Town-Crier Newspaper June 16, 2023

SCOUT TROOP 111 COURT OF HONOR SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 8

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLAVORS

Pages

Lox Groves Preliminary Tax And Assessment Rates Unchanged

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council set its preliminary tax and assessments rates for the upcoming year at a meeting on Tuesday, June 6. The preliminary rates were set at the same level as the current year. The ad valorem property tax rate was set at 3.0 mills, while the assessment rate for drainage and roads was set at $200 per unit and the assessment rate for solid waste collection was set at $400 per unit. Page 3

New Westlake Publix

Expected Be Driver

For Further Growth

The large and long-awaited Publix supermarket is open in the Westlake Plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, but growth in the City of Westlake isn’t taking a breather. Page 4

Crestwood Middle

School Students Gather

For Leadership Retreat

On Wednesday, June 7, Crestwood Middle School held its first National Junior Honor Society Leadership Retreat at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Approximately 25 students took part in the retreat and had the opportunity to hear guest speakers and community leaders give advice and share how to be good leaders. Page 16

Wellington Council Approves Bonds For Bostic Sports Training Facility

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Plans for turning the outdated and little-used Wellington Community Park into a state-of-the-art sports training facility moved forward on Tuesday, June 13 when the Wellington Village Council authorized the issuance of up to $34 million in bonds to fund the project.

The project will be built and operated through a public-private partnership between the village and football star Jon Bostic through his company Wellington Athletics. While Wellington is issuing the bonds, they will be paid back by Bostic and his company.

well-established way to borrow money,” Miller said. “We are very comfortable with the transaction the way it is now structured.”

Furthermore, the village will retain ownership of the land and can take control of the property and its improvements in the unlikely event that the public-private partnership fails.

“This achieves the most financial benefit for both us and Wellington Athletics,” Mayor Anne Gerwig said. “It allows us to go to the marketplace at a competitive rate.”

Wellington’s Steuerer Enjoys Exciting World Series Experience

Wellington resident Shawn Steuerer is getting used to playing baseball at a “World Series.” While he has thoroughly enjoyed his competitive World Series experiences, he’s still searching for that elusive championship win. From June 2 through June 8, Steuerer and his Johns Hopkins Blue Jays baseball teammates played in the NCAA Division III World Series. Page 21

some

tasty

different area restaurants. This year marked the 20th edition

restaurants were on hand along the

Equestrian Preserve Board

Sharply Critical Of Wellington Lifestyle Partners Proposal

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

A Wellington advisory panel bridled at proposals to allow hundreds of luxury residences and country club enhancements on land currently reined in from such development in the village’s Equestrian Preserve Area, kicking off 90 days that could reveal much about the fate of an intensely watched plan.

Unanimous no votes from Wellington’s seven-member Equestrian Preserve Committee in hourslong meetings Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 provided pushback to pitches from development partners working with equestrian businessman Mark

Bellissimo that it would all work to nurture the community’s signature identity and future prosperity.

“They’ve never considered those extra people might ruin the ambiance of the horse show we already have and why people come here,” Committee Member Dr. Kristy Lund said.

“Why would they ruin it?” asked Dan Rosenbaum, an attorney representing Wellington Lifestyle Partners, the group trying to advance the plan.

“People come to Wellington because it’s a horse community and has large open spaces and not a lot of density,” Lund said. “That’s why people come to Wellington.”

It marks the latest bout of joust-

ing in a long-running saga, but the advisory vote does not sideline the proposals from consideration in other government stops. These include the village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board in July and the Wellington Village Council in August.

The equestrian and zoning boards provide advisory opinions, and the final decision rests with the council.

The proposals are broken up into separate pieces.

The Wellington North project would allow a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning of the properties currently known as Coach House, Equestrian Village

See EQUESTRIANS, page 14

Indian Trail Board Agrees To Study Millings Petition Process

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

To mill or not to mill? And by what process should homeowners in The Acreage decide?

Those were the questions several 94th Street North residents were asking at the Wednesday, June 7 meeting of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

Resident Alex Small expressed her frustration that a petition she promoted to oppose millings on 94th Street was not being accepted as final by ITID.

Within the allotted 45 days after notice that the street was scheduled for millings, Small said she spent many hours collecting the necessary 25 of 48 signatures from property owners needed to block millings on the two-mile stretch.

“I was taken aback… [because]

I completed what was required in

a timely manner,” she said.

Small’s comments triggered a larger discussion about the changing nature of the area’s needs and ITID’s ability to serve them, especially as it pertains to longer stretches of residential roads.

“We only ever anticipated milling roads of a quarter to a half mile,” ITID Vice President Betty Argue said. “Now we’re able to do [longer sections], and that’s great, but at the end of the day, what residents want is what residents should get.”

As it is, 50 percent plus one residents of a dirt road must request millings, then be among the first five petition presenters at ITID offices on the first business day of October. A $500 filing fee is required.

If a street is not among the five selected but is later chosen for millings, residents get notice 45

days before the millings process begins should they wish to challenge the decision with a petition.

“We know there are a large majority who want their roads milled, but when they say they don’t want it, we need to respect it,” Argue said.

Another question, she said, is for how long should a petition for or against milling be valid? One year? Three years? Five years?

“These are things that were never contemplated when we adopted the petition process,” Argue said. “They’re just some growing pains we need to work through.”

Argue asked that staff add a review of the district’s milling policy to the board’s July 19 agenda and that no millings be placed on 94th Street North without direct approval from the board.

However, Supervisor Patricia

See ITID BOARD, page 4

Attorney Skip Miller with the firm Greenspoon Marder, the village’s bond counsel, led the presentation.

“This specifically authorizes the Series 2023 bonds for the Wellington Athletics project. It sets parameters that cannot be exceeded,” he explained.

The interest rate is capped at 6.75 percent and the total cannot exceed $34 million. However, Miller said that the bonds are expected to come in well below those figures, both for the interest rate and total revenue.

The council asked for assurances that the bond money will not need to be paid back from taxpayer funds. Miller said that the village is guaranteeing the money and would need to pay it back should Wellington Athletics not be able to, but there are a number of assurances built into a companion agreement with Bostic’s company to make sure that does not happen, such as a licensing fee that will be used to pay the debt service.

“This is a very common and

While the risk is limited, Gerwig noted that some risk does exist, but it is mitigated by the fact that the village keeps ownership of the land.

“It is our property. We hold the property. It’s our improvements. We hold the improvements,” she said.

Councilman John McGovern agreed. “We are updating and modernizing a property that we have wanted to update and modernize. We are just doing it sooner than we would have done it because we have this partner,” he said.

Village Attorney Laurie Cohen noted that there is a “backstop agreement” between Bostic and Wellington Athletics that confirms that Bostic will pay the money necessary to service the debt should the company not be profitable.

“He will be paying the license fee,” Cohen said, adding that it will be approximately $1 million per year. “If we needed to, we could enforce that.”

The two items were approved unanimously.

Bostic and members of his team

See BONDS, page 14

ROYAL PALM ROTARY INSTALLATION

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its 33rd annual Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony for 2023-24 officers on Friday, June 2 at Hilary’s Restaurant. Shown above, outgoing President Romeo Siquijor passes the gavel to incoming President Chris Durham. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 17

PBSO: Wellington Is Extremely Safe, But Shoplifting A Concern

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Plenty of challenges abound, such as a 30 percent rise in shoplifting arrests, but Wellington’s crime rate in several categories stacked up well against peer communities in 2022, a report to the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday, June 13 showed.

For example, Wellington recorded the lowest number of robberies and car burglaries per 100 residents compared to Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, Greenacres and Royal Palm Beach, according to a presentation by Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Nichole Addazio.

“Most times we want to be on the top of the charts, but you’re an

exception where we want to be on the bottom,” Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone said. “That’s great.”

To break out one of those categories, Wellington had seven robbery calls in 2021, and four in 2022, making arrests in three of those four cases, said Addazio, who took over control of Wellington’s PBSO District 8 earlier this year.

Shoplifting has been a different story. Arrests climbed to 156 from 120 the previous year amid a rise in activity there. A variety of factors seem to be in play.

“Some of the suspects are continuing to use COVID-19 masks in an attempt to conceal themselves,” Addazio said. Among other issues she cited, the legal threshold for grand theft

charges has been raised to $750, affecting deterrent value somewhat. Meanwhile, some retailers have been slow to review security camera footage or inventory data, or even reluctant to report shoplifting at all, figuring it is not worth the time, trouble, or possible liability or safety risk to employees who might try to intervene.

Approximately 10 retailers in the Mall at Wellington Green area have been refusing to prosecute shoplifting, Addazio said. Officials have been trying to encourage them to rethink that approach.

Burglary and theft crimes, including shoplifting, increased 11 percent in the village to 529 in 2022. The sheriff’s office cleared 19.33 percent of those cases, beat-

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2023 on Thursday, June 1. The evening kicked off and ended at the National Polo Center-Wellington. Attendees traveled by bus to other locations and enjoyed the chance to sample

of the

and diverse food and drinks from

of Flavors, and 20

bus route, each providing something sweet and savory, plus a beverage. Shown above, Sharon Watson, Kathleen Williams, Erin Williams and Wendy Gard enjoy the food samples at Maxwell’s Plum. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18 PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Nichole Addazio presents Wellington’s annual crime report at the Tuesday, June 13 council meeting.

COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

Preliminary Tax, Assessment Rates Unchanged In Lox Groves

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Starting up its annual budget process, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council set its preliminary tax and assessments rates for the upcoming fiscal year at a meeting on Tuesday, June 6. The preliminary rates were set at the same level as the current year. The ad valorem property tax rate was set at 3.0 mills, while the assessment rate for drainage and roads was set at $200 per unit and the assessment rate for solid waste collection was set at $400 per unit.

The preliminary rates will be reported to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office as the town’s Truth-in-Millage (TRIM) rates. Once reported, the rate can be lowered during the budget

process, but cannot be raised. The budget will not be finalized until meetings in September, just before the next fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Rising property values, however, mean that Loxahatchee Groves taxpayers could pay more in ad valorem property taxes next year. However, increases would be small for properties with homestead exemptions. The current estimated total taxable value for the town, released earlier this month by the Property Appraiser’s Office, is $511,972,616. That represents an increase of 15.82 percent over last year’s valuation, which is slightly above the county’s overall increase of 13.36 percent. That number could change when the final taxable value estimate is released on July 1.

“Our taxable value went up to over half of a billion dollars now, so that is a real milestone. That’s taxable value, not market value,” Town Manager Francine Ramaglia said. “We will reconsider this again through the budget workshops.”

Given the 15.82 percent increase in property values, the town’s roll-back rate, which would generate the same net tax dollars as the current year, is 2.59 mills.

“These are the maximum rates.

As we go into our preparation for the budget, these rates can come down, but they will not go up,” Mayor Laura Danowski said.

Setting the property tax rate at 3.0 mills was approved 4-0 with Vice Mayor Robert Shorr absent. The town’s two required official

budget hearings are set for Sept. 5 and Sept. 19.

Sitting as the dependent Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Board of Supervisors, the council set the annual assessment for drainage and roads at $200 per unit. It was approved 3-1 with Danowski opposed. “This is the same that it has been for the past five years,” Ramaglia said. “We will be doing the budget and having a number of workshops over the summer before the final approval on Sept. 5.”

The vote to set the assessment rate for solid waste collection and

recycling services at $400 per unit was 4-0, which is the same rate the town adopted last year with its new trash collection vendor. That rate keeps the collection services unchanged. However, the town is in discussions with the vendor regarding possible changes.

“This rate is $50 less than it was at the time we switched from Waste Pro to Coastal,” Ramaglia said. “We will be coming back to you with other considerations with regard to solid waste at the next workshop.”

Councilwoman Marge Herzog asked if the $400 number includes

yard waste collection, and Ramglia said that it does, but changes to yard waste collection are among the items up for discussion.

“I did get a first pass of numbers from Coastal for once-a-week consideration, and, well, he’s sharpening his pencil,” Ramaglia said. Ramaglia added that the town has had discussions with several other companies on the issue of vegetative waste but did not get much interest. “We are trying to look at options as to the way that we do our collection and how we might look at lowering our price with Coastal,” she said.

“Our taxable value went up to over half of a billion dollars now, so that is a real milestone. That’s taxable value, not market value,” Town Manager Francine Ramaglia said.

Wellington Rotary Honors Tom Wenham With Donation To WCF

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

One of the Wellington Rotary Club’s signature events is its golf tournament. This year, the annual outing was renamed the Thomas M. Wenham Memorial Golf Clas-

sic in honor of one of Wellington’s founding fathers. The event was held in March and raised money to support Wellington Rotary Club projects and the Wellington Community Foundation, an organization that

was very close to Wenham’s heart. He chaired the foundation from its inception until he passed away late last year. On Thursday, May 18, local Rotarians presented a check for $2,500 to the Wellington Community Foundation.

The name change was driven by Wellington Rotary Club PresidentElect Scott Armand.

“I’ve known Regis and Tom Wenham for 20-plus years. I was very close to him, and he did a lot of good not just for the Rotary Club, but for the Village of Wellington as a whole,” Armand said.

“I thought it would be apropos to honor him by renaming the tournament, and partnering with the Wellington Community Foundation is a monumental move, I think, for both of us. Moving forward, we can continue to do good in the community, not just for this specific event, but for all things considered. We are always looking for different opportunities to help the community.”

Armand fondly referred to Wellington’s first elected mayor as “Mr. Wellington” as he discussed approaching Regis, Tom Wenham’s widow, for her permission before officially proposing the new name for the golf outing. She was happy to approve the request.

Regis Wenham said Tom would have been honored to know that the Rotary’s golf tournament was named in his memory.

“It is quite an honor,” she said, adding that she was glad to have the opportunity to join the club for dinner after the tournament. “The reception was very nice. It was quite a wonderful thing they did for Tom to remember him that way.”

You

She added that Tom would have been particularly thankful for the donation to the Wellington Community Foundation, which he spent the final years of his life supporting. “I know that Tom would have deeply appreciated the donation to the foundation,” she said.

Armand added that he is looking forward to the Rotary’s support for the foundation continuing through the golf tournament on an annual basis.

Wenham had an impact on so many in the community, including some he did not even know.

Larry Falk, the committee chair and organizer of the golf outing, did not get the opportunity to meet Wenham, but when he was approached by Armand about the partnership with WCF and new title for the outing, he was in full support.

Falk noted that the event is growing, and he hopes the support for WCF will grow with it.

“The first year we had 36 golfers, and in year two we had 52,” he said. “Our goal for this coming year is to partner with the foundation and get their strength behind us as well, and get an event sponsor for the tournament. We’ve already started planning, and now that we have two years under our belt are reaching out to corporations. My goal would be to break the record and have a minimum of 72 golfers.”

Falk added that the Thomas M.

Wenham Memorial Golf Outing will proudly keep the new name and its link to the foundation in Wenham’s honor.

Both the Wellington Rotary Club and the Wellington Community Foundation have strong missions aligned to help the community, and the memorial golf outing is a perfect example of Wellington coming together.

“I knew Tom as a politician, councilman, mayor and all that, but to me, the most important thing he did was carry on with the foundation, and that’s why in 2019 we gave him the Rotary’s Frank T. Gladney Community Service Award for his service to our community,” said Don Gross, who serves as both vice president of the Wellington Rotary Club and a board member of the Wellington Community Foundation. “He was part of what makes Wellington a great hometown. Tom accomplished a lot through his activities on the council, but in my opinion, his targeted accomplishments for seniors, veterans and children through the Wellington Community Foundation are the most important.”

For more information about the Wellington Rotary and its events, visit www.wellingtonrotary.org.

To learn about the work and programs of the Wellington Community Foundation, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.

Rotary Check Presentation — (Front row) Walter Imperatore, Pam Tahan, Larry Falk, Regis Wenham, Hope Barron, Maggie Zeller and Joanna Boynton; (back row) James Seder, Nikki Stinson, Jay Broder, Dwayne Brown, Scott Armand, Randy Pfeiffer, George Kinoshita, Ben Boynton, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Don Gross, Mickey Smith, Jim Sackett and Barry Manning.

New Westlake Publix Expected Be Driver For Further Growth

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The large and long-awaited Publix supermarket, which includes a pharmacy and liquor store, is open in the Westlake Plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, but growth in the City of Westlake isn’t taking a breather.

At the Westlake City Council’s Tuesday, June 6 meeting, the council approved a request by DKC Westlake Landings LLC for a site plan modification for the Shoppes of Westlake Landings that will allow for a TD Bank branch.

Another bank is planned for the Publix at Westlake Plaza, City Manager Kenneth Cassel said, noting that the municipality

PBSO

Previous Captain Honored

continued from page 1 ing the national clearance average of 14 percent, she said.

One area Addazio called “outstanding” was traffic enforcement. Written citations and verbal warnings increased to 4,294 in 2022 from 2,633 the year before, aided in part by temporary grants that are going away. Addazio said that District 8 will look for future

ITID Board

Millings

Discussion

continued from page 1

Farrell said she believes the millings procedures have undergone enough study.

“We’ve already done a revamp on the procedures,” she said. “I think we’ve already changed the process enough.”

In other business:

• The supervisors moved consideration of the 2024 fiscal year budget to the July 19 meeting.

At their May 31 budget hearing, staff offered a proposed $24 million budget that would require a large assessment increase to fund.

From the outset, staff made clear that cuts were expected before the budget is finalized.

also has received a submittal for construction of five storefronts in the recently revamped Winn-Dixie Marketplace Plaza on the east side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

Meanwhile, the 145,643-squarefoot James Business Park is completely leased “before they even go vertical,” Cassel said. The business park, located behind the new Publix at the corner of Town Center Parkway and Persimmon Blvd., is scheduled to open in 2024.

“I think what happens is that every business has its own matrix,” Cassel said. “One business starts to feed off the next.”

The changes to the planned north building in Westlake Landings call for replacing the previ-

grants or other ways to continue effective enforcement.

Crashes increased less than one percent to 1,231, staying well below the goal of less than three crashes per 100 residents, she said.

A single, rare homicide case in January acted as a reminder that the crime picture can change at any time, though preliminary statistics for slightly more than five months of 2023 showed most categories remain close to numbers from the same period a year earlier, according to Addazio’s presentation.

At the same meeting, the council

At the June 7 meeting, supervisors were told $4.6 million in possible cuts already had been identified. They tentatively set the district’s 2024 Truth-in-Millage (TRIM) rate to cover a possible $19.4 million budget, which is still subject to additional cuts. That means the per-acre assessment increase could be as much as $132, but it cannot be more. If it remains at $132, the average ITID property owner would pay $919 per acre in district assessments.

ITID has until July 28 to submit its final TRIM number.

• Parks & Recreation Director

Kenny Lawrence proposed an $858,121 maintenance budget for fiscal year 2024 that would shift maintenance of all nine of the district’s parks to a private company.

The 2023 maintenance budget was $284,000. The change would

ously approved 3,972-square-foot restaurant use and 5,478 square feet of mixed-use space with a 2,572-square-foot bank with a drive-through, and 6,878 square feet of mixed-use space, for a total of 9,450 square feet. There were no changes proposed to the planned 7,065-squarefoot south building.

TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and is a subsidiary of Canada’s Toronto-Dominion Bank Group.

The new Publix store opened on Thursday, June 8.

“We are excited to welcome our customers to their new store at the Westlake Plaza Shopping Center and look forward to providing

saluted the retiring PBSO officer who until recently had been overseeing the Wellington district, Capt. Rolando Silva. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw recognized Silva’s work in a ceremony that included the awarding of a Legion of Merit medal.

“This is thanking you for 33 years of service, not only to the county, but to the village,” Bradshaw said.

The Village of Wellington became the PBSO’s first contract to provide law enforcement services to a municipality, serving as a model for 12 others to follow, Bradshaw noted.

represent a $574,000 increase.

Lawrence has said that more staffing — either in-house or outsourced — is needed to properly maintain and oversee the parks, especially Acreage Community Park. Using an outside company allows the district to avoid hiring eight or more full-time workers, he said.

The supervisors took no action on Lawrence’s proposal but will take it up as part of the overall budget process.

• Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Rob DeMarzo reported that several juvenile suspects had been identified in the recent arson at the Temple Park restrooms.

It’s the latest in a series of problems created by the residents of five Florida Department of Children & Families (DCF) youth homes located in The Acreage,

them with the premier service and quality Publix is known for,” Publix Media Relations Manager Lindsay Willis said.

Cassel said the opening of the 48,388-square-foot supermarket is “a key part of the puzzle” in terms of Westlake becoming a true, self-sustaining community. “It’s a job generator. It’s a tax-base generator,” he said. The Publix at Westlake features a full-service deli counter; a produce department that carries organic and non-organic fresh fruits and vegetables, many of them locally grown; a meat department that features custom cuts; and a seafood department that carries fresh fish and shellfish, according

Silva served as the District 8 commander in Wellington from 2016 until his retirement this year. His career included stints in Lake Worth and the Glades, and included charitable work in Haiti, Puerto Rico and Africa.

“Working in Wellington has been the highlight of my career,” Silva said.

Councilman John McGovern told Silva, “Every time there was a DUI death, or there were car burglaries that were never-ending, or transitioning us to have license plate readers, you made sure you acted with your full zeal, your full effort and your full commitment.”

said ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson. He noted that video shows that “the suspects were dropped off at Temple Park and left unsupervised.” The youth homes can house up to five troubled youths, who are supposed to be under 24-hour supervision.

“It’s a handful for a two-parent family to handle five kids, let alone five troubled kids with one person,” Argue said. “I think [that DCF policy is] doing a disservice to these kids… but as it relates to the district, it’s an impact on the works of the district and it is affecting the community as well.”

DeMarzo pointed out that recent vandalism at ITID parks had mostly been done by local children, but he added that crime generated by youth-home residents has been and remains a serious problem, partic-

to the Shelby Report, a grocery industry news outlet.

As part of its grand opening, Publix donated $1,500 in nonperishable food items to Seminole Ridge High School to create meals for students in need and the homeless.

“As a food retailer, we know the importance of food around the table and never want our neighbors in need to wonder where their next meal will come from,” Willis said.

“At Publix, we believe our greatest opportunity to give back is by helping to alleviate food insecurity in the communities we serve.”

Publix employs more than 240,000 people at 1,343 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama,

Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. In other business, the council passed a resolution allowing it to enter into an agreement with Minto, the city’s largest landowner and developer, to use the vacant property between Town Center Parkway north and south for the community’s second annual FourthFest Celebration on Tuesday, July 4.

The gates will open at 3 p.m. and the fireworks will begin at 9 p.m., Cassel said. More than 21 food trucks, other vendors of various kinds, a kids’ zone and two bands are expected. “Everything is lining up,” he said. “It’s going to be just like last year or even better.”

ularly when it comes to automobile burglaries and petty theft.

In May, three construction burglaries, three residential burglaries, three vehicle burglaries, seven larcenies and 13 stolen vehicles were reported to the PBSO from the ITID patrol area.

“More than 50 percent of our calls are [related] to these homes,” he said. “We spin our wheels. We do our job. We arrest the same kids over and over again.”

Asked what would happen with the suspects in the Temple Park arson, DeMarzo said that would be up to the State Attorney’s Office, but it is possible they will be returned to the same group home.

Argue asked staff to draft a letter to DCF and the Palm Beach County Commission expressing the board’s concern about the process and the location of five

group homes in the area. The best hope for giving “idle hands something positive to do” may be getting youth home residents involved with a Police Athletic League (PAL) program or with Acreage Athletic League competitions, Farrell said.

PBSO Capt. Craig Turner has been trying to establish a PAL program in The Acreage but has yet to find a suitable location or the funding for the two facilitators needed to oversee it.

• Finally, the board agreed to a five-year contract extension for Hanson, which includes a two percent raise. The change took effect immediately. Hanson’s new base salary is $193,800. Farrell said that Hanson is well worth it due to his “knowledge of the community and the respect he has from his staff and the board.”

Michael Stone Addresses Plans For Improvements At Showgrounds OPINION

I am grateful that we had an opportunity to present to Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee last week and engage with the community more broadly regarding our aspirations for new and enhanced showgrounds spanning 180 acres that will support jumpers, hunters and dressage with state-of-the-art facilities for participants, spectators and sponsors for years to come.

Our paramount goal at Wellington International, as part of the Global Equestrian Group, is to envision, build and operate

showgrounds that firmly establish Wellington as the equestrian capital of the world.

Many of you know me and would acknowledge my commitment and passion for Wellington and the equestrian industry since I arrived in 2008.

While admittedly, the presentation was incomplete and frustrating for many in attendance; it was essential to begin the conversation about the potential new showgrounds and introduce, in my view, the intricacies that are at play for

our dreams to become a reality. We have had many false starts over the years, and we do not want to make promises that we can’t keep. However, we have some conceptual plans that we will share, bearing in mind that we will be working with world-class architects before we have a final plan. While it may not seem so from the outside looking in, the showgrounds and competitive horse sport industry have always been relatively small businesses, appearing to be bigger than they are.

OPINION

As mentioned last week, dressage is small in comparison to the hunter-jumper world, generally operating at break-even. In order for the sport we love to thrive, it is critical that we consolidate jumping, hunters and dressage to a single showground to drive business efficiencies and synergies that strengthen all three sports to benefit participants, patrons and, most importantly, the horses.

As an equestrian and yearround Wellington resident, I must acknowledge what the Bellissimo

Cleveland: My Thoughts On The Recent Equestrian Preserve Committee Meetings

It continues to be a great privilege for me to chair Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee.

As an advisory group to the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, as well as the Wellington Village Council, our committee has just heard applications for Wellington North and South. I would like to share our experience with the Wellington community, as these hearings will go forward to the PZAB and the council through this summer.

The Equestrian Preserve Committee is made up of seven volunteers appointed by Wellington’s council. We all live in Wellington and are involved in the equestrian industry. Over the years, we have tackled dry but necessary projects, such as revisions to Wellington’s comprehensive plan, its land development regulations, our own plan of action and even an economic impact study of the equestrian industry on Wellington itself. As such, we were well-prepared to tackle the volume of information

associated with the Wellington North and South applications.

After sorting through all of the planning documentation, zoning regulations, traffic studies, etc., the applications came down to a few questions:

1) Should land be taken out of the Equestrian Preserve Area to be developed into luxury homes (Global Dressage Festival/White Birch Polo/Grass Derby Field)?

2) Should residential density be doubled on vacant preserve land off South Shore for more luxury homes? And 3) Should land south of the current Wellington International horse show be commercially rezoned to allow for expansion of the show? It was packaged in an “all or nothing” set of requests, and promises were made relative to the horse show expansion that were not reflected in the actual applications.

Even with the hearings in June, with many of the equestrians away, the council chambers were packed, along with the committee room and village hall lobby. It was an

impressive show of local opinion and passion for the equestrian industry. Additionally, we received hundreds of comments, e-mails and letters.

After 10 hours of presentations, questions, answers and comments from the community, the EPC voted unanimously to deny the requests. There are many details supporting our votes, but the following major themes were consistent across both hearings:

1) Land should not be taken out of the Equestrian Preserve Area — it is too valuable, in too scarce supply and is needed for horses, which need land for barns, grass and other open spaces. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

2) While the developer presented plans for a high-quality residential product, the committee felt that the heart of the preserve is not the place for it. And

3) While we all would like to see the horse shows improved, and certainly more land on which to expand them, the current application shows no plans at all, rather

just a reference to a contract to sell land for expansion, only if these requests are granted.

Wellington should be pleased that such a high-quality residential developer considers our village to be the sort of special place that could support their projects, but their applications reminded us why Wellington is so special in the first place — horses. One of the very last public speakers described it well when she said it was the farms rather than houses that were the most desirable in the preserve, and what made Wellington extraordinary was the ability to “ride in/ride out” from farms to horse shows, as we are able to do here year-round.

And lastly, our job as volunteers, like those elected to office, is to represent the citizens of our community. The views we heard were numerous and almost entirely in opposition.

Jane Cleveland, Chair Wellington Equestrian Preserve Committee

family has done to help expand the industry within Wellington. Without that vision, just like Gene Mische before, we would not be here today. With GEG committed and behind the horse shows and the USPA behind polo, the sport is guaranteed to survive in Wellington.

We recognize the sequencing of not formally presenting our plans for the new showgrounds before plans were shared for a new private community may have seemed to cast doubt on our commitment.

We also understand that we have work to do to create enhanced communication with the commu-

nity about our expansion plans. Still, GEG and our entire team are committed to designing and winning approvals for these essential new showgrounds to ensure our sport thrives for generations in Wellington.

We look forward to sharing our plans in the days ahead, engaging various stakeholders to optimize these plans and working with all interested parties to realize our goals to create a flourishing equestrian community that solidifies Wellington as the horse sport capital of the world.

Michael

OPINION

Equestrian Development? We Already Voted On This

Regarding the proposed equestrian development, I know I’m getting old, but I do seem to recall that the people of Wellington voted against developing acreage in the Equestrian Preserve Area, especially with increased density (100 current, to proposed 225). Add to this commercial development, and it is obviously a developer’s dream come true, but questionable for our quality of life and for our special equestrian population.

Truthfully, I appreciate Mr. [Douglas] McMahon’s adoration of our village, but what happened to the people’s voice, who determinedly voted “no” to previous development, which sounds quite similar to the current developer dreams, taking out 96 acres of the Equestrian Preserve Area? What part of “no” is so difficult to understand? The residents voted. Don’t elections mean anything anymore these days?

Oh, and I’m not impressed by

the name dropping by Mr. McMahon.

I would like to thank Maureen Brennen, whose letter in the Town-Crier prompted my support and response.

Every city in our country had to fight the same platitudes/promises, and those that caved became traffic infested, little or no green space and the exact conditions Wellingtonians resolved to avoid.

Wellington is loved because of our versatility: great sports, recreation and outstanding schools, a wonderful horse community, and not developing/paving over every bit of green space. To quote the Beatles, “Let it be!”

Our Wellington Village Council is well aware of the people’s mindset, so let us not favor more development over the people’s will. Support the people’s referendum. We said “no.”

George P. Unger Wellington

Stone, President Wellington International

Capt. Rolando Silva receives an award from Sheriff Ric Bradshaw. PHOTO COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

10th Graduation Ceremony At NRI Institute Of Health Sciences

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences held its tenth commencement exercises on Thursday, June 8 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. A total of 30 nursing graduates received their associate degrees during the ceremony.

An audience of more than 200 friends and relatives of the graduates attended the event. M. Daniel Splain served as master of ceremonies, and Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto delivered welcome remarks.

The new nurses received their degrees from Dr. Elizabeth Stolkowski, president of the NRI Institute, and Dr. Mary Jean Duthie presented their pins, symbolic of

their new status. Dr. Barbara Miller administered the Nightingale Pledge to the new nurses.

The invocation was pronounced by Dr. Joseph Kloba, retired provost of Palm Beach Atlantic University, and the benediction was delivered by Pastor Michael Rose. Local civic leader Jess Santamaria was presented the Founders’ Award for his contributions to education and society during his lengthy public service career. The presentation was made by school owners Splain and Stolkowski.

Dante Mitchell Tolbert, founder and CEO of Florence Technologies, was the commencement speaker. Tolbert founded

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

his innovative edtech company to combat the current nursing shortage through artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Tolbert is a native of Los Angeles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Claremont McKenna College and holds two master’s degrees in epidemiology/biostatistics and health administration from the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine and Price School of Public Policy. The NRI Institute of Health Sciences has graduated almost 400 nurses and several hundred diagnostic medical sonographers in its 10-year history. Learn more at www.nriinstitute.edu.

Faculty members Ellen Steinberg, Alona Basilan, Marcia Ridgell, Dr. Barbara Miller, Hans Meyer, M.J. Duthie, Chriss Kloba and Elizabeth Stolkowski.

VIPs Jeff Hmara, Dr. Joseph Kloba, Dante Tolbert, Rachel Desir-Francoise and Mayor Fred Pinto.

Jack Joseph pins his wife Myriam Joseph.

Dante Mitchell Tolbert, founder of Florence Technologies, was the guest speaker.

The graduates and faculty members gather for a group photo.

The graduates recite the Nightingale Pledge.

Frannetrice Edmond gets her pin.

Chris Santamaria, Dan Splain, Jess Santamaria and Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Graduate Ashley Boyd gets pinned.

Jess Santamaria (center) receives an award for his years of public service from NRI’s Elizabeth Stolkowski and Dan Splain.

Dr. Barbara Miller leads the graduates in the Nightingale Pledge.

Elizabeth Stolkowski, Rachel Desir-Francoise and Stravinsky Francoise.

Elizabeth Stolkowski, Spirit French and graduate Vanessa French.

Elizabeth Stolkowski, graduate Dennisha Jackson and Aniyah Adams.

Lucienne Vernelus celebrates with her family.

Lovely Demosthenes with graduate Filencia Demosthenes.

Graduate Dennisha Jackson celebrates with her family.

Graduate Christie Victor celebrates with her family and friends. Graduate Manouchka Joseph with her family and friends.

Graduate Myriam Joseph with her family.

Graduate Andres Rojas, Janai Manzur with baby Ruby Rojas.

Mom Araceis Castilo, graduate Jaclissa Reyes with daughter Aleia Marrero and cousin Kamila Owens.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto, Pastor Mike Rose and Dr. Joseph Kloba.

Jay Webber Files To Run For Seat On Wellington Village Council

Wellington Education Committee Chair John “Jay” Webber recently filed to run for Seat 1 on the Wellington Village Council in next year’s municipal election.

Seat 1 is an open seat, being vacated by Councilman Michael Drahos, who is term limited. The election will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

“Fifteen years ago, my family moved to Wellington because of everything it offered — great schools, parks and recreational opportunities, a hometown feel and a safe environment for families,” said Webber, who lives with his wife Sara and three sons. “I am

running for the council to ensure that we continue to preserve and protect that Wellington, and keep it as a place where people feel part of a great community.”

Webber serves as chair of the Wellington Education Committee, a position he has held since 2017. He is a longtime Wellington Little League baseball coach, a partner in the law firm Billing Cochran Mauro Lyles and Ramsey, and the chair of the Law Related Education Committee of the Palm Beach County Bar Association. Webber holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a law degree from

the Fordham University School of Law.

During Webber’s tenure on the Wellington Education Committee, he has helped oversee the distribution of the Keely Spinelli grants to Wellington schools. Through these grants, Wellington schools have received much-needed funding for tutoring and other important programs to ensure that students receive the best possible education.

Also, as part of his role on the committee, Webber helped lead the successful fight against the recent school rezoning plan that would have taken Wellington stu-

dents out of Wellington schools. He has also worked with the Palm Beach County School District to improve the traffic and parking situation at Wellington Landings Middle School and Wellington High School. Webber has been a coach, umpire and independent evaluator for Wellington Little League since his family moved to the community in 2008. He has coached more than 25 teams, including two local all-star teams, and has had the privilege of working with hundreds of young players and their families. Webber is a member of St.

Village Of Wellington Ranked Among Fortune Magazine’s ‘50 Best Places To Live For Families’

The Village of Wellington is proud to announce its recent inclusion in Fortune magazine’s list of the “50 Best Places to Live for Families.”

The village secured its position as one of the top 10 communities on the list, coming in at an impressive No. 8.

This unique recognition highlights the exceptional support systems and quality of life that the community provides for its residents.

Fortune conducted an extensive evaluation, considering nearly 1,900 cities, towns, suburbs, exurbs, villages and townships across all 50 states. The rigorous assessment examined more than 200,000

unique data points, focusing on five key categories: education, aging resources, general wellness, financial health and livability. The evaluation sought to identify places that offer high-quality amenities while fostering a strong sense of community.

“Wellington’s success in this ranking is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. By continuously delivering best-in-class services, we have made Wellington a great hometown that meets the diverse needs of our residents,” Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes explained. “We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their vision and commitment to

making Wellington a community of choice for all.”

Fortune specifically emphasized the challenges faced by multigenerational families, who often juggle the responsibilities of raising children while caring for aging parents.

The ranking took into account factors such as the quality of local public schools, graduation rates, affordability of nearby colleges, availability of nursing homes, assisted living communities, home healthcare agencies, risk of social isolation among older residents and access to top-notch healthcare providers.

Affordability was another crucial consideration. Wellington

emerged as a place where residents can purchase homes without breaking the bank, as Fortune excluded locations with home sale prices exceeding twice the state median and/or 2.75 times the national median.

Furthermore, Fortune recognized the importance of diverse neighborhoods and incorporated factors such as racial, socioeconomic, religious and ethnic diversity into the evaluation process. Wellington’s vibrant and inclusive community reflects the richness of its diverse population. For more information about the Village of Wellington and its family-friendly offerings, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.

David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Wellington, where he serves as junior warden on the church council and as a eucharistic minister. Webber is also an annual participant in the church’s Living Nativity presentation during the Christmas season, usually portraying one of the three wise men. Webber is a member of the Wellington Historical Society and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. He previously served on the School Advisory Committee (SAC) for both Binks Forest Elementary School and Wellington Landings Middle School.

PBC Earns National Award For Level Up Mentoring Program

Palm Beach County’s Level

Up Mentoring Program has been

recognized with a Best in Category for Children and Youth Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo).

The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department, in partnership with the United Way of Palm Beach County’s Mentor Center and the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, launched the Level Up Enhanced Mentoring Program in 2021 to offer mentoring opportunities for youth ages 11 to 19 who are involved with or at risk of entering the juvenile justice or dependency systems. The goal is to match youth with a long-term, positive role model, make referrals to

community-based services, and provide opportunities to continue education or career exploration.

“Collaboration is key in providing opportunities for young people in Palm Beach County, and we are very appreciative that NACo recognizes this unique collaboration with United Way and the Children’s Services Council,” said Tammy K. Fields, director of Palm Beach County Youth Services. Each year, NACo’s awards are given in 18 categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice and public safety, county administration, information technology, health, civic engagement and more.

FAIR HOSTS ANNUAL JOHN PICANO MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNEY AT MAYACOO

The South Florida Fair held its annual John Picano Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the fair’s scholarship and educational fund on Friday, June 9 at the Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. Participants enjoyed on-course games with prizes. There was a buffet luncheon with raffles following the tournament.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Men’s longest drive winner Ray Christian and women’s closest-to-the-pin winner Michelle Enriquez.

Men’s closest-to-the-pin winner Jeff Wattles.

New Student Orientation At WHS

Wellington High School’s New Student Orientation will be presented for all incoming ninth graders, newly registered students and their parents. The presentations will be about policies, procedures, dress code and important first day information. It will be held in the school’s theater on Friday, Aug. 4. In order to better accommodate busy schedules and the large number of incoming students, there will be two presentations. The first presentation will start at noon virtually for those not able to attend the evening session at 6 p.m. Entertainment by the Mighty Wolverine Sound, the cheerleaders and the dance team will begin at 5:30 p.m. in the theater.

On Monday, Aug. 7, the school will hold its annual Freshmen Invasion from 8 to 11 a.m. in the gym. All incoming ninth graders should attend. The day will feature a presentation on what it means to be a Wolverine, building bridges among peers, campus tours and success strategies.

Wellington High School is located at 2101 Greenview Shores Blvd. Call (561) 795-4900 for more information.

State Attorney’s Office Launches Redesigned Web Site

The Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office recently unveiled a redesigned web site to provide better service for the

community. The URL remains the same at www.sa15.org.

Returning visitors are advised to refresh their browsers. The fully accessible web site features a modern appearance with easy-tonavigate pages to explore. A new mobile version also is available.

“I hope residents of Palm Beach County will find the new web site a helpful resource for information and news about the office, our task forces, employment opportunities and public records,” State Attorney Dave Aronberg said.

Library Partners With School District On Free Summer Lunches

The Palm Beach County Library System is serving free, nutritious lunches and snacks to children during the summer, in partnership with the School District of Palm Beach County.

This service will be available through Friday, July 28, excluding holidays and weekends, at all branch locations. All children ages 18 and younger are welcome.

“The library system is proud to ensure that all Palm Beach County children are well-fed and well-read throughout the summer,” Library Director Douglas Crane said. For a listing of all library locations, visit www.pbclibrary.org/ locations.

‘Poker 4

NEWS BRIEFS

nual “Poker 4 Prevention” charity tournament. The Texas Hold ’Em showdown will be held at the Palm Beach Kennel Club on Sunday, June 25, starting at noon. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m. Be sure to indicate that you are playing for Live Like Jake when you check in.

Tickets are $50 per person and covers the initial buy-in. Re-buys are available throughout the tournament, and the top 10 percent of winners get paid. Proceeds from the event go toward childhood drowning prevention.

“Live Like Jake is happy to once more return to the Palm Beach Kennel Club, where we have a great time together while reminding everyone not to gamble with our children’s lives,” said Keri Morrison, the organization’s founder and mother to Jake Roarke Morrison, who was lost in a tragic drowning incident. “This event helps us raise funds to support drowning prevention and to create awareness of the importance of safety measures that should be in place in and around water.”

Food and drink are available at the Palm Beach Kennel Club’s Paddock Restaurant and snack bar. Space is limited, and tickets may be purchased by visiting www. livelikejake.com/events.

The event will take place in the Palm Beach Kennel Club’s second floor poker room. The Kennel Club is located at 1111 N. Congress Avenue in West Palm Beach.

Committed to honoring the life and joy of Jake Roarke Morrison, the foundation’s mission is to raise awareness for drowning prevention. This is achieved by providing scholarships for ISR self-rescue swim lessons to those who cannot afford them, and also by provid-

ing financial assistance to those families who have lost a child or have a child with critical care needs. Thousands of children have learned lifesaving skills as a result of the foundation’s scholarship program. ISR lessons are taught year-round in the foundation’s indoor heated swimming pool in Palm Beach Gardens. Learn more at www.livelikejake.com.

Library System Summer Reading Program

The Palm Beach County Library System welcomes residents to join the 2023 Summer Reading Program: “All Together Now!”

The aim is simple: get Palm Beach County reading during the hot summer months. Readers of all ages are invited to get in on the fun and share their progress for a chance to win a prize. Sign up at any Palm Beach County Library System location.

To sign up, fill out the form on the library’s web site and bring it to your local branch. Then, you can read and participate in activities to complete the bingo card. Return the completed card to any Palm Beach County Library System location and you will receive a prize (while supplies last) and enter a drawing to win a fabulous grand prize.

All prizes are available while supplies last — so get started early. Grand prize winners will be selected after Friday, July 28.

Spread the joy of reading and interact with all of the services that the Palm Beach County System has to offer. Visit www.pbclibrary. org to learn more.

Town Of Lox Groves Recognizes PBSC’s 90th Anniversary With A Proclamation

Palm Beach State College re-

ceived a special proclamation recognizing its 90th anniversary from the Town of Loxahatchee Groves during a town council meeting on Tuesday, June 6.

Accepting the honor on behalf of the College from Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Laura Danowski was Dean of Academic Affairs Kimberly Lancaster.

Joining her from PBSC was Student Activities Manager Cynedra Blake, Student Learning and Testing Center Manager Barbie

Edgar, and Dean of Health Sciences Edward Willey. Other proclamations will be presented recognizing PBSC’s historic anniversary from the Village of Royal Palm Beach on July 13 and the Village of Wellington on Aug. 8. Throughout the year, PBSC will celebrate its 90th anniversary milestone with activities such as campus celebrations, open houses, innovation initiatives and capital projects. To learn more, visit www. palmbeachstate.edu/90th.

Second-place winners Jeff Wattles, Steve Toyota, Michael Williams and John Severson with Miss South Florida Fair 2023 Annie McGrath and Miss Palm Beach County 2023 Caroline Smith.

First place winners Fred Rogers, Commissioner Maria Marino (accepting for her husband Ron), Steve Thibodeau and Rusty Lamm with Miss South Florida Fair 2023 Annie McGrath and Miss Palm Beach County 2023 Caroline Smith.

Toby Notman, Vicki Chouris, Ray Christian and Dominic DeCesare won for “most honest score.”

Grand prize raffle winner Toby Notman.

Paul Schneider, Kevin Loughney, David Cattaneo and Richard Wile.

Stephen Asaro, Sharon Lietzke, Gina Panciera and Mike Bubis.

Craig Severson, Andrew Severson, Jerry Spencer and Patrick Franklin.

Miss Palm Beach County 2023 Caroline Smith and Miss South Florida Fair 2023 Annie McGrath on the putting green.

Jay Webber

PBSC Proclamation — (L-R) Cynedra Blake, Barbie Edgar, Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia, Kimberly Lancaster, Palmer the Panther, Mayor Laura Danowski, Edward Willey, Councilwoman Marianne Miles and Councilwoman Marge Herzog.

SCOUT TROOP 111 HOSTS COURT OF HONOR AT THE RPB CULTURAL CENTER

Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig To Run For State Representative

Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig recently filed to run for state representative in District 93.

Gerwig, a successful small business owner, education advocate and longtime Palm Beach County resident, announced Wednesday, June 7 that she will run as a Republican candidate for the seat currently held by incumbent Democratic State Rep. Katherine Waldron, who was elected in 2022.

Gerwig is a 54-year resident of Palm Beach County and a 33year resident of Wellington and District 93.

“I am running for state repre-

sentative to bring my many years of experience and knowledge representing Wellington and District 93 to Tallahassee,” Gerwig said. “No other candidate has the experience I have representing our district. Some of the issues I want to focus on in Tallahassee include reducing the cost of homeowners’ insurance, protecting home rule, advancing local transportation initiatives to cut down on traffic and congestion, and continuing to be an advocate for education.”

Gerwig is currently serving her second four-year term as mayor of Wellington. She was the first mayor in Wellington history to

be re-elected without opposition. Her term ends in March 2024.

Gerwig also served for six years as a member of the Wellington Village Council prior to being elected as Mayor.

Gerwig will have 14 years of elected service in Wellington when she steps down next March.

Gerwig is the current director of client communications for Alan Gerwig & Associates Inc., a successful Wellington-based engineering firm.

Gerwig has served on numerous state, county and village boards and committees, including as an executive board member of

the Florida League of Cities, as past president of the Palm Beach County League of Cities, on the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council, the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency, the Homeless Advisory Board, and a member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.

Gerwig has also been a strong advocate for education. She previously served on the Wellington Landings Middle School Advisory Council and the Binks Forest

Elementary School PTA, School Advisory Council and Executive Board. Gerwig was also instrumental in the naming of the Keely Spinelli Education Grant, which provides financial funding to all of Wellington’s schools to supplement their education initiatives.

In 2021, Gerwig was honored to receive the prestigious Global Statesman Award for advocating for strengthening American global leadership to support communities here at home.

Gerwig has been married to her husband Alan for 33 years. They have three adult children and three grandchildren. Anne Gerwig

Royal Palm Beach BSA Troop 111 held its annual Court of Honor event on Tuesday, May 30 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Scouts and adult supporters were presented with awards for their years of service. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Cheri Estevez and Rhonda Ferrin Davis.

Rhonda Ferrin Davis gave awards to scouts who helped with CAFCI Cultural Diversity Day.

Honor Patrol awards were presented to Jackson Doeren, Caleb McNally, Luke Estevez, Jackson Eubanks and Jonathan Schnick-Baker.

The Troop Senior Patrol Leader Staff is passed from Jackson Doeren (right) to incoming Senior Patrol Leader Jackson Eubanks (left).

Spark Plug Awards went to Lori Cabrera, Dawn Kelly, Rachel Pfister and Paul Estevez.

Noah Cabrera, Jackson Doeren and William Hicks received awards for helping out at the Vivian and Adrienne Ferrin Memorial Scholarship table.

Extra Miler Awards were given to Dr. Ronald Rice and Bonnie Doeren.

Jackson Doeren received an engraved knife as the outgoing senior patrol leader.

Cheri Estevez and Scoutmaster Ryan McNally received 10-year-plus awards.

Harold Williams, Lori Cabrera and Paul Estevez received five-year-plus awards.

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CLASSICALLY MODERN LIVING. There’s a place in the heart of Palm Beach County where new Minto homes open the door to friendly neighborhood traditions. It’s a place where the conveniences of tomorrow meet life’s timeless simple pleasures. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, looking to move up, or downsizing, it’s a place where you can enjoy life at your own pace. From the bustling Westlake Adventure Park to the quiet of your own backyard, experience the best of both worlds in Westlake. Now reintroducing two new single-family floorplans from the Cypress Collection, Cassia and Aster!

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ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIORS RELIVE THEIR YOUTH AT FUN ‘SENIOR PROM’

Royal Palm Beach seniors relived their youth at a “Senior Prom” held Friday, May 26 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Attendees were dressed to the nines and enjoyed a buffet dinner, door prizes and dancing to the oldies.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

David and Sandra Samore do “The Twist.”

Entertainers Troy McCray, Teresa Garrett and Derek Mack sang oldies.

Program Coordinator Terry Major with Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas. Marie Sanfield with Angel and Jose De La Torre.

Young at Heart President Sandy Rubin with Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas.

100-year-old Angelina Dawkins with Vinette Tracey.

Andres Palacio and Linda Catron.

Patty McFarland and Charla Colburn with matching wrist corsages.

Troy McCray serenades Marla Weishaus.

Dolly Hughes and Vinette Tracey.

Carolyn and Councilman Jeff Hmara. Ed Sanders and Ronni Kaplan.

Barbara Searls, Patty McFarland, Jenny Lopez, Charla Colburn, Ann Hardin and Pat LaValley.

Prom King Michael Gerson and Prom Queen Ellie Gerson, along with Prom King Ferdinand Hinds and Prom Queen Fredericka Nelson.

Argentina Batista, Hilary Varlack and Maria Gonzalez.

Jonni Holybee, Sabrina Zeller, Maggie Zeller and Arlene Morosco of Prominence Medicare Advantage Insurance.

Shakeera Thomas, Councilwoman Selena Samios and Miranda Russell.

Gannon Files For Re-Election As Palm Beach County Tax Collector

Incumbent Palm Beach County

Tax Collector Anne M. Gannon recently kicked off her 2024 campaign by filing for re-election.

“Today, I am honored to launch my re-election to serve another term as the Constitutional Tax Collector for Palm Beach County. My focus continues to be exceptional service for the more than 1.4 million residents of Palm Beach County, and I am looking forward to continuing my efforts to bring enhancements to the office,” Gannon said. “I am proud of the work we do to protect taxpayer dollars through money-saving ini-

tiatives and our efforts to recover and collect millions of tax dollars owed to the citizens of Palm Beach County.”

Gannon, a Democrat, is proud of the many enhancements that she has delivered to advance the capabilities of the services her office provides. From offering greater online transactions to innovative vehicle registration kiosks in several Publix stores throughout Palm Beach County, her priority is to make it easier for residents to do business with her office.

Gannon places tremendous

value on client feedback to help better understand clients’ needs and to enhance her agency’s performance. In fact, each month, her office distributes more than 40,000 client satisfaction surveys to clients who visit a service center or contact the office by phone. She and her team are proud that, on average, 79 percent of survey respondents rate their interaction with the office as positive. This compares to a national average of 62 percent for similar local government offices.

Leading a team of more than 320 employees across six loca-

tions, employee health and wellness are important to Gannon, and her wellness initiative is designed to reduce the incidence of chronic disease. As a result of her efforts, the office was awarded the “Fit Friendly Workplace” designation in 2015 by the American Heart Association.

Gannon is proud of the many awards her agency has received, including her seventh-straight Legacy Award for “Excellence and Innovation in Financial Operations” from the Florida Tax Collectors Association. In addition, her agency has been awarded

multiple awards in recognition of the outstanding communication and marketing materials published and available to the residents of Palm Beach County.

Gannon has called Palm Beach County home for more than 30 years. She attended Florida Atlantic University, where she majored in political science. She also attended Barry University and Palm Beach State College, where she studied business administration.

Gannon began her career in public service in 2000 when she was elected to the Florida Legislature.

Cast Announced For Shakespeare Festival’s July Play

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival has announced its cast line-up for this summer’s Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII and Shakespeare by the Palms III production of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure

The free, outdoor Shakespeare by the Sea is presented in partnership with Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation on July 6-9 and July 13-16 at the Seabreeze Amphitheatre in Carlin Park, located at 750 South, Florida A1A, Jupiter.

The encore performance of Shakespeare by the Palms is co-presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach on July 20-23 at the Commons Park Amphitheater

Equestrians Board Critical Of Projects

continued from page 1 and White Birch Farms at the northeast corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road. The Wellington North would include a total of 300 homes (22 single-family and 278 multi-family), as well as an extensive amenities area serving both projects. Due to the multi-family use, portions of the land would need to be removed from the Equestrian Preserve Area.

The Wellington South project, located on several parcels west of South Shore Blvd. and north of Lake Worth Road, would allow comprehensive plan and master plan amendments to the Wellington Country Place PUD allowing

in Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd.

The gates open at 6:30 p.m. with performances starting at 8 p.m. each evening. A donation of $5 per person is suggested. Forming the cast this year are Shakespeare Festival veterans Darryl Willis as the Duke and Matthew Connor Paszkiet as Lucio. The role of Isabella will be performed by festival newcomer Caroline Dopson. Additional newcomers to the Shakespeare Festival include Alex Gomez as Angelo, Emma McAvoy as Juliet/Mariana, Patrick Price in the roles of Pompey Bum/Friar Thomas, Amy Coker as Provost, Kyler O’Brien

for a large increase in the size of the Wellington International showgrounds, as well as the addition of a 148-lot neighborhood of single-family homes and five larger equestrian farm sites.

Advocates described one such piece of the housing component as an important “chess move” to complement prospective improvements, such as the reconfigured and expanded show grounds to seat at least 7,000 spectators, along with more permanent stalls and a new home for the Global Dressage Festival.

But board members said housing plans seem detailed, while the showground proposals appear far less concrete, and controlled by a separate owner from the would-be home developer. Several wondered aloud if the dangled horse-venue improvements were being “held hostage” to get the residential proposals through,

as Claudio/Froth, Laurie Tanner as Mistress Overdone/Francesca and Casey McNamara as Elbow/ Barnardine. Rounding out the cast are returning performers Jeremy Wershoven as Escalus/Abhorson and Nat Calberg-Cona as Novice.

“While Measure for Measure isn’t produced quite as much as Shakespeare’s other comedies, its production history seems to coincide with societal examinations of sexuality, morality, mercy and justice,” Festival Artistic Director Trent Stephens said. “Like any good play, it posits more questions than answers, but the representation of these nuanced issues, coupled with a jocular sense of humor, offers audiences space

with no real legal or financial obligations emerging to connect the two things.

“We’re so far away from anything real,” said Jane Cleveland, the committee’s chair.

The point is to preserve Wellington as “the equestrian capital of the world,” said Doug McMahon, chief executive officer of Wellington Lifestyle Partners, whose principals include Bellissimo’s daughter Paige.

He also serves as an officer in Nexus Luxury Collection Management, which builds and oversees luxury communities around Florida and the nation and whose sales pitch mentions investors including golfers Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, along with entertainer Justin Timberlake.

It would be beneficial to have a “diversity of housing options,” McMahon said.

Supporters of the plan have

to ponder these matters in a playful way.”

Measure for Measure opens as vice is running rampant in the city, and the Duke has set off on mysterious business, leaving the affairs of state to his trusted minister, Angelo, with instructions to enforce discipline as he sees fit. Quickly, Angelo takes that enforcement to extremes, and when young Claudio is arrested, it falls to Claudio’s friend Lucio to send help in the form of Sister Isabella.

When the price of Angelo’s freedom is not what Isabella is willing to pay, the Duke comes up with a plan to save Claudio while

portrayed it as a crucial way to compete with rival horse venues in places such as Ocala.

But some aspects aroused concern in the meetings, particularly on a committee whose members, by design, all have direct ties to equestrian activities.

For example, the Wellington North proposal asks the village to remove about 96 acres from the village’s Equestrian Preserve Area, in parcels north of Pierson Road. The preserve designation limits what can be built there.

McMahon said this should be viewed in the context of wider aims and plans, even if not all of them are immediately part of the proceedings before village officials.

Still, the questions kept coming about what guarantees the village is really getting on the horse show venue.

“You cannot and must not make

Alex Gomez Caroline Dopson

revealing Angelo’s hypocrisy. Performances start at 8 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket and picnic basket. Concessions will be available. Learn more at www. pbshakespeare.org.

decisions based on promises and hopes,” resident Carolyn Luther said.

More than 100 people attended each committee meeting and most who spoke said they opposed the plan. Several brought up increased traffic on narrow roads designed for a pastoral setting. Others mentioned worries about setting a precedent for chipping away at the Equestrian Preserve Area whenever that becomes convenient or profitable for a given landowner.

Tommy Skiffington, a horse farm owner in Wellington, said he understands what the developers hope to do.

“I believe the development of that land will be a feeder system with their families into our horse show world,” he said. “I do believe it will help the horse show and the Village of Wellington.”

Mark Elie, a resident for more than 33 years and a small business

She is most proud of her role in creating and funding domestic violence centers and creating legislation making human trafficking a crime in Florida.

An avid gardener, Gannon is honored to have been appointed to the board of directors for the Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County. She is also a member of the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce and served 12 years on the board of directors for JFK Medical Center. For more information about Gannon’s campaign, visit www. reelectannegannon.com.

Bonds For Bostic Project

continued from page 1 were in attendance, but they did not speak. A groundbreaking for the new facility is planned for this summer.

The project site, currently called Wellington Community Park, is located at 3401 South Shore Blvd. It was previously home to the Wellington Boys & Girls Club but has been largely unused since the club moved to a new location in 2013. Since then, the site has fallen into disrepair. It will officially close to the public on Tuesday, June 20 as preparations for the new sports training facility get underway.

owner, argued against adding hundreds more homes and commercial development to a road system already overburdened, especially during the horse show season.

“So now here we are talking again about developing more remaining green space in the middle of the village,” he said. “We need to say no, finally. Let’s say no.”

Victoria McCullough, a longtime equestrian activist both in Wellington and across the nation, expressed hope that people can work out differences to get a good outcome. She said she had spoken to members of the development team.

“Maybe less houses, but can we all work together? Absolutely,” she said. “I think we need to do it together.”

The project’s next stop is the Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 19.

EXECUTIVE BOARD (4 year term):

Secretary

Director of Equipment/Safety

President Assistant Treasurer - (non-voting member)

Sergeant of Arms - (non-voting member)

*These members must be in good standing with the league and sports

SPORTS BOARDS:

1. AFF President (2 year term)

2. Acreage Softball (2 year term)

3. Acreage Baseball (2 year term)

*These members must be in good standing with the league and sports

Deadline to apply June 19, 2023

Election will be held in July.

Email your interest to: Acreageathleticleague@gmail.com

CRESTWOOD MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS GATHER FOR LEADERSHIP RETREAT

On Wednesday, June 7, Crestwood Middle School held its first National Junior Honor Society Leadership Retreat at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Approximately 25 students took part in the retreat and had the opportunity to hear guest speakers and community leaders give advice and share how to be good leaders. The students also participated in activities throughout the morning and shared lunch together. The National Junior Honor Society recognizes top middle school students for their achievements.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Guest speakers State Rep. Jervonte Edmonds, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, entrepreneur Denise Williams and RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Former Westlake Councilwoman Katrina Long-Robinson, Next Era recruiter Courtlyn Patrick, RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, attorney Alexcia Cox, Behavioral Health Coalition Executive Director Alexa Lee, Behavioral Health Coalition Coordinator Ta’kya Morgan, entrepreneur Denise Williams, Crestwood Middle School Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance and State Rep. Jervonte Edmonds.

Crestwood students gather with local community leaders.

Guest speakers (L-R) RPB Councilman Jeff Hmara, entrepreneur Denise Williams, School Board Member Marcia Andrews, attorney Alexcia Cox, Next Era recruiter Courtlyn

Participants in the Crestwood Middle School NJHS Leadership Retreat.

(L-R)

RPB ROTARY HOLDS 33RD ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER & INDUCTION CEREMONY

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club held its 33rd annual Awards Dinner & Induction Ceremony for 2023-24 officers on Friday, June 2 at Hilary’s Restaurant. Outgoing President Romeo Siquijor passed the gavel to incoming President Chris Durham. Award winners included Ray Ahmed with the Mother Earth/Green Award, Carlos Pino with the Rookie Rotarian of the Year Award, Joan Scherer as Rotarian of the Year, and Service Above Self Awards to Chris Durham, Chris Harris and Diane Smith. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES HOST FINAL MEETING UNTIL FALL

Women of the Western Communities gathered on Thursday, June 1 at the Wellington National Golf Club for a final meeting before the summer break. Attendees enjoyed a spirited game of bingo. Meetings will resume on the first Thursday of the month starting in September. For more information, contact Mair Armand at (561) 635-0011 or mair.armand1@gmail.com.

BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

Obesity is a common yet preventable disease in cats and dogs; in fact, it has become an epidemic. Canine and feline obesity shortens an animal’s life and makes them more at risk for developing osteoarthritis, diabetes, liver disease, bladder stones, and many types of cancer. The most proactive thing an owner can do is to assess the food they are feeding their obese pets. It will likely need to be changed or, at the very least, the amount given reduced. Knowing how to help a pet lose weight can be challenging, so it’s best to seek assistance from a veterinarian. Obesity can also be an indicator of other conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, which must be ruled out.

Are you unsure what to do about your overweight dog? Do you need help with other aspects of pet care? We believe in preventive medicine at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH and we feel that education is one of the most important services we provide to our patients here in the Royal Palm Beach area. We’ll be happy to address your concerns including offering recommendations for your dog’s healthy diet. Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., we offer complete, state-of-the-art health care services for small pets of all kinds. Please call 798-5508 for an appointment. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

P.S. Treats should never be used as a substitute for food

Melinda Khoury, Teresa Harrington, Cindy Ekonomou, Donna Banno and Audrey Valentine.

PHOTOS

Maria Cruz, Marilyn Berns and Herta Suess.

President Lynda Chicano and Treasurer Donna Kuebler at the check-in desk. Mary Rowe, Denise O’Sullivan and Sherrie Rhoads.

(Front row) Christine Vocaturo, Maggie Zeller and Allyson Samiljan; and (back row) Lynda Chicano and Mair Armand.

Dr. Bruce and Lisa Elkind with Lynn and Sally Balch.

Andre Blackwood, Opal Johnson, and Tammy and Dr. Randall Dugal.

Lynn Balch, Eric Gordon Adam Jordano and Keith Jordano.

Outgoing President Romeo Siquijor passes the gavel to incoming President Chris Durham.

Carlos Pino, Lynn Balch, Chris Durham, Eric Gordon, Romeo Siquijor, Dr. Sarda Bhandary, Steve Epstein and Jeff Hmara.

Officers Romeo Siquijor, Carlos Pino, Steve Epstein and Jeff Hmara are sworn-in by Eric Gordon. Mavel Gomez, Romeo Siquijor, Sara and Chris Durham, and Steve Epstein.

Romeo Siquijor with award winners Joan Scherer, Ray Ahmed, Carlos Pino and Chris Durham.

Jeff and Carolyn Hmara with Lalita and Dr. Sarda Bhandary.

WELLINGTON CHAMBER PRESENTS 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF FLAVORS EVENT

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce hosted Flavors 2023 on Thursday, June 1. The evening kicked off and ended at the National Polo Center-Wellington. Attendees traveled by bus to other locations and enjoyed the chance to sample some of the tasty and diverse food and drinks from different area restaurants. This year marked the 20th edition of Flavors, and 20 restaurants were on hand along the bus route, each providing something sweet and savory, plus a beverage. Some locations also had live music. The 10 luxury buses to take the guests around town were sponsored by FPL, K&E Travel, First National Bank Coastal Community, Meghan Buser, Hack Tax & Accounting Services, the Solid Waste Authority, JH Massey Group, the Edison Group, My Community Pharmacy and Casas Law. The winners of Flavors 2023 were: Kickback Neighborhood Tavern for Best Taste and Best Cocktail, California Pizza Kitchen for Best Dessert and Village Music & Café for Best Stop.

BY

PHOTOS

FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Erin Gomez, Breanna Hollaway and Deborah Olawuni at the National Polo Center-Wellington.

Flavors 2023 attendees celebrate the end of a fun evening.

Tyler Lownsdale and Corey Hack at La Fogata.

Kickback Tavern’s Scotty Hunt, General Manager Scott Glance, Rachel Vanderwende

Sonali

and

HEART SURGERY

Minimally invasive procedures for patients with structural heart and valve diseases

Open-heart surgery has long been the standard of care for most patients with valve disease. More recently, however, minimally invasive procedures, such as robotically assisted valve repair, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and the MitraClip™ procedure, have emerged as safe and effective alternatives for patients with advanced and complex valve disease.

There are a variety of minimally invasive approaches to valve repair or replacement, but all offer the same benefits: a smaller scar, lower risk of infection, less bleeding and trauma, a shorter hospital stay and a shorter recovery period.

Robotically Assisted Valve Repair

For people who need a mitral valve repair, studies have shown that robotic surgery may be better than other minimally invasive approaches for many reasons – it is associated with less bleeding, trauma, chance of infection, and need for blood products.

Minimally invasive approaches offer a number of benefits: a smaller scar, lower risk of infection, less bleeding and trauma, a shorter hospital stay and a shorter recovery period.

Cleveland Clinic Florida is one of the few centers in the country offering a robot-assisted approach to minimally invasive valve repair or replacement, which is the most advanced approach available. Cleveland Clinic Florida surgeons use a state-of-the-art robotic surgical system that has been approved by the FDA for use in many surgical procedures.

Using the robot offers the surgeon a wider range of motion and more precision in employing the surgical instruments, along with a more detailed, magnified 3-D view of the surgical field than in an ope n procedure. The robotically assisted technique utilizes incisions that are often less than 2 inches – smaller than the incisions used for conventional minimally invasive surgery (about 3 to 4 inches).

TALK WITH AN EXPERT.

Transcatheter Valve Replacement (TAVR)

Open procedure valve replacement has been the standard of care for most patients with aortic stenosis. However, in recent years the minimally invasive transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure has revolutionized management of this condition. It is now a treatment option for some patients with severe aortic stenosis who are too ill to have traditional open-heart surgery to replace the aortic valve.

MitraClip™

Mitral valve degenerative disease is often treated with medical therapy. However, patients for whom medical therapy fails and for whom surgery is too much of a risk may be candidates for less invasive, catheter-based options, such as MitraClip™, the first device approved by the FDA to treat high-risk patients with degenerative mitral regurgitation. Cleveland Clinic participated in the COAPT clinical trial for MitraClip, which has shown the device provides a tremendous benefit and improvement in survival and quality of life when used in patients with reduced

Not all patients are candidates for minimally invasive treatment for structural heart or valve disease. Cleveland Clinic Florida’s multidisciplinary team evaluates each patient for the appropriate solution to their structural heart disease or valve problems.

Jose L. Navia, MD, FACC, Director of the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute in Florida, leads a team of groundbreaking innovators. Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment with a heart specialist or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to learn more.

877.463.2010

ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart

From Food To Toys To Treats & More, We Have You Covered!

Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Our shelves are stocked with the right products, including a wide selection of natural and made in the USA products. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop with us in store or online using free curb side pickup or same-day delivery.

Wellington’s Steuerer Enjoys Exciting World Series Experience

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington resident Shawn Steuerer is getting used to playing baseball at a “World Series.”

While he has thoroughly enjoyed his competitive World Series experiences, he’s still searching for that elusive championship win.

Back in 2015, he played in Little League’s Intermediate League World Series Championship Game against South Korea and lost. Now, Steuerer, who just completed his sophomore year at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, is at home for the summer and reflecting on his recently completed college baseball season, where he and his teammates were one win away from being crowned as NCAA Division III national champions.

From June 2 through June 8, Steuerer and his Johns Hopkins Blue Jays baseball teammates played in the NCAA Division III World Series at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Johns Hopkins was one of eight teams competing in Iowa. The teams were divided into two pods of four teams. In each pod, it was a double-elimination format.

The winners of the two respective pods then advanced to a best twoout-of-three championship series.

As expected, Johns Hopkins, the top-ranked NCAA Division III program in the country, eventually won its pod by defeating Baldwin Wallace University from Ohio on June 5, 8-2. That propelled Johns Hopkins into the championship series against the University of Lynchburg from Virginia. After losing game one, 5-2, on Wednesday, June 7 and winning game two, 11-6, on Thursday, June 8, both teams met in the winner-take-all championship series finale, soon after the conclusion of game two.

In the final game, Johns Hopkins opened up with four runs in the top of the first inning to take an early lead, 4-0. Steuerer played his part by driving in one of those runs with a sacrifice fly. Lynchburg responded with two runs in both the bottom of the first and second innings to tie the game, 4-4.

In the top of the third, Steuerer opened the inning with a double, but he was stranded at second.

Johns Hopkins took the lead again, 5-4, with a one-run fifth, but Lynchburg stormed ahead with

three runs in its half of the fifth inning to take a 7-5 lead, which it would never relinquish. Johns Hopkins scored one more run in the top of the eighth, but that’s as close as the Blue Jays would get before losing, 7-6.

Steuerer, who was Johns Hopkins’ starting third baseman, was philosophical about the loss. “It was the best pitching staff that we faced all season,” he said.

Despite the loss, Steuerer enjoyed the entire experience, which started when the team first arrived on Wednesday, May 31.

“We flew to Chicago and then had a three-hour bus ride to Cedar Rapids,” Steuerer said. “It was definitely a cool experience, and I didn’t know what to expect. It was fun playing in a minor league ballpark with the big scoreboard.

We had great fan support from our parents.”

Steuerer’s parents, Jerry and Pam Steuerer, made the trip to Cedar Rapids from Wellington. They enjoyed the chance to see their son play on the national stage.

“We spent a full week in Cedar Rapids,” said Jerry Steuerer, who played basketball for the Universi-

ty of Bridgeport at the 1979 NCAA Division II Basketball Final Four. “It was one of the best weeks of my life. It was so much fun.”

Despite the loss in the final game, it was a memorable season for Shawn Steuerer, whose jersey number (33) is the same as his basketball-playing father.

In addition to being one of four Blue Jays named to the Division III World Series All-Tournament team, Steuerer was named to the D3baseball.com Second AllAmerican Team. During this past season, he batted .420, collected 79 hits, drove in 55 runs, scored 51 runs, slugged 16 home runs, stroked 12 doubles and stole two bases.

During the NCAA Division III World Series, Steuerer, who is majoring in economics and has a 3.65 grade point average, had 15 RBIs, which was one short of tying the NCAA Division III World Series record.

Bob Babb, the head coach of the Johns Hopkins baseball team, had strong words of praise for his young third baseman.

“Shawn had a tremendous sophomore season, both offen-

sively and with the glove,” Babb said. “He really heated up during the NCAA playoffs, producing big hit after big hit. Most of his drives were for extra bases and with runners on base. He really carried our offense with his clutch hitting.”

Johns Hopkins finished the season with a 48-8 record, a school record for most wins in a baseball season for the Blue Jays. It was the second national runner-up finish — the first was in 2012 — for Johns Hopkins at the NCAA Division III World Series.

For The Oldham Family Of Wellington, Soccer Is A Way Of Life

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

If there’s a family in the western communities that deserves the label of the “First Family of Soccer,” it’s the Oldham family from Wellington. The head of the household is Englishman Gavin Oldham, who is the head coach of the men’s soccer team at Keiser University in West Palm Beach.

Gavin played collegiate soccer at Lindsey Wilson College in

Kentucky, where he was on two NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) national championship teams in 2000 and 2001. As a coach, he has been a member of three NAIA national championship squads — as an assistant coach at Lindsey Wilson in 2005 and 2009, and as the head coach at Keiser in 2019. Gavin and his wife Danielle have three children, and all three children enjoy playing soccer. The

oldest is their son, Jayce, who just graduated from Seminole Ridge High School. While at Seminole Ridge, Jayce played for the boys varsity soccer team, where he was a co-captain during his junior and senior years.

In addition to playing soccer for the Hawks, he plays travel soccer for the South Florida Football Club. Jayce has been playing soccer for nearly 15 years. He plans to attend Nova Southeastern

University in Fort Lauderdale this fall and play soccer for the Sharks. Jayce plans to study marine biology. On the field, he is the heart of the defense, playing center back. The family’s two other soccerplaying children are twin daughters, Ella and Isla. Both girls have been key leaders on the girls soccer team at Wellington Landings Middle School, which won the Palm Beach County Middle School See OLDHAM, page 23

Crestwood Middle School Boys Track Team Wins County Title

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

For the fifth time since 2012, the boys track and field team from Crestwood Middle School in Royal Palm Beach has won the honor of being the best boys middle school track squad in Palm Beach County.

On Monday, May 26, the Crestwood Eagles boys track squad won the Palm Beach County Middle School Track & Field Championship held at Park Vista High School. At the end of the event, the Crestwood boys earned 65 points to edge Howell L. Watkins Middle School, which finished in second place with 58 points. There were 36 schools competing.

According to Marque Drummond, Crestwood’s head track and field coach, the keys to his team’s victory were a fast effort in the opening race and a series of strong finishes in the relays and field events.

Alphonzo Carter started the meet in a big way for Crestwood with his win in the 110-meter hurdles. His winning time was 17.25 seconds. “I knew that we would be competitive, but we only had 13 scoring opportunities in the meet, whereas some schools had as many as 19 or 20 scoring chances,” said Drummond, who just completed his 23rd season as the track coach at Crestwood.

Crestwood won the 800-meter

medley relay, was fourth in the 4x100-meter relay and finished fifth in the 4x400-meter relay.

The 800-meter medley relay has a unique configuration: two 100-meter sections, one 200-meter leg and a 400-meter segment to conclude the relay. The four members of that 800-meter medley relay quartet were Daniel Civil, Jaleel Stitt, Michael Chambers and Brandon Pendergrass II. Their winning time was 1:44.0. Pendergrass, a sixth grader, ran the longest leg of the race, which was the 400 meters at the end.

“When Brandon started, he had a slight lead and was able to extend the lead and win by more than 10 meters,” said Drummond, who is also the school’s athletic director and teaches eighth-grade reading. “Even though Brandon is just a sixth grader, I knew he would do well.”

In the 4x100-meter relay, Crestwood’s Pendergrass, Civil, Stitt and Jayden Espino ran the onelap race in 48.3 seconds, good enough for a fourth-place finish.

In the 4x400-meter relay, Nazier

Watkins, Ja’Quan Johnson, Carter and Civil completed the four-lap race in 3:52.0.

In the field events, there were some strong performances by four members of the team. Chambers was third in the shot put with a throw of 42 feet; Xavier Police was third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 5 feet, 6 inches; Watkins finished third in the long jump with a leap of 19 feet, 6 inches; and Carter was eighth in the long jump with a jump of 18 feet, 3 inches.

In individual running races, Watkins was third in the 100-meter hurdles, Johnson was fifth in the 400 meters, Carter was fifth in the 800 meters and Pendergrass was eighth in the 100 meters.

In addition to this year’s team title, the team from Crestwood won the boys Palm Beach County Middle School Track & Field Championship title in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

The team members are: Treven Tipton, Michael Chambers, Ja’Quan Johnson, Jayden Espino, Joshua Destefano, Xavier Police, Alphonzo Carter, Nazier Watkins, Crestwood’s Xavier

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Wellington resident Shawn Steuerer during the NCAA Division III World Series.

Police competes in the high jump.

Nazier Watkins holding the championship trophy.

David Alexis, K’Mari Dixon, Caleb Fulbright, Blake Girard, Brandon Pendergrass II, Mateo

Hubbard, Jaleel Stitt, Daniel Civil, Jamarian Kelly, Rajon Fleurima and Christopher Jones.

Jayce, Danielle, Gavin, Ella and Isla Oldham.

Jayce Oldham controls the ball for Seminole Ridge.

Isla Oldham chases the soccer ball.

Ella Oldham on the soccer field.

Western Communities Athletes Named Best In Palm Beach County

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Friday, June 10, the top high school athletes, coaches and teams in Palm Beach County were recognized and honored at the Palm Beach County High School Sports Awards held at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach.

This year’s awards program was sponsored by Baptist Health and the Honda Classic. During the awards program, the top male and female high school athletes in Palm Beach County were honored for being the most outstanding in their respective disciplines.

Of all the award winners, several were from high schools in the western communities. For instance, the top boys cross country runner is Colton Lawson (King’s Academy); the top girls swimmer is Aly Bozzuto (King’s Academy); the top female softball player is Jordan

Oldham Soccer Family

continued from page 21 Girls Soccer Championship this past spring and in 2022. Both girls just graduated from Wellington Landings and will transition to Wellington High School in the fall, where they plan to continue playing soccer.

Outside of school soccer, Ella and Isla have played for the Wellington Wave soccer club in recent years, though they are planning to transition to the Palm Beach Predators, based in Palm Beach Gardens.

As a longtime player and coach, Gavin loves that his children share his passion for soccer, though he is always trying to balance being a father with being a coach.

According to Gavin, his son was a high school co-captain because of his leadership skills.

“His leadership is more of a ‘do as I do’ style rather than as I say,” Gavin said. “He is vocal, but not to the point where it’s overbearing during the game. He’s more of a ‘get the job done on the field’ type of leader. He has a calm, reassuring style of play.”

On the field, Ella plays on the wing and is comfortable as either the left or right wing, while Isla is a center forward. According to their father, both girls work together on the field. Ella provides the crosses,

White (Wellington High School); the leading girls flag football player is Cayley Chieffalo (Seminole Ridge High School); the top girls basketball player is E’Zaria Adams (Palm Beach Central High School); the best defensive football player is Justin Bostic (Palm Beach Central High School); and best boys volleyball player is Logan Taylor (King’s Academy).

Lawson’s best time in the 3.1 cross country races last fall was 15:26.1, and he won last fall’s Palm Beach County Championship. For Bozzuto, she won the girls 50-yard freestyle and was second in the girls 100-yard freestyle at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A state meet last November. White was the leading pitcher and hitter for the Wolverines, as she led them to the FHSAA’s Class 7A state semifinals. On offense,

Chieffalo caught 53 passes for 726 yards and 11 touchdowns, and on defense, she had 59 tackles to lead the Hawks to the FHSAA’s Class 2A state semifinals. Adams

averaged 22.3 points a game during the basketball season. Bostic led the Broncos to an undefeated season and a berth in the FHSAA Class 7A state semifinals. Dur-

ing the season, he had 74 tackles and grabbed seven interceptions, five of which he returned for touchdowns. Finally, Taylor, an outside hitter, led TKA with 363

kills while leading the team to the FHSAA final four. This fall, Taylor is headed to North Greenville University, where he will play men’s volleyball.

WHS Softball Squad Honors Top Players

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Following a memorable season where the Wellington High School girls varsity softball team reached the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA)

Class 7A final four, the Wolverines hosted their annual end-ofseason awards banquet on Friday, June 2 at the Wanderers Club in Wellington.

able Pitcher; freshman Madelyn Touchet was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year; sophomore Kaylee Riles and junior Kelsie Riggan were honored as the Co-Offensive Players of the Year; senior Kylie McCann was chosen to receive the Coaches Award; and senior Jordan White was selected as the team’s overall Most Valuable Player.

and Isla redirects the ball into the goal.

“Ella is comfortable kicking with either foot, and Isla displays great leadership on the field,” Gavin added.

As for mom Danielle, she is the biggest fan and supporter for Gavin, Jayce, Ella and Isla.

“She has no choice but to enjoy soccer, and she keeps us organized so I can coach, and the kids can play,” Gavin said.

As for the family’s favorite soccer team to watch in England’s Premier League, the family sticks together and roots for the same club their father cheers for, which is Manchester United.

While one of the reasons for the awards dinner was to recognize key individual contributions during the recently completed season, head coach Mark Boretti used the venue to honor all 16 players on his roster for their role in the team’s journey to the FHSAA’s Class 7A final four — #1 Kylie McCann, #2 Angelina Mangini, #3 Madelyn Touchet, #4 Brianna Casey, #5 Kelsie Riggan, #6 Emma Johnson, #7 D’yami Meredith, #9 Isabelle Speaker, #10 Jordan White, #11 Gabriella D’arcangelo, #12 Kaylee Riles, #13 Ava Matrascia, #14 Kaitlyn Campbell, #16 Samantha Gregory, #17 Erryn Lowe and #18 Tori Payne.

“Our success this past season was truly a team effort, in every way,” Boretti said. “They say that there’s no ‘I’ in team, and I know it’s a cliché, but it’s true.”

As for the individual awards, sophomore Tori Payne was recognized as the team’s Most Valu-

Boretti had words of praise for each of his award-winning players.

“Tori was a bulldog on the mound. She came in to put out many fires and shut the door on the opposition,” he said. “Maddie was our biggest surprise at

the beginning of the season and became our starting shortstop. Kaylee and Kelsie had virtually identical statistics. They batted in the four and five slots and drove in a number of runs. Kaylee was our catcher and led our team in doubles with nine. Kelsie, who played centerfield, could run and hit for power. Kylie, who played second base, displayed great leadership, played like a coach in the field and was very positive throughout the season. Jordan had an amazing season as a pitcher and as a hitter, where she batted third. On the mound, she had the team’s lowest earned run average

(1.73). As a hitter, Jordan led the team in batting average (.467), on-base percentage (.507), hits (28), home runs (4) and RBIs (27).” Meanwhile, Campbell led the team in steals (14) and runs scored (26), while Payne had the most triples (3) on the squad. While this year’s team had an impressive final record of 20-3-1, Boretti feels next year’s team can possibly be better, but it will take one special ingredient: energy. “I’ll be back as the head coach, but our team needs to come with the energy that is needed to succeed as a group,” Boretti said.

(L-R) Basketball player E’Zaria Adams, swimmer Aly Bozzuto, volleyball player Logan Taylor and softball player Jordan White.

The Wellington High School girls softball team after their regional final win over Jupiter.

Gavin Oldham is the head coach of the men’s soccer team at Keiser University.

The Wellington Garden Club Celebrates National Garden Week

Every year during the first week of June, the Wellington Garden Club joins with garden clubs across the country to celebrate National Garden Week, a project of the National Garden Clubs Inc.

On Monday, June 4, Wellington Garden Club members began National Garden Week by creating floral arrangements that were distributed to Wellington’s municipal offices, library, fire stations and the Mall at Wellington Green. Club members created wonderful arrangements and distributed them

to the recipients. The club also received a proclamation from the Wellington Village Council and Mayor Anne Gerwig declaring the week of June 4-10 as National Garden Week.

“We are so grateful for the support our club receives from the Village of Wellington. National Garden Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to demonstrate our appreciation with floral gifts,”

Wellington Garden Club President Carol Ralph said.

National Garden Week Chair

Twig Morris added, “We are also grateful to Rachelle Crain, marketing manager at the Mall at Wellington Green, for providing the meeting room we used to create the arrangements.”

The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to further the education of members and the public, including youth, in the fields of gardening, horticulture, botany, floral design, landscape design, conservation of natural resources, civic beau

tification and nature studies. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org or find them on Facebook.

The National Garden Clubs Inc., founded in 1929, is a nonprofit organization headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. It includes many local branches in nearly every state and has more than 160,000 members. Its mission is to promote the love of gardening, floral design, and civic and environmental responsibility. For more information, visit www.gardenclub.org.

David Mérot Of Wellington Joins Board Of Directors At Foundation

The Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties recently announced the appointment of Wellington resident David Mérot to its board of directors. Also joining the board are Phyllis Gillespie and Gabrielle Raymond McGee.

Mérot is director of the economic development administration at the University Center for Community & Economic Development at the University of Michigan. He

has an extensive background in strategic thinking, global effective management, brand and marketing strategy, and economic development research and implementation. Mérot has been involved in numerous economic development research projects, including a bi-annual seven-county wages and benefits survey, broadband access study, opportunity youth fiscal scan, literacy network data collection and data visualization. He has

supported local business owners to expand their business operations in the area and into international markets in partnership with the State of Michigan STEP grant economic development initiative. Mérot has facilitated and developed creative approaches related to entrepreneurship, community development, and a number of issues surrounding nonprofit funding, coalition implementation and data collection.

Garden club members with the floral arrangements.

Kathy Siena with Wellington Athletics Programs Manager Ryan Hagopian.

Kathy Siena with Landscape Superintendent Will Gurney.

Jessica Greenberg, Garden Week Chair Twig Morris and WGC President Carol Ralph at village hall.

WGC President Carol Ralph with Wellington Community Center staff members.

Library Manager Catherine Ng with Donna Baxter.

Mary Kastner delivers flowers to PBCFR Station 20.

Mall at Wellington Green Marketing Manager Rachelle Crain with Twig Morris. Twig Morris visits PBCFR Station 25.

Mary Kastner visits PBCFR Station 27.

Firefighters from PBCFR Station 30 with their flowers.

David Mérot

Palm Beach Fellowship Honors 22 Educators And 64 Students

The energy and excitement were palpable as more than 200 members, teachers and students with their families gathered on June 6 at the Wells Fargo Community Room in Palm Beach for the Palm Beach Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ End-of-Season Member Reception and Student Awards Ceremony. The event included an overview of the organization’s mission and efforts presented by Board Chair John C. “Skip” Randolph and a slide presentation to recap the season’s events and activities by Program Chair Grier Pressly. Guests enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres and beverages. With the main focus on honoring the winning entries in the annual Essay and Creative Arts Competition, the outstanding students who created them and their supervising teachers, representing 11 public and private schools throughout Palm Beach County, received certificates and cash prizes, presented by Vice Chair Maggie Zeidman and Education Chair Charles “Chuck” Hagy. The topic for the 2023 contest was “Justice,” which was expressed through essays, poetry, spoken word, videos, music and visual art. Honorees from the western communities and schools included Western Pines Middle School teacher Steve Gordon and his students Gabriella Ferry, Alexandra Hlewicki, Jayce Hutson, Dominick Mazzeo, Zane Robertson, Camilla Torres and Enzo Zeledon, and Woodlands Middle School student Rebecca Westfort. Other students from Wellington, Loxahatchee, Royal Palm Beach,

western Lake Worth and western West Palm Beach included Bak Middle School of the Arts students Rayjan Alvarez, Victoria Cardas and Karishma Koodie; Rosarian Academy students Lola Grande,

Santino Merchan and Chryssa Rezvanian; St. Mark’s Episcopal School student Siena Davis; and St. Luke Catholic School students Valentina Monegro and Estefany Urbina.

Many attendees mentioned feeling more hopeful for the future after meeting the students, who were challenged to continue doing great things in the world. Honored paintings, drawings, posters, diora-

mas and sculptures were displayed at the event, and all the winning submissions will be featured in the fellowship’s newsletter and web site during the summer. Founded in 1993, the Palm

Beach Fellowship of Christians & Jews is dedicated to promoting fellowship, understanding and respect among all religions and cultures. Learn more at www. palmbeachfellowship.net.

OKEEHEELEE NATURE CENTER VISITS THE KCF SUMMER CAMP

The Okeeheelee Nature Center visited the Kids Cancer Foundation’s Summer Camp in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday, June 6. The nature center presented a group of Florida native animals to the children and some of their family members. The kids had the opportunity to learn about and meet an alligator, turtle, snake, owl and even a hawk.

RPB Native Continues A 123-Year Tradition Of Service Under The Sea

Submariners make up only 10 percent of the U.S. Navy’s personnel, but they play a critical role in carrying out one of the Defense Department’s most important missions: strategic deterrence. Lt. j.g.

Travis Jacklin, a native of Royal Palm Beach, is one of the sailors continuing a 123-year tradition of service under the sea to help ensure Americans’ safety.

Jacklin joined the Navy four years ago and today serves aboard USS Alaska.

“I joined the Navy because it seemed like the hardest route,” Jacklin said. “It seemed like a challenge I wanted to take on, and I got paid for it a little more than

an entry-level engineering job.”

Growing up in Royal Palm Beach, Jacklin attended Royal Palm Beach High School and graduated in 2015. “There is a good mix of people from all walks of life and different backgrounds in Royal Palm Beach,” Jacklin said. “That upbringing allowed me to empathize with people in the Navy from different backgrounds, especially because the Navy is so diverse.”

The Navy’s submarine force operates a large fleet of technically advanced vessels. These submarines are capable of conducting rapid defensive and offensive operations around the world.

“Our mission remains timeless — to provide our fellow citizens with nothing less than the very best Navy: fully combat ready at all times, focused on warfighting excellence, and committed to superior leadership at every single level,” said Admiral Mike Gilday, chief of naval operations. “This is our calling. And I cannot imagine a calling more worthy.”

Serving in the Navy means Jacklin is part of a team that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on strengthening alliances, modernizing capabilities, increasing capacities and maintaining military readiness in support of the National Defense Strategy.

“Our primary mission in the submarine community is strategic deterrence,” Jacklin said. “We keep adversaries from taking actions against our country because we have a forward presence, and they know we are out there.”

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy. Jacklin and other sailors have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.

“My proudest Navy accomplishments are servicing the boat for the first time, manning the bridge and driving the sub,” Jacklin said. As Jacklin and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.

“Serving in the Navy means I am doing something bigger than myself,” Jacklin said.

He is grateful to others for helping make his Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank my fiancé, Alex, because she has followed me around and kept the house together while I am gone,” Jacklin said. “She does everything and is a superhero.”

Travis Jacklin

The Armory Art Center’s Summer Art Camp is back this year by popular demand, giving students ages 6 to 18 the chance to enjoy fun, educational art workshops in the heart of West Palm Beach. The Summer Art Camp fosters a safe, stress-free environment with dedicated faculty and staff members who help participants hone artistic skills and think big. Most instructors have a master’s degree in art or education and all have cleared a background check. Camps run from June 5 through July 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, and include themes such as Jungle Voyage, Pop Art, Street Art and much more. Tuition starts at $295. Extended care ours are offered for an additional fee. For more information about the Armory Art Center’s camps, or to register, visit www.armoryart.org/sac.

Enjoy a summer of fun with memories for life at Camp Gan Israel, the premier Jewish camp in the western communities, serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and Westlake. Why settle for just one camp when you can have them all? Want your child to have sports? How about art? Want swimming? Camp Gan Israel has all of that and more. Children (boys and girls) from ages 4 to 12 will enjoy sports, swimming, crafts, songs, drama, outdoor fun and trips to local activities like bowling, ice skating and more. The camp runs for four weeks from June 5 until June 30 with trained staff flown in from out of state. The one-on-one individualized attention that the staff is known for is barnone. For more information, or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter.org or call Rabbi Eli directly at (561) 633-7025.

Vinceremos Summer Horsemanship Camp is an inclusionary camp for riders of all abilities, ages 8 to 16, with no horse experience necessary. Learn equestrian skills and horse care. Build confidence and independence while caring for horses and enjoying time at the farm. Instructors are PATH certified. Camp runs from June 5 through Aug. 4. Sessions are weekly from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (561) 7929900 or visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc.

(L-R) Robert and Camilla Torres; WPMS teacher Steve Gordon with Chuck Hagy; Enzo Zeledon with Victoria and Cesar Larrainza; and Gabriella, Caira and Bennet Ferry. PHOTOS BY TOM TRACY

Campers touch a young alligator.

A young camper gets to touch a snake.

Campers with a hawk.

Crestwood Middle School Team Honored At Drone Flying Convention

Students from Crestwood Middle School recently competed in the National Drones in School Competition held at the Xponential Convention on Autonomy Robotics in Denver, Colorado. The three-person team of Landon Girard, Aydin Reynoso and Bensley Metayer received the 2023 Judges’ Choice Award. The team qualified by competing in a simulated race on Velocidrone, where they placed 10th in the nation, qualifying them to compete in person.

At the competition, the team had to fly a real drone through a course as many times as possible within two minutes. The team won one of the races. They also had to compete in another event, Capture the Flag. In this event, the team had to fly over lighted sensors to gain points. The trio also placed fourth in the category of Portfolio and Display.

Their overall efforts won them the Judges’ Choice Award. The team was recognized for their perseverance and hard work, especially because they had difficulties throughout the year flying the actual drone. Reynoso and Girard, who were both pilots, only learned and practiced flying the Tiny Hawk II first person view racing drone one week prior to the competition.

Sponsor and teacher Shelly Jordan is elated with the team’s performance.

“I am super proud of the awards and recognitions that we have received,” she said. “I am even

The Crestwood Middle School drone-flying team.

more proud of the boys’ commitment, and I am happy to see them persevere and have an experience such as this one. I am also happy to be a part of something great for students. The boys are all eighth graders and will transition to high school next year. Hopefully, they will use this experience as a steppingstone and continue in this great, new, wide field that has so many opportunities.” Jordan also thanked Drones in

Schools. The organization made it possible for Crestwood to attend the convention. She also thanked Tad Douce as well, because he is responsible for starting the Drones in Schools program. The program’s aim is to get the students involved in flight. Finally, Jordan thanked Florida Power & Light (FPL) for donating a pair of Tiny Hawk II drones to the school, and all of the team’s sponsors who made the trip to Denver possible.

Two Local Students Make Honor Roll At Oregon State University

The names of students who have made the Scholastic Honor Roll Winter 2023 have been announced by Oregon State University. A total of 12,307 students earned a B-plus (3.5) or better to make the listing. To be on the

honor roll, students must carry at least 6 graded hours of course work. Students on the Honor Roll included Kevin Nguyen of Royal Palm Beach and Parker D. Sargeant of Wellington. Both are studying computer science.

Palm Beach Central Graduates Celebrate At Project Graduation

Palm Beach Central High School graduates spent graduation night at Project Graduation held at Wellington Village Park from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.

This all-night event on May 17 provided a safe, alcohol-anddrug-free environment for seniors to celebrate their graduation with their classmates.

Parents spent all year raising money, getting donations and planning the event.

“The Project Graduation Committee raised more than $25,000 for this event and received donations of food and prizes valued at more than $10,000,” Event Chair Danielle Williams said. “Parent and teacher volunteers worked all night to make sure the seniors had a great time.”

The seniors spent the night playing games, competing on inflatable obstacle courses, winning prizes, dressing up in a photo booth and eating food from more than 10 different restaurants. The night ended with a hypnotist show that mesmerized 15 seniors and entertained the rest.

“This event could not have happened without the support of the parents, school administration and staff, and the business community,” Sponsorship Chair Stacy Lane said. “The committee wants to thank the more than 150 businesses that helped with donations both of funds and goods.”

Gold Level sponsors included the FTI Great Charity Challenge, Palm Beach Central High School,

Images from Palm Beach Central High School’s Project Graduation 2023.

FYE, the Gabany family, PD

Painting and Schumacher Automotive Group.

Silver Level sponsors included Anzer Animal Hospital, Auction

Ladies, Cemex, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Integrity Dental, K’Ebrique

Photography, Noire The Nail Bar, Oil Change Services, Pyra Promotions, SNS Pavers, Southworth Fuel Solutions, Thompson Gas, the Torres family, the Village of Wellington, the Mall at Wellington

Green and the Whitworth family. With the help of the sponsors, the committee was able to give the seniors a night to celebrate their success with their classmates.

“Project Graduation is a true labor of love by the parents whose simple mission is to keep our graduates safe. We were very grateful to have wonderful parents help us in creating a safe environment for our graduates to celebrate their success,” Williams said.

Palm Beach Atlantic Celebrates Graduates At Spring Commencement

Palm Beach Atlantic University

recently celebrated more than 600 graduates at its 2023 spring commencement, which took place at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in downtown West Palm Beach. The ceremony began with music by the PBA Percussion and Brass ensemble. During commencement, President Dr. Debra A. Schwinn recognized the Class of 2023 and recent milestones at the university.

“This year’s theme was Rejoice Always, and what better time to rejoice than now as we celebrate your many years of hard work and the futures that lie ahead of you,” Schwinn said. “This past fall, we

welcomed 844 students, the largest incoming class in PBA’s history. Our students have now served over 3.8 million Workship hours. Think about the impact this has made on the community and around the world.”

University leadership also honored several unique accomplishments, including Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) graduate Sam Miltner, who now ranks as a cadet commissioning as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve; four winners of the Fulbright program, a prestigious award that gives students the opportunity to pursue lecturing and research efforts abroad; and eight outstanding graduates

who made significant achievements in academics, student life and community service while at the school.

Lilah Castle, outstanding graduate for the School of Education and Behavioral Studies, shared a few remarks.

“I’m becoming a better teacher every day because of the support and counsel of my professors,” said Castle, who completed PBA’s rigorous honors program and studied abroad at Oxford. “PBA encourages students to explore all opportunities, [and we receive] constant encouragement from professors and friends. These resources will allow us to enhance the world around us in our chosen

fields, churches, families and communities.”

After the graduates walked the stage, Schwinn gave a final word of encouragement. “Your education doesn’t end here,” she said. “We can all be lifelong learners. Regardless of what your future looks like, you have the ability to serve and honor God with it.”

Palm Beach Atlantic University, founded in 1968, is a private, Christian university, offering 55 undergraduate degrees, numerous graduate degrees, and professional degrees in nursing and pharmacy, with a 29-acre campus in West Palm Beach and an Orlando campus.

I Heart Mac And Cheese Now Open

I Heart Mac and Cheese hosted its grand opening event on Monday, June 5 at 4095 S. State Road 7 in the Marketplace at Wycliffe.

Guests started lining up as early as 7 a.m. for a chance to be the first 10 people in line to win free mac and cheese for a year.

Once the restaurant opened, they enjoyed creating their own mac and cheese bowls, such as Chicken Parm bowls, Short Rib bowls and more.

They also could choose from unique Macpanadas, delicious side items, grilled cheese and more. There is also a selection of gluten-free items and desserts. Visit www.iheartmacandcheese. com to learn more.

Winn-Dixie Donation Supports Local Cats And Dogs

Winn-Dixie donated more than $5,000 in pet food and supplies to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League on Friday, June 2 at the Westlake Winn-Dixie, located at 5060 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

During the month of May, the Westlake and Royal Palm Beach

Winn-Dixie stores partnered with the organization in honor of National Pet Month to help stock the shelter with vital resources for local animals. Winn-Dixie directly donated $5,000 in Whiskers & Tails pet supplies, and generous Westlake and Royal Palm Beach customers also donated hundreds of bags of pet food throughout the month.

Additionally, Winn-Dixie’s

parent company, Southeastern Grocers, partnered with nearly 400 animal welfare organizations throughout the Southeast to raise awareness and support during National Pet Month. For every Community Bag with a Giving Tag purchased, $1 was directed to each store’s animal welfare organization partner. More than $5,100 was raised and donated during the month of May.

Winn-Dixie is dedicated to supporting and elevating the causes that are important to its community. The Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League provides vital aid by ensuring lost animals find their way home, providing new family members through animal adoptions and by fostering responsible

pet

Grilling Safety Tips To Prevent Accidents And Injuries

There’s nothing like a backyard barbecue on a beautiful summer day, but it’s important to remember that grills can also cause serious damage and injuries if not used safely. According to the National Fire Protection Association, U.S. fire departments respond to an average of 10,600 fires involving grills each year, and nearly 20,000 people seek medical care annually because of grill-related injuries. The experts at Rocky’s Ace Hardware stress the importance of grill safety.

“We are big fans of the grilling lifestyle, but it’s only fun if it’s safe,” Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone said. “This starts with having a working fire extinguisher on hand every time you grill. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but you’ll be glad it’s

there if you do. Remember, water doesn’t work on a grease fire, so a nearby hose is not enough.”

Falcone said ongoing grill maintenance is a key safety factor. He recommends doing a thorough grill inspection at the start of the season to look for rust, cracks or damage to the fuel line and other parts. “Address any issues you find before you fire up the grill,” he said. “That may mean buying replacement parts or a whole new grill, depending on the extent of the problem.”

A deep clean at the start of the season, and then regular cleaning after every use, is also advisable.

“Not only will your food taste better on a clean grill, but you’ll head off potential hazards as well,” Falcone said. “Based on the type of grill you have, empty

ashes and unburnt coal, check for clogs on burners and in tubes and thoroughly clean the grease pan.”

When it comes to the grates, Falcone advised cleaning them before and after each use.

“There are a variety of tools designed for this, including wire brushes and scrapers,” he said. “If you opt for a wire brush, be sure to inspect the grill carefully afterward to ensure none of the wire bristles remain on the grill, as they can be very harmful if they attach to food and are swallowed.”

To prevent flare-ups, Falcone noted that best practices include trimming excess fat from meats, keeping the lid open when searing high-fat foods, leaving space on the grill to move food away from a flareup and avoiding grilling in windy areas.

In terms of grill placement, Falcone said to choose a flat, open area at least 10 feet from the home or other structures. “Never grill in your garage, even with the door open, or on a covered patio,” he said. “Also, never leave a grill unattended, and make sure children and pets stay at least 10 feet away.”

The experts at Rocky’s Ace Hardware are available to answer questions and offer advice when needed.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware, your neighborhood store for paint, hardware, lawn and garden, and grilling, has been under the same family ownership since opening its first location in Massachusetts in 1926. It is now one of the country’s largest Ace Hardware dealers and operates a location in Wellington. Learn more at www.rockys.com.

For the second time in as many months, Minto Communities USA has been recognized among the top 100 builders in the U.S. Minto ranked 45th on Builder magazine’s 2023 annual Builder 100 list — up from the 55th position in 2022. Rankings are based on each builder’s 2022 closings and revenues. In 2022, Minto had 1,762 home closings and total revenue in excess of $822 million.

This is Minto’s second top builder award this year. In March, Minto was ranked 18th among the Top 100 Private Home Builders in the U.S. by Home Builder Executive magazine based on 2022 home closings. Minto also ranked fifth for the greatest gain in closings for the same time period on that magazine’s Top 10 Private Home Builders in the U.S. list.

Minto Communities USA, headquartered in Florida since 1978, builds master-planned com-

munities and homes in Florida and South Carolina. Active communities include Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, Latitude Margaritaville Watersound near Panama City Beach, Latitude Margaritaville Hilton Head, the Isles of Collier Preserve in Naples, and Westlake in Palm Beach County.

“Minto had a record setting 2022, and we are honored by this recognition,” Minto Communities USA President Mike Belmont said. “Minto continually strives to reinforce and build upon our longstanding reputation for quality, innovation, value and customer satisfaction. We attribute our success in great part to our team of dedicated and seasoned professionals who share Minto’s commitment to excellence in all we do and to providing an outstanding customer experience.” For more information, visit www.mintousa.com.

Claudia Garrell Joins Keyes Company Office

The Keyes Company made a significant addition to its growing Hutchinson Island office, with Claudia Garrell joining the real estate brokerage as the office’s district sales manager. Garrell brings more than 25 years of industry experience to Keyes.

Before Keyes, Garrell was a broker-associate with Polo Park Realty in Wellington. In her new role, Garrell will focus on maintaining a profitable and productive office by recruiting, developing and retaining strong sales associates.

Versed in residential and commercial real estate, land development and site planning, Garrell has a diverse knowledge base to draw from when mentoring sales associates. She is a certified specialist in relocations, luxury homes and short sales.

“Claudia Garrell is a prolific Realtor and industry leader,” Keyes General Manager Barb Kozlow said. “She is an ideal choice to oversee the growth of our Hutchinson Island office and position Keyes to expand across the Treasure Coast.”

Garrell is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Actively involved in community service,

Claudia Garrell

Garrell is a top fundraiser for the Tiny Hands Foundation, mentors children at Belle Glade Elementary School and volunteers for Christ Fellowship missions to Haiti.

“It is so exciting to join a bestin-class real estate firm like Keyes, which shares my core values and emphasis on philanthropy,” Garrell said. “The firm’s technology and marketing position sales associates to maximize their potential. I plan to complement those tools with best practices cultivated over a quarter-century of real estate sales.”

Winn-Dixie donated pet supplies to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League on June 2 at the Westlake store.

A ribbon cutting was held with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and featured Mayor Anne Gerwig and Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, along with owners Robert Sukhman and Mark McLeod and their families.

Two-time Super Bowl Champion Jason Pierre-Paul was on hand for the grand opening.

We’re Off To A Swimmingly Good Start With My Husband’s Boat

My husband Mark has owned his boat for several months now. I say “his” because I refuse to participate. I see boats as a frivolous expense (exactly why he likes them), and here is what has happened so far...

1. The dock where the boat was being stored changed ownership and dock fees immediately jumped from $880 per month to $1,200 per month.

2. In order to register a boat, you need a Vehicle Identification Number, just like a car. There are 12 digits in this number. Mark’s boat has 11. He sees no problem here.

3. The mast was discovered to have been eaten away by rust at its base. Mark

Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

says he doesn’t need it anyway, despite the fact that the TV and radar are both attached to it.

4. The boat needs a window where some inattentive swabbie smashed through it with the end of his swabber.

5. There is no captain’s chair on the

bridge, just four holes where it used to be screwed into the deck before some wrathful Loch Ness-type creature gobbled it up, along with its occupant. (Or so I imagine.)

6. Said creature must have been very hungry because there is also no fly-wheel up there.

7. Six fire extinguishers need to be replaced, including one that is welded to the deck. No one knows how to remove it.

8. Three of the five marine batteries need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $330 each.

9. Mark did save a little money when he found a can of two-year-old pork-n-beans in a cabinet. So he’s up 88 cents.

10. However, he’s been fiddling with this thing since March and is the happiest I’ve ever seen him.

Here (because I wrote it down on March

12) was our initial conversation regarding this boat:

Mark: I expect to put $12,000 into it because of the labor and materials needed to install new fuel tanks, put in new fuel lines and filters, clean and re-paint the engine room, fill up the gas tanks, as well as acquire and install an autopilot system, a tender and a motor — and then I’m ready to re-splash.

Me: Hahaha.

Also, did you catch the word “resplash?” This is Mark’s brand-new habit

— talking like a pirate. He hangs around all day with his boat buddies and picks up the lingo, much like he starts “talking Southern” right about the Georgia state line. The other day, I was foolish enough to ask him if much of this work wouldn’t be better done on land.

He replied, “You mean, on the hard?”

“Yes, Ahab, ‘on the hard.’”

Of course it wouldn’t. It is much better done bobbing around with buddies and beer.

Another stupid question from me, “Are any of these guys married?”

Of course they aren’t. Maybe they were, but they aren’t now. I think I see where this is headed.

New ‘Spider-Verse’ Movie Is Great And Surpasses The Original

The first of the animated series Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse was so good, so innovative that I thought it would be one of a kind. Sequels are never as good, right? Well, this time I am happy to write that Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse actually surpasses the original. The story is more complex, more personal in many ways, and brings the film to a new level of artistry. It is stunning, using the comic-book stylization from the first film but also occasionally using multiple panels, which use close-ups and wide angles to make a point. Visually, it is stunning.

The film begins focusing on Gwen Stacy, also known as Spider-Gwen (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), who is facing issues because her father George (Shea Whigham) believes that Spider-Woman killed Peter Parker and has no idea that he is dealing with his own daughter in disguise. Miles Morales (Shameik

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Moore) has grown up and is enjoying being Spider-Man except for the problems it causes with his parents (Bryan Tyree Henry and Luna Lauren Vélez). In other words, not all that different from Gwen, who he thinks about all the time but she’s in a different universe.

Gwen escapes with the help of Jessica Drew (Issa Rae), who is another Spider-Woman, and Miguel O’Hara (Oscar Issac) aka Spider-Man 2099. She is recruited to join a group of spider folk who monitor multiverse anomalies. Back in

his dimension, Miles has his hands more or less full dealing with an Earth 1610 villain called Spot (Jason Schwartzman), who was damaged in the explosion that got Miles bitten by the radioactive spider. Spot hates Miles and wants to destroy him and the entire multiverse. Miles and Gwen chase him along with Pavitr Prabhakar (Karan Soni) aka Spider-Man India and Hobie Brown (Daniel Kaluuya) aka Spider-Punk. Eventually, he is brought to the organization’s huge headquarters with hundreds of different spider folk, many amusing, and learns that all is not as it should be. He breaks away, is chased, and is… Well, the film ends as a cliffhanger with a sequel out next year. What struck me about this film is that it really worked at being an authentic comic book derivative. It used the comic-book transitions shifting to really wild action sequences but stays true to the spirit of the books. When you’re in the world of

Spider-Man India, colors change, providing the feel of the actual country. It uses its watercolor animation to be totally innovative. At times, it is very comic book styled, others so realistic you forget that you are dealing in animation. The whole notion of Spot, now covered in “spots” that are portals to different places, at first is entertaining and eventually really strange.

I particularly liked the way the characters are developed. Miles’ parents become far more than the simplistic characters they seemed in the first film. We see and hear his connection to his Puerto Rican heritage, and there is a wonderful scene with his parents dealing with a school counselor that manages to demonstrate their love, Miles’ determination to set his own path, and a counselor who seems useless turning into a guide. Funny, but moving.

But many of the characters have their different motivations. We learn a lot about Gwen, but also O’Hara, as well as

others who, somehow, in a few instants are brilliantly defined. There is a philosophical edge as well. There is a fabric to the universe that Miguel believes must be held together, but Miles refuses to accept it. Somehow an animated film staying true to comic book origins deals with important ideas like how the death of one person can prevent the death of others. Also, the importance and value of free will.

Somehow the film, despite numerous complications, stays true to its commitment to telling the tale. Writers Christopher Miller, Dave Callaham and Phil Lord clearly understood the need to stay true to the old values, and directors Kemp Powers, Justin K. Thompson and Joaquim Dos Santos have created a classic film. Marvel films have generally not been brilliant for the last couple of years. This one is. If you have kids, bring them. If you don’t have kids with you, see it anyway. It’s worth the trip and the cost.

Deborah

NOW

• Valid Florida Driver’s License (Class E) with clean driving record (no tickets or accidents in the last 3 years).

• Experience in managing a team of 20 with different positions.

• Must be able to conduct interviews and on board new hires.

• Bi-lingual preferred, fluency in Spoken English and Spanish.

• Sales/Customer Service experience.

• Clean Criminal Record.

• Compliance with OSHA Worker’s Comp Certification.

• Ability to cultivate Supplier Relationships.

• Experience in Manufacturing and Sales of Gutter Supplies and Materials recommended, in addition to Machinery Maintenance.

• Ability and disposition to travel for work, out of state up to 2x a month.

• Training in safe procedure in inspection operation of medium voltage submersible switches insulated in oil.

• Knowledge of basic modules of Gusto-payroll software systems.

YOUR RESUME TO: employment.familygutters@gmail.com • Family Owned and Operated • 30 years of experience • Residential and Commercial • Remodeling, Renovations • Licensed and Insured #CGC1532929 SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS PLACE YOUR AD HERE. CALL THE TOWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER 561-793-7606 Salon Stations For Rent SALON SOLEIL - FACIAL ROOMS — Manicure and Hairstylist Stations FOR RENT. Also good for Barber and Braider. HAPPY PLACE! Near Walmart. Call Deloris @ 561-255-3637 Seeking Employent CNA/CAREGIVER — with over 15 Years experience, is looking to assist Seniors. Available Monday - Saturday between 9 -3. Background Check Available. Certification Available. Please call Zenice at 646-344-2782 YOUR COMMUNI1Y NEWSPAPER Since 1980 � 1��.!r��:!:JEl��!� 561- 793- 7606 www.gotowncrier.com YOUR COMMUNI1Y NEWSPAPER Since 1980 � 1��.!r��:!:JEl��!� 561- 793 7606 Legal Notice

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

Responsible for cleaning guest rooms in a timely and thorough manner. Experience and fluency in English is preferred. Must be able to work weekends and/or holidays.