Town-Crier Newspaper May 2, 2025

ITID APPROVES 50 FLASHING STOP SIGNS

EGG HUNTING FUN AT VILLAGE PARK

Pages 23 thru 25

Student Safety Retreat

Educates Teens On Internet, Road Safety

On Wednesday, April 23, the local nonprofit Safety 4 Life held a Student Safety Retreat on lifesaving road and internet smarts at the Wellington Community Center. High school student ambassadors of Safety 4 Life spent time at various stations talking with experts about internet and road safety. Page 7

Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco Fashion Show

At Wellington Green

The Women of the Wellington Chamber (WOW) held its annual Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco fashion show event on Thursday, April 24 at the Mall at Wellington Green. About 20 dogs took to the runway to strut their stuff in the hopes of finding a loving family, joined by community members modeling fashions. Page 16

The Village of Wellington held its annual Egg

April 19 at

to

the

Delayed Islepoint Project Moves Forward Without Agreement On Sidewalks

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Village Council last month approved a step toward allowing 25 luxury homes in the Islepointe project at the village’s southern end without sidewalk connections to the rest of the community, signaling a possible retreat from long-running village standards.

The council acted on Tuesday, April 22 while looking down the barrel of what seemed to one commenting resident a “threat” — the applicant’s potential invocation of the state’s Live Local Act to build perhaps 200 apartments at the site.

The council chose to move the project along even after hearing Village Engineer Jonathan Reinsvold offer an alternative to developers’ assertions that a walkway simply would not work. Reinsvold said a boardwalk could be built over a canal bank for $1.5

million to connect with the rest of Wellington.

It became clear during the meeting that the issue was not merely whether a walkway was physically, environmentally or legally possible, but whether the applicant viewed it as a necessary financial concession, or consistent with its profitability goals, given its leverage with alternative forms of development.

A Live Local project is one “I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t like,” said Brian Seymour, an attorney with the Gunster law firm, representing applicant SIWBG2 LLC of West Palm Beach.

Not immediately clear was whether that completely removed from the table any discussion of a negotiated builder’s contribution to a walkway, possibly combined with village participation. In any event, it did not prove to be an option insisted upon by Mayor

Michael Napoleone during the meeting. Once a staunch opponent of a “car-only” community, he called for those watching the meeting to be prepared to accept a least-bad alternative.

“The challenge we have up here is saying, ‘Do we continue to push down the road a project we don’t really like, in fear we may get something we hate,’” Napoleone said. “You have to balance those two competing interests.”

The council voted 5-0 to change zoning at the project from equestrian commercial to residential at the request of the applicant. The 10-acre parcel sits northeast of 50th Street South and 120th Avenue South.

A second and final reading on zoning changes could come before the council in June.

It is not the final word on the matter, but it marked a dramatic

RPB Council Gets Good News Regarding Fires And Floods

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

Residents received two pieces of good news at the Thursday, April 17 meeting of the Royal Palm Beach Village Council. Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief Amanda Vomero provided an annual report showing that emergency response times are down in the community, and Village Engineer Chris Marsh shared news that, thanks to floodplain management activities implemented by village staff, federal flood insurance for residents will be lowered by 25 percent. Royal Palm Beach contracts with PBCFR to provide a range of fire-rescue services. Vomero briefed the council and was pleased to report that emergency response times dropped a few seconds, to an average of six minutes, 16 seconds. The total

number of calls slightly dropped from 5,050 in fiscal year 2023 to 4,934 requests for help in fiscal year 2024.

The annual report covered fiscal year 2024, from October 2023 through September 2024. Among the almost 5,000 calls for emergency assistance, 3,770 were medical-related requests for assistance, 428 were vehicle accidents and 80 were for fires. This averages to about 14 emergency calls a day, every day, within the Village Royal Palm Beach.

Residents are always covered by PBCFR services. The village boasts Station 28 and Station 29. Aside from the additional resources that the countywide agency is able to bring in from surrounding areas, permanently stationed within the village are about 15 fire-rescue professionals with eight rescue vehicles and fire

trucks, including an engine with a 100-foot ladder.

Vomero is a western communities resident and a mother of three, including a teen driver.

“I started my career at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue 24 years ago because I have always been passionate about helping others,” she said. “The high energy level required to work in fire service is just an excellent fit for me.”

Mayor Jeff Hmara was thankful for the services that the agency provides for village residents.

“You and your team provide some of the very best public safety insurance we could ever have,” he said. “The response times are so critical, especially as related to heart attack and stroke victims.”

Vomero explained that PBCFR is an “all-hazards” department that boasts rescue watercraft, Trauma

See RPB COUNCIL, page 7

Wellington Goes With New Vendor For School Zone Speed Cameras

A

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

take a deeper dive into what other vendors were offering.

In the village’s eventual scoring, RedSpeed tied for third. Jenoptik came in first.

At the April 22 meeting, a RedSpeed representative urged the council not to proceed based on the village’s heavy emphasis on price as the largest single component of the selection criteria — 40 percent compared to 30 percent each for “qualifications and experience” and “technical” factors.

zones.

The latest developments come after Wellington assembled a team of five judges from members of its own staff to write up evaluation scores for six vendors. The half dozen companies included RedSpeed Florida LLC, which twice appeared on earlier council agendas as a fast-track option that Wellington could have chosen by piggybacking on contract terms from another community in a cooperative group of municipalities.

But since then, the council passed an ordinance making cameras possible while deciding to

“Jenoptik does not have one school-zone speed program in Florida,” said Neil Schiller of Government Law Group on RedSpeed’s behalf. “In fact, all of the other proposers combined pale in the amount of experience they have in this program to RedSpeed.”

RedSpeed has 31 clients in Florida for school cameras, Schiller said. The price difference indeed proved significant in the scoring by village officials, records show. Three of the five judges ranked Jenoptik first. With Jenoptik, the village gets a far bigger cut of each $100 fine. Wellington’s share is $49.98 with Jenoptik, compared to $42 with Blue Line Solutions, $40.02 with Altumint, $39 with Verra, See CAMERAS, page 4

ITID Supervisors Get Hands-On Look At Park Needs

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

As the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors prepare to begin shaping their fiscal year 2026 budget, they’ve been told the area’s parks and related facilities need almost $5 million in renovations.

Many of the issues — such as rusty playground equipment, rickety stairways, and uneven surfaces on some basketball and tennis courts — are safety issues, Parks & Recreation Director Kenneth Lawrence told the board at a recent meeting.

“Everything has a life expectancy,” Lawrence said this week.

“A lot of this equipment went in around the same time, so a lot of it is reaching its expiration around the same time.” Grants and other types of assis-

tance could cover approximately $1.2 million of the work, Lawrence said.

On Saturday, April 26, Lawrence took supervisors and others on a mobile workshop tour so they could get an up-close look at some of the problems he detailed in his March 12 report. They visited Coconut Park, Citrus Grove Park and Acreage Community Park, both north and south.

“When you put your hands on it, you see that it’s worse than people envision,” Lawrence said. “Some serious decisions need to be made.”

During the three-hour tour, several supervisors were skeptical of some proposed projects, especially a $604,500 renovation to the two-story bathroom, concessions, garage and “press box” facility situated between four baseball/

softball fields at Acreage Community Park North. The group also heard about:

• The needs at storm-damaged Coconut Park to replace the pier ($105,000), numerous trees ($354,000), the exercise equipment ($15,000) and “skimming” the surface of the entire park ($72,000) to remove dangerous debris embedded in the soil by the Oct. 9 tornado.

• A proposal to add a multipurpose field ($120,000), irrigation ($25,000), replace the pavilion roof ($23,000) and the walking trail ($20,000) at Citrus Grove Park.

• The need at Acreage Community Park South for new fencing along the equestrian trail ($250,000), refinishing the wooden arches at the amphitheater, plus

Hunt

celebrate

Easter season on Saturday,

Village Park. Several hundred people attended the family-friendly event. Kids in each age group hunted in hopes of finding the special eggs with winning tickets in them. Shown above are Alexis and Clyde Oxley, and Ari Carmichael, with their egg collection. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Indian Trail Improvement District supervisors Elizabeth Accomando, Michael Johnson and Patricia Farrell were among those who got a close-up look at the Coconut Park pier destroyed by last fall’s tornado. ITID Parks & Recreation Director Kenneth Lawrence led the tour.

RPBHS To Celebrate Class Of 2025 With Wildcat Send-Off May 14

By Christopher Vargas Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach High School is preparing to send off its graduating seniors at a ceremony to be held at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center on Wednesday, May 14 at 8 a.m. For those unable to attend in person, the School District of Palm Beach County will provide a live stream of the event.

Principal Dr. Shakeica Robinson is deeply committed to making this year’s graduation another memorable event, working alongside valedictorian Isabella Lopez-Merlos, salutatorian Sydnei Borges and others to ensure a celebration that leaves a lasting impression on all who attend.

“The year has been great,” Robinson said. “I have no complaints. It’s just great to be back, looking forward to an amazing graduation and a strong closing to my first year here.”

When asked what makes the Class of 2025 special, Robinson said that this group holds a unique place in her heart, as it is her first graduating class since stepping into the role of principal at RPBHS last June.

Once a math teacher at RPBHS, Robinson returned to the school after serving as an assistant principal at Santaluces High School and principal at Tradewinds

Middle School. RPBHS is her first post as a high school principal.

While she did not have the opportunity to be with the Class of 2025 since their freshman year, Robinson expressed how much she has learned from them as they have grown into young adults preparing for college or their chosen career paths.

“I’m just having conversations with them, seeing a lot of the determination that many of the students have displayed as they’re trying to get to that point of graduation,” Robinson said.

What she looks forward to most about the ceremony is seeing each of her students walk across the stage and personally handing them their diplomas as an acknowledgment of their hard work and perseverance. The Class of 2025 is expected to graduate approximately 573 students.

“I’m really proud of this class. No one really likes change; especially for them coming back to a new principal, and new ways that we do things, that I’ve switched around or changed,” Robinson said. “They had to adjust and adapt to those things, but they were very resilient. Whatever we’d asked them to do, they did it.”

She said her staff is working hard “making sure that our graduation is the best graduation of all graduations in Palm

Beach County. Our students are products of the Village of Royal Palm Beach, so we want to make sure that we make everyone proud of us,” Robinson said.

Lopez-Merlos and Borges were taken by surprise and thrilled when they discovered how they had achieved the titles of valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2025.

“I knew I was somewhere in the top five, but they wouldn’t tell us our official rankings,” Lopez-Merlos said. “It was just really exciting to know and finally have that information.”

It was a proud achievement for Borges.

“It was one of my goals to be at least in the top five, so being invited into the top ten announcements that day was very great for me, because I knew I landed somewhere in there. But to be named the salutatorian, it was really cool,” Borges said.

Both expressed deep appreciation and pride in receiving their titles, and shared that their families and loved ones responded with heartfelt praise and support after hearing the good news through text messages.

They both have great advice to offer younger students at RPBHS.

“I think it’s really important to find a balance between academics and the

ITID Board OKs 50 Flashing Stop Signs

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Indian Trail Improvement

District

Supervisor Richard Vassalotti makes no bones about being on a mission to cut down traffic injuries and fatalities on ITID’s 458 miles of roads.

The retired Palm Beach County FireRescue captain said he saw too much of it during his years on a fire engine, mostly in The Acreage. Much if it was caused by a lack of four-way stop signs and visible two-way stops, he has repeatedly said.

At the Wednesday, April 16 meeting of the ITID Board of Supervisors, Vassalotti took a step forward in that mission by getting the board to approve 50 solarpowered, LED stop signs with flashing red lights at a cost of approximately $60,000. After 40 signs were suggested by staff, Vassalotti pushed for an additional 10, mostly along Banyan Blvd. “These twoway stops are deadly. It’s imperative we put up LED stop signs,” Vassalotti told fellow supervisors. “I’d like to see 50 of them. It would be one heck of a great way to make the roads safer out here.”

The board also agreed to add signage that reads: “Two-Way Traffic.”

Supervisor Betty Argue pointed out that the district already is $20,000 over budget for road signs in fiscal year 2025.

“Maybe we have a discussion about

what other places the signs need to be... and that can go into our [fiscal year 2026] budget planning discussions,” said Argue, who also expressed concern that none of the LED signs were for intersections in the area known as the M-2. She said the intersection of West Alan Black and Cheetham Hill boulevards is especially dangerous.

An ITID staff report said the choice of locations was based on those intersections reported by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as repeat accident locations, a computer-generated accident study and ITID’s prevailing lane study. No intersections in the M-2 were identified in those studies as needing that sort of signage.

Vassalotti said more four-way stops are needed on main roads, but most of those are county roads, thus the county has control over signage on them.

“I ran mostly for these stop signs to happen, and to bridge the gap between ITID and the county,” he said. “If it saves one person, one crash, one injury, even a fender-bender, it’s worth it.”

ITID staff noted that there are 1,500 stop signs in the district, and that replacing them all with LED signs would cost more than $1 million.

“We know there’s a problem, and we must do whatever is within our power to do,” ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said this week. “But we can put up all

the signs and speed bumps we want, and people still are not stopping for stop signs. We don’t have a signage problem. We have a people problem.”

In other business:

• The supervisors watched a short equine safety video created by Seminole Ridge High School TV production students Tamsin Lee and Reagan Bresnahan for the Equestrian Trails and Infrastructure Advisory Committee.

“I can’t say enough about how professional and organized they were,” Supervisor Patricia Farrell said of the students. “I’m really excited we could get the students involved in this.” Committee Member Charlie James told

Award-Winning Stroke Care … Close to Home

extra-curricular side of things, especially since that’s what helped me in maintaining an overall better mental health,” LopezMerlos said. “It’s about doing things that you like and finding what you love. If you only focus on school, you’re not going to find the balance of what you want to do and where you want to go.” Borges said that it is fine not to know what your exact goals are.

“It’s OK to not know; you don’t have to rush,” she said. “You shouldn’t have to rush to figure out what you want to do in life, because you’re going into high school trying to figure out what you think the next 35 years of your life should look like. I think you should just focus more so on what’s in front of you, and don’t stress out too much about college, GPAs and SAT See RPBHS GRAD, page 4

ITID, page 4

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Valedictorian Isabella Lopez-Merlos Salutatorian Sydnei Borges

The Village of Wellington hosted several events on Saturday, April 26 in honor of Earth Day and Arbor Day at the Wellington Amphitheater,

More solar-powered, LED stop signs with flashing red lights are coming to The Acreage. See

Seminole Ridge Class Of 2025 To Graduate May 22 At Fairgrounds

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Seminole Ridge High School valedictorian Annika Collado is ready to leave the Hawks’ nest and soar with the Eagles at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers. And she’ll be swinging for birdies, too, as she peruses her out-of-the-classroom passion — golf.

“I committed to golf like I did to my academics,” said Collado after being named SRHS’s top scholar for 2025. “I put homework and golf on the same level.”

Collado has been successful at both, earning a 3.98 GPA and a 5.28 weighted HPA while playing on the Seminole Ridge golf team and reaching the district and regional tournaments all four years. During much of that time, she also was caddying at Pine Tree Golf Club in Boynton Beach and working with younger players as a junior coach with First Tee of the Palm Beaches.

Collado said while she may not try to play on FGCU’s golf team, she’ll certainly continue to pursue the sport at the club level.

Joining Collado on stage will be Jake

Islepoint

Sidewalks

Not Included

continued from page 1 change in tone from a year earlier.

“I don’t want to approve a car-only community,” Napoleone said at a May 28 meeting last year. The applicant subsequently withdrew the project for more than 10 months.

After studying it in the interim, developers decided a walkway did not make sense to them for a variety of reasons, Seymour said.

A major alternative, Seymour made clear to all assembled, is building residences under the state’s Live Local Act, passed in 2023. It preempts local regulations for certain multi-family and mixed-use affordable housing on qualifying properties. That would essentially remove Wellington from regulating the project. That could mean, perhaps, 200 residential units in three-story buildings with a drive-through restaurant, Seymour said. The apartments alone would generate about 2,000 vehicle trips a day, while single-family homes would involve far fewer trips, perhaps 250, his group noted.

Wallace, who was named Seminole Ridge’s salutatorian. Collado’s mother, Kim, and Wallace’s mother, Brenda, both teach in the Seminole Ridge math department. Wallace declined to be interviewed for this story.

Collado and Wallace are two of the 542 SRHS students who are scheduled to graduate Thursday, May 22 at 1 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds.

“Both kids are exceptional students,”

SRHS Principal Robert Hatcher said.

“Every principal wishes for a school full of students like them.”

Hatcher explained that the selection of valedictorian and salutatorian is based on weighted grade point averages — “both of which were ridiculously high.”

“Since fifth grade, I’ve been at or near the top of my class,” Collado recalled. “I want to study. I like to learn. It just kind of evolved — getting straight A grades as a goal… Then, in the summer before my junior year, I was first or second in my class and realized I could [be valedictorian]. So, I strived for it.”

The decision to go after that lofty goal was hers, Collado said, not something

The property was initially zoned for an equestrian center, involving commercial uses that never came to fruition. That left it on a kind of island surrounded mostly by residential communities, largely walled off by a big landscape berm, with horse activity across the road to its west. It is known legally as Pod O in the Orange Point Planned Unit Development.

The plan from a year ago to put 27 single-family homes on the property has been scaled back slightly to 25 two-story homes, said agent Jerrod Purser of WGI.

A primary road access point on the property’s southern end has moved slightly westward as well. Not all neighbors and other residents said they felt comfortable with the way this has played out.

“The whole Live Local thing sounds like a little bit of a threat,” equestrian Maureen Brennan said during time for public comment. Brennan said she was not otherwise hearing a whole lot that is different since the matter last came up.

“What seems to have not changed from the last time I heard this in this room was the sidewalk issue,” Brennan said.

Others expressed a range of opinions. Michael Mishkin said

pushed onto her as the daughter of an SRHS teacher. In fact, it was Kim Collado who often encouraged her to “take a breather” from her ambitious study schedule.

“She loves to read... and she has always been good at school,” Kim Collado said. “She has always been very internally driven since she was little.”

What Kim Collado did pass on to her daughter was a love for the certainty of mathematics.

“In a lot of subjects, the answer can be this, or it can be that,” she said. “In math, there is always [a specific] answer. I like that.”

Away from the classroom, Collado’s father, David Collado, who works for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, introduced her to golf at age 8, and she embraced it.

At age 13, Collado also embraced First Tee of the Palm Beaches, a youth development organization that teaches “core life lessons” — such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and more — through golf.

“Annika has done great things for us,” First Tee of the Palm Beaches CEO Carl

many people living nearby await details on the site plan, though the land-use change itself was not necessarily a sticking point.

Jamie Freeman said she found it “premature” to proceed.

Bryan Solomon said with other homes being approved nearby, such as a 42-home Pulte development along 120th Avenue South, “It just seems like so much so soon.”

In response to a question from Councilman John McGovern, Solomon said he would rather see the zoning remain commercial.

Connectivity not just by car has long been a signature feature of how Wellington defines itself.

Napoleone himself posited that the project seemed to fall short of goals in the village’s comprehensive plan to foster paths for bicyclists, pedestrians and others.

“Walk me through why I shouldn’t be concerned about that,” Napoleone said.

After nearly a year of studies, Seymour said his team concluded that a connected pathway is not a viable option. “I can’t do what can’t be done,” he said.

Seymour said what his team is proposing instead results in thousands of fewer car trips compared to other options left in place with-

Mistretta Jr. said. “And she has benefited from everything First Tee has to offer.”

Those benefits include attendance at national leadership summits, a chance to meet golf legends Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, and a partial four-year Evans Caddie Scholarship through the recently established Scotty Foundation for people associated with Pine Tree Golf Club who are “passionate about positively impacting their lives and the game of golf.”

“Annika is a good player... and she likes to volunteer with the little kids,” Mistretta said. “We like to see the older kids giving back.”

Collado said the life lessons taught through First Tee “go way beyond golf” and have allowed her to bond with some of kids she coaches on the putting green.

Hatcher said that is typical of Collado.

“She’s a friend to anyone who needs one,” he said, which is reflected in her leadership of the Students for Students Club, which helps new and other students find connectivity in a school with more than 2,300 students.

While the mathematics of it may not add up monetarily, Collado said that despite

out a council-approved change. No one will be stranded, he said.

“There aren’t going to be people who don’t have vehicles living in 6,000-square-foot homes,” Seymour said.

After discussions with the Palm Beach County School District, the applicants said they believe a bus stop can be arranged for any students who need that.

Builders could stick with the current zoning permissions and build commercial, or Live Local options that won’t produce a connected path either, he said.

Council members asked Reinsvold if he agreed with the applicant’s claim that a walking path would not work.

“It contradicts what the [project’s] engineer told me,” Reinsvold said.

Reinsvold said he was addressing the question of whether a walking path is “feasible.”

A raised boardwalk along a canal bank could be achieved at a total cost of about $2 million, counting the boardwalk itself and other portions of the connecting path, he said.

Arguing against that option, Seymour said driving posts into the canal could cause vibrations that adversely affect neighboring Cameras

Jenoptik Gets Bid

continued from page 1

$37.50 with RedSpeed and $33 with Novoa.

Council members asked Jenoptik officials for assurances they could deliver at that price.

“At the fee split that is discussed here, you feel comfortable you’re going to meet all the compliance requirements of the state law?” Councilman John McGovern asked.

“Yes, we absolutely believe we can do that,” said Finbarr O’Carroll, president of American

Parks Much Work

Needed

continued from page 1 possible roof repairs ($25,000) and new landscaping ($25,000).

• A plan to add or replace seven baseball and football scoreboards ($105,000), baseball dugouts roofing and repairs ($40,000), improved field lighting ($25,000) and new clay on the baseball fields ($25,000).

The most expensive proposed project is $779,500 for the replacement of playground equipment, creation of a multi-purpose sports

operations for Jenoptik, based in Germany with North American headquarters in Jupiter.

“We’re 40 minutes away, so at no point should there be any issue with contacting us,” he said. Exit provisions allow the village to cancel with 30 days’ notice if the vendor fails to live up to obligations, according to village officials.

The cameras cost the village nothing up front. Wellington must pay for the time of a staff member to review alleged violations and a magistrate to hear challenges. The company provides the cameras, sends letters to violators and makes its money from a share of the fines.

field and additional parking at Kidscape Park on 74th Street North. Work at Kidscape Park “is not something that has to be done at the moment,” Lawrence said. “But it is something the board needs to have in the back of their mind for the future.”

ITID President Elizabeth Accomando said that the district needs to be mindful of its spending. “We have to be fiscally responsible,” she said. “Our main function is to provide drainage. Drainage affects everyone. That has to be our main priority.”

ITID maintains 164 miles of canals across the 110-square-mile district.

Municipalities and vendors split $60 of each $100 fine, with the other $40 going to entities set by state law.

The breakdown now will be $49.98 to Wellington, $10.02 to Jenoptik, $20 to the state’s general fund, $12 for the local school district, $5 for a school guard crossing program and $3 for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The contract term is for five years with five one-year renewal options. The target implementation date is Aug. 11.

Drivers who lose track of posted speed limits and are not alert to the cameras could be in for an unpleasant surprise in a few months.

Acreage Athletic League President Wendy Tirado said this week that renovating the existing “press box” at Acreage Community Park North is “crucial to our league,” even though AAL baseball moved to Palm Beach County’s Samuel Friedland Park on Hamlin Blvd. years ago.

AAL girls/women’s softball teams use the fields for practice and some games. The league also runs girls and co-ed flag football and tackle football on Acreage Community Park fields.

The “press box” was closed in late 2023 after a termite problem was discovered.

Daniel Duncan, the AAL’s director of coaching development, said Saturday that the organization would like to use the “press box” second floor for meetings, film study and as a study hall complete with computers for players or their siblings between games or practices.

“We have a lot of plans we can do with the press box,” Tirado said. “We want to make this program have a real family feel.”

The major expense in renovating the “press box” is bringing it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. That would include removing one staircase and in-

However, the fines don’t count as points on a license. The $100 hits to the wallet would be for violations in school zones during the regularly scheduled class day, plus a half hour before and after. A 30-day period of warning letters would precede the issuing of actual fines.

“Hopefully, the pain of the citations will cause people to slow down,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said.

At least initially, the cameras will not necessarily appear at the two high schools in the village. That could change as officials work to sort out various legal and jurisdictional issues relating to the roads in front of them.

stalling an elevator ($175,000) and fixing the slope around the building ($250,000).

A $400,000 grant to “harden” the structure as an ITID command post for use during hurricanes or other emergencies may be available to defray the costs, Lawrence said.

Supervisor Betty Argue, a longtime AAL supporter, said the league likely would pitch in to help with renovations to the second floor, which was “something they planned to do before it was closed,” she said.

The cost of doing the renovations “is part of having parks,” Argue said. “Either we have parks, or we don’t.”

After more than three decades of holding a service provider agreement with the district, the AAL now operates under a “nonprofit athletic user agreement” that gives it first priority in the use of ITID’s athletic fields.

Tirado said that the AAL already has been discussing bringing some baseball back to Acreage Community Park North, and that renovations to the “press box” and playing surfaces would make doing so more attractive.

“We definitely would like to bring baseball back,” she said Tuesday. “This is our home field.”

the high-income career her academic standing could lead to at a major university, she is opting for a smaller college and a child psychology major. “I want a job that’s fulfilling… [that] I have a passion for, not just for the money,” she said.

homes, hinder water flow, and possibly produce walkways for students that were not safe by state standards.

Reinsvold said driving piles is common in many village projects and could be assessed by a specialized engineer, and as for water flow, “The velocity in that canal is very low. It wouldn’t affect it at all.”

Council members called for evidence to back up the applicant’s claim that such a walkway would violate state statutes relating to the safety of school children. That matter did not appear to reach a definitive resolution at the meeting.

At least one council member expressed a desire to see the sidewalk issue addressed.

“I definitely am pretty strong on the sidewalk,” Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri said. “If that isn’t the way you can do it, we have to figure out something so it’s connective.”

The builders pledged meetings with her and others, but they gave

RPBHS Grad Ceremony

On May 14

continued from page 3 scores, because sometimes you need to just take a breather and relax.”

They are both very proud of the Class of 2025 and the growth they’ve seen since freshman year. They believe their classmates have the potential to accomplish great things after graduation and are excited to see what lies ahead. Despite facing challenges like the pandemic, they feel their class has remained strong, both academically and socially, which they believe sets them apart.

Lopez-Merlos will be attending the University of Miami, where she was accepted into the Foote Fellows Honors Program and awarded scholarships. She plans to study microbiology and immunology, with a minor in nutrition. Borges will be attending the University of Central Florida, where she plans to start early in the summer and major in environmental engineering. She hopes to pursue a career in agriculture or horticulture, combining her studies with her passion for gardening.

As graduation approaches, both are focused on successfully completing their final exams and making the most of their remaining time in high school. Lopez-Merlos and Borges have expressed great

ITID

April

Meeting

continued from page 3 the supervisors, “We need better trails. We need better crossings.” James said vehicles often speed by horses and riders at 50 to 60 miles per hour.

“We need to protect our animals,” he said. “It’s way too dangerous on the roads out here.”

• The supervisors participated in a Saturday, April 26 workshop tour of three ITID parks — Coconut, Citrus Grove and Acreage Community Park, both north and south.

The public was invited to partic-

no indications of willingness to contribute to a walkway.

The debate comes as Wellington is coming into money that could be applied to civic purposes such as walkability, from a $9.4 million code enforcement settlement officials want to apply to green spaces, and an $11 million land sale near the Mall at Wellington Green. One question is how willing Wellington might be to apply some of that money toward a walking path at Islepointe if the developer contributed something to the effort. If the applicant held firm to a position of contributing nothing, that could leave the village with the awkward decision to pay for everything for the walkway, to the presumed benefit of a developer’s bottom line, or do nothing. What changed in a year? Sidewalks certainly appeared to get nudged toward the sidelines because of a new twist that dominated the meeting.

“Live Local,” Napoleone said. “It’s not a threat. It’s reality because it could happen.”

excitement about the next chapter in their lives, eager to experience college life and ready to embrace the journey ahead with determination and optimism. When asked what she would like people to know about her, Lopez-Merlos said, “I would like to share that I have two autoimmune diseases, and I just want to put it out there for everybody else who feels like they’ve been recently diagnosed with a chronic illness that it can feel very difficult at first. It’s hard to know what to do with that and continue, because your life drastically changes while everyone around you keeps going at the same pace. To all those who come from struggles and disadvantages, it is possible to do whatever you need, and help is always going be available for you to find support in your loved ones and your friends.” Borges explained how living with her mother, who has health issues, has proven difficult for her as well.

“My mom is immunocompromised, and so she had a lot of medical bills. And it was because of the bills that we did have to sell our house during my freshman year and live in an RV for a majority of my high school span,” Borges said. “So, I second the whole idea of despite the obstacles, you can still make something of yourself. Don’t make your situation define who you are. You’re still able to do great things and make an impact on the world.”

ipate, and a small bus was rented for $1,000. Only one member of the public, former Supervisor Joni Martin, who still is involved in parks issues, attended. “It really disappointed me that no members of the public took part,” Accomando said after the tour. “If no one from the public cares enough to come out, spend a little time and learn about the parks, and share their views, it makes me wonder if we should be spending all this money on parks.” Parks & Recreation Director Kenneth Lawrence has said that approximately $5 million will be needed in the near future to maintain and upgrade ITID’s 11 parks and their support infrastructure.

Valedictorian Annika Collado

Parks & Recreation Director Kenneth Lawrence points out some of the needed improvements at Acreage Community Park South.

GPL CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL GAY POLO TOURNEY’S 15TH

The 15th annual International Gay Polo Tournament was held at Patagones Polo Club in Wellington on Saturday, April 26. It was a fun day with great polo, creative tailgates and a wide array of entertainment. On the field, Cherry Knoll Farm claimed the Senator’s Cup, with OUT Compass in second, while Greenberg Traurig was awarded the Founder’s Cup, with Goshen Hill in second. Other award winners included: Best in Show to Equity Performance Equine, Best Theme to Banned Books, Best Dressed to RBC Wealth Management and Best Food to Daniel Chapman. Learn more about the Gay Polo League at www.gaypolo.com. PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Michel Dorignac, Brooks Ballard, Kelli McLean Newton and GPL founder Chip McKenney of team Cherry Knoll Farm.

Members of the South Florida Pride Marching Band perform the national anthem.

Diane Roina, Elizabeth McMachan, Jacqueline Gospodinoff and Lynne Corvese.

David Venticich and Joshua Justin enjoy the Pink Pony Club tailgate party.

Pablo Dorignac of team Greenberg Traurig comes off the field to visit the fans.

Madison Zimmerman keeps cool with a drink or two.

Philip Munro, Andres Londoño and Ezael Gomez.

Lance Fensterman and Sarah Cohen of divot stomp sponsor Equity Performance Equine.

Bill Kelly keeps cool with a fan.

Cheer Miami shows off their talent.

The gang at the Pink Pony Club tailgate.

Lorenzo Bear, Kia Chadinha-Branch and Luna Bear at the Gentle Pet Crossing tent.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida performs.

The teams playing in the Senator’s Cup final ride onto the field.

Kerstie Allen carries the American flag in style.

Sophia Salih, Chadd McCormick and Sonali Mendiratta pose with the Lexus sponsor cars.

Barbara Foose and Mary Beth Kuester enjoy the event. Joe Frisella, Mark Walker and William Smith.

Scott Fletcher and Chadd McCormick perfectly frame out a picture.

Eva Marquard, William Ellis, Alex Cortes and Franky Ayala of team Goshen Hill.

MORE LEADING DOCTORS IN MORE OF PALM BEACH COUNTY.

Primary Care - Cardiology - Dermatology - Endocrinology

Gastroenterology - Gynecology - Obesity Medicine - Orthopedic Surgery Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Physical Therapy

Our newest practice, NYU Langone Medical Associates—West Palm Beach, offers gastroenterology and pain management services. With the vast array of specialties we provide throughout Palm Beach County, streamlining access to care is vital. That’s why we use a single electronic health record for each patient across all of our locations, so they and every medical professional can access their conditions, tests, images, medications, and more. NYU Langone Health is committed to bringing you exceptional care from leading doctors…with much more coming soon.

Better health starts with a better health system.

Student Safety Retreat Educates Teens On Internet, Road Safety

By Mark Caracciolo Town-Crier Staff Report

On Wednesday, April 23, the local nonprofit Safety 4 Life held a Student Safety Retreat on lifesaving road and internet smarts at the Wellington Community Center.

High school student ambassadors of Safety 4 Life spent time at various stations talking with experts about internet and road safety. The event was introduced by Safety 4 Life’s Executive Director Tara Applebaum. It also included speeches from husband-and-wife duo Esther and Brian LaBovick of the LaBovick Law Firm and Capt. Nichole Addazio of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Finally, Wellington Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind and Councilwoman Maria Antuña read a proclamation.

“Every year, around prom time, a beautiful young soul gets into a

terrible auto accident and someone loses their life,” Brian LeBovick said during his speech. “We looked at that, and we thought, if we can get to the kids before that happens, we can save young lives.”

After a quick dinner, students rotated from station to station, hearing stories, donning goggles that simulate alcohol intoxication, listening to lectures, watching tutorials on how to stop bleeding with gauze and a tourniquet, and taking quizzes about driving and internet safety.

The retreat ended with a giveaway based on the quiz scores. The gifts ranged from aid in driving school, a yoga mat, free LaBovick merchandise and, most cheered of all, AirPods.

To learn more about the Safety 4 Life Foundation, visit www. safety4life.org.

RPB Council PBCFR Report

continued from page 1 Hawk air rescue, hazardous materials response teams, dark water dive rescue, large animal rescue, explosive ordinance disposal and more. She briefed the council on a number of PBCFR programs. For example, PBCFR is one of the few agencies nationwide capable of delivering a “whole blood transfusion” program. Research shows two critical actions can improve the survival odds of a bleeding trauma patient: 1. Stop the bleeding. 2. Replace the lost whole

blood. PBCFR has taken a national leadership role on this issue. In other business, Marsh briefed the council on a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which relayed the news

Wellington Kids To Parks Day Event, Bicycle Rodeo May 17

Lace-up your sneakers, head outside and join in a free day of family fun and activities celebrating the 15th anniversary of Kids to Parks Day, a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May.

Wellington invites the community to its free Kids to Parks Day event for all ages, in combination with a Bicycle Rodeo for ages 5 to 13, on Saturday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Kids to Parks Day activities will include bounce houses and inflatables, character entertainment, crazy games, face painting and glitter tattoos, an inclusive inflatable, laser tag, lawn games, music and dancing with Digital Vibez, a rock wall, sports activities and vendors.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to get to know local first responders with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and explore vehicles from their fleet.

The Bicycle Rodeo for ages 5 to 13 will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in combination with the Kids to Parks Day event to encourage and promote safe bicycling in the community. The Bicycle Rodeo will be located in the parking lot adjacent to the amphitheater, near Ken Adams Way, on the southeast side of the Town Center complex. Water and snacks will be available for participants and attendees, and a limited number of bicycles and helmets will be available. Attendees should bring their own

that, for policies started or renewed after April 1, residents will automatically receive a 25 percent national flood insurance discount, thanks to efforts by staff to make the village more flood resistant.

William H. Lesser of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, wrote, “Congratulations! The Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), has determined that the Village of Royal Palm Beach will increase to a Class 5 in the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. The floodplain management activities implemented by your community qualify it for a 25 percent discount on flood insurance premiums

NEWS BRIEFS

helmet and bike in order to participate.

Pre-registration for the Bicycle Rodeo is required through Eventbrite (wellingtonbicyclerodeo25. eventbrite.com). Only child participants need tickets; adults do not need to register to attend. Participants must check in by 10:45 a.m. Registered Bicycle Rodeo participants will also be entered into a free raffle for prizes. The raffle will take place at 11 a.m. For more information on both events, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/kidstoparksday.

Wellington Hurricane Expo

May 3 At Mall

The Village of Wellington will host its annual Hurricane & Severe Weather Expo at the Mall at Wellington Green (10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) in the Grand Court on Saturday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with vendors and receive information on hurricane and severe weather preparedness, and can enter a free raffle for a chance to win a Dewalt 4500/4000W generator, donated by the Mall at Wellington Green. Each year, Wellington works with the community to prepare for the uncertainty of hurricane season. It is important to know where to go for trusted sources of information during a storm. The event will feature presentations on a variety of topics to help attendees stay informed and storm ready.

Presentations will be made on disaster preparedness by Johan Reyes, disaster program manager with the American Red Cross of Palm Beach and the Treasure

Coast; homeowners’ insurance updates from Anne-Marie Batten of Batten Insurance Services; a 2025 Hurricane Season 2025 outlook from Robert Garcia of the National Weather Service; and a special presentation by Kate Wentzel, meteorologist at WPTV. Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ hurricaneexpo to learn more.

Clerk’s Office

To Host Free Community Resource Fair

Nearly 30 local government and nonprofit organizations will help connect Palm Beach County residents with everything from court payment plans to affordable housing information, mental health resources, job training, mugshot removal and legal advice for civil court cases.

The Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is partnering with the City of Greenacres to host the third annual Community Resource Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Greenacres Community Center (501 Swain Blvd., Greenacres).

The clerk’s office community engagement team is organizing the event in partnership with the City of Greenacres. This year’s event will also feature a walk-up food distribution by Feeding South Florida, while supplies last.

“This year’s Community Resource Fair is our biggest yet. We look forward to connecting with people who are not able to take time off work to access these services during the work week,” Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo said. “We appreciate all of our govern-

for most NFIP policies issued or renewed on or after April 1, 2025. This savings is a tangible result of the flood mitigation activities your community implements to protect lives and reduce property damage.”

Jeffrey Sullivan, GIS manager for the village, explained that this was something Royal Palm Beach has been working on for years.

“The Village of Royal Palm Beach joined the FEMA CRS (Community Rating System) in 2017 in preparation for the release of the updated FEMA flood maps in October 2017,” he said. “Prior to 2017, Royal Palm Beach did not have any properties in the flood zone. This did not necessarily mean there was no flood risk for

ment and nonprofit partners for taking time out of their weekend to provide important information and resources to people in our community who need it.”

Plenty of free parking is available near the Greenacres Community Center for anyone planning to attend the event. There are also several Palm Tran stops along Haverhill Road, within walking distance of the Greenacres Community Center. For more information about the Community Resource Fair, or for a detailed list of participating vendors’ services, visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ resourcefair.

Swim Meet At Wellington Aquatics Complex

The Wellington Wahoos Swim Team will be hosting a Long Course Spring Invitational at the Wellington Aquatics Complex from Friday, May 9 through Sunday, May 11. The entire pool will be closed to accommodate the meet schedule.

Adjusted facility hours are as follows: on Friday, May 9, the pool will close to the public at 1 p.m.; the pool will remain closed for the event on Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11; on Monday, May 12, the pool will remain closed according to regular hours of operation; and on Tuesday, May 13, the pool will reopen to the public for regular hours of operation.

The Wellington Aquatics Complex is located at 12072 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information about aquatics programs, call (561) 791-4770 or visit www. wellingtonfl.gov/aquatics.

the area prior to 2017. The previous mapping in the area from 1974 and 1982 showed the village as being in Zone C (not in the flood zone). This was a time when the village and surrounding area was much less developed.”

The CRS program is a voluntary program that provides reduced flood insurance rates for municipalities that use best practices and go beyond the minimum requirements to reduce flooding risk through comprehensive floodplain management and public outreach.

CRS points are achieved by participating in activities in four categories: public information, mapping and regulations, flood damage reduction and flood preparedness.

Examples of some of the village’s public outreach activities are messages on digital signs, messages in water bills, letters and brochures to HOAs, mailings to residents in the flood zone and flood information in new resident packets.

The goal is to make all residents aware of their flood risk and make informed decisions on purchasing flood insurance. Royal Palm Beach residents and property owners can contact the village to see if their property is in the flood zone, access flood maps, get flood insurance advice or request elevation certificates. Visit www.royalpalmbeachfl. gov/flood for additional information.

What brought you to Wellington? Ever wondered how we all got here? Come spend the evening at the Wellington Historical Society’s annual Spring Mixer on Thursday, May 22, and meet members, friends and neighbors involved in preserving the stories of Wellington’s history.

The annual Spring Mixer will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Village Music Café, located at 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The casual evening includes music, drinks, light bites and perhaps a few stories.

The season of rebirth is a great time to renew friendships, establish new ones, and get involved in gathering, preserving and sharing Wellington’s past for the benefit of future generations.

The Wellington Historical Society works to capture and preserve Wellington’s history through stories and archives. The Oral History Project features firsthand recordings of founding and longtime residents who share their memories in videos. The organization also has amassed an archive of snapshots, documents and other materials of some of Wellington’s earliest activities. Annual memberships support the group’s work. Tickets for the Spring Mixer are $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers, and include two drinks and light hors d’oeuvres. For more information, or to purchase tickets to the mixer, visit www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety. org.

Bre McCall quizzes students on their driving safety.

Retreat attendees gather for a group photo. PHOTOS BY MARK CARACCIOLO/TOWN-CRIER

(L-R) Bre McCall, Ashlie Arones, Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Brian LaBovick, Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind, Esther LaBovick, Tara Applebaum, Alex Oliveira and PBSO Capt. Nichole Addazio.

Jeff Heinz of the Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue with students at his booth.

Alex Oliveira quizzes students about internet safety.

Hayden Tryansky recounts how his unsafe driving led to a tragic automobile crash.

Attorneys Brian and Esther LaBovick at their table.

PBCFR District Chief Amanda Vomero briefs the council.

Dionne Dadd, Marlene Lawrence, Yvonne Elliott, Beverly McReynolds, Rose Lewis and Debbie Harris.

Table décor winners Divine Designer of the Year Nancy Toussaint, first place Table Decorator Zulema Grieser and Most Elegant Hildreth Stoddart Brown.

RPBHS Wildcat Dancers Tatiana Ruiz, Vanessa Ruiz and Kenordia Reynold and Dance Director Michele Blecher.

Junior models Penelope and Charlotte Taylor with Audrey Gordon.

Alecia Anderson-Gordon, Michelle Henriques, Dawn Bacchus of Dawn Bacchus Ladies Resort Wear, Deidre Merejo and Abby-Gayle Corlett.

Mistress of Ceremonies Leonie Escoffrey.

Port Commissioner Wayne Richards.

Alecia Anderson-Gordon and Michelle Henriques on stage.

Deidre Merejo and Abby-Gayle Corlett during the fashion show.

Trishanna Gifford with raffle tickets. Junior Stevens performs on stage.

Divine Hat contest winners Aubin Robinson and Audrey Smith.

Indian dress contest winners David Muir and Simone Muniram.

Randy S. Katz, MD

Steven M. Naids, MD

Megan A. Rowlands, MD

James M. Walsh, OD

EASTER EVENT AT DELMAR FARM DAZZLES KIDS WITH WONDERLAND AND OZ

On Saturday, April 19, Delmar Farm hosted its annual Storybook Easter celebration. Easter festivities started off with pony rides and story time. In addition, a hayride through Oz and a forest to Wonderland amazed all the kids and parents in attendance. Later, the Easter Bunny was waiting to greet attendees while an Easter egg hunt was being prepared. Delmar Farm is a nonprofit organization that teaches children about animals and how to take care of them. For more information, visit www.delmarfarm.org.

DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY ERIN

WRMC AND FIRE-RESCUE

of cardiac patient Lorraine Renz.

and

Kathy Marshall with the Easter Bunny.

The “Wizard of Oz “cast for the hayride.

Marina Billane, Sheri McKee, Bambi Dietz, Claudia Campbell and Ani Keegan.

The “Alice in Wonderland” tea party cast.

Children take part in the Easter egg hunt.

Rebecca Landerman led the story time area.

Morgan Myers (left) and Janneva Jean-Gilles (right) as card guards.

Kids enjoy brushing the ponies.

Reese Ferry and Elle Ruyack as Tweedledee and Tweedledum.

(Front row) Gloria Hudnall, Angela Cann, patient Lorraine Renz and Lt. Sean Fine; and (back row) Taylor Morales, Tracey Smith, Dr. Blake Kendall, Lisa Gonzalez, James Giuseffi, Ashley Palianto, Jonathan Jackson and Dr. Lawrence Lovitz.

Jonathan Jackson and Lt. Sean Fine.

Angela Cann and Tracey Smith.

Cardiac patient Lorraine Renz thanks attendees.

Taylor Morales and Courtney Serian.

Dr. Blake Kendall and Dr. Lawrence Lovitz.

Lisa Gonzalez, Ashley Palianto and James Giuseffi.

Amy Miller, patient Lorraine Renz and Marlo Davis-Hill.

The Wellington Seniors Club gathered for a luncheon on Wednesday, April 16 at the Wellington Community Center. Singer Jeanne Lynn Gray performed as the seniors enjoyed their meal. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Olga Herrero, Valerie Parks, Dora Bogholtz and Efriede Beyel.

Jeanne Lynn Gray sings with Cecelia Torrisi.

Yolanda and Alejandro Ruiz.

Mike and Kathleen Purscell.

Eileen Kuhnel, Bob Nappi and Sherie Scalzitti.

Mindy Streigold, Gale Shapiro, Fran Sarrow and Cecelia Torrisi.

Jeanne Lynn Gray sings on stage.

Joan Walter, Bonnie Sheil, Pat Dye and Ingrid Biegler.

Diane Schwartz, Gina Valentino and Bea Grzywacz.

James Garza, Tristan Jones and Lane Gonzalez.

Lucy Velasquez, Betty Lara, Alex Aedo and Alejandra Briceno of Carmela Coffee.

Mission BBQ’s Lisa Whisnand, Ashley Ortega, Victoria Ortega, John Stirrup and Lexi Espinel.

Samantha Garcia, Isabelle Langheim, Sara Gitlitz and George Diaz of TooJay’s.

CJ and Tyler Delphin.

Cold Stone Creamery’s Edwin Marciano and Gavin Robinson.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted by a woman with a floral dress.

Daveline Pacius and Ronsah Narcisse.

David Jimenez and Michella Levy.

Junior Stevens from Silver Birds Steel Orchestra.

Don Dufresne and Maria Garcia.

Adrianna Torres and Bailyn Mills at the Chicken Salad Chick booth.

Zach Rose, Donovan Gomes, Katie Zacharias, Amy Courtney and Daniella Iglesias of Agliolio.

Jenny Lammert, Isabel Johnson and Molly Welborn.

Chelsea Barrios, Erica Angel, Isabela Perez and Liztcarla Padilla.

A trapeze artist entertains attendees.

Monica Felner, Kristen Favre, Kelsee and Kyle Kurlander, and Steve Caraccio.

Adolfo Cambiaso Wins Tenth U.S. Open Polo Championship

By Sarah Eakin Town-Crier Staff Report

A highly anticipated rematch of last year’s U.S. Open Polo Championship final between father and son, Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso, played out in front of a capacity crowd at the National Polo Center in Wellington as La Dolfina/Tamera emerged victorious with a 12-8 win over La Dolfina/Catamount on Sunday, April 20.

La Dolfina/Tamera came to the field with a win on the board in the opening tournament of the Gauntlet of Polo, the C.V. Whitney Cup, and the dust barely settled on the 50th birthday celebrations for its captain, Adolfo Cambiaso.

Last season’s memories, losing to his son Poroto and La Dolfina in both the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open finals, still appeared fresh in Adolfo’s mind prior to the rematch, who was keeping track — and not just of the fact that he was in line for his tenth U.S. Open Polo Championship title. “He has been beating me a little bit too much,” Adolfo said of his son Poroto. “But the last game I beat him. Last year, I lost two finals against them [La Dolfina]. I won one, I lost two important ones. And now we are 1-1 [for the season], but he beat me in England in the quarterfinals of the Queen’s Cup. But sometimes one game is

more important than three or four, so let’s see…”

True to form, La Dolfina/Catamount came out swinging at the start of the match, with Rufino Merlos, who played alongside Poroto for last year’s U.S. Open champions La Dolfina, putting two inspiring field goals on the board, the second a result of a concerted offense by all four players, including Jesse Bray, who set up the goal shot. “I think we started off really strong in the first chukker,” said Bray, who, along with Matt Coppola and Scott Devon, was one of three U.S. players in the final. “And then at the end of the first chukker, they scored some really nice goals.”

Diego Cavanagh, Coppola and Adolfo Cambiaso — scoring from a penalty — edged La Dolfina/ Tamera into the lead going into the second chukker but were in danger of entering halftime behind by a goal until team owner Alejandro Poma scored a crowd-pleasing goal in the closing seconds of the third chukker, capitalizing on a pass from Adolfo to make things even at 6-6 and shifting the energy on the field. “I felt like I had to be focused and do my best with the chance I got,” Poma said. “You can get one chance to make that shot, and that’s in my mind, sort of keeping it simple, make the shot.”

By the end of the fourth chukker,

an 8-6 advantage soon stretched to a 10-7 lead for La Dolfina/Tamera in the fifth, with a further highly applauded field goal from Poma and a penalty from Adolfo Cambiaso. The margin extended to 11-7 before Bray found the posts in the sixth only to have a field goal from Coppola to seal the win. “I thought we did really well today,” Bray said. “But it was just tough to play against that team. It’s a very good team, and they had a really good season.”

By the close of play, all four players on La Dolfina/Tamera had scored three goals each — a testament to the mindset of Adolfo Cambiaso in cultivating his team and extracting the best from each of his players. No one appreciated the experience more than Coppola. “I think it’s every player’s dream to have an opportunity to play with him,” Coppola said of Adolfo. “I am so lucky I did. I got the chance. I made the most of the opportunity, and I’m so grateful. He wants you to play your game; he wants you to have confidence. I’ll never forget when we were playing our first team practice, and he said, ‘I’ll never yell at you unless you’re timid. So, if you mess up doing what you thought was right, I’ll never yell at you.’

Since then, I just kind of got my confidence every game… and I think my game playing with him

has come on a lot.”

For his significant role in the victory, Poma was given the Seymour H. Knox Most Valuable Player Award. “You’ve got to wake up and make it happen,” he reflected on his linchpin goal to close out the first half. “You need 6-6, and you can’t get unfocused. You can’t give up one inch, and that’s what Adolfo was telling us, ‘You know, come on guys, let’s get it going.’ We came out focused and motivated [in the second half].

National Polo Center Season Ends In International Showdown

By Sarah Eakin Town-Crier Staff Report

The National Polo Center’s winter season ended in an International Match nail-biter, as Team USA and Uruguay went into overtime on Sunday, April 27. Wellington resident and Uruguayan national Nachi Viana scoring the sudden death goal to give his country an 11-10 victory over the home team.

“We wanted to enjoy playing for our country — it is something unique, and it doesn’t happen every year,” Viana said. “So, we just wanted to have fun. We wanted to enjoy the opportunity to play.”

Uruguay took an early 4-0 lead thanks to a goal on handicap, a penalty from Nachi and two goals from Santiago “Santi” Stirling, as the pair demonstrated the potential of their partnership on U.S.

Polo Assn. Field One in the first chukker.

“We started very well, and then we knew that it was going to be really tough because obviously they have an amazing team and they’re really, really well-mounted,” said Stirling of team USA, led by Wellington favorite Nic Roldan, lining up alongside Grant Ganzi, Matias González and Tommy Collingwood.

Team USA began to level the playing field in the second chukker and closed a halftime 6-4 deficit to a goal entering the final chukker of regulation time.

A penalty one and a goal each from Roldan and González could have spelled victory for the home crowd, had Viana not saved Uruguay’s chances with a goal in the final seconds of regulation play,

to push the match into overtime.

Uruguay was on a slight learning curve coming into the International Match. Matias, Nachi and Santi had all played together in the FIP World Polo Championship at NPC in 2022, but 16-year-old Benicio Laguarda was new, added to the lineup when they finalized the team two weeks prior to the match.

In addition, all four players were riding horses supplied by Argentine polo player Matias Magrini and his breeding operation, Don Ercole S.A., for the occasion — a purposeful strategy to compensate for the extenuating circumstances facing an “away” team, with Viana the only player with a base and horses in Wellington. “It’s very difficult when you’re not playing the season here

in America and you only come to play one game,” Stirling said. “Matias [Magrini] has a good organization, so we decided to talk to him and rent horses for the whole team.”

Nachi got the most out of his horsepower, not least Don Ercole’s Panamera, who he played in the second, fifth and critical overtime chukker to warrant Best Playing Pony for the effort.

Roldan, who has represented Team USA on the world stage on several occasions, showed pride, coupled with humility, in defeat. “It’s always an honor to play for your country,” he said. “We win or lose as a team. We had our chances, and Uruguay had an amazing effort. They played great, and at the end of the day, they were the stronger team today.”

Read more by equestrian writer Sarah Eakin at www.paperhorsemedia.com.

This MonTh’s WellingTon hisTory spoTlighT

Sharon Edelman Reuben

Marketing The Brand-New Community Of Wellington To The Palm Beaches & Beyond

Most current residents of Wellington may not be familiar with the name Sharon Edelman Reuben, but she was a driving force behind many of the events that continue in our village today.

While on vacation from New Jersey in 1979, she drove through Wellington and fell in love with the area. She told her young sons that she was going to move here, and three months later, she had purchased a home and become a resident.

Since her job in New Jersey focused on diet, weight reduction, food and health, she approached Bob Markey Sr., founder and then-publisher of  The Town-Crier, and offered to write a column on those subjects. A career was born.

Shortly thereafter, a group of 15 business leaders and Reuben gathered at Dennis Witkowski’s Cobblestones Restaurant to discuss starting a chamber of commerce. That was the beginning of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, now the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce.

In 1985, Corepoint Inc. purchased all the undeveloped land in Wellington, excluding Palm Beach Polo. Reuben suggested that Corepoint needed just one thing — her — to get the word out about this wonderful new community, Wellington. She was hired as communications director at Corepoint. At that time, there were only a handful of homes in Wellington. Reuben’s goal was to publicize the area and bring people in to purchase homes.

She began by creating family-friendly community events, the first being Huck Finn Day, complete with a frog-jumping contest, fishing tournament, fence painting, greased pole climbing and watermelon seed spitting. People from all over Palm Beach County came to enjoy the fun.

Other events followed, including bike and running races, rowing regattas on Lake Wellington and the Miss Wellington Pageant, which crowned April Webb as the first winner.

The “Wellington Blockheads” was a 1990 game show in which neighborhoods and civic and school groups competed. The show was hosted by Wayne Boynton and was based on his USA Trivia board game; April Webb served as hostess. The two-day event held at Wellington High School was filmed and broadcast on Channel 36. The Meadow Wood team, consisting of Jo Cudnik, Allyson Samiljan, Patricia Valenza, and her daughter, future Wellington High School valedictorian Robin Valenza, bested the Wellington Exchange Club in the final round. To view the show on YouTube, Google “Wellington Blockheads Trivia.”

One event that has become a fixture of Wellington is the annual Wellington Holiday Parade, started by Reuben and Witkowski in 1984. It featured local celebrities as grand marshals, including Jim Sackett, former news anchor on WPTV, and radio personality Jennifer Ross. Perhaps the biggest national name to serve as grand marshal was Robin Leach, host of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous

Since Wellington included the aviation community of Aero Club, Reuben thought an air show would be a great idea. She had to get permission from the residents who would need to vacate their homes during the event. Luckily, there were only 12 occupied homes in Aero Club at the time, and all households agreed. The result was a two-time event, Wings Over Wellington, featuring groups such as the Blue Angels.

Tennis star Billie Jean King has ties to Wellington. In the 1980s, she gave workshops and promoted team tennis with the Wellington Aces at the Wellington Club West, now the Wanderers Club.

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

U.S. Open Champions — Taking the stage as U.S. Open champions are La Dolfina/Tamera’s (L-R) Adolfo Cambiaso, Diego Cavanagh, Matt Coppola and Alejandro Poma, joined by USPA Chair Stewart Armstrong.

PHOTOS BY SARAH EAKIN/PAPER HORSE

Matt Coppola, seen here in post-match interview mode, grew in confidence under the captaincy of Adolfo Cambiaso.

This was very, very special. It is a dream come true.”

The Willis Hartman Trophy for Best Playing Pony, presented by Palm Beach Equine, was awarded to Adolfo Cambiaso for La Dolfina’s mare, Dolfina Binter. Adolfo’s horses were also recognized as the Best Playing String in the National Polo Center’s End of Season Horse Excellence Awards, reflecting an outstanding performance of an entire string throughout the Gauntlet of Polo series.

Nachi Viana, winning goal-scorer for his home country of Uruguay, was helped in overtime by the Best Playing Pony, Panamera, shown here with Palm Beach Equine’s Scott Swerdlin to his left.

PHOTO BY SARAH EAKIN/HORSE PAPER

Sharon Edelman Reuben during her time as communications director for Wellington developer Corepoint in the 1980s.

Sharon Edelman Reuben, as seen in her Wellington Historical Society Oral History Project interview.

POOCHES, PEARLS & PROSECCO FASHION SHOW HELD AT WELLINGTON GREEN

The Women of the Wellington Chamber (WOW) held its annual Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco fashion show event on Thursday, April 24 at the Mall at Wellington Green. The fundraiser’s goal is to help clear the shelters of pooches in need of a forever home. About 20 dogs took to the runway to strut their stuff in the hopes of finding a loving family, joined by community members modeling fashions. Before the show, guests had time to mingle, network, and enjoy some prosecco and light appetizers while interacting with the dogs up for adoption.

KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTOS BY FRANK

The Women of the Wellington Chamber leadership team.

PHOTO BY MICHELL DIAZ Michela Green with Ollie from A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens Rescue.

Ken Meade, Nicole Delaney and Trevin Dayton of Bonefish Grill.

Jessalyn Macomber and Lisa Trumpy.

Mara Gleason, Kelsey Otocki, Goldie Lamarca and Kaitlin

Rosete of Peggy Adams with pups Happy Gilmore and Kazee.

Christine Malvinni and Barbara Richardson.

Diamond from PBC Animal Care & Control shows off her loving heart.

Senior Yorkie Khloe was looking for a forever home.

Amanda Murphy models the latest fashions.

DJ Newmark and Sherron Permashwar.

Siobhan Gallagher with Diamond from Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control.

Dancers from Fred Astaire entertain the crowd.

Melissa Lawler shows off a wedding dress from Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon.

Erin Williams takes to the runway.

Jennifer Hernandez-Massey and Sherron Permashwar announce the fashion show.

Dr. Elena Monks poses with fashions from Melisa Scott Fashion Boutique.

Lisa LaFrance on the runway.

Mara Gleason of Peggy Adams walks with two-year-old Happy Gilmore.

NAPOLEONE ADDRESSES WELLINGTON ROTARY GATHERING AT

The Wellington Rotary Club met Thursday, April 24 at the Wanderers Club. At the meeting, the winner of the club’s annual Kids Count Raffle, raising money for the club’s educational programs, was chosen. The winner was Keeler Shephard on a ticket sold by Tom Carreras. The guest speaker was Mayor Michael Napoleone, who spoke about the many great things happening in Wellington. Learn more about the club at www.wellingtonrotary.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

The Wellington Art Society held an Artists’ Reception and Sale on Tuesday, April 22 for its current exhibition “Spirited Artistry” at Wellington Village Hall and the Wellington Community Center. The event included naming the People’s Choice Award winners,

Mayor Michael Napoleone selects a raffle ticket with help from Maria Fernanda Cruz and Don Gross.

Dinah Mirson was a People’s Choice Award winner for “Pop Art by Di.”

Diane Hodges with her wood sculpture “Duchess.”

George Kinoshita, Johnny Meier and Barry Manning.

Susan Oakes with “Floral Mosaic.”

Don Gross, Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Mayor Michael Napoleone and Maria Fernanda Cruz.

“Hibiscus #16” by Kris Dru Hilles.

Maria Fernanda Cruz, Shaun Patterson and Nikki Stinson.

Auckland Thawe, a visiting Rotarian from Canada, with Chris Warren, Fernando Montana and Robin Waugh.

(Seated) Daniel Salkin, Jay Broder, and Dr. Wes and Barbara Boughner; and (standing) Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Noel Guillama and Brian Betron.

Maria Fernanda Cruz, Mary Lou Bedford, Maggie Zeller and Herta Suess.

Sujana Tuladhar and Shanell Foster.

Mickey Smith, Jack Rosen and Randy Pfeiffer.

Ida Perez won a People’s Choice Award for “Medusa.”

WELLINGTON

The Village of Wellington held its annual Egg Hunt to celebrate the Easter season on Saturday, April 19 at Village Park. Several hundred people attended the family-friendly event sponsored by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center. Christ Fellowship Church handed out breakfast and snacks. Meanwhile, the egg hunt was divided into four age groups. Kids in each group hunted for eggs in hopes of finding the special eggs with winning tickets in them.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Eva Silvestri, Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, the Easter Bunny, Councilman John McGovern, and Emilia and Victoria McGovern.

The Easter Bunny waves to the crowd.

Families wait in line for the egg hunt to begin.

Volunteers from Christ Fellowship Church hand out candy.

Bruce Boyle looks through his collection of eggs.

Wellington’s Debbie Liquori hands out the baskets at the Joe DiMaggio sponsor table.

Kenzil Kerr collects Easter eggs.

Everly and Tara Perdomo gather as many eggs as they can. Noa and Nio Gorscak with a basket full of eggs.

Cameron Booker with his eggs.

Seraphina and David Lappano after the egg hunt.

Bear Capone, Kylo Viale, Peyton Viale, Zeena Capone show off their Easter egg collection.

Camila Contreras, Grecia Contreras and Maria Rozo have fun at the egg hunt.

Thousands of eggs were set out to be gathered by the young egg hunters.

Alexis and Clyde Oxley, and Ari Carmichael with their egg collection.

Josiah, Jeremias and Leona Gonzalez sit in the shade after the hunt.

Gabriella Bianchini, Giovanna Bianchini-Serpe, Matthew Apelbaum and Mikayla Apelbaum.

Thank You

To Our Generous Derby Sponsors, Donors & Volunteers!

The Wellington Community Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made the Official Wellington Derby Party an unforgettable success. With your incredible support, this year’s celebration of southern charm, high fashion, mint juleps and racing excitement was one for the books!

From the festive flair of the venue to the attendees’ cheers during the big race, every moment of this stylish and spirited event will be powered by the generosity and partnership of our esteemed sponsors. Your commitment to community, hospitality and local engagement helps create an atmosphere that will truly capture the spirit of the Kentucky Derby right here in Wellington.

To our presenting sponsors, donors and volunteers, thank you for going the distance with us. Your

support doesn’t just make the event possible — it made it exceptional!

Whether through sponsoring themed bars, providing signature drinks and bites, or contributing to the elegant décor and entertainment, each of you played a pivotal role in the success of this highly anticipated official Wellington tradition.

We are proud to share this moment of thanks with the entire community and spotlight the outstanding businesses, organizations and individuals that stood behind the magic of the Wellington Derby Party.

On behalf of the WCF Board of Directors, and the entire Wellington community, thank you for your continued support, your community spirit and your role in making the Wellington Derby Party a signature event again this year.

We look forward to helping our Wellington neighbors in need, and together, with your help, continue “Building A Stronger Community.”

DR. & MRS. GORDON JOHNSON

Jim Sackett, Chair Wellington Community Foundation

Sem Ridge Boys Volleyball Team Poised For State Title Run

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Having achieved a strong 18-6 regular-season record, the Seminole Ridge High School boys volleyball team is getting ready for another run at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A state finals, which will be held in Winter Haven on May 16-17.

The journey to Winter Haven began on Tuesday, April 29, when the Hawks defeated the Wildcats from Royal Palm Beach High School, 3-0, in the District 10 tournament semifinals. That win propelled Seminole Ridge into the district final against Wellington

High School on Thursday, May 1. The game against Wellington was a rematch of a regular season encounter on March 20, when Seminole Ridge prevailed (24-26, 27-25, 25-23, 25-13). The results of the district final were not available at press time. Win or lose, Seminole Ridge will receive a bid into the FHSAA’s Class 3A state tournament based on its strong ranking.

When Seminole Ridge plays its regional quarterfinal on Tuesday, May 6, head coach Scott Barnwell will be looking for a continuation of strong on-the-court hustle and teamwork.

“A deep run will consist of

us continuing to play as one unit and staying healthy,” said Barnwell, now in his eighth year as the team’s head coach. “Four of my five seniors were on last year’s team that went to states, so they know the importance of teamwork.”

If Seminole Ridge is going to earn its way back to Winter Haven, the Hawks will need strong performances from senior Steve Barnes, senior Carson Kramer, senior Fernando Fernandez, freshman Evan Holowecky and sophomore Michael Deeds. Barnes leads the team in kills per set, kills, serving aces and aces per set. Kramer, Barnes and Deeds have the team’s top-three hitting percentages. Holowecky leads the Hawks in assists, while Fernandez is among the team’s top-three performers in serving aces, aces per set, assists and receptions.

Another strength of Seminole Ridge will be the team’s overall playing experience, as the majority of the team has been playing club volleyball for years, Barnwell noted.

Barnwell is cautiously optimistic that his team will earn another trip to the Class 3A state finals because of the season-long growth shown by team’s youngest members.

“With four sophomores and one freshman, we have matured by practicing hard every day, playing a tough schedule and participating

in a very rigorous tournament,” Barnwell said. Barnwell is also leaning on his three senior captains — Barnes, Kramer and Addison Corey — to provide stability in practices, in games and on the bench during games.

If the Hawks advance to the Class 3A state finals, set for May 16-17 at the Winter Haven Health Center on the campus of Polk State College, they will need two more victories to become the second boys volleyball team in school history, joining the 2011 team coached by Austin Clubb, to win a state championship.

The King’s Academy — TKA’s boys varsity volleyball team, led by

head coach Danielle McCoy, compiled an impressive 15-5 regularseason record and earned the top seed in its local FHSAA Class 1A, District 6 tournament. The Lions played Morningside Academy in their district tournament semifinal match on Tuesday, April 29, and prevailed in straight sets. That win pitted TKA against Atlantic Christian in the district tournament final on May 1. The two teams met on April 11 during the regular season. In that game, the Lions prevailed in straight sets. The result of the district tournament final was not available at press time. As the top-seeded Class 1A team in Florida, the Lions are

expected to be rewarded with the No. 1 seed in its region for the upcoming FHSAA Class 1A boys volleyball state tournament. If the Lions can win all three of their regional games, they will earn a berth in the state finals, which will be contested at the Winter Haven Health Center in mid-May.

WHS, SRHS Flag Football Teams Making Push For State Finals

By Mike May

There’s a good chance that the western communities will have a pair of teams competing in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A and Class 4A flag football state finals, which are scheduled to be held in Tampa from May 8 to May 10. Those two

flag football teams are from Wellington High School (Class 4A) and Seminole Ridge High School (Class 3A). Wellington is the top seed in Class 4A, Region 3. After completing the regular season with a record of 11-1, Wellington swept both games in its district tournament to capture the championship.

That included a 25-0 win over Royal Palm Beach High School on Tuesday, April 15, and a 32-13 victory against Palm Beach Gardens High School on Thursday, April 17. On Wednesday, April 23, the Wolverines defeated Freedom High School, 39-6, in the regional quarterfinals. Five days later, on Monday, April 28, Wellington hosted Harmony High School in the regional semifinal and defeated the visiting Longhorns, 25-20. That propelled the Wolverines (15-1) to a Class 4A regional final against Fort Pierce Central High School (18-1), which was set for Thursday, May 1 at Wellington. The result was not available at press time.

A victory against Fort Pierce Central would send the Wolverines to the FHSAA’s Class 4A state finals in Tampa. This season, Wellington’s key players have been senior quarterback Ava Hanson, senior dual-threat safety/ wide receiver Jordan Fernandez

and junior defensive rusher Lyan Hernandez.

Seminole Ridge is a top seed, as well, in the FHSAA’s Class 3A, Region 2. After finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record, Seminole Ridge won both games in its district tournament to win the championship, including a 47-7 victory against Fort Pierce Westwood High School on Tuesday, April 15 and a 28-14 win over South Fork High School on Thursday, April 17.

Regional quarterfinals were held on Wednesday, April 23, when the Hawks trounced Lakeland High School, 53-0. On Monday, April 28, in the regional semifinal round, Seminole Ridge dominated Martin County High School, 33-0. It was the seventh shutout victory of the season for the Hawks. That win advanced the Hawks (14-2) to a regional final against Belleview High School (16-3) on Thursday, May 1 at Seminole Ridge. The score was not available at press time. A victory against Belleview

would earn Seminole Ridge a berth in the FHSAA’s Class 3A state finals in Tampa. On the field, Seminole Ridge is led by the play of sophomore quarterback Aubrey Fogel, sophomore safety Chachi Saunders, and senior receivers Lola Agosto and Dakota Parks.

If Seminole Ridge makes it to the state finals in Tampa, the squad will be in pursuit of the sixth flag football state championship in school history to go along with the previous state championships won in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Wellington Varsity Girls Softball Team Ready To Make History

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The girls varsity softball team from Wellington High School had an impressive regular season this year and is now positioned for a strong run at a state championship. That’s the main goal for a squad that is ranked as the top high school girls softball team in Palm Beach County and the 11th best high school softball team in the state. The Wolverines are rated the second-best softball team in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A rankings. Under the leadership of coach Mark Boretti, the Wolverines compiled a 16-4 record during the regular season. Along the way, they had the best record in District 8, which gave Wellington the homefield advantage in its recent district

tournament. Wellington defeated John I. Leonard High School on Monday, April 28 to reach the district championship game, which was held Wednesday, April 30. In that game, Wellington hosted Jupiter High School, which defeated Palm Beach Central High School, 1-0, on Monday, April 28. The district championship game was a rematch of the March 7 regular season game, when Wellington defeated Jupiter, 4-0. The result of the April 30 matchup was not available at press time. Win or lose against Jupiter in the district final, Wellington will receive a bid into the upcoming Class 7A state tournament, based on its lofty ranking. In fact, the odds of Wellington receiving the top seed in its region are quite strong, which puts Wellington in

an advantageous position to win three straight regional games on May 8, 13 and 15, which will be necessary to reach the state finals, which are scheduled to be held at the Boombah-Soldiers Creek Park in Longwood on May 23-24. Boretti likes how his team is focused in practice and driven to succeed in games.

“We are playing very well right now, and I look forward to the challenge of districts and regionals,” Boretti said. “The team has become very cohesive as we continue to say ‘we’ and not ‘me.’

Pitching and defense, along with the timely hitting, that we have shown the last four weeks is what will get us back to our ultimate goal. We are winning and finally having a lot of fun doing it.”

The key performers for Wel-

lington this past season have been senior Tori Payne, who has a stingy 0.95 earned run average as the team’s top pitcher. She is also the team’s leader in batting average (.426), on-base percentage (.523), slugging percentage (.726) and home runs (3). Other key statistical leaders for Wellington include senior Kaylee Riles, who leads the team in runs scored (20), stolen bases (8), fielding percentage (1.000) and triples (2), as well as junior Angelina Baronci, who has the most hits (25), runs batted in (18) and doubles (5).

During Boretti’s time as the head coach at WHS, the school’s best postseason performance was by the 2017 squad, which reached the Class 8A championship game, only to lose to Orange Park’s Oakleaf High School, 6-1.

The Wellington High School 2025 girls varsity softball team.

PHOTO BY JACK BARTLETT

Town-Crier Staff Report

Seminole Ridge quarterback Aubrey Fogel makes a pinpoint throw. PHOTO BY RICHARD AREYZAGA JR.

Wellington quarterback Ava Hanson discusses a play with head coach Robert Callovi. PHOTO BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

Fernando Fernandez goes to the net for Seminole Ridge.

Freshman setter Evan Holowecky on the court.

Britton Sisters Help Berean Capture The District Title In Softball

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

For the first time since 2011, the girls softball team from Berean Christian School has captured a district championship title. On Tuesday, April 29, the Bulldogs defeated Atlantic Christian, 18-6, to win the Class 1A, District 14 postseason tournament. The game between Berean and Atlantic was played at Seminole Palms Park in Royal Palm Beach. It was the third time this season that both teams had played one another, and it was Berean’s third-straight

victory in the local rivalry. In the district title game, Berean was led by freshman pitcher Hailey Georgic, who had two strikeouts and issued just one walk. Berean’s top hitters were eighth grader Sophia Britton, who was 4-for-4; junior Brianna Acosta, who was 3-for-3; and sophomore Julianne Severson, who was 2-for-2. It was also the first time that the Bulldogs had reached a district tournament final since Kim Valdes had become the head coach in 2017. It was the school’s first district title in softball since the

school had a run of four consecutive titles from 2008 to 2011, when the team was coached by Philip Johnson and led by four of the school’s all-time softball standouts — Amber Johnson, Rachel Terrana, Alison Flinn and Emily May. Those four district tournament banners are currently hanging in the school’s gymnasium. But there’s room for another.

Berean’s current roster is a mixture of young, non-travel team players, a few of whom are home schoolers. There are no seniors on the team this year, which means everybody should be back next season.

Three of Berean’s current players share the same last name — sisters Liz Britton, Sophia Britton and Mila Britton. Liz is a 17-yearold junior, Sophia is a 14-year-old eight grader and Mila is a 12-yearold seventh grader. At the beginning of the season, Valdes had lost some players to injury, and she was looking for reinforcements for the upcoming season.

“We really needed some fresh bodies for our roster,” Valdes said. “I told my existing players to go recruit some other players from the hallways at school.”

Mila was one of the team’s existing players, so she encouraged her two sisters to join her on the roster, and they agreed.

At the beginning of the current high school softball season, Mila was new to the sport — and Liz and Sophia were also rookies.

Looking back, all three girls have genetics on their side, as their

mother played high school and collegiate softball while growing up in Panama. She was a shortstop. Their mother also played volleyball.

“Growing up, I always wanted to play softball,” said Mila, who plays right field.

After going to watch Berean’s team practice, Liz decided to give the sport a try. She played tennis last spring. She’s glad that she joined Berean’s softball team this year, where she is now the starting left fielder.

“I like the team spirit on the team in the dugout,” Liz said. “There’s lots of singing. We have a team chant for every player.”

For Liz, stepping into the batter’s box is both exciting and nerve wracking.

“It can be stressful when you are up to bat, but after hitting the ball, the stress is gone, and you start running for your life,” she said.

It didn’t take long for Sophia to realize that in order to play softball, it helps to have some coordination and athletic talent.

“To be a good hitter, you have to understand what techniques are needed to properly swing the bat,” said Sophia, who is the team’s starting centerfielder.

Sophia is often the leadoff hitter. Her job is to get on base. That’s when the fun begins.

“As a baserunner, you must always be thinking ahead. And it’s exhilarating when you score a run,” Sophia said.

For Mila, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome was learning

2025

how to catch the ball. At first, it was not easy to do. Now, Mila likes catching the ball. In fact, she likes catching the ball so much that she would like to play catcher next year.

Valdes, who was a catcher during her high school and collegiate playing days, has agreed to help teach Mila how to play that position. Valdes played high school softball at the King’s Academy, and then in college at Rider University in New Jersey.

While all three girls are not always together in the starting lineup, there have been some games where all three have been playing in the outfield at the same time — Liz in leftfield, Sophia patrolling centerfield and Mila in charge in rightfield. According to Valdes, one important characteristic that all three girls share is a positive attitude.

“Their attitude and their hustle on the diamond are impressive,” Valdes said.

According to Valdes, she quickly noticed Liz’s instinctive behavior as the oldest sister. “She is definitely the ‘mother hen’ of the three players,” Valdes said. Moving forward, as the newly crowned district champions, the Bulldogs (8-10) are now preparing to continue postseason play, starting with a regional quarterfinal game on Wednesday, May 7. Valdes is delighted with the overall play of her softball team this season.

“I’m very happy with the progress of my team,” she said. When the season comes to an end, the three Britton sisters and their teammates are looking forward to seeing another district tournament banner being placed inside the school’s gymnasium.

Breakthrough Year For Girls Beach Volleyball Team From WHS

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

It has been a memorable and historic season for the girls beach volleyball team from Wellington High School.

On Thursday, April 24, Wellington’s 17-member squad won its first-ever Florida High School Athletic Association district tournament title when the Wolverines defeated the Cobras from Park Vista High School, 4-1. That victory earned Wellington an automatic berth in the FHSAA’s Class 3A state tournament. That District 14 title victory against Park Vista earned Wellington the No. 3 seed in Region 4. As luck would have

it, Park Vista earned an at-large bid, based on its strong ranking, and was awarded the sixth seed, which pitted Wellington against Park Vista for the third time this season in a regional quarterfinal clash on Tuesday, April 29. Both prior matches against Park Vista were won by Wellington. In the regional quarterfinal match, Wellington defeated Park Vista for the third time this season, 4-1. That win propelled Wellington (13-3) to a Class 3A, Region 4 semifinal encounter against second-seeded St. Thomas Aquinas from Fort Lauderdale. That match was played on Wednesday, April 30 in Pompano Beach. The result was unavailable at press time.

For this year’s squad from WHS, led by head coach Sergio Rios, the ultimate goal is to reach the FHSAA’s Class 3A state finals for beach volleyball, which will be held in Tallahassee on Florida State University’s beach volleyball courts on May 9-10.

WHS Beach Volleyball Team — (Front row) Carley Treanor, Grace Kouf, Brielle Dorish and Maddie Lee; and (back row) Faith DiMaria, Fabiana Rumbos, Olivia Roque, Isabela Duque, Gabriella Marotta, Jill St. Leger, Erica Bojanowski, Juliana Nunes, Nicole Koch, Madeline Martinez, Kristin Haggerty and Audrey Keefe.

Berean softball sisters (L-R) Sophia, Mila Britton and Liz Britton.

The

Berean Christian School girls varsity softball team.

WHS Varsity Girls Tennis Dominate The Opposition This Spring

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

This year’s girls varsity tennis team from Wellington High School has had a sensational season so far. The squad, under the tutelage of head coach Peter Lang, has dominated every opponent in every match. This year, Wellington’s undefeated regular season run was followed by a sweep of the Class 4A district and regional titles.

“It was our second straight regional championship,” Lang noted. “We are now 21-0 and headed for the state tournament.”

This kind of success is not new for WHS. The girls tennis team compiled a 15-2 record during the 2023-24 academic year.

Of those 21 wins this year, 14 were shutouts, where WHS won all five singles matches and the two doubles matches. This season, the only team to show any kind resistance to Wellington’s power,

might and depth has been Jupiter High School. In the two regular season meetings between Wellington and Jupiter, Wellington won five of the seven matches in the first encounter and six of the seven matches in their second meeting. The two schools played one another in the regional final on Thursday, April 24, and Wellington won the first four matches out of seven possible matches. By virtue of the four wins, it gave WHS the 4-0 visit and its second straight regional title.

Wellington’s next competition was the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state tennis finals, which were held from April 30 through May 2 at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs near Orlando. Results were not available at press time. At the Class 4A state finals, there were eight teams competing. In addition to Wellington, which played Spruce Creek High

School in a quarterfinal match, the other three quarterfinals were Lake Nona versus Winter Park, Cypress Bay versus Palmetto, and Newsome versus George Steinbrenner. Those four quarterfinal matches took place Wednesday, April 30. The winners on Wednesday advanced to the two semifinal matches.

As well as Wellington has played this season, the Wolverines were not one of the top four seeds in the state matches. The top four seeds #1 Lake Nona, #2 Palmetto, #3 Spruce Creek and #4 George Steinbrenner.

The number of schools playing high-level competitive tennis in Florida is significant.

“Hard to imagine with a 21-0 record in 2025, 14 by shut out, and a 15-2 record the year before, and then for our first ever trip to the states, we are hardly mentioned in the mix,” Lang said.

Because Wellington’s indi -

viduals have been so consistently strong the entire season, Wellington was represented in both the team and individual competitions at the state competition. The individual portion of the state tennis finals was set for Friday, May 2.

Wellington’s top singles player is sophomore Raya Ditfurth, who has remained unbeaten for a second straight high school season. Senior co-captains Keira Uter (11-1) and Scarlett Stephens (12-0) fill the second and third line, while sophomores Anushka Naidu (12-0), Laasya Movva (110) and Jayden Jaraczewski (7-1) filled lines four and five. Ditfurth and Uter have dominated line one doubles, while Stephens and Naidu remain unbeaten at second line doubles.

One of the keys to Wellington’s success has been the bench support, which has been intact the entire season.

“The other players who have all

been an integral part of the success of this team include Isabella Ochsner, Larissa Sakamoto, Ella Jiveh, Camila Castillo Perez, Samantha Newiger, Kaylie Paredes and Paula Gutierrez,” added Lang, whose assistant coaches include Aaron Uter, Josh McElwain and Thad Millsap.

Lang is cautiously optimistic that his team will have successful experience in the state finals because of his squad’s overall competitive spirit.

New Coach At RPBHS, Stickball Season Ends & Other Sports News

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

There is a new head football coach at Royal Palm Beach High School.

It’s Sam Curry, who had been the team’s offense coordinator under previous head coach Chuck Kenyon.

During Kenyon’s three years at RPBHS, he turned the program around from a losing team to a playoff participant. The school’s leadership is confident that Curry

will continue the winning ways established by Kenyon, who is moving to Georgia to continue coaching high school football.

During Kenyon’s three years as head coach, the team’s regular season record improved each year. Last fall, the Wildcats were 7-4 and earned a bid to play in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A regional playoffs. Stickball Season Concludes — The 23rd season of the Wycliffe Stiffs Stickball League is in the books. On April 1, the New York

Egg Creams defeated the Brooklyn Bums in the league championship game, 10-0. The Egg Creams were led by Gary Blitzer, who slugged a double, triple and home run in the game championship finale. Blitzer was named the Rookie of the Year for the season. It’s the fourth league title for the Egg Creams in the 23-year history of the league, which plays its games on the premises of Village Park in Wellington. Gerry Ranzal was the season-long scorekeeper, while Mike Schweiger was the league’s official announcer.

Flag Football News — On Saturday, April 19, Haylie Young, a 2021 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School, threw four touchdown passes for Keiser University’s women’s flag football team to lead the Seahawks to a 33-15 victory against Thomas University from Georgia in the final of the Sun Conference annual postseason flag football conference tournament. One of those touchdown passes was caught by Chloe Griffin, also a 2021 graduate of SRHS. The Seahawks, 16-1, are now getting ready for the NAIA’s an-

nual women’s flag football finals, which will be held in Kansas City, Missouri, from May 5 to May 8. Soccer Celebration — On the evening of Friday, April 18, the coaches and referees associated with the Royal Palm Beach Strikers Soccer Club met for their third annual coaches versus referees soccer game. The game was played at the Katz Soccer Complex in Royal Palm Beach. The head coach of the coaches team was Mal Hasan, and the head coach of the referees team was Fernando Casal. Hasan is the coaching coordinator for the Strikers and the head coach of the boys varsity soccer team at RPBHS, while Casal is a member of the Soccer Referees of Palm Beach County. The two team captains were Micah Santiago for the coaches and Sergio Duque for the referees. The game was tied 1-1 after regulation play. Skyler Zarini scored for the coaches, while Cayden Spositi scored the lone goal for the referees. The coaches won the game, 5-4, in penalty kicks. John Soler was the game’s center referee.

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

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

Keiser University quarterback Haylie Young.

The New York Egg Creams celebrate their championship win.

PHOTO BY HARRY KLAFF

Valentino Cappella (referees) and Luke Schartner (coaches) in action during the game.

New RPBHS head football coach Sam Curry.

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Animal Care & Control Vets Recognized For Outstanding Work

The Florida Animal Protection and Advocacy Association (FAPAA) recently hosted its annual conference and award banquet dinner. FAPAA, originally organized in 1961 as the Florida Animal Control Association, is nationally recognized for building partnerships and initiatives to protect and uplift both animals and humans within communities in adjacent states and throughout Florida.

The Palm Beach County Public Safety Department’s Animal Care & Control Division (PBCACC) is proud that this prestigious organization recognized the hard work of two veterinarians working at the shelter, Dr. Virginia Sayre and Dr. Ysabel Wright. Sayre was awarded the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for spending more than 30 years making contributions toward the improvement of animal welfare, protection and advocacy in Florida.

Sayre has been a practicing

veterinarian since 1985, having earned her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in Gainesville. She has spent 28 years serving as a full-time veterinarian at PBCACC. In this role, Sayre has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in the community, providing care to all species and addressing needs at every level, from routine vaccinations to complex emergency surgeries. Her compassionate approach and tireless efforts have directly improved the lives of countless animals and their families.

Beyond her full-time work, Sayre’s commitment to animal welfare extends into her personal time. She is actively involved in local vaccine clinics, spay-neuter initiatives and community outreach/ education to ensure that animals in underserved and low-income areas receive the care they need.

Sayre’s advocacy extends to the courtroom, where she has championed the rights of animals seeking justice in hundreds of

neglect and abuse cases. She is an exceptional mentor to countless students, technicians and new graduate veterinarians. Sayre has left an indelible mark on the animals of Palm Beach County and the sheltering community she has helped shape through her impressive commitment to the welfare of animals.

Wright joined the PBCACC team in July 2023 and has proven herself to be an exceptional veterinarian with dedication to excellence, outstanding personal skills and commitment to both patient care and the ongoing improvement of the shelter’s medical practices and policies. These qualities are what made her an ideal candidate to be awarded the Rising Star Award.

Wright’s technical skills are matched by her compassionate approach to every case. She works with a level of professionalism and care that has greatly raised the bar of the entire clinic team. Her collaborative approach fosters a

positive, productive work environment, and she consistently helps lift team morale.

Wright’s patience is evident in the way she works with staff, helping them to feel supported and confident in their roles. She has excelled in forensics, and

her involvement in court cases and investigations have achieved favorable outcomes in legal proceedings. Wright has demonstrated a deep commitment to the welfare of animals through her work not only with PBCACC but with her own nonprofit organization, the

and welfare of both people and animals in the community. For more information on PBCACC’s services, visit www.pbcgov.org/animal.

Talented Teen Club Celebrates 20 Years Planting Seeds Of Self-Esteem

approach, and organizations like the Talented Teen Club are at the forefront of this movement, demonstrating how empowering families can foster lasting change.

As Shawn Ho-Hing King, pres-

ident of the Talented Teen Club, puts it, “Your children are your biggest investment, so you must invest wisely.”

Now celebrating 20 years, the club’s programs embody this belief, equipping both parents and children with the tools to thrive and succeed.

The Talented Teen Club embraces the whole-child concept, an approach that prioritizes both the individual and their family environment. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of parents and children, the club creates initiatives that heal, strengthen and unify families, such as:

Parent Empowerment Workshops — These sessions teach parents stress management, communication and nurturing techniques, allowing them to create a home environment where children can flourish. As Ho-Hing King explained, “If the mother is good, the children are good.” This principle underscores the importance of supporting caregivers to benefit the entire family unit.

Family-Centered Events

From group volunteer projects to recreational activities, these events foster shared experiences that deepen bonds between parents and teens.

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

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

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

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

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Leadership Development for Teens — By nurturing leadership qualities in teens, the club empowers them to inspire growth within their families, sparking a cycle of resilience and transformation.

Community Advocacy — The Talented Teen Club champions resources such as affordable counseling and wellness programs, recognizing that healthy families are the foundation of healthy communities.

This approach is not just a theory — it’s a proven pathway to success. Families engaged in the Talented Teen Club report improved communication, reduced stress and an enhanced sense of harmony. These changes ripple outward, benefiting schools, neighborhoods and entire communities. Teens who participate emerge as confident, compassionate leaders, ready to leave a lasting legacy.

The mission of the Talented Teen Club is clear: empower families to create generational wellness. By investing in parents, these clubs are laying the foundation for children to thrive, not only in their formative years but throughout their lives. With leaders like Ho-Hing-King at the helm, the club is setting the standard for

The Florida Department of Education recently recognized academic excellence at the 28th annual Sunshine State Scholars conference held last month in Orlando, spotlighting the state’s outstanding 11th-grade students in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Among the honorees was Wellington High School junior Victoria Sullivan, who also received a one-year scholarship to a Florida university. With 112 student-scholars and their families in attendance, the two-day event, co-hosted by the Florida Department of Education and the Florida Education Foundation, celebrated the remarkable achievements of these young scholars. Notably, 43 students were awarded one-year scholarships provided by State Farm and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.

Dr. Virginia Sayre with her Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Ysabel Wright (right) receives her Rising Star Award.

Shawn Ho-Hing King of the Talented Teen Club equips both parents and children with the tools they need to succeed.

Victoria Sullivan Honored As Sunshine State Scholar

Victoria Sullivan with her Sunshine State

Dr. Joaquín García High School To Stage ‘High School Musical’

When Tony Award-winning high school theater director Jason Zembuch Young and his students reached out to local community leaders asking if they would be willing to take the stage in support of arts in education, the answer was a resounding “yes!”

This month, the theater program at Dr. Joaquín García High School, known as the García Theatre Company, will be producing their first-ever musical: Disney’s High School Musical Making their García Stage debuts with the company will be school board members Virginia Savietto and Marcia Andrews, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino and Florida State Rep. Anne Gerwig. Additional guest performers will include teachers and staff from the high school, as well as several faculty members from feeder schools Discovery Key Elementary School and Woodlands Middle School.

Depending on guest performer preferences, roles will include everything from a simple cross on stage, without dialogue, to participating in a scene or two and joining the cast in some choreography.

Sabrina DeSantis, a parent volunteer and the mother of Gabriella DeSantis, the young lady playing the infamous Sharpay in the show, describes having such notable public figures participating in the production as, “A great way

PARENTS BRING KIDS TO WORK AT WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY

On Thursday, April 24, Wellington Elementary School participated in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Many children of Wellington Elementary School’s staff accompanied their parents to work. The children enjoyed assisting their parents while learning about the career their parents chose. They had a nice breakfast in the principal’s conference room. It was a learning experience that the children will not forget. Take Your Child to Work Day originated with the goal of developing creative and groundbreaking ways to engage the youth of America in the realization of their hopes and dreams. Shown here are staff members with their family members.

Dance Performance At RPBHS

On Thursday, April 24, the Wildcat Dancers Dance Team and the RPB Dancers performed 14 dance routines in the dance forms of tap, jazz, pointe, adagio and contemporary in Royal Palm Beach High School’s auditorium. The dancers showed off their techniques and passion for dancing. The highlights of the performance were when the two dance mascots of the dance team, lovingly known as the littles, took the floor with their older sisters performing “Friend Like Me.” The dance team had numerous highlighted dances, but their combina-

tion tap and jazz routine “Dancing Queen” was a perfect blend of tap and jazz and spotlighted the graduating seniors from the team. Period 2’s “1, 2 Step” brought back a classic fun song with sharp moves to the beat. Period 6’s routine, “Just One Dance,” had an old-time jazzy feel, executed brilliantly with tremendous personality.

The Senior Spotlight solos were outstanding: “Hero,” a jazz solo performed by S. Wilburn; “Stay,” a contemporary solo performed by K. Reynolds; “Constellations,” an adagio solo performed by R. Raya Quintanilla; and “Spanish

Dancer,” a pointe solo performed by G. Nembhard. The Grand Finale, “You Should Be Dancing,” was perfection in technical dancing and showmanship, and the entire audience jumped to their feet with a standing ovation. During the grand bow, Michele Blecher, dance director and master choreographer at RPBHS, presented the four-year Dance Technique 4 dancers with their honor cords and a personalized speech. As the curtain began to close, the audience again jumped to their feet and gave the dancers another standing ovation.

The Oxbridge Academy’s Class of 2025 recently stepped beyond the classroom and into the community for the school’s second annual Senior Service Day.

The event mobilized the school’s senior class in a powerful day of volunteerism, reinforcing Oxbridge’s commitment to cultivating students who drive positive change.

The day began with a celebratory breakfast at Oxbridge. From there, students set out to service sites across Palm Beach County, partnering with local organizations to make a tangible impact. Projects included park beautification, food security initiatives and community engagement at senior living facilities.

to shine a light on the importance of the arts in education, and more specifically, theater arts in education. Theater teaches these kids so much more than how to put on a show. It teaches them about dedication and accountability. It instills in them a work ethic that will serve them well into college and throughout life. My own daughter’s school experience has been completely transformed by being involved in this program.

Where she would often call home with stomach aches or headaches, asking to come home early, she is now fully engaged in school because she has found a purpose.”

As Dr. Joaquín García High School has a large number of students that come from Spanish-only speaking homes, in addition to hosting guest performers for the upcoming production of High School Musical, the García Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Latinos in Action program, will also be providing live simultaneous Spanish voiceovers for Spanish-speaking audience members at every show through the use of assistive listening devices. High School Musical runs May 1, 2, 3, 9, 10 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door, and can be purchased online by visiting GoFan and searching for Dr. Joaquín García High School.

Conscious Kids Raise $1,000 For Hospitalized Children

The students at Conscious Kids Association, a private, Loxahatchee-based micro-school focused on raising socially aware and community-driven young leaders, have made a powerful impact in just six short weeks. Through their self-led community service initiative, they raised more than $1,000 to create and deliver 24 “Baskets of Hope” for children receiving care at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. This project was the joyful culmination of an earlier unit on civic responsibility and elections. Students held their own campaign featuring a variety of student-led

community service projects as candidates. Baskets of Hope won by an overwhelming majority, proving that kindness and empathy can carry the vote.

Since then, the students have been hard at work. They designed fliers, created social media content, filmed campaign videos, and reached out to family and community members to raise funds and collect items for the baskets. Their hard work paid off, and in April, they delivered the completed baskets during a tour of the hospital’s facilities.

“Our students are learning that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s

about action,” said Sophie De La Paz, founder and director of Conscious Kids Association. “They’re experiencing what it means to use their voice, their creativity and their compassion to make the world a little brighter.”

This was more than just a school project, it’s a reminder that when young people are given the tools and trust to lead, they rise with heart and purpose. These children are not just students, they are tomorrow’s conscious leaders, already making meaningful change today. For more information, visit www.consciouskidsassociation. com.

“We believe that the Oxbridge experience is about transforming enthusiasm into meaningful action,” Dean of Students Jason Glick said. “Senior Service Day is an invaluable opportunity for students to develop leadership skills, foster a sense of moral responsibility and serve as ambassadors of our school’s values.”

Through their service, students strengthened community ties and demonstrated the power of education beyond the classroom. Their efforts at parks improved public spaces, their work at Feeding South Florida helped provide food to those in need and their time spent with seniors at Morselife Residences brought joy to community members.

The Royal Palm Beach High School dancers on stage in the auditorium.

Oxbridge Academy students take part in Senior Service Day projects.

Senior Service Day At Oxbridge Academy

Conscious Kids Association students bring “Baskets of Hope” to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Wellington Regional Celebrates 5,000th Robotic Surgery Milestone

mitment to providing advanced surgical care to the community. This achievement highlighted the dedication of its surgical team and the hospital’s investment in cutting-edge medical technology.

ongoing com-

The 5,000th robotic surgery was performed by Dr. Kyle Eldredge of Advanced Surgical Physicians, utilizing the state-of-the-art da Vinci Surgical Systems from Intuitive. These advanced systems offer surgeons enhanced precision, dexterity and control, enabling minimally invasive procedures that often result in less pain, reduced blood loss and faster recovery times for patients.

“It is an honor to serve this community, and I am deeply dedicated to ensuring the best possible outcomes for my patients,” Eldredge said. “This accomplishment of 5,000 robotic-assisted surgeries with the da Vinci Surgical System carries significant weight, not only

U-Haul Trucks Pull Into Value Store It Lake Worth

U-Haul Co. of Florida recently announced that Value Store It Lake Worth has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer. Located at 7369 Lake Worth Road, Value Store It will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies. Value Store It owner Todd Rudderman is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Palm Beach County.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these

challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

Normal business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling (561) 283-0697 or visiting www.uhaul.com/Locations/ Truck-Rentals-near-Lake-WorthFL-33467/022469.

as a technological feat, but also as a reflection of the trust my patients place in me.”

Pam Tahan, chief executive officer of Wellington Regional Medical Center, echoed this sentiment.

“Reaching 5,000 robotic surgical cases is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our surgical team and the trust our patients place in us,” she said. “We are committed to providing the highest quality care and continuously advancing our surgical capabilities. The use of Intuitive’s da Vinci Surgical Systems has been instrumental in achieving this milestone, allowing us to offer our patients the most advanced surgical options available.”

The da Vinci Surgical Systems allow surgeons to perform complex procedures through small incisions, offering numerous benefits for patients. Wellington Regional Medical Center’s achievement

of 5,000 robotic surgeries underscores its position as a leader in surgical innovation and its commitment to providing patients with the most advanced and effective treatment options available.

Advanced Surgical Physicians is home to the area’s fellowship-trained colorectal surgeon and provides expert breast, hernia, gallbladder and general surgical care. Experience what makes the practice different: an in-house phone line and friendly voice to take your call, self-scheduling available for convenience, insurance transparency, minimally invasive options designed with healing in mind, and physician leaders that hold honorable appointments in their specialty. Advanced Surgical Physicians offers large institute options delivered with a small-town feel. Learn more at www.toplinemd.com/ advanced-surgical-physicians or

Warby Parker Opens In The Shoppes At Isla Verde

Dr. Kyle Eldredge of Advanced Surgical Physicians.

I Hear There Are People With Boring, Normal, Predictable Lives

People sometimes ask me, “Where do you get the ideas for your column?” My answer is always, “Life.” Then they look at me quizzically because, having normal lives, they don’t understand. These are the people I envy.

People like that get up in the morning, brush their teeth, have a cup of coffee and begin a day that is calm and predictable. We’ve all seen these people. Their jobs are routine; their children are normal; their clothes are wrinkle-free. People like me get up in the morning wrestling with the vestiges of some weird dream we had, punch our spouses in the arm for being unfaithful (in the dream), brush our teeth with a wet toothbrush

(someone else used it acci-”dentally”) and leave for work without any coffee because yesterday the pot shattered when we dropped it after stepping on a Lego brick. We go to our jobs (hitting every single stoplight along the way) and pray, just pray, that we have a routine, boring day.

We don’t. The bank branch we use is closed for no discernible reason. The credit card machine we need reads “error.” And the Internet is down. I don’t have young children in the house anymore but, when I did, I had to be ready for anything — cuts, scrapes, fevers, chills, lumps, bumps, nausea and the always-mystifying, “I don’t feel good.” Homework was lost, toys were broken or there was a “very important!” birthday party with no known address. I’ve heard there is such a thing as a “put-together” look. This is a mindful appearance, the result of careful planning in regard to one’s clothing, makeup and accessories. The closest I’ve ever come to

putting anything together is wearing two shoes that match. People with normal lives eat healthy meals, served at a predictable time of day, every day without fail.

My breakfast is non-existent; lunch is in a paper sack thrown at me through a drive-through window; and dinner, unfortunately, is up to me. I don’t like to cook. The ROI on it is bad.

(ROI means “return on investment,” like when you buy gold and the value goes up exponentially because the stock market, along with the economy, has been thrown into the toilet. More on that later... not.)

The ROI when I cook dinner is very small. A lot of this is due to lack of skill,

brought on by a) lack of effort and b) lack of caring. True, I end up fed, but the hours invested in shopping and cooking hardly equal the 20 minutes it takes me to eat the thing — a very poor ROI. Better to have a paper bag tossed in my general direction. If I’ve cooked for others, it’s even worse. The time I’ve invested goes up and the best ROI I can expect is a compliment, which is seldom forthcoming due to a) and b) above. Yet there are two good things to be said about my life. 1) It provides me with plenty of ideas for my column, and 2) I save thousands of dollars on professional therapy due to having a column. Now that’s very good ROI.

‘Accountant’ Sequel Is Better Than Original, But Still Not Great

I was shocked when I learned that The Accountant 2 would be made. The first movie, following the violent actions of an autistic money laundering money man, was at best so-so. Since a key element in any good film is character development, that first film, despite good action scenes, fell flat. The sequel is more fun through its dealings with family tensions that even bring a bit of humor to the whole thing. As a result, it’s a pretty decent movie, albeit one with more than a few flaws. Several characters have been brought back from the original. A favorite is Ray King (J.K. Simmons), who is a semi-retired government agent and winds up being killed in an exciting opening chase. On his arm, he scribbles “Find the Accountant.” His handler Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) is a federal agent who knows this means she had to track down Christian Wolff (Ben

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Affleck), who is hiding. He had the nickname from his encyclopedic knowledge of the tax code, exemptions and methods of money laundering.

Christian figures out what King was after and calls in his brother Braxton (Jon Bernthal), who is as expert with weapons as Christian, and that gets into a whole load of action. Although not a savant like his brother, Brax is very clever as well as lethal.

Christian has a team this time, a somewhat autistic version of the X-Men.

They seem to be able to figure out almost everything. And, to ensure things work well, Christian and Brax are about as violent as anyone is allowed to be. The brothers have no trouble with extra violence, as well as, shall we say, “enhanced interrogation.” I will never be able to look at a Hefty bag in the same way again after one particular scene. This is becoming a real problem in many films. The audience wants action, real action. And unless dealing with real superheroes who can do comicbook-style tricks, our heroes wind up doing the same things. And when they use excessive force or violate the law, or even more to the point, the general tenets of decency, they are far less heroic. And there will be those who are quick to excuse that, noting that no one is perfect and, well, the good guys are really the heroes. So what if their white hats have turned somewhat gray? In addition, many

writers and directors are creating more complex villains. In the last Captain America film, the main villain had been badly treated, which provide a cinematic kind of supposed moral excuse for taking actions that killed people. Perhaps the black hats are lightening.

This creates a moral issue in real life. How many issues are now decided based on personal likes and dislikes by politicians and other kinds of leaders without regard to any kind of benefits or problems? I have a cousin who has always been an environmental activist to the point of being an extremist. He lives in Oregon and condemns me regularly for using too much electricity for air conditioning. But now he looks at his Tesla and wonders what went wrong.

The cast in the film is very good. Affleck handles the role with a stoicism that somehow allows at least a few feelings to get, out particularly with Bernthal.

For a change, he does get to act. But Bernthal steals the film. He is funny and explosive, a great contrast to Affleck’s flatness. Watching him explode in frustration at his brother’s lack of emotion provides some good comedy. And the young people are all very good. And any time J.K. Simmons is in a film, he steals every scene he’s in. Of course, here he is killed off early.

The action scenes are very strong. If you like men firing machine guns, men who seem to have stronger relationships with their weaponry than any women, you have probably found a movie you will like. The action, when it does take place, is extremely well done. So, it’s another B film. Not bad, actually decent. The question really is whether you want to spend the kind of money it takes to see it now, or wait a few weeks and watch it for far less on TV. A bit of waiting will not hurt.

NEUROSURGERY

Climate scientist faces new challenge: A large brain tumor

As a former snow and ice scientist in the cryospheric sciences laboratory at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Dorothy Hall studied climate change in cold regions. Her profession took her on numerous field expeditions in the northern U.S., Canada and the Arctic.

But in May 2024, Dorothy faced an unexpected journey when she was diagnosed with a large brain tumor. In addition to constant headaches, Dorothy experienced difficulty with walking, feeling unsteady and was dizzy at times. In recent months, her appetite and energy level had suffered as well.

Dorothy saw an ear, nose and throat specialist believing she may have a sinus condition. From there, she was referred to a neurologist who ordered an MRI. Upon reviewing the MRI results, the neurologist told Dorothy she needed to go straight to the nearest emergency room.

When Dorothy arrived at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, she was seen by Hamid Borghei-Razavi, MD, Neurosurgeon and Director of the Brain Tumor and Pituitary Center. Dr. Razavi delivered concerning news: Dorothy had a large meningioma, a common benign tumor of the brain.

“This was an emergency situation because Dorothy also had hydrocephalus, an accumulation of fluid on the brain due to the tumor,” Dr. Razavi says. “The tumor was obstructing the fluid connections in the brain.”

Disbelief fades to euphoria and gratitude Dorothy was in a state of disbelief. “I’d never heard about meningiomas before this,” she says. “I thought I’d have time to go home and study about it to learn more.”

Instead, Dorothy was admitted to the hospital in order to have the advanced tumor removed as soon as possible.

“Most meningiomas are slow growing and we follow the patient closely over time,” says Dr. Razavi. “In Dorothy’s case, her tumor was large and symptomatic. It was critical to remove the brain tumor so we could improve her symptoms and quality of life.”

TALK WITH AN EXPERT

Following a small craniotomy (a surgical procedure that involves removing a portion of the skull to access the brain), Dorothy woke up feeling like a new person.

“It was a feeling I can’t describe,” she says. “I was euphoric at the outcome and very grateful for the competence and caring of Dr. Razavi and his team. All of my symptoms were gone and I recovered from the surgery quickly. My brain felt much clearer and my energy came back.”

Before long, Dorothy returned to her daily routines, taking long walks every morning and evening without any problems.

“I was euphoric at the outcome and very grateful for the competence and caring of Dr. Razavi and his team.”

– Dorothy Hall

“Dorothy has a very good prognosis,” says Dr. Razavi. “We were able to completely remove the tumor and improve her fine motor function, controlling by her cerebellum which was under severe pressure by tumor.”

“My brain felt much clearer and my energy came back,” Dorothy says.

Dr. Razavi stresses the importance of taking chronic headaches seriously. “If they are constant, affect your quality of life or wake you up at night, then you need to see your physician,” he says. “While meningiomas are commonly benign, once they start to grow, they might become symptomatic and can cause seizures, behavioral and cognitive changes and other deficits.”

Dorothy is thrilled with the outcome, to be able to live a full life again. “I am very grateful for what Dr. Borghei-Razavi and his team have done for me.”

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Borghei-Razavi or another Cleveland Clinic neuroscience specialist in Florida, visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Neuro or call 877.463.2010 or to learn more.

Hamid Borghei-Razavi, MD

See how we’re advancing neurological care at Cleveland Clinic in Florida.

Dorothy Hall (right) is grateful for the expert care of neurosurgeon Hamid Borghei-Razavi, MD, and the team at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital.

The neurosurgery team at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital provides expert care.