielle Moore.

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211’s highly trained and caring staff will continue to be the frontline responder for crisis calls from both 2 -1-1 and the 9-8-8 number

Tucked inside the Mall at Wellington Green, CMX Cinemas Wellington is excited to announce CMX Cinema Confidential, a mystery movie night where guests can catch an unreleased feature film before its official debut.

Starting this month, every Monday at 7 p.m., CMX Wellington will host a single Cinema Confidential showtime. For $6 per ticket, movie lovers can enjoy a thrilling advance screening in a unique, secretive format.

Here’s the twist: The movie is completely confidential until the lights dim. Even most of the CMX team won’t know what’s playing. Guests will only be given two clues ahead of time: the rating and the runtime.

Purchase tickets online at www. cmxcinemas.com, via the CMX

NPC Roof Spaces For Cameras

continued from page 3 that future roof upgrades on the property employ the standing seam metal in a terra cotta color to match the stadium facility.

Greene said he wanted to explore alternatives. He proposed approval with the condition of looking at different materials besides the standing seam metal in a terra cotta color, but his motion was not seconded.

Greene provided the lone dissenting vote as the board gave its approval.

Another factor driving the roof

Truckers

Dueling Court Orders

continued from page 1 fairly” by the county’s legal team, she said. “They’ve pushed us down the line and waited for us to get tired.”

And while Melian said Tuesday that she does not feel “defeated” by the county, she is tired of fighting the $100-a-day fines while being a wife and mother and running a trucking business from her home.

Rotary Meets Thursdays - 12:15 p.m. The Wanderer’s Club For additional information call Chris Warren, 561-350-7247

Palm Beach Rotary Meets Tuesdays - 7:30 a.m. Hilary’s For additional information call Chris Durham 561-971-9679 Make lasting friendships.

upgrade is aiding the sport of polo’s growing international media coverage.

“The applicant is also providing a permanent platform with permanent access to the top of the roof for media use during events,” the justification statement for the project explained. “The proposed modifications will continue NPC’s current partnership with ESPN to broaden the reach of polo and bring it to an expanded audience.”

NPC will also use this space for the USPA Polo Network, which broadcasts additional polo games that ESPN is not filming.

“This will eliminate the need to build temporary scaffolding that is currently being deployed during events,” the statement continued.

She said her house is on the market and she, her husband and her two children are moving to the Ocala area. Marion County does not allow residential big-rig parking either, she said, but commercial property that can be used for parking is more affordable.

“They’ve pushed me against the wall,” Melian said. “I have to do what’s best for my family. I have kids. I have to look to the future.”

Melian ran unsuccessfully in 2024 for a seat on the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors. She lost to two-term incumbent Supervisor Betty Argue in a closer than expected race.

In other action, the board unanimously approved changes that restore some earlier elements, such as a more prominent exterior tower, at the planned Lazy Dog restaurant in the Lotis Wellington development on State Road 7, north of Forest Hill Blvd. It also eliminates a beer garden that was once planned. Restaurant representatives said they overcorrected when it came to the pandemic’s effects on the industry and wanted to go back to a previous look and feel. Other changes approved unanimously involved requests related to residential exteriors and retail signs at Lotis Wellington, including the allowance of certain canopy signs.

District 6 County Commissioner and current Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, an Acreage resident and supporter of the “Save Our Truckers” movement, said this week that however the ruling goes on Mills’ rehearing petition, the conflicting pronouncements “make it ripe for appeal.”

Palm Beach County Attorney Denise Coffman told commissioners at their June 3 meeting that case had reached “a very successful conclusion at this point” but predicted more court proceedings and appeals. “It’s a bit of a convoluted mess,” she said.

‘Cinema Confidential’ is held every Monday at CMX Cinemas.

When to Seek Treatment for Hemorrhoidal Problems

We are all born with hemorrhoids both inside (internal) and outside (external) of the anus, but they are only problematic when they bleed, slide out of the anus or become swollen and enlarged. When that happens, people will experience itching, mucus leakage, pain or rectal bleeding.

Since hemorrhoids are more often symptomatic as you age, they affect more than half of adults over the age of 50.

“Older people are typically more symptomatic as a result of chronic constipation, hard stools and/or sitting too long on the toilet,” says colorectal surgeon Howard Berg, MD, who sees patients at several Cleveland Clinic locations in Palm Beach County. “Other factors that place adults at risk for hemorrhoids are obesity or being overweight, pregnancy and straining while having bowel movements.”

Hemorrhoid symptoms can be related to either inside or outside hemorrhoids. Painless bleeding and prolapse (tissue sliding outside of the anus) are typically related to inside hemorrhoids; pain and swelling are typically related to outside hemorrhoids.

A diagnosis is based on your symptoms, medical history and a physical exam. As part of the evaluation, your physician will examine the area, perform a digital rectal exam, and either an anoscopy to view the lining of the anus and rectum, or a sigmoidoscopy to view inside the lower part of your colon and rectum.

At-home treatments can provide relief and healing When hemorrhoids develop, Dr. Berg recommends these

Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Berg or another Cleveland Clinic specialist. Visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Digestive to learn more.

steps to ease symptoms: Increase fiber intake; drink more water; and don’t sit on the toilet for a lengthy period of time. Taking warm to hot baths several times per day and using toilet paper with lotion or flushable wet wipes to wipe can help address the discomfort. If you experience hemorrhoidal bleeding and these simple measures don’t help, then you should see your doctor.

Although hemorrhoids often improve with at-home treatments, some patients may require a minor medical procedure.

“While hemorrhoids often improve with these at-home treatments, some patients with persistent bleeding or hemorrhoidal prolapse may require a minor medical procedure,” says Dr. Berg. “These procedures can be performed in the office and include rubber band ligation; infrared coagulation; or sclerotherapy.”

Don’t ignore persistent hemorrhoidal symptoms Since there are other – more serious – gastrointestinal disorders that can cause rectal bleeding and other symptoms similar to hemorrhoids, Dr. Berg stresses the need to see your physician if symptoms persist.

“If you modify your diet and symptoms persist for four weeks or more, let your doctor know,” he says. “He or she can make a firm diagnosis and ensure you get the proper treatment.”

For Every Care in the World

Howard Berg, MD

NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 1 at the original

Wellington Mall. Students received associate of science degrees in nursing and diagnostic medical sonography. Student speakers included Jeeline Hillaire, Michelle Mathis and Wendy Hernandez.

Pastor Michael Rose gave the invocation, while State Rep. Anne Gerwig was the guest speaker. Learn more about the NRI Institute of Health Sciences at www.nriinstitute.edu. PHOTOS BY

DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The new graduates gather for a group photo.

Dr. Barbara Miller, Dr. M.J. Duthie and Program Director Elizabeth Stolkowski with the nursing graduates.

NRI faculty members Anthony Ferri, David Lynch, Dr. MJ Duthie, Dan Splain, Elizabeth Stolkowski, Ellen Steinberg, Dr. Barbara Miller and Charmaine Huntley.

Students turn their tassels at the end of the ceremony.

Claus Zappe, Reynaldo and Angela Sanchez, Remi Martin, Wendy Hernandez and Jonathan Martin.

Program Director Elizabeth Stolkowski, Chief Administrative Officer Dan Splain, State Rep. Anne Gerwig and Pastor Michael Rose.

State Rep. Anne Gerwig was the guest speaker.

Ayda Mohammed, Linda Yaghnam and Elizabeth Stolkowski.

Dr. MJ Duthie watches as Michelle Hammonds gets pinned by her mother, Coraetta Hammonds-Williams.

Wendy Hernandez with Elizabeth Stolkowski and Jonathan Martin.

Roldy Faroul pins his wife Chedline Faroul, joined by Elizabeth Stolkowski.

Student speaker Jeeline Hilaire is completing a career change from teacher to medical sonographer.

Caleb Rosa and Geraldine Paul with Mia.

Anthony Ferri with medical sonography graduate Jeeline Hilaire.

Student speaker Wendy Hernandez at the podium.

Pastor Michael Rose gives the invocation.

Student speaker Michelle Mathis at the podium. Anthony Ferri with the medical sonography graduates.

The Wellington Garden Club Awards College Scholarships

The Wellington Garden Club is not just focused on showcasing blossoming flowers, plants, trees and shrubs.

The club celebrated the end of its annual season on Monday, May 5 with a luncheon at the Wellington National Golf Club.

On that day, the club installed new officers for the upcoming year, including co-presidents Annette Lubsen and Susie Stevenson, and awarded six local high school graduates with college scholarships. The club also announced that it will be sponsoring seven children who are planning to attend the

Wekiva Youth Camp at the Wekiva State Park in Apopka, each for one week this summer. “This year, we awarded a total of $8,000 in college scholarships to six students who graduated from high schools in the western communities,” said Carol Ralph, who stepped down as president of the Wellington Garden Club last month.

This year’s six scholarship recipients are Delia Hartley, attending the University of Florida; Marco Cassio, attending Palm Beach State College; Qiuivia Qui, attending either Florida State University or the University of Central Florida; Samantha Morin, attending the University

of Florida; Getachew Amare Kefelegn, attending the University of Florida; and Keian Finlay, attending the University of Central Florida.

The Wellington Garden Club has been awarding scholarships since 2009, having awarded a total of $51,925 in the last 16 years to high school graduates from the western communities.

To learn more about the Wellington Garden Club, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

(Right) Wellington Garden Club scholarship honorees Keian Finlay, Samantha Morin and Delia Hartley with Scholarship Chair John Siena.

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Sandy McGinley, Vicky Worley and Cindy Fuller.

The visiting Aloha Islanders Iliana, Chief Oz and Lea. Aloha Islanders Iliana and Lea on stage.

Linda Foutty with Chief Oz.

Brenda Ikalina gets some dancing tips from Chief Oz. Aloha Islanders Lea and Ilian with Margie Cruzado and Monique Lananna.

Kahuna” Nelson Santiago with Iliana and Lea.

Community Services Director Jenifer Brito, with SWAG (Students Working to Achieve Greatness) summer interns Yoselin Gonzalez, Andrew Perez, Angelica Ramirez and Maria Ramirez, and Community Services Program Coordinator Gus Ponce.

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIORS ENJOY PROM NIGHT AT

Sydney Martinez, Margie Cruzado, Monique Lananna, Andres Palacio, Alicia Costello and Jaidyn Valentine.

Jenny Lopez, Patty McFarland and Barbara Searles.

Karina Constantine, Ruben Caban and Brian Gill.

Ellie Rosenshein with her son Craig.

Silvia Brazil and Karina Constantine hold the limbo scarf for Pearl and Tony Carey.

Jenny Lopez and Dolly Hughes.

Myrna and Carlton Brooks. “Astonishment artist” Edward Oschmann amazes Cheyenne Price as Taylor Lilly looks on.

Jay and Karen Johnson.

Marty Cardosi, Leslie Leber and Cheryl Kasinger.

Patty McFarland and Linda Foutty.

Prom Queen Argentina Baptista and King Elliot Gordon enjoy their first dance.

Prom Princess Carol Gabriel and Prince Larry Greenburg enjoy their first dance.

Elliott Gordon and Sandy Rubin.

Fay Currie, Beryl Harrison, Verel Simms and Merleen Parsons.

Omar and Clara Jimenez, Tara Sawh, Sharifi Rani and Gail Rand.

Denise Cuccia, Ann Harrison, Shakeera Thomas and Arlene Marasco.

Justin Hicks Of Wellington Qualifies For Golf’s U.S. Open

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

From Thursday, June 12 through Sunday, June 15, golf enthusiasts around the world will be following the play at the 125th U.S. Open Championship, which is being held this year at the Oakmont Country Club near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Of the 156 players in the field, many of them have strong ties to Palm Beach County. That list includes two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, this year’s Masters champion Rory McIlroy, three-time major championship winner Jordan

Spieth, and two-time U.S. Open/ three-time PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka, who grew up in Wellington. While those names are familiar to golfers around the world, one of the 156 players in the field whose name may not be as recognizable is also a Wellington resident — 50-year-old Justin Hicks, who works as a PGA teaching professional at the Stonebridge Country Club in Boca Raton. Hicks earned his way into the field at Oakmont by finishing in a three-way tie for first at a U.S. Open Final Qualifier, which was held at the Emerald Dunes Golf

Club in West Palm Beach on June 2-3. That 36-hole qualifier was meant to have been completed on Monday, June 2, but afternoon rain and thunderstorms delayed completion of the event until the following day. Hicks’ two-round score of 133 (65-68; 11-under-par) was low enough to finish in a three-way tie for first with Philip Barbaree Jr. of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Frankie Harris, an amateur from Boca Raton.

The fourth qualifier from the Emerald Dunes event was Austen Truslow from New Smyrna Beach. Truslow finished at 10-under-par, but he had to win a sudden-death playoff for his spot against Orlando resident and University of Florida golfer Luke Poulter, the son of European Ryder Cup star Ian Poulter.

In all, 81 players competed for one of those four spots at Emerald Dunes. One of them was Tyler Stachkunas, who is a member at the Wellington National Golf Club. He shot 73-70 to finish at 143 (one-under-par). Another player in the field at Emerald Dunes was Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, who won the 2010 U.S. Open. McDowell shot 139 (70-69; five-under-par), which was five shots adrift of Truslow and Poulter.

This will be Hicks’ second major championship appearance of the year. He also played in this year’s PGA Championship at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, in late May. There, Hicks shot 76-79 (13-overpar) and missed the cut. Then again, 17 former major championship winners also missed the cut at Quail Hollow. Hicks traveled to Oakmont on the evening of Saturday, June 7 for practice rounds from June 8 to June 11. He’s being joined at Oakmont by his wife Kathryn, their 14-year-old son Owen, and Danny Randolph, one of his

friends from Boca Raton, who worked as Hicks’ caddy during the U.S. Open qualifier at Emerald Dunes. Randolph’s role at Oakmont will be more than just being a bag carrier.

“There’s a lot of discussions and planning that goes into things such as equipment and shot selection,” Hicks said. “He’s a former college [golf] coach.”

Owen Hicks, who will be watching his dad from the gallery, is a scratch golfer and a student at the King’s Academy, where he plays on the boys varsity golf team.

According to Hicks, the chances of rain in the greater Pittsburgh area were quite high during the days leading up to the first round of the golf tournament, so he was unsure how much pre-tournament practice and preparation he would get on the course at Oakmont.

His opening-round tee time on Thursday, June 12 was set for 7:07 a.m., and his second-round tee time on Friday, June 13 is scheduled for 12:52 p.m. His playing partners during the first two rounds are Evan Beck, an amateur from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Maxwell Moldovan, a professional from Uniontown, Ohio. Of the 156 players in the field, the top 60 players and all ties after the first two rounds will make the cut and play the third and fourth rounds over the weekend.

This is Hicks’ seventh time playing in the U.S. Open, having played in the event in 2004, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016. His best finish was a 60th-place tie in 2011, though he was a joint first-round leader at the 2008 U.S. Open, when he shot an opening round of 68, but finished in a tie for 74th when the tournament was held at the Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla, California. This will be Hicks’ second U.S. Open at Oakmont, after the 2016 U.S. Open, which was also contested at Oakmont.

“I made the cut in 2016 and played with Bubba Watson and Jon Rahm, then an amateur, in the third round,” Hicks recalled. “Oakmont is a tough golf course with large undulations in the greens, which were quite quick.” Palm Beach County is one of

Wellington’s DeSimone Concludes Stellar College Softball Career

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Kate DeSimone, a 2020 gradu-

ate of Wellington High School and a former member of the WHS girls varsity softball team, had a standout senior season on the softball diamond for the University of Tampa this spring.

As a team, the Spartans had the most memorable season in program history. They qualified for the NCAA Division II Women’s College World Series for the first time in program history. The series was held in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from May 22 to May 28. DeSimone played a key role in the team’s season-long success.

As a pitcher, DeSimone was 13-2 with a 1.40 ERA during the regular season. She posted a .984 fielding percentage with 37 putouts, 26 assists and one error. On the mound, she made 23 pitching

appearances and threw 111 innings with 88 strikeouts and 18 walks.

To earn a spot in the World Series, Tampa defeated Auburn University at Montgomery, 5-0, on May 16 in the super regional round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. In that game, DeSimone rose to the occasion and pitched a complete-game shutout. She helped her own cause by going 2-for-2 with an RBI. Prior to this year, the University of Tampa had never reached the NCAA Division II World Series in the softball program’s 37 years of existence.

According to University of Tampa head coach Leslie Kanter, DeSimone was one of this year’s top performers.

“Kate had a great season again this year, but her postseason play, especially at nationals, was probably the best of her career,” said

Kanter, who just completed her 31st year as Tampa’s head coach. “She had the mentality that ‘I am giving it everything I have and going out on top.’ She pitched well, hit well and even fired everyone up in the dugout. It has been fun to watch her grow over her years at UT, and she definitely saved the best for last. She will be greatly missed.”

Tampa was one of eight teams competing for the Division II national championship in Chattanooga. One of those teams was the defending championship squad — the Patriots from the University of Texas at Tyler.

On Thursday, May 22, in game one of the series, the University of Tampa defeated Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, 6-0. In that game, DeSimone pitched and batted. At the plate, she had one hit, drew a walk, scored two runs and drove in three runs.

In Tampa’s second game on Friday, May 23 against the University of Central Oklahoma, Tampa prevailed again, 4-3. In that game, DeSimone pitched five innings and gave up three earned runs. As a batter, she also drove in three runs.

“The second game against Central Oklahoma was my best game at the World Series,” said DeSimone, who went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

Next, on Sunday, May 25, in Tampa’s third game against Pace University, the Spartans outscored Pace, 4-2. DeSimone went 2-for-2 with an RBI.

Kate DeSimone makes contact with the ball.

Those three victories propelled Tampa into a best two-out-of-three championship series against the defending champions, the Patriots from the University of Texas at Tyler. Unfortunately, the Patriots had overwhelming pitching, defense and offense.

On Tuesday, May 27, the Patriots won game one, 6-0. And on Wednesday, May 28, in game two, they prevailed again, 3-0, to win another NCAA Division II softball title. In both games, Tampa was limited to one hit.

At the end of the Division II World Series, DeSimone was one of two University of Tampa players named to the World Series All-Tournament Team. This past season, DeSimone was a secondteam All-Sunshine State Conference selection.

Tampa concluded its season with a record of 48-12.

Despite losing in the national championship, DeSimone and her teammates truly enjoyed their time at the World Series.

“It was cool to be a member of the first team in program history to reach the World Series,” DeSimone said. “We stayed at a Marriott. All the teams stayed in the same hotel, which was decked out with NCAA images and artwork. Every player was given a gift box. It was a special feeling. We had a great time.”

Looking back at her softball career at the University of Tampa, as a freshman, DeSimone was the starting first baseman and pitched. During her Tampa softball career, she played right field and second base. During her senior season, DeSimone was one of the three starting pitchers and also served as the team’s everyday designated hitter. In December, DeSimone will graduate from the University of Tampa with a master’s degree in instructional design and technology.

Justin Hicks (right) with his caddy Danny Randolph after the U.S. Open Final Qualifier held at Emerald Dunes.

Kate DeSimone gets ready to pitch.

PHOTOS COURTESY THE UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA ATHLETICS

the few counties in the United States to host both a local qualifier and a final qualifier for this year’s U.S. Open. In addition to the final qualifier at Emerald Dunes, the Wellington National Golf Club hosted an 18-hole local qualifier on Monday, May 5.

Kate DeSimone slides safely at home.

Local golfer Justin Hicks being interviewed by the Golf Channel.

Wellington Tennis Center Promotes National Tennis Month

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The sport of tennis is alive, well and thriving at the Wellington Tennis Center.

Wellington Tennis Center Di-

rector Chuck Gill noted that his

21-court venue was an active supporter and participant in the promotion of National Tennis Month, sponsored by the United States Tennis Association (USTA) throughout the month of May. “In May, we named and rec-

ognized a tennis player of the day, which we promoted and publicized through our Facebook page,” Gill said. “It was a big hit. On Mother’s Day, we named a mother, and on Memorial Day, we recognized a veteran. Between

our junior program, leagues, lessons and clinics, we have a large number of avid tennis players, of all ages, here in Wellington who play here at the Wellington Tennis Center.”

Three of those honored as “players of the day” were Barbara Trimble, Penelope “Penny” Rahman and Mark Edelschick. They truly enjoy playing tennis at the Wellington Tennis Center.

“The tennis community is incredibly welcoming, and I appreciate the many opportunities to play,” Trimble said.

“This is the most dedicated group of tennis professionals and staff I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” Rahman added.

“Tennis has helped me get back in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, which I truly appreciate,” Edelschick said.

According to Peter Francesconi, chair of the USTA’s National Advocacy Committee, the Wellington Tennis Center was one of the most active supporters of National Tennis Month throughout the United States.

“Chuck Gill and his team were amazing during National Tennis Month. They generated lots of interest and exposure for the sport during the month of May,” Francesconi said. “And I’m sure

Wellington’s members appreciated the recognition they received. I hope other tennis facilities around the country will consider doing something similar next May.

Chuck and his team at Wellington are true advocates for this sport.”

According to Gill, there is never a slow day at the Wellington Tennis Center.

“We are a ‘rain or shine’ sum-

mer camp, as we do physical conditioning and other drills and games upstairs if it rains,” Gill said. “On a regular day, we easily have more than 200 tennis players coming through our center to play, practice, participate in a league match or take a lesson. On a busy day, more than 300 tennis players will walk through our door. And when we have a big tournament, as many as 400 players and fans will be here throughout the day.”

Looking forward, the next big events at the Wellington Tennis Center will take place this fall. The facility will also have six new courts later this year.

“In November, we will be hosting the national father-daughter, mother-daughter and mother-son tournaments,” Gill said. “And we are breaking ground for seven padel courts in mid-June.”

Shawn Steuerer Completes Stellar College Baseball Career

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Longtime Wellington resident Shawn Steuerer has just finished a remarkable academic and athletic career at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

In addition to graduating with a bachelor’s degree in economics on May 22 with a 3.77 grade point average, Steueuer had a remarkable four-year career on the baseball diamond. In his four years playing third base for Johns Hopkins, the team qualified for two appearances in the NCAA’s Division III World Series, both times as the top seed.

When Steuerer was a sophomore in May 2023, Johns Hopkins advanced to the Division III World Series, which was held in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This year, Johns Hopkins also earned a bid to the Division III World Series, which was played in Eastlake, Ohio, near Cleveland. Unfortunately, in both cases, Johns Hopkins did not return to campus as the national champions.

This year’s World Series experience was tough to take, as Johns Hopkins lost its first two games in the double-elimination tournament. Entering the series, Johns Hopkins had won 26 straight games. But on May 30, in the first round of the series, Hopkins lost, 16-7, to Messiah University, and on the following day, they lost again, 5-3, to Kean University.

The team finished with a record of 44-5.

“We picked a bad time and place — at the World Series — to lose two games in a row,” Steuerer said. “Baseball is a crazy game. In baseball, the best team doesn’t always win.”

Despite not winning a national title, Steuerer has many positive memories from his days playing for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays.

“It was an incredible experience and a perfect fit for me,” said Steuerer, now 23, a 2020 graduate of the Oxbridge Academy. “I was surrounded by great coaches. My teammates were hard workers in school and on the baseball diamond.”

Steuerer’s statistical accomplishments have positioned him as one of the program’s greatest baseball players to ever wear the Johns Hopkins uniform. The team was 27-0 at home this year, largely due to contributions on offense and defense from Steuerer.

Steuerer is now the program’s all-time leader in at bats (719), total bases (520), hits (275), runs scored (215), RBIs (205), home runs (59) and doubles (54).

When Steuerer hit a two-run home run on May 3 against Swarthmore, he became the first Blue Jay and the fifth active NCAA Division III player to reach 200 RBIs and runs scored in a collegiate career.

Longtime Johns Hopkins head

baseball coach Bob Babb has strong words of praise for his graduating senior.

“Shawn was our team leader both on and off the field,” Babb said. “He contributed a great deal to the program during his fouryear career. He will go down as the leader in numerous offensive categories in Hopkins history. Shawn also took part in many community service projects. He is an outstanding young man who will do very well in the next phase of his life.”

A few of the honors that Steuerer

earned this year include: American Baseball Coaches Association/ Rawlings first-team All-American (2025); a three-time Academic Centennial Conference selection (2023, 2024 and 2025); and a four-time All-Centennial Conference selection (first team in 2023 and 2025; second team in 2022 and 2024).

This past season, Steuerer batted .369 with 56 RBIs, 18 walks and eight stolen bases. He was the team leader in runs scored (66). This year, he was second on the team in base hits (73), doubles (17) and home runs (17).

As Steuerer looks to his future, it won’t include baseball for the first time since he was six years old playing tee-ball.

“I was invited to play baseball in a showcase summer league, but I decided to use my degree and accept a job in New York City as an equity sales and trading associate with Oppenheimer,” Steuerer said. “I had an internship with

Oppenheimer last summer, which I enjoyed.”

While he is looking forward to

(L-R) Barbara Trimble, Penelope “Penny” Rahman and Mark Edelschick. PHOTOS BY MARIA ROMO

Shawn Steuerer rounds third, headed for home. Shawn Steuerer plays defense for Johns Hopkins.

County’s First Public Pump Track Now Open At Okeeheelee Park

On Saturday, May 31, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with Palm Beach Pump Track Inc., officially opened a 10,000-square-foot asphalt bicycle pump track at Okeeheelee Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by exhibition rides from professional and amateur riders.

“This project reflects our department’s continued commitment to expanding outdoor recreational and cycling opportunities for all residents,” Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Director Jennifer Cirillo said. “The pump track brings a new level of excitement to Okeeheelee Park and encourages active lifestyles in a fun and innovative way.”

The new pump track is the first of its kind in Palm Beach County and provides a high-quality, continuous-loop riding experience for cyclists of all ages, skill levels and wheels: bikes, scooters, skateboards and skates. The track is made possible

through the generous philanthropy of Margaret Blume and Palm Beach Pump Track, with a donation of more than $400,000 for its installation. Located behind the dog park at Okeeheelee Park, the facility is free to ride during park operating hours from sunrise to sunset. “This facility will be an asset for our entire community and a major draw for cyclists visiting for recreation.” said Jennifer Kraatz, president of Palm Beach Pump Track and the Okeeheelee BMX Parents Council.

The Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department is recognized nationally for excellence in parks and recreation management and provides organized recreational programs and services for people of all ages and abilities. Learn more at www.pbcparks.com

Gift Will Fund New Oxbridge Academy Baseball Complex

The Oxbridge Academy recently announced a transformative gift from an anonymous donor to fund the construction of a new, stateof-the-art baseball complex on its 54-acre campus. Construction is expected to begin this fall, ushering in an exciting new chapter for the school, marking a significant milestone in the school’s ongoing commitment to excellence in athletics and student development.

The new complex will feature modern facilities and amenities designed to support training, competition and the overall development of student-athletes.

“This extraordinary gift marks a pivotal moment for Oxbridge,” Head of School Dr. Ralph Maurer said. “We are deeply grateful to the donor family for their generosity. At Oxbridge, our athletic program is about more than just sports — it’s about character, resilience, and building a strong, supportive community. This new facility reflects our commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field.”

The complex will serve as a hallmark of the school’s commitment to excellence in athletics.

“This new baseball complex is truly a game-changer,” Director of Athletics Stan Ross said. “It reflects the momentum and ambition of Oxbridge athletics. We are incredibly thankful to the donor whose vision and generosity are making this possible.”

The school will share updates with the community as construction progresses.

The Oxbridge Academy is an independent, coeducational college preparatory school for grades 6 to 12. It offers a challenging, dynamic curriculum and an enriching environment where students learn essential skills in a variety of settings. Through an interdisciplinary academic approach, Oxbridge fosters the growth of leaders, thinkers, problem solvers and world-changers. The school is located at 3151 N. Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, visit www. oapb.org or call (561) 972-9600.

Palm

Beach County Youth Services Is Honored At Children’s Home Society 5K

On April 26, the Children’s Home Society of Florida (CHS) marked Child Abuse Prevention Month with its 22nd annual For the Love of Children 5K Run/ Walk and Fun Run for Kids. Held at Okeeheelee Park, the event brought together more than 300 participants to raise awareness and support for vital child abuse prevention and intervention services.

This year’s event was especially meaningful as CHS honored Palm Beach County Youth Services with the prestigious R. David and I. Lorraine Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award. The award rec-

ognizes the department’s steadfast dedication to improving the lives of children and families in the community. Director Elisa Cramer accepted the award on behalf of the department from CHS Executive Director Dennis Miles and Chair Vincent D’Aria.

“We’re incredibly grateful for community partners like Palm Beach County Youth Services, whose work continues to make a lasting difference for our children,” Miles said. “Together, we’re ensuring that every child in our community reaches their full potential.”

With the support of presenting sponsor Granite Telecommunications, the event successfully raised more than $113,000, reinforcing CHS’s overarching focus to break cycles of generational poverty and child maltreatment across Florida.

On the front lines since 1902, the Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families, serving more than 65,000 children and their family members across the state each year. Learn more at www.chsfl.org.

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

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

(Above) A ribbon cutting welcomes the new pump track at Okeeheelee Park.

(Left) Cyclists test out the new track. PHOTOS COURTESY PALM BEACH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION

The team from presenting sponsor Granite Telecommunications.

The Palm Beach County Youth Services team.

Palm Beach County Youth Services Director Elisa Cramer accepts an award from CHS Executive Director Dennis Miles and Chair Vincent D’Aria.

Annual Dwyer Awards Recognize Seven Excellent Educators

The 2025 William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education, presented by the Hanley Foundation, celebrated the exceptional educators of Palm Beach County at a ceremony on Monday, May 5, at Dreyfoos Hall at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Hosted by the Economic Council of Palm Beach County Foundation, the event honored the 2025 finalists and announced honorees in seven categories, each of whom exemplifies outstanding dedication and commitment to student success. The 2025 Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honorees are: Early Education: Amy Winsor, Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8; Elementary Education: Ashli Fischer, Beacon Cove Intermediate School; Middle School Education: Maxwell Slakoff, John F. Kennedy Middle School; Senior High School Education: Lisa Gilbert, Park Vista High School; Student Advancement & Support: Tiffany Wilkes, William T. Dwyer High School; STEM Education: Rob Sweeten, Boca Raton High School; and Exceptional Student

Education: Jacqueline Hagan, Lake Worth High School.

The evening began with an electric performance by the Palm Beach Lakes High School Ram Regiment Band, under the direction of Josh Velez. The band played “Stars and Stripes Forever” and more, setting the stage for the unveiling of the honorees. The Ram Regiment Band has been selected to perform in London’s 40th annual New Year’s Day Parade in 2026. The band is currently raising funds for their trip, and at the event, the Economic Council kicked off fundraising efforts with a $2,500 donation.

Opening remarks were made by Mark Elhilow, chair of the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, and School Superintendent Michael Burke. Also speaking were Deana Pizzo and Mike Bauer, co-chairs of the Dwyer Awards; Michele Jacobs, president and CEO of the Economic Council; and Lindsey White, chief advancement officer at the Hanley Foundation. Felicia Rodriguez, anchor at WPBF 25 News, served as mistress of ceremonies.

“Tonight, we celebrate the in-

credible work of these outstanding educators, who make a significant difference in the lives of their students every day,” Jacobs said. “Their passion, dedication and leadership are shaping the future of our community, and we are proud to honor them.”

The Dwyer Awards, named in honor of the late community leader William T. Dwyer, is an annual program developed in 1984 by the Economic Council to recognize outstanding educators in both public and private schools across the county. Nearly 450 nominations were submitted for the 2025 awards, and each nominee underwent a rigorous evaluation process by prominent business leaders from the area. This thorough process led to the selection of 28 finalists across seven categories, ultimately honoring seven individuals — one from each category.

The program seeks to increase awareness of exemplary teaching while promoting high standards of excellence in education. Each honoree receives $3,500 and a personalized crystal award, while finalists are awarded $500 and a personalized certificate.

Fourth Annual NexGen Summer Bridge Program Kicks Off At PBSC

On Monday, June 9, Palm Beach State College welcomed 175 students to its fourth annual NexGen Summer Bridge Program at the Lake Worth campus.

This two-week program supports first-time freshmen, many of whom are first-generation college students, by providing academic, financial and personal guidance to help them navigate higher education.

Hosted by the Dr. Carey-Shuler Student Success Center in collaboration with TRIO Student Support Services, the program aims to enhance the first-year experience at Palm Beach State College and expand access and educational opportunities for first-time-in-college students. The program features a variety of dynamic speakers, workshops and activities designed to prepare students for their college journey.

Kicking off the program, English Professor Allan Nosworthy spoke to students about his background, experiences living in Alaska and the importance of being prepared to face challenges with the correct tools.

“Your college education is a tool. You have to know how to leverage this thing toward your advantage in life,” Nosworthy said.

“The great news is you are now surrounded by an army of people who want to help you figure it out.”

After Nosworthy’s session, students attended a NextGen Alumni Panel, where recent alumni reflected on their experiences, discussed how the program helped them succeed and shared advice with current participants.

Richeley Cajuste, who com-

pleted the program in 2023, credits it with helping him network and learn important skills, such as how to apply for financial aid and pay for classes.

Jocelin Escalante-Miguel, who completed the program in 2024, agreed. “Coming to the program really helped me, and it opened my eyes to see how many resources are available,” Escalante-Miguel said. “Thanks to the help of all the advisors here, I was able to plan my academic journey.”

Both Cajuste and Escalante-

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

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

The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center Summer Horsemanship Camp is an inclusionary camp for riders of all abilities ages 8 to 16. No horse experience is necessary. Learn equestrian skills and horse care, build confidence and independence while caring for horses and enjoying time at the farm. Group sizes are limited, with riders divided into groups based on their experience and ability. Instructors are PATH certified. Weekly sessions run June 2 through Aug. 1. Register your child today at www.vinceremos.org. Visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc or call (561) 792-9900 for more information. Vinceremos is located at 13300 6th Court North in Loxahatchee Groves.

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

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2025 Dwyer Award Winners — (L-R) Middle School Education: Maxwell Slakoff, John F. Kennedy Middle School; Senior High School Education: Lisa Gilbert, Park Vista High School; Student Advancement & Support: Tiffany Wilkes, William T. Dwyer High School; Early Education: Amy Winsor, Dwight D. Eisenhower K-8; Elementary Education: Ashli Fischer, Beacon Cove Intermediate School; Exceptional Student Education: Jacqueline Hagan, Lake Worth High School; and STEM Education:

Rob Sweeten, Boca Raton High School. PHOTO COURTESY CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

PBSC English professor Allan Nosworthy led a session titled “You Got This: Preparation is Half the Battle.”

Some of the 175 students taking part in the fourth annual NexGen Summer Bridge Program.

Miguel will be transferring to the University of Florida in the fall. The NextGen Summer Bridge Program will run through Wednesday, June 18. In the coming days, students will participate in

RPB Resident Matilda Namer Celebrates 103 Years

Our Community Cares participant and Royal Palm Beach resident Matilda Namer recently celebrated her 103rd birthday surrounded by her family and friends.

Namer is originally from the south side of Chicago. Growing up the oldest of three children, her earliest memories are of horseless carriages, jazz music and the Great Depression.

“I remember my parents talking about the Saint Valentine’s Day

Massacre,” Namer recalled. “Shortly after, my father moved us to New York. He was known as a peddler and would sell furniture, jewelry and coats. Anything to help the family.”

Admirals Cove Foundation Supports Grandma’s Place

“Matilda is a ray of sunshine,” said Diane Gutman, director of operations for Our Community Cares. “Her positive outlook and caring disposition make interactions with her such a pleasure. Volunteers and I are happy she reached out to us and have forged a friendship with her.”

Volunteers drive Namer to doctor’s appointments and shopping,

Some of Namer’s fondest memories are watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and vacationing in Florida with her family. She attributes her longevity to 50 percent good genes and 50 percent luck. She made a pact with her younger brother that they would both become centenarians. He recently passed away just shy of his 100th birthday.

as well as help her sort through her mail. For more information on services, volunteering or being a participant, contact Our Community Cares at (561) 568-8818.

Our Community Cares is a community-based not-for-profit organization that coordinates volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling senior citizens to remain in their home with the support of volunteers and local organizations. Visit www.ourcommunitycaresfl. org to learn more.

Cresswind Women’s Club Awards Scholarships To Two Seminole Ridge High School Graduates

The Admirals Cove Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Club at Admirals Cove. Since its founding, it has been a leader in supporting local nonprofits, advancing educational access, and strengthening community ties through collective giving and volunteerism. For more information about Grandma’s Place, e-mail Jacobs at roxanne@grandmasplacepb.org, call (561) 376-0488 or visit www. grandmasplacepb.org.

The Grandma’s Place Board of Directors recently announced that the Admirals Cove Foundation made a generous grant to support the nonprofit’s emergency foster care program. Grandma’s Place President Jodie Schmitz and Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs attended the Admirals Cove Foundation 2024-25 Season of Giving Reception on Monday, April 7 to accept the check. The proceeds of this grant benefit the Grandma’s Place foster care program, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse or neglect and have been removed from their homes. Based in Royal Palm Beach, Grandma’s Place also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/ caregivers to maximize each child’s safety and success.

The Cresswind Women’s Club recently announced two Seminole Ridge High School graduates as this year’s academic scholarship winners. It was the group’s second year to include a scholarship award program in its annual budget for students who will attend a Florida college, university or trade school. This charitable endeavor aligns with the Cresswind Women’s Club’s mission statement to support Westlake and the surrounding communities.

At a meeting held May 15, Kailey Bigwood and Luke Vento each received a $1,000 scholarship award to further their education.

Bigwood will study biology at Florida State University as a first step on her path to medical school. She is committed to serving Florida’s underserved and rural communities.

Vento will be attending Palm

Fundraising by Cresswind

Girl Scouts Join With Feeding Florida To Fight Hunger

Throughout the month of April, Girl Scouts came together to tackle food insecurity through the annual Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida’s council-wide community service project, Feeding Florida Together. More than 900 Girl Scouts and their troops contributed 350 volunteer hours to local food banks and hunger relief organizations. At the same time, they donated more than 10,000 pounds of non-perishable food items — enough for nearly 8,500 meals.

Girl Scouts collected essential shelf-stable food and pantry staples, including peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, and more. These donations were distributed across several counties, including Palm

Beach, Broward, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee, to the Broward Outreach Center, House of Hope, Mustard Seed Ministry, several CROS Ministries food pantries and more.

“Feeding Florida Together is more than a food drive, it’s an opportunity for our girls to become changemakers and really make a difference in local communities,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. “They see firsthand the impact they can make in their communities by working together to fight hunger and food insecurity.”

According to Feeding Florida, 2.9 million Floridians lack proper food access, more than 800,000 of those are children and more than

Committee members with the honorees.

(L-R) Stormi Bivin, Gert Miliante, Barbara Jette, Anita Kaplan, Debbie Schlau, Luke Vento, Kailey Bigwood, Bunnye Bomar, Coco Forlizzi, Marie Ange Johnson and Sheree Biafore

Scholarship recipients Luke Vento and Kailey Bigwood.

Matilda Namer (seated) with family members Sarah Namer, Joe Namer, Estelle Namer Baum, Victor Namer, Janae Namer and Carol Namer.

Troop 24236 from Wellington donated 73 pounds of food to CROS Ministries’ local food pantry.

Beach State College to enroll in the police academy and play baseball. He will major in criminal justice, earning his associate’s degree to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Hilton West Palm Beach has announced that Wellington resident Zachary Mason is its new director of restaurants and bars, to lead the continued growth and enhancement of the hotel’s dining concepts in downtown West Palm Beach. In his new role, Mason will spearhead daily operations for all Hilton West Palm Beach venues, retail operations, meetings and events, and in-room dining.

“I’m thrilled to join the Hilton West Palm Beach team and to be part of such a dynamic and evolving food scene,” Mason said. “The hotel has established an impressive culinary foundation, from award-winning omakase at Moody Tongue Sushi to grill house classics at Galley, I’m excited to build on that by delivering elevated experiences that reflect the energy and diversity of our community.”

Most recently, Mason led operations at La Luce, the signature restaurant at Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. Known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and authentic Italian flavors, La Luce flourished under his leadership. Before that, he served as general manager at Renata’s Hearth, an upscale, Latin-influenced eatery tucked inside the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria resort in Phoenix.

“Zach brings an incredible mix of creativity, operational excel-

A major entertainment and dining destination is on the horizon for central Palm Beach County. Palm Beach Improv, South Florida’s legendary comedy club, and its vibrant sister concept, Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen, are officially set to open at the Mall at Wellington Green in late 2025.

This powerhouse duo will occupy a 13,700-square-foot space on the mall’s upper level near CMX Cinemas, bringing with them high-profile performers, unforgettable nights out, and a new heartbeat to Wellington’s entertainment scene.

For more than 20 years, Palm Beach Improv has been a launchpad for world-class comedy talent, previously located in CityPlace and most recently at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. It has hosted household names like Fred Armisen, Kevin Nealon and Steve Treviño — and now, it’s ready to

WRMC Wound Care Program Honored Patient Satisfaction And Healing Rates

Wellington Regional Medical Center recently announced that the hospital’s Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine has been awarded the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics, the nation’s largest provider of advanced wound care services, for the 10th year in a row.

The center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including a patient satisfaction rate higher than 92 percent. This recognition is a testament to the exceptional care and dedication demonstrated by the center’s staff members.

“We are incredibly proud of the physicians, leaders and clinicians at Wellington Regional Medical Center for their unwavering commitment to excellence,” WRMC CEO Pam Tahan said. “The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine’s achievement of the prestigious Center of Distinction award by Healogics is a testament to their dedication and exceptional care.”

The facility is a member of the Healogics network of more than 600 wound care centers and offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds.

Advanced wound care modalities provided by WRMC wound

care experts include negative-pressure wound therapy, total contact casting, bio-engineered tissues, biosynthetic dressings and growth factor therapies.

Dr. Kyle Eldredge is the medical director of the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center. “We are honored to receive the Center of Distinction award from Healogics,” Eldredge said. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of our entire team. Our commitment to achieving outstanding clinical outcomes and maintaining high patient satisfaction is unwavering. I am incredibly proud of our physicians, leaders and clinicians for their exceptional care and dedication to our patients’ well-being.”

Wellington Regional is a 235bed acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating area residents, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including comprehensive stroke care, a comprehensive lung program, minimally invasive services, cardiac services, a birthing center and level III NICU, a comprehensive women’s center, hepatobiliary surgical procedures, intraoperative radiation therapy, interventional procedures, and a wellness and weight loss center. Learn more

a supportive housing development.

bring the laughs to Wellington. “This is a huge moment for Wellington,” said Asad Sadiq, general manager of the Mall at Wellington Green. “We’re bringing nationally recognized entertainment and a fresh energy to the mall. Palm Beach Improv and Copper Blues aren’t just tenants — they’re experiences, and we’re proud to be their new home.”

Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen currently operates six thriving locations across the U.S., including one in Miami’s CityPlace Doral. Known for its elevated take on American comfort food, signature craft cocktails and electric live music scene, Copper Blues is where food, drinks and entertainment collide in all the right ways.

The arrival of these two brands marks a strategic move for the mall as it continues to evolve into a dynamic lifestyle destination for din-

Palm Beach Improv and Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen will bring more entertainment and dining options to the mall.

Empathy & Gawking Are Not Animal Qualities, But So Human!

Ernest Hemingway once said, “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” The logical follow-up question is, “But who would want to read that?” Sadly, the answer is everyone. This is proven out at the bookstore where racks of humor books take up a tiny bit of floor space compared to anything where blood may be involved; and with the major media, the mantra is, “If it bleeds, it leads.”

But think of the animal kingdom. If you’re a gazelle, joyously bounding through the savanna with your buddies, and one of those buddies stumbles into an aardvark hole and breaks its leg, do

all the gazelles stop to gawk? They do not. They continue their joyous bounding with nary a look back. A fleeting twoword thought may occur to them as they swerve around the injured party (“lion fodder”) but that’s it. Call it a lack of empathy or call it

self-preservation, the gazelle doesn’t give a flying fig what you call it. It’s got a life to live. Not so with human beings. A person falls into an aardvark hole and people immediately crowd around. Pretty soon, some writer thinks, “That’s tragic. I have to write about it.” If the bone is sticking out of the leg, great. If the leg is spurting blood, it’s a chapter title somewhere. Even I would scare up a couple of quarters to get a newspaper out of a rack if the bold print screamed, “UNWARY JOGGER IN CRITICAL CONDITION AFTER BEING TRIPPED UP BY AARDVARK.” Better yet if there’s a photo... showing the spurting blood. Is

the aardvark in the frame? Nah. He’s long gone. It makes me wonder about the field of medicine. Even if most doctors and nurses chose the field due to their overwhelming empathy and concern, you’ve just got to know a few of them are there only for the drama. I mean, there has to be some trade-out for all that bedpan-emptying. (“Aardvark victim on their way. Get the ER ready STAT.” “I’ll do it.” “No way, Stan. You got the last three stabbings and a shooting. It’s my turn.”)

Speaking of stabbings and shootings, this is something you don’t see a lot of in nature, either. There may be the occasional swat-down over a female or

a tussle over territorial encroachment, but I think the phrase “I killed him just to watch him die” is profoundly human. Makes me so proud. Perhaps the drama of life, as reflected in the written word, helps us readers feel less alone, more normal and maybe even happy. (“Wow. I’m glad I’m not the one who found that hole. They really need to fill that in.”) Because no matter how badly your day, week or year is going, there’s always someone worse off than you. There is always someone whose car insurance just got canceled, whose purse was stolen or whose bratwursts got burned. I, for one, take solace in that.

‘Ballerina’ Expands ‘John Wick’ Saga With Stylized Violence

When a series as successful as John Wick hits a roadblock, like the death of its lead character, it has to find ways to spin off. Thus we have Ballerina, in which a young girl is recruited into the Ruska Roma, the criminal organization he had joined, so we can have an equal opportunity to watch a woman knock off dozens of crazed killers. Hail equal rights! But does it work?

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

off the killers, but Ella is taken by Lena and Pine is wounded.

Eve finds out that the Cult is based in Hallstatt, a small Austrian town. And then the fun really begins as Eve discovers her own past there, winds up having to deal with John Wick (a nice supporting part for Keanu Reeves), and winds up battling everyone.

dishes against a cook) and then wipes out a dozen armed killers in seconds.

But that’s called “style” and it worked pretty well in the four previous movies, so why not now?

The one thing that does hold up is the stylized violence. People die in many unique ways, mostly shot but also stabbed and garroted and blown up. There was a lot of fun with a flamethrower, including a match with water from a fire hose.

She is warned by the Director to not take on that group, since her own group and the Cult had made an earlier truce.

Winston tells her not to go forward, but does tell her that one member, Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus), and his daughter Ella are at the Prague Continental Hotel. Eve goes there and runs into a group of Cult members led by Lena (Catalina Sandino Moreno). Eve helps Pine fight

Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) is the daughter of two assassins, but only her father is alive. She lives with him in an isolated manor, but they are attacked by “the Cult,” led by “the Chancellor” (Gabriel Byrne). Her father fights off and kills a dozen men but dies, and Eve is recruited by Winston Scott (Ian McShane) for the Ruska Roma, a group of Russian gypsy assassins. She is trained by “the Director” (Angelica Huston) to be both a ballerina and an assassin over the next 12 years. At one of her jobs, she takes out a killer who she identifies as part of the Cult, wanting to take revenge on the people who killed her father.

The plot does not sound all that different from previous movies in this weird universe. All sorts of strange laws of honor defining murder, deliberate anachronisms like chain-smoking, tattooed female operators on old-fashioned switchboards using non-windows software in their computers, and rules and treaties going back hundreds of years that make no sense. We also have the strange situation that Eve can wind up almost losing a fight against someone who looks wildly out of shape or not really a top killer (there is a fight throwing

I think the main reason it doesn’t work is the difference between the stars. Reaves is a large, powerful man and de Armas a not very big woman. When she is being smacked around by some of the men, even though we know they will soon be dead, it feels at least briefly like uncalled-for violence. Of course, that might be because I was brought up not to hit women. Another issue is that the locations don’t live up to those of its predecessors. The earlier movies took place in New York, Osaka, Berlin and most special for the last one, Paris. Here, Eve bounces through a few nightclubs, is inside a Prague hotel (with about one minute of Prague shown) and then a tiny Austrian town.

The acting was fine, although de Armas, who has often been exceptional in terms of emotion, seems as stoic as Reeves. She does handle the athletic end of the film well. McShane and Byrne, who weirdly resemble each other, were also good.

Reedus was good in a small part. It was also nice to see the late Lance Reddick playing the concierge Charon for the last time. One of the fun parts of this universe is its use of more or less outrageous characters.

In short, this is a very violent film that moves fast and does its job well. If you like the John Wick universe, you will probably enjoy the movie.

Dr.

Smith, DO

Sacks, DO Retirement Notice

Dr. Steven Sacks will be

from the

of medicine effective June 26, 2025.

– Wellington located at 1157 S. State Road 7, Wellington, FL 33414.