Town-Crier Newspaper June 14, 2024

SENIOR

CAFCI held its 31st annual Student Assistance Fund Award Ceremony on Saturday, June 8 at the original Wellington Mall with the theme “Empowering Youth and Investing in Our Future.” Page 5

Record-Breaking Performances During WHS Track Season

Wellington High School’s track and field team concluded its spring season at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A state track and field finals, which were held on May 18 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Five student-athletes from WHS qualified to compete at this year’s FHSAA Class 4A finals — senior Mark Fyffe, junior Janae Roberts, sophomore Kirsten Maarsingh, junior Cameron Shelby and junior Danielle Baig. Page 21

Minto Hoping To Accelerate County’s 60th Street Timetable

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Westlake City Council heard from Palm Beach County staff Tuesday, June 4 that design work for 60th Street North between Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and 140th Avenue North won’t be finished until 2026, with construction to be completed in 2028. They also heard in a presentation from County Engineer David Ricks that the 60th Street segment between 140th and 120th Avenue North won’t be completed until 2030. While a road exists in that area running alongside West Palm Beach’s M-0 Canal, it is mostly dirt. The two-mile segment of a divided four-lane road between Seminole Pratt and 140th Avenue, running along the north side of Westlake, will cost an estimated $31 million, Ricks said. The re-

maining five-lane segments from 140th Avenue to State Road 7 will cost an estimated $23 million.

“This is a major priority for the county,” County Commissioner Sara Baxter told the council.

Despite that, the county’s timetable would leave Westlake residents without a viable east-west road connection for at least another four years, with perhaps a six-year wait for a clean, multi-lane route to reach Coconut Blvd., Royal Palm Beach Blvd. and State Road 7.

However, John Carter, the Minto Communities USA senior vice president in charge of the 3,800acre Westlake development, said this week that there may be ways that the project can be moved onto a faster track.

“We believe there could be cost savings through a public-private partnership [between Minto and the county],” Carter said Tuesday. “We believe it can be done faster

and more cost effectively… The county has sent over an agreement for us to look at. We’re beginning the process of working through it.”

The agreement could present an opportunity to accelerate the timetable. An agreement likely would include the discounting of some portion of the $30 million in proportionate share money that Minto still owes the county under an agreement made when Westlake was approved in 2014. The total amount of “prop share” money Minto agreed to was $54 million, Carter said, and the company will have to pay every cent of it one way or another.

At present, Westlake has no real east-west access and can be reached only via Seminole Pratt Whitney Road running northsouth between Northlake and Southern boulevards.

“More [road] connectivity is

Neighbors Raise Concerns About Groves RV Park Idea

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

A developer’s presentation on a possible high-end, equestrianthemed recreational vehicle park in Loxahatchee Groves was met with a concerned response from residents at a Tuesday, June 4 workshop session. The hour-long workshop gave a conceptual overview of the project, proposed by the Ponte Vedra-based Bove Company and JMorton Planning. The 47-acre RV park is eyed for three combined parcels at the southeast corner of Collecting Canal and C Road. That puts it east of the Groves Town Center project and north of Southern Blvd. with access from C Road. Town officials stressed that the project is very early in the process. The workshop was a preapplication meeting, and no votes were planned. As of now, nothing has been formally submitted to the town for consideration.

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

According to Wellington officials, there is no particular timetable to reopen the closed, unpaved portion of Flying Cow Ranch Road, following complaints that dump trucks and others blazed a noisy, dusty bypass route along the village’s bucolic southwestern edge. Signs, flags and physical barriers clearly mark the end of the road in its rutted, axle-rattling nether regions, not far from where its pavement runs out some four miles south of Southern Blvd. and just south of the Wellington Environmental Preserve.

“The road was not originally designed to handle the volume of traffic it is currently experiencing

Speaking on behalf of the project — dubbed “The Paddock” — was developer Gabriel Bove.

“The culture of this community is very special and unique, and we want to be part of this community,” he said. “Tonight, we want to talk about our enthusiasm for bringing a high-end RV resort to the community.”

Bove said that he is flexible and wants to take a team approach and work with the community to make the project better.

“We really want to be an equestrian-themed community that fits with the spirit of what’s here,” he said.

The project calls for 285 RV sites. While it may run at full capacity during the winter season, it will be much less the rest of the year.

Bove said that he is working with people who specialize in RV parks. A demand study has shown that “an RV resort would be well-

and has become a safety issue due to the excessive dust impairing visibility, and the general road conditions,” Wellington spokeswoman Liz Nunez said in a statement.

The statement did not address questions about whether the village intends to pave the full road or otherwise improve it, or simply leave it closed indefinitely.

“We do not have a scheduled reopening date at this time,” the statement continued. “Alternate routes will need to be utilized for the duration of the road closure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.”

The move cut off an end run around the village’s more congested central arteries by severing a connection with Indian Mound Road and 50th Street South.

Dr. Shakeica Robinson Named RPBHS Principal

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

It was a full-circle moment when Dr. Shakeica Robinson was named the new principal at Royal Palm Beach High School earlier this month. Robinson first arrived at RPBHS in 2004 as a math teacher, her first position as an educator.

Most recently principal at Tradewinds Middle School in Greenacres, Robinson takes over for Michelle Fleming, who has been transferred to the top job at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

A Palm Beach County native, Robinson grew up in West Palm Beach and graduated from Suncoast High School in 1999. She majored in psychology at the University of Central Florida and was planning a psychology career before a short segway into teaching became a permanent fixture in her life.

“I fell in love with teaching, and I think it was the mentoring aspect,” said Robinson, who also coached cheerleading at RPBHS, along with a variety of math classes at all levels. “The students saw me as someone they could talk to. They saw me as a role model. I fell in love with working with students. I realized that was my calling. It was something that came so natural to me.”

In addition to her undergraduate degree, Robinson later earned a master’s degree in educational leadership through Capella University and finished her doctoral program in May 2023, also through Capella University.

After teaching math for several years at RPBHS, Robinson transitioned to Florida Virtual School, which gave her more time at home with her two young children. However, she continued to coach cheerleading and do substitute

work at RPBHS during this time period.

“In 2008, I decided to come back to the district at Royal Palm Beach High School as the math coach, then served as testing coordinator,” explained Robinson, who was also on the SAC committee. In 2015, Robinson got her first assistant principal position at Santaluces High School.

“During my tenure there, I was really focused on increasing our accelerated programs, AICE and AP,” she said, adding that she wanted all students to have the opportunity to enroll in these courses.

“I helped build a strong college readiness program, so our students were ready when they graduated and went on to college.”

During her time at Santaluces, Robinson helped achieve a significant increase in graduation rates and overall acceleration rates. She was promoted to principal at Tradewinds in January 2022.

“Tradewinds prepared me for leading a comprehensive high school. I was really able to improve upon my leadership skills that I already had,” she said. “Going back to middle school gave me an opportunity to see some of the

received and is well-needed in the Palm Beach area,” he said.

Bove showed a map indicating that the west coast of Florida has many RV parks, but there are very few on the east coast. “The demand for this is extremely high,” he said.

The project will require road improvements on Southern Blvd. that will include a deceleration lane but not a traffic light, as well as paving on C Road to the property. They will bring water and sewer to the property as well, and there will be enough staging to make sure that RVs do not queue up on C Road.

The array of on-site amenities includes a welcome center, clubhouse, swimming pool, dog park and an equestrian trail system that will tie into the town’s network. A buffer is planned around the perimeter.

The Paddock will be a high-end RV park patterned after a resort in

Wellington officials are considering a wide menu of road improvements, including recommendations from a project called Vision Zero, designed to boost traffic safety by 2030.

The Flying Cow moniker honors a foundational namesake figure of what would become the village, landowner Charles Oliver Wellington. His initials spell out the farm animal, and he was an avid aviator, launching a theme reflected in ranch, plane and place names. Residential concerns of the southwestern Wellington shortcut have been aired for years.

One online petition called for restricting trucks to within 2.5 miles of Southern Blvd. and reducing speed limits from 55

a number of awards and gifts to thank members for their help over the past year. The Wellington Art Society aims to support and promote the arts in the local community. It provides opportunities for artists to exhibit their work, offers art education programs and organizes various events to showcase artistic talents. Shown above, Faye

On Saturday, June 8, the Wellington Art Society held its annual installation dinner at Hurricane Grill. New and continuing board members were sworn in by Cynthia George. President Heather Bergstrom handed out

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its Young at Heart Senior Citizen Prom Night on Friday, May 24 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The evening included dinner, dancing, raffles, a photo booth and awards. Shown above are Best Dressed Queen and King Pearl and Tony Carey with Best Dancers King and Queen Andres Palacio and Primrose Graham. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 16

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

mph on the upper portion of the road to discourage racing and speeding, with some online sug-

gesting that, “Flying Cow Road has turned into I-95, especially during season.”

Dr. Shakeica Robinson

Wellington OKs Purchase Of Upgraded License Plate Readers

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington is replacing cameras that read license plates within its borders, getting 17 new ones touted as being able not just to make out the plates but quickly flag vehicles by make, model, color, and even details such as roof racks and bumper stickers.

Meeting Tuesday, June 11, the Wellington Village Council unanimously approved a sole source contract to Flock Group Inc., doing business as Flock Safety, on its consent agenda for the purchase, delivery, installation and annual maintenance of license plate recognition cameras and software. The two-year deal will cost the village $129,550.

“These are replacing the current ones or are these additional to them?” Councilwoman Tanya Siskind asked at a workshop a day before the meeting.

“These are replacing the existing ones,” Village Manager Jim Barnes confirmed. Village staff and partner agencies believe that this purchase represents the latest technology. For example, operators can instruct the system to look out for a white Lexus with stickers on the bumper. If it works as the system’s creators say it can, it would use software to spit out matches for any vehicles it sees that fall within those parameters. The point is to pick out cars connected to suspected crimes within

the community, or help track down drivers passing through who may be wanted for offenses in other places.

Wellington has had license plate readers for about half a dozen years. The village partners with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to provide police services under contract, and the PBSO advised that they were moving to the Flock system for future purchases.

At this point, Flock reportedly has cameras in 54 of the 67 counties in Florida.

In a letter posted in village records, Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley said that the system can help identify vehicles with paper license plates or even no plates at all. It offers cameras that can capture

images of up to 30,000 vehicles each per day, according to a letter from the Atlanta-based company.

Vice Mayor John McGovern asked how quickly the new cameras will be up and running.

Village staff members said it might take four to six weeks to order the latest cameras, and they can begin replacing existing ones at that point.

“Let’s get them working,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said.

In other business:

• The council recognized teacher Mary Oser, who recently retired as the band director at Wellington High School after 33 years. Members of the band played a tribute medley for her in the council chambers.

The council also honored Janell Leatherman, the seventh-grade counselor at Emerald Cove Middle School, for winning the 2024 Dwyer Award in the category of Student Advancement and Career Education, among other distinctions.

Two graduating seniors from Wellington High School won recognition as Pathfinder scholarship award recipients. Emilia McGovern, daughter of the vice mayor, won first place in the Business category, while Johnathon Bucknor won second place in the Theater Arts category.

• The council approved modified regulations for residential hedges along major thoroughfares. Among these, the hedge height can

now range from six feet to eight feet, a change from a uniform eight feet under a 2021 ordinance. In part, this makes it easier for people who maintain their own hedges to reach all parts of the shrubbery. In addition, the village created exceptions for allowable kinds of hedge plants beyond a narrowed five types under the 2021 code, if an existing hedge is well-maintained.

• The council unanimously passed an ordinance change made possible by a new state law that allows publication of required legal notices and advertisements on a Palm Beach County-run web site as opposed to a general-circulation newspaper. Residents can sign up for e-mail notifications about such notices.

Lox Council Inks PBSO Contract With Slimmed-Down Increase

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

After weeks of saber rattling on both sides, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, June 4 after the PBSO agreed to lower its requested increase to make the numbers more palatable to the cash-strapped municipality. The council unanimously approved the seventh addendum to a contract first hammered out

in 2017 that brought additional PBSO services into the town.

The cost of the contract, currently $660,092 annually, has gone up three percent a year for the past two years. Before that, it was unchanged for three years. Going back over 10 years, the cost of the contract has gone up 13.7 percent.

Due to inflation and increasing costs, the PBSO initially asked for a 4 percent increase with the current contract renewal. However, through negotiations, that was

lowered to 1 percent as of Oct. 1, 2024, and 2 percent in 2025 and 2026. The contract will cost the town $666,693 during the next fiscal year.

During public comments, former Councilman Todd McLendon described the contract as “extortion,” which he blamed on the top brass at the PBSO. “I ask for you tonight to vote for what is right, not for what you fear,” he said.

However, former Councilwoman Marianne Miles urged the council to approve the contract and let

the PBSO do its job. She thought the requested increase was fair.

“When somebody has a problem, they don’t call town staff if they have to have a sheriff’s deputy come out,” she said.

Councilman Robert Shorr stressed that the PBSO initially wanted a 4 percent increase and is instead taking 1 percent this year, then 2 percent for the next two years.

“I think this is a great deal,” he said. “We do pay extra, but we have them in our town 24/7. Our

Emergency Care

When you or someone near you faces a medical emergency, quickness and experience are extremely important.

The Emergency Department at Wellington Regional Medical Center offers both — qualified and well-trained emergency physicians and other healthcare professionals, and a streamlined evaluation and treatment process so you can get the care you need as quickly as possible.

Comprehensive services include:

• Immediate care for heart attacks

• Stroke care

• Orthopedic injuries

residents are used to that immediate response when they call.”

Mayor Anita Kane said she met with three PBSO representatives along with Town Manager Francine Ramaglia and Town Attorney Glen Torcivia. At the start of the meeting, she felt that the tone was hostile and unpleasant. While it eventually calmed down, it left her with deep concerns. However, Kane credited Torcivia for helping negotiate down the increase. In the end, Kane did support

the three-year extension, but said that she struggled deeply with the decision.

“Myself and many people in this town feel that the sheriff’s contract is double taxation,” she said. At her meeting, Kane requested the ability to design an “a la carte” agreement with the PBSO for just certain services but was told that would not be possible. However, she later found out that the Town of Haverhill does have that type “partial services” agreement. It See LOX PBSO, page 14

• Injuries such as cuts and bruises

• And all your emergency needs

The staff is committed to providing personalized and compassionate care and has a dedicated patient liaison to help ensure all of your needs are met.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Wellington and Palm Beach County School District officials flank honorees retiring Band Director Mary Oser, Dwyer Award winner Janell Leatherman, and Pathfinder Award winners Johnathon Bucknor and Emilia McGovern.

Wellington High School band members surround teacher Mary Oser, who recently retired as band director, with the Wellington Village Council at the back. PHOTOS COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

Indian Trail Board Continues To Study Carol Street Culvert Issue

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Residents of Santa Rosa Groves and nearby Sunny Urban Meadows with culvert concerns again filled the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors chambers on Wednesday, June 5. Supervisors were pressed to replace the culvert that was removed from the south end of Carol Street, disconnecting the Santa Rosa Groves neighborhood from 60th Street North/59th Lane North, leaving only one way in and out via Louise Street/70th Road North. In the end, the supervisors voted 5-0 to ask staff to draft a letter to

the approximately 100 landowners in Santa Rosa Groves outlining the options for replacement, the costs and timeline for installation. The board is expected to review the letter at a meeting in July. Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter, who spoke at the meeting, urged the supervisors to act quickly, called the decision “death by analysis.”

However, Supervisor Betty Argue said, “There’s more homework to be done… I’d rather do this right than rush it.”

The culvert was removed “because there was an issue with safety,” Supervisor Patricia Farrell said. Safety plus liability concerns

remain the major issues in the debate, along with cost and who will foot the bill, ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said. ITID Engineer Jay Foy has previously estimated that installing a culvert and crossing at the location to district standards would cost approximately $334,000. A so-called “wet install” of a culvert rated to agricultural standards would be much less.

Baxter told the supervisors that representatives of developer GL Homes, which owns several thousand acres nearby, had agreed to put in a new drainage pipe rated for agricultural use and do the necessary dirt work to make the crossing passable.

Then ITID can “proceed forward with something to your standards,” said Baxter, who lives in The Acreage. “But [GL] is going to get it done faster, quicker and have an immediate result for these residents… if you want to get it done before [the height of] hurricane season.”

One of the major sticking points during the meeting was that no engineer from GL Homes appeared willing to sign off on the installation. This week, Baxter said that she had talked further with GL representatives and their engineer now has agreed to approve the project.

Santa Rosa Groves resident William Derks said this week that

he already has collected 53 signatures from neighborhood property owners who want the crossing reopened.

“We can’t use a resident’s petition in that manner,” ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said this week. “While we appreciate the effort, that is something staff has to do.”

Derks said that Accomando is unfairly putting her thumb on the scale on this issue to alleviate dust, noise and traffic going past her residence. She gets a “disproportionate amount of benefit” from keeping the crossing closed, he said.

Accomando has said that she discovered what she believed to

be a safety issue with the culvert and brought her concern to ITID staff. When staff investigated, they also had concerns, and when the pipe was pulled, it showed signs of deterioration. The pipe was removed “with never any thought of replacing it,” Derks said.

Residents are concerned about diminished access for fire-rescue and law enforcement vehicles, the lack of a secondary escape route during hurricanes or other heavy rain events, and about the inconvenience for those who often move back and forth between Santa Rosa Groves and Sunny Urban Meadows as part of their daily work, Derks said.

Wellington Community Foundation Empowers Academic Growth In Partnership With Council Of Dads, Awarding

The Wellington Community Foundation recently announced its ongoing partnership with the Council of Dads, supporting the local nonprofit in its work to help foster academic excellence among student-athletes.

The foundation voted to fund the scholarships awarded at the recent Wellington Wolves travel basketball program event on Wednesday, May 22. The foundation continues to champion educational initiatives that benefit students in Wellington. At the event, attended by 106 young men and women and their families, the Wellington Wolves recognized the outstanding academic achievements of its student-athletes. Among them, 62 Honor Roll recipients and 44 Top Gun winners were celebrated, reflecting the dedication to academic success fostered by the Council of Dads.

The Council of Dads, made up of dedicated community leaders including founder John Sitomer, has been instrumental in implementing a comprehensive tutoring program for student-athletes. Over the course of 32 weeks, these students receive complimentary tutoring from talented high school students, enhancing their academic skills and fostering personal

60th Street County Work Will Take Years

continued from page 1 a good thing,” Carter said. “It’s something we believe would be mutually beneficial. It’s something worth working toward.” Carter added that, “Minto has been engaged with the county, [but] at the end of the day, this is the county’s project.” Minto and the Seminole Improvement District, which provides most of the infrastructure for Westlake, sued in 2020 in an attempt to gain an east-west connection between the development and Indian Trail Improvement District roads across a small canal to 140th Avenue North near Persimmon Blvd. However, ITID countersued to block the access and recently won in circuit court. Minto and SID representatives have said they will appeal.

growth. This program, now in its seventh year, stands as a testament to the foundation’s commitment to nurturing the holistic development of young individuals.

“We are grateful that Dr. Gordon Johnson, one of our foundation directors, brought this organization to us four years ago, and we are committed to supporting John Sitomer and the entire Council of Dads team,” WCF Chair Barry Manning said. “Their tireless ef-

forts to provide invaluable resources and opportunities to our young children in Wellington and help them recognize their full potential is nothing short of amazing. The foundation is happy to be a small part of this group’s success.”

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

Ricks also told skeptical council members that the long-delayed expansion of Seminole Pratt north of Orange Blvd. to Northlake is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026.

“That’s a real target?” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor asked. “Yes,” said Ricks, even though the project is currently only 33 percent complete. The contract has been extended for a year so far due to “multiple utility conflicts,” according to his presentation.

Meanwhile, the $11 million, one-mile widening of Northlake from Seminole Pratt east to Hamlin Blvd. is scheduled to go to bid late this year, Ricks said.

The Seminole Pratt and Northlake projects are not within Westlake’s boundaries but do have a major impact on access to the community and traffic flow.

In other business:

• The council approved the site plan for construction of a Tractor Supply retail outlet off Persimmon Blvd., behind the Westlake Landings shopping area and south of the

Publix at Westlake shopping plaza.

The main building will be 23,957 square feet with a 20,055-squarefoot outdoor display area and a 1,300-square-foot storage shed for garden supplies.

Councilman Gary Werner pushed Tractor Supply’s representative to commit to a concrete block structure for the garden supplies and a decorative fence around the 4.5-acre property instead of an eight-foot chain-link fence with inserts that block the view. However, Tractor Supply’s Jennifer Nylander resisted, and Werner found no additional support from the council.

Donaldson Hearing, representing property owner Minto, told the council that Tractor Supply already agreed to “substantial enhancements to the landscaping to make sure it goes well beyond the minimum requirements.”

In the end, the application was approved 5-0.

Because of the nature of Tractor Supply’s typical hobby-farmer customer, O’Connor said he hopes the addition of this particular business can be a “bridge to the surrounding area to start bringing in all this outside [retail] traffic… Westlake is great, but we’re not an island. We’ve got these 17,000 rooftops that surround us.”

O’Connor added, “I think this is one of those first dominoes to tip to see what happens in the macro.”

The site is part of the property that was once planned for the Adrenalin World amusement park before that venture fell through.

• The council approved a site plan for the community’s first bank, a Fifth Third Bank branch that is slated for the Westlake Plaza owned by Publix. The bank will have 1,956 square feet of space inside, plus two drive-through lanes and bike racks.

A Chase bank also is in the works for the nearby Winn-Dixie plaza. City Manager Kenneth Cassel said this week that the Chase site plan is under review by staff.

• The council appointed Carole Waldman of Cresswind Place to the Art in Public Places Committee. Waldman is a custom framer with Art of Life in West Palm Beach.

Robinson New RPBHS Principal

continued from page 1 opportunities for growth that we can expose our ninth graders to.”

Her time at Tradewinds allowed her to see the full scope of students from sixth to 12th grade and gave Robinson insight into providing an additional level of support for their entire secondary experience.

“I really focused on making sure we improved upon our school culture,” she said, explaining that students were coming off the pandemic, which had interrupted their education. “There were a lot of things we had to deal with.”

Working with Santaluces, a feeder school for Tradewinds, she maintained her focus on adding accelerated courses for students.

“Academically, we didn’t have a lot of high school courses when I started,” Robinson said. “I really believe that any student is capable of thriving in any accelerated course if they have the proper support.”

Most recently, the acceleration rate at Tradewinds was 82 percent, making it one of the highest for a Title I school, an accomplishment that Robinson is very proud of.

Returning to RPBHS is a homecoming in more ways than one. A Royal Palm Beach resident, Robinson has a son currently attending the school, as well as a younger

son at Cypress Trails Elementary School.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself back into the culture of the school,” she said.

“I really want to focus on student achievement and foster student engagement.”

She wants to make sure that every student is involved in activities on campus.

“What can we do as staff to make sure their high school experience is the best experience?” Robinson said.

Her goal is to build on the school’s unique nature.

“Royal Palm Beach High School has always been one of those innovative high schools, whether that be starting the first International Baccalaureate program in the western communities, to expanding the AICE program and the HVAC program. It has a very diverse population, but still very involved. The school truly embraces the community, which allows our students to excel in various domains.”

She is particularly impressed

by the commitment from the staff.

“I started at the school in 2004, and to return last week, it melted my heart to see how many teachers were still here from before I first started,” Robinson said. “You know there are some great things happening here.”

Before deciding her direction for the next year, she plans to meet with teachers, students and other stakeholders.

“I am one of those leaders who likes to look, learn and listen,” Robinson said. “We don’t have kids in the building. I need to get out and meet the kids and see what they want from us.”

As an educational leader, she said part of her focus will be on assessment scores and making sure that all students are on track toward graduation. She began meeting with teachers and getting input from them this week.

“I am a very outside the box type of leader. I am never afraid of a challenge,” added Robinson, who said she hopes to be at RPBHS for the long term, perhaps even for the rest of her career.

James Shecter, WCF Vice Chair Jim Sackett, John Sitomer, Jeff Sitomer, Rafi Wynn and David Kane with the big WCF check representing the $4,500 grant. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Maksim Lepeshinski with his mother Pamela Lepeshinski.

Raffi Wynn, Matthew Street, Top Gun award winner Knoelani Clara, Jeff Sitomer and David Kane.

Top Gun award winners Jayden Fenelus and LT Noegel with assistant coach Wendy Piazza.

Plans for Tractor Supply (above) and Fifth Third Bank (below) were discussed at the June 4 Westlake meeting.

(Front row) Student honorees Karlye Drake, Nirvani Balkaran, Rachelle Alcin, Kellie Cargill, Briana Ulysse, Tyson Elliott and Jamir Hutchinson; and (back row) School Board Member Marcia Andrews, Mayor Fred Pinto, Councilwoman Selena Samios and CAFCI President Dennis Wright.

Mayor Fred Pinto salutes the students. School Board Member Marcia Andrews offers her greetings.

Tyson Elliott plays the national anthem.

Rachelle Alcin receives the Michelle and Robert Diffenderfer Award from Dennis Wright.

Kellie Cargill receives the Ferrin Student Leadership Award from Rhonda Ferrin Davis.

Tyson Elliott receives the Audrey C. Martin Award from Leonie Escoffery.

Nirvani Balkaran receives the Gloria Edwards Award from Dennis Wright.

Chris Santamaria presents the Jess and Victoria Santamaria Award to Karlye Drake. Briana Ulysse receives the Amanayea Abraham Award from Dennis Wright.

Samara Lewis sings “The Prayer.”

Mistress of Ceremonies Leonie Escoffery thanks guest speaker Summer Hill.

Alpha and Dominique McDonald present the Alpha and Dominique McDonald Award to Anne Osme.

Genieve White and Nadine White-Boyd present the Genieve White Award to Jamir Hutchison (center). Tyson Elliott receives the CAFCI Junior Citizen Award from Dennis Wright.

Welcome to Neighborly Urgent Care Express.

Your health matters, and so does your time.

Our friendly medical team is here for anything from the flu and allergies to neck and back pain, or whatever ails you. Walk in or start your check-in online, and we’ll have you back to normal in no time.

Baptist Health Urgent Care Express | Wellington 10520 Forest Hill Blvd. Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Scan for directions.

MUSIC, FUN AND MORE AT MINTO’S

WESTLAKEFEST FREE COMMUNITY EVENT

by Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, games, giveaways and an array of other family-oriented activities. Learn more at www.westlakefl.com.

Argue Seeking Third ITID Term; Two More Enter Seat 2 Race

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

With some 36 hours to go before the end of the qualifying period, five candidates have entered the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors Seat 2 race. Meanwhile, two-term incumbent Supervisor Betty Argue has filed for re-election to Seat 4 against Natalia Melian Torres, who had filed previously.

In Seat 2, longtime Acreage resident Lou Colantuoni Jr. filed June 6, and two-time previous candidate John Rivera filed June 10.

Supervisor Keith Jordano, a local insurance agency owner, is wrapping up his first term in Seat 2 and has filed for re-election. The other candidates are Kirk Allen Ljongquist and Stian Oksavik. Oksavik has filed, but as of Wednesday had yet to qualify, according to the Palm Beach County

Supervisor of Elections web site. Candidates have until noon Friday, June 14 to qualify for the ballot. If more than two candidates qualify for a race, it will appear on the Tuesday, Aug. 20 primary election ballot. The top two votegetters will advance to the November general election, unless a candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote and is elected outright. Races that only draw two candidates will skip the primary ballot and be on the general election ballot in November.

“I believe my experience and knowledge are very important,” Argue said Wednesday about her decision to seek a third term.

“There are still many things we need to accomplish.”

Issues Argue cited include: seeing to completion the district’s counter suit against Minto Communities USA and the Seminole

Tax Collector’s Office In Westlake Presented Landscape Design Award

On Monday, May 20, Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon received the Unsolicited Landscape Design Award from the Wellington Garden Club, in conjunction with Florida Federation of Garden Clubs - District X, on behalf of the Constitutional Tax Collector’s Office. Gannon is an avid gardener whose home was featured on the 2022 Palm Beach County Native Plant Tour. Also in attendance was Westlake Councilman Julian Martinez, District X Director Maria Wolfe and District X Unsolicited Landscape Design Chair Stormi Bivin. The Wellington Garden Club, in conjunction with Florida Federa-

Community

of emergency. To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ community-emergency-responseteam-program-cert-loxahatcheeregistration-912068610767, or call (561) 712-6322 on Monday or Wednesday mornings.

St. David’s

Annual Dinner

Dance

June 22

St. David’s in the Pines Episcopal Church will host its annual dinner dance themed “Black & White Masquerade” with music through the decades on Saturday, June 22 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Village Walk Town Center Club Room, located at 2500 Village Walk Circle in Wellington. Entertainment will be by DJ Mansta and will include a silent auction and 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $100 and include din-

tion of Garden Clubs - District X, recognizes and encourages welldesigned and maintained plantings in the public and private sectors. These awards are called the Unsolicited Landscape Design Awards and are presented annually. These awards are “unsolicited” in that they are not requested/nominated by the owners of the locations. Any garden club member in the district can submit a nomination. Gannon’s office in Westlake was this year’s winner in the Public Facility category. The judges’ comments were: “Aesthetically beautiful,” “hardscape and landscape harmoniously arranged,” and “interesting, diverse plant material.”

Improvement District regarding access to ITID roads; getting in place the promised 640-acre reservoir in the M-1 Basin now being held in escrow by GL Homes; and making equestrian trail improvements.

After moving to The Acreage in 2011, Argue unseated longtime Supervisor Michelle Damone in 2016. She automatically returned to the board in 2020 when her only opponent, former Supervisor Carol Jacobs, withdrew from the race. Argue has served multiple stints as ITID president.

The race also brings to the surface the ongoing feud between Argue and County Commissioner Sara Baxter, an Acreage resident who is openly supporting Melian.

“I believe [Melian] is running for the right reasons,” Baxter said this week. “She wants to do what’s best for the residents.”

Argue said she was not surprised by Baxter’s support of her opponent because the commissioner “has been pushing all along for the commercialization and industrialization of our community.”

Melian owns a trucking business with her husband and has been active in the district’s “Save Our Truckers” movement. However, after her May filing, she said that the trucker issue was not a major factor in her decision to run.

“I don’t think [the board] is focusing on the right things,” she said. “They’re using too much money where it could be saved.”

Colantuoni, a Coconut Blvd. resident, said he has lived in the western communities for 45 years. A former powerboat racer, Colantuoni owns a boatyard and dealership in Jupiter.

This week, Colantuoni said he is

(L-R) Patrick Stroebel of the Morganti Group, District X Director Maria Wolfe, Westlake Tax Collector Service Center Manager Matt Johnson, Westlake Councilman Julian Martinez, Palm Beach County Tax Collector Anne Gannon, Tax Collector’s Office COO Jim McConnell, Unsolicited Landscape Design Chair Stormi Bivin, and Wellington Garden Club members Kathy Siena and Margaret Tamsberg.

NEWS BRIEFS

ner, wine, beer and cocktails. For more information, call Dennis Wright at (203) 482-5079, Laurie Cohen at (561) 252-9828 or the church office at (561) 793-1976. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

School Crossing Guard Job Fair Set For June 18

School Traffic Safety is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join the team as crossing guards for the upcoming school year. If you or someone you know is interested in a fulfilling, part-time position ensuring the safety of students, you are invited to learn more at an upcoming job fair on Tuesday, June 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at PBSO District 14, located at 120 North G Street in Lake Worth Beach. To learn more, call (561) 688-3805.

Summer Reading Program 2024 Palm Beach County residents are invited to join the 2024 Summer Reading Program, “Adventure Begins at Your Library.” Summer is a season that beckons us to embark on new adventures, explore faraway lands and lose ourselves in the magic of stories. Readers of all ages are

welcome to join the fun and share their progress for a chance to win a prize. Sign up at any Palm Beach County Library System location through Friday, July 26. To sign up, visit a local branch and receive a bingo card. Read and participate in activities to complete the card. Return the completed card to any Palm Beach County Library System location. Receive a prize and enter a drawing to win a fabulous grand prize. Prizes include a plaid picnic blanket and blue lantern flashlight for adults and teens, a stuffed Dewey owl for children, and a Dewey and friends blanket for little learners. All prizes are available while supplies last, so get started early. Grand prize winners will be selected after Friday, July 26. Visit www.pbclibrary.org/ events/summer-reading2024 for a listing of Summer Reading Program events and activities.

Hometown

Heroes Appreciation Day At Science Center June 15

The Cox Science Center & Aquarium will once again salute its hometown heroes with a good time. On Saturday, June 15, the

public is invited to show some local love by participating in Hometown Hero Appreciation Day. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the general public. Veterans, active-duty military, first responders, Gold Star families and up to four guests can receive free admission at the center an hour before the public arrives.

“I know firsthand how much our military and first responders sacrifice in their service,” Science Center President & CEO Kate Arrizza said. “After serving as an officer for seven years in the Navy, it’s an honor to bring our hometown heroes the recognition and fun that they deserve.” Heroes, their families and the public can enjoy special activities, such as military vehicle demonstrations, meet and greets with local armed forces representatives, live science demonstrations, military ceremonies and tug-of-war competitions with the troops. Snacks and refreshments will also be available. To redeem tickets, register online at www. coxsciencecenter.org/heroes and bring a military or employee ID. General admission for adults is $24, $20 for children ages 3-12, $22 for seniors ages 60 & older, and free for children under 3 years of age and members. To learn more about summer programming, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org.

running in an effort to maintain the district’s semi-rural lifestyle. The Acreage, he said, has to find ways to deal with “surrounding pressure from municipalities and land developers… Preserving our little community’s way of life is something worth getting involved in.”

Argue, a notary public, notarized Colantuoni’s filing papers. She also has worked for Colantuoni in his marine business.

Colantuoni made “an independent decision” to join the Seat 2 race, Argue said. “He came to me as a friend… and asked me to notarize his papers. That doesn’t mean I’m endorsing him.”

For his part, Colantuoni said, “I’ve respected Betty for years. She’s the board’s resident expert.” Rivera, a Tangerine Blvd. resident, is president and owner of Sunshine Safe & Lock. He has spent time in the district since 1984 and lived in the area since 1999. He previously ran unsuccessfully for Seat 5 in 2018 and 2022. He said Wednesday that his main reason for entering the race is “taxes are getting out of control… It’s $20 here and $20 there. With the rest of the economy being what it is, retired people and single moms just can’t afford it.” Rivera would like to see ITID assessments cut.

The Wellington Art Society is presenting its latest exhibition “Soaring,” now on display until Aug. 20. An opening reception will be held Tuesday, July 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, contact presidentofwas@gmail.com.

“I’d like to see a three percent per year reduction over the next four years,” he said, while adding that goal may be overly ambitious depending on other factors. “I will not vote for a tax increase. Not one dollar. I’ll always vote against it.” Rivera said that “the community is just so divided” that he would like to see more parks and recreation programming that will “bring people and families together as friends and neighbors.”

“Soaring” is open daily at the Wellington Community Center. Admission is free. All artwork on display at this exhibition is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Wellington Art Society scholarship fund and outreach programs. The community is invited to celebrate creativity, meet the artists, take part in a special silent auction, the People’s Choice Awards and refreshments. Original member artwork features painting, drawing, mixed media, photography and more. The exhibition includes 45 works from 17 member artists: Halyna Albanese, Betty Brodie, Lisa Campbell, Judith Darucaud, Erica Dos, Cynthia George, Jan Gmitter, Kris Hilles, Lou Ann LaBohn, Joe Marcou, Ali Mendoza, Dinah Mirson, Susan Mosely, Susan Oakes, Leslie Pfeiffer, Marion Robert and Lois Spatz. For more information about the Wellington Art Society, visit www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

event for children of all ages, tickets are available at the door or online at https:// danceartsconservatory.ticketleap. com. Dance Arts Conservatory To Stage ‘Peter Pan’ June 15

PHOTOS BY BAILEY HASTINGS/TOWN-CRIER

Fred Pasquet with wife Farrah and son Hunter.

BMX demonstrator Jared Martz shows off his moves.

Rahim Adam enjoys the festivities with his daughter Aliyah.

Wendy and Mike Chase enjoy the band.

Miles Robertson gets his face painted.

Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers perform for guests at the event.

Carol Salazar, Alex Gallego, Ayden Vega and Angie Gallego.

Janelle Mitchell and her daughter Sanai enjoy dancing to the band. Candace and Amelia Depelisi.

Don’t miss DAC’s Peter Pan on June 15 at Wellington High School.

ROYAL PALM BEACH

SCOUT

Royal Palm Beach’s BSA Troop 111 held a Court of Honor ceremony on Friday, May 28 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. At the event, the troop and other supporting groups presented awards to both scouts and adult volunteers for their service over the past year. The newly formed girls Troop 4111 was introduced. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

TROOP PRESENTS AWARDS AT COURT OF

Families from the Kids Cancer Foundation attended the Memorial Day Polo Match at the Grand Champions Polo Club on Sunday, May 26. The children had the opportunity to meet professional polo players Nic Roldan and Grant Ganzi during the event. Sunset Polo International, led by Nic Roldan, presented the Kids Cancer Foundation with a check for $130,000, raised through fundraising efforts. This contribution will support the foundation’s mission of assisting children battling cancer and their families. The Memorial Day Polo Match at Grand Champions served as a poignant reminder of the power of community and compassion in the fight against childhood cancer. Through partnerships and initiatives like this, the foundation con-

Caleb McNally gives Lori Cabrera flowers and a gift.

Lucas Schnick Baker, Kennan Stack and Landon Girard.

Jonathan Schnick Baker and Caleb McNally “fight” over the leadership stick.

Micah Johnson, Luke Estevez, Robert Lombardo and Kirill Montoya.

Gulf Stream Council presented awards to several adult volunteers (L-R) Rachel Pfister, Irina Montoya, Dawn Kelly, Chad Girard, Mason Scott and Spencer Scott (Kim Scott not shown).

Janette Sharpe Paul thanks scouts who helped at CAFCI Cultural Diversity Day.

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church presents certificates of appreciation to scouts.

Scouts who earned their Cub Scout Arrow of Light and crossed over to BSA Scouts are recognized by the Elks Lodge.

Rhonda Ferrin Davis thanked scouts who helped with the Vivian & Adrienne Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund fundraiser.

CAFCI PRESENTS ANNUAL PICNIC AT COMMONS PARK IN ROYAL

BEACH’S

Debbie Harvin, Carolyn Mitchell, Denise Bacchus and Norma Smith-Hill play Taboo.

Dennis Wright, Percival Wood, Paul and Doreen Baker, Jennifer Powell Pittman, Yvonne Wright, Councilman Jeff and Carolyn Hmara, Lauriston Simms, Audrey and Aldin Smith, and Diana Bishop McIntosh.

RPB Young at Heart President Francine Bryant, Mayor Fred Pinto, Vice President Argentina Batista and Secretary Lillian Snell.

Polly McFadden, Lourdes Casanova, Carlos and Daisy Casanova, and Debra Colton.

Hospitality Committee members Dolly Hughes, Lorna Pearson, Argentina Batista, Vinette Tracy, Barbara Patterson, Hilary Varlack, Francine Bryant and Ellie Rosenshein.

Marjorie Mendez, Beverly McReynolds, Port Commissioner Varisa Lall Dass, Yvonne Elliott and Lincoln Elliott.

Elaine Williams, Dee Venezia, Bella Wising, Ellie Key and Burt Robbins.

Marva Wilks and Katelyn Wilks sell desserts.

DJ Aldin Smith provides entertainment.

Yvonne Wright and Doreen Baker serve up food.

Angela Russell in her Jamaican-inspired hat. Kanetia and Kalani Clarke.

Shevoun Roper buys tickets from Audrey Smith.

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

On Thursday, May 16, the Cresswind Women’s Club of Westlake presented academic scholarships to two graduating seniors from Seminole Ridge High School. Grace Rawn and Isabella Waters each received a scholarship award of $750 to further their education at their chosen Florida universities.

Rawn will attend the University of South Florida and pursue a degree in speech and language

The Office of Community Revitalization invites residents to the upcoming Countywide Community Revitalization Team (CCRT) meeting Tuesday, June 18 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Vista Center Hearing, Room 1E-60, at 2300 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach and can be accessed virtually.

This month, Meredith Jacobs, communications supervisor with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, will be the guest speaker making a presentation on “PBSO

Lox PBSO Contract Approved

continued from page 3 is something that Kane said she wants to look into for the future.

“I do appreciate the law enforcement services we get, and I do believe that they really do have a commitment to our community and that they are doing a good job,” Kane said.

She worried that not approving the contract could have far-reaching consequences.

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia said that she asked the PBSO to help the town get grants, which would make the contract and overall budget easier to fund.

“I was told that if we approve the contract, the sheriff would help support us in our future grant funding,” she said.

That help could come through letters of support from the sheriff for federal, state and county grants, particularly for any project that can be seen as enhancing public safety.

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog said that she had an informative

pathology. Waters will attend the University of Miami and study marine biology. The students attended the club’s May membership meeting held at Cresswind’s clubhouse and happily received their scholarship certificates and monetary awards. This was the club’s inaugural year to introduce a scholarship program for students who are planning to attend a Florida college, university or trade school. Fundraising efforts by dedicated

911 Communications.” The PBSO Communications 9-1-1 Public Education Team consists of 9-1-1 professionals who provide information to the community. The team provides presentations to both children and adults in local schools, at community meetings, and through tours of the communications centers. To join the meeting virtually, visit www.pbcgov.org/ccrt. For more info., contact OCR Division Director Houston Tate at (561) 233-5303 or htate@pbcgov.org.

meeting with PBSO Capt. Craig Turner regarding why the increase was necessary. She did not like the original proposal, but appreciated the effort made to trim back the increase.

Maniglia made a motion to approve the three-year contract extension, which passed unanimously.

Before the eventual approval, the council passed the final reading of an ordinance that laid the groundwork for not having an active contract with the PBSO.

The new ordinance, which is now town law, provides that in the event there is no contract for law enforcement services in effect between the town and the PBSO, the law enforcement services in the town will be “the standard law enforcement services by the PBSO.”

Final approval of that change passed 3-2 with Shorr and Councilwoman Laura Danowski dissenting. That change is based on the “double taxation” argument mentioned by Kane. However, that has not been the PBSO’s point of view on the issue, and Torcivia has said it could lead to a lawsuit.

members over the past year, and the formation of a Scholarship Committee, which received and reviewed multiple applications, made the program a reality. The scholarship committee is comprised of seven members: Bunnye Bomar, Esther Diaz, Coleen Forlizzi (committee chair), Barbara

Jette, Marie Ange Johnson, Lynn

and Anita Kaplan. This charitable endeavor aligns with the Cresswind Women’s Club mission statement to support the local community. The goal is to continue to include a scholarship program in the club’s annual budget.

RV Park Neighbors

Concerned

continued from page 1

the Jupiter area. The cost of a stay will be $165 per night in season. Monthly rates and out-of-season rates would be a bit less. It is designed for short-term stays. There will be a 180-day limit.

“Our rates will be in the A-class rates. We are looking for more higher-end clients,” Bove said.

“We see it as an active resort. It is about lifestyle. It is about family. It is about having a good time.”

He said it will be much higher end than the nearest RV park, which is at Lion Country Safari.

Within the overall high-end RV park, there will be a higher end section at the front of the site for more upscale motor coaches, while an interior area will be more for families. It will be a gated community with approximately 15 employees managing the property and providing strict security.

Bove estimates that his company will make a $35 million investment in the community.

“That is an investment that needs to be well-managed and well-run,” he said, adding that he expects the total local impact to the economy to be $100 million.

Only three council members were on the dais to hear the presentation. Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia and Councilman Robert

Shorr left the room due to potential conflicts of interest.

Mayor Anita Kane was concerned about the road impact, not just on C Road, but on Southern Blvd., particularly given the size of the RVs.

“The traffic on Southern Blvd. is already horrible,” she said.

Kane also doesn’t want people at the park to be able to establish residency in the community.

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog asked if guests will be allowed to bring horses to the property. Bove explained that while the site will have an equestrian theme, they will not be in the equestrian business. They do not plan to have guests keep horses at the site.

Herzog also asked what would happen when the place gets older and becomes run down. Bove said the project will have a capital reserve fund to constantly upgrade the property to make sure it does not lose the higher end feel.

Councilwoman Laura Danowski listened to the pitch but said she would prefer to hear from residents rather than comment herself. Public comments were uniformly opposed to the project.

Ken Johnson of Collecting Canal Road wanted to know about noise control. “We want to keep our community the way it was intended,” he said.

Resident Nina Corning was concerned about the amount of trash the location would amass, as well as directing more stormwater into

Collecting Canal. She said a development of houses was rejected for the site back in 2018, and this will have a much greater impact.

“This is nothing but insanity,” she said.

Resident Paul Coleman said that commercial uses should be kept south of Tangerine in the Southern Blvd. area.

Neighbors Bianca Berktold and Aly Daly said they bought in the area for peace and quiet and don’t think the project fits their neighborhood and the entire community.

“I have a horse farm. A 20-foot buffer is ridiculous,” Berktold

said. “We are talking 285 spots with trailers, noise and people who are right there in front of our houses.”

As far as schedule, Bove hopes to submit applications for the project shortly and work on them with staff during the second half of the year. The formal public meetings for approval would be held during the first half of 2025. The project will require comprehensive plan text and map amendments, zoning text and map amendments, a special exception use approval and a site plan. Bove said that several community outreach meetings are planned.

A look at the current site plan for the proposed RV park.

Scholarship winners Grace Rawn and Isabella Waters.

Committee members with the honorees: (L-R) Bunnye Bomar, Coleen Forlizzi, Esther Diaz, Stormi Bivin, Grace Rawn, Isabella Waters, Sheree Biafore, Lynn Klopfer and Barbara Jette.

Klopfer

Eliot Kleinberg is that rarest of Floridians: a native. Born in South Florida, he spent nearly four decades as a reporter, including more than 33 years at The Palm Beach Post in West Palm Beach. In addition to covering local news, he also wrote extensively about Florida and Florida history. “Post Time” is his weekly local history column that ran in the Post for two decades. And in early 2019, he launched “Florida Time,” a Florida history column that appeared in more than two dozen Gatehouse-Gannett newspapers statewide. He has written more than a dozen books all focusing on Florida. They include “Black Cloud,” on the great 1928 Okeechobee Hurricane, and two “Weird Florida” books. His latest. “Peace River,” is a historical novel based at the end of the Civil War. He separately runs a blog on bad writing and how to fix it called “Something Went Horribly Wrong.” He is a frequent lecturer and is a member of the Florida, South Florida and Palm Beach County historical societies. The son of longtime prominent South Florida journalist Howard Kleinberg, he graduated from Miami-area public schools and the University of Florida.

June 26, 2024 | 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Wellington National Golf Club | 4o0 Binks Forest Dr. Wellington, FL 33414

$45/WHS Member | $50/Non-Members

Carolyn and Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara.

Best Dressed Queen and King Pearl and Tony Carey with Best Dancers King and Queen Andres Palacio and Primrose Graham.

Margie Cruzado, Monique Lananna, Primrose Graham and Linda Foutty.

Sandy Rubin and Rhonda Ninfo with Steve and Mary Kaminski. Tony and Pearl Carey.

Maria Gonzalez, Francine Bryant, Vinette Tracy, Hilary Varlack, Lorna Pearson, Dolly Hughes and Prudel Bell.

Jaquelina Rousselot, Arleen Morosco and Shakeera Thomas.

Devoted Health’s Kelly Van Note presents RuthAnn Kravetz with her door prize.

Ann Dean with Marina and Joe Coleman. Gift card winners Rhonda Ninfo, Ann Dean, Monique Lananna and Dahlia Comerie.

Dahlia Comerie and Charmaine Wint.

David and Sandra Samore.

Marie Sainfil, Angela de la Torre, Catherine Brooks and Marion Daniels.

Shakeera Thomas with her husband Frank Ghezelaiagh.

Jane Dhliwayo, Fay Currie and Merleen Parsons.

Troy McCray, Teresa Garrett and Bill Williams of TKM and Company perform on stage.

Judith Sanchez, Jenny Lopez, Kevin Foster, Patty McFarland and Charla Colburn.

AMBER’S ANIMAL OUTREACH HOSTS ANNUAL PAWS & PUTTS ON THE GREEN

Amber’s Animal Outreach held Paws & Putts on the Green, its ninth annual golf tournament fundraiser, on Saturday, June 1 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington. The event raised money for the foster-based rescue nonprofit for dogs and puppies. Learn more at www.aaodog.org. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Announces Cast For Production Of

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival recently announced its cast line up for this summer’s Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV and Shakespeare by the Palms IV production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear The free, outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea is presented in partnership with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation on July 11-14 and July 18-21 at the Seabreeze Amphitheatre in Jupiter’s Carlin Park. The encore performance of Shakespeare by the Palms is presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach on July 25-28. The gates open at 6:30 p.m. with preshow entertainment. Performances start at 8 p.m. each evening. A donation of $5 per person is suggested.

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival production of King Lear

is adapted and directed by Trent Stephens. This year’s cast includes Amy Simms as King Lear, Caroline Tarantolo as Regan, Casey McNamara as Albany, Darryl Willis as Gloucester, Julia Kirk as Oswald, Kelly Hussey as Goneril, Kyler O’Brien as Edgar, Lee Ritter as Kent, Matthew Paszkiet as Edmund, Sara Grant as Cordelia/The Fool and Seth Trucks as Cornwall. Considered “one of the greatest tragedies ever performed,” this year’s production of King Lear is a premiere for Palm Beach County’s longest-running professional performing arts company. Caught in a carousel of memory, the head of a dysfunctional royal family grapples with power-hungry children and the threat of losing the empire he created. Real and imagined worlds coalesce, creating a political and personal horror that

threatens to swallow the mind of the monarch.

Shakespeare by the Palms IV takes place July 25-28 at the Commons Park Amphitheater in Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd. Performances start at 8 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment. Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket and picnic basket, or enjoy on-site concessions. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV is a co-production of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Inc. and Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation. Grant funding is provided by the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs, Publix Supermarket Charities and the

Cultural Council of Palm Beach County through the Board of County Commissioners.

Shakespeare by the Palms IV is presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. Additional sponsors include Gary and Katherine Parr, Frank Cona and Lisa Calberg, and an anonymous donor. In-kind sponsors include the Benjamin School, Florida Weekly and Palm Beach Atlantic University. Private and corporate sponsorships are still available. To learn more about sponsor opportunities, e-mail elizabeth@pbshakespeare.org.

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival is a professional theater company dedicated to enhancing the accessibility and appreciation for Shakespearean, classic and contemporary theater for all ages and socioeconomic levels. Learn more at www.pbshakespeare.org.

Joey Schmich, Mark Verstraeten, Amber Nelson, Steve Hansen and Martin Kessler.

First-place winners: David Flinchum, David Bradberry, Amber Nelson, Scott Myers and Dr. Ryan Slater.

Third-place winners: Freddy Rhoads, Sean Truskowski, Amber Nelson and Joe Meyers (Doug Dureya not shown).

Longest drive winners Dillon Cammarata and Dr. Ryan Slater with Amber Nelson.

Cameron, Jeff, Coleman and John Nelson.

Lucky raffle winners Michael Decker, Hunter Lyonnais and James Danegelis.

Zulema Grieser, James Danegelis and Hunter Lyonnais with raffle tickets.

Closest to the pin winners David Bradberry and Davene Forche with Amber Nelson. Kelly and Amber Nelson address attendees.

Amy Simms as the title character King Lear.

PHOTO BY JEFFREY LANGLOIS

Learn more at www.wellingtonartsociety.org.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Jan Gmitter (recording secretary), Marcia Greene (director), Susan Oakes (director), Vasantha Siva (corresponding secretary), Heather Bergstrom (president), Leslie Pfeiffer (director), Elaine Weber (director), Faye Ford (director) and Ayesha DeLorenzo (treasurer).

Marcia Greene, Yusuf DeLorenzo and Leslie Pfeiffer with their raffle prizes.

Faye Ford and Marcia Greene check-in guests and sell raffle tickets.

Leslie Pfeiffer, Myron May, Susan Oakes and Ayesha DeLorenzo claim their raffle prizes.

Elaine Weber, Faye Ford, Heather Bergstrom, Susan Oakes and Raymonde Talleyrand receive pins.

President Heather Bergstrom (center) hands out prizes to Roberta Ehrenberg and Myron May.

Andre Talleyrand and Susan Oakes claim their raffle prizes.

Cynthia George installs the new and continuing board members.

Elaine Weber is presented with her award.

President Heather Bergstrom welcomes everyone.

Michael Bergstrom picks the first raffle winners.

Heather Bergstrom presents Faye Ford with an award.

Jan Gmitter receives an award for her service.

Dinah Mirson won the 50/50 raffle and donated back her winnings.

Athletes From Western Communities Get Countywide Honors

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Wednesday, June 5, the most talented high school student-athletes in Palm Beach County were honored at the Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards, sponsored by Baptist Health Orthopedic Care and the Cognizant Classic, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach. That evening, the top male and female student athletes in Palm Beach County in all the high school varsity sports were announced and honored. Of the 37 awards given to top athletes, teams and coaches, four were presented to students from high schools in the western communities — three students from Wellington High School and one from the King’s Academy.

The three student-athletes from WHS were Keelin Coleman (flag football), Sam Marvel (boys wrestling) and Cade Kendall (boys golf). The student-athlete from TKA was Avery Fronrath (girls cross country). Coleman, Marvel and Fronrath were named as Player of the Year for their respective sports, while Kendall was presented with the Courage Award. Coleman, a senior, led the WHS flag football team to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s flag football state championships in Tampa held May 10-11, where Wellington lost, 7-0, to Lennard High School in the state semifinals. In her fouryear high school career at WHS, Coleman threw for 3,662 yards and 52 touchdowns. She will play collegiate (NAIA) flag football next year at Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia.

Marvel, a senior, competed in two different wrestling weight

classes this year. According to WHS head wrestling coach Travis Gray, Marvel started the year competing in the 126-pound weight class and then moved up to the 132-pound weight class as the season progressed. Marvel won the 132-pound weight class in both the FHSAA district and regional tournaments this season before finishing the season with a third-place medal at the FHSAA state wrestling finals held in early March in Kissimmee.

“Sam barely lost his state semifinal match in overtime. Then, the wrestler who beat him in the semifinal won the state title in his next match,” Gray said. “Sam was that close to being a state champion.”

Marvel finished third in the state in the 126-pound weight class last year as a junior.

Fronrath, a senior, was the fastest cross-country runner from Palm Beach County at the 2023 FHSAA state cross country meet, held Friday, Nov. 17 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. She finished in eighth place with a time of 18:40. She will continue her education at the University of Florida, where she will also run cross country and track.

Kendall, also a senior, was a four-year letterman for the boys varsity golf team at WHS. Back in 2019, Kendall was diagnosed with nephronophthisis, which is a cystic kidney disorder (CKD). He was immediately put on the transplant list and remained committed to being an athlete by becoming a member of the boys varsity golf team. Kendall received a living donor transplant in May 2023, but remains involved in efforts to give back and support those suffering from CKD. Kendall plans to attend the University of Central Florida this fall to major in architecture.

WHS Track Season Included Record-Breaking Performances

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School’s track and field team concluded its spring season at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 4A state track and field finals, which were held on May 18 at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. Five student-athletes from WHS qualified to compete at this year’s FHSAA Class 4A finals — senior Mark Fyffe, junior Janae Roberts, sophomore Kirsten Maarsingh, junior Cameron Shelby and junior Danielle Baig.

Fyffe finished third in the long jump with a personal best jump of 7.19 meters (23 feet, 7 inches). In the triple jump, Roberts finished in ninth place with a leap of 11.26 meters (36 feet, 9 inches). Maarsingh was 10th in both the 1,600-meter

run (5:10) and the 3,200-meter run (11:14). Shelby ran the 1,600-meter run, where she finished in 12th place with a time of 5:12, while Baig was 12th in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 11:17.

For Maarsingh, who is also a member of the cross-country team at WHS, the experience of competing at states was memorable. “It was very exciting,” said Maarsingh, who advanced to the state tournament for the first time. “Overall, it was a great experience, but it was very different to race with so many extremely fast girls.”

For Roberts and Baig, it was their second trip to the FHSAA Class 4A state meet. Prior to the Class 4A state finals, there were strong performances at the local district and regional championships.

In the FHSAA’s Class 4A District 11 meet on April 29 at William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, the Wolverines had many district-winning performances. Janae Roberts won the girls long jump (5.12 meters or 16 feet, 9.5 inches) and the girls triple jump (10.9 meters or 35 feet, 9 inches). Cameron Shelby had two wins in the girls 800-meter run (2:26) and 1,600-meter run (5:06). William Connors had two first-place finishes in the boys 1,600-meter run (4:32.69) and the 3,200-meter run (9:58.89). Also at districts, Tyree Pearson won the shot put (13.57 meters or 44 feet, 6.25 inches), Kelvin Smith finished first in the boys 800-meter run (2:00.48), Devonte Hanson won the boys triple jump (13.04 meters or 42 feet, 9.5 inches) and Kirsten Maarsingh was the top finisher in the girls 3,200-meter run (11:16). In the 800-meter relay, both the boys team (Kelvin Smith, Aubyn Gopie, William Connors and Dylan Spence) and the girls team (Taylor Carbocci, Kirsten Maarsingh, Hannah Pahl and Mar-

leigh Suniga) won district titles. The winning time for the boys was 8:24.01, while the winning time for the girls was 10:31.55. After their strong showing, the WHS boys and girls teams were both runners-up in the Class 4A, District 11 track meet.

Athletes from 36 high schools participated in the Class 4A regional championships at Martin County High School on May 7-8. Mark Fyffe won the regional championship in the long jump with a leap of 7.19 meters (23 feet, 7 inches). Second-place finishes were achieved by Cameron Shelby in the 1,600-meter run and Kirsten Maarsingh in the 3,200-meter run. At the Palm Beach County Championships, which were held April 9 at Cardinal Newman High School, WHS had two first-place performances. Kirsten Maarsingh won the 1,600-meter run in 5:10, while Kelvin Smith, Aubyn Gopie, William Connors and Dylan Spence teamed up to win the 800-meter relay in 8:26. Runner-up finishes were turned in by Janae Roberts in the triple jump, Kirsten Maarsingh in 3,200-meter run, and Cameron Shelby in the 800-meter run and the 1,600-meter run. Third-place finishes were achieved by Mark Fyffe in the long jump and Devonte Hanson in the triple jump. The WHS girls team ranked third overall at this year’s county championships.

During this season, a few WHS school records were also set. At the Wolverines Invitational, both the boys and girls relay teams broke the school record for the 4,000-meter medley relay. For the girls, Cameron Shelby, Sophia Ramirez, Kirsten Maarsingh and Danielle Baig lowered the record that had stood since 2006 with a new record time of 13:08. For the boys, Kelvin Smith, Mark Fyffe, Aubyn Gopie and William Connors broke the record that had stood since 2019 with a winning time of 11:04.76. The school record in the boys 400-meter hurdles was broken twice this season, first by

Wellington High School wrestler Sam Marvel in action.

TKA’s Avery Fronrath runs at the state meet in Tallahassee. PHOTO BY DEREK CHIRCH

Courage Award winner Cade Kendall is a golfer for Wellington High School. PHOTO BY CADY

WHS quarterback Keelin Coleman during the state semifinal game against Lennard High School. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GALLAGHER

Coach Oscar Robinson with Mark Fyffe, who won third place in the long jump at FHSAA state championships.

Kirsten Maarsingh, Sophia Ramirez, Danielle Baig and Cameron Shelby after breaking the school record in the 4,000-meter medley relay. See WHS TRACK, page 23

The five WHS track athletes headed to the state championships celebrate during a school pep rally.

Wellington’s Marleigh Suniga passes the baton to Addison White during the

5.40 5.40 5.35 3-Month 6-Month 1-Year

Yara M Gonsalves Financial Advisor

12020 South Shore Blvd Ste 100 Wellington, FL 33414 561-798-4106

*Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 06/10/24. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

Girls Learn Teamwork And More With The Wellington Wolves

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Wolves travel basketball program focuses as much on the girls teams as it does the boys teams — and the overall girls program, under the leadership of Jay Midget, is thriving.

“Jay and his amazing team of coaches have really turned around girls basketball in Palm Beach County,” said Chris Fratalia, president of the Wellington Wolves organization. “There are very few girls basketball organizations in this area that go from sixth grade through 11th grade.”

According to Midget, the Wolves have six girls teams: one sixth-grade team, two seventhgrade squads, an eighth-grade unit, a 10th-grade team and an 11th-grade team. In all, 57 girls are playing competitive travel basketball for the Wellington Wolves this season.

Each team is led by a carefully chosen head coach, who is helped by a group of assistants. All are volunteers, as are Fratalia, Midget and Althia Rolle.

“Althia is the team mom for the eighth-grade team, but she really provides logistical assistance to all the girls teams that play for the Wolves,” Midget said. “She helps book travel, hotels and car rentals.”

The tournaments that the Wolves play in each year are held after the high school basketball season in Florida ends in February.

“Our first tournament every year is the March Madness tournament, which the Wolves host here in Wellington and throughout Palm Beach County,” Midget said.

“Then we hit the road.”

Since March Madness, the Wolves have played in tournaments in Orlando, Jupiter, Cincinnati and twice in the Tampa area.

When the Wolves are not playing in tournaments, they are practicing three days a week at Village Park in Wellington. During

WHS Track Stellar Season

continued from page 21

Tristan Pierre-Louis (58.85) at the Wolverines Invitational, and later in the season by Davon’tey Oliver at the county championships. Oliver’s new school-record time in the boys 400-meter hurdles is 58.82.

practice sessions, the coaches are making sure that the players are working on conditioning, defense, shooting and fundamental skills.

As a result of this cohesive teamwork, each Wellington Wolves girls team has had great success this season.

“Every one of our girls teams has won at least one tournament this spring. We are giving our girls great visibility to college coaches around the country who attend these travel tournaments,” said Midget, whose daughter Janae is a former Wolves player and currently on the roster of the women’s basketball team at Palm Beach Atlantic University. “In recent years, a few of our girls have been given college scholarships through basketball.”

While the girls are training and practicing with the Wolves, there are other big-picture goals that Midget and his coaches are emphasizing. “We are teaching life skills, such as responsibility, discipline and teamwork,” Midget said. “Being a member of the Wellington Wolves is bigger than basketball. With each player, we emphasize the importance of education, getting good grades, and working hard both at school and on the basketball court. While basketball is a great sport, the ball will eventually stop bouncing.”

The final two tournaments this summer for the Wellington Wolves will be the Run for the Roses tournament in Louisville, Kentucky (July 10-16), followed by the Summer Slam tournament in Atlanta, Georgia (July 20-22).

The head coaches for the Wellington Wolves girls teams are David Forman (sixth grade), Matt Street (seventh grade Street team), Nesly Shackleton (seventh grade Shack team), April Fulton (eight grade), Rudy Toledo (10th grade) and Midget (11th grade).

The Wellington Wolves girls program will conclude its season

Oscar Robinson, the head coach of the boys track and field team at WHS, was proud of his athletes and their commitment to excellence.

“Our core group of second-year athletes in the program — hurdler/jumpers Devonte Hanson, Davon‘tey Oliver, Tristan PierreLouis and Prince Paul; distance runners William Connors and Aubyn Gopie; plus thrower Tyree

with an awards banquet on the evening of Aug. 3 at the Wellington Community Center. There, scholar/athlete awards will be pre-

Pearson — stabilized the team with consistency, hard work and leadership, improving by leaps and bounds in performances,” Robinson said. “Newcomers Darryl Wroy, Michael Guido and Kelvin Smith were great additions with significant contributions.”

sented to the players who achieved outstanding academic results at school this past spring. The Wolves will also recognize recipients of its

Kara Weber, the head coach of the girls track and field team at WHS, was also pleased with the improvement shown by her athletes throughout the season.

“I was very impressed by how the girls have grown and improved,” Weber said. “This year, they were more competitive. They showed a drive to improve and displayed great perseverance.”

One of Wellington’s top track and field athletes was senior Mark Fyffe, who was limited by an injury to his hamstring, but he finally got healthy toward the end of the

season, winning the Class 4A, Region 3 long jump and qualifying for the state meet, where he finished in third place.

Summer Art Camp at the Armory Art Center runs from June 3 through Aug. 2.

The camp is designed for juniors ages 5.5 to 8 and 9 to 12, and teens ages 13 to 17. Junior campers will have fun with themed projects inspired by culture, history and art mediums. Teen intensive workshops help students develop portfolio-ready artwork to reach their next level. Teens can choose from a robust choice of studio classes and develop in an atmosphere free of judgment and full of encouragement. Camps are taught by professional art educators and teaching artists. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or register online at www. armoryart.org/sac.

Keep your skills sharp this summer at Education Place in Wellington, which is offering an educational and fun summer. Your elementary scholar will both enforce existing skills and learn new ones while having fun with the arts and science. Combat the summer slide in a safe and nurturing, air-conditioned environment. For more information, call (561) 753-6563. Education Place is located in the original Wellington Mall at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 23.

The Florida Rowing Center’s Summer Rowing Camp is now in its sixth 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/register.

“Overall, the team overachieved and had an outstanding season, finishing top-three in 11 regular season meets. They were second in Class 4A, District 11; fifth at the Palm Beach County Championship; and sixth at Class 4A, Region 3,” Robinson said. “As a small team, we are often overlooked, and I am proud of what they were able to accomplish together. I’m happy to be a part of their continued growth and development, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve in 2025.”

Kent Burno and Duniel Viera.

Wellington’s assistant track and field coaches were Stephen Hayford-Jackson, Micanor Regis, Christie

The Wellington Wolves seventh-grade Shack girls team.

The Wellington Wolves sixth-grade girls team.

The Wellington Wolves eighth-grade girls team.

The Wellington Wolves seventh-grade Street girls team.

The Wellington Wolves 11th-grade girls team.

The Wellington Wolves 10th-grade girls team.

Unsung Awards which, according to Midget, are meant to honor the players who worked hard in practice and games and had great attitudes throughout the season. Learn more about the Wellington Wolves program at www. wellingtonwolves.com.

Wilks,

Wellington’s Shawn Steuerer Is A Collegiate Slugger On The Rise

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Shawn Steuerer, a longtime Wellington resident and rising senior at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, had another statistically strong year as a third baseman for the university’s baseball team. As a team, Johns Hopkins went 29-9 during the regular season, which included a conference-best record of 16-2 in the NCAA Division III Centennial Conference. As a result of having the conference’s best record in regular-season play, Johns Hopkins hosted the Centennial Conference tournament in early May on its home field in Baltimore — Babb Field at Stromberg Stadium.

Johns Hopkins won all three conference tournament games — on May 2 against Haverford, on May 4 against McDaniel and on May 6 against Dickinson — to capture the Centennial Conference tournament title. Hopkins won all three of those games by a combined score of 54-19. Steuerer, who bats third in the lineup, was 4-for-11 in the tournament with six RBIs and five runs scored. Of his four hits, one was a home run. The conference tournament vic-

tory propelled Johns Hopkins into the NCAA Division III regional play. Hopkins hosted those regional games, and the Blue Jays won all three: 12-1 against St. Joseph’s of Long Island on May 17, followed by a pair of weekend wins (20-8 and 19-4) against 20th-ranked Arcadia on May 18-19. During those three regional games, Steuerer continued his torrid stretch of hitting, going 8-for-13, scored nine runs and drove in six. Two of his eight hits were home runs. Those three regional wins advanced the Blue Jays to the super regional round, where they needed to win two out of three games against their next opponent. Johns Hopkins was assigned to travel to Massachusetts to play then-second-ranked Endicott, which had defeated Johns Hopkins 14-8 during the regular season in March.

Johns Hopkins lost two straight games to Endicott — 7-5 in extra innings and 5-2 — to be eliminated from this year’s NCAA Division III tournament. In both games, Hopkins had the early lead.

This past season, Steuerer led the team in five offensive categories: batting average (.363), hits (57), runs scored (57), total

bases (122) and sacrifice flies (7). He was the second on the team in home runs (17), RBIs (52), on-base percentage (.462) and slugging percentage (.777). He also had 12 doubles and one triple in 45 games.

On May 29, Steuerer was recognized for his stellar play when he was named to the D3baseball.com All-America Third Team. Last year, he grabbed Second Team All-America honors. Steuerer is just the second player in Johns Hopkins history to twice earn All-America honors from D3baseball.com and the first to be selected in consecutive years.

Steuerer continues his assault on the baseball record book at Johns Hopkins. With one season remaining in his collegiate baseball career, Steuerer has collected 202 hits, 149 runs scored, 149 RBIs, 42 home runs and 37 doubles. His career batting average is .388, and he’s already the only player in school history with 200 hits and 40 home runs.

Johns Hopkins head baseball coach Bob Babb has strong words of praise for Steuerer.

“Shawn is a great kid with a great attitude,” said Babb, who just finished his 45th year as the head

baseball coach at Johns Hopkins. “His desire to win is second to none. He works hard and is a true team player. We are lucky to have him at Johns Hopkins, as he has NCAA Division I arm strength and power. He will most likely graduate as the program leader in home runs, hits and doubles. He is probably one of the three best players to ever play baseball at Johns Hopkins.” While it was disappointing los-

ing in the super regionals, which is one round before the Division III World Series, Steuerer enjoyed the baseball season.

“It was a good season and was lots of fun,” said Steuerer, who made a complete recovery from shoulder surgery the previous season. “We had a rough start to the season, but we bounced back and played well in our conference games. It was tough losing to Endicott this year, but we have a strong team coming back next year.” In the classroom, Steuerer is majoring in economics with a GPA of 3.72. He is spending the summer working as an intern for Oppenheimer & Company. This year, the Johns Hopkins baseball team had five student-athletes earn CSC Academic All-District honors, including Steuerer. It was the second straight year that Steuerer received such academic recognition.

Solid Gold Twirlers Host Palm Beach Twirling Classic At Berean

On Saturday, June 1, the Solid Gold Twirlers hosted its annual competition, the Palm Beach Twirling Classic. It was held this year at Berean Christian School in West Palm Beach. It was the first time since 2020 that the team was able to host a competition, which featured 10 twirling teams from around the state participating in the team competition and about 60 individual twirlers entered to compete in various solo events. The Solid Gold Twirlers are a nonprofit youth baton twirling team serving the western communities. The team has approximately 25 twirlers ranging in age from four years old to 17 years old, who attend local public and private schools.

Coach Debbey Cramer founded the Solid Gold Twirlers in 1986. The team has twirlers of all levels, and this year some of the twirlers also twirl for Wellington High School majorettes. The team participates in local parades and community events, and the squad’s competition team travels throughout the state and country. This summer, the team will travel to Greensboro, North Carolina, in July to compete in the AAU Junior Olympics. Team members hold state and national baton twirling

titles, and the team was recently invited to participate in the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland.

The Solid Gold Twirlers are always looking to add new members, and all experience levels are welcome.

Anyone interested in finding out more information should call Cramer at (561) 719-9023 or e-mail solidgoldtwirlerspb@gmail.com.

Know an aspiring scientist? The Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and so much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Kids. 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.

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. Weekly sessions run June 3 through Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Register your child today at www.vinceremos.org. Visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc or call (561) 792-9900 for more info. 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.

Summer Horsemanship Camp SUMMER

SUMMER ART CAMP

Shawn Steuerer bats and fields the ball during the 2024 season at Johns Hopkins University.

The Palm Beach Twirling Classic featured 10 twirling teams from around the state participating in the

Arden Community And Developer Lennar Partner With Hibiscus Children’s Center

Arden and homebuilder Len-

nar’s Palm Atlantic Division re-

cently announced a partnership with the Hibiscus Children’s Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting children for more than 30 years. This yearlong collaboration will feature a series of events to benefit the children’s center, starting with a kickoff charity drive held Friday, June 7 at the Arden Lakehouse.

“We are deeply grateful for the support from Arden and Lennar Palm Atlantic Division,” said Michelle King, Hibiscus Children’s Center chief development officer. “Their commitment to our cause

will help us continue our mission to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children. This generosity goes a long way in making a difference in their lives.”

Based in Jensen Beach, the Hibiscus Children’s Center has been a beacon of hope and security for children and teens. The center offers comprehensive programs that focus on mental health, preventive care and life skills development, empowering youth to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

Homeowners and community members were invited to bring new and gently used items from

the specified list of needs, including clothing, personal hygiene items, beach items, and more.

“We are excited and honored to partner with Hibiscus Children’s Center and support their vital cause through our community donation drives at Arden,” said Michael Meyers, Palm Atlantic Division President for Lennar. “We believe that the strong sense of community among Arden residents will spark a wave of kindness and support. We encourage everyone to pay it forward and contribute to this meaningful cause.”

Lennar’s Palm Atlantic Division has dedicated time, effort and

resources to numerous charitable activities. These include a blood drive with One Blood, a food drive with the Urban League of Palm Beach County, a toy drive for Toys for Tots, fundraising for the Dolphins Cancer Challenge, and offering a home to a wounded veteran through Operation Finally Home at Arden.

For more information about donating, leaving a legacy gift or getting involved, contact Michelle King at (561) 452-5791 or e-mail mking@hcc4kids.org, or visit www.hibiscuschildrenscenter.org. To learn more about Arden, visit www.ardenfl.com.

Lennar’s Palm Atlantic division and Arden have announced plans for a year-long donation drive to benefit Hibiscus Children’s Center. This initiative is part of a long-standing relationship between Lennar and the nonprofit. Most recently, the team (shown above) painted and refurbished a home at Hibiscus Children’s Village. A

Local Scouts Honor The Fallen On Memorial Day

Over Memorial Day weekend, Cub Scout Pack 125, chartered by the Wellington Rotary, showed their patriotism through various acts of service to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The weekend began with the scouts laying flags for fallen veterans at the South Florida National Cemetery. This annual tradition allows them to pay their respects and learn about the importance of honoring those who have served in the military. The scouts were joined by older members of Troop 125, who also participated in the ceremony. In addition to their service at the cemetery, Pack 125 took part in the Memorial Day Parade organized by the Village of Wellington. The scouts were proud to be asked to participate in the parade, which aims to honor the memory of

those who have died in service to the country.

Leading the scouts throughout the weekend was Cubmaster Stephanie King, along with other dedicated leaders who believe in instilling a sense of duty to country in the young scouts. They under-

stand the importance of teaching the scouts about the sacrifices made by those in the military, in addition to other lessons taught by the scouting program.

Overall, Pack 125 had a meaningful and patriotic Memorial Day weekend, honoring the fallen and

learning valuable lessons about service and sacrifice. If you are interested in joining a Cub Scout pack in your area, visit www. beascout.org.

Wellington Brothers Head To Bikini Bottom In ‘SpongeBob’ Show

Two Wellington brothers and Dreyfoos School of the Arts alumni will share a professional stage for the first time when the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the Slow Burn Theatre Company present The SpongeBob Musical from Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 23 at Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater.

Now in his third season with the Slow Burn Theatre Company, Michael Materdomini, who graduated from Dreyfoos 2017, portrays Larry the Lobster in the musical. His most recent Slow Burn credits include Sister Act (Ernie), The Little Mermaid (Grimsby), Into The Woods (Cinderella’s Father), Newsies (Teddy Roosevelt) and Mary Poppins (Ensemble).

Making his professional theater debut with the Slow Burn Theatre Company and sharing the stage for the first time with his brother, 2023 Dreyfoos graduate Mason Materdomini will play an ensemble role and Electric Skate. Mason has trained at Webster’s Sargent Conservatory and is continuing his musical theater BFA training at the University of Central Florida. He starred in the title role in the 2023 Dreyfoos production of Pippin (Pippin), Pride and Prejudice (Mr. Darcy) and Shakespeare in Love (Burbage).

A legendary roster of Grammy Award winners, including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend, help bring one of the world’s most beloved characters to the stage. Adapted from the iconic

of

and

total annihilation — until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. The SpongeBob Musical earned 12 Tony Award nominations, making it the most nominated musical of the 2017-18 season, and was named Outstanding Musical by the Drama Desk Awards in addition to its wins as both Outstanding New Broadway Musical and Outstanding New Score from the Outer Critics Circle. Performance times vary, with an open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s upcoming 2024-25 Season are now on sale. Supported by American National Bank, the season in the Amaturo Theater features five musicals with enduring stories that have captivated audiences in movie theaters and on stage: The Witches of Eastwick (Oct. 19 - Nov. 3); Anastasia The Musical (Dec.

Scouts march in the Memorial Day

Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward

all

Bikini Bottom face

Mason Materdomini Michael Materdomini

On Thursday, April 25, Wellington Elementary School participated in

Tiny But Mighty STEM Project At Polo Park Middle School

Teacher Kim Stalker’s sixthgrade engineering students impressed everyone on Thursday, May 23 with their Tiny House exhibit.

Stalker’s students, also known as the “STEM Stalkers,” spent the entire fourth quarter learning how to architecturally plan and design their houses.

These future engineers and architects took on the challenging task of planning and drawing blueprints and created full floor plans using architectural computer programs. They progressed from initial designs all the way to constructing their final 3D models. These models were inspired by the tiny house movement, emphasizing efficient and sustainable living with scaleddown floorplans. The students were able to explore their creative side while honing-in on their technical skills. Through this hands-on experience, they learned valuable lessons

about resource and time management, the challenges of design, collaboration with peers and presentation skills.

“It was truly amazing seeing the kids so proud of all the work they put in this year, and I loved that they were able to show it off,” Stalker said. “These were skills that they never thought that they would be able to do, and they’re really doing them. It excites me for what is to come for next year and beyond.”

Crestwood Middle School Hosts Leadership Retreat

On Wednesday, June 5, Crestwood Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) held its second annual Leadership Retreat at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Attending the event were 30 rising seventh and eighth graders inducted into the 2024-25 NJHS.

This year’s retreat focused on the theme, “Leading with A.C.T.ion (Advancing Creative Thinkers).” Speakers included educator Brian Knowles, manager of African American, Latin and general studies with the school district; entrepreneur and community leader Denise Williams; Robyn Lawrence, a division director with Palm Beach County government; and attorney Richard Ryles.

Students kicked off the morning with team-building activities, with an emphasis on strengthening effective communication and critical thinking skills. Each

Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy Celebrates 20 Graduating Seniors

On Friday, May 30, Gulfstream Goodwill Industries (GGI) celebrated the commencement ceremony for 20 graduates of the Gulfstream Goodwill Career Academy of the Palm Beaches at Palm Beach State College’s campus in Lake Worth. Among the graduates were Wellington resident Angelia Sieli and Greenacres resident Zaqueo Lopez-Ramos.

The academy is a public charter school managed by GGI. Headquartered in West Palm Beach, it provides education, training and career pathways that promote self-sufficiency and independence, serving students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who have deferred their diplomas.

During the ceremony, the Knights of St. Andrew Color Guard honored the graduates with their signature “Presentation of Colors and Arch of Steel.” Distinguished guest speaker Ryan Boylston, CEO and founder of 2TON, inspired the graduates with a commencement speech. Graduates will go on to join teams at Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, the Seagate Hotel and Resort in Delray Beach, Gulfstream Goodwill retail stores, and Gulfstream Goodwill’s newest microenterprise, Good Grub. Good Grub is available to students and includes a training kitchen, catering and mobile kitchen operations.

“The commencement ceremony for Gulfstream Goodwill Industries’ Career Academy of the Palm Beaches speaks volumes about the commitment and resilience displayed by our students,” Principal Dr. Christopher Glinton said. “We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and excited

to witness their continued growth, as they embark on meaningful careers in our community. At Gulfstream Goodwill Industries, we are committed to empowering individuals with disabilities, and this ceremony exemplifies the transformative impact of education and training.”

The academy also offers a free summer camp, the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) 50-Hour Career Camp. The program provides in-person, paid work-based learning experiences, job exploration counseling,

and independence. A stipend will be paid for every 10 hours of work-based learning completed. For more

children of

accompanied

daughters enjoyed

parents while learning about

career

breakfast and even got to

in

principal’s

to Work Day originated with the goal of developing creative and groundbreaking ways to engage the youth of America in the realization of their hopes and dreams. Shown here are staff members with their family members, along with Emma Oerter, teacher Lindsay Oerter’s daughter, sitting at the principal’s

National Junior Honor Society students and guest speakers at the retreat.

Speaker Brian Knowles with NJHS students.

The NJHS is one of the nation’s premier organizations established to recognize outstanding middle school students

Speakers Denise Williams, Richard Ryles and Robyn Lawrence.

(Above) Principal Dr. Christopher Glinton with graduate Angelia Sieli. (Below) Glinton with graduate Zaqueo Lopez-Ramos.

WRMC Recognized For Excellence In Patient Satisfaction And Wound Healing

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

WRMC 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 facility’s physicians, leaders and clinicians.

CEO Pam Tahan expressed pride in Wellington Regional Medical Center’s achievements.

“We are honored to be recognized for our commitment to clinical excellence, as demonstrated by our outstanding patient satisfaction and wound healing rates,

TooJay’s, the popular Florida restaurant known for its delicious and authentic deli-style menu, recently announced an array of popular additions to its extensive menu and the appointment of Mark Kirke as the company’s new chief executive officer.

“We are thrilled to embark on this journey to elevate TooJay’s to new heights,” said Kirke, a restaurant industry veteran with extensive leadership experience.

“Our commitment to quality, authenticity and unparalleled service remains unwavering. With our refreshed menu and dedication to delighting our guests every time they dine with us, we are focused on positioning TooJay’s as Florida’s favorite deli for generations to come.”

The following new towers, sandwiches and desserts are available at all 20 TooJay’s locations throughout Florida, including the location at 2605 State Road 7 in Wellington:

Two New Towers for 2 or 4

People — Nova: Thinly sliced Nova salmon with capers, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumbers, cream cheese, bagel chips and bagels of choice. For a limited time only, guests receive complementary mimosas when they order a Nova Tower for 2 or 4 people. Deli: Three deli meats and two cheeses of choice, accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh-baked bread.

acknowledged by Healogics,” she said.

“This recognition reaffirms our dedication to providing exceptional care to our community, and we will continue to uphold the highest standards in healthcare delivery.”

The Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center is a member of the Healogics network 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. The center also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which works by

surrounding the patient with 100 percent oxygen to help accelerate wound healing.

Wellington Regional Medical Center is a 235-bed acute care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission. Celebrating more than 30 years of treating 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.

Healogics is the nation’s wound healing expert. Last year, more than 300,000 patients received advanced wound care through a network of more than 600 Wound Care Centers. Healogics also part-

Westlake Opens Four Models In New Townhome Neighborhood

Minto Communities USA, developer of the popular Westlake master-planned community, has opened four furnished models for its new townhome neighborhood, the Terraces of Westlake, starting in the mid-$300s.

“Homebuyers have a rare opportunity to purchase a new construction home in an amenity-rich, lifestyle-focused community at a price point that is hard to find anywhere else in Palm Beach County,” said Steve Svopa, Southeast Division president of Minto Communities USA. “Since launching sales in February, the demand for these homes has been incredibly strong, but with the models open, we anticipate that momentum to accelerate. I would encourage anyone interested in buying to do so now, so they can take advantage of current pricing.”

The two-story models feature floorplans from Minto’s new Courtyard Collection, which include the Rose, Ivy and Coral. The Rose, starting from $365,990, boasts three bedrooms and 2.5 baths at 1,536 A/C square feet. The Ivy starts from $395,990 with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths at 1,649 A/C square feet. The Coral is the largest floorplan, with four bedrooms and 2.5 baths.

At 1,786 A/C square feet, it starts at $410,990. Purchasers have the opportunity to make their design selections and add options and upgrades at Minto’s design cen-

Staff members at the Center for Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medicine at Wellington Regional Medical Center celebrate this latest award.

townhome models at the Terraces of Westlake.

PBC Food Bank And Junior League Team Up To End ‘Period Poverty’

The Junior League of the Palm Beaches (JLPB) has a new ally in the fight against “period poverty.”

By teaming up with the Palm Beach County Food Bank, JLPB will not only establish a new home for its Period Supply Bank but also significantly increase its reach, ensuring more women and girls have access to essential period supplies.

“Our partnership with JLPB on the Period Supply Bank is a testament to the power of community collaboration. Together, we are breaking down barriers to ensure that no one in Palm Beach County has to choose between food and essential hygiene products. We are deeply grateful for the league’s

commitment to tackling period poverty and their unwavering support in nourishing our community’s health and well-being,” Palm Beach County Food Bank CEO Jamie Kendall said. Founded in 2019, the Alliance for Period Supplies at JLPB has, to date, distributed more than 700,000 period supply products to people in need in South Florida by partnering with more than 25 allied nonprofit organizations. This issue is critical in the United States where two in five women struggle to purchase period products due to a lack of income. In addition, nearly onethird of low-income women have reported missing work, school or

similar commitments due to a lack of access to period supplies.

“We are grateful to expand our partnership with the Palm Beach County Food Bank. Our members have volunteered with their food pantry for years, and now we can combat food insecurity and period poverty together. The need for women in our county is great, and adding to our distribution channels is vital to meeting their needs,” JLPB President Chelsea Bellew said.

Laura Russell, a past JLPB president, helped the league secure the partnership with the Food Bank. The partnership will provide storage for the many pallets of donated

period supplies that the league manages, a means for league members to package the supplies for individual distribution, and access to more women in need.

The Alliance for Period Supplies at JLPB is dedicated to supporting individuals, children and families who struggle to afford basic material needs, including period supplies. JLPB plans to continue to expand its program by increasing awareness of the national and state issues of period poverty, expanding its local community outreach program, and partnering with more organizations interested in contributing charitable donations to fund its period supply bank.

FEATURES

Time For Another Idyllic Boating Adventure On The High Seas

Ah, summer! Idyllic days spent lolling in hammocks, reading trashy books poolside and being forced to accompany one’s husband on his boat.

Oh, I know I’m whiny. It’s just that these outings take so long. I have things to do — landlubber things that don’t involve my being trapped on a vessel surrounded by water and miles away from my car.

Except this time, it wasn’t going to be so bad. This time, it was going to be a “short cruise” — maybe three hours — with my grandchildren, their parents, and some eager, newly married visitors from Poland. I got into my costume — excuse me, “yachting apparel” — and off we went.

My husband, Mark, was all excited. First, he loves seeing me in a swimsuit, lacy cover-up, sandals and a wide-brim

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

hat. He initially thought this was whom he was marrying. I warned him at the time, it was not. However, on this day at least, it appeared to be so. A man can dream, can’t he? Second, after nearly a year of work, he was finally able to take the grandkids (and others, a group!) out for a boat ride. So, I stood on the dock and sweetly called out, “Permission to come aboard,

Captain?” Which, to me, is totally ridiculous, and, to him, is Boating 101.

Permission granted. Darn it.

No, I am being overly dramatic. Everyone was chattering happily as they trundled aboard, picnic baskets in hand, wine bottles already chilling in the (new, expensive) on-board fridge. And the day was really perfect for being on the water, even I have to admit that. We glided along serenely, feeling quite posh actually, with Mark eventually steering toward an alcove and stopping so our guests could fish.

When he got the engine going again, however, he saw that he had lost his ability to steer. Something had happened during that brief interlude (nobody knows what), and we could no longer veer left or right when home base was an awful lot

of lefts and rights away. We sat for hours, bobbing and baking in the suddenly notso-perfect sun, eventually retreating to the air-conditioned “salon” (basement) to do the 500-piece puzzle that I had brought along because I always expect disaster.

My motto: “Be Prepared... For Trouble.”

As I listen to Mark tell it now, the “auto-pilot gear... gibberish... cable slipped off the quadrant... gibberish... chain off its sprocket... gibberish... auto-pilot bent the quarter-inch metal bracket holding the pulley... gibberish... could only use the bow thruster.”

Yet, thanks to Village of Wellington schools, my daughter graduated from the University of Florida as a top mechanical engineer. She and her husband Greg (mechanical engineering master’s degree,

Duke University) managed to figure out a way to manually steer using two chunks of lumber, together with the manly athletic prowess of Bartek the Polish Guy (IT degree, Krakow University).

With Mark hollering out “Left!” “Right!” “Straight!” and being echoed on down the line by the grandchildren toward the men in the lazarette (sub-basement), the boat haltingly made it back to the dock just before nightfall with no further damage and no injuries. Idyllic.

Upon disembarkation (“Permission to flee the vessel, Captain!”), my 11-year-old grandson took my hand, looked earnestly into my face and said, “Grandma, I just don’t understand why you don’t like this boat.”

Must be a guy thing.

The Junior League delivers period supplies to the Palm Beach County Food Bank as part of a new partnership.

a freelance writer to cover government meetings for the Town-Crier newspaper. Must have a desire to attend/watch government meetings and report on what happens. Some experience with journalistic-style writing preferred. To apply, contact Joshua Manning at jmanning@gotowncrier.com or leave a message at (561) 793-7606.