Town-Crier Newspaper May 20,2022

SRHS SENIORS GRADUATE ON MAY 25 SEE STORY, PAGE 3

LOX GROVES’ FRANK SMITH TURNS 100 SEE STORY, PAGE 4

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Volume 43, Number 10 May 20 - June 2, 2022

Serving Palms West Since 1980

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION SEASON

Page 23 Healthcare Executive Fills Vacant Westlake City Council Seat 3

Healthcare executive Charlotte Price Leonard was selected earlier this month to fill the vacant Seat 3 on the Westlake City Council. Leonard was chosen at the Monday, May 9 meeting on a first-ballot, 3-1 vote by the other four members of the council. She replaces JohnPaul O’Connor, who ran unopposed for mayor and stepped into that position in March, vacating Seat 3. Page 3

Wellington High School’s Class of 2022 was celebrated Tuesday, May 17 when commencement exercises were held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Thousands of family members cheered as about 580 newly minted Wolverine graduates received their diplomas. Shown above are new graduates (L-R) Tahiya Zaman, Nicolas Pinto, Paul Henry, Brad Swiderski, Fred Leon and David Mattos. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 16

FNBCC Opens Bank Branch In Wellington

First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) held its grand opening on Wednesday, May 4 for the bank’s new location at 12140 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. Page 13

CAFCI And RPB Host Cultural Diversity Day

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement and the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 14 at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park. The day included live music, food, cultural displays and fun. Page 18

Wellington Outlasts P.B. Gardens In Regional Softball Semifinal

It’s not easy beating a team three times in one season, but the Wellington High School girls softball team pulled off the trifecta against the Palm Beach Gardens High School Gators. On Tuesday, May 17 at Wellington High School, the Wolverines won the most important of the three games versus Palm Beach Gardens, prevailing 3-1 in their Class 7A, Region 4 semifinal game. Page 21 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 18 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 SPORTS..........................21 - 24 PEOPLE..........................24 - 25 SCHOOLS.............................. 26 BUSINESS............................. 27 COLUMNS............................. 28 CLASSIFIEDS................ 29 - 30 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

TOWN-CRIER GRADUATION PHOTOGRAPHY FROM OTHER LOCAL HIGH SCHOOLS WILL CONTINUE IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Central Chamber Breakfast Puts Focus On Housing, Insurance Woes

By Melanie Kopacz Town-Crier Staff Report A crippling housing and home insurance crisis continues to grow, forcing many into uncertain futures. The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County are working together with community leaders and experts to study and address the issues.

Current trends, many challenges and potential solutions to the county’s housing crisis was the topic at an economic breakfast on “The Future of Housing” held Thursday, May 5 at the Breakers West Country Club.

The morning featured a panel discussion including Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker; Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County Chair Jack Weir, the CEO of Eastwind Development; and Ann-Marie

Batten, owner and principal of Batten Insurance Services. Jeff Brophy of WGI served as the moderator.

“It’s going to take all of us to address this particular issue. And, I do mean, not only the government, but it’s going to take nonprofits, the community and our residents,” Baker said.

Many contributors are fueling the crisis. From an influx of new residents to rising material costs, a huge jump in housing prices and rents, along with increased insurance rates. All have made for complex issues creating the lack of affordable housing.

“This is not a new issue. The chronic shortage of workforce and affordable housing is now a crisis,” Weir said, describing the current situation as being at “a tipping point.”

“Land costs have gone up, See HOUSING, page 4

Lox Council Nixes Agreement WCF THANK YOU SOIRÉE With County On Okeechobee

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report After more than three years of discussions, a sharply divided Loxahatchee Groves Town Council voted 3-2 on Tuesday, May 17 to reject a proposed interlocal agreement (ILA) with Palm Beach County for work on Okeechobee Blvd. over concerns regarding rising costs and whether town money should go toward work on countyowned rights of way.

While the bulk of the $3.5 million project would be paid for through a Transportation Planning Agency grant, there is a portion of the money that the town must cover. Since the TPA grant is fixed, several council members expressed concerns that rising costs could leave the town on the hook for money it does not have.

Town Manager Jamie Titcomb explained that the agreement is for future improvements to the Okeechobee corridor including a roundabout, equestrian trails and pedestrian crossings.

“The agreement before you tonight outlines the rules of engagement between the town and the county if we commit to moving forward with them,” he said.

The work was proposed to be over several fiscal years to improve the Okeechobee corridor, and there are several opportunities to discontinue the partnership in the future, Titcomb said, adding that county and town staff worked diligently over a long period of time on the agreement to make it palatable to both parties.

Director of Roadway Production Morton Rose attended the

meeting on behalf of the county.

“Some years ago, the town approached the county to help sponsor the grant funding the town received from the TPA,” he said.

“We’ve been working quite a bit to get this done.”

If approved, the county would hire a consultant, design the project, put it out to bid and construct the project, he said.

“There have been issues with the town coming up with the funding that was not covered by the grant,” Rose noted. “The spreadsheet lays out how the notcovered funding will be provided by the town.”

Titcomb said the non-grant money was spread out to be as easy as possible for the town to cover.

“The county and the TPA have See OKEECHOBEE, page 7

PBSO: Village Trending Down In Property Crimes And Crashes

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Rolando Silva, commander of the District 8 substation in Wellington, presented the PBSO’s annual report to the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday, May 10.

While crime statistics were up in 2021 when compared to 2020, Silva stressed that was mostly a function of the pandemic, which saw crime rates plummet in 2020 due to people spending much of the year in lockdown. The 2021 figures were more in line with the figures from 2018 and 2019, which includes a long-term downward trend in property crimes and vehicle crashes.

Silva began his presentation by noting that Wellington was recently named No. 8 on a list of the 50 safest municipalities in Florida by the safety consulting firm Safewise.

“We are second when it comes to populated cities over 50,000,”

he said. “That was a tremendous honor to get, and it is the highest Wellington has ever been ranked in this report.”

Comparing 2020 to 2021, there was an increase of 12.1 percent of overall total offenses.

“Remember, that is compared to 2020, which was the year of the great pandemic,” Silva said.

“Everything was shut down for the most part during that year. In 2021, we were a lot more normal, going back to regular activities.”

Silva showed statistics noting that while crimes were up 2020 to 2021, in many cases, they were down significantly from the 2019 numbers, the year before the pandemic. For example, property crimes rose from 807 to 973 from 2020 to 2021, but that is down from 1,068 in 2019 and 1,198 in 2018. The same effect can be seen in vehicle crashes, which were up from 1,067 to 1,225 in 2021 — but down from the pre-pandemic level of 1,392.

Person crimes, such as domestic

incidents and battery cases, were up somewhat, even when compared to the 2019 numbers. “We do need to keep an eye on these types of crimes,” Silva said.

Silva was particularly proud of the long-term trend lines in property crimes and vehicle crashes.

Often pointed to as the biggest law enforcement issues facing Wellington, the 2021 numbers were down significantly over 2018 and 2019, despite growth in the region.

“We put crashes and crash prevention at the top of our list,” Silva said. “We should be focusing our attention on those things that someone is likely to be harmed by in this village, which in our view is traffic and traffic safety.”

The PBSO does put a large portion of its Wellington manpower on traffic issues, with citations up nearly 57 percent in 2021 from 2020, and up even further in the beginning of 2022.

“We are really putting a lot of effort into our traffic enforcement,” See PBSO, page 14

The Wellington Community Foundation held its annual Thank You Soirée on Thursday, May 12 at the Boynton Financial Group office on South Shore Blvd. During the special event, guests were able to meet and hear about this year’s 2022 Arle & Ken Adams Scholarship recipients. Shown above are scholarship winners Ryann Bierman, Miles Wang and Isabella Whedbee with WCF board members James Seder and Joanna Boynton, who headed up this year’s scholarship committee.

STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington & RPB To Host Memorial Day Observances

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington and Royal Palm Beach will be holding special events to mark Memorial Day on Monday, May 30.

The last two years saw scaledback versions of Wellington’s Memorial Day events, but this year the village will once again host both its traditional parade and ceremony.

“We’re happy to see the community out and be able to support our local veterans and family members who served, or gave their life for us,” Assistant Community Events Director Michelle Garvey said. “We’re glad we can present

something to honor their memories and their service.”

The Village of Wellington, along with American Legion Post 390, will host the parade and ceremony starting at 8:15 a.m.

The Memorial Day Parade will begin at the Wellington Municipal Complex at 12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. and end at the Wellington Veterans Memorial at the corner of Forest Hill and South Shore boulevards. The Memorial Day Ceremony will begin right after the parade at 8:30 a.m.

“Our event usually doesn’t last more than an hour, and we do that on purpose, so that veterans can See MEMORIAL, page 14

RPBES Music Teacher Kovalsky Wins Dwyer Award

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report Music teacher Katherine Kovalsky from Royal Palm Beach Elementary School won the William T. Dwyer Award for Excellence in Education in the Elementary Education category at a ceremony held Tuesday, May 10 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.

Kovalsky attended the ceremony along with 28 other Dwyer Award finalists, not expecting to win one of the prestigious awards.

“This was my first time nominated, and I was a first-time finalist,” Kovalsky said. “[The judges] said it was exceedingly rare to be a first-time nominee and first-time finalist. I was blown away in that

moment. At the panel interview, the first question they asked was, ‘What would you do if you weren’t a music teacher?’ and without missing a beat, I told them that I would have a huge identity crisis because that is what I was called to do.”

Kovalsky has been at Royal Palm Beach Elementary School for three years and said she was honored just to be nominated by her school. The process at her school is based on a faculty-wide vote, and she was chosen by her peers to be nominated for the Dwyer Award in Elementary Education. The process is daunting and includes everything from references to written essays.

“That was the most humbling part of it all. My personal belief is that none of what happens to us happens without the lord’s provision in our life, and I know that. I told the judges this,” she said. “I can remember where I was, who I was with, the scenery, everything when God called me to be a music teacher. I was 17 years old in a car on my way to a baseball game at Mississippi State University with my dad and grandparents like it was yesterday. Thinking back to that moment, and then 14 years later and being in this moment and thinking about the journey leading up to it — I can see his hand in everything.”

Kovalsky stressed the important

role the school’s leadership played in her growth and success as an educator and gave specific credit to the support of Principal Tracy Ghettie and Assistant Principal Cristina Fong.

“Ms. Ghettie is the most amazing principal on this planet. I was brand new, and she was like, ‘I want to feature your music groups.’ Moving to Royal Palm Beach has changed my career and my life. I don’t think I would have grown as an educator had I not been in an environment that nurtured creativity and leadership and risk-taking. I have a wild idea, and she says, ‘Yeah, let’s go for it.’”

Kovalsky recently earned her See KOVALSKY, page 14

Katherine Kovalsky

Page 2

May 20 - June 2, 2022

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NEWS

Seminole Ridge High School Class Of 2022 To Graduate May 25

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report After taking over the top spot at Seminole Ridge High School just two months ago, Principal Robert Hatcher is excited to welcome the Class of 2022 across the stage for graduation on Wednesday, May 25.

More than 500 seniors will bid farewell to their high school careers. Even though he is the new captain at the helm, Hatcher felt it was important that these young people receive a send-off from their former principal, Dr. James Campbell, who will give the primary address at the graduation ceremony.

“It was the right thing to do. This is his graduating class. He has seen these kids through COVID-19. He has seen them since they were ninth graders. I think it’s right to allow him to be as involved as he wants to be at their graduation,” Hatcher said. “Dr. Campbell did a great job. We’ve got a great climate, a great culture, but we need to take the next steps to become an A-rated school again, and that’s very exciting for me to be a part of that.”

Nearly 65 percent of the students at Seminole Ridge come from Western Pines Middle, where Hatcher spent many years as principal. Therefore, he knows many of the families and appreciates their ongoing support.

“This has been an absolute dream come true. I have spent the bulk of my 31 years in public education at middle school, but high school has always been a dream of mine,” he said. “We moved out here in the

early 2000s. I literally watched this school get built as I drove to school every day.

This has always been the high school, if I were going to move to a high school. It’s the only one I had interest in.”

The ceremony will include speeches from Senior Class President Marley Ingram, Valedictorian Christian Roque and Salutatorian Elizabeth Wilson, among others.

Ingram understands the excitement surrounding the day. She went to Crestwood Middle School and came to Seminole Ridge knowing only a few other students.

Her goal to go all-in for high school paid off, with the National Honor Society member also placing in the top 40 of her graduating class.

“I wanted to make the most out of my school and make the most academically.

My parents really pushed me to always be super involved at school. I’m in a lot of clubs. I just wanted to get myself out there as much as possible,” Ingram said.

Her speech at graduation offers solid advice for her peers. “I would say be yourself and learn how to be confident and never be afraid to put your voice out there,” she said.

The top spot in Seminole Ridge’s Class of 2022 belongs to Valedictorian Christian Roque. He is the president of the National Honor Society and a member of the Science Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Key Club and the Helping the Homeless Club.

“I also played for the basketball team for one year,” said Roque, whose summer plans include time on the court and doing

community service. “Over the past four years, I’m proud to say that I have been able to get my AICE diploma, the highest Bright Futures scholarship, get into the University of Florida, become Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE) certified, and become AMSA Food Safety and Science certified.”

Roque takes a serious route when it comes to the wellness of his classmates.

“If I could give my fellow graduates any piece of advice, it would be to always make sure you find a healthy balance between school, work, exercise and leisure.

A healthy balance of these lead to the path of good mental health, which is a major issue for our generation right now,” he said.

“With modern technology, our generation always has a multitude of increasingly addicting social media at our fingertips. This has caused our generation to struggle more than the rest with procrastination and has had a significant impact on me and my academics for sure.”

Roque is graduating with a 3.972 GPA and an honors weighted GPA of 5.396. He will attend the University of Florida to major in the field of mechanical engineering.

While getting ready for a summer break with friends and family before going off to college, Salutatorian Elizabeth Wilson has worked nonstop. She is involved in Key Club, Best Buddies, the Math Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Science Honor Society and the Seminole Ridge Step Team. Wilson is graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a weighed GPA of 5.2786.

Valedictorian Christian Roque

Salutatorian Elizabeth Wilson

“Over the past four years, I have obtained more than 100 hours of community service, received my BACE certification for biotech, obtained certifications from Microsoft in the computer science classes I’ve taken and received my food service certification,” Wilson said. “I was recognized by the College Board as a National African American Scholar for my PSAT scores, received my AICE diploma and obtained an associate’s degree from Palm Beach State College.”

She is no stranger to challenges, and

during high school pushed her limits, even managing nine classes in her junior year.

“My house also caught fire during my second semester of senior year, and I was forced to handle that stress during exam season,” Wilson said. “I feel happy things are going back to normal. I think a healthy social environment is important to stay motivated and be encouraged.”

Her advice to fellow graduates is that, “It always gets better!” Wilson plans to attend the University of Florida and major in nursing.

Healthcare Executive Fills Vacant Westlake Council Seat 3

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report Healthcare executive Charlotte Price Leonard was selected earlier this month to fill the vacant Seat 3 on the Westlake City Council.

The council has been in flux since the November resignation of former Councilman Patric Paul.

Since that time, only one member of the council hasn’t changed — JohnPaul O’Connor, who moved up from vice mayor to mayor.

Leonard was chosen at the Monday, May 9 meeting on a first-ballot, 3-1 vote by the other four members of the council. She replaces O’Connor, who ran unopposed for mayor and stepped into that position in March, vacating Seat 3.

“And with that, we have a full council again,” O’Connor said.

Leonard was selected over three other candidates who submitted résumés and spoke to council

members at an April 19 workshop. She said she was surprised to be selected — and even more surprised to be sworn-in and to immediately take her seat on the dais.

The married mother of two adult children, Leonard said education and healthcare will be her focus on the council.

“As Westlake grows, we’re going to have lots of kids out here,” she said. “How do we prepare for that and support our schools?”

As for healthcare, the Goldfinch Circle resident said the council has an opportunity to influence in a positive way how that looks in the future.

Leonard has a master’s degree in healthcare law from Nova Southeastern University. She is a certified coach, teacher, trainer and speaker through the wellknown John Maxwell Leadership program, and not long ago she participated in the “Women on

the Run” workshop, sponsored by the Women’s Foundation of Florida, which aims to educate and empower women and girls, investing in their ideas and encouraging their leadership to positively affect the economic, political and social status of women and girls across Florida.

O’Connor and Vice Mayor Greg Langowski said Leonard’s experience with ProMedica, one of the nation’s largest owners of nursing and rehabilitation facilities, was the deciding factor in their votes.

As the company’s regional director of operations, Leonard overseas 11 nursing homes with a total of 1,700 employees and annual revenue of more than $140 million.

“Her experience handling large budgets could be a help to us in handling our budgeting process,” Langowski said. “Plus, her demeanor when she talked with us during the workshop was very

impressive. Her sense of calm and of being at ease.”

O’Connor agreed with Langowski’s assessment.

“After carefully reviewing all of the very strong candidates, I felt that Ms. Leonard’s current leadership position and her history of proven leadership throughout her career would make her an excellent addition to the council and add some proven leadership to our city,” O’Connor said.

The other applicants for the position were Bianca M. Abrams, a licensed private investigator, insurance fraud specialist and business owner; Tammy C. Thomas, a program director at Gulfstream Goodwill Industries; and Jacob Wheeler, who works as a sales engineer/business development for W&O Supply of Fort Lauderdale.

“We had a panel of excellent candidates,” O’Connor said. “It was a really tough decision.”

Councilwoman Pilar Valle Ron, who cast her vote for Wheeler, said she was impressed by his attendance at council and other meetings. “He seems to be a person who is very committed to the city,” she said, while adding that she is not disappointed about Leonard’s selection. “Her résumé is amazing. I think she’s going do great things for the city.”

Prior to moving to Westlake in May 2021, Leonard had planned to use her business and leadership skills to become an advocate for West Palm Beach’s Pleasant City neighborhood, established in 1905. But after moving to Westlake, Leonard said she began to think about getting in “on the ground floor” of the young community, which was incorporated six years ago.

Though Leonard said she’ll always be willing to lend her voice to revitalization efforts in

Charlotte Price Leonard Pleasant City, where she grew up, “I decided I wanted to get involved early in the process [of developing a city]. I want to help make impactful decisions about Westlake’s future.”

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May 20 - June 2, 2022

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NEWS

Longtime Loxahatchee Groves Resident Frank Smith Turns 100

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report On Monday, May 9, Frank Smith of Loxahatchee Groves celebrated a very important milestone with friends, family and phone calls.

Frank, father to two, grandfather to seven and great-grandfather to 16, celebrated his 100th birthday, a milestone reached by only a tiny percentage of people.

“It was my birthday; it was another day,” Frank said. “My granddaughter was over here, her husband and her two sons.

Earlier today, I had some other friends here. So, all day long we had visitors.”

Frank had lunch with his visitors as they reminisced about the past.

“As far as I was concerned, it was another day, another birthday.

We all got together,” the newly minted centenarian said. “We don’t make a big fuss about things, just go along as it is, day by day, and enjoy or accept whatever’s going on.”

Reaching 100, to Frank, isn’t the accomplishment — his family is.

“I’m 100 years old — that’s it,” Frank said. “I have 16 great-grandchildren.”

Frank and his late wife Lucille married on Feb. 27, 1943, and they celebrated many anniversaries together before she passed away in March 2014. The two left a large and growing legacy.

Their late daughter Diana Berezo (1950-2021) and son Ron Smith made sure they had plenty of grandchildren, and consequently, great-grandchildren to dote on.

“We were married for about three weeks, and the U.S. Army sent me over to the Pacific for two and a half years, so I didn’t see my bride for two and a half years,” Frank recalled. “When I came back, we started our family: Ron, my son, and Diana, my daughter.

Between those two, as they got married, we developed seven grandchildren.”

Frank and Lucille’s family is their greatest legacy, said Karl Smith, one of Frank’s grandchildren. That family now spans from Florida to North Carolina and Virginia, and from Ohio to Texas.

“The cool thing about him is, he had an eighth-grade education, and then he worked in restaurants basically from the time he was 12 or 13 years old, up until he went to enlist in the military, and he went and fought in World War II,” Karl said. “He was in the air wing.”

Karl added that his grandparents met while Frank was in basic training. Frank was 21 when he enlisted into the U.S. Army in 1942.

“I spent six years in the army,” Frank recalled. “Two and a half years I spent in the Aleutian Islands.”

After the war, the couple lived in Washington, D.C., then North Miami, before coming to Loxa-

hatchee Groves in 1984, where Frank has lived ever since.

“We’re just plain-living people here,” Frank said. “It’s quiet.”

The quiet Loxahatchee Groves life has served Frank and his family well.

“My brother and I were both born and raised out there,” Karl said. “We were in the Town-Crier several times growing up. My grandparents were in there a couple times. When they had their 50th anniversary, the Town-Crier did a little thing on it. They were also in one of the first volunteer groups to open up Palms West Hospital.”

Karl and his brother Klay, who works as a football coach, both played high school and college football. Klay graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School in 1999, in its first graduating class.

Even into his 70s, Frank would go out and throw the football around with them, his grandson recalled. “He liked golf and football,” Karl said.

And Frank always stayed interested, even though as a child he was smaller, and not allowed to play. Frank is 5-foot-8, while most of the family is over 6 feet tall.

“My grandparents traveled up until their late 80s, and they’d travel by car,” Karl said, including going to see Karl and Klay playing college football in Chicago.

“They’d sit there and freeze, and watch us play.”

To commemorate Frank’s 100th birthday, Karl wanted to share a story with the community. A story of a small child taking a long train ride.

In 1928, when Frank was just six years old, he took a train from Texas to the northeast to join his father, who was a chef who worked in the hotel industry.

“They put a boy on a train, with three porters, one woman and two men. They were the greatest people I ever met in my life,” he said.

“Good people.”

Frank had a ticket attached to him, like luggage, with his name and his final destination. To this day, he still has the train ticket from his multi-day adventure.

“My father said, ‘You become a cook and a chef, and you’ll never have to worry about a job.’And he was right,” Frank said. “As long as I stayed in the restaurant/hotel business… everything was fine, even up to this day.”

Frank later spent 30 years at Sears Roebuck, starting as a salesperson and retiring as management.

“I take every day as it comes along, no big deal. I have a lot of good friends here, and Florida is a great state. Every state I’ve been to has been great — Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, Florida.

One of my favorites was Texas, of course,” Frank said. “It’s just another day for me.”

Though Frank didn’t ask for a

Frank Smith with his son Ron, grandson Karl and great-grandchildren Asher, Alexandra and Austin. big fuss for his 100th birthday, service” cards, as well as many he received countless birthday phone calls to commemorate the cards and “thank you for your occasion.

E-Commerce Firm To Locate Off Westlake’s Persimmon West

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report An e-commerce facility behind the new Publix shopping plaza on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road will be the latest commercial addition to the fast-growing Westlake community, John Carter, senior vice president of Minto Communities, told the Westlake City Council at a meeting on Monday, May 9.

Though Carter did not name the business, he described it as a local e-commerce firm that currently leases space but is “in growth mode” and wants its own facility.

“I’m thrilled with the growth,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said about new businesses that plan to bring jobs to the fast-growing municipality. “It’s a valuable piece of the puzzle to keep the city sustainable.”

Carter, who represents West-

lake’s major landowner and primary developer, updated the council on various growth, leasing and construction-related developments during the consideration of a request for approval of the plat for Persimmon Blvd. West.

The council approved the plat 5-0 for the road that will loop around the back of the Publix-anchored Shoppes at Westlake Landings, run alongside the M-2 Canal and connect with the extension of Town Center Parkway.

The Persimmon extension will include multi-use paths and charging stations, said Donaldson Hearing, of the land planning firm Cotleur & Hearing, who frequently represents Minto at council meetings.

The 48,000-square-foot Publix project is well underway, with footers poured and the parking lot nearly complete, Carter said,

adding that the store is on target for opening next year.

That plaza has had great success leasing the nine bays of retail space that also are part of the initial 10acre project, and there is a waiting list, Carter said. He noted that the Florida-based supermarket and shopping center chain has an adjacent 10 acres to the north that could be rapidly developed, especially with Town Center Parkway’s extension by Minto west along that property.

“I think everything we have done to set the table for [Publix] is bearing fruit,” Carter said.

He also noted that Mitchell Property Realty of Fort Lauderdale appears that it could begin construction in October on the 227,000-square-foot Westlake Commerce Center. Located south of Persimmon Blvd. West, the center will consist of two buildings

— one of approximately 146,000 square feet, and the other some 80,000 square feet.

The council also approved the plat of Town Center Parkway Phase 4, which runs from the northeast traffic circle approximately one third of a mile to Westlake’s northern boundary at what someday is expected to become 60th Street North, connecting 140th Avenue North with Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. The 60th Street extension is not presently part of Palm Beach County’s five-year road plan, but the plan is upgraded annually, council members were told.

Even without that connection, when Phase 4 is finished, it will mark the completion of a 3-mile stretch of roadway from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road all the way to Westlake’s northern boundary, Hearing said.

“It’s a significant amount of infrastructure,” he said. “It’s exciting to see it get all the way to this point.”

In other business: • The council reviewed the first reading of a food truck ordinance that would establish “definitions, requirements, vending locations, parking and storage of inactive food trucks, waste disposal, locations by zoning district and penalties for violations,” according to documentation provided by staff.

The council indicated a desire to protect brick-and-mortar businesses while having reasonable control over food trucks, but not stymie their use for special events or as vendors at construction sites, suggesting that staff make some changes to the proposed ordinance.

The council will see the amended ordinance for a second and final reading in June.

• The council voted to move its monthly meetings to the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m.

• The council formed an ad hoc committee to assist in planning for July’s FourthFest, a project championed by O’Connor. Resident Megan Hemp, who organized the Christmas parade of golf carts, was among those named to the committee.

“A lot of people are excited to get involved and write checks,” O’Connor said of the city’s first large-scale public event. “We already have some big-dollar commitments.”

There will be a number of family-oriented attractions, along with food trucks, live music and a 28-minute fireworks display, O’Connor said. He added that there will be parking for 3,000 cars and non-Westlake residents are welcome.

Inaugural Wellington Family AutoFest At Village Park June 5

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report The Rotary Club of Wellington is bringing a new, family-friendly event to Village Park on Sunday, June 5 with the debut of the Wellington Family AutoFest.

The organization is always looking for new ways to bring residents out to enjoy the community while raising funds for local charities, and organizers believe that the Wellington Family AutoFest is the perfect opportunity to bring people together. The event and parking are free for spectators.

“This is our first car show like

Housing

Chamber Breakfast

continued from page 1 construction costs have gone up, planning and regulatory rules you have to navigate, and the funding hasn’t been there,” he said.

Due to the shortage of developable property in Palm Beach County, Brophy asked the panel if there are policies that need to be changed to encourage possible density and height increases, with an emphasis in the far western communities, in order to help increase the availability of affordable housing.

“We need to come up with a mechanism to increase the supply,” Weir said.

That new housing supply should be diverse, Baker said, in order to keep a thriving community.

“Not only just build housing, but mixed land development, because we want people to live, work and play in close proximity,” Baker said. “We’re going to have to get used to not having very singular developments. We all have to

this,” said Rotarian Walter Imperatore, who chairs the event committee. “I moved down here two years ago, and when I was up north with chamber of commerce, we did a car show there, and I thought it would be a nice fit down here. There are other people on the committee who know cars much better than I do. We have great enthusiasts to get this event going.”

The Family AutoFest includes 20 different vehicle categories for people to enter, and there is also the option of showing vehicles without being in the judged portion of the event. Entry for

peer-judged vehicles is $20, with all proceeds going directly to local charities. Non-show cars for participants not wishing to be in the judged portion can secure a spot for only $10, with limited early birds receiving double spaces.

Judging is overseen by Randy Pfeiffer and Larry Buchan.

The categories are divided by decade for vehicles made in the 1920s up to the 1970s, with contemporary vehicles receiving their own category. Cars are classified as classics or street rod and custom. Specialty vehicle categories include muscle, electric and super

cars, motorcycles, golf carts and trucks/RVs. Show cars can also win for best paint job, best interior, best engine bay, people’s choice and best in show.

“This is a great opportunity to get kids and families away from screens,” Imperatore said. “We are also setting up an Auto Village that includes gourmet food trucks, the Cox Science Center and Face Painting by Daisy. We want people to have fun and be a part of the entertainment — wear a fun hat or decorate a fun stroller.”

Family Auto Fest is taking it a step further with the first ever

address this issue if we’re going to remain a viable, growing, sustainable community. We’ve got to change our vision and what’s acceptable in our community and what is not.”

It’s all those same issues driving the cost of homeowners’ insurance as well, along with heavy litigation and fraudulent claims contributing to the escalation in premiums, which have gone up sharply for many across the state and here in Palm Beach County. Rates are expected to go up even higher.

“We’re going to see rate increases anywhere from 20 to 40 percent,” Batten said.

Many are even losing their policies from some insurers. Others are having difficulty finding coverage at all. This is one key topic that state lawmakers will tackle in a special session slated for May 23-27.

Batten recommends making your home as insurable as possible.

One of the most important things is keeping the roof updated and in good shape in order to keep rates down.

Meanwhile, those who can’t

find an affordable roof over their heads are being forced to move elsewhere, Baker said. She knows many young professionals who grew up in Palm Beach County but now can’t afford to stay.

“A lot of kids — we invested in them. They went on to college, came back, but don’t want to live with mom and dad,” Baker said.

“They moved on to Texas and other locations while we’re invested in bringing more companies to communities and expanding our existing business here. We’re going to find that challenge where we can’t get people in, and so it’s crucial that we as a community resolve this issue on our workforce affordable housing.”

It’s a challenge that’s already affecting the ability to recruit potential workers into government jobs, she said. “We have very good benefits, however, we cannot compete with the private sector. The cost of living here is exceptional,” Baker said.

Palm Beach County has been dubbed “Wall Street South” as major financial firms have relocated to the Sunshine State from New

York, as well as companies from other states, increasing the highnet-worth population. However, many others, including the majority of the Palm Beach County workforce, are not in that same bracket.

“Eighty percent of the county workforce falls in the affordable housing category,” Baker said.

“It’s not just our teachers. It’s teaching assistants in the classroom, law enforcement and bus drivers. Some people think if you put workforce affordable housing next to a development, you’re going to drag down property values, and that is not true.”

“These are people integral to our community,” Weir agreed.

As more developments emerge and growth continues, Weir expects that urban corridors will become more mass transit oriented with redevelopment of shopping centers and offices.

“It’s a really smart-growth strategy trying to add density, shopping, entertainment and schools,” he said. “It’s not just a housing issue, it’s also a business issue.”

Issues, these leaders agree, that

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Stroller Derby contest, too. While not a race, the stroller derby is a fun way for families to trick out their little one’s ride as part of the show.

There is no fee to enter the Stroller Derby. Creativity is encouraged, but BYO baby, please.

“We are hoping to get in the neighborhood of 100 judged and show cars,” said Imperatore, who added that the number of cars will be even bigger with non-show cars included. “If this goes well, we are looking at making it a monthly fundraising event starting in October.”

The Village of Wellington does

not allow pets in the park, and only service animals are permitted at the event.

The Wellington Family AutoFest will take place at Village Park, located at 11700 Pierson Road. The event runs from 9:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 5.

For questions about the event, including potential sponsorships or to pre-register a car for the show, contact info@familyautofest.com.

Advanced tickets are available on Eventbrite. Learn more on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ familyautofest.

Moderator Jeff Brophy of WGI with panelists Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia Baker, Ann-Marie Batten of Batten Insurance Services, and Jack Weir of Eastwind Development, chair of the Housing Leadership Council of Palm Beach County. will take the entire community to come together to find solutions.

For those interested in learning more about the issue, Palm Beach County will host an economic summit focused on housing and transportation on Thursday, June 2 at the Palm Beach County Con-

PHOTO BY MELANIE KOPACZ/TOWN-CRIER

vention Center. The summit is open to anyone who wants to be informed and involved in shaping the future of Palm Beach County.

The summit will be an all-day event, and registration is $60.

More information can be found at www.pbcgov.com.

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Page 5

NEWS

WCF Honors Adams Scholarship Winners At Thank You Soirée

The Wellington Community Foundation’s Board of Directors was excited to return to an in-person event for its annual Thank You Soirée, held on Thursday, May 12 at the Boynton Financial Group office on South Shore Blvd.

It was a special event dedicated to thank the foundation’s donors, sponsors, volunteers and this year’s newest initiative, the Friends of the Foundation. “We only exist because of them,” WCF Chair Tom Wenham said. “Tonight we celebrate the wonderful individuals who have made our organization succeed and grow, and we owe it all to them.”

The evening was hosted by Board Member Joanna Boynton and the team at the Boynton Finan-

cial Group. Both Joanna and her husband Ben Boynton invited the foundation members and guests for an evening of hors d’oeuvres, beer and wine, topped off with delectable sweets from Christy’s Bakery.

Longtime foundation supporters Star Wine & Spirits donated four different types of quality wines for foundation guests to enjoy.

During the special event, guests were able to meet and hear about this year’s 2022 Arle & Ken Adams Scholarship recipients. Joanna Boynton and fellow Board Member James Seder headed up this year’s scholarship committee. They presented $2,500 scholarships to Miles Wang of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Ryann Bierman of Wellington

Don and Maureen Gross, Maggie Zeller, Joan Manning and Hope Barron.

High School and Isabella Whedbee of Palm Beach Central High School. The three winners, who attended the Thank You Soirée, were chosen by the scholarship committee and presented to the full board for consideration, where they were unanimously approved.

“Although the foundation received many qualifying applications, these three stood out from the rest, and we know they embodied all the things that the Adams Scholarship is intended for,” Seder said. “We know they will go on to do remarkable things, and we look forward to them keeping us up to date on their progress.”

To learn more about supporting the foundation, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

WCF board members Dr. Gordon Johnson, Jim Sackett, Pam Tahan, Joanna Boynton, James Seder, Tom Wenham, Hope Barron, Maggie Zeller, Don Gross and Barry Manning with scholarship winners PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER Isabella Whedbee, Miles Wang and Ryann Bierman.

Scholarship winners Ryann Bierman, Miles Wang and Isabella Whedbee with WCF board members James Seder and Joanna Boynton.

Regis Wenham with County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay.

Scholarship winner Isabella Whedbee and Monica Cherjovsky.

Jenna, Stephanie and Ryann Bierman.

Miles Wang with Naiming Wang and Ling Chen.

Board Member James Seder, WCF Chair Tom Wenham and scholarship winner Isabella Whedbee.

Frank Gonzalez with Diane and Ken Gutman.

Paula Sackett, Carol and Mark Testa, and Board Member Jim Sackett.

Board Member James Seder with scholarship winner Miles Wang.

Dr. Linda Johnson, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Pam Tahan and Jermaine Bucknor.

Ben Boynton, WCF Chair Tom Wenham and Mickey Smith.

Board Member James Seder with scholarship winner Ryann Bierman.

Anna Badia, Denise Snyder, Max Westerman and Victor Connor.

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May 20 - June 2, 2022

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UROLOGY

There is help for overactive bladder An estimated 39 million Americans live with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms but most are reluctant to ask for help. One national study found that two-thirds of surveyed women who experience bladder leakage hadn’t spoken about the problem with a doctor. This patient hesitancy is one barrier to caring for patients with OAB. First Line Therapies First line treatments for OAB consist of behavioral modification, including pelvic floor muscle exercises, bladder training, and limiting bladder irritants, among other conservative approaches. Studies demonstrate that these interventions can be effective for reducing OAB symptoms, including urge incontinence and voiding frequency.

“Primary care physicians can help start these important conversations by asking patients about bladder control issues and assuring them urinary incontinence symptoms are very common and treatable,” says board-certified urologist Sneha Vaish, MD, a specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Cleveland Clinic Florida.

According to Cleveland Clinic Florida urologist Snesha Vaish, MD, urinary incontinence symptoms are both common and treatable.

Second Line Therapies Medication agents are used to relax the bladder muscle and have long been the standard of care when behavioral interventions fail to adequately control OAB symptoms.

Sometimes these medications are used in conjunction with first line treatments.

While some patients find symptom relief with these pharmacological therapies, a recent study found that less than half of patients with OAB symptoms received an OABrelated medication.

“Even when patients do try an OAB medication, research has shown that adherence is poor,” notes Dr. Vaish, who sees patients in Weston and Coral Springs. “I’ve found that when the first medication a patient tries does not control symptoms or causes bothersome side effects, they are less inclined to try others. Instead, they decide that they just have to live with their symptoms.”

Third Line Therapies There is good news for patients who do not achieve symptom relief with first and second line therapies. Third

line therapies, such as Botox® for the bladder and neuromodulation, have demonstrated efficacy rates of 5080%, depending on the treatment.

• Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections were approved in 2011 for certain types of OAB. The injections are delivered to the bladder during an in-office or outpatient procedure. The treatment is repeated every 6-9 months, depending on how quickly a patient metabolizes the Botox, and is effective in reducing OAB symptoms in 60-65% of patients.

• Percutaneous tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) is a form of neuromodulation that involves stimulating a nerve located above the ankle. It is a 30-minute treatment that is performed in the office. Initially patients undergo a series of 12 weekly sessions. If successful, maintenance therapy is administered every 21-28 days to maintain the results.

• Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) uses gentle electrical stimulation to normalize brain-bladder communication to improve OAB symptoms. It is delivered by a pacemaker-like device implanted just beneath the skin in the upper buttock. The SNM device is implanted under sedation as an outpatient procedure during one or two stages. A number of treatment advancements have been made since the first SNM device was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1997. Today it enjoys one of the highest OAB treatment success rates, achieving 60-80% efficacy. Each year, Dr. Vaish instructs 40-50 physicians how to perform the procedure.

While some patients do well with conservative and medical management, others may benefit from these minimally invasive third line therapies. “Older patients, especially individuals with multiple chronic conditions, can find relief from their symptoms and improved quality of life,” adds Dr. Vaish.

TALK WITH AN EXPERT. To make an appointment with Dr. Vaish or another urological specialist at Cleveland Clinic Florida, call 877.463.2010 or schedule online at ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access.

Sneha Vaish, MD

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Page 7

NEWS

School Superintendent Burke Visits RPB’s Education Board

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County School Superintendent Michael Burke visited the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on Monday, May 9 to lead an overview of his first year on the job.

“I think it’s important to talk about the last year,” Board Chair Dr. Bill Thallemer said. “We always focus on the fireworks, but I think it’s important to share some good news. Let’s be a little more positive. Let’s start to think about the great things we can do and not what we’ve been through.”

When Burke stepped up to the microphone, he was all smiles at finally making it to one of the meetings in person.

“I’ve been on the job now almost 10 months, but I’ve been with the district almost 25 years, most of that time as chief financial officer,” he said. “I’m really enjoying it and honored to lead our school district. My first day on the

job, School Board Member Marcia Andrews said, ‘You’ve got to get out to Royal Palm Beach. They are a model with their education committee.’”

Burke expressed satisfaction at the overall conditions and attitudes of students and teachers who returned to school in-person this year, noting how being out for a year took its toll both academically and emotionally.

“We have a mental health professional in every school, and they are busier than ever,” Burke said. “We increased the size of our school police department. We had some benefit of federal funds, and the American Rescue Plan allowed us to develop student academic support plans.”

Burke spoke of pay increases to help retain teachers and staff, and virtual tutoring available to students. The online program has already been utilized by more than 9,000 students.

“One of the things I’m work-

ing on right now is developing a strategic plan for the district,” he said. “The school board gave us a good start on this because they developed a new mission statement to educate, affirm and inspire each student. I believe affirm comes first. Make sure they feel safe, and their basic needs are met, and that aligns with the things we are doing for mental health and social-emotional work. Inspire really comes second. They get selfmotivated to some extent. I want to be part of a conscious effort to do more to inspire students.”

Burke also shared the need for financial literacy training for youth. Both recent legislation and parental feedback support this direction.

“I wanted to thank you tonight in person for the collaboration and for making yourselves available to me,” Burke said. “If you see something in the community you’re concerned about, or just looking out to suggest that I might

want to pay attention to something, I’d really appreciate it.”

Board Member Jennifer Sullivan followed up with concerns about HB 7, a new law that restricts how concepts of race are taught in Florida schools, and other legislative trends coming out of Tallahassee, including their effect on school district partners, such as the cultural council.

Burke said he is not sure exactly how the new law will be implemented.

“We’ve submitted a bunch of questions, along with other districts, and they said they don’t have any answers yet. I don’t expect a lot of guidance soon. We are forced locally to figure this out.

We are looking through materials now, and we might have to put those aside,” Burke said. “As far as our partners, I don’t think there should be a lot of change. We’ve got to be careful with K-3. I can get some help though. When you actually read the bills, it seems

like a limited amount of materials.

Anything related to slavery is not off the table. But if we get into systems that help white people retain power, that is different. My request would be to send those groups our way.”

Burke also mentioned that the district is hiring for essentially all positions, from bus drivers to ESE teachers. He was also pleased with the hiring of School Police Chief Sarah Mooney. While her department is also short on officers, they are contracting with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to fill the gaps.

Central Region Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines also spoke at the meeting. She brought up statistics on student acceptance into Florida’s elite universities.

“If you look at the University of Florida, students are required to have a minimum of 4.4 to 4.6 GPA. Students have to take accelerated courses, Advanced Placement and AICE courses just to be consid-

ered,” she said. “That work does not start in high school. It doesn’t even start in middle school. It starts in elementary school.”

Haines noted the success off accelerated math programs in Royal Palm Beach schools. She also announced that Crestwood Middle School was recently approved as a pre-AICE program.

Andrews also attended the meeting and spoke, focusing on the importance of parent involvement and how schools are helping students mentally by helping them physically. “Part of our strategic plan is getting the kids outside,” she said. “You can do fun things in life and not be looking at a computer screen. I’m not talking about just PE. We know that mental health, emotional and social — we’ve been locked down, they can’t communicate well. We are trying to do more restorative programs. People say there are more fights than ever before, that’s why we need to get them outside.”

Local Realtor Hosts Fundraiser To Support Grandma’s Place

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report When residential Realtor Amy Considine of Considine Homes, out of Keller Williams Realty Wellington, was planning a client appreciation party at Alchemy Juice Co. & Market in West Palm Beach, where her guests could enjoy appetizers and cocktails, she decided to raise money for a great local cause.

She came up with the idea to do drink ticket exchanges. “In exchange for bringing a donation for Grandma’s Place, then they get the cocktail,” Considine explained.

In record time, Considine shifted her client appreciation party into a fundraiser, and exceeded her goal of raising $5,000 for the Royal Palm Beach-based nonprofit.

The fundraiser and client appreciation party took place Thursday, April 28, and nearly 40 of Considine’s clients and friends gathered to mingle and support Grandma’s Place.

“I had a lot of people pulling together to help me reach my goal,” Considine said, noting that clients who couldn’t attend, as well as members of a business group she’s in, BNI Summit, contributed.

Considine learned about Grandma’s Place last year and wanted to help the organization.

“I just love children so much,

Okeechobee

Lox Council Rejects ILA

continued from page 1 been extremely gracious in resequencing the grants to make them more affordable to the town and also push the funding out into future fiscal years,” he said.

Public comment on the issue was mixed.

Resident Nina Corning said the fine print in the agreement allows the county to eventually widen the road and eliminate the equestrian trail. The whole purpose was to get the trail and a roundabout, which she said will not be there over the long term.

“We want a roundabout, we want crossings, we want a trail,”

and I thought it was a beautiful charity, and the fact that it’s in Royal Palm Beach, and I hadn’t heard of it before,” she said.

Considine realized that others likely weren’t aware of the work Grandma’s Place does, and she wanted to help share its story.

Grandma’s Place is an emergency shelter that provides care for children who have been abused or neglected. It also has a family support program to provide free respite care for children up to 12 years old.

Considine invited Grandma’s Place Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs to speak at the fundraiser and explain what they provide to children and caregivers in the community.

“I think it’s such a beautiful mission,” Considine said. “I just wanted to bring some attention to them and help them because I have a heart for the foster children.”

Bringing awareness to Grandma’s Place, Jacobs said, is a key to being able to serve the community as a small nonprofit.

“The awareness that it gives Grandma’s Place, you can’t put a price on that, because still, a lot of people don’t know us, and if they do know us, they only think foster care,” Jacobs said.

“They don’t realize that we have another program, the respite care

for caregivers of children with disabilities.”

Considine brought her own children to the fundraiser and wants them to learn to be charitable members of the community.

“I like to incorporate my kids whenever possible so they can see what’s out there and how to contribute to society,” she said.

On Tuesday, May 3, Considine and her son Phoenix, who raided his own piggy bank to contribute, presented a check to Jacobs for $5,275 at Grandma’s Place.

Considine also pledged to give a donation to Grandma’s Place for every real estate closing she does.

“It’s amazing for a one-night event,” Jacobs said. “It was phenomenal.”

Jacobs was touched by Phoenix’s contribution when the Considines took a tour of Grandma’s Place.

The money could provide food for the children, paper towels and supplies for about two months between trips to Costco, Publix and Aldi.

“All the funding we get from Palm Beach County, Youth Services and ChildNet only amounts to about 50 percent of our operating expenses, so we truly have to raise the other 50 percent from the community,” Jacobs said. “Without people like Amy doing this,

she said. “We don’t want a six-foot sidewalk.”

Resident Paul Coleman said that turning down the ILA would be very short-sighted and not show a good vision for the future of the town. He scoffed at the idea that the county would be widening Okeechobee Blvd. anytime soon.

“The county is not going to throw $2 million plus into a project and then turn around and dig it up,” he said. “If we turn this down, what are they going to think when we go back for another grant?”

Resident Mary McNicholas, who has worked as a lobbyist for the town, said that while the county has long-range plans to widen Okeechobee Blvd., she does not expect that to come to fruition soon.

“Anything we can do to con-

tinue to protect Okeechobee Blvd., we need to do,” she said. “Palm Beach County does not have the money to expand this road.”

She added that the original goal of the work was for connectivity and safety. “This will increase the safety for pedestrians on the road,” McNicholas said. “The roundabout will prevent T-bone accidents, which are the worst.”

She suggested approving the ILA at least until the pending Okeechobee Blvd. overlay project is done, since the ILA can be canceled later.

Mayor Robert Shorr has been sharply critical of the project from a financial point of view.

“I supported this until the day I saw the price tag to the taxpayers of our town to put something in the county right of way that everything

Jennifer Wesley-Mazzola, owner of Alchemy Juice Co. & Market, with Realtor Amy Considine.

Jerry Harris, Amy Considine and Nicholas Favoroso. we might still be in business, but the quality of care that we provide wouldn’t be there, and I wouldn’t have all the wonderful employees that I have right now.”

Grandma’s Place Executive Director Roxanne Jacobs with Phoenix and Amy Considine.

To learn more about how to sup- is available for residential realty port Grandma’s Place, visit www. needs, helping buyers, sellers and grandmasplacepb.org. investors. She can be reached at Considine is part of the Keller amyconsidinefl@gmail.com or Williams Luxury Division and (561) 281-5998.

in writing says is temporary,” he said. “There is also the cost for maintenance of it. I have not supported this for quite a while.”

He said if additional funding had been found, he might have reconsidered. “I think we were hoping the state would kick in, but that didn’t happen,” Shorr said.

He noted that construction costs have increased, and the TPA grant is fixed. He scoffed at the idea that turning down one grant would stop the town from getting future grants. “There are many communities that have turned down grants,” he said.

Councilwoman Marianne Miles, who was attending the meeting by phone, has also not been a supporter of the project.

“We need something to break our traffic up,” she said. “The TPA

grant does not do the trick. The residents are not in favor of the town council spending money like this on a road that we do not own.”

Vice Mayor Laura Danowski read off a list of money that the town would owe by year, suggesting a town obligation of more than $700,000 over the next four years.

“These are very big numbers, and we have a lot of other projects going on in our town that I feel are more important than this,” she said.

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia, a longtime supporter of the project, was livid over the idea of turning down such a large grant.

“If we are not going to do this, then I don’t support continuing with the overlay,” she said.

Councilwoman Marge Herzog felt that the benefits of the project

greatly outweighed the costs.

“The grants will cover most of the cost for the design and construction, and there’s a delay in the start of the payments,” she said, giving the council a warning.

“People have long-term memories.

Turning down this gift that has been presented to us is going to be remembered for a long time.”

The ILA was rejected 3-2 with Maniglia and Herzog in favor. As a follow-up, the council agreed to inform the TPA that they would not be continuing with the grant, which also passed 3-2.

Maniglia was particularly annoyed that the motion only failed because Miles, who was attending by phone, was allowed to vote, even though she would not be considered part of the meeting’s quorum.

Memorial Day wreath-laying ceremony, accompanied by speeches, a moment of silence and the playing of “Taps.” This will be the first public Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery since 2019.

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.

Wellington High School’s Latinos in Action Club, immigration attorney Iliana Alpizar Campos and Tacos Carbone will also be in attendance.

Bring soccer cleats, water and a great attitude to come out and enjoy a day of sunshine and soccer to kick off this new initiative.

NEWS BRIEFS Church Offers Vacation Bible School

Christ Community Church in Wellington will be hosting the Monumental Vacation Bible School at its new church at 10101 Barefoot Lake Drive off Lake Worth Road from June 13 to June 17. All children entering kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to attend. VBS will be held daily from 9 a.m. until noon. The cost is $10 per child for the entire week. Visit www.cccpalmbeach. com for more information and to register.

PBCWUD Notes Acreage Water Main Break

On Tuesday, May 17, just after 1 p.m., the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD) received an alert that an independent contractor working in the area of Orange Blvd. and 140th Avenue North had struck a PBCWUD water main line. A team was immediately deployed to the scene.

Due to the water main break, both northbound and southbound lanes at the intersection were shut down. The lanes were to remain closed while repairs were underway. Drivers were diverted to alternate routes.

The PBCWUD issued a pre-

cautionary boil water notice for customers in the area from 100th Lane North to Orange Blvd., and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to Bay Hill Drive. Other PBCWUD customers are not affected and do not need to boil their water.

Customers will be notified when the advisory is lifted.

For more information, visit www.pbcwater.com or contact the customer service team at (561) 740-4600, option 1.

Wellington Seeks Lakeside Market Vendors

Calling all crafters, makers, growers, bakers and everyone in-between — applications are open for the 2022-23 season of the Lakeside Market at Wellington Town Center.

The Lakeside Market is a unique community open-air market along the scenic Lake Wellington waterfront, hosted on Wellington’s Town Center Promenade.

Visitors to the market experience a casual and laid-back environment to explore, connect and enjoy an early start to the weekend.

Lighting along the promenade, in vendor booths and over the market provides a charming natural ambiance to complement the stunning sunset views.

Full season vendors save $200 and receive preferred tent placement central to the market. The full season is 20 weeks and costs

$1,100 ($55 a week). A half season is 10 weeks and costs $650 ($65 a week). The application deadline is Monday, June 27.

Interested vendors should complete a vendor interest form at www.wellingtonlakesidemarket. com. For more info., contact Heather Navarro at (561) 7535262 or hnavarro@wellingtonfl. gov.

Willhite’s Law Enforcement Safety Idea Becomes Law

Last week, SB 1046 - Public Records/Law Enforcement Geolocation Information was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

The house version of the new law was sponsored by State Rep. Matt Willhite (D-District 86).

This legislation exempts public records requirements for law enforcement geolocation information held by a law enforcement agency.

Geolocation information refers to the information collected using a GPS or other mapping or locational system that tracks the location or movement of law enforcement officers and vehicles. Exempting the geolocation information from public records requirements protects law enforcement officers while they are on patrol and protects the exposure of their residences.

“This law closes a loophole in public records laws that allowed

requestors of public records to obtain information from a police officer’s in-vehicle GPS,” Willhite said. “We understand that many law enforcement officers drive their law enforcement vehicle to and from work on top of using the vehicle while they are at work. In other words, police officers often take their law enforcement vehicle home — where their families live.

The potential exposure of a law enforcement officers’ residence puts the officers and their families at unnecessary risk.”

Memorial Day Ceremony At S.F. National Cemetery

The South Florida National Cemetery will host its 2022 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. at the cemetery’s National Flag Memorial Plaza.

Parking will be in the Target parking lot north of the cemetery at 5900 State Road 7, starting at 8 a.m. No parking is allowed along State Road 7 or inside the cemetery. 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., as the ceremony begins promptly at 10 a.m.

The South Florida National Cemetery will host a solemn

Hispanic Soccer Scholarship Program Kickoff

The Wellington Soccer Club, in partnership with the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Wellington High School and the Village of Wellington is launching its Latin Outreach Program (LOP) initiative to provide the Hispanic population within Wellington an opportunity to be awarded one of the 20 scholarships that the Wellington Soccer Club has designated for the local Hispanic population.

The program’s kickoff event will be held Sunday, May 22 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Wellington High School soccer fields. There will be a free soccer clinic for all ages. There will be speakers from the Wellington Village Council, as well as Julio Fuentes, president of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Dr. Bill Thallemer, president of the Wellington Soccer Club; and WHS Principal Cara Hayden. Lynn University,

Kids To Parks Day May 21

It’s the 12th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. This year, Wellington is celebrating by inviting the community to its first-ever Kids to Parks Day event on Saturday, May 21 at Greenview Shores Park, located at 2163 Greenview Shores Blvd., from 9 a.m. to noon.

Lace up your sneakers, head outside, and join in for a free day of family fun and outdoor activities, such as face painting, food trucks, laser tag, lawn games, sports activities and vendors. There will also be a safari stilt walker, costumed characters, stage entertainment, DJ music and dancing. The Mystic Drumz Interactive Show “The Legend of Marshmallow Island” will be presented at 9:30 and 11 a.m.

The stage entertainment sponsor is Humana.

Find more family-friendly events coming up in Wellington at www.wellingtonfl.gov/events.

Page 8

May 20 - June 2, 2022

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ROYAL PALM BEACH YOUNG AT HEART HONORS VOLUNTEERS AT LUNCHEON

The Royal Palm Beach Young at Heart Club’s monthly luncheon was held Friday, May 6 at the Royal Palm Cultural Center. Club volunteers were surprised with flowers and certificates of appreciation. Meanwhile, Mariachi Veracruz de Mercedes Torres played Mexican music in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Shakeera Thomas received a plant from Mayor Fred Pinto and YAH President Sandy Rubin.

Mayor Fred Pinto presents Barbara Stafirn with her award.

Shakeera Thomas (left) and Mayor Fred Pinto (center) with honorees Vinette Tracy, Mary Ann Robinson, Lorna Pearson, Mary Ellen Paulton, Rhonda Ninfo, Lee Messina, Sandy Rubin, Iris Levin, Dolly Hughes, Hilary Varlack, Mary Kaminsky, Francine Bryant and Colette Cardinale.

Candi Lopez, Yolanda Milan, Ann Bean, Carlos Perez and Lillian Adorno.

Hospitality committee members Hilary Varlack, Vinette Tracy, Dolly Hughes, Lorna Pearson and Francine Bryant.

Mariachi Veracruz de Mercedes Torres performed at the luncheon.

Elisa Diament and Gretchen Lugo do the Macarena.

Decorating committee members Lee Messina, Mary Ann Robinson and Colette Cardinale.

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY HOSTS SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PRESENTATION

Wellington Art Society President Laura Jaffe presented scholarship awards to Ashley Forkey and Sofia Vega at the membership meeting on Wednesday, May 11. The graduating Palm Beach County high school students spoke about their artwork and future plans for advanced art studies and career goals. The scholarship program was established in 2001 to provide scholarships to talented young artists for art-related college and university expenses and tuition costs.

Wellington Art Society President Laura Jaffe with scholarship winner Ashley Forkey and Sofia Vega.

Sofia Vega shows off some of her artwork.

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NEWS

FNBCC OPENS NEW BANK BRANCH ON SOUTH SHORE BLVD. IN WELLINGTON

First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) held its grand opening on Wednesday, May 4 for the bank’s new location at 12140 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. FNBCC is a locally managed, full-service bank supporting Palm Beach and Broward counties. It is dedicated to investing in hometown businesses, families and the long-term prosperity of the communities it serves. The Wellington office joins existing offices in Boca Raton, Coral Ridge and Palm Beach Gardens. For more info., visit www.fnbccfl.com.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The FNBCC team gathers in front of the new building.

Trey, Moyle, Trudy and Kohlman Fritz.

FNBCC officials join Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Wellington Village Council members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Bank President Moyle Fritz cuts a cake to celebrate the opening.

Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Councilman John McGovern and Mayor Anne Gerwig.

Head Teller Carol Tufano, Senior Customer Service Representative Maria Gilmartin, Branch Manager Darlene Curti and Assistant Manager Dale Mutschler.

Assistant Vice President Jeffery Martin, Senior Vice President/ Commercial Loan Officer Peyton LaCaria, Board Member Will Ellis and Senior Vice President/Commercial Loan Officer Kevin Vogel.

Jeanean Hoffman and Beatrice Mejia.

Joanne Tetreault, Randy Sedman and Chief Operating Officer Nicole Jones.

Bank President Moyle Fritz with Jackie and Marty Simpson.

Palm Beach Gardens Branch Manager Kathleen Jacks, Coral Ridge Branch Manager Becky Norwood, Trudy Fritz and Michael Curti.

Carol Waring plays while Ioana Angel sings “Fly Me to the Moon.”

Linda and Harvey Collins with Roger Plevin.

Loan Officer Ann Welsh with Flavia Nunes of Merrill Lynch.

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Page 14

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NEWS

PBSO

Crime Trends In Wellington

continued from page 1 Silva said, adding that his agency had met its goal of keeping the crash rate at less than 3.0 crashes per 100 village residents with a 2021 rate of 1.983.

Traffic safety and prevention of burglaries and thefts will remain the PBSO’s top goals in Wellington in 2022 and moving forward.

Silva called attention to “Operation Mall Shield” during the last holiday season, which aimed to prevent smash-and-grab crimes at the Mall at Wellington Green.

The PBSO worked with the mall on an action plan to successfully prevent such occurrences. “A lot of guys worked a lot of extra hours during the holiday times to make that happen,” he said.

Wellington compares favorably when compared to surrounding communities. The council was glad to see a slide from Silva that showed Wellington’s crime rates below communities such as Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter. Silva noted that Royal Palm Beach’s crime rates were also quite low in 2021.

Silva credited the village’s license plate reader (LPR) program for helping fight crime in

Kovalsky

Dwyer Award Winner

continued from page 1 master’s degree in music education from the University of Florida while simultaneously teaching and raising a newborn. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Montevallo in her home state of Alabama. This is also where she met her musical husband, Alex, who hails from Florida.

“My primary instrument is the clarinet. I picked up a bassoon in high school and played that in college. I also play a little bit of saxophone and flute,” said Kovalsky, adding that woodwind instruments and voice are her forte.

Kovalsky is a member of Espressivo, a semi-professional choir in Palm Beach County.

the community. He went over a number of crime incidents solved with the LPR program. “I think that is why you see those property crime numbers trend down in the right direction,” he said.

Other crime-fighting focuses over the next year will include a return to active shooter training at the mall after a two-year hiatus, pursuing grant opportunities to bring additional resources into Wellington, and working with community partners on crime prevention information.

Silva also wants to make sure that District 8, although part of the PBSO, maintains the feel of a “hometown community police department.” The near future may include the addition of another traffic deputy. “We are a traffic-enforcement-oriented district,” he said.

Council members were supportive of the PBSO’s efforts in the community.

“You had a tough job tonight because we knew that these numbers were going to be a little bit skewed due to COVID-19,” Vice Mayor Michael Drahos told Silva. “I think that only a 12 percent increase in these numbers is really an extraordinary accomplishment.”

He was thrilled with the trend line on the property crime numbers. “I really feel that our efforts have borne fruit, and we are seeing it now through the statistics,” Drahos said.

Councilman Michael Napoleone was glad to see the PBSO keeping its focus on community policing.

“You are part of the PBSO mothership, but you are our hometown police department,” he said.

“I think our residents recognize that through all your community involvement. Our crime remains low, and you guys have done a fantastic job with your increased traffic enforcement.”

Councilman John McGovern said that the village is proud of its longtime partnership with the PBSO. “The trend is that crime in almost every category is either flat or decreased, and in some cases, it is massively decreased,” he said. “We are chasing the crime issues that exist in our town and making them markedly better year in and year out. That is the key to success.”

Councilwoman Tanya Siskind echoed the sentiments of her colleagues. “Your crime prevention efforts are obviously paying off — it’s proven in the numbers,” she said.

Mayor Anne Gerwig attributed the increase in person crimes partially to mental stress that has been exacerbated due to the pandemic.

“I appreciate whatever expertise you could bring to that,” she said.

“That’s what’s overflowing into our youth and into our families.”

She was also thankful for pro-

“I started singing with them in 2014. It is my passion project, and everybody in that group has poured into me,” she said. “That ensemble gives me life. If I were the busiest person on the planet — that rehearsal on Mondays is the one thing that I would never give up.”

According to the Economic Council of Palm Beach County, which oversees the Dwyer Awards program, the purpose of the awards is to recognize outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County. Winners are judged by nearly 100 business leaders in the area and receive $3,500, along with a crystal flame award. The remaining finalists receive a $500 check and a framed certificate of recognition.

The Dwyer Awards are presented in seven categories: Grow Up Great/Early Learning Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, High School

Education, Student Advancement/Career Education, Special Programs and STEM Education.

Each category is narrowed down from hundreds of nominees to 28 finalists — four in each category.

Aside from Kovalsky, other local finalists were Cathy Eckstein of Wellington Elementary School in Early Learning Education; Jennifer Allen of Wellington Elementary School in Elementary Education; Lisa Welz of Emerald Cove Middle School in Middle School Education; Steven Gordon of Western Pines Middle School in Special Programs; Laura Arena of Elbridge Gale Elementary School and Caroline Westervelt of Western Pines Middle School in STEM Education; and Ted Glipits of Wellington High School in Career Education.

The 2022 Dwyer Awards were presented by the Hanley Foundation. Learn more at www. economiccouncilpbc.org/dwyerawards.

grams such as “Operation Mall Shield.”

“That was work to make sure something didn’t happen, and that’s what we like to see,” Gerwig said.

Joining Silva for the presentation was PBSO Major Eric Coleman. “We really appreciate all the support that this council has given us,” he said. “It’s a huge component of our success.”

Coleman noted that a therapy dog will soon be assigned to the village.

“They have proven to be a great asset to bring to those traumatic cases,” he said. “We bring them to accident scenes and to victims of domestic and sexual abuse. It’s a great resource.”

In other business: • The council gave village staff the go-ahead to continue negotiations with Wellington Athletics LLC, the company led by National Football League linebacker Jon Bostic and Major League Baseball coach Devon Travis, both Palm Beach Central High School graduates, who aim to redevelop the underutilized Wellington Community Park on South Shore Blvd. into a professional sports training facility.

The council had previously supported the ongoing negotiations, but a recent change to the proposal required another council vote. It came about because of a public financing proposal in the latest version under consideration.

“When this proposal first came

Memorial

Wellington And RPB Plan Events

continued from page 1 make it to other ceremonies in the area,” Garvey said.

Former Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham, a member of American Legion Post 390, will be presenting the keynote speech, where he will be honoring Base Commander/Wing Commander Col. Sherman Beaty and Medal of Honor winner Capt. John Walmsley, who respectively were designated Missing in Action, Presumed Dead in 1953 and 1951.

“The two people who I’m honoring were members of the Eighth Bomb Squad, Third Bomb Group, Third Bomb Wing of the Fifth United States Air Force,” said

The Wellington Village Council honored the winners of the village’s Public Safety Essay Contest on Tuesday, May 10.

PHOTO COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

in, the idea was they were going to self-fund the proposal,” Village Attorney Laurie Cohen said.

“When you shift that funding mechanism to public bonds, that changed the equation a little bit.”

Village Manager Jim Barnes said that Wellington will now need to follow stricter regulations in Florida statutes, including re-opening the request for proposals for a 21-day notice period, along with greater financial oversight.

“Beyond the statute, we need to make sure that the whole project works,” Gerwig said.

Barnes said that the village will make sure of that.

“Experts will be brought in to review the proposal,” he said, noting that this is just one step in a long process. “Any agreement will return for additional votes, including the bond financing, several times.”

• The council recognized several high school students for their

recent accomplishments, including Palm Beach Central High School student author Ryan Snider, who recently published his 281-page debut novel titled 70 Meters about a floating city called New Atlantis.

Ryan’s brother Reid Snider was also honored for his accomplishments, including participation in the Wellington Youth Council and his recent appointment as vice president of the Student Government Association of Palm Beach County.

Wellington High School student Tessie Goron was honored for her Philanthropy Tank project. Goron was recently awarded $9,000 by the nonprofit to implement her project called “Drop the Vape,” aimed at decreasing the number of teen vape users in Palm Beach County by establishing a new educational course for students caught with vape devices on school campuses.

Wenham, who served in the Korean War. “It’s not just those two… it’s the 101 of the Eighth Bomb Squad.”

He’s proud to have the opportunity to honor those who are Missing in Action, Presumed Dead. “I was part of the unit they were significant in. We all served together,” Wenham said.

Active military or retired veterans who would like to be recognized during the ceremony can contact Garvey at (561) 791-4082 or register the morning of the event.

Royal Palm Beach will hold its Memorial Day Service at 9:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Amphitheater, located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Overflow parking is available at Lindsay Ewing Park with a shuttle to the ceremony.

This year’s ceremony will have the same format as previous years, Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center

Event & Facilities Manager Steve Poyner said, with Mayor Fred Pinto providing an introduction and welcoming remarks.

There will be the laying of the wreath, a 21-gun salute, a battle cross presentation from the American Legion Honor Guard 11th District, a fallen soldiers’ tribute, a bagpipes presentation, and closing remarks and prayers.

The three guest speakers this year will be Johnny Castro, Hartley Barnes and Traci Caicedo.

“Both of my parents served in the Air Force, so I’ve always had veterans close to my heart,” Poyner said. “It’s a privilege of mine to be able to help host and run this event.”

To add the name of anyone killed in action, call (561) 7905196 or (561) 790-5192 with their name, rank and branch to be recognized during the Royal Palm Beach ceremony.

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If anything about your pet’s behavior strikes you as out of the ordinary, discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Excessive grooming and other actions may have any number of influencing factors that could be responsible, some minor, some serious. We are dedicated to compassionate pet care at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, and we promise unfailing diligence in providing the best, most appropriate treatment for each individual pet that comes to us for care. Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., we offer complete, state-of-the-art health care services for small pets of all kinds. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. P.S. Excessive, compulsive grooming is known as psychogenic alopecia.

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Page 15

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NEWS

WELLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 2022 GRADUATES AT FAIRGROUNDS

Wellington High School’s Class of 2022 was celebrated Tuesday, May 17 when commencement exercises were held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Thousands of family members cheered as about 580 newly minted Wolverine graduates received their diplomas. The event included speeches by Superintendent Michael Burke, Principal Cara Hayden, Valedictorian Sydney Showalter, Salutatorian Jacob Hefty, Student Government Association President Katelyn Griffin and Senior Class President Kailey Madden.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

VIPs from the Village of Wellington and the School District of Palm Beach County gather before the ceremony.

Superintendent Michael Burke at the podium.

Senior band students perform with the WHS band one last time.

Principal Cara Hayden addresses the graduates.

Isabella Veillard celebrates with her family.

Senior Class President Kailey Madden and Camryn Strode.

Alexander De Armas celebrates with his family.

Matthew Grace and Isabella Patino.

Esteban Ramirez celebrates with his family.

Wellington Education Committee Chair Jay Webber, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind and Councilman John McGovern.

Student speakers (L-R) Salutatorian Jacob Hefty, Valedictorian Sydney Showalter, Senior Class President Kailey Madden and SGA President Katelyn Griffin.

Nico Palazzo celebrates with his family.

Jonathan Deslandes gives flowers to his niece Audrey Enders.

Akramul, Akib, Mazmun and Alif Hussain.

Ximena Pichardo with her mother Marcella Martinez.

Kaylee King and Jarvis Gulley.

Hailey Stafford and Brendon Flood-Stumm.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON ROTARY CLUB PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS TO NEW GRADUATES

The 2022 Rotary Club of Wellington Scholarship Awards Dinner was held Thursday, May 5 at the Wanderers Club. Scholarships were presented to Sydney Showalter, who was awarded a four-year scholarship, and Sydney Hayden, Margaret Kotch and Rachel Benbasat, who were awarded two-year scholarships. The club also honored its students of the quarter, Andrea Bustillo and Andrew Rochman.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington High School Interact advisor Hernan Avila, Sydney Hayden, Rachel Benbasat, Sydney Showalter, Margaret Kotch and Andrew Burr.

Marilyn and David Berns with Barbara and Dr. Wes Boughner.

Rotary President Tom Carreras with scholarship winner Sydney Showalter.

Iris Chapman with PBSO Deputy Dwayne Brown.

Students of the Quarter Andrea Bustillo and Andrew Rochman.

Scholarship recipients Rachel Benbasat, Sydney Showalter, Margaret Kotch and Sydney Hayden.

Scholarship committee members Andrew Burr, Caroline Pena and Scott Armand. (Peggy and Mark Candreva not shown).

Mike, Lisa, Rachel and Sara Benbasat.

PBSC Loxahatchee Groves Campus Celebrates Fifth Anniversary

Palm Beach State College recently celebrated the five-year anniversary of its Loxahatchee Groves campus with a small outdoor reception and updates on enrollment, community partnerships and expansion plans.

The Dennis P. Gallon campus, named in honor of the college’s former longtime president, opened as the fifth campus on Feb. 27, 2017, to more than 700 students.

Today, it serves more than 5,000 students annually.

During the district board of trustees meeting at the campus May 10, Kimberly Lancaster, dean of academic affairs, and science professors Dr. Vetaley Stashenko and Candace Walker highlighted enhanced educational technology, particularly the virtual anatomage lab using 3D technology, and strategic partnerships that have elevated instruction and strength-

ened ties in the western communities. Several community leaders and elected officials attended the meeting and lauded the campus and its leadership.

“Thank you for everything that you do for us,’’ Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig said.

“We’re looking forward to hopefully getting the Dental & Medical Services Technology Building out here,” Loxahatchee Groves Mayor Robert Shorr added. “We’re looking forward to that next phase.”

Shorr was referring to the college’s plans to build the second building, pending final approval of $25 million that lawmakers included in next year’s state budget.

Currently, the campus includes a three-story, 50,000-square-foot multi-purpose building with classrooms, offices, student support services, computer labs and a

250-seat lecture hall. With the new building, the college plans to relocate its dental health education programs currently housed in a 60-year-old structure on the Lake Worth campus.

In addition to its partnership with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and other businesses and organizations, the campus also has partnered with Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School to host professional development for teachers.

“The Loxahatchee Groves campus is very important to Wellington, as it not only reflects the workforce of the area, but more specifically the unique needs of the Wellington business community,’’ said Scott Sweigart, president of the Wellington Chamber. “As a medical hub, the talent coming out of this campus will no doubt be our future leaders.”

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Among the other highlights noted were plans for the Julie and John Kime Library Resource Center on the third-floor landing of the existing building to give students access to some of the services available on other campuses. The college also celebrated philanthropist Frank DiMino.

Following the board meeting, attendees moved outside for the celebration, where President Ava Parker recognized Lancaster for her leadership and campus employees, as well as Gallon and board chair Wendy Link for their roles to help bring the campus to fruition.

Gallon expressed again his gratitude for the campus being named in his honor. “I’m very proud of the work that is being carried on here,” he said. “It’s certainly a testament to the hard work and dedication that is going to make this institution continue to be a part of addressing

the education needs of the citizens of this county.”

Lancaster said with the pandemic occurring three years after the campus opened, it was important to have the celebration.

“It’s really to refresh and remind

the community that Palm Beach State has a presence here and that we’re here to support dual enrollment, the associate in arts degree, health science programs, computer science programs and to support the employers in the community.”

PBSC President Ava Parker, Dr. Dennis Gallon, Trustee Wendy Link and Dean Kimberly Lancaster prepare to cut the cake.

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NEWS

CAFCI AND RPB HOST ANNUAL CULTURAL DIVERSITY DAY AT VETERANS PARK

Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement and the Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Cultural Diversity Day on Saturday, May 14 at Royal Palm Beach Veterans Park. The day included live music, food, cultural displays and fun.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

CAFCI President Dennis Wright addresses the crowd.

The Carib Latin Band performs.

Maria Hernandez, Fadev Sanjudo, and Esther and Jimmy Guzman of Mariachi Mexico 88.

RPB Vice Mayor Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Councilman Jeff Hmara and Councilman Richard Valuntas on stage.

“King” Bernard Bain plays the saxophone.

The CAFCI committee with RPB council members.

Carol Coombs of Lioness Natural Soaps.

Charmaine Henry and Carolyn Hmara at the CAFCI booth.

Cub Scout Pack 120 with Mayor Fred Pinto, Cub Master Joann Waugh, Councilman Richard Valuntas, Committee Chair Dan Waugh and Councilman Jeff Hmara.

Yvonne Wright and Ernie Garvey share a joke.

Samara Lewis sings the national anthem.

BSA Scout Troop 111 attended the event.

Lorianne Cabrera, Shirley Palmer, Rhonda Ferrin Davis and Loretta Watson at the Vivian and Adrienne Ferrin Memorial Scholarship booth.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue

Genieve White and Curtis Turner.

Yvonne Wright and Lawrence Logan.

Hildreth Stoddart Brown, Kerona Gardner and Winsome Martin dance.

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SPORTS, PAGES 21-24 • PEOPLE, PAGES 24-25 • SCHOOLS, PAGE 26 • BUSINESS, PAGE 27 • COLUMNS, PAGE 28 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 29-30

SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Outlasts P.B. Gardens In Regional Softball Semifinal

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

As they say in high school sports, it’s not easy beating a team three times in one season, but the Wellington High School girls softball team pulled off the trifecta against the Palm Beach Gardens High School Gators.

On Tuesday, May 17 at Wellington High School, the Wolverines won the most important of the three games versus Palm Beach Gardens, prevailing 3-1 in their Class 7A, Region 4 semifinal game.

The Wolverines, now 22-3, advanced to the Class 7A, Region 4 final on Friday, May 20, when they will travel to Park Vista High School to play the Cobras.

At stake is a berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A state final four in Clermont on May 27-28.

On Tuesday night, Wellington was led by pitcher Jordan White,

who struck out nine, allowed six hits and drove in the first run of the game with a second-inning single to center field. Wellington added single runs in the fourth and fifth innings.

The Gators had many chances to take the lead, or at least tie the score, but White’s pitching neutralized the Gators’ bats. Gardens was able to get the lead-off hitter on base in four innings, but never got a runner to third base until the seventh inning. In all, the Gators stranded nine runners on base.

Trailing 3-0 going into the top of the seventh inning, the Gators kept playing hard. With one out, leadoff hitter Reagan Towns reached first on a single down the left field line. One out later, Kairi Rodriguez drilled a two-out double off the top of the center field fence to drive in Towns. Wellington then led 3-1. The Gardens offense then stalled, thanks to White’s proficiency. White struck out Aaliyah

Crews to end the game. The Wellington bench erupted into a big celebration.

To give the visiting Gators credit, they silenced the normally powerful bat of Wellington senior slugger Gabby Mack, who was held hitless in three at-bats.

Wellington coach Mark Boretti was not concerned about the lack of productivity from his senior first baseman.

“It’s always somebody different who steps forward with a key hit to lead the way,” Boretti said.

“It has been that way the whole season. Tonight, we had strong defense, awesome pitching from Jordan White, and timely hitting.

It was team effort in every sense of the word.”

For Wellington, three different players drove in runs and three different players crossed home plate. Wellington’s hottest hitter was senior center fielder Morea Hodge, who had a single, a triple

and scored a run in three at-bats.

Hodge bats ninth in the lineup.

“For us, having Morea bat last is like having a second lead-off hitter in the batting order,” Boretti said.

As for White’s pitching performance, she said the key to her success was controlling two specific pitches.

“Tonight, the rises and screws were great,” White said. “Late in the game, my drop balls were working.”

According to Boretti, he’ll keep the pitching rotation the same.

“Jordan White will start on the mound on Friday night in our game against Park Vista,” he said.

Friday’s game versus Park Vista will be a rematch of their regular season game when the Cobras defeated the Wolverines 4-3 back on April 12.

Wellington’s softball squad, led

by Boretti, has advanced to the state final four on two previous occasions, 2011 and 2017.

Wellington High School softball shortstop Tori Payne at bat.

PHOTOS COURTESY SYD JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Catcher Kaylee Riles makes the play for Wellington.

Pitching ace Jordan White on the mound for the Wolverines.

Wellington’s Morea Hodge Prepares For NCAA Division I Softball

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School softball center fielder Morea Hodge officially graduated on May 17, but she remains firmly entrenched as a Wolverine, since she and her teammates are still playing high school softball.

The Wolverines will be playing next on Friday, May 20 against host Park Vista High School in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A, Region 4 finals. Up for grabs is a berth in the FHSAA’s Class 7A state final four set for May 27-28 in Clermont.

When Hodge’s athletic career as a Wolverine comes to an end, it will mark the beginning of another chapter in her academic and athletic life. This coming August, she will enroll at the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore, located in Princess Anne, Maryland.

While there, Hodge will study forensic science and biology in the classroom. On the softball diamond, Hodge will play in the outfield for coach Karla Ross’s softball team. The University of Maryland-Eastern Shore is an NCAA Division I program that competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

Hodge, who had a 3.7 GPA at WHS, is delighted to be headed north to study and play softball.

“I visited the campus back in September, and I felt at home there,” Hodge said.

Ross is pleased that Hodge will be patrolling her outfield for the next four years.

“I need an outfielder who has speed, a strong arm, can steal bases, and I need a ‘slapper’ in the lineup,” said Ross, who goes by the nickname “Coach K.” Hodge feels that she can do more than be a “slapper” as a hitter.

“I’m a triple-threat hitter, who can hit, slap and bunt,” added

Hodge, who bats left, throws right and runs fast.

According to Ross, Hodge is one of five key freshman recruits for next year’s team. The other ones are coming from Tennessee, Maryland, Connecticut and Pennsylvania. This past season, the Hawks had a disappointing 18-

Madison Quinn of Palm Beach Gardens holds Wellington’s Morea Hodge on first.

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“Our goal next year is to win our conference tournament and advance to an NCAA regional tournament,” she said.

This past season, the Hawks

Wellington High School softball center fielder Morea Hodge at bat.

PHOTO COURTESY SYD JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

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SPORTS & RECREATION

Berean Christian Runners Advance To FHSAA State Track Meet

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report A year ago, Berean Christian School’s Tajauni Elliott, then a sophomore, advanced to the 2021 Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 1A state track and field championship on the campus of the University of North Florida in Jacksonville. That achievement was noteworthy since the Royal Palm Beach resident was brandnew to the sport.

In last year’s state meet, Elliott competed in the 400-meter dash, where he advanced to the final.

He finished in seventh place with a time of 51.52. This year, now a junior, Elliott returned to the state track and field championship, held Wednesday, May 11 at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Elliott was fitter and faster with far more experience in the sport.

Not only did he return to compete

in the 400-meter dash, but he qualified in two other sprints — the 200 meters and 100 meters.

He was joined in Gainesville by Bulldog track teammate Chelsea Christian, who qualified in the girls 400-meter dash.

This year, Elliott improved on last year’s seventh-place finish in the 400-meter dash. He was one place better, coming in sixth with a time of 49.59, nearly two seconds faster than his time at last year’s FHSAA meet. A week prior, on May 4, Elliott set his personal record of 48.90 at the Class 1A, Region 4 meet at Southridge Park in Miami.

In the 200-meter dash at the state meet, Elliott placed eighth with a time of 22.52, which was slightly slower than his personal record of 22.27, which he recorded at this year’s regional meet. Elliott did not advance to

the championship final in the 100-meter dash.

Looking back on this season, Elliott was the district champion in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash and the 400-meter dash. He was also a member of Berean’s 4x400-meter relay team, which included teammates Ormond Russell, Camden Cerbone and Kyle Pinnock. That relay team placed second in the district meet on April 26 and in third place in the regional meet on May 4.

As for Christian, a junior, it was her first appearance in the FHSAA’s state track meet. In the girls 400-meter dash, she did not advance out of the preliminary round. Her time was 1:00.48, which was close to her personal record of 1:00.35, which she set at William T. Dwyer High School’s Lincoln Knowles Memorial Meet earlier in the season.

Looking back on this past track season, Christian was the district champion in the 100-meter dash and 400-meter dash. She was a member of the winning 4x400meter relay team, which included teammates Dylande Innocent, Lori Beth Louis and Maddison Stegall. At the district meet in Fort Lauderdale on April 26, she was second in the 200-meter dash.

Christian’s best times this year in the 100-meter dash was 12.85, and 26.73 in the 200-meter dash.

Christian’s immediate track future is bright.

“Chelsea’s perfectionist mindset is the catalyst that drives her hard work,” said John Fix, Berean’s head track coach. “She was able to reach heights on the track this year that placed her in the upper echelon as a state competitor. She will definitely bring home some See BEREAN, page 24

Berean’s Chelsea Christian and Tajauni Elliott at the FHSAA state track meet. PHOTO COURTESY BEREAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL ATHLETICS

Seminole Ridge Sends Flock Of Hawks Off To Play Ball In College

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report Whether it’s football, basketball, lacrosse or competitive cheerleading, a number of Seminole Ridge High School graduating studentathletes are taking their athletic prowess and academic minds off to college this coming fall.

SRHS offensive linemen Jayden and Jordan Reyes will remain as football teammates after their high school graduations. Both players, who are identical twins, have agreed to play college football together, accepting scholarship offers from the Stevenson University Mustangs in Pikesville, Maryland.

Stevenson competes in the Eastern College Athletic Conference, an NCAA Division III institution. Both players excelled in the classroom as well as the football field. Jordan has a 3.96 GPA, while Jayden’s GPA is 3.54.

The two players helped anchor the Hawks’ offensive line, with one of the top rushing attacks in Palm Beach County.

Both Jayden and Jordan played in the Palm Beach County AllStar Game, which was held after the conclusion of the last football season.

SRHS senior Michelle Lozott will continue to play lacrosse at the college level. She has signed to play college lacrosse at St. Thomas University in Miami

Gardens. Lozott, a midfielder, was a four-year starter for the Seminole Ridge girls lacrosse squad.

Two SRHS girls basketball players have also signed college scholarships. Aspen Johnson has signed with the Mercer University Bears in Macon, Georgia, while fellow teammate Ashley Thornton will be staying in Palm Beach County, where she will attend class and play for Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth. Both Johnson and Thornton were integral parts of the Hawks’ district championship-winning teams in 2020 and 2022. Seminole Ridge finished the 2022 season with a 16-2 record and a trip to the regional finals, one victory away from reaching the FHSAA state final four.

Finally, Nathanael Pierre Louis has inked a college scholarship with the University of Central Florida in Orlando for competitive cheerleading. Pierre Louis was a three-sport athlete for the Hawks.

At Seminole Ridge, he played football, practiced weightlifting and engaged in competitive cheerleading. The Hawks co-ed competitive cheerleading team finished in second place in this year’s FHSAA state championships. Pierre Louis not only excels in sports, but also has a 3.6 grade point average. The University of Central Florida has one of the top competitive cheerleading programs in the nation.

Jordan and Jayden Reyes with Athletic Director Scott Parks, father José Reyes, coach Al Gilkes, coach Rick Casko, coach Chad Chieffalo, mother Aracelis Castillo and Principal Robert Hatcher.

Girls basketball players Aspen Johnson and Ashley Thorton sign their scholarships.

Register for the Armory Art Center’s Summer Art Experience from May 31 through July 29. Classes are available for ages 6 to 17. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with early and after care available. Each week will feature different themes. Come create, learn and mix for an exciting week filled with high-quality art education, art excursions that complement weekly themes and techniques, hands-on exploration of various creative, diverse techniques, and opportunities to sharpen skills and tap new interests. The Armory Art Center is located at 811 Park Place in West Palm Beach. For more information, call (561) 832-1776 or visit www.armoryart.org.

Summer is made for adventure at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium. Perfect for young scientists ages 5 to 12, each week of camp offers hands-on exploration of a variety of STEM topics. Days are packed with interactive lessons, laboratories, themed crafts and outdoor activities led by expert science educators. Themes include MinecraftEDU, Marine Biology, Astronomy and much more.

Camps are offered in two great locations at the Cox Science Center in West Palm Beach and the STEM Studio in Jupiter. Register at www.coxsciencecenter.org/ camps.

Know an aspiring scientist? Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Kids. Best practices and guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Camp Association (ACA) are in place. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pickup at 5 p.m. is available for an additional fee. For more information, or to register, visit www.marinelife.org/camp.

LMC’s summer camp programs are interactive, educational and stimulating.

Geared towards children ages 6 -13 and includes fun activities such as snorkeling, fishing and scientific projects.

• Camps start on June 6th and hours are Monday - Friday, from 9 am to 4 pm • Late pickup is available (fee) • Three unique experiences to choose from • Multi-week and sibling discounts available

Located in Loggerhead Park 14200 U.S. Highway One, Juno Beach, Florida 33408 (561) 627-8280 ext. 119 reservations@marinelife.org

Michelle Lozott with her parents Jennifer and James Lozott.

Nathanael Pierre Louis with his mother Emilene and father Anson.

PHOTOS COURTESY SEMINOLE RIDGE ATHLETICS

Page 24

May 20 - June 2, 2022

The Town-Crier

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Bacon & Bourbon Fest Raises Money For The PBSO Explorers

The bourbon flowed, the silent auction started and winning bids kept on coming. By the end of the two-day event, the Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest in March raised $3,650 for a nonprofit of their choice.

Festival Producer Nancy Stewart-Franczak couldn’t believe it

as the totals came in after a long weekend.

Tournament Promotions, a company out of Raleigh, North Carolina, reached out to the Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest team to become a vendor at the annual event and offered to staff and operate a silent auction during the festival.

“We’re always looking for ways to give back to our community, so this was a no-brainer,” Franczak said.

Tournament Promotions supplied the items at no cost to the festival. Items they auctioned off included exclusive celebrity-autographed items, vacations,

paintings and cruises.

Festival Management Group, producers of the festival, decided that the funds should benefit a longtime supporter of their events, the PBSO Explorers.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Explorer and Junior Explorer programs are chartered

SPORTS & RECREATION

through the Boy Scouts of America and are designed for young men and women between the ages of 14 and 21. Explorers participate in numerous community service events throughout Palm Beach County.

The PBSO Explorers have donated their time and resources to assist event operations at festivals such as the South Florida Garlic

LOX SCAVENGER HUNT SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS

Wellington Wrestlers Qualify For Nationals

The Wellington Wrestling Club has qualified a number of athletes to compete at the national level this summer.

Three athletes will be representing Team Florida at the team national duals in June, and three more will be competing as individuals at the Fargo nationals in July.

Mac Andrews (14U, 165 pounds) will be competing at the national duals in Indianapolis. Au-

Festival, the Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest, the Delray Affair and more.

The Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest takes place annually in Wellington. The event is free and open to the public and includes free parking. Mark your calendars for the ninth annual Wellington Bacon & Bourbon Fest, set for March 25-26, 2023.

rora Guadiana (Junior Girls, 130 pounds) and Patrick Jones (Junior, 120 pounds) will be competing at the national duals in Tulsa.

Jones, Marco Luciano (Junior, 106 pounds) and Pedro Ricardo (Junior, 220 pounds) all have qualified to compete at Fargo nationals as individuals.

The club qualified a record seven individuals for this national event, but only three will be able to make the trip this summer.

The Palm Beach Central High School track and field team.

PBCHS Track Wins Team Trophy At Regionals

Wrestlers Mac Andrews, Patrick Jones and Marco Luciano.

Berean

Track Meet

continued from page 23 hardware from the FHSAA Class 1A state track meet in 2023.”

As Elliott enters his senior year of running track next spring, he will be looking to add another state title to the school’s history books.

Back in 2010, former Bulldog track star Talyn Washington won the FHSAA Class 1A state title in the 400-meter dash. Washington’s winning time that year of 49.05 remains a school record.

While Elliott may or may not

The Palm Beach Central High School track program won the team trophy at FHSAA Regional State Qualifier in Orlando on May 7. At the event, five athletes qualified to advance to the state championships.

Regional champions Adina Jackson, Brielle Mindley, Brooke Jacob, Jada Smith and Sheridan McDonald walked away with medals. They have also led in the district in their individual events:

Adina Jackson (long jump, triple jump and 100 meters), Brielle Mindley (100 meter and 200 meter), Jada Smith (100 meter, 200 meter and long jump) and Sheridan McDonald (long jump).

The girls 4x100 relay has beat its own school record four times.

Meanwhile, Palm Beach Central senior Jada Smith has been signed

by Boston University to continue both her academic and athletic career.

The first Loxahatchee Groves Scavenger Hunt was held Saturday, May 7, and thanks to the 10 teams that participated, the event raised $700 for town’s scholarship fund. Teams visited town vendors Everglades Farm Equipment, Go Natural Loxahatchee, the Division of Forestry, British Feed and hunted for treasure at A One Stop Garden Shop. (Above) Scavengers were treated to a catered lunch under the covered pavilion at A One Stop Garden Shop. (Below) Iris Mabb picks her chest.

win a state title next year in any running event, don’t be surprised to see his times continue to improve — and don’t be surprised if he breaks the current school record time in the 400-meter dash.

“Tajauni’s natural ability is truly a blessing, however, his work ethic is second-to-none,” said Mario Jackson, Berean’s assistant track coach. “His tenacity and competitiveness to be the best will serve him well beyond the track. There’s no doubt in my mind that Tajauni will return to the Class 1A meet in his senior year as a three-time qualifier and medalist.”

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May 20 - June 2, 2022

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Christopher Mears Graduates At The Top Of His Class At Palm Beach Central High School

Christopher Mears, a senior at Palm Beach Central High School, graduated on Wednesday, May 18, ranked first in the senior class with a 4.0 unweighted GPA, a 5.5882 weighted GPA and a valedictorian/ salutatorian GPA of 5.6393.

Although Mears will receive his high school diploma on May 18, he has already earned his associate in arts degree from Palm Beach State College, where he began taking college classes at age 15. He will have a total of 101 college credit hours upon his high school graduation. Although Mears is at the top of his class, according to his family, he will not be valedictorian because the

School District of Palm Beach County has a policy which does not allow students who are in the top spot and also doing early admission at Palm Beach State College to be valedictorian.

Mears is a top-performing student in the school district as a whole. He has earned straight A grades his entire academic journey. He has earned the AICE diploma and is being recognized as a Pathfinder Award semifinalist in academic excellence. He is also a National Hispanic Scholar, a member of the National Math Honor Society and the National Honor Society. Mears earned a perfect score on the math section

of the SAT, and his community involvement includes math tutoring for high school students and for adults looking to obtain their GED. He also helped organize the Dance Marathon at Palm Beach Central.

Mears will be attending the University of South Florida on a full academic merit scholarship.

He received the USF Presidential Merit Award, Tradition of Excellence Award and a Bright Futures Scholarship. He will be studying in the Burnett Honors College and following the BS to MD program majoring in biomedical science.

His lifelong goal is to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.

Christopher Mears

Maryanna Poe Named Reserve Champion At Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition

Maryanna Poe competes with Aragon’s Onyx in their circus-themed freestyle.

Local resident Maryanna Poe competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover competition last month at the Southeast Livestock Pavilion in Ocala. The event is held annually to encourage the adoption of wild American mustangs. A total of 54 competitors received a wild mustang to train over a period of 100 days. Her mustang, Aragon’s Onyx, is a five-year-old bay gelding rounded up from the northern hills of Nevada.

“Heading into the competition as a rookie, it was an honor to just be a part of the event and showcase the amazing capabilities of American mustangs,” she said. “In the back of my mind, I had been dreaming of becoming one of the top 10 trainers at the event.”

Poe placed first, seventh and 12th in the three qualifying events for all competitors, allowing her to continue to the two final events for the top 10 qualifiers.

She then went on to place first in Compulsory Maneuvers, a reining pattern that showcases loping, rollbacks, stopping, spins, pivots and lead changes. Next was the freestyle event, which allowed competitors to showcase their creativity and technicalities that they perfected with their mustangs.

“For this event, I chose to perform a circus theme,” she said.

“The obstacles that I included in my showcase were two horse stands, a ‘welcome to the circus’ streamer entryway, and a massive

diameter ball that Aragon’s Onyx maneuvered around the arena.

Aragon’s Onyx also performed a Spanish walk and laid down upon command.”

Based on the combined scores, Poe placed second overall to become reserve champion in the Extreme Mustang Makeover.

“This was a historical event for the Extreme Mustang Makeover, as no trainer has ever made the top three in their rookie year,” Poe said. “I was overwhelmed with emotion as they counted off the results.”

While the competition was over, the bidding war had just begun. In the Extreme Mustang Makeover, all horses that completed the competition are auctioned off to the highest bidder.

“As far as I was concerned, Aragon’s Onyx was part of my family, and I was going to do everything in my power to keep it that way,” said Poe, who eventually won the bid for the mustang.

“I raised my bidding number up, which raised the price to $7,000.

To my astonishment, the number stayed there. Aragon’s Onyx was coming home with me. I was the highest bidder!”

Poe is a professional horse trainer who specializes in behavior-challenged horses, tuning and starting. She customizes a training program for each horse to help clients gain full confidence in any situation. For more information, call (561) 310-5882.

Page 25

Bresnahan To Graduate From U.S. Naval Academy

Loxahatchee resident and 2018 Seminole Ridge High School graduate Riley Bresnahan is graduating from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Bresnahan was a four-year varsity soccer starter, played travel soccer for the Wellington Wave and Palm Beach Premier soccer clubs, earned her black belt in taekwondo from Acreage Martial Arts, was a four-year cross-country runner, and was Seminole Ridge’s National Honor Society president and prom queen her senior year.

As a midshipman, Bresnahan played on the ladies rugby team her plebe (freshman) year, was on the dance team for the past three years and was also a member of the Navy taekwondo team.

A meteorology major, Bresnahan participated in a study-abroad program in Ghana this past fall, where she performed experiments on ocean currents and tidal shifts.

Bresnahan will begin her U.S. Navy career as an ensign spe-

Riley Bresnahan cializing in surface warfare after her graduation on Friday, May 27. Celebrating with her will be her mother Helena, father Glenn, brother Robert, sister Reagan, and many family members and friends from around the country.

Karen Holloway Joins Clinics Can Help Board

Clinics Can Help “My goal is to help recently named Royal improve the quality of Palm Beach resident life for our Palm Beach Karen Holloway of County neighbors in Northwestern Mutual need of medical equipas the newest memment while increasing ber of its board of diawareness and supportrectors. CEO Owen ing the board fully,” O’Neill is confident said Holloway, adding Holloway’s presence that board member will contribute to Pamela Swensen first CCH’s mission as the introduced her to the leading provider of organization. medical equipment Holloway has been and supplies for chilmarried for 21 years Karen Holloway dren and adults in and loves exploring Florida. “Karen is a great addition her community with her husband, to our board and has already been family and friends. In addition, helping us out on our Finance she is actively involved with the and Audit Committee,” O’Neill Florida Bar, Place of Hope, Junior said. “Her skillset brings a unique League, the Urban League, 211, the perspective to our board. This ex- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, pertise will be key as we grow to Hearts for Moms, Leadership Palm reach and assist even more children Beach County and the Forum Club. and adults achieve mobility and For more than a decade, Clinics independence.”

Can Help has engaged a model of Holloway, a financial advisor organized recycling to create greatwith Northwestern Mutual, has er access to medical equipment for worked with clients to achieve a faster recovery, protection from financial stability for more than injury, and the mobility, indepen20 years. She immigrated to South dence and dignity for a quality Florida from Montego Bay, Ja- level of life. CCH has served more maica, in 1996 at the age of 14 than 18,000 children and adults. and later attended Florida Atlantic For more info., visit www.clinicsUniversity. canhelp.org or call (561) 640-2995.

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Page 26

May 20 - June 2, 2022

The Town-Crier

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SCHOOL NEWS

American Heritage Palm Beach Pre-Law Program Wins State Competition

The prestigious American Heritage Schools’ Palm Beach Campus Mock Trial Team was named state champions at the 2022 Florida High School Mock Trial Competition. Junior Madison Smith also earned the prestigious Top Attorney award.

The 16 schools in the finals represented 16 circuits from the 20 judicial circuits in Florida. The team competed in four preliminary rounds, then qualified for the fifth and final round. Led by attorney coaches Ani Porter, Kelly Harris and Adam McMichael, American Heritage Schools’ Palm Beach Campus Mock Trial Team was the only team to have won all of the rounds during the entire tournament.

The Florida High School Mock Trial Program was designed in 1991 by Annette Boyd Pitts and former Florida Bar Executive Director Marshall Cassedy. Hundreds of student participants have graduated, attended law school and become members of the Florida Bar or other state bar associations.

In the program, students learn criti-

cal thinking skills, legal reasoning, analysis and professionalism, in addition to the structure and function of the courts and the legal process.

“We value preparation, discipline and team harmony,” said attorney Ani Porter, pre-law program director at the Palm Beach campus. “It is our priority to foster a healthy, productive, fun and ethical learning environment for our students, whom we envision will be future leaders of our country.”

American Heritage Schools’ Pre-Law team also earned yet another first-place ranking at a nationwide competition and a new title, 2022 Yale University Moot Champions, due to the brilliant teamwork of senior Sara Shim and junior Rebeca Lopez-Anzures.

They showed poise, confidence and superior understanding of complex constitutional issues. In the championship round, they outperformed their tough opponents, and last year’s champions, from the Boston Latin School to claim the 2022 title.

Ninth-grade duo Katherine

The American Heritage School Palm Beach Mock Trial Team.

Chaffee and Kayli Harris, rising eton Moot Court Competition. All stars and first-time moot court five teams made it past the four competitors, placed fourth in the preliminary rounds. The ninthsame competition after putting grade team of Sophia Reynoso forth an incredibly strong per- and Maia Merkel-Leavitt outperformance. Additionally, Jonah formed their peers and placed top Samara earned seventh place and eight in the entire competition.

Lindsay Brauner eighth place, both Reynoso and Pooja Gudoor earned in the Top Attorney category. individual Top Attorney awards.

During the same weekend of American Heritage Schools’ the Yale competition, another five pre-law program is a four-year teams competed at the 2022 Princ- honors program taught exclusively

TKA Breaks Ground On O’Keeffe Innovation Center

The King’s Academy broke ground on an important new addition to its campus on Wednesday, April 20 — the Esther B. O’Keeffe Innovation Center.

The new learning center will be a two-story, 12,000-square-foot home to the Smith Family Conservatory’s growing digital arts program and business program of distinction. It will also house two computer and technology labs, as well as elementary classrooms for science, STEM, world languages and the school’s Explore gifted program.

Once complete, this building will be utilized by hundreds of elementary and high school students each day, who will be receiving cutting-edge instruction to compete in an increasingly complex world. The Esther B. O’Keeffe Innovation Center will be outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

The building is a tremendous gift, as it will allow TKA to continue to manage class size while welcoming record enrollment, thanks to generous benefactors like Clare O’Keeffe.

“I am grateful for the many years of generous friendship and extraordinary support to me and

TKA,” President Randy Martin said. “Miss O’Keeffe and the Esther B. O’Keeffe Charitable Foundation have supported important projects, like the Page Family Center for Performing Arts, the O’Keeffe Pre-Law Studies Program, the Frank DiMino Student Union, and now this state-of-theart innovation center. She has made a tremendous impact in the lives of our students.”

The Esther B. O’Keeffe Innovation Center will be a unique and exciting addition to campus. Student learning in this building will transcend the traditional classroom and provide many experiential opportunities. Esther B. O’Keeffe was known for her support of the arts and education. It is exciting and fitting that the groundbreaking ceremony was held on April 20, her birthday.

The Esther B. O’Keeffe Charitable Foundation was established in 1990 by the late philanthropist Esther B. O’Keeffe, wife of the respected surgeon and philanthropist Dr. Arthur O’Keeffe. The children now carry on the family’s charitable tradition by serving as trustees of the foundation, which supports a broad spectrum of entities, including the arts, education, cultural

TKA Director of Development Rosario Larson, benefactor Clare O’Keeffe and TKA President Randy Martin. programs and medical research.

12th grade and three preschool The King’s Academy is a private locations. Its main campus is at Christian school in its 52nd year, Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s serving more than 1,500 students Way. More information, visit. from junior kindergarten through www.tka.net.

Rebeca Lopez-Anzures and Sara Shim. by practicing attorneys and judges.

American Heritage is the top Each year, students take unique private school in the nation in law-school-level courses that no mock trial and moot court comother high school offers. The pro- petitions. gram culminates in a senior year The Palm Beach Campus preinternship when students experi- law program also received first ence the practice of law in real life. place at Denver’s Mock Trial The connections that the seniors Competition in October 2021. make with practicing judges and For more information about attorneys are invaluable and often the program, visit www.ahschool. result in future law school accep- com/pre-professional-program/ tances and employment. pre-law.

WELLINGTON EL VPK PARTICIPATES IN RED NOSE DAY

Cathy Eckstein’s VPK class at Wellington Elementary School recently participated in Red Nose Day. The class learned what the red noses represent. Red Nose Day is all about having fun, raising money and helping kids in need. The money that Red Nose Day raises will help transform the lives of children living in poverty in the U.S. and internationally. The Red Nose Day Fund is a program of the nonprofit Comic Relief Inc. For more information on this program, visit www.rednoseday.org. Shown above is Eckstein and her class with their red noses.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Kayla Cares 4 Kids Supports PWH Playroom Makeover

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates the playroom makeover.

GL Homes Now Offering New Homes At Arden

Arden, Palm Beach County's first master-planned agrihood, recently announced the addition of GL Homes to its roster of home builders. GL Homes’ newest 48foot collection will be on sale starting May 20.

Prospective homebuyers will be able to select from nine new floor plans of exceptionally crafted, single-family homes by GL Homes, each coming in one of three gorgeous exterior elevations: Rustic, Farmhouse and Coastal. These new homes range from 1,869 to 3,299 square feet and feature nine spacious floor plans with two to six bedrooms and two- to threecar garages.

With pricing starting in the $600s, these new home designs are perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious, newly constructed home in Palm Beach County.

Set on 48-foot lots, GL Homes’ new collection is complete with a gourmet kitchen, modern stainless-steel appliances, luxury bathrooms, open living spaces and plenty of ways to personalize interior features.

GL Homes will be celebrating its grand opening at Arden on May 20.

“We are very excited to welcome GL Homes to Arden. GL Homes has a well-earned and longstanding reputation for delivering some of the best quality homes to homebuyers in Florida,” said Suzanne Maddalon, senior vice president of marketing at Freehold Communities. “These homes are the perfect choice for any individual or family looking to experience a healthy farm-to-table lifestyle and resort-style amenities in a luxurious home.”

A young, local philanthropist’s dream came true this month as Kayla Abramowitz, chief kid officer for Kayla Cares 4 Kids, helped cut the ribbon on the reimagined playroom in the pediatric unit at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital.

Plans for the renovation began in December when Abramowitz herself was a patient in the unit and discovered that the playroom could use some sprucing up for the children staying in the hospital.

Thanks to a grant from the Great Charity Challenge, a new movie projector and screen, comfy chairs, new storage and toy chests are just some of the additions to the space, which also features a special paint called “Kayla Blue” that was created just for this project. An art teacher from the Weiss School and his students even created one-ofa-kind sea creatures to adorn the walls.

“Knowing how many people have come together to bring this project to light makes this beautiful new space even brighter,” said

Jason Kimbrell, CEO of Palms West Hospital. “The work of this foundation, its board and volunteers will bring so much joy and will be the best part of our young patients’ worst days.”

Special thanks to Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Selena Samios, Councilman Jeff Hmara, Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Lou Bedford and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County CEO Maria Antuña for attending the ribbon cutting.

This was the first playroom makeover for Kayla Cares 4 Kids, which has donated nearly 40,000 items to more than 450 children’s hospitals across the United States and Puerto Rico since its inception in 2013.

Abramowitz just completed her sophomore year at the University of Miami, where she is studying communications with a concentration in public advocacy.

For more on Kayla Cares 4 Kids, visit www.kaylacares4kids. org.

May 20 - June 2, 2022

Page 27

NATIONAL PET WEEK DRAWING CONTEST

In honor of the 30th annual National Pet Week, Community Animal Hospital of Royal Palm Beach, the office of Dr. Randall Dugal, 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 a 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.

Food Collection Drive At Elite DNA Therapy Services

Elite DNA Therapy Services, a comprehensive mental and behavioral health service provider, is currently hosting a food collection drive through May 31 to support area food banks in their efforts to feed local families over the summer.

Elite DNA locations in Palm Beach County include 4425 Military Trail, Suite 203, in Jupiter (561-747-2775) and 12989 Southern Blvd., Suite 102, in Loxahatchee (561-513-6716).

According to pre-pandemic data

from Feeding Florida, 3.1 million Floridians lack access to healthy food, 800,000 of which are children. Across Palm Beach County, 154,670 people are considered food insecure.

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Elite DNA is rallying the community to help reduce food insecurity in its local neighborhoods by collecting donations of non-perishable foods.

In Jupiter, the drive will support El Sol, Jupiter’s Neighborhood Resource Center. In Loxahatchee,

the drive will support Community of Hope.

“Fear of being unable to feed your loved ones and worry over where your next meal will come from can have detrimental impacts on your mental health,” said Elizabeth Dosoretz, founder and CEO of Elite DNA Therapy Services.

“In line with our mission to care for families, children, adolescents and adults, our practices are rallying the community to help do our part to ensure that kids and families are fed this summer.”

The community is invited to drop off donations of food at any Elite DNA location between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Items of greatest need include canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, soups, breakfast cereal, peanut butter, rice, macaroni and cheese, pasta and more.

For more information and additional drop-off locations across the state, visit www.elitednatherapy. com.

First Office/Industrial Real Estate Development Planned For Westlake

Developer Minto Communities has closed on the sale of a 17.5acre tract in Westlake for the city’s first office/industrial real estate project, the Westlake Commerce Center. A partnership between Fort Lauderdale-based Mitchell Property Realty and Atlanta-based Ridgeline Property Group acquired the land and plan on developing a 227,000-square-foot spec office, warehouse, distribution facility located inside Westlake Landings, a 50-acre master-planned business park located off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

“As a city like Westlake matures,

it needs business and employment centers such as this to serve the influx of new residents moving into the area,” Minto Senior Vice President John Carter said. “At the same time, we anticipate the new project will create hundreds of new jobs in the area helping to stimulate the local economy.”

The tilt-wall-constructed facility will feature office space, 32-foot clear-height ceilings and a truck court. It can be configured for a large single-user or multiple tenants leasing a minimum of 10,000 square feet of space.

“With the population exploding

in Westlake and the surrounding communities, I think we will be attractive to any company seeking a regional distribution or lastmile facility,” said Ed Mitchell of Mitchell Property Realty. “As hot as the industrial market is at the moment, we’re confident we’ll have a tenant in place soon.”

Mitchell said the partnership hopes to break ground this fall, once building permits are issued, with a completion date estimated in the second quarter of 2023.

The Westlake Commerce Center is part of a broader construction boom taking place in Westlake.

Construction is underway on a self-storage facility, a Publix shopping center and a Christ Fellowship Church 800-seat worship center. Konover South will soon start building the Shoppes of Westlake, which will feature two open-air shopping centers and a pod of quick-service restaurants.

The 3,800-acre Westlake community is approved for more than two million square feet of commercial development and 4,500 homes.

For more information on the community, call (888) 299-3628 or visit www.westlakefl.com.

An artistic rendering of the Westlake Commerce Center.

A New Way To Treat

Carotid Artery Disease TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) Helps Prevent Stroke Less Risk Less Invasive Carotid artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis, or a buildup of plaque, in the two main arteries

in the neck that supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. If left untreated, carotid artery disease can often lead to stroke.

Working on the forefront of technology and advancement within the medical industry, Delray Medical Center is the first hospital in South Florida to treat carotid artery disease through the use of TransCarotid Artery Revascularization (TCAR) and has been recognized by Silk Road Medical as South Florida’s only TCAR Center of Excellence every year since 2018.

In addition, Dr. Joseph Ricotta was named 2020 TCAR Clinical Operator of Experience. This honor, awarded by Silk Road Medical, is given to select physicians throughout the country who have demonstrated clinical excellence and superior quality outcomes using TCAR and adds to the stellar reputation that Delray Medical Center already possesses for treating patients with carotid disease and stroke.

TCAR is a new, less-invasive treatment option used to repair clogged carotid arteries, reducing the risk of stroke. Well-suited for those patients at higher risk of complications from carotid surgery due to age, anatomy, or other medical conditions, it holds low stroke risk and faster patient recovery.

To learn more or find an endovascular specialist at Delray Medical Center, please call 833.775.0533.

Joseph J. Ricotta MD, MS, DFSVS, FACS – National Medical Director, Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy, Tenet Healthcare Corporation

5352 Linton Blvd., Delray Beach DelrayMedicalCtr.com

Page 28

May 20 - June 2, 2022

The Town-Crier

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FEATURES

My Recent Eyelash Drama Has Me Re-Thinking My Cosmetics

I’m thinking about getting those semi-permanent false eyelashes. At first I thought they were the “old kind” that you glue on yourself, but now I see salons springing up all over the place where they professionally attach these things to your eyelids and they stay on for weeks, eventually falling out, lash by lash, into your white carpeting (where they look amazingly similar to bugs, but I digress).

On New Year’s Eve (not knowing about the salons yet), I decided to put on some fake eyelashes. To save time, I decided not to apply the glue to the lashes and then wait, and then pat them gently into place, but to apply the glue directly to my lash lines and then pat the eyelashes into place.

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER This worked great until I blinked, cementing my eyes shut for the next 10 minutes while I panicked and tried to pull the lashes off. Because I couldn’t wear my glasses while doing this, I pulled out quite a few of my real eyelashes and was still left with elusive blobs of glue in the corner of each eye. I emerged from the bathroom

with lashless, swollen red eyes and glue blobs that looked like small growths.

Mark, who was impatiently shifting from foot to foot in the living room, took one look and yelled, “What happened to you?!”

“Nothing,” I answered. (“Nothing” is my stock reply for when it’s so bad, I really don’t want to talk about it.) But when I looked up and tried to bat my eyelashes at him, one eye got stuck closed. And the other eye opened really wide, trying to pull the first eye open.

Mark was visibly taken aback by this.

And if I say “visibly,” that means anyone could see it because I barely could.

To his credit, Mark took me by the arm and led me to the car, both of us hoping it

would clear up by the time we got to the party. It did not.

My point in telling you this is to say that “female enhancement products” have changed. While I had my head down over my homework, and then over my housework, and then over my column-writing and store-openings, and tiny baby grandchildren, the cosmetic industry kept whirring along, and now I am completely out of the loop. Today, there are creams that supposedly stop aging in its tracks, stop wrinkles from appearing, lighten your skin tone, brighten your complexion and make it look like you’ve spent a few weeks on the beaches of Barbados. You can make your eyebrows higher, your chin lower, your earlobes more appealing.

And it’s not just our faces, ladies! I knew about nose-sculpting and lip-puffenating, but we can also get our rear ends “enhanced” until we can no longer ride a bicycle. We can have our thighs re-shaped so we don’t resemble a single one of our ancestors. And we can have our stomachs whittled down to the size of a small banana, flattening our tummies while simultaneously affording no room for hot fudge sundaes or anything else that makes life worth living.

Of course, all these enhancements come at a cost and at a risk. Me? I prefer to sit in the back booth at the ice cream shop, head down over photos of my grandchildren, one eye glued shut and happy as a clam.

It’s just who I am.

Marvel’s New ‘Dr. Strange’ Is Fast-Moving With Great Characters The new Marvel movie Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness is different from many of its predecessors in the series. Yes, it is still exciting, but it offers many things we don’t usually find. For example, zombies. It is long, but it holds your attention.

We focus on Dr. Steven Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), a great sorcerer, proud and arrogant. Remember, he was willing to let Thanos wipe out half the life in the universe for a chance, a tiny chance, to eventually win. But despite all his derring-do, Strange lost, even as the rest of the universe won.

We find him at the wedding of the great love of his life, Dr. Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams), and he is not the groom despite the fact that it is clear that he still loves her. But being a Marvel film, after a minute of sadness, a giant octopus-like monster appears from another universe

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler chasing young America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). After a rousing fight, Strange and Master Wong (Benedict Wong) kill it and find out that Chavez is perhaps the only being in the multiverse who can jump from one universe to another, and that someone or something has been chasing her.

Strange, realizing that witchcraft is involved, goes for advice to Wanda Maximov, the Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) for advice. It turns out that Wanda is the evil force after Chavez. From here, it helps

if you watched the Disney+ series WandaVision, where she created a fictitious life for herself as a housewife with two kids. It didn’t work quite right, and Wanda wants to find a universe where her children are real and take over the body of that Wanda.

In the resulting chase, Strange and Chavez wind up in another universe where there are somewhat different Avengers. There’s all sorts of fighting, and there are several different Dr. Stranges — and the conclusion is both dramatic and reasonable. Even slightly touching.

The film is helped by spectacular special effects that help keep the story moving.

You just don’t have time to notice anything that might not be perfectly correct, and there’s enough fun you don’t worry much about it anyway. Director Sam Raimi knows how to make this just a bit scary while still keeping a bit of fun.

He is assisted by really good perfor-

mances. Cumberbatch is a superb actor, which is necessary to make a man as different and arrogant as Strange sympathetic. He manages this, and in his scenes with McAdams brings a tenderness never before seen in him, at least in this universe. McAdams is also great. In the first movie, she was just sort of shuttled aside, the rejected love interest, who could not keep up with his changes. In this film, in one of the key universes, she is a strong woman, a complete match for Strange, and we are able to see that if it were possible, there could be a future for them. Gomez is also fine as the young woman who finally discovers there’s a lot more to her than simply the ability to roam through the multiverse. And Wong proves clearly that his character is a superhero as well, worthy to stand with the others.

But Olsen dominates the film, giving what might be the best performance ever

in a Marvel movie. She manages to make tiny changes in her facial expressions that contain so many different levels of feeling.

She desperately wants the motherhood, desires the children, and will destroy anyone and anything that get in her way. And yet there is a pathos to it. We want her defeated, yet we can’t hate her. She is a tortured soul trapped within her own madness.

Raimi keeps things moving. This is a sort of horror movie, with many quick turns, but never quite moves into that genre. We know that Dr. Strange will win in the end. But we move through a half dozen differently styled battle scenes, character twists and turns, and generally have a ball.

I like the film a lot. It is long but moves fast, has interesting, well-played characters and probably the best performance of the more than 25 films in the series. It is worth the price of admission. See it.

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

Housekeeper

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

To Apply: E-mail or Fax Resume to: info@royalinnhotel.com 561-795-1502 or Apply in person

LEGAL NOTICE STATE OF TENNESSEE CHANCERY COURT OF PUTNAM COUNTY AT COOKEVILLE, TENNESSEE RENEE SHERMAN PLAINTIFF VS. BRIAN D. BIRCH, KELLY BIRCH, DANIELLE CATES, DEBORAH FISHER & ADRIENNE FORNEY, DEFENDANTS

) ) ) ) ) ) ) )

No. 2021-76

In this cause, it appearing from the Plaintiff’s Motion to Allow Service by Publication, Affidavit and Order Granting Plaintiff’s Motion to Allow Service by Publication, which is sworn to, that the Defendant, ADRIENNE FORNEY, whose last known address is unknown and cannot be ascertained and is a non-resident of the State of Tennessee, that the residence of the Defendant is unknown and cannot be ascertained upon diligent inquiry, (T.C.A. 21-1-203), it is ordered by this Court that publication be made for four (4) consecutive weeks, as required by law, in the Town-Crier Newspaper, a newspaper published in Wellington, Florida, notifying said non-resident Defendant to file an answer with Plaintiff’s attorney, James N. Hargis, Attorney at Law, whose address is 27 North Main Street, Sparta, Tn. 38583, within thirty (30) days from the last date of publication, exclusive of said last date of publication, or a judgment by default may be entered as to her at the Putnam County Justice Center in Cookeville, Tennessee.

This 1st day of March, 2022.

Linda F. Reeder, Clerk & Master Brandi Ashburn, Deputy Clerk & Master

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

May 20 - June 2, 2022

Page 31

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Page 32

May 20 - June 2, 2022

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The Town-Crier

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