Town-Crier Newspaper September 25, 2020

RPB APPROVES MORE OUTDOOR EVENTS SEE STORY, PAGE 3

SEM RIDGE HAWKS GET READY TO PLAY SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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INSIDE Rotary Club, Crowned Pearls Honored For Humanitarian Efforts

Volume 41, Number 23 September 25 - October 8, 2020

Serving Palms West Since 1980

SENIORS ENJOY DRIVE-THRU LUNCH

On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Wellington Village Council issued a proclamation honoring the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and the Wellington Rotary Club for their “humanitarian efforts and support of the Wellington community.” Page 3

Voters To Decide On Six Florida Constitutional Amendments This Fall

Florida voters will weigh-in on six amendments to the Florida Constitution during this year’s general election. Some would make minor changes to the state’s primary governing document, while others could significantly raise the minimum wage and change the way voters pick their elected officials. Page 4

Swift Progress Reported At The Wellington High School Sports Complex

Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met Monday, Sept. 14 and reviewed the village’s sales surtax fund expenditures, and also received updates on projects such as the Wellington High School Sports Complex and the Wellington Town Center Promenade.

Page 7

John Picano Memorial Golf Tourney Supports Fair Scholarship Fund

The Annual John Picano Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the South Florida Fair Educational & Scholarship Fund was played on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. The golf tournament, presented by Wade Shows, was filled with golf, gifts, prizes, food and fun. Page 13

Approximately 250 members of the Wellington Seniors Club enjoyed a box lunch giveaway on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Village Park. The Village of Wellington partnered with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Wellington Community Foundation and local businesses to make the event a success. Shown above, Jim Sackett of the Wellington Community Foundation gives Nancy Koloff lunch and goodie bags. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 14 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

County Eyes Re-Opening More Businesses As Virus Slows

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County’s COVID-19 numbers continue to trail a distant third behind Miami-Dade and Broward counties, Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County Director Dr. Alina Alonso told the Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

Miami-Dade leads the state with 167,153 cases, followed by Broward with 75,801, and Palm Beach has a total 45,425 with 94 new cases, 3,562 hospitalizations with 10 new hospitalizations, and 1,277 deaths with no new deaths, Alonso said.

This led some county commissioners to question why Palm Beach remains grouped with the two leading counties, and why Palm Beach must continue to follow special phasing guidelines for the three South Florida counties mandated by the state.

“We’re trying to get there, slowly but surely,” Alonso said.

The Tampa area’s Hillsborough County is close behind Palm Beach at fourth place with 40,898

cases, followed by Orlando’s Orange County with 39,056 cases.

Palm Beach County is below the state positivity rate per 100,000 at 3.0 percent. State positivity is 3.2 percent.

Alonso said the numbers are promising, as the county re-opens facilities that have remained closed, but her area of concern remains with new cases versus new deaths.

New cases remain in younger age brackets, while the older age brackets of 55 and above have the highest number of deaths, with 40 percent of cases in ages over 85 dying — 511 out of a total 1,782 cases. The 15 to 24 age group has seen two deaths out of a total 7,091 cases.

“This is not just numbers, there are deaths occurring,” Alonso said.

“When these younger adults get COVID-19, we need to be aware and careful. At that age, you can feel invincible.”

She said her department has been working with school principals and staff since schools re-opened this week to enforce

cleaning and social distancing.

“They will be wearing their masks in school and maintaining their distancing,” Alonso said.

“They are going to be cleaning every day. There is an assigned desk chart for each classroom and the bus for the contact tracing, so we know exactly where the kids are.”

She does not expect to see a lot of additional positivity in the elementary and middle schools but will watch the high schools more closely.

“Into the high schools, we start getting with the seniors, as they venture out to do the things we tell them not to do but they will do, and, of course, the universities,” Alonso said. “That’s where we are seeing a large number of our positivity, not on campus, but when they go off campus.”

Emergency Management Director Bill Johnson explained that the COVID-19 Education & Compliance Team has received 5,305 complaints and visited 3,243 sites.

“Overall, we are seeing good compliance within our commuSee VIRUS, page 12

Incumbent Matt Willhite Faces Challenger Rivera In District 86 Kids Of All Ages Enjoy A ‘Down On The Farm’ Visit At DelMar

Hundreds of children have had their lives colored with memories of Duncan and Dennis and Bella and Tulip and all the gang at DelMar Farm, and more kids are clamoring to come for a visit “down on the farm.” Page 17 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 14 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 PEOPLE................................. 20 SCHOOLS.............................. 21 BUSINESS............................. 23 COLUMNS............................. 24 CLASSIFIEDS................ 25 - 26 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In Florida House of Representatives District 86, Democratic incumbent Matt Willhite has drawn a Republican challenger in Susan Kufdakis Rivera. The election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 3, but mail-in voting gets underway at the end of September.

Both candidates are Wellington residents. District 86 covers all of Wellington, Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves, as well as some eastern areas in central Palm Beach County.

The district tends to lean Democratic, with Willhite garnering nearly 60 percent of the vote in his last election.

Rivera, 34, has lived in Wellington for five years and works as an immigration attorney in West Palm Beach. She said she has made it her life’s mission to advocate for others and enjoys serving the com-

Susan Kufdakis Rivera

Matt Willhite

munity in her free time, especially through the Junior League.

Rivera said she is running because she is concerned about the district receiving its fair return from the state.

“When I started researching about more action or things that

could be done for our schools, for our economy, for our healthcare system, even taking care of our environment, I didn’t get much answers other than, ‘You’ll have to speak to our legislator,’ and he won’t always listen to everyone,” See DISTRICT 86, page 12

Groves Council Postpones Vote On Palms West Plaza Expansion

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council voted Tuesday, Sept. 22 to postpone a decision regarding a request by the owner of the Palms West Plaza to add buildings to his commercial development at Southern Blvd. and D Road until he cleans up the existing property.

Planning consultant Jim Fleischmann said the owner is asking for a site plan amendment for the 7.96-acre parcel, which received original approval in 1979 and a second approval in 1988 for a 57,725-square-foot community shopping center.

“The existing shopping center contains 27,135 square feet, including the post office,” Fleischmann said, adding that the town granted a rezoning in 2012 from Palm Beach County commercial to Loxahatchee Groves commercial low density.

Although the town zoning allows a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.10, the property was grandfathered into the town with an FAR of 0.166, he said.

“Under the site plan amendment, two new commercial

buildings are proposed, 12,000 square feet and 7,940 square feet,” Fleischmann said. “In addition, a 5,400-square-foot expansion of an existing 8,005-square-foot building is proposed.”

The total size of the existing and proposed buildings would be 52,675 square feet.

An emergency access would be given to Tangerine Drive from the shopping center with the condition that the owner grant the town a 30-foot easement on Tangerine, as well as $200,000 to the town for improvements.

Town staff recommended approval of the amendment, and the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval on Aug. 20 in a 4-1 vote.

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia said she felt the plaza in its present condition is dangerous and asked permission to speak to the owner, Kan Yee. “I’m actually one of your neighbors for over 30 years. I could walk to your plaza, and have many times. However, I wouldn’t do it at this time,” Maniglia said, adding See PLAZA, page 4

MAKE-A-WISH GRANTED

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida granted Wellington resident Marianna Mohar’s wish for a customized golf cart on Saturday, Sept. 12. The 12-year-old has been battling for more than five years against an autoimmune disease. Shown above is Mohar with her new golf cart. STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ITID Pulls Support For Citrus Grove Trunk Or Treat Due To COVID-19

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, Sept. 16 withdrew its support for the popular Citrus Grove Blvd. Trunk or Treat event due to COVID-19 concerns.

Parks & Recreation Director Elizabeth Ricci said that after discussions between Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office representatives and ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson, supporting the event as ITID has in recent years would put the district in jeopardy.

“We decided that the safest bet for Halloween on Citrus Grove is that we do not participate in the event,” Ricci said. “Unfortunately, moving into Phase 2, we thought

things would change for Parks & Recreation and group size gatherings, but where we stand with executive orders and CDC guidelines, we are still unable to safely assist with that event.”

She felt it would be a good idea to have deputies stationed to monitor the parks and roads to see that no large-scale activities are being held on Halloween night, but not interfere with the activities of individual residents. Hanson pointed out that many municipalities are canceling their holiday events.

Ricci and PBSO Lt. Craig Turner will meet and decide whether additional deputies would be needed for Halloween night.

ITID President Betty Argue said See ITID, page 12

Panther Ridge Welcomes A Cute New Baby Caracal

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report The Panther Ridge Conservation Center in Loxahatchee Groves recently welcomed its newest exotic cat to the sanctuary, a tiny caracal cub who is striking with his pointed ears and inquisitive eyes.

This little cub may be less than three months old, but he has already captured the hearts of staff and is now waiting patiently for a new name to be inspired by the input of the public.

“Caracals are a fascinating small species of wild cat found throughout Africa and into the Middle East. Our new caracal kitten will be a wonderful ambassador for his species, shedding light on the numerous threats that his wild cousins face on a daily basis,” head keeper Sadie Ryan said. “As part of our mission, Panther Ridge is dedicated to educating the public on the issues these wild cats face in order to survive.”

While Panther Ridge may not be

the largest facility in Palm Beach County with big and exotic cats, they do have one of the most diverse collections, which includes rare and endangered species such as clouded leopards, cheetahs and the elusive fishing cat.

“We like to present a wide diversity of species at Panther Ridge. Caracals are unique in that they can withstand the heat of the Sahara Desert and their range goes all the way up to the ice and snow See CARACAL, page 12

Panther Ridge’s baby caracal awaits his name.

Page 2

September 25 - October 8, 2020

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NEWS

Rotary, Crowned Pearls Honored For Humanitarian Efforts

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the Wellington Village Council issued a proclamation honoring the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and the Wellington Rotary Club for their “humanitarian efforts and support of the Wellington community.”

Since May, the two civic organizations have provided volunteers each Tuesday morning to hand out food and vouchers to some 900 families per week at Wellington’s food giveaway near the Mall at Wellington Green. The vouchers

and food feed a family of four for a week.

“That’s nearly 13,000 meals,” said Community Services Director Paulette Edwards, introducing representatives from each group.

“We called upon civic groups to help, and I want to thank you all for showing up.”

The Crowned Pearls is a new community service entity that has organized in Wellington as an interest group affiliated with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Seeking to become an official chapter of the sorority, the organization began life as a social club two years ago

and currently has a membership of about 50 professional women in the area. They must show active civic engagement to earn their affiliation.

The Rotary has had a Wellington chapter for 40 years showing civic participation for several generations of Rotarians, made up mostly of business leaders from the local community.

“Both of these groups continue to help us with anything we need,” Edwards said.

Crowned Pearls President Jenny Hassell said that her group will continue to offer their support.

“We are committed to do whatever we can to help the community,” she said.

Wellington Rotary President David Berns agreed. “We have embraced this project,” he said.

“We are honored to be part of this project, and I know you [the council members] were all out there as well.”

The council members took turns praising the two groups for their efforts.

“It’s nice to celebrate one of our newest civic organizations with one of our oldest,” Councilman Michael Napoleone said.

“We all bring a skillset to help the community from the volunteers to the staff members, and we don’t want anyone to go unnoticed for their efforts on this project,” Mayor Anne Gerwig added.

Both Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind and Councilman Michael Drahos said that the groups bring great credit to the Wellington community.

“We really, really appreciate it.

We couldn’t do it without you,” Siskind said.

“These are two organizations that personify what is great about Wellington,” Drahos added. “Peo-

ple need to hear about stories like this.”

Councilman John McGovern concluded by thanking them not only for what they have already done, but what they will do in the future.

“We still have not reached the magnitude of what these groups have done,” he said. “These two groups have made it happen week in and week out, despite the adversity. You are a group of devoted givers. From every one of us, please keep standing with us.

We need you. I am confident these groups will be there with us.”

RPB Council OKs Movies, Concerts, Green Market Under CDC Guidelines

Representatives of the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and the Wellington Rotary Club accept the proclamation from members of the Wellington Village Council.

Royal Palm Beach Zoners Approve Signage, Repainting Applications

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission approved several requests for repainting and new signage at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The first was an application to repaint the outside of Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 28 at 1040 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien said the applicant is proposing to paint the body of the building a crisp lemon color with jalapeño-colored trim, similar to the existing colors.

Commissioner Philip Marquis made a motion to recommend

approval of the application, which carried 5-0.

The second application was for approval of new signage at the 7-Eleven store at 1140 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

O’Brien said that the applicant was asking for approval of new wall signage, a monument sign, two directional signs, an ATM sign, window signage and a canopy sign at the 7-Eleven located in the Crossroads Shopping Center at the northeast corner of Royal Palm Beach and Okeechobee boulevards, adding that the signage is typical of most 7-Eleven stores.

Staff recommended approval

of the application. Commissioner Ray Nazareth made a motion to recommend approval, which carried 5-0.

The third application was by the Bella Terra community at Bella Terra Way and State Road 7.

O’Brien said the applicant was asking to allow the repainting of the existing exterior perimeter wall ligonier tan, similar to the existing color. Commissioner Adam Miller made a motion to approve the application, which carried 5-0.

In other business, the commissioners appointed June Perrin as chair and David Leland as vice chair.

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Village Council agreed Thursday, Sept. 17 to allow limited gatherings at public parks, with the exception of the annual Veterans Day event, which this year will be a virtual ceremony due to the age demographic of local veterans, which puts them in a high-risk category for COVID-19.

The discussion came up during the proposed approval of two events, Concert/Movie Nights & Gourmet Truck Expos at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park every Friday from Oct. 2 through Dec. 18, and the Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar held Saturdays from Oct. 10 through April 30 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Village Hall campus. Both items were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

Village Manager Ray Liggins said the return to social gatherings was not specifically due to the decrease in COVID-19 cases but a return to outdoor events allowed under current CDC restrictions.

“We’re not going to the next phase of having events because we’re seeing the end of COVID-19,” Liggins said. “What we’re doing is we’re learning how to live with COVID-19.”

He said the public would still be at risk without observing CDC guidelines until a vaccine is developed and widely deployed.

“What it’s more about is how do we do these things with COVID?” Liggins said. “That’s where the CDC guidelines come in, along with abiding by the county and the governor’s and health director’s guidelines. We feel that we can hold concert and movie nights and heed the CDC guidelines.”

When concert and movie night attendees come to Commons Park they will be asked to congregate in groups no larger than 10, remain 10 feet apart and groups outside of families will be required to wear masks, and also wear masks if they are walking around the park.

“Because there will be a great number of people there, we will enforce it,” Liggins said. “This is something that has become so popular that if we can’t heed CDC guidelines, we will have to regroup and do something different.”

Councilman Richard Valuntas said he had pulled the items from the consent agenda to get clarification on the circumstances of re-opening public events.

“We have Veterans Day coming up, and right after the New Year, we have Martin Luther King Day,” Valuntas said. “I don’t see why we couldn’t do Veterans Day at Veterans Park.”

He also suggested doing MLK Day at Veterans Park or Commons Park so that social distancing can be observed.

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Liggins said his staff had discussed with the American Legion hosting the Veterans Day event at 6 p.m. on Nov. 11 at Veterans Park.

“We think we can control that area,” he said, adding that staff had not had a conversation yet with the Caribbean-Americans for Community Involvement (CAFCI) regarding MLK Day. Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara said he agreed with the concept of a return to social and cultural events while observing CDC guidelines, but the Veterans Day event gave him special concern due to the age demographic of veterans.

“I would like to see if we could get creative with something virtual and have a formal dedication with a small group of folks, and maybe put a banner on the park facing Royal Palm Beach Blvd. thanking our veterans,” Hmara said. “But most of the veterans showing up are in the high-risk category for COVID-19.”

Valuntas agreed, adding that MLK Day is also attended by high-risk people and might need to be conducted virtually.

After more discussion, both items were approved 5-0 on a motion by Valuntas.

In other business, the council unanimously approved final reading of its $50.7 million budget for fiscal year 2020-21 with an unchanged tax rate of 1.92 mills.

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September 25 - October 8, 2020

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NEWS

Voters To Decide On Six Florida Constitutional Amendments

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Florida voters will weigh-in on six amendments to the Florida Constitution during this year’s general election. Some would make minor changes to the state’s primary governing document, while others could significantly raise the minimum wage and change the way voters pick their elected officials.

The League of Women Voters of Palm Beach County has been holding its “Conversations with the League” series on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. On Wednesday, Sept. 23, guest speaker Linda Geller-Schwartz discussed the six constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Believing that voting is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed, the League of Women Voters, which has been co-ed since 1974, has a two-pronged approach, providing education to voters and advocating for certain positions, in different venues. The evening’s presentation was an educational one, and no specific positions were taken.

Geller-Schwartz explained that amendments to the Florida Con-

stitution are embedded in the body of the document, and not all grouped together at the end like in the United States Constitution.

The adoption of an amendment requires a 60 percent supermajority of voters, and on the ballot, it only summarizes and shows the amended language.

Amendment 1 — The first amendment is called “Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections.” It focuses on one word.

The constitution currently reads that “every” citizen of the United States is eligible to vote. The measure changes the constitution to read “only a” citizen of the United States is eligible to vote. In function, it would change nothing, since Florida law only allows U.S. citizens to vote.

Those who support the amendment, led by former Missouri lawmaker and national chairman of Florida Citizen Voters John Loudon, who is said to fund the organization, writes in their literature that they want, “To ensure that elections are preserved for committed citizens of the United States, and they want to ensure that non-citizens are prevented from voting now and in the future.” This amendment, they say, will provide

Florida with an extra protection that Arizona and North Dakota voters are also voting on whether or not they need.

Those opposed to the amendment find it silly at best, and at worst, question the motives behind the organization pushing it. GellerSchwartz reported that a study of the number of non-citizens purposely attempting to vote found very few cases of this actually happening, particularly here in Florida.

Amendment 2 — The second amendment is called “Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage.” It would increase Florida’s minimum wage, which is currently set at $8.56 per hour. “That amounts to $17,800 per year for a full-time worker,” Geller-Schwartz said.

“This amendment would initially establish incremental increases starting on Sept. 30, 2021.”

On that date, the minimum wage would increase by $1.44 per hour to $10 per hour. “Then, the minimum wage would increase by one dollar per hour on Sept. 30 of each year thereafter until it reaches $15 per hour in 2026. Subsequent increases would be pegged to the Consumer Price Index,” GellerSchwartz said.

The current minimum wage for tip wages is $5.54 per hour. This assumes $3.02 per hour in tips, which would be subtracted out of the minimum wage.

Opponents say this increase could bankrupt some business owners. Proponents point out that Florida’s low-wage workers earn less per hour in real dollars than their counterparts of 50 years ago, and that statistics show it is easier to retain workers at higher pay, reducing turnover costs.

Amendment 3 — The third amendment is called “All Voters Vote in Primary Elections” and would set up an open primary system for state offices whereby anyone, including the state’s 3.4 million non-party-affiliated registered voters, as well as all other voters registered with political parties, could vote for any candidate in the primary for governor, state legislature and elected cabinet members.

This is often called a “jungle primary” system, and the top two vote getters, regardless of party, would advance to the general election. This could lead to a situation where the top two are both from the same party.

Geller-Schwartz said that a

drawback to this type of primary would occur when multiple members of one party, say five candidates, run against two or three members of another party.

The five could split the vote such that the two from the other party progress to the general election as the top two vote getters.

Those supporting this amendment tend to be people who are seeking political reform, while party leaders are opposed. Some concern has also been raised about this amendment’s ability to curtail the voting strength of minority communities.

Amendment 4 — This amendment aims to create fewer amendments to the Florida Constitution.

Called “Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments,” it calls for constitutional amendments to be passed by a 60 percent margin in two consecutive elections.

“Those for this amendment say that it would ‘reduce the number of whimsical amendments,’” GellerSchwartz said, adding that it would make it much more difficult to get citizen-led amendments passed into law.

Amendments 5 & 6 — GellerSchwartz grouped these two amendments together because

they both deal with how property taxes are calculated.

“The next two amendments are situations of incursions into the home rule of municipalities. If you believe that taxing sources should not be detailed in the constitution, then you might be against these amendments,” Geller-Schwartz said.

Amendment 5 is called “Limitation on Homestead Assessments” and states that the Save Our Homes initiative that taxes only on the difference between the adjusted valued and the appraised fair market value would be extended from two years to three. A homeowner who sold their house on Jan. 2 currently gets two full years, while the sale going through on Dec 30 of that year gets a year and two days. This measure is fairer to that homeowner but reduces tax collections for the county and municipality.

The sixth amendment is definitely an issue of fairness, but again the League of Women Voters takes the position that tax sources don’t belong in the constitution, as it reduces home rule decision making.

This amendment, called “Ad See AMENDMENTS, page 12

Wellington Finalizes $101.6 Million Budget For Upcoming Year

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council finalized its $101.6 million budget for fiscal year 2020-21 on Tuesday, Sept. 22. The budget keeps the property tax rate of 2.47 mills unchanged.

It was the second public hearing on the budget for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, and the second with no one from the public commenting on the spending plan, which is down approximately $5 million from the fiscal year 201920 budget of $106.3 million.

The council approved all the budget-related items unanimously.

“That’s a big statement, the fact

that we don’t have people showing up to talk about the budget,” Mayor Anne Gerwig said.

Councilman Michael Napoleone agreed.

“We’re still delivering the same level of services,” he said. “My only concern was a 14 percent transfer from reserves because eventually reserves go away.”

Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind commended Director of Administrative & Financial Services Tanya Quickel and her entire team. “In some cases, you increased the level of services,” she noted.

Quickel explained that the budget does reflect changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Changes have been made in the budget because of the pandemic, and we feel comfortable that we will be able to move forward,” she said.

Village Manager Paul Schofield said the impact of the economic changes brought by the pandemic will take some time before they are fully clear.

“We don’t even know the amount of shortfall in the coming years,” he said. “We anticipate it might be up to $30 million [due to the effects of COVID-19], and we will be able to address that. That’s why we didn’t take the reserves under 34 percent.”

The council recently made a last-minute cut of some $6 million

to the 2019-20 budget to keep it in balance. This cut was due to reduced sales tax collections and recreation fees as a result of the pandemic.

“We are not having a contentious discussion because we’ve had that in the past, and we have made adjustments,” Councilman John McGovern said.

He thanked his colleagues, as well as the staff. McGovern also noted that the council put a plan for a 10-year millage rate average in place previously that it has kept to, even with the pandemic.

McGovern stressed that there was no tax rate increase. However, an increase of 2.9 percent in property values means that the

average homesteaded homeowner of a $300,000 property will pay $17 more.

“There are no assessment increases,” McGovern said, adding that no one was laid off or fired, and personnel reductions were made through efficiencies in new software, attrition and reassignment. “We made absolutely sure that cuts can be made easily without changing the expectations of our residents.”

Councilman Michael Drahos called this year’s process the least contentious and least dramatic in memory.

“We’re earning dividends this year on the difficult decisions we made in previous years,” he said.

“We are in a position where we have a little bit of flexibility.”

To learn more about the budget, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ budget.

Meanwhile, in U.S. Census news, McGovern said that there are only a few days left to fill out the census form, and that the census is vital to the community at large.

“We are currently at 71.4 percent, which is behind Royal Palm Beach, and we hope to beat them,” he said. “But in all seriousness, the funding is so important to bring back to the community.

Filling out the census can be very important to get back our fair share of taxes.”

ITID Recreation Staff Suggests Ideas For New Programming

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors heard a presentation Wednesday, Sept. 16 by Parks & Recreation Director Elizabeth Ricci on possible directions that ITID could take with its recreation programming.

“This presentation will outline recreation programming; AllStar Buddy programming, which is special-needs programing; equestrian programming events; and we’ll also go over some food truck options,” Ricci said.

Suggested recreational programs include archery, fishing and kayaking, which would fall under a Florida Fish & Wildlife Conser-

vation Commission partnership, she said. “In order for us to be able to utilize their equipment, all we would have to do is get staff certified through them. Their certifications are about $40,” Ricci said.

She added that ITID staff members are already trained for the fishing program sponsored by the FWC, which provides fishing poles.

“They will also provide us with kayaks if we decide we want to do any kayaking at Coconut Park or anywhere else,” Ricci said, adding that walking programs could be initiated at the parks to discourage recreational walking in the swales.

She said that staff is also looking at the M-1 impoundment for recreational opportunities, including hiking, horseback riding and fishing. There is also a consideration of 4-H clubs to help with the gardening program that has been neglected at Hamlin House.

For equestrian programs, staff is looking at exhibition days, which would be non-competitive barrel racing practice, barn games that practice roping events and trail rides at the M-1 impoundment.

Ricci said the district’s equestrian specialist is looking at developing a trail system that coordinates with work the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council is doing.

Staff is also working on the con-

tinuation of drive-in movie nights in November and December, continuing open fishing at the M-1 impoundment every Saturday and starting a fresh market through a contracted vendor, as well as a holiday “Ho Ho Hoedown” at the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park.

Ricci also suggested allowing food trucks with proper food and beverage licenses at ITID’s special events because they are parking on swales outside the events.

Most of the supervisors were supportive of the suggestions, but ITID President Betty Argue was less positive.

“Indian Trail is not a city, and I feel like we’re trying to take on all these things,” Argue said.

“I think it’s important to remind everybody that the Acreage Landowners’Association used to be the one that hosted the events, such as the music jams.”

Argue was concerned about ITID taking on more activities that could cost money.

“If our money should be going anywhere, it needs to be on the priorities that the board has already talked about,” she said.

Supervisor Jennifer Hager said she perceived the presentation as an attempt to better utilize the district’s parks.

“I hear what you’re saying about expenses and staff availability,” Hager said. “At the same time, I think it’s really a great

notion that we’re looking finally at how we’re going to fully utilize parks. Maybe the next step would be to let parks continue with this endeavor and just tone it back some.”

Hager agreed that other organizations could take on some of the programs, such as the fresh market, with the district possibly taking on a supportive role.

“I don’t think this is ready to go yet, but the more we work it, I think it is something that we could do,” she said.

ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said his staff would come back at the district’s Oct. 14 meeting with a more detailed report on the proposal.

Lox Council Approves Final Reading Of Budget For 2020-21

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council gave final approval Tuesday, Sept. 22 to a budget of $5.8 million for fiscal year 2020-21 funded by a property tax rate of 3.0 mills after debating whether to give matching funding to a grant that would fund a multipurpose trail and roundabout on Okeechobee Blvd.

Preliminary approval was given Sept. 8 after an initial discussion whether to OK matching funding given by the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency to fund the Okeechobee Blvd. project, which had been lobbied for by the town.

Several residents, as well as

Plaza

Decision Postponed

continued from page 1 that there is garbage around the plaza, as well as several dozen rental trucks stored at the plaza.

She also questioned whether the existing buildings would meet code standards.

“Your plaza is the face of Loxa-

Councilman Robert Shorr, spoke out at both meetings against giving 20 percent matching funding to the multi-million-dollar project, saying the matching money would be better spent on projects more urgently needed, including the continued renovation of roads.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey asked members of the public opposed to the project how they got their information regarding the Okeechobee Blvd. project, and many said it was from a letter that had been mailed out to residents. “The letter was anonymous and very misleading, and intentionally left out information,” El-Ramey said.

The town has been awarded two grants by the TPA. One of those grants would begin next year re-

quiring a 20 percent match by the town of $490,000 for a multiuse trail system. A second grant that would require a town match of about $640,000, which has not yet received final approval, would be awarded in 2024.

Town Manager Jamie Titcomb reminded the council that budget approval is summary in nature, and any actual spending over $25,000 would need to be specifically approved by the council.

“You have tools and options for this council to utilize throughout the budget year to prioritize and budget the things that are important to you,” Titcomb said.

Town consultant Mary McNicholas, who had worked to get funding for the multiuse trail, said the

project is intended to transform Okeechobee Blvd. into a local road that does not bisect the town.

She had worked successfully with various councils over the past two years to get Okeechobee Blvd. off the county’s five-year road plan for widening.

“If it’s not on the thoroughfare plan, Palm Beach County does not have the funding to go forward and expand it,” McNicholas said. “The idea is to keep the traffic slow… have the crossings so that we would have specific safety. This multiuse trail is so that you will have safety.”

She pointed out that the project has been approved by multiple agencies, that engineering specifications are necessary for the

hatchee Groves and has been for a long time, so my question is, what are you going to do to your original plaza before you do the new stuff?” she asked, recommending to the council that it give Yee 60 days to clean up the plaza.

Councilwoman Laura Danowski said she was not interested in granting any kind of access to Tangerine Drive because of the precedence it would set. The town charter does not permit

commercial development north of Tangerine.

Danowski suggested an alternative access to D Road between the old Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District building and Boonies Restaurant. She added that she was happy that the owner planned to preserve a large tree on the property.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey said she was concerned that the plan did not appear to include buffers that

include a trail along Tangerine Drive. “I agree with Councilwoman Maniglia that the existing buildings should be brought up to some standard,” El-Ramey said, adding that she was aware that a tenant in the plaza runs a business that also utilizes property north of Tangerine.

Councilman Robert Shorr made a motion for a continuance of the application to January, which carried 5-0.

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project to receive final approval, and that she was working on three other matching grants to fund the project.

Shorr said that he had decided to oppose the project based on documents he had read over the past few months, and how the infrastructure surtax earmarked for the project could be spent.

“That money can be spent for infrastructure improvements with a life expectancy over five years,” Shorr said. “You can pave roads; you can put in new culverts.”

Councilwoman Laura Danows-

ki felt the budget should focus more on projects that have been neglected over the years. “We’re playing a decade plus of catch-up,” she said.

In the end, the money for the project was left in the budget, but it was agreed that spending the money would come back for specific approval sometime in the future.

After more discussion, Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia made a motion to approve the tax rate and final budget, which carried 4-1 with Danowski opposed.

For The Record • The article “ITID Board Gets First Look At New Mobility Improvement Plan” published Sept. 11 included an incorrect amount for the grant money received from the Department of Economic Opportunity. The correct grant amount is $35,000. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

• In the article “Lox Council Approves Sheriff Contract But Seeks AG Opinion” published Sept. 11, there was a paragraph that seemed to attribute the backstory regarding Loxahatchee Groves and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office to Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia.

While Maniglia did say that the sheriff’s contract is a sensitive issue, what followed was background information added by the writer and should not be attributed to Maniglia. The Town-Crier regrets whatever confusion this might have caused.

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Page 5

NEWS

Make-A-Wish Delivers Customized Golf Cart To Wellington Girl

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida granted Wellington resident Marianna Mohar’s wish for a customized golf cart on Saturday, Sept. 12.

The 12-year-old Wellington resident has been battling for more than five years against an autoimmune disease that causes, among other problems, inflammation of her heart. She has been hospitalized numerous times, and the conditions result in significant pain in her back, shoulders and chest.

Marianna wished for a customized golf cart that will enable her to connect with friends and participate in activities in her neighborhood.

Make-A-Wish surprised the young girl at her home in Welling-

ton with an elaborate reveal of the cart that has been customized to her specifications. It’s black with a red “M” on the front and features red rims, seats and stripes, LED lights, a lift kit, Bluetooth & USB connectivity and more. Marianna’s new ride was decorated with balloons and banners for its debut.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida has granted more than 12,000 life-changing wishes since 1983 for children who have critical illnesses.

The nonprofit aims to grant a wish for every medically eligible child in its territory and understands wishes aren’t just nice, they’re necessary for kids and families at some of the most difficult times in their lives. Learn more at www.sfla.wish.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida representatives with family and friends.

Make-A-Wish Southern Florida Chief Operating Officer Richard Kelly and Vice President of Programs Karen Mullins with Marianna Mohar.

Marianna Mohar gets a lesson from Yamaha Golf Carts District Sales Manager Jeff Andrews.

Yamaha’s Jeff Andrews shows Marianna Mohar some of the custom features.

Marianna Mohar take a ride with her mother Gloria.

Marianna Mohar rides with her brother Michael.

Marianna Mohar with Harmony.

Dad Jose, mom Gloria and Marianna Mohar check out the golf cart.

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NEWS

Seminole Ridge Hawks Ready To Pounce As Football Returns

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report With the football season at public high schools in Palm Beach County not kicking off until Friday, Oct. 30 — the eve of Halloween — it could be a rather spooky high school football season this fall.

Admittedly, the optics for high school football at the public school level are unusual with a late start, a limited schedule of six regular season games and no state playoff structure for Palm Beach County public high schools. The season will conclude for many teams with a “bowl-like” game against a team with a similar record from either Broward or Miami-Dade.

Despite the uncertainty of everything on the high school gridiron, Seminole Ridge High School

head football coach Rick Casko has a clear vision for the upcoming season. “This year’s high school football season is all about the seniors,” Casko said.

He and his assistant coaches are currently busy preparing the team for the upcoming football season, which starts at a time when the regular season is normally drawing to a close.

According to Casko, everything about this season is different than past gridiron campaigns. But at least games are being played in a year that has been marred by a worldwide pandemic. He totally understands the cautious approach to playing high school football this fall in South Florida.

“It’s a delayed start to the season, and we’re hopefully playing a total of seven games,” said

Casko, who is beginning his third year as head coach of the Hawks.

“The new schedule has not been released yet. While we’d like to play more games, I understand why we are playing a reduced schedule. This pandemic is bigger than football.”

Conditioning sessions for public high school football teams in Palm Beach County started on Monday, Sept. 21.

“We have two weeks of conditioning, and we are limited to an hour each day,” Casko explained.

“We are not wearing helmets, pads or even touching a football. We begin with a warm-up where we work on everybody getting full range of motion. In our drills, we work on acceleration and deceleration, plus we emphasize running drills that demand changes of direction.”

In order to keep everybody safe from COVID-19, the players and coaches work in small groups.

“We coach in pods of nine,” Casko said. “For every nine players, there’s one coach. Each pod of nine players is 30 or 40 yards away from the nearest pod. And, within each pod, the players are utilizing social distancing.”

Casko is pleased with the progress of his team and the commitment to excellence of his players.

“We are doing a good job of getting them acclimatized to moving,” Casko said.

Once the games begin, Casko will be looking for leadership from five returning starters from last year’s team.

The Hawks’ top two players from last year’s squad are senior See HAWKS, page 12

Group fitness/sprint drills are the heart of Seminole Ridge’s football conditioning sessions.

Senior running back Deion McMinns does pushups.

PHOTOS BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

Architectural Review Board Approves Luxury Hotel For Dogs

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Architectural Review Board met Wednesday, Sept.

16 and approved the look of a new dog kennel located on Fairlane Farms Road.

Also at the meeting, the board supported a new roof for a building in the Binks Commercial Center, and chose Stacy Somers as the board’s new chair and Roger Grave de Peralta is the vice chair.

The first item on the agenda was architectural renderings for K9

Resorts, a luxury canine kennel on a one-acre site in the industrial area on Fairlane Farms Road. The 8,000-square-foot facility will rehab an existing building to create the kennels and landscaped exercise yard.

Village staff recommended approval with two extra signs on the front of the building because they would have been permitted on the sides but are unnecessary, as the building’s sides face a lake and the side of another building.

One stipulation requiring that

the monument sign be narrower by four inches was a trade-off, since as the applicant was allowed extra text on the sign. A second stipulation was that equipment placed on the roof, such as HVAC systems, be screened if it can be seen from 200 feet away, 10 feet above grade.

The second business item proved the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, or at least a quick approval. The applicant, Dr. Vikram Mohip, wanted to use metal roofing to replace the barrel tile roof on his dental office in the

Binks Commercial Center that has given him grief since he bought the building in 2006. “It currently has a bad leak that is causing damage,” Mohip said. “I want the metal roof to finish out my career with no more leaks in this roof.”

Not that he is planning to retire soon. The metal roof is guaranteed for up to 40 years, depending on the finish. Mohip could have replaced the roof with the same barrel tile without needing to come before the board. Also, since this building was the first lot built in

the complex of 15 lots, 12 of them contain buildings that all had to use roof tiles to be compatible with Mohip’s building.

The board had a long discussion about what the metal roof would look like, and a rendering would have streamlined the discussion.

The recommendation of village staff was a compromise that used metal tiles, either barrel or flat, so the roof had the same look as the neighbors. This meant the applicant could start immediately and should be finished in two weeks,

whereas the barrel tiles could have taken months to complete. Mohip thanked the board, which passed the measure unanimously.

It was also announced that board members will be viewing fencing in other areas as they go about their trips, and fencing suppliers will be supplying samples to see what other choices are available.

Wellington’s selection of approved fencing materials is now 20 years old, and many new choices are on the market that could be added to the approved selections.

Commissioners Question Sheriff About Role In Mental Health

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw appeared at the Palm Beach County Commission’s final budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept.

15 to answer questions about why his budget occupies more than half of the county’s $5.4 billion spending plan.

A sizable portion of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office budget is what it spends as the county’s largest mental healthcare organization, Bradshaw said.

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay, who had invited Bradshaw and his staff to discuss the budget, thanked them for appearing and

speaking with her prior to the meeting.

“I now know that 81 percent of the sheriff’s budget is tied up in contractual obligations for law enforcement salaries and correctional services, so we’re really just talking about 19 percent of the budget that they have some flexibility over,” McKinlay said.

McKinlay added that she had heard an earlier speaker talk about mental health programs in the PBSO and pointed out that when she was on staff in the county’s legislative affairs office, they had lobbied Tallahassee unsuccessfully for funding for mental health programs.

“When the legislature did not fund that program, the sheriff’s office picked that funding up in their own budget to try to make that happen,” she said. “Those services are being provided in partnership with the judiciary and with the law enforcement in our community.”

McKinlay also pointed out that the PBSO works with other agencies, including victim advocate agencies and the Police Athletic League to mentor youth.

Bradshaw said nobody does more in the county for mental health than the PBSO. “You see around the country right now, other agencies are replicating our mental health unit,

which has mental health professionals hired from the community to work with the deputies to deescalate situations that before had resulted in a bad outcome. Now, because we have that ability, we use it not only for mental health, but for drug addiction to keep people out of the jail. I’m the biggest mental health provider in the county. We’re working hard to people keep out of the jail who don’t need to be there.”

Bradshaw said part of the deescalation is having enough people to get to the incident in time to control the situation and take someone into custody without using an excessive amount of force.

“We arrested 17,000 people last year, and less than three-and-a-half percent used any type of force, and half of the three-and-a-half percent were minor uses of force,” he said.

“That’s excellent.”

The commissioners gave final approval to its budget for fiscal year 2020-21 of $5.4 billion with an ad valorem tax rate unchanged at 4.7815 mills.

While the tax rate itself is unchanged from the current year, it is 4.26 percent over the rollback rate, which required a super majority of the commissioners to approve.

Commissioner Robert Weinroth said he had received calls critical that the commission had not ap-

proved a budget at the rollback rate.

“The answer is because property values here in Palm Beach County continue to rise, there will be an increase in the amount of money the county is going to receive as a result of this budget that we’re going to approve,” Weinroth said.

“It’s important to understand that we’re living within our means because we’re not increasing millage. The only amount that we’re increasing is the amount that the properties have increased.”

All resolutions concerning the budget were approved 6-0 with Commissioner Mary Lou Berger absent.

Swift Progress Reported At Wellington High Sports Complex

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board met Monday, Sept. 14 and reviewed the village’s sales surtax fund expenditures, and also received updates on projects such as the Wellington High School Sports Complex and the Wellington Town Center Promenade.

Deputy Village Manager Tanya Quickel reported that 91 percent or $3,298,000 of the $3.6 million col-

lected thus far this year has been remitted to the village. That makes $15.2 million as the total amount of collections since the inception of the one-cent sales surtax, approved by voters in 2016.

The bulk of the money has gone to the Wellington High School Sports Complex, a joint program with the School District of Palm Beach County in which facilities were built on school property. This scenario preserved unbuilt village recreational property for a future,

undecided use, and conveniently located new sports facilities that can be used by both the school and village residents.

The sports complex will cost $12.2 million, according to the contract, with $2.5 million currently underway. The first phase of the project has been completed, which included major upgrades to the existing football stadium.

The recent drop in projected sales tax revenue disbursements due to reduced collections during

the COVID-19 pandemic will not affect the budget for this project, as all the money earmarked for the project was collected before the pandemic began under the village’s “pay as you go” philosophy.

The new and improved multiuse complex will have state-of-theart synthetic turf on the fields, and the entire facility is expected to be complete by next summer. “Some parts of the project are even ahead of schedule,” Quickel said.

The balance of the $15.2 mil-

lion surtax budget goes primarily to phase two of the promenade boardwalk constructed alongside Lake Wellington.

In other business: • All village parks are now open with social distancing, and the Food Trucks in the Parks program will continue on Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. Many park programs have begun again, with CDC protocols.

• A newsletter should be completed and coming out soon, as

well as the Parks Master Plan.

• Residents were encouraged

by PRAB Chair Sam Falzone to begin reviewing the village web site more frequently, as the latest information on programs is available there immediately, and they can respond in a timely fashion.

With the reduced capacity of soccer, some parents didn’t realize registration was open until after all the spaces were filled. Learn more about current programs at www. wellingtonfl.gov.

PBC Schools Re-Open Under Continuing Phase 2 Restrictions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At a press conference held at the Emergency Operations Center on Friday, Sept. 18, Palm Beach County Mayor Dave Kerner announced that he had signed a 28th declaration of a continuing state of emergency due to COVID-19.

“We’ve been at level 2 here at the Emergency Operations Center since March 16, and we are in day 186 of our activation,” Kerner said. “We’ve reached an important milestone. On Monday, Palm Beach County schools will re-open. This has been discussed at

length by the school board.”

He said the school district and county’s health department will continue to analyze health metrics for a possible resurgence of COVID-19 or other health impacts to determine if the county can advance to Phase 3, which would allow the re-opening of additional entertainment venues. Currently, Phase 2 is still under effect, and face coverings and social distancing remain mandatory.

Kerner added that Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Broward county bars remain closed due to a higher population, while the rest of the

state has re-opened bars.

School Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy said that more than 100 Palm Beach County schools reopened on Wednesday, Sept. 16 for in-person instruction to ESE students, and all 179 campuses were set to re-open Monday, Sept. 21 for the general student population.

“The district has given our parents a choice,” Fennoy said.

“Those who wish to have their children return to brick and mortar now have the opportunity on Sept.

21, and this will be the first time since March 13. Parents who wish for their children to remain in dis-

tance learning may do so as well.”

He said parents can change their preference. “It will take one week to accommodate a request to go from remote to in-person learning,” he said, adding that 59 percent, or roughly 85,000 students, will remain under remote or distance learning the first week, and 41 percent, or nearly 60,000 students, will return to brick and mortar.

School bus and campus modifications have been put in place, and facial coverings will be required for students and staff.

“Classes have been reconfigured to accommodate social dis-

tancing,” he said. “Traffic flow is clearly marked to maintain social distancing.”

Improved air filters have been installed where possible, and custodians will conduct more frequent sanitation.

“We also have great partners like our county, which will continue to support the district with any of the needs that we have,” Fennoy said, stressing that parents need to keep their children home if they are showing any symptoms of, or have been exposed to, COVID-19. “Students who show up with suspected symptoms will

be isolated and their parents will be called to pick them up.”

He encouraged parents to read the new COVID-19 policy available at www.palmbeachschools. org/reopeningschools. A helpline is also available Monday through Friday at (561) 969-5840, with operators available to answer questions in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

All visitors to schools must be pre-approved, Fennoy said. Visitors who have been pre-approved will be subject to temperature checks and pass a series of questions before entering the campus.

or construction of major capital facilities and improvements to existing facilities.

A resolution adopted by the school board levies a total millage rate of 7.010. This tax rate is 0.154 mills less than the prior year.

The budget year is expected to be challenging due to the uncertainty about the severity and length of the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To help mitigate potential mid-year reductions, estimated to be up to $91.5 million, the district prioritized saving as much as possible to establish a reserve.

As a result of proactive actions taken between March through June 2020, combined with savings from department reorganizations, the budget includes a reserve for state funding reductions and COVID-19 related costs of $42 million.

Budget highlights: • $38 million investment in technology, including purchasing 82,000 devices for students and teachers to facilitate a 1:1 ratio of devices.

• $2.1 million for internet service for up to 20,000 district students.

• $12 million in additional school-based costs for COVID-19 personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies.

• $39.9 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) Grant. Of that money, $33.8 million is for district-operated schools.

• $31.7 million to increase teacher salaries. Of these funds, 80 percent must be used to raise minimum classroom teacher salary to $47,500.

• Thanks to the 2018 referendum overwhelmingly approved by the residents of Palm Beach County, the budget continues to fund more than 200 school-based mental health positions, more than 750 elementary art, music, physical education, and choice and career academy teacher positions, additional school-based security initiatives and more than 12,000 teacher supplements.

NEWS BRIEFS Board & Brush Grand Opening In Wellington

The owners of Board & Brush Creative Studio in Wellington quietly yet determinedly opened their doors May 22.

Now, some four months later, they’re finally ready to celebrate their place in the community and express their gratitude to all who supported them as their journey unfolded during this most extraordinary of times.

The studio is owned by sisters Stefani Kochanski and Kati Erickson, and Kati’s husband Chris.

They are hosting an open house themed to “It’s Fall Y’All” on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Masks are required, and a limit of 16 people will be allowed in at a time.

The open house is free and open to the public, with no RSVP necessary. The first 30 people will receive a gift bag with coupons and other treats, and all guests will have a chance to win a private VIP

sign-making party for six valued at more than $400.

On Sunday, Oct. 4, the autumn theme continues at the studio with two special “make-andtake” workshops, featuring fall and Halloween designs, with the workshops an easy 45 minutes from start to finish.

Board & Brush Creative Studio is located at 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A1, in the Wellington Marketplace plaza. For more information, or to register for a workshop to create your own home décor piece of art, visit www. boardandbrush.com/wellington.

Buckler’s Fall Craft Fair Returns Oct. 3-4

Buckler’s 30th annual Fall Craft Fair will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center.

Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature crafts and handmade creations by local

and national artists and crafters.

Admission is $7 for adults; kids 12 and under free. One paid admission is good all weekend with a hand stamp. For $1 off admission, print the coupon at www.bucklershows.com.

Wellington Launches New CivicRec System

Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department recently announced the launch of its new cloud-based recreation management solution, CivicRec. Available from CivicPlus, the new mobile-friendly platform went live Monday, Sept. 14, providing users with a more intuitive, easy-to-navigate system for browsing and registering for recreation activities, classes, sports and youth leagues.

In order to ensure the accuracy of the information in the system and the best experience for all, the department is requiring all users to create a new account in-

person the first time they register for a program or reserve a facility.

Two forms of identification will be required to establish proof of residency (such as a driver’s license and utility bill), and a birth certificate is required for registering a child in a program.

After creating an account inperson, users will be able to easily register for programs, manage their accounts, print and view receipts, pay balances and more — all online or from a mobile device. For more info., call (561) 791-4005.

School Board Approves $3.8B Budget

The Palm Beach County School Board has unanimously approved a budget of more than $3.8 billion for the 2020-21 school year.

The budget includes $2.2 billion for the district’s general fund for operational costs and $1 billion in the capital projects budget, net of transfers, for acquisition

Page 8

September 25 - October 8, 2020

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Mammograms should remain a priority even in uncertain times Mammograms don’t prevent breast cancer, but they can save your life by detecting cancer early, before a lump can be felt. When breast cancer is found early and is still localized, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent, statistics show. A wide range of precise and high-tech treatment options are available at Boca Regional’s Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute.

Even if your mammograms have never detected any problems in the past, you can’t assume you’re in the clear for the future. Cancers grow at different rates, and a “normal” mammogram one year is no guarantee that things won’t change the next time, Dr. Schilling warns.

“Annual screening is really important. We know it works.

For 40 years we’ve been screening patients on an annual basis and we’ve been able to cut the mortality of breast cancer by 40 percent,” Dr. Schilling says.

Kathy Schilling, M.D., Medical Director of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

“We have to maintain the screening protocols, or we will lose the gains from the past,” she says.

“Without timely screening, we’re going to see a lot more patients presenting with palpable cancers — larger cancers that require more difficult, aggressive therapies, more radical surgeries.”

The pandemic has forced most of us to change our habits and, in many cases, torpedo our plans. But one activity women should not postpone is getting a mammogram.

Cancer won’t wait until the pandemic ends. You shouldn’t, either.

“We advocate annual screenings because patients have better outcomes if we catch cancer early. That hasn’t changed,” says radiologist Kathy Schilling, M.D., medical director of the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. “There are more treatment options in the early stages — less aggressive therapies if we find things when they are small and detected early.”

Breast cancer screenings were among the elective procedures that were put on hold in March under state and federal guidelines, creating a backlog for thousands of women. However, those restrictions have been lifted for several months now. If you haven’t had a mammogram since last year, it’s time to make that appointment.

“Some women may be tempted to say, ‘I’m going to skip this year and I’ll just go back next year when things are a little bit better.’ We don’t want that to happen,” Dr. Schilling says. “We don’t want a delay of a few months to turn into a year. We will see bigger, palpable breast cancers if patients don’t come in for their screenings.”

State-of-the-art breast imaging available.

Patients can return to Boca Regional’s Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care with confidence that safeguards are in place to prevent exposure to the coronavirus. In addition to contactless registration, enhanced cleaning and distancing in the lobby, the Center is taking safety steps such as doubling the time between appointments and having patients undress alone in the exam room rather than in a common changing room. Everyone, including all staff, must wear a mask.

“Patients shouldn’t be fearful,” Dr. Schilling says. “They can trust that we are doing everything we possibly can to protect them.”

Statistics show that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. It is estimated that in 2020, there will be 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in the U.S. and more than 42,170 breast cancer deaths.

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September 25 - October 8, 2020

Early detection is key.

Each year, breast cancer claims the lives of loved ones.

However, when it’s detected early, at a localized stage, the survival rate is 98 percent.* In September and October, we’re offering special pricing on mammograms for patients without insurance.

We’re also taking the proper precautions at Baptist Health to keep you safe and give you the peace of mind you deserve.

So when you need us, we’re ready to continue caring for you.

Because what matters most is your health.

Request a mammogram today at BaptistHealth.net/BreastHealth.

Offer expires October 31, 2020. *Source: National Cancer Institute While mammograms are not 100% accurate in detecting all breast cancers, they are the leading breast cancer tests.

This offer is not contingent on receiving any additional services from Baptist Health South Florida. No further services will be discounted. Neither the patient nor any other third party will be billed for this exam. Any abnormal findings will be sent to your referring physician, and if you don’t have one, we can refer you to one. A determination of need will be made prior to the exam.

Page 11

September 25 - October 8, 2020

Page 12

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NEWS

Caracal

Panther Ridge

continued from page 1 of northern Afghanistan,” said Judy Berens, founder and president of Panther Ridge. “I really like the small cats; the small ones never get their due. People always write about lions and tigers. In comparison, rarely do they even do scientific research on small cats.”

A special opportunity is currently being offered to the public — a chance to win a raffle with the prize of meeting the new kitten and awarding him with a name. The raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, Sept. 26 at 4 p.m.

With the underrepresentation of many exotic cats in facilities like Panther Ridge, the public does not have the same opportunities

District 86

Willhite vs. Rivera

continued from page 1 she told the Town-Crier. “He’s been in there for a while and there is still a deterioration of our academic system and our economy.”

With that, Rivera decided to run, although she was aware that she faced an uphill battle in a district that trends Democratic.

“There is a great political divide, and our district is heavily Democratic,” she said. “I’ve seen the numbers, so I know I’m at a disadvantage.”

She said her goal is to bring unity to the community.

“Different minds have different ideas for the community, but nothing will be gotten for our community unless both sides start to work together,” Rivera said.

Hawks

Ready For Football

continued from page 7 defensive tackle Yosbany Gonzalez and running back Deion McMinns.

“Both are great kids who lead by example,” Casko said. “They are both strong and tough.”

Despite the existence of the virus, Gonzalez has not stopped training. “For months, I have been lifting, training and doing ladder drills,” Gonzalez said.

to learn about these scarce and unique animals that are very important to the ecosystem.

Recently, Panther Ridge welcomed two male cheetah cubs, who were also named by the public.

“The cheetah cubs are doing great and growing like weeds!

Kendi and Nyambe are about 10 months old and taking part in their daily ambassador training, inspiring our guests to care about cheetah conservation,” Ryan said.

“We do offer cheetah walks with our two boys.”

The fishing cat is a small but special species. Recently, resident male Minnow was introduced to a female named Angel. Angel is on loan temporarily from another facility and is far less shy than her male counterpart.

“Angel is out for the tours all the time,” Berens said. “She is

half Minnow’s size, but if he tries to steal her food, she will give him a good smack!”

Another happy pair on site are the two jaguars that were introduced to each other several months ago.

“The jaguar pair are doing well, and we are trying to raise money to build them a permanent in-ground pool. Jaguars are the best swimmers in the cat family,” Berens noted.

Patrons can see these amazing creatures in person through small, guided tours and special events.

“Panther Ridge is offering daily guided tours at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for a maximum of 10 people per tour. Facial masks are required for the tours, and we do expect guests to maintain social distance at all times,” Ryan said. “We will be starting up our Twilight Hours soon. The first one will be sched-

“That’s where I’m at my strongest.

I’m a moderator.”

For more information about Rivera’s campaign, visit www. susanforfl.com.

Willhite has served two terms in the legislature and was a Wellington councilman for eight years before he was elected to his current position in 2016. He is a captain with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue.

Willhite noted that he has passed 14 bills during his four-year tenure, including worker’s compensation for first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder, firefighters stricken with cancer due to job-related injury and working with the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District merger with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves.

“I was able to bring back some appropriations to the district a few times this year, but obviously, it was difficult because of what

happened with COVID-19,” he said. “Every project we had got vetoed. We continue to fight for our teachers and first responders and homeless people and people who are in need.”

Willhite cites his work across the aisle in the Republican-dominated Florida House as proof that he has benefited the district.

“As a freshman and a sophomore, I was able to pass bills in the minority party,” he said. “What’s important to people is working to get bills passed and helping them.”

Willhite stressed that as a first responder himself, he does not have a partisan mindset. When people call 911, they are not asked what political party they belong to, he explained. “I am able to get things done, even though I am in the minority party,” he said.

For more information about Willhite’s campaign, visit www. mattwillhite.com.

Despite the delayed start to the season, Gonzalez is committed to making this season as good as possible.

“It’s a little frustrating,” Gonzalez said. “At least we are playing seven games. We’ll do the best we can.”

As for Casko’s expectations this year, he admits that it’s a head-scratcher since everything is different this year.

“It’s the same for everybody this year,” Casko said. “Again, this season is all about giving the seniors a final season of high school football.”

uled for Halloween (Oct. 31).”

Many organizations were required to close their doors due to the pandemic, and Panther Ridge was no exception. While they were not open to the public until May, Panther Ridge continued to bring in staff daily to care for the animals.

“Because we have suffered so from the pandemic, any donations are greatly appreciated. Even though our doors were closed for months, the cats had to eat every day, and we kept our staff on. We kept everybody in place,” Berens said.

For those not ready to visit in person, there are other ways to support the work and well-being of these amazing creatures.

Cheetah cubs Kendi and Nyambe are now 10 months old.

“As a nonprofit facility, Panther D Road in Loxahatchee Groves, Ridge has been struggling like is open to all ages, and tours are many others,” Ryan said. “The available by reservation seven most helpful thing for us would days a week. Call (561) 795-8914 be monetary donations or items or visit www.pantherridge.org for from our wishlist to help feed all more information on programs and the raffle to name the caracal the hungry mouths we have.”

Panther Ridge, located at 2143 kitten.

Virus

Opening Up More?

continued from page 1 nity, and overwhelmingly the work of the CECT is educational, not punitive,” Johnson said.

Commissioner Melissa McKinlay said she was concerned about young adults driving at night to private parties, one of which was

ITID

Citrus Grove Halloween

continued from page 1 it would be difficult to control what individual residents do on their own property.

“If the residents on Citrus Grove decide that they’re going to go ahead with Halloween, Lt. Turner, will you guys be prepared to handle that?” Argue asked, explaining that ITID had gotten involved with the resident-run event in a support role after the event grew and became a community event that bled over into Citrus Grove Park at the corner of Avocado and Citrus Grove boulevards, where restrooms were

said to have happened in the Loxahatchee area recently.

“The thought of a couple of hundred young adults driving out to Loxahatchee scares me just as much as COVID-19 does,” McKinlay said, adding that she is working with the West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority to look at re-opening some entertainment businesses.

“We do need to look at how we

are going to slowly re-open those types of businesses,” she said. “As much as it scares me, I do think that one of the ways that we could avoid that type of behavior is if we extended the hours of operation beyond midnight… If we can keep them there a little bit longer, they are less likely to go out afterward.”

Learn more about the county’s COVID-19 response at www. pbcgov.com/coronavirus.

opened to accommodate residents.

“It’s a wonderful event, but the problem is that we’re in a pandemic,” Argue said. “Regardless of what your opinion is, we have to abide by emergency orders and CDC guidelines.”

Supervisor Jennifer Hager agreed that support from ITID should be withdrawn from the event and have additional deputies, but she did not want to interfere with individual residents’ activities on their property.

“I know people are going to do what people want to do, and I’m pretty sure, knowing the people on Citrus Grove Blvd., they’re going to have Halloween,” Hager said, adding that she felt candy should not be offered on the street.

Supervisor Joni Martin pointed

out that last year, ITID had opened up and lit Citrus Grove Park for the event.

“This year, that won’t exist, and we’re not going to be putting lights on the street, right?” Martin said. “And the park will be closed as it had been in the past for many years.”

Argue agreed that the park would be closed and restroom facilities would not be available.

“If they want to have their own parties, that’s on them,” she said, adding that ITID should discourage the setting up of trunk or treat cars on the swales.

Turner urged the board to hire additional deputies to keep the event manageable, and Ricci said she would meet with him to make plans.

stead exemption is transferable to their spouse until they remarry or sell the property.

Geller-Schwartz alerted everyone to remember that the deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 5, while Saturday, Oct. 24 is the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot. Early voting runs from

Monday, Oct. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 1 at select locations, and the big day is Tuesday, Nov. 3 for the general election.

For more information about voting in Palm Beach County, visit www.pbcelections.org. Learn more about the League of Women Voters at www.lwvpbc.org.

Amendments

Six On Ballot

Coach Rick Casko with senior quarterback Ryan Hannan.

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Page 13

NEWS

RPBHS Principal Describes School Return Plans To RPB Ed Board

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach High School Principal Dr. Jesús Armas told the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board on Monday, Sept.

14 that the return to school has been complex in the face of the pandemic and will continue to be even after campuses re-open.

Some students returned to classroom learning on Monday, Sept.

21 while others remained in classes virtually.

Emphasis has been placed on social and emotional support during the opening days of school, combined with instruction using modified teaching systems, Armas said.

“We need to provide our students with some sort of social and emotional support,” he said, referring to studies of students who

had called child welfare agencies during the pandemic. “We know that kids were in situations that they needed us and they couldn’t come to school, because we know that school provides safety for our kids at least eight to 10 hours a day, and we can supply all the support that they need.”

School staff referred to the school district’s model of social and emotional learning to address what was focused on for the first several days of classes, Armas said.

“We decided that we were going to suspend curriculum for the first six days that the kids came back and deal with social and emotional learning,” he said.

Teacher professional development in a new instructional environment and technological development for distance learning,

as well as a different classroom, was also stressed.

“They’re having to teach like they’re never had to before, and they’re having to learn on the job,” Armas said. “We have fewer sessions because we want to have sessions, but we don’t want tons of them.”

Teachers were required to learn all elements of the new teaching system. However, the instructional methods give teachers a wide range of options. “We allow faculty to drive a lot of general instruction,” Armas said.

He said that 1,654 of the school’s 2,400 students participated in distribution days where they picked up new textbooks or dropped off old supplies from last year. Staff also distributed 1,436 devices to students and have 690 Chromebooks remaining in stock with

450 laptops in transit for a total of 2,576 devices.

The school also developed a back-to-school plan including all facets of a school day as it would be under social distancing conditions.

“We call it the ‘click-to-brick’ plan,” Armas said. “We took all aspects of the school operations and had to work with each one. We wanted to break down the different things that needed to be done, first what kind of adjusted procedures would we have, based on all the COVID-19 rules and regulations and CDC guidelines.”

He said breaking down all the procedures required a tremendous effort by staff and resulted in a large spreadsheet of protocols to be followed. “Now we have to make it happen,” Armas said.

“We know we can, but certainly

there are a lot of things involved.”

As an example, he said traffic patterns have been created in the hallways for one-way movement, and social distancing spots have been put on the floors. Students leaving buses will be directed to alternate entrances from bus to

bus to increase social distancing.

Armas added that the school district has spent a lot of money to put up plexiglass in high-traffic areas where students or visitors come in contact with staff, and hand sanitizer and extra masks have been distributed to teachers.

Yoga Classes To Resume In RPB

Yoga will resume at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center and via Zoom. Classes will be offered in person at the Recreation Center and Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Students will bring their own mats, and spaces will be marked six feet apart. Masks will be optional while practicing yoga.

Zoom classes will also be available at this time for the same price. This is a gentle class for all levels working on breathwork,

stretching, strengthening and stress reduction. Classes are Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. or 6 to 7 p.m. from Oct. 5 through Nov. 9.

Classes are also held Wednesday outside at Commons Park from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. or 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. from Oct. 7 through Nov. 11.

Pre-register at least three business days prior to the start date.

Call (561) 790-5124 for more info.

The cost is $48 for residents and $58 for non-residents.

JOHN PICANO JR. MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNEY SUPPORTS FAIR SCHOLARSHIPS

The Annual John Picano Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the South Florida Fair Educational & Scholarship Fund was played on Friday, Sept. 18 at the Mayacoo Lakes Country Club. The golf tournament, presented by Wade Shows, was filled with golf, gifts, prizes, food and fun. Tournament winners were Ron Mattino, Steve Thibodeau, Scott Scribner and Todd Baer. The event is named in honor of John Picano Jr., the longtime public relations director for the South Florida Fair, who passed away in 2012.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Women’s Longest Drive winner Lauren Smith and Men’s Longest Drive winner John Ross.

Chad Morton with Kathy, Jeff and John Picano III.

Fair Education & Community Relations Manager Paige Poole and Community Sales Manager Tim Pachis.

Men’s Closest to the Pin winner Robert Zaikab.

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Page 14

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September 25 - October 8, 2020

NEWS

WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB MEMBERS ENJOY DRIVE-THROUGH LUNCH TREAT Approximately 250 members of the Wellington Seniors Club enjoyed a box lunch giveaway with food from TooJay’s on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Village Park. The Village of Wellington partnered with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, the Wellington Community Foundation and local businesses to make the event a success. In addition to lunch, the Wellington Community Foundation provided an activities bag for seniors to enjoy during their downtime at home. It included either a crossword, sudoku or adult coloring book, pens, a “thinking of you note” that lets seniors know that they are missed throughout the community, as well as an informative foundation brochure including vital information that seniors should know about. It explains how seniors in need can request assistance from “aging in place” projects that the foundation offers, ranging from grab bars and bathroom adaptations to repair and replacement of items in their homes.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Susan Odell gets lunch from Maggie Zeller and Hope Barron.

Wellington Community Services Senior Specialist Jenifer Brito brings the box lunches outside.

Wellington Community Foundation representatives Jim Sackett, Maggie Zeller and Hope Barron.

Wellington Seniors Club members Caterina Evangelista, Eileen Kuhnel, Rosie Goldson, Marie Coleman, Shirley Horn and Stephanie Parreco.

Jenifer Brito and Kyle Ostroff direct traffic.

Tony Alfalla gets his bag from Eileen Kuhnel.

Many community volunteers made the event a success.

Barbara Hastings-Griffin arrives for her box lunch.

Olga Herrera receives her bag.

Marie Coleman puts box lunches into Humana bags.

Ernie Zimmerman arrives at the park.

Doug and Jill Speck with Copper.

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Page 17

PALMS WEST PEOPLE, PAGE 20 • SCHOOL NEWS, PAGE 21 • BUSINESS NEWS, PAGE 23 • COLUMNS, PAGE 24 • CLASSIFIEDS, PAGES 25 & 26

FEATURES

Kids Of All Ages Enjoy A ‘Down On The Farm’ Visit At DelMar

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Hundreds of children have had their lives colored with memories of Duncan and Dennis and Bella and Tulip and all the gang at DelMar Farm, and more kids are clamoring to come for a visit “down on the farm.”

Evolving from a horseback riding center to a nonprofit animal sanctuary, DelMar Farm, located in Loxahatchee’s Deer Run neighborhood, is a place of hope for rescue animals and a place of therapy and education for children, adults and soon seniors to enjoy interacting with some 40 gentle farm animals.

The farm was founded by Claudia Campbell, who moved her home to five acres in the western communities when she transplanted from New York in 1997.

Campbell said that when you take on an animal, you make a commitment to them and are responsible for them throughout their life. When Campbell was just 13 years old, she rescued her first horse, Shalimar, who lived with her until his death 16 years later.

After that, she acquired Delgamo, who lived another 20 years. These two special horses provide the name of the facility, DelMar Farm.

These same acts of compassion and sense of responsibility to animals who need a home remain and have become the beating heart of the farm, now and what Campbell always wants it to be.

Originally a full-time trainer in Wellington, who helped her students earn numerous grand championships, Campbell took a step back to devote her energies to her two daughters. After acquiring a few more horses and ponies, she provided teaching lessons from her own farm.

Recognizing the importance of children knowing how to properly take care of a horse, and also other farm animals, Campbell shares that experience with groups of children, some with special needs, their parents and soon senior classes as well.

“What better way to get out from being cooped up in the house

and enjoy social distancing on a farm, with plenty of fresh air and all these user-friendly, loving, gentle animals,” Campbell remarked.

The well-seasoned cast of characters includes more than 40 animals with a pack of friendly dogs who don’t take part in the activities with children. “Dogs get so excited they can be overwhelming to kids,” Campbell explained.

Campbell and her team teach the children how to be good riders, matching them up with the right horse or pony.

“They enjoy loving on the animals,” Campbell said. “Even animals that their people didn’t want any more have been a great bridge to the visitors. They turned out to be fantastic with kids because they see the impact that they make on these children. When you see the videos or the pictures, it’s heartwarming that we found new purpose for these hug-adoring animals.”

However, running the farm is expensive. “It costs more than $3,000 every month just to feed everyone,” said Campbell, who admits to day-to-day financial worries to keep the farm and the programs going. “As a nonprofit organization, donations to us are tax deductible, and we always welcome volunteers for manual labor and donations, and grants from businesses and individuals.”

Volunteers are a key to making the whole venture successful.

“I try to get other people involved to help out with this commitment to maintain a place of education and therapy for children, and a place for animals to have a second chance at life,” Campbell said. “We’re not constantly trying to rescue and re-home animals.

We take in animals that would be educational and therapeutic from the standpoint of our children who come to visit. We ask if this addition is going to help have a positive impact on the lives of the children.”

The visitor field trips to the farm are customized for the group from special needs therapeutic sessions to school field trips to birthday parties.

The undisputed star at DelMar Farm is Duncan the Donkey, who gets along with a quantity of donkeys described by Campbell in jest as “too many donkeys.”

There is also Dennis the Rescue Goat, who didn’t so much get admitted to the farm as he volunteered. It seems Bella the Sheep’s owners planned to let the sheep, who was being bullied by their aggressive cows, be rescued. Dennis refused to be left behind, climbing into the minivan borrowed for the trip and riding with his friend Bella to their new home, where they are roommates. The owners agreed to let him go along, as it seemed to be Dennis’ wish. He has since been saved from kidney stones twice and he’s on a special diet — no small task for a creature with the appetite of a goat.

There is also Winston, the miniature cow who stands at about a child’s eye level and is sweet and adorable, loving people as she was hand fed as an infant.

“I wonder sometimes if the parents at the Critter Corner interaction area are having more fun than the kids,” Campbell said.

“The kids love it, and the animals do too.”

Of course, everything is not as easy down on the farm as one might think. Besides always on the lookout for funding, there are certain personality issues.

There is Tulip the Donkey, who despite having the same last name as Duncan the Donkey, wants nothing to do with him. She is too snooty even to associate with the other donkeys, preferring instead the company of the other animals at Critter Corner. Of course, she loves all visitors.

Campbell said that all the animals help the visitors in many ways. “Their kind souls continue to benefit so many,” she said. “They don’t ask for anything much in return... just for our love and care.”

Learn more about DelMar Farm at www.delmarfarm.org.

To arrange for a donation or a visit, e-mail Claudia Campbell at delmarfarm@bellsouth.net or call (561) 315-9516.

Kids visit with miniature horse Lucy at DelMar Farm.

(Left) Lottie gets a snack from a young visitor. (Right) Dennis the Rescue Goat makes a new friend.

Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar Set For Oct. 10 Return

October welcomes the return of the Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar to its lakeside location at Village Hall. Come out for some fresh air and celebrate the opening day of the market’s eighth season on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The arrival of COVID-19 brought an early closure to the market last season, which caused its vendors to feel the devastating financial impact much earlier than most, as their livelihoods came to a screeching halt. With the reopening of the market only weeks away, many vendors eagerly await the hope of a prosperous year to come.

This season, the Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar will be focusing on safety and following social distancing protocols.

Some of these enhanced safety measures will include greater spacing between vendor booths, frequent cleaning and sanitization of high-touch areas, and the addition of hand sanitizing stations and directional and distancing signage throughout the market.

The green market now requires that all people, including staff, vendors and visitors, to respect the market’s public safety guidelines and observe the current facial

covering requirements while at the market.

With these safety precautions in place, guests are invited to once again come back outdoors and spend time in the fresh air with family and friends, and stroll the lakeside vendors and merchants.

Patrons of the green market can support their community by shopping for locally grown plants and organic products, including a wide selection of produce ranging from fruits and vegetables to herbs and spices. There will also be everything from fresh fish and seafood to flowers and everyday favorites like delicious baked goods, pastries, local honey and food trucks.

The market also offers artisan and vegan foods, along with a unique selection of artists and crafters selling jewelry, handicrafts, gemstones, clothing, soaps, pet treats and other interesting wares. Come out and see several new vendors, along with all of the local favorites that many who support the market have grown to know and love. The Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar is a pet friendly market, so bring them along. Admission to the market is free with plenty of free on-site parking.

(Left) Kids with donkey Bowie. (Right) Winston the miniature cow is always popular with visitors.

All Aboard As Flavors Of Wellington Runs Trolleys Around Town Oct. 8

The green market will feature plenty of locally grown produce.

The Royal Palm Beach Green Market & Bazaar is located at 1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. at the southeast corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

The market will be open rain or shine on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from Oct. 10, 2020 through April 24, 2021 but will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 26 for Christmas weekend.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/rpbgreenmarket or www.rpbgreenmarket.com. For more info., call the Village of Royal Palm Beach at (561) 7905196 or to become a vendor or sponsor, call POTTC Events at (561) 792-9260.

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Flavors of Wellington 2020 was delayed due to COVID-19, but the Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s signature tasting event will return on Thursday, Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The new edition, however, is a pandemicsafety-compliant version that takes participants by trolley to eight secret locations throughout the community, rather than gathering everyone together at one location.

“We are not revealing the locations prior to the event to keep nonparticipants from showing up,” Wellington Chamber Executive Director Michela Green said. “We can’t have a big tent and invite everyone in, so we are using social distancing on trolleys to take the people from place to place. Space is more limited this time.”

The 17th incarnation of Flavors has some surprises besides the list of venues to be visited. “There will

be a special events app featuring everything participants need to know about the exhibitors, sponsors, virtual vendors, celebrity judges and more,” Green said.

Some things are not such a surprise, but a comfort in knowing the event is CDC compliant for safety’s sake. Everyone must pre-register and check in at registration before departure. They sign a release and receive a temperature check, mask and wrist band to show they are on the tour.

Individual cars are not allowed.

The trolleys will depart promptly at 6:25 p.m. There will be assigned seating on the trolleys.

“Each trolley will be sanitized to CDC recommendations at every stop, prior to passengers embarking after the visit to the venue where they have been hosted in an outdoor setting,” Green said.

“Each trolley will follow a path to the vendor stops with ample time at each venue to savor or sample

their wares. There is something for everyone.”

Parking is at the Mall at Wellington Green, and parking and registration opens at 5:45 p.m.

Celebrity judges will be on hand to critique. They are Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig; Lee Frankhouser, executive vice president of private banking at Professional Bank; Ravi Culbertson, vice president and private banker at Professional Bank; Wellington Chamber President Lisa Banionis; and Taylor Morgan, president and co-founder of Quench Time, CEO and founder of www.localdines. com, and founder of the Taste & Travel Dinner Series.

Sponsors include FPL, Professional Bank, Schumacher, the Mall at Wellington Green, Live 360° and Hack Tax & Accounting Services.

Call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com for more info.

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Page 19

NEWS

‘GIGANTIC GARAGE SALE’ RETURNS TO THE SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

The 30th annual Gigantic Garage Sale was held on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. Shoppers found bargains on clothes, accessories, books, artwork, dishware, toys and so much more. Vendors also sold new goods such as jewelry, spices, honey and more.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Alicia Hobson searches through Pet Wants owner Nick Geraine kids’ books and games. sells organic pet food and treats.

Debra “Gammy” Zaitschek of Gammy’s Kitchen with her son Brandon Lezama.

Victoria Kowalczuk tries to help Lily Galcia pick out a purse.

K.P. Sparkle Boutique owner Kriss Pocis sells Paparazzi jewelry.

Lorraine Eisele and Nancy Holly with a frog-themed waterfall.

Katie Tighe and Christa Humphreys discuss Origami Owl jewelry with Mary Kaye Packard.

Marcia Kralyevich looks over purses.

Art Society To Host Virtual Meeting, Virtual Art Gallery In October

The Wellington Art Society will feature a demonstration by member and past president Suzanne Redmond at its Wednesday, Oct. 14 meeting. The meeting demonstration will take place through the WAS Zoom virtual link, which is distributed by e-mail to all members.

A meet-and-greet will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a member spotlight and brief meeting. The event will conclude with Redmond’s demonstration. The public is invited. RSVP to presidentofwas@ gmail.com for the Zoom link to attend.

Redmond is a local art professional in the Wellington area.

She has a business background in accounting, and after years working in financial and contract management, she switched gears

to pursue her artistic side. As she became more connected within the arts community, she found herself organizing art shows and helping artists with their business and writing tasks.

Redmond then started her own podcast, The Left Brain Artist, where she interviews a new artist every week. Interview topics include art and artistic techniques in addition to exploring how each artist creates and maintains a successful business. With more than one million downloads in just a few short years, Redmond’s podcast has become a local sensation and an international platform for artists interested in creative and business development. To learn more about Redmond and her podcast, visit www.suzanneredmond.com.

In addition to the virtual meeting

demonstration, the Wellington Art Society is participating in a virtual gallery through Oct. 16. This is an open-themed exhibit featuring artworks including sculptures, fine art photography, paintings and more.

Viewers can see the artwork in a 3D virtual gallery, and everything is for sale. For more information, and to view the virtual gallery, visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org or https://artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/ en/exhibition/2095366/was-member-showcase.

The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization in its 39th year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their art work in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art.

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VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one alternate seat on the Education Advisory Board. The Education Advisory Board meets on the second Monday of the month eight months out of the year, with one special meeting in April of each year for scholarship interviews. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. Board Members shall meet the following qualifications at the time of their appointment and throughout the course of their service: they must be a Village resident; have a background in education and experience in the field of education; be a member of a parent teacher organization, parent teacher association, school advisory council or other similar organization associated with or sponsored by the school district or a public or charter school located within the Village; or be a parent/legal guardian of a child currently enrolled in a Village public or charter school. Those ineligible to serve on the Board are: employees of the Palm Beach County School District; employees of an organization funded by the School District (e.g. charter school employee); or employees of a charter management organization or charter education management organization. If you would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, download an application from the Village’s website at https://www.royalpalmbeach.com/board-application.

Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 7, 2020 for Council consideration at its October 15, 2020 meeting.

If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at (561) 790-5102 By: Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

Page 20

September 25 - October 8, 2020

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Girl Scouts Say Thanks By Donating 550 Boxes Of Girl Scout Cookies

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida recently donated 550 boxes of Girl Scout cookies to various local healthcare organizations as a way of saying thanks.

The organizations that benefited from this “sweet” donation were the Quantum House, Bethesda Hospital West, Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center Wellington and Holy Cross Health.

The three healthcare systems are all providers of healthy lifestyle and wellness-themed programs for Girl Scouts throughout the South Florida area.

“This was our small way of saying thanks to those healthcare workers who have put in so much time and effort to keeping our families and communities safe and healthy during the pandemic,” said Lisa Johnson, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida.

“Through our strong partnership with these amazing organizations, we’ve been able to still collaborate and offer virtual health-related programs during these unprecedented times.”

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an essential part of the entrepre-

Bricks Busting Boredom Celebrates Five-Year ‘Brick-A-Versary’

(Left) Sara Caldwell and Kate Sonderman from Bethesda Hospital West will share Girl Scout cookies with the ER staff. (Right) Jenna Shinn and Suemarie Garcia accept the donation of Girl Scout cookies on behalf of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Health Specialty Center Wellington. neur programs offered by the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Every year, girls learn important skills through their participation like budgeting, money management, business ethics and customer service. Girl Scout Cookies go on sale again on Jan. 21, 2021.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has built girls of courage, confidence and character who

make the world a better place.

More than any other organization, the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida empowers girls ages 5 to 17 with vision and voice — girls who command their future, engage their communities and inspire others.

The Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is committed to meeting the needs of today’s girls by providing the Girl Scout Leadership

Experience that will help her develop skills and create a strong foundation for future success.

The group serves nearly 9,000 girls in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties.

To explore opportunities to volunteer or partner with Girl Scouts, call (561) 427-0177 or visit www. gssef.org.

Wellington-based nonprofit Bricks Busting Boredom is celebrating its five-year “bricka-versary,” but instead of throwing Lego parties in children’s hospitals, BBB is asking for the community’s help.

Started in 2015, Bricks Busting Boredom has collected and donated more than 3,000 pounds of used Lego bricks and 1,000 boxes of new Lego bricks to children’s hospitals, emergency shelters, foster homes and homeless shelters.

Due to COVID-19, the nonprofit cannot collect and donate used Lego bricks.

“There are children in hospitals right now who cannot leave their rooms, and most of the special activities meant to keep them distracted are canceled,” BBB

co-founder and Wellington High School senior Sarah Clein said.

“We cannot go into hospitals and throw Lego parties, but we still want to help.”

Since the start of the pandemic, BBB has shipped Lego sets directly to children in hospitals, held a nationwide “Isolation Creations” contest, and donated Legos to the Kids Cancer Foundation and the Pediatric Oncology Support Team.

“We would love to ship Lego sets to all of the children’s hospitals in South Florida,” Clein said.

“Please consider donating money or new Lego sets.”

For more info., visit www. bricksbustingboredom.org, and call (954) 682-3816 to make a donation.

Wild Pants 2020: Constructive Fundraising In A Chaotic Year The year 2020 has already been one for the record books, and it’s about to get wilder. The Arc of Palm Beach County has transformed its annual Wild Pants Party into an outlandish online fundraiser. Wild Pants 2020 runs Oct. 1 through Oct. 29.

For the first time ever, the Wild Pants competition will be open to everyone. The event has traditionally recruited men from

the community to model colorful pants in an effort to raise funds to support programs for people with disabilities.

This year, participants of all ages and genders can make, decorate or buy wild pants to battle for the championship title.

Richard Gaff, the reigning king of Wild Pants is looking to defend his crown. The top fundraiser wins a shopping spree at the Gardens

Mall, the Wild Pants Championship belt and major bragging rights.

The winner will be announced live on The Arc’s Facebook page on Friday, Oct. 30.

“The team at The Arc has met the challenges of this year with innovation — finding ways to virtually engage our clients and support their families. We are asking the community to do the

same thing; to get creative and have fun, while helping people with disabilities,” said Kimberly McCarten, president and CEO of The Arc of Palm Beach County.

Sign up for Wild Pants 2020 at www.mightycause.com/event/ wildpants. Share your personalized fundraising page with donors and show off your creativity on social media using the hashtag #ArcWildPants.

Sarah, Jonathan and Daniel Clein donate 25 new Lego sets to the Kids Cancer Foundation in August.

GrayRobinson Welcomes Wellington Councilman Michael Drahos To WPB Office

The law firm GrayRobinson PA recently announced that Wellington Councilman Michael Drahos has joined the firm as a shareholder in the West Palm Beach office.

“We are thrilled that Michael is joining our firm,” GrayRobinson President & CEO Dean Cannon said. “Having grown up in Wellington and later serving on the Wellington Village Council, Michael has built a great deal of relationships and respect in the local community. Joining our medical malpractice defense team, I’m

excited to see him put his trusted expertise in maritime, personal injury and wrongful death to work for our firm.”

Drahos joins the firm’s medical malpractice defense team, where he will focus his practice on defending maritime medical malpractice claims, including cases of catastrophic personal injury and wrongful death.

Additionally, Drahos brings valuable insight to the defense of litigation relating to medical devices from his experience han-

dling medical negligence claims on behalf of healthcare providers.

He has defended a diverse array of product liability claims and claims asserted against manufacturers of dietary and herbal supplements.

Drahos currently serves as regional counsel to one of the world’s largest sports equipment and apparel companies. He frequently lectures on topics relating to maritime medical malpractice litigation at various cruise line industry seminars and conventions.

Drahos is dedicated to his com-

munity, having been elected to the council in 2016 for a four-year term, and being selected to serve as vice mayor from 2018 to 2019. He was recently re-elected unopposed to a new four-year term.

In 2012, he founded the Young Professionals of Wellington, an organization committed to increasing community awareness and promoting the social and economic interests of the community. Drahos maintains an AV Preeminent peer review rating with Martindale-Hubbell and holds a law

degree from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard Broad Law Center, where he graduated with honors, and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University.

“GrayRobinson’s 50-year legacy and extensive footprint throughout Florida and beyond initially attracted me to the firm,” Drahos said. “After getting to know the culture and the people, I’m certain I will make a great home here for my practice at GrayRobinson.”

Learn more about the firm at www.gray-robinson.com.

Michael Drahos

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

HEAT STROKE Heat stroke in dogs can be life-threatening. Signs of it include panting, foaming at the mouth, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect heat stroke, do not pour liquids down the animal’s throat, fill its mouth with water, or force it to drink water, as the water can get into their lungs. Bathe or hose down the animal with cool water, not ice water and not an ice bath. Put cool towels on the dog especially around the neck, head, and underneath the front and back legs. Get the animal into a cool environment and, if possible, direct a fan on it. Alert your veterinarian that you are on the way in with your pet.

Don’t hesitate to get your pet medical attention whenever an emergency occurs or a problem appears. Quick action on your part may mean the difference between developing a serious condition and effecting a speedy recovery. Please call COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH at 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. We are conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. We’re OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. P.S. Make sure your animal always has plenty of fresh water and access to shade or a cool spot. Never leave an animal in a closed-up vehicle on a warm/hot day.

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September 25 - October 8, 2020

Page 21

SCHOOL NEWS

Two Local Educators Recognized By National Group As Teacher Mentors

The Society for Science & the Public recently provided funding, training, materials and research equipment to make quality STEM learning and instruction easier and possible in the face of COVID-19 shutdowns.

The society is excited to announce this year’s advocates, 66 leading STEM educators from middle and high schools, as well as universities, museums and nonprofits across the country, who demonstrate a profound commitment to students of different races and ethnicities in STEM and students from low-income households.

Among these educators is Margarette Marturano of Seminole Ridge High School and Meghan Hess Shamdasani of SouthTech Academy in Boynton Beach.

“I am so excited to be a part of the Advocate Program, and I look forward to working with educators from all over the United States,” Marturano said. “This experience will allow me to expand the opportunities for my students to participate in guided and independent research, and help me to instill a love of science in my students through hands-on exploration.”

Shamdasani is excited to begin her second year with the Advocate Program. As she begins her 10th year of teaching high school science, she is prepared to expand student research opportunities at her school. Before teaching high school, she worked as a teaching assistant in anthropology and studied non-human primates. “My work as an advocate means that I have the opportunity to share my love of science with students

Margarette Marturano while introducing them to fantastic opportunities that prepare them for post-secondary success,” Shamdasani said.

Each named educator will guide a cohort of three or more students to enter their research projects into science research competitions. In its sixth year, even amid a deadly pandemic, the Advocate Program sustains the momentum to work with and inspire the next generation of our nation’s scientists and engineers.

“At this unprecedented time, it is essential we adapt swiftly and give students planned and effective pathways to access STEM mentors and research opportunities, despite an inability for many schools to remain open in person,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science & the Public and publisher of Science News.

“While research labs and facilities may be closed, the society’s Advocate Program will help ensure

that students who are traditionally underserved in STEM have mentors year-round who will work with them and push them to stay on top of their STEM education, conduct research at home and have the opportunity to enter science research competitions.”

In order to meet the exceptional demands and overcome the limitations of this unusual school year, the society has incorporated a new element to the Advocate Program, devoting $132,000 (an additional $2,000 per advocate) to support students who are conducting research at home or in the classroom.

To date, more than 2,000 students have participated in the Advocate Program, of which, 1,498 students have successfully competed in at least one science research competition. Moreover, since the program’s 2015 launch, students of advocates are responsible for more than 4,000 unique competition entries, with many students entering more than one competition each year. Ninety percent of those students are from low-income households and 70 percent are of a race or ethnicity underrepresented in STEM. The Advocate Grant Program is funded by Arconic Foundation, Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and Regeneron.

Advocates will also participate in a virtual Advocate Training Institute where they will learn best practices for supporting students in entering STEM research competitions and discuss strategies specific to COVID-19, meet and learn from each other and obtain training from society staff.

Learn more about the program at www.societyforscience.org.

PBAU’s Community Pandemic Course Offering Second Session In October Due To Popularity

Due to popular demand, Palm Beach Atlantic University will launch another session of Pandemic Perspectives, a free community course, on Oct. 1.

The course takes a step back from the daily numbers of the COVID-19 pandemic and presents a broader, more contextualized view of pandemics — their social, medical and economic impacts, history, management and the manner in which a society recovers.

Participants complete the course

at their own pace and may choose to complete all or some of the 12 core sessions, depending on which topics they find most interesting.

“We’ve assembled a roster of experts from our incredible, award-winning faculty in hopes that we might serve our community well during these challenging days, putting this present crisis in perspective,” said Dr. Jeff Lewis, dean of the Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy.

Professional development credit

is available for a $15 fee, which includes documentation.

For more info., visit www.pba. edu/academics/online/non-degree-courses/pandemic-perspective-course.html.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a private, independent university offering undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The university is dedicated to the integration of Christian principles to prepare students for learning, leadership and service.

VIRTUAL 9-11 REMEMBRANCE AT PALMS WEST CHARTER SCHOOL

Palms West Charter School hosted its annual 9-11 remembrance ceremony virtually, where students provided a historical account of the events. The school thanks students, parents, staff, Royal Palm Beach Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara and the community for participating in this event despite the challenges presented by the current situation.

American Heritage Is The Top Private School In The Nation For Nationally Recognized Scholars

The American Heritage School in Fort Lauderdale is the #1 private school in the United States and #1 high school in Florida for the highest number of National Merit Scholars. The school’s second campus in Boca/Delray is #2 in National Merit Scholars out of all private schools in Florida. Their combined students from both campuses comprise 10 percent of all National Merit Scholars throughout the 2,227 public and private schools in Florida.

A total of 77 seniors were named National Merit Semifinalists, and 52 seniors earned National Commended Scholar status. The students were top scorers in Florida on the PSAT exam they took in their junior year, which served as the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. Most semifinalists advance to “finalist” status in the spring and are eligible to receive college scholarships.

This marks the 11th consecutive year that American Heritage has had the highest number of National Merit Semifinalists in Florida. One in four students in the Class of

2021 scored in the top one percent of students in the nation.

“I am so proud of these students for earning this extremely prestigious award,” said Dr. Douglas Laurie, president of American Heritage Schools. “Not only are they nationally recognized as the top one percent academically, but they are also extremely well-rounded, excelling both in and out of the classroom in fine arts, sports, and community service.”

In addition to the millions of dollars in possible scholarships, these bright students now have new opportunities for college and confidence about their futures.

According to the National Merit Scholarship organization, colleges such as Harvard, Stanford, the University of Chicago and Vanderbilt enroll the greatest number of National Merit Scholars.

American Heritage Class of 2014 alum Dylan Cahill gained great benefit from earning the merit-based award. “Becoming a National Merit Finalist was a steppingstone on my way to attending

Dartmouth and ultimately Harvard Medical School,” Cahill said.

“It gave me the tools to excel on future exams and the confidence as a student to propel me forward in my journey to medical school.”

American Heritage School is the top private school in Florida for nationally recognized scholars in math competition, science fair, mock trial, moot court, and speech and debate. American Heritage alumni are notable leaders in their chosen fields who are generating positive differences in the world.

The school is an independent, non-sectarian, co-educational, college preparatory school in South Florida serving grades PK3 to 12.

Visit www.ahschool.com/current-events/open-house/our-virtual-open-house to register for the Fall Virtual Open House at the Palm Beach campus, set for Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 9:30 a.m. for grades PK-5 and Saturday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. for grades 6-12.

For more information, visit www.ahschool.com, call (561) 495-7272 or e-mail admissions@ ahschool.com.

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Page 22

The Town-Crier

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W H E R E M U S I C . . . C R E AT E S C O M M U N I T Y In March 2020 the world changed for all of us in many ways. We would like to thank all of our customers that have allowed us to serve them during this troubled time. If the current market is any indication, I expect we will help as many or more customers over the next 3 months!

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The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

September 25 - October 8, 2020

BUSINESS NEWS

Patrick Calabrese Opens A Brightway Insurance Agency

Junior League Of The Palm Beaches Salutes Members Who Are Athena Award Finalists

Of the 11 finalists named for the upcoming Athena Awards, to be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches on Friday, Sept. 25, three are members of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches, an all-women’s volunteer organization celebrating its 80th anniversary this year.

Sarah Cohen, a JLPB board member and Palm Beach Gardens resident, has been nominated as an Athena Young Professional Leadership Award Finalist. Melissa McKinlay, a Wellington resident, JLPB member and a Palm Beach County commissioner, and Roberta “Robi” Jurney, a Palm Beach resident, Quantum House CEO and former JLPB president, are up for the Athena Leadership honors.

“We are so proud of our Junior League of the Palm Beach members that are Athena finalists,” JLPB President Julie Rudolph said. “Athena Award nominees are established leaders and mentors who assist women in reaching their full potential. They demonstrate

Melissa McKinlay

Roberta Jurney

Sarah Cohen

excellence, creativity and initiative in their business or profession, and they provide valuable service by devoting time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in the community.”

Since 1941, JLPB has been an integral part of the community.

JLPB has nearly 700 members that

dedicate more than 3,000 hours every year supporting more than 20 nonprofit partners.

“The Junior League of the Palm Beaches is always looking for women who have a passion for improving their community,” Rudolph said. “Our members include community leaders, executives,

mothers, professionals and volunteers from diverse backgrounds all dedicated to making a difference in Palm Beach County and promoting volunteerism.”

For more information on how the Junior League is making an impact locally, visit www.jlpb.org or call (561) 689-7590.

ER At Westlake Receives Award For Patient Satisfaction

The ER at Westlake, which is an extension of Wellington Regional Medical Center, has been named a 2020 Guardian of Excellence Award winner by Press Ganey.

The Guardian of Excellence Award recognizes top-performing healthcare organizations that have achieved the 95th percentile or above for performance in patient satisfaction.

The Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award is a nationally recognized symbol of achievement in healthcare. Presented annually, the award honors healthcare providers who consistently maintained performance in the top 5

percent of all Press Ganey clients for each reporting period during the course of one year.

The ER at Westlake is the newly opened freestanding Emergency Department (ED) located in the City of Westlake. The 10,000-square-foot ED contains 11 treatment spaces, including eight exam rooms, one triage room, three rapid medical exam bays, as well as outpatient radiology and lab services. The freestanding ED is capable of treating general emergencies like cuts, bruises or illnesses, in addition to medical emergencies such as heart attack and strokes.

“Patient satisfaction continues to be one of the top priorities for Wellington Regional Medical Center and our extended services, such as the ER at Westlake,” WRMC CEO Pam Tahan said.

“The ER at Westlake was designed with the patient in mind to have a positive experience when visiting the ED. However, for the ER at Westlake to continually earn one of the highest patient satisfaction ratings in the country is a testament to the physicians, nurses, techs and staff who work there. We believe achieving a high patient satisfaction rating from our patients begins with the dedication

Page 23

and commitment of our staff.”

Press Ganey officials congratulated the ER at Westlake staff.

“The caregivers and staff of the ER at Westlake touch the lives of patients and their families in profound ways,” said Patrick T. Ryan, chairman and CEO of Press Ganey. “This award reflects their deep commitment to listening to the voices of their patients and our shared mission to reduce suffering and improve the safety, quality and experience of patient-centered care.”

Learn more about Wellington Regional Medical Center at www. wellingtonregional.com.

More residents in West Palm Beach and the surrounding communities can now experience a better way to buy insurance for their homes, vehicles and more now that Patrick Calabrese has opened Brightway, The Calabrese Agency in West Palm Beach.

While Calabrese is currently working from home, he will open an office location in the coming months.

“I was born and raised in South Florida and look forward to opening my own business while helping my community and doing what I love,” Calabrese said. “Receiving expert counsel to make sure you have the right coverage to protect your home, vehicles and much more is extremely important, especially here in South Florida, and I am excited to partner with Brightway to offer more choice in insurance brands than other agents.”

A 2012 graduate of Seminole Ridge High School, Calabrese has lived in Palm Beach County for more than two decades. He comes to Brightway from State Farm, where he worked for the past three years as an agent. Calabrese loves sports and being outdoors. He volunteers as a Little League baseball coach, assisting his former coach.

As a Brightway agency owner, he looks forward to helping his friends, family and community protect their financial futures.

“Patrick has a solid understanding of the industry and his community, and we look forward to seeing him grow his business quickly with the holistic support we provide to agency owners,” Brightway President & CEO

Patrick Calabrese Michael Millers said. “We have hundreds of insurance professionals standing at the ready to assist him with his business and to provide top notch service to his customers.”

Brightway, The Calabrese Agency offers customized home, condo, renters, personal articles, flood, auto, RV, motorcycle, boat, life and umbrella insurance policies from numerous insurance brands, including Bankers, Edison, Foremost, Hagerty, Johnson & Johnson, Nationwide, Progressive, Safeco, Tapco and more. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Brightway got its start in 2008 and has since grown to more than 900 people in 236 offices across 22 states serving customers in all 50 states.

For more information about Brightway, The Calabrese Agency, visit www.brightwaycalabrese. com or call (561) 603-3713.

Palm Beach Sheriff’s Foundation Receives $25,000 Grant From AT&T Foundation

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation recently received a $25,000 grant from the AT&T Foundation.

The donation will support the PBCSF Youth Scholarship Program, which provides support for disadvantaged students to attend college or trade school. Each scholarship is renewable for up to 4 years to maximize the graduation rate of the students. The Sheriff’s Foundation distributes more than

$100,000 a year in scholarships.

The key element of the program is that in order for students to receive a scholarship, they must be nominated by a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputy. This encourages outreach from both law enforcement and youth, with the end result being more educated, respectful and productive members of society. The students receive the scholarships from Sheriff Ric Bradshaw at a special ceremony.

Rick Seymour, chairman of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Foundation, is proud of his nonprofit’s signature program.

“We are very excited about our Youth Scholarship Program, and we receive dozens of applications.

As a charitable organization, we want to give back to the community, and we feel there is no better way to do that than by helping deserving students further their education,” he said. “We are

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proud to work with the AT&T Foundation, whose commitment to social responsibility is evident in its investments in communities and neighbors.”

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September 25 - October 8, 2020

The Town-Crier

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FEATURES

Returning To My Florida Store Was Bittersweet With Little To Do

After two years spent battling everything from not being able to find decent help to a homeless problem in the woods behind the store, my Missouri antiques shop is finally up and running — humming along actually.

I wrote a letter to the mayor, and the homeless were moved (at least temporarily), and I hired a few people who could actually tell me what 10 percent of 100 is without reaching for a calculator.

Finally able to take a deep breath, I was free to spend some real time in the Florida store. I marched in with a real “Hon-ey!

I’m ho-me!” exuberance, and they looked up from the cash register long enough to ask, “What did you bring us?”

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER Turns out they don’t need me anymore, just my inventory.

It’s bittersweet.

I’d like to take credit for training them well, inspiring them creatively and instilling in them a good work ethic. Nah. My manager, Bonnie, did all that. She really

knows how to bring out the best in people.

Previously, after the clerks would go home, I’d march around importantly with my clipboard, listing everything that needed to be spiffed up. At the end of the tour this time, the only note I had written read, “Looks great.” It was almost a letdown.

I had gotten used to returning from one trip or another, walking in there and having my senses insulted by the way things had been “let go.” Things were clean, but they were disorganized. It looked like, well, a typical antiques mall. Where was the design, the glamour, the pizzazz?

I would then stay up all night happily fiddling around — switching things up, swapping the kitchen area for the beach

area, creating new vignettes and having a good old time.

Now, I no longer wanted to touch anything, in case I ruined it.

Instead, I glumly emptied the trailer — hot, sweaty and alone — loading new merchandise into shopping carts for the clerks to put onto the sales floor wherever it “belonged.” Humph.

Then I sat at my desk for a couple of days and did paperwork. Humph.

Then I double-checked their banking (it was perfect) and paid all the bills (that, they leave to me). Humph.

Then I tried to cheer myself up. “Aren’t you successful!” I bragged to myself.

“Haven’t you built this store up over the

last 17 years from virtually nothing to a mainstay of the community? Can’t you be proud of yourself?”

“Sure,” I answered myself, pouting.

“I’m a real, live businessperson.” Then I shouted, “But where’s the fun in that?”

Then it hit me. I had an attic full of Christmas inventory! While the clerks were home, asleep, I’d put that stuff out!

Never mind that it was mid-September and 90 degrees outside. Christmas is coming! It’s right around the corner!

When I told my husband of my plan, he nodded uncomprehendingly. He had always thought I started up these stores to make money.

Silly boy.

Movies Are Back In Theaters... But Wait To See ‘Tenet’ On TV

The movies are back! Let’s give, well, two cheers for the first big theatrical release, Tenet, from director Christopher Nolan. Movie fans have been drooling over this one since the first trailers came out. We were supposed to see it in April, but a pandemic got in the way.

Think of the movie as a James Bond flick on a whole bunch of hallucinogenic mushrooms. There’s a good guy, more or less, and a sidekick, maybe less. And, of course, a really evil villain with a strange accent. Just like James Bond. But this film is far trickier. Nolan is crazy about time.

One of his first films, Memento, actually went backward in time. And Inception was all about going back through memories.

This one, however, involves the (as far as we know) impossible notion that some things can move backward in time. Even the title of the movie is a palindrome… it reads the same forward and backward.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler The Protagonist (John David Washington) is on a CIA mission gone bad and bites on a cyanide capsule to avoid capture. Normally, that would end his part of the movie, but suddenly he is awake and asked to join a super-secret (compared to the CIA?) group that is somehow defending the past from the future. Since this is scientifically impossible, Nolan, who also wrote the screenplay, takes a lot (and I mean a real lot) of time explaining how all of this could happen, and why somehow it

is wrong to expect that interference from the future is wrong. (I would assume they would try to fix things going wrong rather than causing messes, but then I was not the writer). At any rate, Protagonist, who has no other name, since that might get in the way of the confusion, starts working with Neil (Robert Pattinson), who seems to be in the film mostly to be the person either explaining the plot or having it explained to him. We spend too much time having things explained, particularly the concept of inversion, by which some ammo from the future can arrive at a particular place and time to kill a target. Well, I think that’s what the point of the film was.

The villain, a Russian arms dealer named Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh) has a somewhat lonely and rather nuts wife Kat (Elizabeth Debicki), and if you’ve been to at least one Bond movie, you can figure out that sub-plot. So we

have all the regular elements set up: stoic good guy who never quite understands completely what is going on but bumbles through things well, sidekick who is of no particular value but allows for explanatory dialogue, evil if somewhat comic villain and a gorgeous woman who is mostly around so people who do not want to see handsome men in exceptionally well-tailored suits have a bit of an eye feast.

There is some great action here; Nolan has become expert at that. Cars flip wildly, jets rip through hangers, people rappel off high buildings — all the action shots an adrenaline junkie might want are present, with the occasional treat of having them run backward. But the characters, except for Debicki, are so emotionless that it is hard to actually feel something for them.

The focus is on the plot and all of its twists and turns. Usually, that is great. I love movies and books like that. The prob-

lem is that the concept is terribly muddled.

There are fights where some of the people are moving forward in time and others are moving backward. I love science fiction, and time travel is fascinating, but understanding this film might be impossible.

The cast suffers from this. Washington and Pattinson project cool and they dress really well. But I got the feeling that after a while, they really weren’t certain of what was going on. Branagh’s Russian accent was awful, but he at least seemed beastly.

Debicki was gorgeous and desperate but there was no real reason given for why she had gotten into the whole mess.

In summary, this is an interesting mess.

It has a load of action for those who miss it.

It has glitz, and it has stars. It has a twisty, complex script. But it just never holds together. Nolan has done several really great films. This is not one of them. See it when it gets to television.

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WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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Place Your Business Directory Ad Here Call 561-793-7606

Singer Electrical Contracting, Inc. is a family owned business fully licensed and insured with over 20 years of electrical experience.

Residential • Lighting • Commercial Certified Electrical Contractor (EC#13007941)

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IVA P. WUMMER President 30+ Years In Business

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Employment Opportunities DRIVERS-CDL-A: Local, Home Daily! Industry Leading Pay! Excellent Benefits! 2 yrs, CDL-AT/T Exp. Required. Hazmat/Tanker Endorsement Req. 833-322-0302

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Garage/Yard Sale Loxahatchee Saturday September 26th — 8 am to 2 pm.

16280 E Edinburgh Drive, Loxahatchee. Items include Household, Furniture, Auto Parts and more

Seeking Employment HOME HEALTH AIDE AVAILABLE — Experienced Home Health Aide seeks new position. Flexible hours, full time, day or night. I am a Licensed CNA who has worked as a home health aide and also as a nanny. I have many years of experience taking care of the elderly at home. Price negotiable, references provided upon request. Call Pat at (561) 294-1423.

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Fictitious Name Notices

For Sale

Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:

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County of Palm Beach, Florida and intends to register said name with the Division of Corporations State of Florida, forthwith

Laura Ozimek

Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper

Date: 9-25-20

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results 561-793-7606

Professional Services

A/C Refrigeration Services

Painting

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JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/ owner operator. Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473

AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael Office: 561-964-6004 Cell: 561236-8595 Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990

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Electrical Contractor SINGER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING, INC. — Electrical work you can trust at an affordable price, Fully Licensed and Insured. EC#13007941 561-425-5409

Home Improvement ANMAR CO.— James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftsman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC1327426 561-248-8528

ALL COUNTY INSURANCE — 561-4710513 If you need Commercial and General liability; Rental and Vacant property; Business/ Work Vehicles Auto Insurance Payroll/Work Comp AnthonyA@allcountyinsurance.com

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Located at:

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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. “We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks” 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted

Insurance

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IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE/REPAIRS — wet testing, pump replacement,landscaping and pest control-trapping. Call 561-7234684 Oasis Irrigation & Landscape Lighting

Painting J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, Chemical Roof Cleaning, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified -pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com

Place your ad here. Call 561-793-7606

Plants / Landscape Materials PLANT MAESTRO — is a new plant broker in Loxahatchee. Offering top of the line plants. 14920 Okeechobee Blvd. Loxahatchee,FL 561-252-0373

Plumbing POO-MAN — Pumping, plumbing, & drain cleaning. For all your septic & plumbing needs!

Let the Poo Crew come to you. 561-318-8416

Roofing ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763.

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Page 27

Wellington

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WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY OTHER LIQUOR STORE’S LOCALLY ADVERTISED PRICES! Offer valid only when presenting local competitors print ad These prices good with this ad only. Good thru 10/31/20. Photos are for illustrative purposes only. We are not responsible for Typographical errors.

Page 28

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