Town-Crier Newspaper May 19, 2023

MEET THE VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS FROM SEMINOLE RIDGE AND ROYAL PALM BEACH HIGH SCHOOLS – SEE STORIES, PAGE 3

TOWN-CRIER

WHS CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2023

Wellington Rotary Presents Scholarships To Deserving Students

The Wellington Rotary Club presented its annual scholarships at a buffet dinner held May 11 at the Wanderers Club. Page 4

Endangered Clouded Leopard Cubs Born

At Panther Ridge

The Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee Groves has been a part of the vital species survival plan (SSP) for Sunda clouded leopards for just over five years, and its successful contributions to this unique leopard species is making a difference. The facility recently had two successful litters born to their resident leopards — a single female named Peach born on Feb. 7, and a second litter of three kittens born on April 5. Page 7

Women Of The Western Communities Meets At Wellington National

The Women of the Western Communities held its first meeting in three years on Wednesday, May 3 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The reunited group plans to gather together once a month for fun, friendship and charitable works. Page 8

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RPB Ed Board Updated On State Legislative Changes

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board’s final meeting for the current school year, held on Monday, May 8, featured a presentation by Palm Beach County School District Chief of Staff Jay Boggess and lobbyist Rita Solnet on the results of Florida’s 2023 legislative session and how it will impact Palm Beach County schools.

“The legislative session closed on Friday [May 5], so here we are 48 hours later — the ink hasn’t even dried,” Boggess said. “Anything that I say today could be changed, amended by the governor or vetoed by the governor within the budget. There are some bills that are pretty lock solid.”

One of the biggest impacts from the session is the passing of HB 1 — a universal voucher concept that goes into effect July 1. The bill pulls overall funding for students and provides them to private, charter, parochial and home schools.

“I believe this changes the education landscape moving forward. We are now, as a state, the leader in this concept of the voucher system. Arizona was the leader, and this further expands those opportunities, passing Arizona,” Boggess said. “Every Florida student is eligible for state-backed vouch-

ers that could be used for private school tuition.”

Depending on the source, the impact can range from $180 million to $400 million annually for the entire state.

“I’m here today not to paint the doom and gloom around this bill,” Boggess said. “You see that this is an A-rated system of schools with a 92.8 percent graduation rate. We have the most credentialed teachers; we have the best leadership. We have tax referendum dollars.

We have all the things that make us who we are. That’s not changing. When we say we are your best choice, we believe that. Is this going to have a financial impact? Yes, but this doesn’t mean we are going to go out and close our doors.”

Parents interested in utilizing vouchers should contact the school where they plan to have their children attend, and that facility should be able to walk them through the process, Boggess said while answering questions from board members. Vouchers for home school would be paid out quarterly and will amount to between $7,750 and $8,300 per school year.

Other school related bills included:

• HB 1259 on Charter School Capital Outlay Funding. “To put it succinctly, capital outlay is the infrastructure aspects that help pro-

vide maintenance and upgrades,” Boggess said. “Charter schools, since 1996 when they were developed, have not had access to these dollars. This legislative change now makes that available. It is a phased-in approach over the next 10 years. We are looking at a cost impact of nearly $468 million over the next 10 years. There is heavy fiscal implication that comes with this bill that will again transfer dollars that were coming to 67 school districts and now being allotted to the multiple charters that are throughout the state.”

• HB 1069 is the Expanded Parent Bill of Rights, which gained speed over the last year. It gives parents broader access to school materials and allows for objections.

• HB 733/SB 1112 will change the school start times for both middle and high school, with full implementation required by July 1, 2026. Middle schools will not be allowed to start before 8 a.m. and high school must start instruction after 8:30 a.m. This will impact the school district and require alterations to the current transportation structure.

• HJR 31, Partisan Elections for District School Board Members, was approved by the legislature but requires referendum approval.

See ED BOARD, page 14

Density Of Project Lighthouse Plan A Concern For Wellington

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

A proposal to put six stories of residential units as small as 750 square feet each beside an 1,800seat performing arts center near the Mall at Wellington Green ran into sharp questioning from the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday, May 9.

“We’re going to potentially put 480 residential units at the entrance to Wellington, and all this density,”

Councilman Michael Drahos said. “I could never support this proposal under these conditions.”

Village officials had earlier granted 90 days for Project Lighthouse, which characterizes itself as a grassroots citizens group, to refine its vision for 10 acres that the village owns at 2175 Wellington Green Drive. The property behind the Hampton Inn northwest of the mall is also known as Wellington Green Park.

Next, the council will consider on May 30 whether to open the process back up with formal letters soliciting ideas from any interested companies.

The dense residential compo-

nent followed initial pitches that focused on the arts center and office space, as more than 50 business tenants face losing offices at an aging complex beside Lake Wellington that the village owns.

The latest wrinkle, framed as a way to make the project work financially and provide more housing for area workers, met with skeptical reactions.

“When residents hear it’s 480 to 500 residential units of this size on that location, plus the office, plus the retail, plus the restaurants, plus

See LIGHTHOUSE, page 4

Private School Proposal Intrigues Wellington Council

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

It is about the last thing Wellington leaders pictured on land the village owns known as K-Park, but a private school whose origins date to 1850s London wants to build what it calls a “super-premium” K-12 school there.

North London Collegiate School envisions 1,500 to 1,700 students, mostly day students with perhaps 200 to 300 boarders, taught by up to 250 teachers, school officials told the Wellington Village Council in a presentation Tuesday, May 9. Tuition: A brisk $40,000 a year.

Without committing to the idea, council members agreed to keep the conversation going and let staff members get more information about the plan to use 35 acres south of the Mall at Wellington Green near the intersection of Stribling Way and State Road 7. That covers roughly the western half of what has represented for many years a nearly 70-acre parcel of puzzlement concerning exactly what should go there.

“I look at this as an opportunity that has kind of fallen in our lap,” Councilman Michael Drahos said. “I have definitely heard enough to see if we can continue discussions to find out if we can come to a point where it works for everyone.”

One of the major talking points going forward is likely to be how much the school would interact with and benefit the broader community, which takes pride in village grants for its public schools, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind said. There has been preliminary talk of possible summer programs or shared use of facilities that could extend beyond students formally enrolled.

“I’m really excited about it,” Siskind said. “It wasn’t something I ever pictured being on K-Park.”

In public comments, one resident spoke against “more concrete jungle” and reminded council members that village leaders have talked about using K-Park as park space or a botanical garden in the past. But Drahos said the village has not had this school proposal to consider before on the site.

North London Collegiate School was founded in 1850 in England as a school for girls in an era when females were rarely granted educational opportunities comparable to those for males. In the last decade, it has expanded globally with coeducational schools in South Korea, Dubai and Singapore. Officials tout strong placement rates with top universities and said average student scores in an International Baccalaureate program often lead their respective countries.

Getting into the schools can be a competitive business, involving exams and family interviews. About 14 percent of applicants to its London school are accepted, and 25 percent in other locations, according to the presentation.

An unspecified amount of financial aid is expected to be available at the new location, but, generally, the marketing approach makes no apologies for the premium pricing.

The school has been eying a South Florida expansion for several years, said Luis E. Garcia de Brigard, founder and managing partner of Appian Education Ventures, part of the team presenting the plan. That is due to a perceived demand in private school spots.

The region attracted an extraordinary flow of wealthy buyers for homes and offices from all over the nation and world during the pandemic, but local private-school capacity changed little. In fact, many elite schools simply filled up, and waiting lists grew, Garcia de Brigard said. That scarcity produces a market opportunity, he added.

The school is keeping open the options it has on land in the Delray Beach area, but it finds much to like at K-Park, he said, by way of an online video connection.

The K-Park site offers what might be a better fit for boardingstudent housing than Delray Beach does. “We have found it to be a fantastic location,” he said.

The school seems like a good match generally with the village, which attracts permanent or seasonal residents from all over the

See SCHOOL, page 14

CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY IN ROYAL PALM

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CACFI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 13 at Veterans Park. There was a diverse array of live entertainment from local and international artists, costumed dancers from around the globe, beautiful merchandise, art and crafts, community information and more. Shown above, are CAFCI members Tyson Elliott, Marjorie Aiken, Elet Cyris, Paul Baker, Shirley Morrison, Winsom Martin and Loretta Watson. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

A Truck Park Proposed As Answer To Big-Rig Issue

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Can a truck park solve the ongoing dispute between Palm Beach County and local truckers living in The Acreage?

Indian Trail Improvement District Vice President Betty Argue recently said that an available 30 to 40 acres of land in the GL Homes property is exactly what is needed to solve the standoff between bigrig truckers, the district and the county.

The parcel could be used to create a parking area for tractor-trailer rigs that local drivers have been bringing home, to the consternation of many of The Acreage’s residents and in violation of cur-

rent county code, she told fellow supervisors at a meeting in April.

“It makes sense,” Argue said. “The county could run it, or they could turn it over to the district. I think that’s a good solution.”

After discussion, the supervisors voted 5-0 in favor of a resolution supporting the concept, without naming a specific location.

However, not everyone is onboard with the idea, including leaders of the area’s trucker contingent. “That might be a solution for some of us, but not for all of us,” said Natalia Melian, leader of the Save Our Truckers group. “I’m in support of keeping my property rights… and keeping my truck on my property.”

County Commissioner Sara Baxter said that she does not favor the concept of a truck park.

“I want to support the truckers who’ve been there for decades,” she said. “It’s their land. They need to have a space to exist. I don’t want to take that away from them.”

Baxter said that she understands the concerns of some residents and ITID officials about the heavy trucks traveling and possibly damaging district streets to get home, but “trucks will still be traveling the roads. It’s more about the [overall] increase in traffic, and not these trucks.”

Melian has said that many truckers and their families moved to the area specifically because

they could park their rigs on their multi-acre properties.

Baxter is pushing for changes to the county’s regulations that would restore that right to truckers.

What this all really comes down to is a “bad cut-and-paste job” when the county’s code was amended in 2008 and 2019, Baxter said, adding that prior to that time, “semi-tractors” were included in the definition of “commercial vehicles” allowed to park on properties of one acre or more that are zoned agricultural residential.

A vote by the Palm Beach County Commission on those proposed changes could come up as early as June.

Although ITID Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando voted in favor of the truck lot resolution proposed by Argue, she said this week that she is concerned that such a truck lot could send a lot more traffic down Carol Street in the Santa Rosa Groves neighborhood. It also could be problematic for the Sunny Urban Meadows and Tall Pines neighborhoods, she said. “We could be creating unexpected consequences if we put a truck park out there,” she said. “We don’t know what the county is going to do. Are [the commissioners] going to allow one or two trucks on these properties? It’s way to soon to say what we ought to do about it.”

More than 575 Wellington High School seniors marched across the stage at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center on Monday, May 15 when the school held its commencement exercises to celebrate the Class of 2023. Shown above are new WHS graduates Jonathan Hamze, Anthony Fontana, Adam Ramzy and Humberto Caldera. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

Royal Palm Beach’s Class Of 2023 Is Ready For Graduation

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach High School’s Class of 2023 will graduate on Wednesday, May 24 at 1 p.m., capping an exceptional high school experience.

“The Class of 2023 is incredibly resilient,” Principal Michelle Fleming said. “They supported one another and helped to encourage growth and strength amongst each other. They challenged others, questioned the status quo and grew as unique contributors in the community, despite the drastic changes in the world around them.”

This is Fleming’s second year as the principal at RPBHS, and she’s getting ready for her second graduation ceremony, which will take place at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

The students embraced Fleming right away as their principal, she said, despite the challenges they experienced through the pandemic.

“We remember laughing in the halls and lunches together, whereas their formative years were filled with screens and worries unlike many faced at their age,” she said. “Their strength isn’t only in managing all of that, but in coming together in the years they had to create connections, define themselves and demand more from their educational experience. I am so proud of this class in their growth and achievements.”

While their memories will be different than that of previous and future classes,

they’ve had a lasting impact on the school.

“This class reinvigorated the value of face-to-face relationships and encouraged our culture to shift to the new hybrid way of life,” she said. “They have been unconditionally determined to improve our collective resilience and to see the benefit of screens, but more importantly, the beauty of a world without them.”

But now, the students prepare to walk across the stage and begin a new phase in their lives. “I want them to know that they will always be special to me, and that I hope they will truly live life ‘The Royal Way’ and practice kindness and compassion on a daily basis,” Fleming said of the Class of 2023.

And, of course, her door is always open.

“I look forward to them returning here and sharing their successes,” Fleming said.

“We always embrace our Wildcat alum and hope that the Class of 2023 has some future educators in it!”

Among two of the future RPBHS graduates are valedictorian Alexander Casal and salutatorian Sara DominguezPerez. Both will address the class at the graduation ceremony.

Casal plans on attending the University of Florida, where he will be majoring in astronomy and astrophysics.

“I want to work for an organization such as NASA, or for a private company like SpaceX, and then eventually study to attain a doctorate, so I can teach as a professor at university,” he said.

When Casal learned that he was the first in the class, he was thrilled.

“It feels amazing, great to be recognized for all the achievements I have made and the effort I have put into education,” he said. His parents, he noted, were proud and happy for him.

“I’m a student athlete who spends his free time playing soccer,” Casal said. He’s also involved in many clubs and organizations, including chess, the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta.

“It means everything to me just to be able to graduate with my friends and people who are my age,” he said. “I will forever be grateful for those who helped me along my path in high school, teachers and friends alike.”

His experience as an International Baccalaureate (IB) student prepared Casal for his future in ways he never would have imagined.

As graduation comes into view, he wants to share with students that “you can always strive past your best if the amount of effort you place in yourself is consistent.”

Dominguez-Perez will be attending the University of Central Florida, majoring in environmental engineering. In the future, she sees herself working with renewable energy systems.

When Dominguez-Perez shared with her family that she was named salutatorian, they were proud and happy for her.

“It feels very fulfilling and rewarding to be salutatorian,” she said. “It’s a reminder that my hard work over the past four years has paid off, and I am very grateful.”

Dominguez-Perez emphasized that the support of family and friends helped her throughout her high school experience.

“Being a part of the Class of 2023 means that I went through many new and scary experiences throughout my high school career, like the COVID-19 pandemic, and I am grateful to have made it out on the other side,” she said.

Wishing her classmates success and joy, Dominguez-Perez reminded students to remain humble, with open minds.

“Make sure to listen to the experiences of those around you, even if you think you know best,” she said.

For those unable to attend the graduation ceremony in person, it will be streamed live on the Education Network, channel 235 with Xfinity, channel 99 with AT&T and U-verse, and on the School District of Palm Beach County’s YouTube site at www.youtube.com/sdpbc/live.

Top Sem Ridge Students Close Circle With First-Year Principal

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

For Seminole Ridge High School

Principal Robert Hatcher, valedictorian

Juliana Ortega and salutatorian Julia Newcomb, the Thursday, May 25 graduation ceremony is the closing of a circle that began at Western Pines Middle School.

Hatcher was principal at Western Pines for 13 years, including those during which standouts Ortega and Newcomb attended. In 2022, Hatcher was tapped for the top job at Seminole Ridge — just in time to see the Western Pines duo take top honors at SRHS this year.

From Newcomb’s student perspective, Hatcher’s transition from Western Pines to Seminole Ridge “went really smoothly.”

“I had most of these kids in middle school,” Hatcher said. “So, there’s a comfort level with the parents.”

“It’s pretty cool,” said Ortega about Hatcher’s move to the high school prior to her senior year. “We’ve sort of come full circle.”

That circle will be complete for

Hatcher, Ortega, Newcomb and some 559 classmates who will cross the stage with the Class of 2023 at 8 a.m. on May 25 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center.

But the steps to get there weren’t easy for either of the school’s top students, who had to face dangerous health issues along the way.

Newcomb missed third and fourth grade at H.L. Johnson Elementary School with autoimmune juvenile arthritis, which forced her to carry a portable oxygen unit with her most of the time. She “pushed through” with the help of her family, many of whom are nurses or first responders, she said.

Now in remission, Newcomb even went on to play varsity tennis while working two part-time jobs. She said the experience caused her to gain “a different perspective on life. It made me appreciate what I had.”

Ortega, meanwhile, faced her challenge last fall with heart surgery to deal with supraventricular tachycardia — a fast, irregular heartbeat. She’ll cross the graduation stage knowing that doctors

were unable to find the root cause of the issue and that more surgery may be necessary. “You do feel it hanging over you, [but] I’m staying positive with the help of my family,” Ortega said. “I’m proud of myself for being able to accomplish what I have [scholastically] while dealing with this.”

Indeed, Ortega has accomplished much. Earlier this month, she graduated with an associate’s degree from Palm Beach State College, getting out of the way many of the needed prerequisites before heading to the University of Notre Dame on a QuestBridge Scholarship.

Ortega had her choice of Duke, Vanderbilt and several Ivy League schools, but when she visited Notre Dame’s South Bend, Indiana, campus, she knew that was the place for her.

“The people were so nice, and the campus was so beautiful,” she said. “I’m really happy with the choice. It’s a better fit for me.”

Planning to major in biology, Ortega said she hopes to become a pediatric surgeon.

Newcomb will be staying closer to home, attending the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She plans to major in environmental engineering.

Ortega finished with a 5.25 cumula-

tive weighted grade point average, while Newcomb had a 5.23. “They’re two peas in pod,” Hatcher said. “They’re the kind of students every principal wants to have.”

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Valedictorian Alexander Casal Salutatorian Sara Dominguez-Perez

Valedictorian Juliana Ortega

Salutatorian Julia Newcomb

ITID Supervisors Saddle Up For Another Equestrian Trails Discussion

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Plans for a new equestrian committee were scheduled to be trotted out and reviewed again at the Wednesday, May 17 meeting of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

The draft mission statement for what is tentatively being called the “Equestrian Trails & Infrastructure Advisory Committee” reads: “To preserve a system of equestrian trails; trail heads; signage and in-park trail systems that will provide a safe, enjoyable environment for the horse and the rider, while also providing educational opportunities and disseminating informational materials to help aid in this effort.”

According to the agenda, the committee’s objectives include: identifying and clearly distinguish-

ing an equestrian trail system that will connect parks, impoundments and state or county preserves; recommending signage, distance markers and other notable amenities, such as watering areas and trail anchor points; creating volunteer cleanups and a maintenance schedule of the district’s trail system; attracting sponsors to pay for signs and other amenities along horse trails; and working with the district’s equestrian specialist and others to plan, coordinate and implement trail rides.

ITID Supervisor Keith Jordano said he supports the idea of a committee to promote equestrians within the district but said it needs to be streamlined, and its focus needs to be broader than trail riding.

“It’s too big,” he said of the proposed 12-person commit -

tee, which is slated to have five members, five alternates and two at-large members with equine experience drawn from area communities such as Wellington and Loxahatchee Groves. He suggested a seven-member committee with five regular members and two alternates.

“I’ve talked to several people with horses about being on the committee, but they say they don’t do trails,” Jordano said. “That makes me wonder how many people are really going to use these trails.”

Trail riding is just one of several popular equestrian disciplines, he said.

“We have barrel racing out here, hunter-jumpers, dressage. We don’t have polo, but there may be people here with polo ponies,” Jordano said. “I think we need to

Foundation, Village Team Up To Keep Wellington Students Safe

The Village of Wellington, in collaboration with the Wellington Community Foundation’s Board of Directors, showcased its ongoing programs and proposed future projects during the “Building A Stronger Foundation” meeting held Monday, May 1. Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes and his staff delivered an informative presentation to the board, highlighting their current collaborative efforts and introducing potential initiatives for consideration in 2024. One of the primary requests made by the village was funding for sponsorships of the annual outof-school camps. This funding is intended to support four distinct

camps (Spring, Summer, Thanksgiving and Winter) that cater to the community’s children. Recognizing the importance of providing opportunities for children whose families may not have the financial means to afford out-of-school care, the Village of Wellington has taken proactive measures to ensure their well-being.

Community Services Director Paulette Edwards emphasized the village’s commitment to nurturing its youth. “The Village of Wellington understands that it truly does take a village to raise our kids,” she said.

By offering all-inclusive camps, the village aims to create a safe and enriching environment for

children who would otherwise be at home alone or under the care of older siblings. Each out-of-school camp is designed to accommodate 25 students, fostering a sense of community and promoting positive social interactions.

The funding request for the outof-school camps is just one of the seven initiatives approved by the WCF board for the 2023 calendar year. The village staff, in close collaboration with the foundation board, is dedicated to improving the lives of Wellington’s seniors, children and veterans in need.

To learn more about the foundation and its initiatives, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.

look at the bigger picture, at what we can do that will best benefit the overall equestrian community.”

Part of that would include improvements to ITID’s Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park and more events there, Jordano said. He reiterated, however, that first and foremost, supervisors have to be good stewards of ITID’s limited tax dollars, noting that to develop a safe, off-road trail system such as Wellington’s would cost millions.

The district’s tax dollars have to be divided in proportion to what the residents want, he said. “They want to make sure the money is used for infrastructure and drainage, and to improve our parks,” he said.

ITID Vice President Betty Argue, who proposed the committee, could not be reached for comment.

In other business:

• The supervisors were scheduled to hear Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando present a quarterly treasurer report created by the Finance Department. The report will highlight the status of revenue and expenditure along with other information.

“It has never been done like this before,” said Accomando, who is the board’s treasurer. “On social media, I often see people saying the district doesn’t do anything… This report is going to show exactly what we’re doing.”

The board was also set to hear a presentation by Grau & Associates on the district’s annual audit for fiscal year 2022.

• Facilities, Parks & Recreation Department Director Kenny Lawrence was slated to give a report about staffing needs for

the 2024 fiscal year ahead of the board’s first budget workshop on Wednesday, May 24. Lawrence has previously said that he does not have enough staff to adequately maintain and oversee Acreage Community Park, much less ITID’s other eight parks.

• The supervisors were also set to hear from local resident Shivan Rampersad, who wants to create a youth travel baseball team under his Blue Child Foundation Inc., with a potential affiliation with the Miami Marlins. The basic premise would allow the group to use Citrus Grove Park as its main baseball facility with a set schedule of usage. In return, the group would pay for upgrades to the park, such as lighting, a batting cage, a scoreboard, bleachers and a portion of the monthly utility costs.

WELLINGTON ROTARY PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO DESERVING STUDENTS

The Wellington Rotary Club presented its annual scholarships at a buffet dinner held Thursday, May 11 at the Wanderers Club. Awarded scholarships this year were current college students Rachel Benbasat, Sydney Hayden, Sydney Showalter and Margaret Kotch, as well as new Wellington High School graduates Erin Benitez and Hailey Guzik. Also honored at the meeting were Students of the Quarter Jacob Guzik and Andrea Bustillo.

Lighthouse Arts Center Is A Plus, Density A

Concern

continued from page 1 the performing arts center, plus the parking garage… I’m not sure how that’s going to fly,” Councilman John McGovern said.

Project Lighthouse’s revised plan called for 40,000 square feet each of retail and office space in four-story buildings, along with six stories of residential units over one level of parking, sculpture gardens and the performing arts center.

The residential portion, 30 percent of which would be designated as workforce housing, “anchors the entire facility and helps fulfill the promise that this project will not fall on to the backs of Wellington taxpayers,” said Steven

Traynor, a Wellington resident who leads the Project Lighthouse group.

Traynor introduced representatives of South Florida-based companies interested in helping to make the project happen: developer Blue Road, capital development firm BGI Companies, and architecture and planning company Song + Associates.

Blue Road is prepared to invest more than $100 million, Traynor said, and the project does not ask the village to underwrite bonds or do anything except what he called “a land grant.”

The residential, retail and office parts of the project could provide stabilizing income “if there happens to be any potential losses from the performing arts center,” he said. “There’s cash flow that can easily compensate for that. The idea that a few years down the road this project is going to fail is extremely low.”

Jorge Savloff, CEO of Blue

Road, addressed questions about the size of the residential units. He said they would range from 750 to 1,200 square feet.

At one point, as many as 900 residential units came up in discussion, but developers scaled it back to a point where they think the plan still makes financial sense, he said.

“That’s the point where it becomes viable for this project to be financially sustainable,” Savloff said.

Drahos asked if anyone is planning for the impact of traffic from so many people and facilities at the site. Traffic studies would need to be done, Savloff said.

In answer to another question, Traynor said the project has been in touch with experts at running arts centers but does not have a contract in place at this stage.

“One of the things you said in your presentation is there would be no need to dispose of Wellington-owned lands,” Drahos said. “Well, of course, that’s what would

be happening. You’re asking us to donate the land to you, basically, in a 99-year lease. So, we are disposing of Wellington lands if we were to approve this.”

Yes, but it would come with certain conditions, and land ownership is retained by the village, Traynor said.

Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone asked about the arts center, which would not be much smaller than competing venues in the region. He said the 2,200-seat Kravis Center in West Palm Beach operates with a budget in the tens of millions of dollars and at a deficit that is covered only through the aid of sponsors and donations. He questioned how for-profit operations in retail, office and residential spaces could meaningfully guarantee they would cover arts expenses.

“Where is the money coming from to operate a performing arts center?” Napoleone asked. “I’m not hearing that yet.”

Since the village would be giv-

ing a land grant, developers would incorporate some arts costs into their overall operating budgets, developer representatives said. More specific details would need to be worked out.

Wellington officials expressed a desire to hear more concrete particulars.

“I would be concerned how the revenues would be used to make sure the village is not holding the bag for the performing arts center, because I think everyone realizes it is going to be running at a loss,” said Village Attorney Laurie Cohen, who reviewed the proposal.

There could even be complica-

tions related to loans to build the project, if the land is used as collateral but the village technically owns it, she said.

Several council members said they did not understand why the village could not proceed with soliciting other competitive offers as Project Lighthouse hones its own proposal or submits a new one under a reopened call for ideas. If anything, the local group had a 90-day head start, McGovern said.

Traynor said it “takes the air out of the room” for a local organization that has tried to build support for the plan.

For The Record

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Scholarship Committee members Tiffany Rodriguez, Peggy and Mark Candreva, Maria Cruz, Scott Armand, Jay Broder, Andrew Burr and George Kinoshita.

Babette Guzik, Student of the Quarter Jacob Guzik, scholarship winner Hailey Guzik and Greg Guzik.

Walter Imperatore, George Kinoshita and Matt Willhite.

Margaret Kotch, Sydney Hayden, Sydney Showalter, Rachel Benbasat, Erin Benitez, Hailey Guzik and Wellington High School Interact sponsor Hernan Avila.

Students of the Quarter Jacob Guzik and Andrea Bustillo with Andrew Burr.

Andrew Burr, Hailey Guzik, Tiffany Rodriguez, Erin Benitez and WHS Interact sponsor Hernan Avila.

Andrew Burr, Jacob Guzik, President Tiffany Rodriguez, Andrea Bustillo and WHS Interact sponsor Hernan Avila.

Andrew Burr, Rachel Benbasat, Sydney Hayden, President Tiffany Rodriguez, Sydney Showalter, Margaret Kotch and WHS Interact sponsor Hernan Avila.

(Front row) Wellington Community Services Director Paulette Edwards receives a check from WCF Chair Barry Manning; (back row) WCF Board Member Dr. Gordon Johnson, WCF Secretary Terri Kane, Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega, WCF Vice Chair Jim Sackett, Village Manager Jim Barnes, and WCF board members Don Gross, Maggie Zeller and Bob Margolis.

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL HONORS CLASS OF 2023 AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

More than 575 Wellington High School seniors marched across the stage at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center on Monday, May 15 when the school held its commencement exercises to celebrate the Class of 2023. Aside from awarding the hard-earned diplomas, the ceremony included addresses from Superintendent Michael Burke, Principal Cara Hayden, Valedictorian Michelle Wong, Salutatorian Victoria Loredan, SGA President Hailey Guzik and Class President McKenna Wickers, along with performances by the school’s band and chorus. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

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Graduate Mia Serkin celebrates with her family and friends.

Graduates Valen Adams and Chase Lipari with friends and family.

Class President McKenna Wickers with a message of inspiration.

Principal Cara Hayden addresses the graduates.

Christopher Napoleone with his father, Wellington Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone.

Twins Mackenzie and Taylor with Alyssa Lewis (center).

Seniors turn their tassels to signify their graduation.

Valedictorian Michelle Wong gives her address. SGA President Hailey Guzik at the podium.

Superintendent Michael Burke marches onstage, followed by Valedictorian Michelle Wong and Salutatorian Victoria Loredan.

Wellington Councilman John McGovern, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Principal Cara Hayden and Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone.

VIPs gather on stage at the start of the ceremony.

Director Mary Oser conducts the WHS band.

Graduate Erin Benitez with her family.

Graduate Jacquelyn Marshall with Arion Vidal, Anesia Jackson and Elizabeth Ross Honeycutt.

Graduate Anden Toale with family members Brody, Rayne, Kevin, Keith and Sandy Toale, and Gene Wells.

Tim, Brenna and Jessica Baig.

Daisy Colon celebrates with her family.

Dr. Humberto Caldera, graduate Humberto Caldera, and Alejandra and Alexandra Caldera.

NEUROSCIENCES

What is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that affects the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). It is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune cells to mistakenly attack your healthy nerve cells. These attacks lead to inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath that covers and protects your nerve cells. This damage causes neurological symptoms — such as loss of balance, vision problems and muscle weakness. Several effective treatments exist for MS. These medications reduce relapses and help slow the progression of the disease. Most people with MS are able to manage their symptoms and lead full, active lives. There are four types of multiple sclerosis:

• Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS): When someone has a first episode of MS symptoms, healthcare providers often categorize it as CIS. Not everyone who has CIS goes on to develop multiple sclerosis.

• Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS): This is the most common form of multiple sclerosis. People with RRMS have flare-ups — also called relapse or exacerbation — of new or worsening symptoms. Periods of remission follow (when symptoms stabilize or go away).

• Primary progressive MS (PPMS): People diagnosed with PPMS have symptoms that slowly and gradually worsen without any periods of relapse or remission.

• Secondary progressive MS (SPMS): In many cases, people originally diagnosed with RRMS eventually progress to SPMS. With secondaryprogressive multiple sclerosis, you continue to accumulate nerve damage. Your symptoms progressively worsen. While you may still experience some relapses or flares (when symptoms increase), you no longer have periods of remission afterward (when symptoms stabilize or go away).

How common is multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Nearly 1 million adults in the U.S. are living with multiple sclerosis. MS commonly affects more women than men. Most people with MS receive a diagnosis between the ages of 20 and 40.

What are the symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Vision problems, such as optic neuritis (blurriness and pain in one eye), are often one of the first signs of multiple sclerosis. Other common symptoms include:

• Changes in gait

• Fatigue

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Muscle spasms

• Muscle weakness

• Tingling or numbness, especially in your legs or arms

TALK WITH AN EXPERT

How is multiple sclerosis (MS) managed or treated?

Treatment focuses on managing symptoms, reducing relapses (periods when symptoms worsen) and slowing the disease’s progression. Your comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs): Several medications have FDA approval for long-term MS treatment. These drugs help reduce relapses (also called flare-ups or attacks). They slow down the disease’s progression. And they can prevent new lesions from forming on the brain and spinal cord.

• Relapse management medications: If you have a severe attack, your neurologist may recommend a high dose of corticosteroids. The medication can quickly reduce inflammation. They slow damage to the myelin sheath surrounding your nerve cells.

• Physical rehabilitation: Multiple sclerosis can affect your physical function. Staying physically fit and strong will help you maintain your mobility.

• Mental health counseling: Coping with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging. And MS can sometimes affect your mood and memory. Working with a neuropsychologist or getting other emotional support is an essential part of managing the disease.

What is the outlook for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)?

Thanks to advances in treatment, most people with MS will continue to lead full, active and productive lives. Taking steps to manage your health and lifestyle can help improve your long-term outcome.

From movement disorders and specialized spine care to brain tumor surgery, Cleveland Clinic in Florida provides comprehensive care for every neurological condition. Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Neuro to learn more.

Innovative care for every neurological condition.

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Call 877.463.2010 to schedule an appointment. ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Neuro

Endangered Clouded Leopard Cubs Born At Panther Ridge

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

clouded leopards for just over five years, and its successful contributions to this unique leopard species is making a difference. The facility recently had two successful litters born to their resident leopards — a

single female named Peach born on Feb. 7, and a second litter of three kittens born on April 5.

“Peach will live the rest of her life with us. We’re currently in the process of finding a genetically

unrelated male for her,” Panther Ridge Head Keeper Sadie Ryan said. “We might be keeping one of the females from the younger litter as well to make a trio. Once genetic matches have been made for the little ones, they will transfer to their new zoos, with all their shots once fully weaned.”

Panther Ridge now proudly houses 10 different species of exotic cats and 26 individual, non-releasable animals. But raising cubs is no easy task, and often captive mammals don’t know the first thing about caring for their young. “We would prefer for their mothers to nurse and care for them, but when that can’t be the case, we will step in for the cubs’ safety,” Ryan explained. “When they are first born, the feedings are every three hours, which makes for many sleepless nights for me! They get a special milk formulated for their specific species, which has the appropriate fat and protein levels in it, and, of course, they get checked out by our vet right away to ensure they are in perfect health.”

These new babies are vitally important to the survival of the

species in the wild, too, allowing for scientific research and conservation education efforts to continue. This is why the Panther Ridge staff members are so careful with all their cats, but particularly the newborns.

“Without mom’s colostrum, the cubs have weakened immune systems. Therefore, we keep them in a bubble for their first month,” Ryan said. “A bubble essentially meaning completely sanitary conditions and only handling with gloves. This helps prevent any kind of viruses or illnesses they could develop.”

The more than 450 SSPs in place around the world make sure that specific captive endangered species are closely monitored genetically to keep the population healthy. Projects like this have not only protected a species’ overall survival, but even resulted in the return of numbers in wild populations, such as with the California condor.

According to a recent study conducted by Brigham Young University and the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, “the Sunda clouded leopard and

the Mainland clouded leopard are on the endangered species list, with global populations of roughly 5,000 each. Like so many other apex predators, global populations of clouded leopards are declining due to habitat destruction, poachers and other threats.”

These solitary big cats are so rare that very few people have seen them in person, and very few facilities around the world even house “cloudies,” so having them here locally at Panther Ridge is a wonderful and unique opportunity for locals and tourists alike. According to the December 2020 census of federally regulated big cat populations in the United States, there were only 124 clouded leopards in captivity.

Panther Ridge, located at 2143 D Road, is open to the public with daily guided tours by appointment. Special programs, such as cheetah walks or big cat and small cat experiences, are also available. In October, Panther Ridge will bring back its Twilight Hours program, where guests can see the cats at night when the weather cools. For more information, visit www. pantherridge.org.

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP PRESENTATION MEETING

Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony In Wellington

Wellington and American Legion Post 390 will host a Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony on Monday, May 29. Veterans are invited to walk in the Memorial Day Parade beginning at 8:15 a.m. at Wellington Village Hall, located at 12300 Forest Hill Blvd. The parade ends at the Wellington Veterans Memorial, located on the corner of Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards, and will be followed at 8:30 a.m. by the Memorial Day Ceremony.

If you are an active or retired veteran attending the ceremony, you will have an opportunity to register at the Wellington tent, on the morning of the event, to be recognized during the ceremony. To become a part of this event or to walk in the parade, contact Assistant Community Events Director Michelle Garvey at (561) 791-4082. For more information about American Legion Post 390, e-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com.

Paper Shredding Event May 20 At OLQA Church

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Council of Catholic Women will host a shredding event on Saturday, May 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the church parking lot.

This is an opportunity to safely dispose of and destroy those sensitive files that you cleaned out during the pandemic and after preparing your income tax returns while preventing identity theft. Bring all paper containing sensitive information. Don’t waste time pulling staples or removing paper clips and binder clips from documents. They are easily shredded by the state-of-the-art shredding truck provided by Total Shredding LLC. A $5 per box donation (cash or

check) is requested. You can watch as your documents are shredded. Adhering to COVID-19 protocols, this is a drive-through event. Remain in your car and wearing a mask if desired, and event organizers will unload boxes for you.

Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Catholic Church is located at 100 Crestwood Blvd. South in Royal Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 758-1711.

Kids To Parks Day May 20

Lace-up your sneakers, head outside and join the Village of Wellington for a free day of family fun and outdoor activities celebrating the 13th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May.

Wellington invites the community to a free Kids to Parks Day event on Saturday, May 20 from 9 a.m. to noon at Greenview Shores Park (2163 Greenview Shores Blvd.). Enjoy music and dancing throughout the event with Digital Vibez Inc. There will also be character entertainment from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., a magic show at 11 a.m., face painting, inflatables, inflatable lumberjack axe throwing, an inflatable soccer darts target game, lawn games, laser tag, a rock wall, sports activities, vendors and more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to get to know local first responders from Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and explore vehicles from their fleet. Learn more at www.wellingtonfl. gov/kidstoparksday.

NEWS BRIEFS

11 expand their philanthropic programs through mentoring and training, giving them the skills and support they need to make a lasting impact in their communities.

Each chosen finalist also has the opportunity to receive up to $15,000 in funding for their program. Philanthropist investors and mentors work with the students one-to-one throughout the year to fuel the students’ desire, help them execute their initiatives and increase their ability to make meaningful change throughout Palm Beach County. Mentors include a diverse array of local business and philanthropic leaders.

“Philanthropy Tank has allowed me to see what it’s like to head an organization and make a great impact in my community!” said Mallory Thomas, founder of Gnome and a 2022 Philanthropy Tank award recipient. “Gnome has added seven gardens across Palm Beach County and gotten more than 100 students involved in gardening.”

All interested students are invited to submit their application by Oct. 29. All students must live or attend school in Palm Beach County and projects must directly address a social issue within Palm Beach County. Apply at www. philanthropytank.org/apply.

The program awarded a total of $47,000 to five local teen group finalists at this year’s finals event in March. The nine award recipients will now spend the next few months getting their programs up and running, or expanding what they already have in place.

RPB Library Adding Hours

The Palm Beach County Library System is now offering extended hours at its Royal Palm Beach branch to better serve the community.

The Royal Palm Beach branch is now open on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Royal Palm Beach branch

is located at 500 Civic Center Way. For more info., call (561) 7906030 or visit www.pbclibrary.org.

Memorial Day Ceremony At S.F. National Cemetery

The South Florida National Cemetery and the Palm Beach County Veterans Committee will hold their 2023 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony on Monday, May 29 at 10 a.m. at the cemetery, located at 6501 S. State Road 7 in suburban Lake Worth.

Parking will be in the Target parking lot north of the cemetery at 5900 SR 7, starting at 8 a.m. There is no parking along SR 7 or inside the cemetery except by special pass.

Buses from the Veterans Administration will transport guests to the cemetery and return them to their vehicles following the ceremony. Guests should arrive prior to 9:30 a.m.

The South Florida National Cemetery will host a solemn Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by speeches, a moment of silence and the playing of “Taps.” Keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Jeffrey A. Garten, served for 34 years in multiple posts and 30 years as a sergeant with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. He is currently serving as the Patriot Guard Riders-FL assistant state captain for District 6. The ceremony will also include music by Larry Oberman and flyovers by various aircraft.

The ceremony is organized by the Palm Beach County Veterans Committee and supported by the Palm Beach and Miami VA Medical and Health Care Centers.

Library System Offers Financial Planning Tool

Do you want to check the financial stability of your bank?

Do you want information to help pick the best life insurance or property insurance company?

Are you searching for a good deal on your Medigap insurance? Are you wondering which mutual fund may give you the best return?

Answers to these questions and more can be found using the Palm Beach County Library System’s latest online research tool, Weiss Ratings.

Weiss Ratings provides the independent ratings and financial planning tools you need to make informed decisions.

Weiss Ratings is designed to direct you toward safe banking and insurance options, as well as strong investments. This service helps users prevent unnecessary risk that could lead to financial losses.

Additionally, the library system has a dedicated business librarian available to assist with questions and research related to finance, business and job searches. To gain access to this tool, inquire at any Palm Beach County Library System branch or visit www.pbclibrary.org.

Artificial Intelligence Expert To Speak At NRI Graduation Ceremony

M. Daniel Splain, chairman of the NRI Institute of Health Sciences, recently announced that the school will hold its 10th commencement exercises on Thursday, June 8 at 5 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Thirty nursing and diagnostic medical sonography graduates will receive their degrees during the graduation ceremony.

Dante Mitchell Tolbert, founder and CEO of Florence Technologies, will be the commencement speaker. Florence Technologies is an innovative edtech company that aims to combat the current nursing shortage through solutions driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

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 the Price School of Public Policy.

His deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, coupled with his commitment to education, led Tolbert to establish Florence Technologies. The company’s flagship project, Mahoney

RN, the company’s Intelligent Tutoring System, harnesses AI to customize and optimize the educational journey of each nursing student, helping them succeed in their journey to become registered nurses.

The NRI Institute of Health Sciences has graduated almost 400 nurses and several hundred diagnostic medical sonographers in its 10-year history. Experts estimate that there is currently a shortage of more than 1,000,000 nurses in the United States.

The Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee Groves has been a part of the vital species survival plan (SSP) for Sunda

Dante Mitchell Tolbert

The Wellington Art Society presented art scholarships to deserving young artists on Wednesday, May 10. The students receiving scholarships this year are Isabella Mayman of the Fusion Academy, Stella Martinelli of the G-Star School of the Arts and Jakira Julbe of Royal Palm Beach High School. Mayman and Martinelli attended the meeting and got a chance to display their artwork and share their process and future plans.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Carolina King and Erica Kyle won raffle prizes.

Laura Jaffe, Stella Martinelli and Barry Stefan.

Leslie Pfeiffer made a bird feeder from a cup, a plate and a chain.

Massimo Gomez, age 7, is the group’s youngest member ever.

Stella Martinelli with her “Biodiversity” digital painting.

Isabella Mayman with her “Little Red” ink and watercolor.

Scholarship Chair Barry Stefan, Isabella Mayman, mother Anna Mayman and Wellington Art Society President Laura Jaffe.

Scholarship Chair Barry Stefan, Stella Martinelli, Isabella Mayman, and art judges Rose Gong Monier, Ayesha DeLorenzo, Kim DiGiacomo and Marcia Greene.

Clouded leopard cub Peach, born in February, will be a permanent resident at Panther Ridge.

WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES MEETS AT WELLINGTON

The Women of the Western Communities held its first meeting in three years on Wednesday, May 3 at the Wellington National Golf Club. The reunited group plans to gather together once a month for fun, friendship and charitable works. For more information, contact Mair Armand at mair.armand1@gmail.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Garden Club Installs New Officers And Presents Awards

The Wellington Garden Club installed new officers at its spring luncheon held at Wellington National Golf Club on Monday, May 1.

The officers were installed by former FFGC District X Director Emilie Palmieri of the Boca Raton Garden Club. The new officers are:

President Carol Ralph, First Vice President Petra Russell, Second Vice President Kristi Westrup, Treasurer Danese Sloan-Kendall, Assistant Treasurer Marianne Forrest, Recording Secretary Cynthia Gardner and Corresponding Secretary Jan Seagrave.

Also at the luncheon, awards from the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs (FFGC) were announced by Awards Chair Twig Morris. They included awards for the club’s newsletter, the Allaman-

da News, the 2022-23 yearbook, the community gardens at Wellington’s Boys & Girls Club, the 2022 Garden Tour and a certificate for 751 trees planted. The following individual awards were also

announced: Leadership Award to Maria Wolfe, Digital Photography to Paige Griffin, Flower Show Bromeliad Award to Christine Biscoglio and Flower Show Educational Award to Twig Morris.

In addition, FFGC Earth Steward Chair Kathy Siena presented the Earth Steward Recognition Certificate and pin to John Siena for his many years of work with the Boys & Girls Club Community

Garden. Also on the agenda, John Siena presented college scholarships to area students who are pursuing careers in horticulture, botany, environmental science and related fields. This year’s

scholarship winners are Samantha Anthony, Sabrina Jacques, Shovik Saha, Logan Shishkowsky and Peter Sumell. Learn more about the club at www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

Russell and Carol Ralph.

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PRESS RELEASE

The Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board Scholarship Committee has announced its selection of the ten residents graduating seniors to receive the 2022-2023 Village of Royal Palm Beach college scholarships:

Sarah Ahmed (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Sanjana Balkaran (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Chloe Carpenter (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Samuel Dorcelus-Cetoute (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Daphna Edouard (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Adonte Jakusik (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Robert Lebrun (Seminole Ridge Community High School)

Sophia Madden (Royal Palm Beach Community High School)

Kaiya Stegall (Berean Christian School)

John Siena holds his Earth Steward certificate, along with President Carol Ralph, Earth Steward Chair Kathy Siena and former President Maria Wolfe.

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Lois Spatz, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Paula Castro, Faye Ford, Kerrilynn Collins, Christine Vocaturo and Carolina King.

Lillian Floyd and Mary Kastner.

Erica Kyle, Cheryl Dunn-Bychek and Faye Ford.

Denise O’Sullivan, Linda Roxborough and Teresa Harrington. Allyson Samiljan, Peggy McClelland and Mimi Barnhart.

Lynda Chicano, Mair Armand and Donna Kuebler at the check-in desk.

Eileen Wiesen, Maria Cruz, Marilyn Berns and Joan Imperatore.

Cindy Ekonomou, Jaime Castellanos, Amy Panzer and Lenyce Boyd.

Officers Kristi Westrup, Marianne Forrest, Danese Sloan-Kendall, Carol Coleman (representing Cynthia Gardner), Jan Seagrave, Petra

FFGC awards displayed by Paige Griffin (Photography), Christine Biscoglio (Bromeliad), Twig Morris (Educational), Tina Richter (Newsletter), Maria Wolfe (Leadership), Carol Ralph (Yearbook), John Siena (Community Garden), Carol Coleman (Garden Tour) and Kathy Siena (Tree Certificate).

THE ANDREW BURR GROUP HOSTS OPEN HOUSE EVENT AT KEYES COMPANY

FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw Announces Re-Election Bid

Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric

Bradshaw recently announced his decision to run for re-election. With more than 50 years of experience in law enforcement, Bradshaw is the longest-serving sheriff in Palm Beach County history, having already served five terms.

Bradshaw began his career in law enforcement as a member of the West Palm Beach Police Department, where he rose through the ranks before being appointed chief of police. Bradshaw is the 16th sheriff to serve as the county’s chief law enforcement officer since the agency’s inception in 1909.

“I’ve dedicated my life to serve and protect the citizens of Palm Beach County. As sheriff, I have ensured Palm Beach County has one of the nation’s premier law enforcement agencies,” Bradshaw

said. “We have taken down the gangs, busted up the pill mills, hunted down cyber predators and locked up human traffickers. From community policing to the front lines of homeland security, Palm Beach County is safer today than ever before. I am running for re-election to finish the job and keep your safety priority No. 1.”

As sheriff, Bradshaw said that he has prioritized going after violent criminals and gangs, has allocated additional funding for mental health support, and invested millions in new technology, including body cameras. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is the county’s largest provider of mental health services, he noted. In addition, the PBSO has invested more than $13 million in confiscated funds back into

community programs that support children, seniors and underserved communities.

The PBSO comprises six departments, 4,300 employees and roughly 1,500 volunteers. As a leader, Bradshaw said that he has extensive knowledge and training in all aspects of law enforcement. Bradshaw has held several positions, including chair of the Florida Sheriffs Emergency Task Force for Region 7, a member of the executive board of the FBI’s Joint Terrorist Task Force and chair of the Regional Domestic Security Task Force for Region 7. He is also a member of the Palm Beach County Chiefs of Police, Law Enforcement Planning Council, Police Executive Research Forum, Florida Sheriffs Association and has been designated Who’s Who

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one (1) alternate member on the Planning and Zoning Commission with the term expiring in March of 2025. The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, visit the Village’s website at www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov and go to Commission/Board Application to submit. Applications must be received no later than June 7, 2023 for Council consideration at its June 15th meeting.

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

in Academic Excellence in America. Additionally, he served in the United States Marine Corps.

Bradshaw also holds a bachelor’s of science degree with honors in human resources management, a master’s degree in administration with honors specializing in emergency management, and he graduated from the Administrative Officers Course at the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.

Bradshaw said that his leadership style has been praised for its effectiveness, with his excellent interpersonal and communication skills being noted as key strengths. He added that his priority has always been to keep citizens safe, and he has consistently demonstrated this commitment throughout his career.

As he seeks re-election, Bradshaw said that he looks forward to continuing his service to the community and maintaining the high standards of the PBSO.

The filing deadline for the 2024 sheriff’s race is still more than a year away. According to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office, as of this week,

Bradshaw is one of four candidates who have filed to run. Bradshaw and Alex Freeman have filed to run as Democrats. Freeman lost the 2020 primary election to Bradshaw. Former PBSO Chief Deputy Michael Gauger and Lauro Diaz have filed to run as Republicans. Diaz lost to Bradshaw in the 2020 general election.

Vacation Bible School At Christ Community Church

Christ Community Church in Wellington will be hosting its Vacation Bible School from June 12 to June 16 from 9 a.m. to noon daily. This Vacation Bible School is open to children from kindergarten through fifth grade and will

Our goal at Shults Orthodontics is to help our patients achieve more attractive and healthier smiles with minimal discomfort and inconvenience. We are committed to serving you and your children efficiently in our comfortable family-centered practice in Wellington, Florida

focus on “Jesus, the Light of the World.”

The cost of the program is $15 per child (maximum $40 per family) for the week. To register, visit www.cccpalmbeach.com, or call the church office at (561) 7931007 for questions.

The Andrew Burr Group recently joined the Keyes Company Wellington office and hosted an open house event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments on Thursday, May 4. Team leader Andrew Burr spoke to the attendees, as did Keyes Company CEO Mike Pappas. The Keyes Company is located at 13920 Wellington Trace, Suite 200. For more information, contact Broker Associate Andrew Burr at (561) 324-8914. PHOTOS BY DENISE

Team Leader Andrew Burr with Keyes Company CEO Mike Pappas.

The Andrew Burr Group is welcomed to the Keyes Company.

Attendees gather for a group photo.

Andrew Burr with a cake celebrating his new home. Mickey Smith, Andrew Burr and Barry Manning.

Central Palm Beach County Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford, Team Leader Andrew Burr and Hispanic Chamber CEO Maria Antuña. Keyes Company District Sales Manager Jennifer Schillace with Andrew Burr Group Realtor Maria Cruz.

Dr. Randy Shults DDS, MA, PhD

PBSC Breaks Ground On New Dental Building At Lox Groves Campus

Palm Beach State College held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday, May 16 for its new, high-tech $50 million Dental & Medical Services Technology Building on its Loxahatchee Groves campus.

Construction is set to begin next month on the four-story, 83,500-square-foot building, which will be part of the Frank DiMino Center for Medical Innovation and include a fully equipped dental clinic, a surgical technology suite, and science labs that incorporate cutting-edge equipment and technology for students pursuing careers as dental hygienists, dental assistants, surgical technologists and other healthcare occupations.

The event — held during the college’s 90th anniversary year — was attended by more than 150 guests, including representatives from the college, Palm Beach

School North London Proposal

continued from page 1 world through equestrian events and other ties, he added.

Councilman John McGovern asked, given that the school is still keeping its options open in Delray Beach, what the next step should be in Wellington.

Garcia de Brigard said the school probably cannot compete

County and the surrounding communities.

The building will be the new location of PBSC’s dental program that currently is housed in a 60-year-old structure on the Lake Worth campus. It will provide modern dental labs and a clinic where students will train, as well as provide low-cost preventive dental care to the community, including cleanings, dental screenings and dental health workshops. The new clinic will also provide a venue for advanced training for licensed dentists and hygienists.

“This day has been long awaited,” said Kimberly Lancaster, dean of academic affairs for the Loxahatchee Groves campus. She introduced PBSC President Ava Parker and former President Dr. Dennis Gallon to the crowd, adding that this would not have

with a commercial suitor making an offer to buy the land, but he hopes to explore possibilities including a possible lease arrangement ahead of what could be close to a $100 million investment in school buildings and infrastructure. Asked where the teachers would come from, Garcia de Brigard said he expected about a third would be hired internationally, including some from his organization’s other schools, a third from around the U.S. and a third locally. He said he did not want to “cannibalize” local schools, but

been possible without their visions and guidance.

“It’s the foundation of our dental program that brought us here today,” Parker said. “That was a program we wanted to expand and modernize and make available to more members of our community.

In addition, we could almost do everything at this campus, but we didn’t have any wet labs, so what’s special about this building is that it will allow any of our students to choose Lox Groves as their home campus to earn their full AA degree.”

PBSC Board of Trustees Chair Carolyn Williams noted the history of the campus, which began with 700 students in 2017, growing to 6,000 today. “From the beginning, the Loxahatchee Groves campus has specialized in preparing students for high-

some applicants might find it an “interesting opportunity.”

Early architectural ideas presented for the school include housing for students, academic facilities including a science and technology building, an arts center with a theater, swimming and diving pools, a track and athletic fields for sports.

K-Park’s history is littered with pitches and plans that never quite took root, but this seems to be a case where village leaders are at least willing to hear more.

“So, this is a presentation,” Mayor Anne Gerwig said. “We

growth industries and supporting the workforce needs and trends of the central-western communities,” she said. “Now we break ground on what will be a launchpad for the future healthcare professionals so needed by local hospitals and dental and medical offices.”

Parker thanked former State Rep. Matt Willhite, along with Rachael Bonlarron, former PBSC executive director for community engagement, for helping secure the last $25 million needed for the project in Tallahassee.

“Getting that $25 million was very important,” Willhite said. “We are really in the center of the county right now for the growth that’s coming here. The communities around us are going to need dental care, which is so important.”

Garret Southern, senior vice

don’t have to make a decision right now. This is information that we can ponder, talk to staff and figure out if there is a way to move forward or not.”

In other business:

• The council approved an ordinance moving the election date of the March 2024 municipal election to be held concurrent with Florida’s presidential preference primary on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. That is a week later than the election would normally be held, but the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office has asked all municipalities to move their March elections to the presidential primary day. Qualifying for the ballot was set for the two-week period from Nov. 7 to Nov. 21, 2023. Two council seats and the mayor’s seat will be up for election next year.

• The council unanimously agreed to authorize the village to enter into master marketing agreement with Arcadia Infrastructure I LLC for the marketing and leasing of Wellington-owned or Acme Improvement District-owned properties to wireless service providers for developing, constructing and operating wireless communication facilities. The agreement is part of the village’s ongoing efforts to improve cellular phone service in the community.

Ed Board Final Meeting Of The Year

continue from page 1

It will be on the ballot for all Florida voters in 2024 as an amendment to Florida’s constitution and must get 60 percent support to become law.

In other business:

• Board Chair Jennifer Sullivan provided an update on the village’s scholarship process. “We interviewed the 13 applicants, and it was a great experience,” she said. “All of them are very deserving, and we got to choose 10.”

The winners were notified by mail and were formally presented with their awards at the Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting on Thursday, May 18.

• Royal Palm Beach High School Student Council President Javier Rivas introduced his successor, RPBHS Student Council President-Elect Jennifer Larson.

“I’ve been a member of student council since my freshman year, starting as a representative and working my way to student body historian,” Larson said. “I just absolutely cannot wait to take this opportunity to bring new ideas and perspectives to the position and continue the great example that Javier showed.”

College leaders gather with county and local officials at the groundbreaking ceremony. president at Kaufman Lynn Construction, is leading the construction of the building. “I promised PBSC that the A-team was going

to come out here and build for them to deliver an absolute stunning project and exceed expectations,” Southern said.

Rivas, who was honored with a certificate of appreciation for his service over the past year, is excited to see what Larson can do.

“The historian, in my opinion, does the most amount of work on the executive board. She’s making all the project books for all our competitions. She is the main reason we won project scrapbook at the local competition,” he said.

“Jenna, I’m really excited for you, and I know the student council is in really great hands.”

• Dolores Robinson, who has joined the Education Advisory Board as an alternate, was also introduced at the meeting. She worked with the school district

for more than 30 years in various capacities.

• School Board Member Marcia Andrews offered her greetings and invited the board to attend the upcoming RPBHS graduation ceremony on Wednesday, May 24. She also announced that the mental health and safety teams for the district plan to attend the board’s next meeting in August.

“We want to start the year out and let you know about all the things coming next school year,” she said. “It has been a tough year with the legislature, but we are going to be fine. We are Palm Beach County. We are your best choice, and I can’t wait for another school year.”

A conceptual design for the North London Collegiate School proposal on the back half of K-Park.

The Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board thanks RPBHS Student Council President Javier Rivas for his service this year. PHOTO COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH

On Tuesday, May 9, the Wellington Village Council presented a proclamation to Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Eli Shaivitz recognizing his years of service to the Village of Wellington. PHOTOS COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

On Tuesday, May 9, the Wellington Village Council recognized students from Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School for their Dance Marathon fundraising efforts to benefit UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

CONVIVA OF ROYAL PALM BEACH HOSTS GRAND RE-OPENING CELEBRATION

On Thursday, May 4, Conviva Royal Palm Beach hosted its grand re-opening celebration. Several healthcare insurance company representatives greeted patients and handed out information while guests enjoyed refreshments. Healthcare professionals were also onsite to welcome both old and new patients. Conviva Royal Palm Beach is located at 1440 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. For more info., visit www.convivacarecenters.com.

WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY FINE ARTS ACADEMY STAGES ‘LITTLE MERMAID’

The Wellington Elementary School Fine Arts Academy recently presented The Little Mermaid Jr. to a packed house. The school presented the musical with two differ ent sets of cast members on Wednesday, April 19 and again on Friday, April 21. Both shows were standing room only. Under the direction of Dave Morrison, the cast had been working non-stop since October. This was Morrison’s final musical at the school’s fine arts choice program. He is set to retire at the end of this school year after 37 years with the school district.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Humana representatives Michelle Torres and Luis Gomez.

(L-R) Jarred Kobert, Suraily Scozzafava, Marlina Krause, Alex Perez and Cindy Ritter welcome guests to the grand re-opening of Conviva Royal Palm Beach.

Guests, staff and healthcare professionals mingle at Conviva Royal Palm Beach.

Lab technician Francia Dominguez.

Maria Barnichta at the CarePlus Health Plans table.

Regina Collins and Edgar Perez at the Aetna table.

Local healthcare representatives Regina Collins and Jaquelina Rousselot.

Ariel (played by Brynn Varvarigos) trades her beautiful voice for a pair of human legs.

Sophia Carmichael as Ariel, performs “Part of Your World.”

Sebastian (played by Karis Tiscione) and all the other

GREATER WEST PALM WOMEN’S CLUB HOSTS PRETTY IN PINK FASHION SHOW

The Greater West Palm Beach Women’s Club presented its Pretty in Pink Fashion Show & Brunch on Saturday, May 6 at the Fountains Country Club. The day’s fashion show featured clothing from Chico’s of Manalapan. Aside from the fashion show, the day included a silent auction, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle and prize drawings. Learn more about the club by visiting “GFWC Greater West Palm

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Club” on Facebook.

(front row)

Beach Women’s

Peggy Breen and Bonnie Marks. Pam Case and Jan Albert.

Ruth Ann Mendel, Patricia Peck and Ramona Davenport.

Daughter Julie Valentage, mother Margaret Hamilton and granddaughter Krista Monroe.

Maria Nickler made the quilt won by JeffAnne Pike.

Mavae Andrea won this hat full of lottery tickets.

Chico’s in Stuart stylist Amy Nix, Cheryl Nowack of Chico’s in Manalapan and model Linda Walker.

Grandma’s Place Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs with Linda Ferris. Laura Tierney and Grace Lyons.

Fashion show models Jean Allen, Fran Green, Shakearah Rolle, Linda Walker, Mickey Poceous and Susan Brongiel.

Zayteck Meron, Judith Dugo, Perla Tavira, Mariana Tavira, Susy Diaz, Caroline Piesco, Bertha Diaz and Theresa LePore.

Pat Hastings, Phyllis Gauger and Brenda Murphy.

Greater West Palm Beach Women’s Club members gather for a group photo.

Phyllis Gauger of Wellington served as emcee.

Georgia Foster, Suzanne Buono, Donna Cohen and Nancy Spadola.

Patricia Lane and Heather Landstrom (seated) with Cindy Jones and Judith Dugo (standing) of sponsor Guardians Credit Union.

Event committee:

Janet Carlson, Suzan Close, Gay Alexin and President Jean Allen; and (middle row) Phyllis Gauger, Liz Bloeser, Committee Chair JeffAnne Pike and Linda Walker; and (back row) Sharon Blounds and Donna Cohen.

50/50 raffle winner Ellen Tannehill with JeffAnne Pike.

CAFCI AND ROYAL PALM HOST CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY AT VETERANS PARK

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CACFI) and the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 13 at Veterans Park. There was a diverse array of live entertainment from local and international artists, costumed dancers from around the globe, beautiful merchandise, art and crafts, community information and more. Meanwhile, food vendors featured a variety of delicious international cuisine. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

H.L.Johnson Elementary

This fun-filled evening features music, sips and light hors d’oeuvres. Come out and mingle with your neighbors and friends while also supporting the Wellington Historical Society, a not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to gathering, preserving and sharing Wellington’s past for the benefit of generations to come.

CAFCI members Tyson Elliott, Marjorie Aiken, Elet Cyris, Paul Baker, Shirley Morrison, Winsom Martin and Loretta Watson.

Members of BSA Troop 111 and Cub Scout Pack 120.

Iana Gonzalez, Councilman Richard Valuntas, Cyrus Valuntas and Christina Valuntas.

Councilwoman Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky and Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Loretta Watson made Jamaican fruit cake and Yvonne Wright made coconut drops.

Ce Ce Moore plays Colombian music.

RPBHS Wildcat Dance Group members Leah Milfort, Taylar Brooks, Amoy Williams, Kenordia Reynolds and Aaliyah Chambers.

Vinette Tracey, Rianne Pearson, Maya Pearson and Lorna Pearson.

Lorna and Joey Johnson with Elet Cyris.

Daniela Dawes, Anyla Small and Daejah Dawes with Wienna Ingraham.

Junior Stevens plays the steel drums.

Kilon Rhoden enjoys chicken from Rusty’s Carib Cuisine.

Brian Grayson, Rachel Pfister and Rodrigo Ortega.

Esther Guzman and Mariachi Mexico 88.

Lorianne Cabrera, Fred Pinto, Rhonda Ferrin Davis and Genieve White of the Vivian and Adrienne Ferrin Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Hildreth Stoddard Brown and Elet Cyris.

Wellington Girls Softball Team Continues Pursuit Of State Title

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School’s varsity girls softball team is inching closer to securing a spot in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s (FHSAA) Class 7A state final four. Under the guidance of head coach Mark Boretti, the Wolverines had a brilliant regular season, posting an impressive 152-1 record.

In postseason play, Wellington has won several straight games. After winning the Class 7A, District 12 tournament by defeating rival Jupiter High School, 6-5, on Friday, May 5, Wellington was awarded the No. 1 seed in Region 3 of the FHSAA’s Class 7A state tournament.

On May 11, Wellington’s firstround opponent in the quarterfinals was crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School, which earned an at-large bid in the Class 7A tournament.

It was the third time that Wellington had played the Broncos this season. And for the third

straight time, Wellington won, defeating Palm Beach Central, 111. That quarterfinal win propelled the Wolverines to the Region 3 semifinals on Tuesday, May 16, where Wellington hosted Centennial High School from Port St. Lucie, the No. 4 seed in the Region 3 bracket. In that statewide Class 7A

“Sweet 16” game, Wellington scored two runs in the bottom of the fourth and held on to win, 2-0. Sophomore Erryn Lowe accounted for Wellington’s two runs by slugging a home run in the fourth inning.

Wellington senior co-captain Jordan White pitched the first three innings. She issued two walks, one hit and struck out three. Victoria Payne pitched the final four innings, allowing two walks and one hit while striking out five. Payne picked up the win.

The May 16 victory set up a rematch with Jupiter, the No. 2 seed in the Region 3 bracket, on Friday, May 19 at Wellington High School. The game is scheduled to

start at 7 p.m. It will be the third time this season that both teams will face one another. In both previous games, Wellington won by the same 6-5 score. The winner of the Region 3 final will advance to the FHSAA’s Class 7A final four in Clermont on May 26-27.

Two of the keys to victory for Wellington will be how the team’s two top pitchers — White and Payne — perform inside the circle. White’s earned run average (ERA) is a sparkling 1.79, while Payne’s ERA is an impressive 1.88.

“Jordan has had great command

Seminole Ridge Flag Football Squad Falls

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team achieved one of its seasonlong goals: reaching the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 2A state final four at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville. But the team was unable to return home with the championship trophy. Still, while the season ended with a tough 19-0 loss to eventual state champion Alonso High

School from Tampa on Friday, May 12 in the FHSAA’s Class 2A state semifinals, the memories of this past season are filled with more positives than negatives.

According to Seminole Ridge High School head coach Scott O’Hara, the game against Alonso was competitive from the outset. Seminole Ridge had chances to score and take the early lead.

“We had the ball first and went down the field, but, unfortunately, stalled out on their five-yard line,” O’Hara said. “We had a couple of

opportunities on that very important opening drive, but we couldn’t put the ball in the end zone. They took over on offense, and we forced them to punt. We drove again, but then had an offensive turnover.” While Alonso’s defense was strong, Seminole Ridge’s defense was also strong.

“We held their offense in check until a fourth down in the second quarter, when a defensive penalty on us gave them a first-and-goal,” O’Hara said. “They scored and got

the extra point. The rest of the first half was scoreless until they scored on a long touchdown pass with about 12 seconds to go in the first half on a defensive breakdown by us. We stopped them on the extra point, so the score at halftime was 13-0 in favor of Alonso.”

In the third quarter, the game remained close. “The second half was scoreless until late as both defenses really stepped up,” O’Hara recalled.

In the fourth quarter, Alonso’s offense was able to score its last touchdown of the game.

“Alonso scored a final touchdown with about four minutes to go [in the game], and we weren’t able to put together a final drive before the clock ran out,” O’Hara said.

Despite the loss, O’Hara was able to see the positive side of the season.

“It was a very disappointing final game for sure, but the loss doesn’t take away from the outstanding season our players produced, and I couldn’t be prouder of them,” he said. “It was an extremely tough loss against Alonso. They deserve credit for being the well-coached, talented state champions that they are.”

According to O’Hara, there

of her pitches this season and has been able to spot the ball well. She has four pitches that she can throw,” Boretti said. “Victoria has good velocity on her pitches. We like to start with Jordan and have Victoria finish the game.”

With a victory against Jupiter,

it will be Wellington’s third trip to the FHSAA softball final four in school history. In 2011, WHS lost in the state semifinals. In 2017, WHS lost in the state championship game, 6-1, to Oakleaf High School from Orange Park.

In State Semifinals

Sem Ridge Alums Key Members Of Keiser’s Flag Football Team

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Keiser University women’s flag football team has 20 athletes on its roster for the current 2023 season. Of those 20 players, six of them graduated from Seminole

Ridge High School. All six Seminole Ridge alums have contributed to the success of this year’s team, which has an 8-4 record, to date.

The Seahawks were back in action on Thursday, May 18 when Keiser played its first-round game

in this year’s NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) Women’s Flag Finals Weekend, which is being staged in Atlanta, Georgia. The tournament began on May 18 and will conclude on Saturday, May 20,

when the championship game will be played at Atlanta’s MercedesBenz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

In their first game, the Seahawks played Sun Conference rival Webber International University. With a win, Keiser will advance in the tournament. It will mark the third time that the two teams have met this season. Keiser won the first two games. The most recent game was a 39-19 win by Keiser on April 19.

Those six graduates from Seminole Ridge who are part of Keiser’s team are two juniors, three sophomores and one freshman. The two juniors are Marisa Rubino and Emma Wagenman. The three sophomores are Chloe Griffin, Haylie Young and Aliana Agosto. The freshman is Sophia Caprio.

Rubino, who wears jersey number 14, plays on offense as a receiver and on defense as a safety

for the Seahawks. On offense this year, she has had 14 receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns. Her longest pass reception this year was a 41-yard touchdown pass. On defense, she has 36 solo tackles and three assisted tackles.

Wagenman, who sports jersey number 2, also plays on both sides of the ball. On offense this year, Wagenman has caught 53 passes for 456 yards and seven touchdowns. On defense, as a rusher, she has had 36 tackles and six sacks.

So far this season, Griffin, who wears jersey number 7, has caught 14 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns. Over the course of her first two years on the team, Griffin has caught 70 passes for 1,058 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Young, who wears jersey number 1, is both the team’s backup quarterback and a receiver. For the team, Young throws the football, catches the football and runs with

the football. As a quarterback, she has passed for 734 yards and 12 touchdowns with three interceptions. As a receiver, she has had three catches for 22 yards. And, on the ground, she has run the ball nine times and scored one touchdown.

Agosto, wearing jersey number nine, serves as the team’s punter. This season, she has punted the ball eight times for an average of 29.6 yards per punt. Her longest punt of the season has been 39 yards.

Finally, Caprio, who wears jersey number 10, plays as a wide receiver on offense and as a cornerback on defense. On offense, she has had an outstanding freshman year, hauling in 40 passes for 459 yards and one touchdown. On defense, she has had six tackles and one deflected pass.

This year’s NAIA National Tournament in Atlanta has 14 teams scheduled to play.

Wellington High School pitcher Jordan White and catcher Kaylee Riles in action.

The Seminole Ridge flag football team at the FHSAA Class 2A state finals in Jacksonville.

See SRHS FLAG, page 23

The Keiser University women’s flag football team.

Players Chelsea Nedoroscik, Carrie Didio, Jaida Salguero and Cayley Chieffalo. PHOTOS COURTESY

Exciting Summer Programs At Cox Science Center & Aquarium

Starting this month, escape to indoor and outdoor summer entertainment that keeps the family learning and engaged at the Cox Science Center & Aquarium. From science fiction exhibits to honoring local heroes, the science center is your ticket to summer fun.

“As a parent, I know the neverending wheel of keeping kids amused and entertained — especially during the summer,” Cox Science Center President & CEO Kate Arrizza said. “Fortunately, our science center’s rotating exhibits and endless activities keeps things fresh for both parents and kids alike.”

Transport yourself into the future with the “Science Fiction, Science Future” exhibit, which opened May 14. Guests will devel-

op a deeper understanding of how science fiction ideas and concepts might become the science reality of tomorrow.

Visitors will have the opportunity to try hands-on and full-body experiences as “Science Fiction, Science Future” incorporates robots, invisibility, mind control, holograms and augmented reality. This exhibit brings to life innovations and inventions that were once considered possible only in film and literature. A stunning visual environment, featuring exhibits that challenge both the mind and body, “Science Fiction, Science Future” sets the stage for a unique journey of science exploration, curiosity and discovery. The exhibit will be open until Sept. 24. Learn more at www.coxsciencecenter. org/science-fiction.

On Saturday, May 20, the Cox Science Center will once again host the Palm Beach Mini Maker Faire in its eighth year, which is dubbed as “the greatest show and tell on Earth.” Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the center will show off its line-up of engineers, artists, scientists and crafters for a day celebrating invention, creativity and resourcefulness. Stroll around to find vendors that make handcrafted soap, robotic-controlled cars or 3D-printed pottery, with nearby food trucks, including Gimme Grillin’, Cool and Creamy Ice Cream, and Tacos Veracruz.

On Saturday, June 3, visitors can dive into the world of corals during the Coral Carnaval conservation event. In partnership with the Reef Institute, guests can participate in presentations from coral experts, get hands-on with coral-themed crafts, and enjoy various vendors, food trucks and live musical entertainment between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. A schedule of shows will also be offered in the planetarium, including Kaluoka’hina: The Enchanted Reef, Sea Monsters: A Prehistoric Adventure and Dynamic Earth, to name a few. Vendors and sponsors are still being accepted for this event at www.coxsciencecenter. org/coral-carnaval.

On Saturday, June 17, show some local love by participating in Hometown Hero Appreciation

SRHS Flag Looking Ahead To Next Season

continued from page 21 were some strong statistical performances by many of his players.

“Senior quarterback Jaida Salguero completed 23 of 37 passes for 116 yards against a very stingy defense,” O’Hara said. “Senior Chelsea Nedoroscik led the team with nine gutsy catches for 48 yards, and senior Cayley Chieffalo had five great catches for 29 yards. Junior Angelina Sanchez also chipped in with five important receptions for 20 yards. Chelsea also led the team defensively with five valuable flag pulls, and senior Kyarra Howard added four flag pulls with her consistent defen-

sive play before an injury sidelined her late in the game.”

O’Hara was very proud of his four seniors — Howard, Salguero, Nedoroscik and Chieffalo — who displayed great leadership during the season.

“The leadership, enthusiasm, effort and skill they gave to our team this season was nothing short of outstanding and will be sorely missed,” O’Hara said.

“Their season stats, of course, are unbelievably impressive, but that doesn’t even come close to describing the total impact these special four players had on the rest of our players and our season.

They truly were the ‘fantastic four’ for Seminole Ridge’s varsity flag football team this year, and I am so appreciative of their efforts in leading our squad.”

Moving forward, O’Hara is optimistic that this year’s juniors, sophomores and freshmen will step up and play a leading role for the team next year.

“Other big contributors to our success this past season include juniors Angelina Sanchez, Lily Locke, Gisella Negron and Alexa Baez; sophomores Dakota Parks, Lola Agosto and Sydney Pena; and freshmen Carrie Didio, Victoria Ayllon and Kaylie Pintado, who came up to help from the junior varsity team for the playoffs,” O’Hara said. “These young ladies will have their work cut out for them trying to fill the huge shoes left by our four departing, sensational seniors.”

While O’Hara is the head coach, he is quick to point out that he has had help on the sidelines this year during practices and games.

“A very special thank you to my assistant coach Ron Taylor for his invaluable help and positivity all season long, and to our gracious team mom, Carrie Chieffalo, whose behind-the-scenes work was simply remarkable,” he said. Seminole Ridge finished the year with a 14-4 record.

Day. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., veterans, active-duty military, first responders, Gold Star families and up to four guests can receive free admission at the center an hour before doors open to the general public. Heroes, their families and the public can enjoy special activities, such as military vehicle demonstrations, a meet-and-greet with local armed forces, as well as live science demonstrations and military ceremonies. To redeem your tickets, register online at www.coxsciencecenter.org/ heroes and bring your military or employee ID.

The Cox Science Center & Aquarium’s current indoor/outdoor venue features more than 100 hands-on educational exhibits, a 10,000-gallon fresh and saltwater aquarium, digital planetarium, the pre-K focused “Discovery Center,” an 18-hole conservationthemed mini-golf course and quarter-mile-long outdoor science trail.

One of its celebrated displays includes “Journey Through the Human Brain,” a permanent exhibit that features the most advanced neuroscience research in the world. The Cox Amphitheater hosts daily live science shows, seasonal laser shows and special event programming. The center took on a new name at the end of 2021 with a $20 million gift from Palm Beachers Howard

The “Science Fiction, Science Future” exhibit is now open.

and Wendy Cox, launching a transformative capital expansion campaign. Shovels will be going in the ground late summer 2023 with a target completion date of 2026. To learn more, visit www. coxsciencecenter.org/support-us.

The center is located at 4801 Dreher Trail North in West Palm

Beach. Member admission for children ages three to 12 is free and $13.95 for adults. General admission for adults is $20.95, $16.95 for kids ages 3 to 12 and $18.95 for seniors age 60 and older. For more information about summertime activities, visit www. coxsciencecenter.org.

ACREAGE ATHLETIC LEAGUE OPEN POSITIONS

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

Applications @www.acreageathleticleague.com

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

There are several reasons why owners may want or need to change their pet’s food. It may be due to a food allergy or sensitivity or if the animal needs to lose or gain weight. Regardless of the reason, there is a right way to change their food. Dogs and cats can experience an upset stomach if their transition to a new food is not gradual. Switching to a different food too quickly can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite. Introducing pet food should be done gradually for seven to ten days and consist of both the old and new food. Decreased the amount of old food over several days until, eventually, only the new food remains.

An important part of a regular preventive health care program for your pet is providing the right foods. Along with regular exercise and checkups, it is a positive step that can help your pet live a long and healthy life. It doesn’t have to be complicated, either, as long as you are aware of some basic information, such as your pet’s dietary needs. We’ll be glad to share that information with you at

The Seminole Ridge team on the field in Jacksonville during a time out.

The Palm Beach Mini Maker Faire will be held Saturday, May 20.

Crestwood Middle School Caps Undefeated Basketball Season With Championship

Crestwood Middle School secured its first-ever boys basketball championship when Crestwood hosted and defeated Eagles Landing Middle School from Boca Raton in the Palm Beach County Middle School Basketball Championship.

It is Crestwood’s first-ever championship in the sport, and the team was overjoyed to bring this gift to the school and the fans. The big win came after an undefeated season.

“It was a tough game, but all we had to do was continue to play, and we found a way to win,” point guard Ja’Quan Johnson said.

The game seemed to have been slipping away from Crestwood before halftime, but the second half saw a more focused team. The run was sparked by a big 3-pointer by David Alexis. That proved to be what Crestwood needed to increase the intensity.

“We were so hyped that we lost a bit of our focus, but we had to refocus and do what we have been doing all season,” team member Michael Chambers explained. “I did not want to lose in the championship, especially after not losing any games all year. We wanted to go out with a bang.”

When the buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the game, the team was mobbed by fans who came out to support the team. The team members are Ja’Quan

YMCA Offers Adaptive Swimming Program For People With Physical & Cognitive Challenges

As “America’s swim instructor,” the YMCA teaches people of all ages that water should be fun, not feared, as long as everyone knows lifesaving tips for safety in and out of the water.

With summer nearly upon us, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches wants to remind the community about the important programs offered for children and adults of all abilities.

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches offers lifesaving swim lessons year-round for children and adults. Now, it’s taking the Y’s nationally recognized swimming safety program one step further by of-

fering individuals of all ages with physical and cognitive challenges a specialized instruction program through its Adaptive Swim Lesson program. With one-on-one instruction utilizing equipment and protocols specifically designed for those with disabilities, the Y is able to offer water safety training to everyone, regardless of ability.

Sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four, and individuals (particularly children) with disabilities have an even tougher time navigating the water. The YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ eight-week

Adaptive Swim program helps to dramatically reduce the odds of an accidental drowning up to 88 percent, based on national YMCA research.

The sessions are held at the Y’s Gleneagles Aquatic Center at 2728 Lake Worth Road in West Palm Beach.

The center is a training facility for the Special Olympics and is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment created for people with special needs.

Classes are offered six days per week. To learn more about the program, call (561) 968-9622 or visit www.ymcapalmbeaches.org.

AWE Awards 24 Scholarships

The Alliance of Women Executives (AWE) awarded scholarships to 24 deserving high school graduates at the group’s sixth annual scholarship awards ceremony held May 9 at Abacoa Golf Club, emceed by WPTV news anchor Shannon Cake. These young women come from all walks of life all with unique stories. In total, 10 of the recipients will be attending Palm Beach State College, 11 will become Florida Atlantic University students, one will attend Palm Beach Atlantic University and two will enter Lynn University, and 15 are the first in their family to attend college. All

are accomplished both academically and in their service to the community. The students plan to pursue a variety of degrees from nursing, law and forensic investigations to STEM, psychology and the arts. In addition to receiving a scholarship, each student received a laptop courtesy of Universal Property & Casualty Insurance Company and Alpesh Patel.

AWE is a volunteer, member-based nonprofit founded by Vicki Tate. With the inclusion of the 2023 awards, a total of 103 scholarships have been granted to Palm Beach County young women. AWE’s members repre-

sent leaders in banking, business, education, finance, government, law, marketing, nonprofit management, publishing and many other business endeavors in Palm Beach County.

“The passion and dedication of AWE members along with the support of our donors has been outstanding. AWE’s mission is important to Palm Beach County, to these young women and to me. I am deeply grateful to our members and donors. Without them, none of this would be possible,” Tate said. For more information, call (561) 789-8415, e-mail info@aweinc. org or visit www.aweinc.org.

Brooke Scott Of Wellington Joins The Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences

Brooke Scott has joined the Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences, a community care retirement community in Boca Raton, as vice president of sales and marketing.

Scott, a native of Wellington, began her senior living career more than 20 years ago by marketing skilled nursing facilities. She later owned and operated a Medicare home health company. For the past 10 years, Scott has been a top producing sales leader as well as the director of sales and marketing at another community care retirement community. During her career, Scott has received numerous awards, including salesperson

of the year, president’s club and chairman’s club.

She is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and prides herself on being a team player. Scott resides in Wellington with her husband, Brett, and two children. She is also a tremendous animal lover and has a dog, two cats, a tortoise and a guinea pig.

The Toby & Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences Boca Raton is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community developed by Federation CCRC Development, a subsidiary of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Learn more at www. sinairesidences.com.

Brooke Scott

AWE scholarship winners Alexis Galindez, Andrea Aparicio, Ariana Donovan, Camille Havens, Darvita Molina, Eirel Montinola, Emily Levy, Emily Molina, Evelyn Cifuentes Cano, Felecise Thomas, Glory Cadet, Graciela Lopez Palma, Janya O’Meara, Kimberly Lopez Vasquez, Laila Amro, Lavoya Robinson, Lily Charlotte Landstrom, Madison Penkalski, Maria Tomas Andres, Marjelie Pierre Etienne, Naysa Previl, Samiha Jaber, Tabitha Saint Georges and Zyan McArthur.

The Crestwood Middle School boys basketball team celebrates its championship victory.

Johnson, Michael Chambers, Xavier Police, David Alexis, Oriean Eells, Jordan Philistin, Guervinsly Pierre, Ashton Foun-

tain, Ethan Desarmes, Jeremiah Neath, Treven Tipton and Christopher Jones. They are coached by Timothy Hegarty.

Equestrian Legends Event Benefits Buoniconti Fund To Cure Paralysis

The Equestrian Legends Celebrity Polo Match & Gala, presented by Valentino, to benefit the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis was held Saturday, April 29 at the National Polo Center-Wellington. The event featured a cocktail reception, a silent and live auction as guests witnessed an equestrian demonstration from top riders in the disciplines of show jumping, dressage and polo. The equestrian demonstration was followed by a sit-down dinner with wine and champagne pairings

from Penfolds as several influential and inspirational people from the equestrian world were honored. Among those honored were event chair Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, who received the Buoniconti Fund Award. Philanthropist and twotime U.S. Open champion and game MVP Dawn Jones received the Philanthropy Award, and Irish show jumping legend Kevin Babington received the Inspiration Award, which was accepted by his wife Dianna Babington.

The three Equestrian Legend awardees included Robert Dover, who is the most honored dressage rider in the United States; Jeff Hall, who has won every highgoal trophy in U.S. polo; and Kris Kampsen, a three-time U.S. Arena Open champion who has played polo for more than 25 years.

Marc Buoniconti, president of the Buoniconti Fund and the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis was on hand to share his story and discuss why it is important to support these research efforts.

Dr. Barth Green, co-founder of the Miami Project, thanked all the supporters and discussed advances being made to help those living with paralysis and other neurological injuries, diseases and disorders. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard served as mistress of ceremonies for the evening and helped auction off several one-of-a-kind items in support of the cause. The presenting sponsor was Valentino, with Penfolds and Charlotte Rawa supplying fabulous wine and champagne for the evening. Polo

team sponsors included the Armour Group at J.P. Morgan Wealth Management and Verde CO2. Music at the event featured the ensemble band Groove Republik.

In 1985, Dr. Barth Green, a world-renowned neurosurgeon, and Nick Buoniconti, an NFL Hall of Fame linebacker, joined forces and founded the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after Nick’s son, Marc, sustained a spinal cord injury during a college football game.

Since then, research at the Miami Project has changed the landscape

of knowledge and therapeutic strategies for spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury. Committed to finding a cure for paralysis resulting from spinal cord injury and to seeing millions worldwide walk again, the Buoniconti family established the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis in 1992. The fund is a nonprofit organization with a mission to raise funds and awareness to help the Miami Project achieve its primary focus. For more information, visit www.thebuonicontifund.com.

Retiree Artie Lynnworth Stays Busy Helping Others At Wellington Bay

The old saying, ‘If you want something done, ask a busy person’ applies to 76-year-old Artie Lynnworth. The resident of the Wellington Bay senior living community has written three self-help books, mentors younger businesspeople and teaches tai chi at the retirement community.

The former gymnast can also still do cartwheels, handstands and walk on his hands — and he’s eager to demonstrate.

Lynnworth has been just as active in his retirement as he was in his business career. He worked 40 years in the chemical industry, rising to become a senior vice president, managing departments, chemical plants and business offices around the world. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in engineering administration from Syracuse University.

“I quickly gravitated to leadership,” said Lynnworth about his career that led him and Margy, his

wife of 54 years, to live in Chile for nearly 10 years.

Upon retiring, Lynnworth wanted to spread some of the tips he’d learned about succeeding in business and life. His first book is called Slice the Salami: Tips for Life and Leadership, One Slice at a Time, which he first envisioned as a book solely about business.

“My sister-in-law edited the book, and she said, ‘I’m not a business leader, but I wish I’d had this book for tips about life,’” he recalled.

The book, which has been translated into Spanish, covers how to make small changes to better manage your time, succeed in your job and achieve work-life balance.

Lynnworth likens his advice to consuming salami. Eating one slice of salami at a time is easier than biting into the whole thing.

Another of his books, Get Fit and Stay Fit for Life, is an easy-toread guide for incorporating fitness into one’s life. It features 1,000

photos that readers can follow, and instructions for brief workouts. No equipment is needed, and it all can be done at home. Lynnworth’s third self-help book is Tips for Résumés and Interviews, All in One Hour

Any money Lynnworth receives from the purchase of his books is donated to Team Randy, a nonprofit organization that provides day camp experiences for children with disabilities. It was founded to honor his nephew, Randy, who died of brain cancer.

“It’s a very good cause,” Lynnworth said. “And people who buy my books know the proceeds are going to a good cause, not to my back pocket.”

Another of Lynnworth’s activities is mentoring businesspeople. He volunteers with Menttium, an organization that started 30 years ago. It was originally geared toward advancing women in the workplace, but now serves both men and women worldwide.

“Several people I’ve mentored have gotten promotions during the year I mentored them,” he said. “I love to coach, mentor and counsel. That’s also why I wrote my books.”

Another of his activities is leading tai chi classes at Wellington Bay, which helps participants improve their fitness and balance. “Balance is so important for the senior community,” he said. “If you break your hip, it’s often the start of a downward spiral.”

It’s gratifying for Lynnworth to see others maintaining their functionality.

He appreciates that the leadership at Wellington Bay is supportive of residents suggesting and leading classes such as tai chi.

“There are people who set up poker nights, bocce, shuffleboard or pickleball,” he said. “It’s residents helping residents.”

Lynnworth also recently participated in the Liberty Senior Games, a series of competitions

that challenge residents and creates comradery and fun.

Lynnworth, who was a gymnast in high school and college, helped lead a cheer for the participants and topped it off with a cartwheel.

Cartwheels aside, he credits Wellington Bay with providing an atmosphere that encourages residents to stay active and engaged.

“Wellington Bay is luxurious, with an atmosphere that inspires wellness, growth and community,” he said. “We’re like a large family here, enjoying this special time in our lives.”

Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments on a palm tree-shaded campus in Wellington. It offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Lisbet Health Center, located onsite, offers assisted living and memory care. Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonbayfl.com.

wellingtonconservationcenter.org

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 bar-none. For more info., or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter. org or call Rabbi Eli directly at (561) 633-7025.

Camp Lingua is a unique, bilingual summer camp where children enjoy an enriching, fun experience while developing language and critical thinking skills in a nature-based environment. The camp’s all-new Palm Beach County location is home to an action-packed, equestrian-themed camp and offers day and sleep-away experiences. Geared toward those 5 to 15 years old, it includes horseback riding, indoor and outdoor camp activities, arts and crafts, hoe-downs, waterfront fun, sports, archery, ropes, barn care and much more. For more information, and to register, visit www.camplingua.com.

Science and tech camps are back in session this summer! Summer at the Cox Science Center is made for marine biology, astronomy, dinosaurs and more. Join in the upcoming summer camps for young scientists and engineers ages 5 to 12. Camp days are packed with engaging lessons, labs, crafts and outdoor activities led by expert science educators. For additional information, visit www.coxsciencecenter.org/camps.

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

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) 792-9900 or visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc.

Wellington Bay resident Artie Lynnworth does a handstand.

Dr. Barth Green, Marc Buoniconti and event chair Tim Gannon.

Honorees Kris Kampsen, Tim Gannon and Jeff Hall. Stephanie Sayfie Aagaard and Dawn Jones.

EMERALD COVE MIDDLE SCHOOL JOINS IN BEST BUDDIES WALK

Berean Class Visits Carvelli Lab At FAU Brain Institute

Berean Christian School’s anatomy and physiology class recently visited the laboratory of Dr. Lucia Carvelli at the FAU Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute (SNBI) in Jupiter.

The institute recently opened this year, bringing together many neuroscience researchers in one building. Berean alum André Rajoo, a senior lab member at the Carvelli laboratory, planned the tour of the facility and accompanied the class throughout the day. This is the first time since 2019 that students have returned to the Carvelli lab.

The Carvelli lab primarily investigates epigenetics, addiction and the mechanisms of action of amphetamines. C. elegans worms are the model organism used to perform different drug exposure experiments with hopes of finding answers to addiction and the longterm effects of amphetamines. Dr.

Tao Ke, a post-doctoral fellow, and Rajoo use different methods to research amphetamine drug use and its effects.

During the day, Rajoo presented to students his recent senior thesis about inhibiting the long-term effects of amphetamine use with a neuroprotective compound.

Rajoo guided students throughout the new Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute facility, where students observed the different activities that take place at SNBI. Students were most impressed when observing C. elegans that were genetically modified to fluoresce green fluorescent proteins in the dopaminergic neurons using a fluorescent microscope.

Students were also interested in the tour of the Nikon Microscopy Center of Excellence, which is housed within the new SNBI facility. Students could see and learn about the mechanisms and

uses of complex Nikon confocal microscopes used to image deep microscopic details.

After the tour, students enjoyed dining at the Wilkes Honors College dining hall for lunch. One student recently accepted to the FAU Wilkes Honors College was so impressed with the campus that during lunch, she committed to attending and paid the registration deposit to attend the FAU Wilkes Honors College this fall.

By the day’s end, students in the class felt more interested in neuroscience and research. They were happy that they could learn more about cutting-edge research, investigative techniques, equipment and what takes place in the Carvelli lab.

To learn more about the Carvelli laboratory and more about the FAU Stiles Nicholson Brain Institute in Jupiter, visit www.ibrain. fau.edu.

On April 22, Emerald Cove Middle School participated in the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in West Palm Beach. Emerald Cove has a large population of students with special needs, and the school was excited to have students, families and staff attend the event this year. Best Buddies is an organization that promotes inclusion and understanding. It pairs typical students alongside students with special needs to help promote friendships and inclusion for all. It’s about hanging out and making sure everyone feels comfortable and making sure that everyone fits in and feels welcomed. The school helped to fundraise for Best Buddies, and the club has grown to more than 40 members. The Buddy Walk was a great day to join together and celebrate and support a unifying cause. This was Emerald Cove’s first year participating in the walk, but the school looks forward to participating in years to come.

American Heritage Schools Announces Nine-Week Summer Programs

The prestigious American Heritage Schools, the top-ranked PK3 through 12 college preparatory schools, recently announced that its summer programs, including day camp and Summer Institute, will be offered in-person or online during summer 2023.

The summer programs will run for nine weeks starting June 12 through Aug. 11.

Ahead of the summer programs, American Heritage will host virtual open houses as follows: Wednesday, May 24 at 6:30 p.m. for grades PK through 8. Register at https://ahschool.info/524-23PK-8OH.

Wednesday, May 24 at 7:15 p.m. for grades 9 through 12. Register at https://ahschool.info/5-24-23_912OH.

American Heritage Schools’ summer camp programs are designed for children ages 3 to 14. In addition to the day camp, specialty camps vary by campus, and include robotics, art, science, musical theater, video production and sports camps. Each camper enjoys age-appropriate activities supervised by American Heritage Schools’ highly qualified staff. Cabins for ages 3 to 5 are co-ed, while ages 6 to 13 have separate cabins for boys and girls. All

cabins, which are classrooms during the school year, are air conditioned, and campers take pride in decorating them to reflect the cabin’s theme.

To expand the number of recreational activities available to campers ages 8 to 13, age-appropriate field trips are scheduled. Prior to starting camp, campers will receive a schedule of activities. The summer camps are directed by state-certified teachers and college or high school students who have been carefully screened by American Heritage Schools. Many of the counselors are students or alumni of the school or have been campers

or counselors in training (CITs) for a number of years. For more info., or to sign up, visit: https://ahsummerprograms. com/pages/day-camp.

The American Heritage Summer Institute is a summer educational program that offers more than 120 enrichment and reinforcement courses (three-week sessions or weekly seminars), specifically designed with student interest and engagement in mind, to students from PK3 through 12th grade. Most of the classes are offered live online and/or in person at one of American Heritage Schools’ two 40-acre campuses.

High school course offerings include advanced test prep, honors and AP level research work, as well as unique pre-professional programs for those interested in future careers in medicine, law or business entrepreneurship. The Summer Institute also offers a wide variety of enrichment and reinforcement programs for Junior High School (grades 6 to 8) and Lower School (Pre-K 3 to grade 5) students, as well as one-on-one tutoring options for those looking to enhance their skills and build confidence heading into the new school year.

The American Heritage Sum-

mer Institute features top-notch instructors, all of whom are degreed and certified professionals in their fields. For more information, or to sign up, visit https:// ahsummerprograms.com/pages/ summer-institute.

To learn more, or reserve a spot, visit https://ahsummerprograms. com, contact (888) 490-7467 or e-mail summeronlineinquiry@ ahschool.com. Summer day camp prices vary per program and start at $590 per week. Summer Institute threeweek courses start at $1,190 per session. Summer Institute weekly seminars start at $450 per week.

Three new retail destinations are joining the more than 160 stores at the Mall at Wellington Green.

Alma, Lovisa and Wellington Mart add to the growing and robust offerings in apparel, health and beauty, and more at this lifestyle destination in Wellington.

Alma — Meaning “soul, spirit and heart” in Spanish, Alma opened its fourth Florida location on March 13 at the Mall at Wellington Green. Inspired by the Sunshine State’s fun-in-the-sun lifestyle, the 1,200-square-foot boutique showcases a well-curated collection of vibrant, resort-style apparel. Products range from bohemian sundresses and luxurious caftans to modern swimwear and de rigueur accessories such as feather necklaces, puka shell sandals, raffia handbags, and embroidered headwear sourced

from Bali, India, Indonesia and other exotic locales. It also carries home décor like lamps, pillows, hammocks and umbrellas. For more information, call (786) 7404300 or visit them on Instagram @ alma.euroasia.

Lovisa — Lovisa, the nationally renowned, fast-fashion jeweler that takes its design cues from high fashion couture runways and current street style, unveiled its seventh Florida-based brick and mortar store at the Mall at Wellington Green. The 1,497-squarefoot store opened on March 17 and carries the season’s top trends for adults and children priced at $36 and less. The retailer also sells products for hair, body and face, along with accessories stretching from jewelry boxes to cell phone covers and charms. For more information, call (561)

270-6069 or visit them at www. lovisa.com and on Instagram @ lovisajewellery.

Wellington Mart — The Mall at Wellington Green recently welcomed its first one-stop convenience store, Wellington Mart. Located near the Grand Court on the lower level, the mini-mart’s footprint encompasses 1,201 square feet. It stocks staples like snacks and candy, cold beverages, pre-made breakfast and lunch, children’s toys, first aid essentials and more. For more information, call (561) 249-7912.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Mall hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.

Loxahatchee-Based Company Offers Healthy Food Options For Furry Friends

The Loxahatchee-based company Totus Pet Food is making it easy and convenient for dog owners to provide healthy, fresh food for their dogs.

Totus Pet Food’s personalized subscription plan offers a unique blend of quality meats that are dog friendly, combined with nourishing and wholesome fruits and vegetables to promote healthier, longer lives for dogs.

The meals are packed with high-quality essential proteins like 100 percent certified Angus beef, organic chicken liver, and superfoods bursting with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, carrot, pumpkin seeds, kale, blueberries and bananas. The food is delivered pre-cooked, ready to serve and is specially prepared for weeks-long freshness in the fridge and can also be frozen.

“We are seeing a huge demand from owners who love their dogs and want to provide them with healthy, fresh food options that will overall lead to an all-around happier and healthier pet. Their dogs are part of their family. Our carefully selected ingredients are what make Totus the superior daily source of canine superfoods, satisfying the total dog. Our customers are happy with the results and mention that the food also smells pleasant,” Totus Pet

RPB’S COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL HOSTS PET WEEK DRAWING CONTEST

In honor of the 31st annual National Pet Week, Community Animal Hospital of Royal Palm Beach, the office of Dr. Randall Dugal, recently hosted a National Pet Week Drawing Contest at H.L. Johnson Elementary School with support from art teacher Kim Farnam. Winners were named for each grade level. Tammy Dugal, community coordinator at the animal hospital, visited the school for the recent awards ceremony. First-place winners in each grade level received art supplies and a gift certificate. Second-place and third-place winners received gift certificates. All winners received an award certificate and a ribbon. The artwork is now on display at the Community Animal Hospital office at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd in Royal Palm Beach.

Food co-founder Michael Gray said. “Our customers are sharing great feedback with us as they are starting to receive their orders. We have had dog owners tell us that they already noticed a better level of energy and stamina.”

Gray moved to South Florida from Long Island, New York, where he had met his business partner Robert Collorafi. Both pet owners, they have a passion for making healthy food for their dogs, which led them to start the dog food business. They spent two years consulting with veterinarians, nutritionists and chefs as they

developed a precisely balanced, innovative and nutritious fresh dog food formula. They also developed a fresh cat food formula. The Totus Pet Food headquarters are in Loxahatchee. Delivery is available to areas throughout Florida.

Totus Pet Food is offering 50 percent off your first delivery. Options include Angus Beef, Tasty Turkey, Juicy Chicken and an option for puppies. For more information, or to order a fresh food plan for your dog, visit www. totusdog.com or find them on Instagram @totusdog and Facebook @totusdog.

Small Business Month Talk In WPB

In recognition of Small Business Month, local attorney Michael Pike spoke to a room full of entrepreneurs, small business owners and start-ups in West Palm Beach about business equity best practices, operating agreements, employee agreements and more.

Business equity refers to the value of the ownership interest or stake that the owners or shareholders have in a company. It represents the residual claim on assets and earnings of a business after all the debts and liabilities have been paid off. In other words, equity is what remains of the company’s assets after all debts and obligations are settled.

Pike’s message to the business owners when it comes to business equity: protect yourself and your business now to avoid litigation later.

The talk was part of a new Business Optimization Speaker

Totus Pet Food provides healthy, fresh food for dogs.

Attorney Michael Pike talks to a gathering of business owners.

Art contest winners are honored at H.L. Johnson Elementary School.

The artwork on display at Community Animal Hospital.

Series hosted by BlueIvy Communications and taking place at co-working space and business incubator 1909.

Kid Finance 101: Chore Money Meets The Art Of Negotiation

Do kids still get an allowance for helping out around the house, or do their parents just hand them money because they’re cute?

When I was little, my brother and I each earned 25 cents every two weeks (if my father remembered and if he happened to have quarters in his pocket) in exchange for doing the dishes, taking out the garbage and occasionally running to the grocery store to pick up something for mom.

Jim usually had garbage duty, and I was the one to run to the store because I was older, and the store was across a busy street. So that worked out fine. The problem was always the dishes. I had been assigned the washing, and Jim the drying. As

washer, I was to clear the table, put away the condiments and leftovers, then wash the dishes. As dryer, Jim was to dry the dishes, put them away and sweep the floor.

There was a fight every night. Why?

Ask any nine-year-old.

The flaw in this otherwise-well-thought-

out plan was obviously the rinse basin. Who takes the clean dishes out of the water and puts them in the drying rack?

The one whose hands are full of soap or the one whose hands are dry?

Today, there are dishwashers (or, as I call them, dish-hiders), so it’s not as much of a problem. But even my mother couldn’t convince my dad to buy one back then.

“I already have two dishwashers!” my dad would protest, “Debbie and Jimmy!” Today, even though they do own a dishwasher, my daughter Jen is trying to pass down the concept of working for money to her children. She devised a Household Chore Chart outlining specific duties that

need to be accomplished each week. She doesn’t care who does what, it just needs to be done.

This was working out great until last Thursday when their son Orion, 10, got up the gumption to ask for a raise across the board. He had just pitched an invention to the school administration during “Shark Tank Week” at his school and had studied the art of negotiation. Applying what he’d learned, he was no longer satisfied with making 25 cents per job; now he wanted a dollar. “A dollar!” Jen shrieked. “No.”

“Seventy-five cents?” No. “Sixty?” No. They finally landed at 50 cents per job, the price he had probably been going for

anyway, but which allowed his mother to feel like she’d “won” — always the key to a shrewd negotiation. Orion’s sister (aka: the princess) high-fived him.

A short time afterward, Jen’s husband came into the house and asked, “What’s going on? Orion just told me he wanted a raise, and when I said no, he abandoned his farm chores and came in here. Now he’s folding laundry.”

Jen shrugged. “I poached him.”

Think of all the lessons learned here. Orion saw an opportunity for financial gain and leapt on it. His father lost a good worker by refusing to negotiate. Meanwhile, the princess came out ahead by not doing one darn thing. Just like a real princess.

New ‘Guardians’ Movie Tells A Great Story With Real Emotion

I awaited Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 with great anticipation, since I really liked both the earlier films. Granted, the first one was better than the second although, but both were funny, and the characters were far easier to root for just because they were generally not the Marvel heavy hitters.

In the third film, the group is in downward trend because Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt) is often drunk mourning the loss of the great love of his life Gamora (Zoe Saldaña). But Adam Warlock (Will Poulter), genetically enhanced son of Sovereign leader Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), is after Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper). In the fighting, Rocket is badly injured, but the team has a problem: there is a “kill switch” that will kill him if they try to repair him.

As a result, the whole team, including naïve strongman Drax (Dave Bautista), Gamora’s enhanced through torture sister

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Nebula (Karen Gillan), empath Mantis (Pom Klementieff) and tree person Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel), go on a mission to steal the files that contain the secret of how to cure their friend. They, and we, learn that he was created by the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji), an intergalactic nutjob/genius (has anyone noted how many of those there are in these sci-fi movies?). Rocket was part of “Batch 89” of his experiments. Director James Gunn has mixed in something new: real emotions. We see

loss and grief. We see the casual treatment of those who seem “lesser beings,” including casual orders to destroy them, particularly heartrending when they are adorable children. Or even adorable animals. Gunn brought in these stronger emotional moments in the middle of the action, reminding us of the many horrors of our own history.

And in the end, there is real change. Characters grow and change, and not in ways we might expect. Quill, usually the wise guy, here is more balanced, more ready to fight for what is right. Gamora is not the key deputy; she spends most of the movie arguing with Quill. But we get a chance to learn far more about Drax, Mantis and particularly Nebula. The first two films focused on the romancing of Gamora by Quill. This film, although it contains some of that, is far more balanced. This movie is really about Rocket. But

it is also about tolerance and learning to accept differences — and done in a way that is both amusing and thought-provoking. We need more of that in today’s world. There is a lovely scene where Drax and Mantis organize the adults to free a group of imprisoned children. And then Rocket, looking at young caged raccoons and other animals, asks why not the “other children.” How many children in today’s world are written off as less than human because of adult hostilities?

The acting is very good. Pratt has learned how to be a star without pushing to the front. He is clearly the leader of the pack but is more a first among equals.

In this case, less is more. Saldaña gets a chance to create a whole new character for Gamora and does it nicely. She is far less tolerant than the previous version. I have always liked Drax-Mantis combination. They play off each other like veteran comics. In this film, both

Bautista and Klementieff show off their comedy chops, while bringing a lot of heart into the roles. And Gillen gets a chance to shine. She has been pushed off to the side in most of the MCU films, but here she gets to become a real person with quite human feelings despite all the alterations. Cooper, gets to do a really good job as a voice actor. Combined with great computer graphics, he is a moving, brilliant star.

Is this a top-of-the-line Marvel film?

No, it’s not in the class of the last two brilliant Avengers films. But it is the best of the universe since those two. There are a few absolutely brilliant scenes, and not only the action ones.

This is a film where there might well be a tear shed. It ends in a way that probably will not be what you expected but will find easy to accept.

If you like Marvel films, do not miss this one.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

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

Housekeeper

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

To Apply:

We’re Hiring for the following position!

Position: Dispatcher–Fuel

Job type: Full-time

Location: Riviera Beach, Florida

About the Job

A dynamic growth-oriented distributor of lubricants and fuels to wholesale, retail, and commercial end-user markets throughout Florida. We are seeking a Dispatcher for our Riviera Beach location. Previous dispatching a plus but willing to train the right person that is a motivated, self-starter and open to learn and grow with the company.

Responsibilities will include:

 Dispatch deliveries in an efficient and profitable manner.

 Maintain and review driver DOT logs.

 Monitor vehicle tracking system.

 Establish cost-effective delivery routes and schedules.

 Establish performance standards for drivers.

 Review driver delivery paperwork for accuracy and compliance.

 Maintain relationships with customers and resolve delivery complaints.

 Investigate and resolve delivery issues, spills, accidents.

 Other duties as requested.

Requirements:

 Minimum 2 years’ experience dispatching and supervising drivers.

 Computer literacy and competency with Microsoft Office programs Excel, Outlook, and Word.

 Experience with vehicle tracking systems, order entry, and dispatching software.

Offering a Very Competitive Compensation Package

Comprehensive Benefits:

Health insurance, dental and vision insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Free basic life insurance plan of $25,000

401K plan with company match Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

SSI Petroleum is a non-smoking environment, Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply or learn more, contact: Vivian Prescott, Human Resources Manager Ph: 863-508-1406 | E: vprescott@ssipetro.com

KICK BACK AND RELAX IN THE WELLINGTON “COUNTRYSIDE” CHARITY CAR SHOW AND FAMILY OUTING

SUNDAY JUNE 11, 2023

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Village Park | 11700 Pierson Rd | Wellington

ˆ Judged competition 20+ trophied categories — $20

ˆ Show vehicles — $10

ˆ VIP non-show vehicle parking — $10

ˆ Register on-site or prepay on Eventbrite

ˆ Free parking also available

ˆ Family Friendly

ˆ Activities, food, music

ˆ Proceeds to charity

UPCOMING 2023 DATES

July 9 | August 20 | September 10

October 8 | November 12 | December 3

CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES, RV’s FAMILY FRIENDLY, ACTIVITIES, FOOD, MUSIC SCENIC PARK