Town-Crier Newspaper September 5, 2025

LOX GROVES BUDGET WOES CONTINUE

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE • WESTLAKE

ONAM CELEBRATION HELD IN RPB

At The Cultural Center

The Palm Beach County League of Cities held a general membership meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event included a retirement party for longtime League of Cities Executive Director Richard Radcliffe. The Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Radcliffe with a special proclamation and gift. Page 5

Wellington Celebrates

Senior Citizens Day

The Village of Wellington celebrated National Senior Citizens Day on Thursday, Aug. 21 with a party for local seniors at the Wellington Community Center.

The afternoon was filled with food, music and plenty of fun, all in honor of the contributions that seniors have made to the community. Page 11

Classmates Divided On The Football Gridiron

Two Berean Christian School student-athletes are having unique senior football season experiences. Steven Sistrunk and Roshiloh Richards are academic classmates by day and rival football opponents by night. While both have played varsity football for Berean for the last three years, they were left without a team to play on when Berean announced that it was suspending its football program. Page 17

RPB Council Nixes Idea To Hike Speed Limits On Some Roads

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

At a meeting Thursday, Aug. 21, the Royal Palm Beach Village Council heard a report on a consultant’s findings regarding speeding on Crestwood and Royal Palm Beach boulevards.

Village Engineer Chris Marsh explained how the topic of speeding came up during the annual Citizen Summit strategic planning session last spring. In response to citizen complaints about speeding, the village hired traffic engineers Erdman Anthony to conduct a speeding analysis on Crestwood and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. Marsh said that the consultants found a disconnect regarding the posted speed limit.

“The data analysis revealed that, despite a posted speed limit of 35 or 40 mph, a vast majority of vehicles were moving at speeds of 38 to 48 mph,” he said. “Average

speeds ranged from 39 to 46 mph, while 85th percentile speed ranged from 43 to 50 mph.”

This last number, the 85th percentile, is important to traffic engineers because it reflects the speed that “reasonable drivers” will not exceed in usual conditions.

Christopher Bauso, an engineer with Erdman Anthony, after analyzing seven years of crash data, reported, “the vast majority of crashes that occur within the study area are not caused by drivers going over the posted speed limit.”

For Royal Palm Beach Blvd., roughly 12 percent of crashes over the past seven years involved vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit, while for Crestwood Blvd., the crash rate caused by speeding was about 7.3 percent where the speed limit was 35 mph, while only 2.5 percent on the 40-mph southern section.

Using speeds on I-95 as an analogy, Bauso explained that the real danger isn’t speed, so much as the differences in driver speed.

“When grandma is doing 40, reasonable drivers are doing 70 and speeders are doing 90... these differences in speed create hazardous situations,” he said.

To prove his point, he showed that the section of Crestwood with a 40-mph speed limit is safer than the section with a 35-mph speed limit. He provided data showing that speeding on the 35-mph portion of Crestwood caused about 300 percent more crashes than experienced on the 40-mph section.

Marsh and Village Manager Ray Liggins, also an engineer, confirmed that, while not intuitive, over the last 20 years or so, traffic engineers have realized that, in cases like Crestwood Blvd. North, data shows that raising speed

PBSO’s Annual Report: Crime Down Last Year In Wellington

By Patrick Sherry Town-Crier Staff Report

Officials from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) presented the agency’s annual report at the Wellington Village Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 26.

The report, which included details for calendar year 2024 and plans going forward in 2025 and beyond, covered PBSO District 8, which serves the Village of Wellington. Key findings included reduced crime rates across the board throughout the village last year.

Council members praised the PBSO and local deputies for their continued efforts to keep Wellington safe.

“You guys are definitely the best of the best, so thank you,” Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri said.

“This was a great report.”

Lt. Matthew LaVigna represented the PBSO in place of Capt.

Westlake

Louis Hillary Park

Staff Report

Sept. 2 to name current City Clerk Zoie Burgess as acting

manager. Burgess is an employee of Infra-

a

staffing agency contracted with the

to provide

services. She has been at Westlake since 2019 and would take

on

Sept.

after the resignation of longtime City Manager Kenneth Cassel takes effect Friday, Sept. 26. The council will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. to take a formal vote. “I’m very excited,” Burgess said Wednesday. “I believe in continu-

Nichole Addazio, commander of District 8, who was recovering from surgery. He explained to the council that there were more than 91,000 total calls for service in 2024 — a three percent increase from last year, and continuing a steady upward trend since 2021.

However, he emphasized that the majority of these calls were self-initiated, which deputies conduct on their own, rather than getting prompted by residents.

“The increase you are seeing is due to the deputies being more proactive, not necessarily the calls for service coming into the sheriff’s office,” LaVigna said. “I also want to point out there has been significant growth within the village as far as size and population over this time period as well.”

Despite the increase in calls for service, the agency has experienced a 25 percent drop in the crime index since 2023. The reduc-

tion comes from a decline in crime in areas including burglaries, thefts, vandalism and more. Overall, the report showed that the village has some of the lowest crime totals across the categories in 15 years.

Robbery incidents and mail theft cases experienced some of the greatest decreases in 2024. Robberies dropped by 50 percent, while mail thefts fell by 74 percent, with only nine cases being reported this past year, compared to 34 cases in 2023.

One notable aspect in the decline in mail thefts was detectives being able to identify how these crimes were being committed, which led to the removal of certain mailboxes and major operations being conducted. In fact, these cases in Wellington were used by other nearby districts as predicate crimes to target a crime ring.

However, stolen vehicles and

See PBSO REPORT, page 4

Commissioners Deny West End Crossing Project, At Least For Now

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

But the board stopped short of shutting the door entirely, leaving the property owner free to return with a revised application.

The decision followed months of opposition led by the Acreage Landowners’ Association (ALA).

The group organized petitions and community meetings to demonstrate broad opposition.

“We’re somewhat happy about the vote,” ALA President Bob Morgan said this week. “But they didn’t fully shut down the project. They didn’t tell [the property owners] they had to wait two years to come back… To me, that shows plenty of favoritism.”

Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Sara Baxter, who represents the area, cast one of the “no” votes. Before the hearing, she indicated that she would not support the project if her constituents opposed it.

They did, and loudly.

“I’m sure I upset some developers by not going along with what they wanted,” Baxter said this week. “[But] I want my residents

to know I’m here to represent their interests.”

Baxter said she asked residents who lived within four miles of the intersection to voice their opinion. Approximately 100 did so, and they were “overwhelmingly opposed.”

The rejected proposal called for a 12-pump gas station, a 4,800-square-foot convenience store, and more than 10,000 square feet of retail and medical office space.

Residents raised concerns about groundwater contamination, increased traffic, crime and the project’s proximity to a daycare facility located about 700 feet from the site — shorter than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommendation of a 1,000-foot buffer. The proposal conflicted with multiple guiding documents, according to the ALA, including the county’s comprehensive plan, the Acreage Neighborhood Plan and the Western Northlake Corridor Study. West End Crossing had already been rejected 8-4 in January by the Palm Beach County Zoning Commission. For now, residents opposed to the plan say the latest decision helps protect The Acreage from unwanted commercialization. Land planner Donaldson Hearing, who represented the would-be developers at several meetings, said that the ALA is a “good group of people. We’re going to huddle See WEST END, page 12

END OF SUMMER PARTY

Clerk Ready To Step In As Acting Manager

ity, and I believe this is the best way for the city to continue the momentum it has built up.”

For several years, Westlake has been the fastest growing municipality in Palm Beach County and one fastest growing in the state. It has been recognized in national publications as one of the top planned communities in the United States.

“I have total confidence that with Zoie as acting city manager, and with the rest of the team that is servicing Westlake, the city will not miss a beat,” Cassel told council members.

Cassel has guided the young municipality since its incorporation in 2016 under a contract with Inframark. For nearly a decade, he has balanced dual roles, managing

both the City of Westlake and the Seminole Improvement District (SID), which provides most of the community’s infrastructure. That arrangement, once seen as efficient, is now viewed by many in Westlake as a conflict that has outlived its usefulness.

Council members appeared to be in clear consensus at a Thursday, Aug. 28 special meeting and the Tuesday, Sept. 2 regular monthly session that they want to separate the two managerial roles, and that they want to hire a city manager who is not an Inframark employee.

However, it is expected that most of the city’s governmental infrastructure will remain in the hands of the contractor for the time being.

“We agree it may be time to carve out the city manager,” said Chris Tarase, Inframark’s president for community management, during the special meeting. “We’re willing partners to update the agreement — it’s almost 10 years old — and provide more transparency.” Burgess said that the job would only be temporary.

“I’m ready for the challenge but only on a temporary basis,” she said.

Councilman Gary Werner expressed concerns at the special meeting about moving too quickly to name Burgess as the acting city manager.

“I felt it was important to go through a process… appear to be objective to the community,” he

said

The Kerala Association of Palm Beach celebrated the Onam Festival on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Onam is a celebration to welcome King Mahabali to the south Indian state of Kerala for his annual visit, ensuring his subjects happiness and prosperity. Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff Hmara participated as an honored guest. Hmara is shown here taking part in the candle lighting ceremony as Kerala Association President Mathew Thomas looks on.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 15

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

See RPB COUNCIL, page 4

Zoie Burgess

Tuesday. “[But] I think Zoie has very good credentials and background. I’m totally in support of her.” Prior to Westlake, Burgess was assistant manager for the Town of

Royal Palm Beach Hosts

PBC League of Cities

Brand-New Wellington Aquatics Center Nearing Completion At Village Park

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

On Friday, Aug. 29, members of the Wellington Village Council and other village leaders toured the new Wellington Aquatics Center under construction at Village Park for the official “topping out” ceremony.

The milestone marks major progress on what will soon become a state-of-the-art facility serving the Wellington community with a competition pool, a diving pool, a multi-purpose/ learn-to-swim pool, and a separate recreational pool with a play structure and a NinjaCross obstacle course.

Also included are locker rooms, concessions, administrative offices and more.

“We have always wanted Wellington to be a place where every family has access to top-tier recreational opportunities, and this facility is a huge step forward,” said Village Manager Jim Barnes, adding that it marks a large improvement over the current facility. “Right now, we have a single aquatics facility with limited op-

portunities for multiple things to happen at the same time.”

The tour was led by the team from Wharton-Smith Construction Group and the design firm Ohlson Lavoie Corp. The facility is located at the southern end of Village Park near the park’s 120th Avenue South entrance. Barnes said that the new facility is much larger than the current pool near the Wellington Community Center, which dates back to the 1970s, although there have been several renovations to it.

“If you look at the overall site, we are really accommodating every part of the community,” he said. “We can accommodate all competitive swimming and diving activities, while also accommodating the recreational users in the recreational pool, which includes a zero-depth entry and water playground area, as well as the NinjaCross course, which is the only one in South Florida, if not the state.”

While the contractors are expected to finish up work this fall, the new aquatics center is slated to open right after the new year.

“We expect the contractor will be substantially complete by late October, and we will take possession. We plan to open to the public on Jan. 2,” Barnes said, adding that it will take some time to train the staff and the lifeguards.

It is possible that the Wellington Wahoos swim team will be able to get access to the competition pool in the weeks beforehand, he added.

“The competition pool is large enough to accommodate all the competition aquatics, host regulation water polo events, and we also have the dive well,” Barnes said. “The neat thing on the competition pool is the moveable bulkhead, which will allow multiple activities to go on at the same time.”

Mayor Michael Napleone was among the village officials taking part in the hard hat tour.

“Walking the site, I was impressed not just with the scale of the new aquatics center, but its thoughtful design and versatility,” he said. “This will truly be a facility for everyone in Wellington. The center will feature two distinct bodies of water, separated by a central building with locker

rooms, administrative space and a flexible multi-purpose room for community use.”

On one side, he explained, is the recreational area designed for all ages and abilities, including the zero-entry pool that is welcoming for older adults. On the other is the state-of-the-art competition pool with a modern diving well.

“That will give our local swim teams, the Wellington Wahoos, and other swimming enthusiasts a true home base, while also allowing the village to host swim meets and community events that will showcase Wellington and help support local businesses,” Napoleone said. “This is more than a pool. It’s an investment in health, recreation and community spirit that will serve generations to come.”

Both Barnes and Napoleone said that the new aquatics center will complement the rest of the village’s sports and recreation offerings.

“Building the new aquatics center at Village Park will create natural synergies with the sports fields and recreational programming

already located there,” Napoleone said. “Families who are at Village Park for soccer, football, baseball or other activities will have easier access to swimming, will provide our young athletes a place to cool off after their games, and will give parents a place to take their younger kids who won’t sit still on the sidelines.”

He added that consolidating facilities in a central location will encourage cross-participation in multiple programs.

“The current pool’s location reflects its historic connection to the former Wellington

but it is no longer ideally situated for today’s

needs,” Napoleone said. “When the tennis courts were relocated to the new Wellington Tennis Center, many feared usage would drop, but the opposite occurred. The 21 new courts could not meet demand, and we are now adding six more courts, as well as padel. The same dynamic will hold true for the new aquatics center. Rather than diminishing use, the move will unlock growth and ensure

Country Club,

community

Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega, Councilman John McGovern, Mayor Michael Napoleone, Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri and Village Manager Jim Barnes during the hard hat tour. PHOTOS COURTESY THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON

The water play structure at

Village officials and contractors gather at the new pool site. Contractors explain different parts of the facility to officials. The rec pool under construction showing the NinjaCross course.

Groves Council Continues To Grapple With Difficult Budget Year

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

At a budget workshop Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council continued to review a set of numbers for fiscal year 2026 that represents a significantly slimmed-down budget.

The council was set to take initial votes on the budget at a meeting Wednesday, Sept. 3, but the results of that meeting were not available at press time.

The proposed budget of $9.1 million is more than $3.5 million lower than last year’s budget of $12.7 million. The change is largely due to a drop in money in the budget for capital improvements.

In recent years, the town has collected extra money for capital projects from the federal and state governments, as well as a share of the countywide sales surtax. The federal and state money has largely dried up, and the surtax money is about to expire, leaving the town without an easy source of money for capital projects.

The town was counting on $750,000 in the state budget to continue its stormwater capital improvements, but that money was vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June.

At the Aug. 20 workshop,

Chief Finance Officer David DiLena

PBSO Report

Crime Is Down

continued from page 1 vehicle burglaries remain a persistent issue in Wellington, even with reductions. The report indicated that the majority of these cases were caused by vehicles being left unlocked, unsecured and/or with the keys inside them.

“This crime is a crime of opportunity,” LaVigna said. “If you park in lighted areas, or if you park where you have surveillance cameras monitoring, not only will it help an investigation, but it will help deter the crime from occurring to begin with.”

Traffic issues and car crashes were another main focal point of the annual report. Deputies set a

RPB Council Traffic Study

continued from page 1 limits can result in fewer crashes.

Bauso noted that physical traffic calming measures, such as the implementation of stop signs, traffic lights or roundabouts, are not recommended, due to either high costs or limited effectiveness based on the speed and volume conditions of the study area.

made a presentation explaining that cuts to the budget have managed to set aside $817,000 for capital improvements, assuming a 3.0 mill property tax rate, which is unchanged from last year. Due to rising property values, however, it is above the rollback rate, which would bring in the same amount of revenue as last year, and would require a supermajority council vote to approve.

The council appreciated the cuts that had been made, but wanted to see more cuts, treading a fine line between fiscal responsibility and cuts that would eliminate services.

Mayor Anita Kane said that some administrative positions should be defunded.

“We have to find some way to restructure the organization to cover what those positions do,” she said. “Not funding some top positions will free up quite a bit of money.”

For example, removing new Town Attorney Jeff Kurtz’s previous project coordinator position, Kane said.

“We were bare bones with free money flowing in, so I worry that now we are actually spending taxpayer money on this,” Councilwoman Lisa El-Ramey said. There was some discussion of removing money for lobbyists, but Councilman Paul Coleman offered a word of caution, since

performance goal of maintaining a crash rate of less than three crashes per 100 village residents. They were able to not only see decreases in crashes but also achieved a crash rate of about two percent for 2024. Additionally, the report showed that while there was a high frequency in traffic stops, the number of citations and warnings overall fell. However, LaVigna said that these decreases were likely because of the reassignment of traffic units to other areas.

“Several factors contributed, including it being an election year, with the reassignment of our traffic units to assist with President Trump’s protection following two assassination attempts in his active campaign schedule,” LaVigna said. “Although they pulled a lot of our traffic units to those special details, we still had a very high call volume. But it was less than in previous years.”

LaVigna also explained that deputies from District 8 are going to continue to make combating golf cart incidents and calls for service at short-term rentals a priority. This year, the PBSO conducted a large-scale operation that focused on education and the safety of golf carts. Community policing also created a public service announcement that was distributed on many media platforms. Meanwhile, short-term rental incidents have risen by 55 percent since 2023. Deputies collaborated with the village to enact a chronic nuisance ordinance for recurring

They did recommend several options for mitigating speeding. These included implementing radar feedback signs throughout the village, introducing more law enforcement officers to crack down on speeding violations in the area and increasing the 35 mph speed limits in the village to 40 mph, to better reflect the observed operating speeds in the area and make the roadway more predictable.

Fred Laurie, president of the Palm Estates HOA, expressed

the town needs grant money to survive.

“If you don’t have somebody knocking on someone’s door, it’s not going to happen,” he said.

The council questioned whether money in the town’s tree mitigation fund could possibly be used for projects, and Town Manager Francine Ramaglia said that is a possibility, as long as the projects can be described as environmental in nature.

Councilman Todd McLendon made several references to cutting the town’s contract with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, an issue he has championed for many years.

He asked Kurtz to look at the current PBSO contract and “see what our options are.”

Coleman added that any cuts that are made could always be added back later.

“We may find in six months that we need a project coordinator,” he said.

Coleman noted that this budget process has not been a surprise.

“We knew that this was going to be a very challenging year. We have an insurmountable task because we have to figure out how to squeeze blood from a stone,” he said.

“I’d love to go to the rollback rate, but there is stuff out there that has to be done, and we’ve got to figure out how to do it.”

nuisance properties to address these issues. Combined with establishing a direct line of communication with short-term rental platforms Airbnb and VRBO, developing a real-time reporting system for neighbors and a dedicated PBSO liaison to follow up on complaints, LaVigna reported that the agency now has effective tools to take action against these cases.

Council members applauded deputies after the presentation. They also praised two members of the PBSO’s Citizen Observer Patrol program, who attended the meeting, volunteer Capt. Howard Gross and volunteer Capt. Ken Finkleman. They were both awarded “captain of the year” for 2024.

Overall, council members commended deputies on their continued efforts to keep the village safe. “I so much appreciate everything all of you do,” Councilwoman Maria Antuña said. “You wake up every morning, and you go out to the streets. I personally pray for each and every one of you because I want you to come home safe. This is what you do for us. This report tells us that’s what you do every day — you keep us safe. That is a big task, and I personally want to say thank you.”

This year, LaVigna said that District 8 is continuing to see downward trends in all major crime categories while proactivity continues to increase. Going forward, goals are to continue to educate and address residents on

concerns about speeding on Crestwood Blvd. North. He did not support raising the speed limit but emphasized the need for stricter and prioritized traffic enforcement.

Mayor Jeff Hmara did not like the idea either.

“While the engineers call raising the speed limit ‘non-intuitive,’ I’m afraid most of my constituents would call that proposal outrageous,” he said.

Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas pointed out that he, like many drivers, tends to go about 5 mph over

TOWN-CRIERTHE

Ramaglia suggested moving some of the budget money in a “contingency fund,” which can then only be spent if the council agrees.

She added that a fee study is needed, since fees for certain services haven’t been updated in a while, which might bring in some additional revenue.

McLendon suggested that such fees should automatically go up with inflation.

“We should be putting in an escalation clause of about 3 percent so that it doesn’t get forgotten for five years,” he said.

He also added that Palm Beach County may be responsible for some of the maintenance work that is necessary.

El-Ramey asked about grant money and reimbursements, of which the town potentially has much coming in, but could take years to materialize.

Ramaglia said that Loxahatchee Groves should be getting about $1 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and another $350,000 from the state. A request is being prepared for an additional $1.4 million from the state.

While not directly part of the budget discussion, El-Ramey asked about the status of the town’s contract with Ramaglia, which expires on Sept. 30.

e-bike and e-scooter usage and how to combat car thefts and burglaries. They also want to pursue grants to bring more resources into Wellington, as well as grow traffic enforcement to improve driver safety.

In related items on the meeting’s consent agenda, the council approved the village’s contract with the PBSO for fiscal year 2026, as well as an updated law enforcement services plan. The contract total for next year is $11,803,377, an increase of approximately $505,625 over the current fiscal year. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. In other business:

• The council unanimously approved the second and final reading of an ordinance that removes restrictions on fuel type for watercrafts on village lakes and canals but continues enforcement of speed limits and prohibits certain waterway activities. The change was required due to a new state law that forbids Wellington’s previous restrictions against the use of gas motors.

• The council reminded residents that the village’s new School Zone Safety Program’s warning period ends Friday, Sept. 12. The program uses cameras to enforce speeding violations in school zones. Violations will start being issued after the warning period ends.

• The council thanked State Sen. Lori Berman and State Rep. Anne Gerwig for their support in getting

the speed limit, so he believes that raising the speed limits will create even more risk.

With little or no stated appetite for increasing safety by raising the speed limits, discussion then steered toward the other recommended issues of enforcement and radar signs.

Capt. Ulrich Naujoks of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office reported that enforcement has already been stepped up. Where 548 traffic stops were conducted along Crestwood in 2024, year to date as of August 2025, that number has increased to 945 traffic stops.

Naujoks emphasized that the area remains a priority for his department, but he also noted that traffic officers are dispatched throughout the village to address a wide range of issues.

Marsh reviewed the recommendations from Erdman Anthony and recommended conducting a pilot study by installing radar signs on Royal Palm Beach and Crestwood boulevards.

Councilwoman Jan Rodusky made a motion to approve the installation of radar feedback signs as a pilot effort for one year, which was approved unanimously.

In other business:

• State Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-District 93) gave an update from the recent legislative session with an overview of several bills she was involved in. She suc-

“If we do not get some performance standards put into that, I say we go out for a new manager,” she said.

Ramaglia invited each of the council members to meet with her regarding changes to her contract, noting that she sent out her current contract with suggested changes when the council asked for it in March.

Ramaglia added that she met with El-Ramey and made several changes that she requested. She has also had several meetings with Kane, who was designated by the council as the primary negotiator on a new contract.

“If there is not an appetite to negotiate with me, I think we should save everybody some time and make the decision that you want to make,” she said.

Ramaglia added that while she is willing to renew her contract, the past six months have been very difficult.

“When I listen to discussions about how terrible we’re doing, it’s really deflating for the staff,” Ramaglia said. “It also really isn’t what the town looks like… We have finally gotten some things done that previously people just sat around and argued about.”

She said that a new manager will walk into exactly the same problems.

“When you go to replace me,

you will not find a different set of problems or a better set of solutions, because until the town and the council embrace the issues that have long been disregarded, the town will not move any further than it has in the past.” Ramaglia said.

Kane noted that the council held a vote to negotiate a new contract with Ramaglia and should continue down that path. The new contract is awaiting the report of a review of a SWOT analysis, which stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, by an outside consultant.

McLendon said that while Ramaglia may not be perfect, he warned against all the doom and gloom.

“When you guys get up and talk about how horrible things are, you are hurting the town, and you’re hurting yourselves,” he said, urging others to think about that before harping on issues with the town manager. “Every town manager who had been here for so long ends up being the bad guy — every single one of them. And that has happened because of decisions by council members.”

El-Ramey said that it is the council’s job to hold the manager accountable and did not believe that stating those concerns was the same as “attacking the manager.”

ALA Sets Sept. 11 Meeting Regarding Neighborhood Plan

The Acreage Landowners’ Association is hosting a roundtable discussion about the Acreage Neighborhood Plan on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. in the conference room of the Acreage branch library, located at 15801 Orange Blvd.

The document shapes the present and future of the Acreage/ Loxahatchee community and contains guidelines to help the county preserve the rural, agricultural and equestrian lifestyle that makes community such a special place, ALA President Bob Morgan said. For additional information about the meeting, contact the ALA at info@acreagelandowners. com. “No RSVP is required, but we prefer you let us know if you are coming so we have a headcount for seating purposes,” Morgan said.

cessfully sponsored legislation aligning Florida with the national observance of Fentanyl Education & Awareness Day on Aug. 21, recognizing the urgent need to combat the dangers of the drug fentanyl in local communities. Another initiative she championed was a change to the middle school and high school start time mandates, which provides schools with greater flexibility. The council thanked Gerwig for

State Rep. Anne Gerwig addresses the Royal Palm Beach Village Council about the recent legislative session. PHOTOS

The Under 8 Royal Palm Beach All-Star travel softball team is honored for winning the state title.

Lt. Matthew LaVigna presents the PBSO annual report to the Wellington Village Council.

improvement project. Berman was unable to attend the meeting.

The Wellington Village Council thanked State Rep. Anne Gerwig and State Sen. Lori Berman for their support in getting a $650,000 state appropriation for pump station improvements. PHOTOS

ROYAL PALM BEACH HOSTS PBC LEAGUE OF CITIES AT THE CULTURAL CENTER

The Palm Beach County League of Cities held a general membership meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. The event included a retirement party for longtime League of Cities Executive Director Richard Radcliffe. During the roll call, each table shouted out a retirement greeting to Radcliffe. The Village of Royal Palm Beach presented Radcliffe with a special proclamation and gift. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Each year in September, the Rotary Club of Wellington holds its annual Peace Ceremony aimed at promoting multi-cultural understanding and conflict resolution as a means to world peace. This year, the ceremony will be held on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 3 p.m. at the Rotary Peace Park on Royal Fern Drive near the Wellington library. The ceremony is the culmination of work that started in January with competitions within all local schools. Elementary students were encouraged to submit posters that depict multi-cultural understanding and conflict resolution. More than 350 posters were submitted and judged. A winner from each school was chosen and will receive a check for $75 and a certificate at the ceremony. Middle school students enter poems on the same topics. Approx-

imately 100 poems were received, and a winner from each school will each receive a check for $100. High school students submitted essays on a chosen theme. A winner from each school will receive $125. All the winners’ classroom teachers will also receive a check for $75 for use in their classrooms. A single student is also chosen as the person who is deemed to have contributed the most in achieving the goals of the Wellington Rotary Peace Initiative. Each year, a high school student who helps bring their classmates together is awarded the Student Mediation Award for Resolutions Today (SMART). The annual Wellington Rotary Peace Prize will go this year to Diane Gutman for her work with Our Community Cares supporting the local senior community.

Wellington

Garden

Club

To Feature

The peace ceremony commences with the PBSO drill team providing an honor guard and playing “Taps” as flags are raised by the Wellington High School Interact members. The words on the peace poles — “May Peace Prevail on Earth” — will be read in eight different languages by local residents.

After speeches by local dignitaries, including Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind reading the Wellington Peace Declaration, and the presentation of prizes, the ceremony will end with Dr. Wes Boughner’s release of peace doves. Boughner, the father of the club’s peace initiative, developed the annual ceremony beginning in 2006. Most club members have volunteered to help support the program. The community is welcome to attend the ceremony, which lasts for approximately one hour.

Florida Elite Umpires, Inc is currently looking for umpires

(14 yrs older) for the Fall 2025 Wellington Little League Baseball and Softball programs.

Please email Pete Lillo at lillop@bellsouth.net or call at 561-452-7436 if interested.

Presentation On Succulents Sept.

Wellington Garden

will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 8 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

The meeting will feature a presentation by Kimberly Helms at 10 a.m. on succulents. She is the owner of Bountiful Bonsai & Sensational Succulents. Most of her succulents are grown at her state-certified nursery. Years ago, Helms started taking cuttings from her own large succulent rock garden to make container gardens. Her friends liked them and wanted to buy them, and thus began her business. The presentation will describe what succulents are and how they are classified by their different characteristics, and how different societies have valued

them throughout time. She will explain the role they played in early American and European history, and also discuss their economic, medical and cultural value. Helms will also discuss how succulents impact today’s society. The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors are asked to check-in at the desk upon arrival. Reserving a spot at the meeting is recommended. Contact Wellington Garden Club Membership Chair Anne Hlasnicek at (561) 379-5752 for more info. The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design and landscape design;

8 and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www. wellingtongardenclub.org.

Palm Beach County League of Cities board members at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center.

RPB Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Palm Beach County League of Cities Executive Director Richard Radcliffe, Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps and Vice Mayor Richard Valuntas.

Lisa Reves of Becker and Poliakoff and Lisa Tropepe of the Engenuity Group.

Palm Beach County commissioners Joel Flores and Bobby Powell give Richard Radcliffe a certificate of appreciation.

Wellington Councilman John McGovern with Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps.

Highland Beach Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins, president of the Palm Beach County Municipal Clerks Association.

Richard Radcliffe with Mary Sluggett and Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Marge Herzog.

Richard Radcliffe got a standing ovation. Shown with him are Keith Davis, Westlake Mayor John-Paul O’Connor, Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone and South Bay City Manager Leondrae Camel.

RPB Mayor Jeff Hmara addresses the attendees.

Councilwomen Sylvia Sharps and Jan Rodusky join Mayor Jeff Hmara in making a presentation to Richard Radcliffe.

Aziza Isles and Je’Riise Hansen of the League of Cities present Richard Radcliffe with a gift.

Club

Kimberly Helms with a succulent boat.

Rotary Peace Ceremony Set For Sept. 21

Rep. Gerwig Leads Fentanyl Awareness Presentation At PBSC

By Mark Caracciolo Town-Crier Staff Report

On Wednesday, Aug. 27, Palm Beach State College students filed into a lecture hall on the right side of the Loxahatchee Groves campus, awaiting speakers to take the podium for a presentation on the dangers of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is by far one of the most dangerous drugs in America, and although fentanyl overdoses have fallen a bit from their 2023 peak, the drug is still among the leading causes of overdoses across the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The presentation was in recognition of Fentanyl Education & Awareness Day, established by House Bill 259, signed into law

this past May after unanimous bipartisan support in the state legislature.

The bill was sponsored by State Rep. Anne Gerwig (R-District 93), with companion legislation sponsored by State Sen. Tina Polsky (D-District 30), showing that the danger fentanyl poses has both sides of the aisle working together to help combat this deadly epidemic.

Among the speakers at the Aug. 27 presentation was Gerwig, joined by college officials and representatives of various nonprofits. On Gerwig’s mind as she took the podium was a tragedy that occurred a few years ago, where a 19-month-old baby died of a lethal fentanyl overdose in a Wellington home rented through Airbnb.

Sem Pratt/ Northlake

Detours End Ahead Of Schedule

Drivers regained full access to the Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and Northlake Blvd. intersection Friday, Aug. 29, approximately a month ahead of schedule.

An interim traffic pattern began on that date for motorists traveling northbound and southbound on Seminole Pratt, ending the need for detour routes for residents living north of the intersection. The detour routes began on July 29 and were originally expected to be in place for 60 days.

Drivers traveling northbound and southbound on Seminole Pratt will be required to stop before proceeding into the intersection. Westbound Northlake motorists will continue to be directed to a free-flow left turn only onto southbound Seminole Pratt. Likewise, northbound Seminole Pratt drivers still will be directed to a free-flow right turn only onto eastbound Northlake. These interim patterns will remain in place until the full traffic signal is installed at a future date.

The traffic shift and temporary intersection configuration are part of the ongoing widening project along Seminole Pratt and Northlake. Palm Beach County Engineering and Public Works appreciates the community’s patience and understanding during this temporary inconvenience. These efforts are aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of the county’s infrastructure. For project updates, visit www.pbc.gov/epw.

Art Society Reception

On Sept. 16

The Wellington Art Society will host a reception and awards ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 16 for “Dreamscapes,” an art exhibition at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. The exhibition opened on Tuesday, Aug. 12 and will continue until Monday, Nov. 10. The reception and awards ceremony will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 16 at the Wellington Community Center. The event will include

“It is insidious, one grain, and a baby died in Wellington,” she said. This small amount of fentanyl was on the carpet, allegedly from a party that happened the weekend before.

“So, this strikes everyone. It touches every family,” Gerwig said as she addressed the Palm Beach State College students.

A number of organizations and partners of the fentanyl awareness program were in attendance, including groups such as the Hanley Foundation, Rebel Recovery and Project Overdose, which provided free Naloxone to attendees of the presentation.

Naloxone, often known by the brand name Narcan, is a lifesaving drug that can stop overdoses as they happen but costs $50 over

the counter. Naloxone is so safe that the CDC recommends using it on anyone suspected of having an overdose. However, you should always call 911 before you use Naloxone and educate yourself on the signs of a potential overdose and application before use.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue, PBSC Human Service and the Psychology Student Club were also on hand giving out pamphlets with further information on drugs, substance abuse and, of course, the dangers of fentanyl.

Many students left with as much Naloxone as they could carry, hopefully giving them out to friends to carry, too. Learn more about fentanyl and naloxone at www.projectoverdose.org.

NEWS BRIEFS

docent tours, the People’s Choice Awards, door prizes, boutique items and refreshments. Guest judge Jerilyn Brown will award first-, second- and third-place prizes. The event will include 43 original artworks by 18 local artists. Featured artists include Ayesha DeLorenzo, Dinah Mirons, Elaine Weber, Fred Stone, Halyna Albanese, Heather Bergstrom, Ida Perez, Janine Gmitter, Kim Baily, Kris Dru Hilles, Lanzhi Wang, Lou Ann LaBohn, Philip S. Rappa, Rachel Robinson, Raymonde Talleyrand, Sue Slick Carlson and Susan Oakes. For additional information about the Wellington Art Society, visit www.wasflorida.org or www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

Marvel Comics Illustrator To Visit Wellington Library Sept. 21

The Palm Beach County Library System is excited to host celebrated Marvel Comics illustrator Jerry DeCaire for two live, free drawing performances, including one at the Wellington branch library Sunday, Sept. 21 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and one at the Canyon branch library in Boynton Beach on Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. DeCaire, known for his work on the iconic Wolverine and Deadpool comics, will showcase his dynamic artistic process in real-time.

DeCaire began his career with Marvel in 1991 with his first professional assignment, X-Men Annual #15. He went on to work on numerous popular titles, including Wolverine, the Mighty Thor and Iron Man. His artwork for Deadpool in the Secret Defenders series has been featured in several modern publications, and his most recent published work can be found in 2024’s X-Men: X-Tinction Agenda (Omnibus). A highlight of his career was being featured in an eight-page article in China’s Fantasy Art Magazine as an exemplary Western artist. The presentations, titled “The Superhero in Real-Time,” explore the fascinating connections between science, mathematics and the superhero archetype. DeCaire has presented this popular program at major comic conventions across the country, including Wizard World in Chicago and Dragon

Con in Atlanta. Attendees will have the opportunity to see his creative process up close. The artist always signs and gives away his demo drawings and autographed, full-color prints to a few attendees at every event. Don’t miss this chance to witness the art of a comics legend. Preregister for this free event at www.pbclibrary.org.

Wellington Clerk Appointed To Committee

The Florida League of Cities, the united voice for Florida’s municipal governments, recently announced that Wellington Village Clerk Chevelle D. Hall has been appointed to serve on the league’s 2025-26 Municipal Operations Legislative Policy Committee, one of the organization’s five key legislative policy committees.

Appointments to the committees were made by Florida League of Cities President Holly D. Smith, vice mayor of Sanibel.

As a member of the Municipal Operations Legislative Policy Committee, Hall will play an important role in helping to shape the league’s legislative platform, a set of priorities designed to protect and strengthen Florida’s municipalities by addressing the issues most critical to local governments. Committee members work closely with league staff to provide insight on how proposed legislation may impact municipalities, while also serving as advocates for preserving local decision-making authority throughout the legislative process.

“I am honored to be appointed to this committee and look forward to working alongside municipal leaders from across Florida,” Hall said.

Masala Mantra Bollywood Event Returns Sept. 13

Masala Mantra, an Indian restaurant in Royal Palm Beach that’s known for modernizing Indian street foods, will host its second annual Jewels of Bollywood event on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 11 p.m.

This ladies’ only event will feature unlimited gourmet Indian cuisine and cocktails; Bollywood dance performances and music by DJ Vish; raffles, prizes and entertainment; and a reason to dress in jewel-tones, such as emerald

Palm Beach County Launches Transportation Site, Invites Public Input

Palm Beach County, in collaboration with consultant WSP, is inviting the community to help shape the future of transportation through a series of eight public meetings and a public survey, which will be available on the newly launched project web site, www.pbcmoves.com.

been developed to collect feedback from all stakeholder groups: The general public and elected officials to understand residents’ experiences and priorities for transportation.

The business community to gather input on how the transportation system affects operations, workforce and access.

green, ruby red, sapphire blue and golds.

The event benefits the Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County Foundation, with a portion of proceeds going directly to programs that empower and uplift women entrepreneurs. It’s more than a party — it’s a celebration of culture and supporting women.

Tickets to the event are $100 and are available for purchase at www. masalamantraroyalpalmbeach. com.

Talented Teen Club To Break Ground Sept. 13

The Talented Teen Club will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its brand-new community hub in Greenacres on Saturday, Sept. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 305 Swain Blvd.

The ceremony marks a monumental milestone in the Talented Teen Club’s 20-year journey of empowering youth to lead healthy, confident and purpose-driven lives.

The new facility will serve as a dedicated space for mentorship, leadership development, workforce training and wellness programs that support underserved youth in Palm Beach County.

“This building is more than brick and mortar — it’s a symbol of hope, growth and future possibilities,” said Shawn Ho-Hing King, founder and president of the Talented Teen Club. “We invite all of our community partners, supporters and sponsors to help us celebrate the next step in our mission to plant seeds of self-esteem.”

The event will feature remarks from Talented Teen Club alumni and local dignitaries, a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking, youth leader testimonials, live entertainment and refreshments.

Community leaders and the public are invited to join this celebration of purpose and partnership.

The Talented Teen Club is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering at-risk youth through leadership, education and mentorship programs. For nearly two decades, the nonprofit has transformed the lives of thousands of teens by fostering confidence, resilience and opportunity. Learn more at www.talentedteenclub.org or contact Shawn Ho-Hing King at shawn_king@talentedteenclub. org or (561) 649-1234.

Both efforts are part of the Countywide Transportation Master Plan (CTMP), which will guide how people and goods move across the region for decades to come. The local meeting for the western communities will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Palm Beach State College’s Loxahatchee Groves Campus at 15845 Southern Blvd.

A countywide meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Palm Beach County’s Vista Center in Room 4750 at 2300 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach. Other meetings will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens branch library; Thursday, Sept. 11 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Palm Beach County main library; Thursday, Sept. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Arts Garage in Delray Beach; Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Canyon branch library; Wednesday, Sept. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palm Beach County Government Center Chambers; and Thursday, Sept. 18 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Riviera Beach CRA Community Center.

In addition to the public meetings, an online public survey has

Technical advisors to provide expert insights on infrastructure, performance measures and future innovations.

The surveys are available now at www.pbcmoves.com under “Contact” and will be open through Oct. 18. Responses from the surveys will inform the plan’s strengths and opportunities analysis and help shape strategies for a safe, efficient and resilient transportation network.

The Countywide Transportation Master Plan will establish a shared vision for mobility across all modes — driving, walking, biking, transit, freight and emerging technologies. It is designed to address near-term needs and prepare Palm Beach County for growth through 2050.

“Public input is vital to building a plan that reflects the needs of residents, businesses and communities,” Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo said. “These meetings and the survey give everyone a voice in shaping the county’s transportation future.”

For more information, meeting details and to take the surveys, visit www.pbcmoves.com.

The community is invited to join the Village of Wellington on Thursday, Sept. 11 at 6 p.m. to honor the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks with a remembrance ceremony at the Wellington Patriot Memorial, located at 12198 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

During the ceremony, members of the Wellington Village Council will share their thoughts and lay a memorial wreath to honor those lost and affected by the attacks. Representatives from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue and the New York Fraternal Order of Police Post 3100 will also be in attendance to show solidarity for the victims. Wellington dedicated its Patriot Memorial on the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks. The memorial includes one of the largest steel beams salvaged from the World Trade Center, as well as an eternal flame fountain and etched glass panels inscribed with the names of the victims. For information on Patriot Memorial

Participants in the Fentanyl Awareness & Education Day event gather for a group photo. PHOTOS

Palm Beach State College President Ava Parker,

State Rep. Anne Gerwig, Dean Kimberly Lancaster and Honors College Director Marcella Montesinos.

PBSC Professor Allison Jimenez, a Project Overdose team member, shows how to use Naloxone.

State Rep. Anne Gerwig holds a dose of Naloxone.

Sam Bovard, community outreach director for the Hanley Foundation.

State Rep. Anne Gerwig with representatives from Palm Beach State College and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. Students were given free doses of Naloxone at one of tables.

WELLINGTON CELEBRATES NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY WITH BIG PARTY

The Village of Wellington celebrated National Senior Citizens Day on Thursday, Aug. 21 with a party for local seniors at the Wellington Community Center. The afternoon was filled with food, music and plenty of fun, all in honor of the dedication, accomplishments and contributions that seniors have made to the community. Skillets provided brunch boxes for the event.

In a report conducted after the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival, $538.2 million in economic impact was cited for Palm Beach County as a result of the 13-week event running January through March.

WEF attracts 31,000 competitors from more than 50 countries and all 50 states to Palm Beach County each year. The report was prepared for the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. The findings showed a 33 percent increase from the 2024 impact of $403.6 million, reinforcing WEF as a marquee event in the equestrian realm and a major economic driver for Palm Beach County.

“We are by far the No. 1 sport in Palm Beach County, and a lot of people count on our continued

success. Our priority is to make this the very best experience possible — and that starts with horse sport,” said Murray Kessler, CEO of Wellington International. Key figures from the 2025 report include: Increase in Total Economic Impact: $134.6 million brought to Palm Beach County’s GDP, a 33 percent growth rate from the 2024 WEF Economic Impact Report. More than doubled last year’s 14 percent growth from 2023.

Job Creation: 4,869 jobs were created across multiple industries, a 28 percent increase from 2024.

Labor Earnings: A total of $153.9 million in labor earnings was generated throughout the economy with employees earning an average wage of $31,690, a 30

percent increase from the previous year.

Lodging Industry: WEF 2025 generated 210,911 paid room nights, a 30 percent increase from 2024.

Total Horse Expenditures: The $338.68 million GDP growth (a 13 percent increase from WEF 2024) accounts for 63 percent of the total GDP impact.

Participant & Spectator Tourism Expenditures: Equivalent to $109 million and accounting for 37 percent of the total GDP impact.

Spectator Impact: Combined spectator expenditure generated $88 million in local GDP, up dramatically from last year’s $8 million.

The Winter Equestrian Festival is not only one of the largest an-

nual equestrian competitions in the world but also a cornerstone of Palm Beach County’s sports tourism economy. With participation on the rise, and economic impact at record levels, Wellington International remains committed to raising the bar. WEF 2026, scheduled for Dec. 31 through March 29, will feature more than $16 million in prize money and mark the next phase of Wellington International’s longterm vision. Significant venue upgrades and world-class amenities are planned to enhance the experience for riders, spectators and sponsors alike. These investments ensure that Wellington continues to set the global standard as the premier destination for horse sport for generations to come.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Margie Cruzado, Claris Anderson, Monique Lananna and Alicia Costello.

Entertainer Junior Stevens leads the dancers on stage.

Bob Nappi and Sherie Scalzitti.

Heather Navarro and Ashley Hamvik. Junior Stevens on the steel drums.

Jeff and Sue Weinstein with Deputy Casey Lussier.

Wellington’s Gus Ponce, Ian Williams and Rick Febles with Jeff Manning, Darlene Weatherford, Juan Hernandez, Richard Figueredo and Heather Navarro from Skillets.

(Seated) Ivonne Velez, Sonia Lavore and Lisa Shaul with (standing) Jenifer Brito and Deputy Brad Shouse.

(Seated) Pat Dye, Laurel Miller and Debra Vingiano with (standing) Judy Diehl and Carol Dunn.

Tsippi Melman, Bonnie Sheil, Laura Johnson, Ingrid Biegler and Joan Walter.

Jerry and Elizabeth Skrodzski.

Christian Kukuk and Checker 47

RPB Residents, Rotary Work Together On Free Library Project Again

Royal Palm Beach residents Erin and David Franklin once again partnered with the Rotary Club of Royal Palm Beach to bring additional “Little Free Libraries” to the village.

The project was part of the club’s annual literacy project spearheaded by Literacy Chair Selena Samios. The club received a grant from the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County to help fund the project. Eight kits and supplies were purchased and distributed to various Royal Palm Beach parks with the help from the Parks & Recreation Department.

“The Little Free Libraries have brought to me more joy than I expected when bringing them into the community,” Erin Franklin said. “Visitors to our parks love using them. I feel like it is a treasure hunt for books.”

Books have been donated by many, including teachers at H.L. Johnson Elementary School.

“I really love how it is such a symbol of community bringing us all together through the simple

Westlake Clerk To Be Acting City Manager

continued from page 1

Lake Clarke Shores from 2015 to 2019. From 2007 to 2015, she was assistant to the city manager of the Town of Highland Beach.

Burgess grew up in Wellington, where she still resides with her husband and two children. She is a 2001 graduate of Palm Beach Lakes High School and holds a degree in public management from Florida Atlantic University.

Though she started college with an eye toward becoming an attorney, Burgess said she shifted because, “I wanted to be out there helping families and communities.”

Burgess, a certified municipal clerk — a professional credential recognizing advanced training in records, elections and municipal law — is pursuing the master West End

County Rejects Project

The Wellington Rotary Club invites the Wellington Community to participate in our annual celebration of the United Nations World Peace Day.

Sunday, September 21st ~3pm Wellington Rotary Peace Park 1825 Royal Fern Drive

The program includes:

• PBC Sheriff’s Honor Guard

• Students and Teachers from all Wellington Schools, who participated in contests for Peace Posters, Poems, and Essays.

• We also celebrate a local member of the Wellington Community with a Peace Award and a local student to receive the “Student Motivational Award for Resolutions Today”.

• Release of the Peace Doves

The United Nations World Peace Day is observed annually to strengthen the ideals of peace worldwide. It is dedicated to the absence of war and violence and serves as a call to action for all humanity to commit to building a culture of peace.

continued from page 1 back up and come back with a proposal that hopefully they can support.”

Though gas pumps and the necessary underground fuel storage is one of the main issues, Hearing said he could not commit to the concept of developing the property without such a facility.

“We could look at a smaller station, perhaps, or other options,” he said, while suggesting that the developer and the county commissioners are “not that far apart” on the issue.

Hearing also said that statements made at several Indian Trail Improvement District meetings indicating that the project does not have a plan for required equal compensating water storage are not accurate.

shared act of giving and taking books,” Franklin said. The three groups worked together to first bring the tiny libraries to the village in 2019. “Many people have been so

municipal clerk designation. She also is a member of several local, state, national and even international organizations related to city management.

During the special meeting, council members heard from Dale Sugerman, who led their recent strategic planning sessions, that “the right candidate for Westlake will likely require $180,000 to $200,000, plus benefits.”

Sugerman warned that applicant pools are often crowded with unqualified résumés. “You’ll get everyone from restaurant district managers to franchise executives who think they can do the job. You need the right recruiter to filter those out,” he said. “A really good search will cost between $35,000 and $50,000, plus expenses.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, however, council members heard that the Florida City and County Management Association will do the search for free, “and provide us with as many candidates as we want,” Vice Mayor Greg Langowski said.

“We meet all the requirements of the code,” he said. “We don’t get this far into a project without a plan.”

Morgan said that under current development rules, no commercial construction should be allowed on that southeast corner of Northlake and Seminole Pratt where the property is currently zoned residential. He said that under the existing plan, commercial development should be limited to the west side of Seminole Pratt across from the Publix Shopping Center at Orange Blvd.

Like many, Baxter said the five acres at Seminole Pratt and Northlake are no longer conducive to residential development and too valuable to sit vacant.

“It’s just a matter of what sort of commercial goes there,” Baxter said.

In related news, Baxter said that she plans to hold a town hall meeting within the next six weeks to focus on the West End Crossing project and road issues, always a hot topic in the western commu-

appreciative and generous in helping maintain the program in Royal Palm Beach by donating books, time and libraries for our neighbors to share,” Franklin reflected.

“I don’t want to rush the search for a permanent city manager,” Mayor John Paul O’Connor has said. “I want the city to do a robust search... and hire the perfect person. But the end goal is clear — a dedicated city manager for the City of Westlake.”

In other business, the council voted 5-0 to extend for five years the contract with Waste Management Inc. for the city’s solid waste and recycling collection and disposal.

Even though Coastal Waste & Recycling came in with a slightly lower bid, Cassel said that Waste Management was graded higher by a three-person committee asked to rank the bids.

O’Connor said that it would be “irresponsible” of the city to go through such a “massive transition” while the city manager position also is in flux. The difference “isn’t worth making the change,” he said. The contract could be extended another two years, for a total of seven years.

nities where west-to-east access is limited.

As a quick update, she ticked off:

• 60th Street North from Seminole Pratt to State Road 7 is fully funded and is scheduled to be phased-in as part of a five-year plan.

• Coconut Blvd. from Northlake through the Avenir development to the Beeline Highway should be completed by the end of 2027.

• Construction at the intersection of Seminole Pratt and Northlake is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026.

• The State Road 7 Extension is under review by state appellate judges, who hopefully will allow the project to finally move forward after years of lawsuits brought by the City of West Palm Beach. • “And we need to continue to push for Seminole Pratt to go through to the Beeline,” she said. Baxter urged residents of District 6 to sign up for her e-mail newsletter to keep informed about area roads and other issues.

Discover your dream home in the highly sought-after, gated community of River Bridge! This updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse at 1007 Island Manor Drive in Greenacres, Florida offers 2,130 sq ft of comfortable living with a desirable first-floor master suite. Enjoy peace of mind with recent upgrades, including a new roof, AC, and water heater. The home boasts beautiful lake views from a screened patio, perfect for enjoying the Florida lifestyle. The River Bridge community provides an incredible array of amenities, including a clubhouse, fitness center, tennis, pickleball, a pool with a Jacuzzi, and 24/7 security. With HOA dues covering landscaping, internet, and cable, this home simplifies your life.

For more information or to schedule a showing, please contact Krystle L. Rea, PA with Sutter & Nugent, LLC at 561-707-8383.

(Left) Royal Palm Beach Rotary Literacy Chair Selena Samios with Erin and David Franklin at one of the new tiny libraries at Willows Park.

Mike Caruso Takes Office As Palm Beach County’s New Clerk & Comptroller

Mike Caruso, a certified public accountant who served seven years in the Florida House of Representatives, was sworn in Tuesday, Aug. 19 as the new Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the people of Florida,” Caruso said. “I am deeply thankful to my constituents for their trust, my colleagues for their partnership, and most especially Gov. Ron DeSantis for the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Palm Beach County in this important capacity.”

Caruso was sworn in by 15th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Glenn Kelley via Zoom at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 19. He started his

first day as clerk by administering the oath of deputy clerk to more than 200 employees, so they can act on his behalf as deputy clerks on court and county transactions that require a clerk signature. Caruso was appointed by DeSantis to replace Joseph Abruzzo, who is now serving as Palm Beach County administrator. In his new role, Caruso will serve as Palm Beach County’s public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and taxpayer money. The clerk’s position is established by the Florida Constitution as an independent officer, directly elected by and accountable to the people of Palm Beach County. “It’s great to be home, having

spent the last seven years in Tallahassee,” Caruso said during the Tuesday, Aug. 19 Palm Beach County Commission meeting. “I’m very excited and honored to take the seat of Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Palm Beach County.”

Caruso noted that his experience as a CPA and forensic auditor made him uniquely qualified to serve as clerk. He brings significant private sector experience to his new role, working as a CPA in accounting firms including KPMG and Grant Thornton International, before opening his own accounting firm, Caruso & Caruso.

His expertise as a forensic accountant has been called upon as an expert witness in multiple

Edmonds Receives President’s Lifetime Achievement Award

State Rep. Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds (D-District 88) has been awarded the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest civilian honor in the United States for volunteer service.

Signed by President Joseph R. Biden Jr. and issued by AmeriCorps and the White House, the award recognizes Edmonds for completing more than 4,000 hours of lifetime service to the nation.

Presented during Biden’s term, the award honors Edmonds’ steadfast dedication to community

uplift, public engagement and a lifelong commitment to service through leadership. He was praised by the White House for being an example of how volunteerism and purpose-driven leadership shape the American story.

In an official letter, Biden wrote that “the country is counting on you,” and commended Edmonds for his role in building a stronger nation through optimism, resilience and action.

“I didn’t get into public service to earn titles, I did it to change lives. This award is not about me.

It’s a reminder that service is our highest calling, and that when you lead with love, listen deeply and stay rooted in purpose, you can help build a future bigger than yourself,” Edmonds said.

This national recognition further cements Edmonds’ role as one of Florida’s most active and community-driven leaders. He continues to champion issues including affordable housing, education access, public safety and economic equity, proving that consistent service, both legislative and local, can create lasting change.

local and national court cases. As a legislator, Caruso built a reputation as a principled and results-driven lawmaker.

As clerk, his priorities include: modernizing vendor payment systems; protecting citizens from guardianship and real property fraud; maintaining conservative and sound investment strategies for the county’s investment portfolio; advocating for a unified searchable database among 20 judicial circuits and 67 counties to allow streamlined access to the

public across the state; and ensuring full compliance with audits.

“I look forward to bringing the same dedication, integrity and results-driven approach I’ve shown in the legislature to the Clerk’s Office,” Caruso said. “Palm Beach County deserves the most transparent, efficient and fraud-free system of public service.”

Caruso is the proud father of seven children, a champion barefoot water skier, a tennis enthusiast, and enjoys spending time at the beach with his wife and dogs.

Property Appraiser Mails TRIM Notices

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has mailed 2025 Truth in Millage (TRIM) notices to all property owners in Palm Beach County, as required by Florida law.

These notices, which are not tax bills, provide important information about each property’s market, assessed and taxable values, proposed tax rates, and exemptions.

The TRIM notice is a key tool for taxpayers to review:

• Your property value, based on the real estate market as of Jan. 1, 2025.

• Your exemptions, such as Homestead or other qualified reductions.

• Proposed millage rates (tax rates), set by various taxing authorities, including the Palm Beach County School Board, the Palm

ROYAL PALM SENIOR CELEBRATES 95TH BIRTHDAY

Royal Palm Beach senior volunteer Prudel Belle recently turned 95. She celebrated this milestone birthday with friends at Olive Garden on Saturday, Aug. 30. Belle volunteers with the Young at Heart Club and also other senior activities in Royal Palm Beach.

Our Exchange Program Is Thriving

We’d love to have you join us for the Rotary Club of Wellington Luncheon Thursday, September 18, 12:00 PM The Wanderers Club, 1900 Aeroclub Drive, Wellington $20 per non-member/includes full lunch

Please let us know if you can attend by emailing your reservation to Wellrotary1@gmail.com

One of our exchange students will be sharing his experience during the program.

Beach County Commission, municipalities and special districts.

• Budget hearing details, including the dates, times and locations where final tax rates will be decided.

The notice also includes a section on non-ad valorem assessments (such as solid waste, drainage and street lighting).

These charges are not based on property value, and the Property Appraiser’s Office does not set or collect them.

Review your notice carefully. If you disagree with your property value, classification or exemption status, now is the time to act.

Contact the Property Appraiser’s Office at (561) 355-2866 or e-mail myexemption@pbcgov.org to discuss your concerns. If an agreement cannot be reached, you may file a petition with the Palm Beach

County Value Adjustment Board. The filing deadline is Monday, Sept. 15.

“Your TRIM notice is more than just numbers — it’s your opportunity to understand your property’s valuation, ensure your exemptions are applied correctly and have a voice in setting tax rates,” Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks said. “We encourage property owners to review their notice and reach out with any questions.”

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has more than 220 professional staff members, fluent in 18 languages and five conveniently located offices to assist property owners. More information is available at www.pbcpao.gov/trim. For questions, contact (561) 355-2866 or myexemption@pbcpao.gov.

The Wellington Art Society will feature speaker Kristen Myers at a meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 5:30 to 7:45 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.).

Myers is a mixed media artist and illustrator whose work explores the intersection of spirit, nature and feminine power. She is the creator of The Wild and The Divine, a visionary coloring and reflection book that invites readers into a healing journey through art, affirmation and self-discovery. Myers’ broader body of work includes fine art prints, illustrated merchandise and personal

Wellington Art Society To Feature Kristen Myers Sept. 9 commissions. Through Animals and Spirit, her studio and brand, she creates work that blends visual storytelling with emotional depth, inviting viewers into a space of reflection and connection. Learn more about Myers at www. animalsandspirit.com. The meeting will include a demo by the featured speaker, raffle prizes, artist spotlights and refreshments. The Wellington Art Society is a nonprofit charitable organization in its 43rd year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts. For more information, visit www.wasflorida.org or www. wellingtonartsociety.org. Kristen Myers

COME CELEBRATE THE HIGH HOLIDAYS AT TEMPLE B’NAI JACOB!

5786/2025

We are a conservative synagogue serving the western communities of Palm Beach County. Our services are traditional, engaging, and inspiring, in a setting where every congregant counts!

All services are being held at Temple B’nai Jacob of wellington.

A limited number of in-person tickets are available for $150pp for non-members or 2 tickets for $250. Please Contact the temple for more information and a full schedule of services.

Rosh Hashanah Sept. 22-24

Yom Kippur October 1-2

Yiskor October 2nd

12794 W Forest Hill Blvd, #6 Wellington, Fl 33414

561-793-4347

WWW.templeBnaijacoB.org templeBnaijacoB@gmail.com

Prudel Belle celebrates with some cake.

Friends gather around Prudel Belle at Olive Garden.

RPB Senior Programs Supervisor Shakeera Thomas with Prudel Belle.

Mike Caruso takes the oath of office, accompanied by his wife Tracy.

This summer, we hosted a student from Italy and sent one of our students to Italy in return. We’re also delighted to share that a full-time student from Germany is now attending Palm Beach Central High School, hosted by one of our members. The program has been a great success, thank you.

Left to right: Federico exchange student from Italy, Maria Fernanda Cruz, and William Coburn, hosted student from our exchange program

Rabbi

Daniel Krimsky

Cantor

Shandyl adler

Representatives from the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing at FAU: (front row) Alicia Velastegui, Kristen Flood, Lourdes Sprinckmoller, Rupuni Haque, Dr. Lisa Wiese, Mayor Jeff Hmara, Deklyn Falkner and Karin Haig; and (back row) Adefemi Obisanya and Nicolas Bukley.

Ronni Kaplan with Dallas.

Councilwoman Sylvia Sharps with birds Dallas and Santini.

Entertainers Garth Bright and Andrea Carroll perform.

Clara Jimenez with Santini.

Jenny Lopez won a prize from Johana Jimenez of Dedicated Senior Medical Center.

Shakeera Thomas with her daughter Skyler Ghezelaiagh.

Andres Palacio, Monique Lananna, Margie Cruzado, Sydney Martinez and Alicia Costello.

(Seated) Patty McFarland and Edna Alejando; and (standing) Elissa Harte, Barbara Searles and Mayor Jeff Hmara.

Linda Foutty with Dallas, a blue and gold macaw.

Hygee Smith, Pamela Ward, Maureen Wallace, George Skervin and Margie Cruzado.

Monique Lananna with Dallas.

The

Emily Kurian sings the Indian national anthem, and Anjana Vijin sings the American national anthem.

Jace Brown on stage.

Keerthana Vimal performs.

Retheesh Chithralaya speaks.

Adrika Sarker and Alison Mini Kuruvila on stage.

Sanil Prakash performs.

“Tug of Words” winner Janaki Raj is presented with a certificate by Biju Thonikkadavil.

Deepak Vasudevan and Gowri Deepak sing.

Emcees Anjana Anil and Arjun Sunil.

Benjamin Thadavanal as King Maahabali with Mayor Jeff Hmara.

Mayor Jeff Hmara takes part in the candle lighting ceremony as Kerala Association President Mathew Thomas looks on.

Benjamin Thadavanal arrives, dressed as King Mahabali.

Ladies waiting to honor and welcome King Mahabali with flowers.

Sajitha Raj, Sanil Prakash, Ramya Sudhagar, Elizabeth Jose, Sherin Leo, Charutha Balram, Juna Thomas, Rohini Nair, Aisal Brown and Lona DSouza.

Rachel and Helan Sebastian dance. Arya and Anjana Anil dance.

Music and flowers honor King Mahabali on stage.

Babu George, Jijo Jose, Mathew Thomas, Mayor Jeff and Carolyn Hmara, and Biju Thonikkadavil.

Kerala Association President Mathew Thomas greets King Mahabali.

RPBHS Off To 2-0 Start As Weather Impacts Football Season

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

During the first two weeks of the high school football season, the weather has played a big role, impacting both practices and games. Three local high school football programs — Wellington High School, Seminole Ridge High School and the King’s Academy — have had one of their two games postponed because of stormy weather.

Royal Palm Beach High School

— The Wildcats from Royal Palm Beach High School are off to a strong start. After two games, they are 2-0, thanks to a stringy defense and an aggressive offense.

On Friday, Aug. 22 against Port St. Lucie High School, the Wildcats blanked the visiting Jaguars, 43-0. The following week, the Wildcats traveled to Greenacres to play the Lancers at John I. Leonard

High School on Thursday, Aug. 28. There, Royal Palm Beach also kept the opposition scoreless and won 56-0.

The Wildcats’ next game will be on Friday, Sept. 5, when Royal Palm Beach hosts the Chargers from Suncoast High School. On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Wildcats will travel to Palm Beach Gardens to play the Panthers from William T. Dwyer High School in an allimportant Class 5A, District 12 game. Both games are scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. Offensively, Royal Palm Beach has been led by junior quarterback Max Griner, senior running back Tyree Pearson and sophomore wide receiver Demetrius Gibson. After two games, Griner has completed 70 percent of his passes and has thrown five touchdown passes. Pearson is averaging 101 rushing yards and has run for

three touchdowns, while Gibson has caught four touchdown passes.

Royal Palm Beach head coach Sam Curry said his squad is playing well, but there are still some areas that need improvement.

“We are working on minimizing penalties, the offensive line needs to be more physical and stronger at the point of contact, and our overall team chemistry needs to get better,” Curry said.

Wellington High School — The Wolverines opened their season with a pair of Thursday night away games. In the season opener on Thursday, Aug. 21 at Centennial High School in Port St. Lucie, the game was interrupted by bad weather and was not completed. No date has been set to complete the game.

In week two, Wellington visited the Trojans of Lake Worth High School. After four quarters, the game was tied 6-6. In overtime, Wellington placekicker David Reyes kicked a 35-yard field goal to propel Wellington to a 9-6 victory.

WHS head football coach Pete Walker is delighted with his team’s attitude and competitive mindset.

“They are competing hard,” said Walker, who is now in his 23rd year as a high school head football coach, but his first at Wellington.

Wellington’s home opener is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 5 against the Cobras from Park Vista High School. The kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. After a bye week, Wellington returns to the gridiron on Friday, Sept. 19, when they visit the Sharks at Spanish River High School for 6:30 p.m. kickoff.

The King’s Academy — The Lions, under the direction of head coach Dan Burack, are 0-1.

TKA opened its regular season on Friday, Aug. 22 on the road against longtime rival St. Andrew’s School from Boca Raton. In that contest, the Scots defeated the Lions, 28-24. In that game, the Lions trailed at halftime, 14-

9. They took the lead after three quarters, 17-14. However, in the fourth quarter, St. Andrew’s outscored TKA 14-7 to pull out the 28-24 victory.

In week two, TKA played its home opener on Friday, Aug. 29 against Fort Pierce Westwood. In that game, the Lions were leading 21-8 at halftime and at the 1:18 mark of the third quarter when the game was halted due to dangerous weather. No date has been set for the game’s completion.

In week three, TKA hosted longtime Broward County rival Gulliver Prep on Thursday, Sept. 4. The result of that game was not available at press time. After a bye next week, the Lions resume their season on Friday, Sept. 19, traveling to Delray Beach to play the American Heritage Stallions. Burack loves the intensity that his players are bringing to practices and games.

“Our players are gritty, and they don’t shy away from contact,” he said.

The early season statistical

High School Classmates Are Divided On The Football Gridiron

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Two Berean Christian School student-athletes are having unique and unforgettable senior football season experiences. Steven Sistrunk and Roshiloh Richards are academic classmates by day and rival football opponents by night. While both Sistrunk and Richards have played varsity football for Berean for the last three years, they were left without a team to play on this fall when Berean announced this past spring that it was suspending its football program due to a lack of participation.

“The Berean Christian School football program is on pause for

the 2025-26 school year to allow for a thorough evaluation of its viability going forward,” Athletic Director Doug Walters explained. That left Sistrunk and Richards, both of whom are enrolled at Berean as seniors, with three athletic options. They could not play a sport at all; or they could play another varsity sport this fall at Berean, such as golf, cross country or swimming; or they could choose another area high school team to play football for. The third option was legal, according to the rules of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), since Berean’s football program has been put on hold. With those three options on the

table, Sistrunk decided to go west to play for the Hawks at Seminole Ridge High School, and Richards elected to travel north to play for the Gators at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

To date, both are delighted with their decisions.

“Seminole Ridge is a top-notch program,” said Sistrunk, 17, who plays middle linebacker on defense, fullback on offense and as a member of the kickoff return unit.

“There’s great energy with the players and coaches. The coaches have helped me develop as a player in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The coaches have pushed me to get better and play my hardest.”

“It has been an awesome experience,” added Richards, 17, who plays as an outside linebacker on defense, fullback on offense, and as a member of two special team units, kickoff and kick returns. “The coaches have been a tremendous help to me.”

Both players spent this past summer training and performing off-season conditioning workouts with their respective new teams, which allowed them the chance to acclimatize themselves with their new coaches and teammates.

In the opening week of the 2025 fall football season, Palm Beach Gardens lost to Atlantic High School, 49-19, and Seminole Ridge fell to Glades Central High

School, 38-14, in Belle Glade. Their memories of week one of this football season are vivid for both Sistrunk and Richards.

“It was cool playing a football game out in Belle Glade,” Sistrunk recalled. “There was a good crowd during the game. The atmosphere out there was filled with energy.”

“My favorite memory of the first game was the band,” Richards said. “I have never been able to play football with a band in the background. Overall, the game was extremely fun.”

While every football game

on the schedule will be its own unique experience, the game that’s circled on the calendar for both players will be on Friday, Sept. 26, when Palm Beach Gardens hosts Seminole Ridge. It will be an FHSAA Class 6A, District 12 encounter. Naturally, both Sistrunk and Richards expect their own respective teams to prevail in this year’s matchup. Clearly, this year’s Seminole Ridge-Palm Beach Gardens football game will be another memorable chapter for this pair of Berean senior student-athletes.

Football players Steven Sistrunk and Roshiloh Richards are classmates at Berean Christian School.

RPBHS coach Sam Curry speaks to his players during a time out.

RPBHS coach Sam Curry patrols the sidelines during the season opener against Port St. Lucie High School.

Roshiloh Richards scores (left) and Steven Sistrunk plays middle linebacker (right) while playing for Berean last season.

Golfers Gathered In RPB For Annual Labor Day Tournament

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

On Labor Day morning, 130 golfers converged on the Village Golf Club in Royal Palm Beach for the 14th annual Red, White & Blue scramble golf tournament. It was a “shotgun” format that started at 8 a.m. According to Director of Golf Carl Pesant, everybody in the field had a good time.

“We made the golfers ‘labor’ on Labor Day, and they all enjoyed the experience,” Pesant said.

The first-place team — which shot a 12-under-par round of 60 — included Grant Newton, John Miller, Jack Azulay and Reynaldo Almeida. Each person received a

$100 gift certificate that can be redeemed for merchandise at the Village Golf Club pro shop.

Two teams tied for second with 10-under-par rounds of 62. Pesant used a tiebreaker to determine which team finished in second and which finished in third.

“We had to match the cards of the two teams tied at 62. One team had a better score on the most difficult hole on the golf course, and that’s how we broke the tie,” Pesant explained.

The second-place team consisted of Ed Arndt, Tim Glennon, Joe Zito and Nick Randell. Each player received a $50 gift certificate to be used at the pro shop.

The third-place team was Phil Camarda, Warren Watt, Jim Marshall and Michael Kiley. Each player received a $35 gift certificate to be used at the pro shop.

According to Pesant, the shot of the day was struck by Joe Greco, whose tee shot on the 190-yard, par-three 14th hole was almost a hole-in-one. Greco’s ball finished 11 inches from the cup. Greco’s team made the short putt for the birdie and recorded a six-under-par round of 66.

Going into the tournament, one of the favored teams included five-time club champion Michael Barnes (2019, 2020, 2022, 2024 and 2025) and one-time club

The Kravis Center Celebrates National Dance Day Sept. 20

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts invites everyone to don their favorite dance shoes and make time to move during National Dance Day on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Serving once again as the official National Dance Day host for South Florida, the Kravis Center has a full lineup of free workshops and classes, including line-dancing, hip-hop, ballet and more, featuring expert-led activities for everyone.

“We are honored to once again welcome everyone as the official South Florida host of National Dance Day,” said Tracy C. But-

ler, senior director of education.

“Dancers and movers of all ages and abilities are invited to join us in the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion for an entire day of free events, led by our dance professionals. Dancing not only promotes better physical and mental health but is also a way to connect us together as a community. National Dance Day is a perfect opportunity to try something new, or to rediscover the joy dancing brings to your life.”

The national observance, recognized by Congress, is dedicated to supporting and sharing the joys and benefits of dance and movement. This year’s National Dance

Day is presented in collaboration with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.; the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts; and the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, California.

Participants are encouraged to register for free in advance for the National Dance Day workshops online at www.kravis.org.

For full event details, visit www. kravis.org/national-dance-day, The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

champion Peter Bisconti (2023). They were joined by Jaye Saline and Tim Carr. That foursome shot a seven-under-par round of 65, which was five shots off the winning total.

Football Tough Start For Broncos

continued from page 17 tough start to the season for the Broncos. After the first two weeks of the season, Palm Beach Central is 0-2.

The Broncos opened their season at home on Friday, Aug. 22 against Pahokee. The visiting Blue Devils led after each of the first three quarters. Entering the fourth quarter, Pahokee led 21-12. Palm Beach Central rallied and

After the tournament was played, all the golfers met for an Italian-themed lunch inside the clubhouse. The food was prepared by Dibartolo’s in West Palm Beach.

outscored Pahokee, 13-6, in the final 12 minutes of the game, but the visitors walked away with a narrow 27-25 victory.

The following week, the Broncos traveled south to play the Bulls from West Boca Raton High School, which won the FHSAA’s Class 6A state title last year. That game was played Thursday, Aug. 28, and West Boca dominated from the outset, winning 50-7. In week three, Palm Beach Central returns home to face the Sharks from Spanish River High School on Friday, Sept. 5. In week four, Palm Beach Central plays on

The Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department needs your help to participate in the national Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz campaign.

Organized by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, this annual campaign is aimed at raising public awareness about the importance of pollinators and positioning parks as national leaders in advancing pollinator health and Pollinators are a vital component of the ecosystem, and an essential link to the world’s food supply. According to a poll conducted by NRPA, nearly all

tournament was $100 per player. Learn more about the Village Golf Club at www.villagegolf. club.

the road against Santaluces High School on Friday, Sept. 12. Offensively, Palm Beach Central senior quarterback Chance Routson has thrown for three touchdowns and has run for two more. Defensively, senior middle linebacker Antoine Sharp is averaging seven tackles per game and has three quarterback sacks after two games. Seminole Ridge High School — The Hawks from Seminole Ridge High School opened their season on the road in Belle Glade against the Raiders from Glades Central High School on Friday, Aug. 22. The Raiders won the game, 38-14. The following Friday, Seminole Ridge had its scheduled home opener against Spanish River. That game never started due to stormy conditions. It is expected to be played on Monday, Sept. 8 at Seminole Ridge. In the upcoming weeks, the Hawks (0-1) will play at home. On Friday, Sept. 5, the Blue Devils from

that promoting pollinator health should be a conservation priority across the United States. Promoting pollinator health includes protecting against the decline and death of pollinators, such as bees and other insects, and increasing their habitat, making it vital to take action on pollinator protection.

Throughout September, the department is encouraging individuals to explore nature and wildlife in Palm Beach County and find as many species as possible to create a snapshot of the county’s biodiversity.

To participate, join the Parks for Pollinators 2025: Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation project via the iNaturalist app or web

various plant and animal pollinators found in parks, natural areas, backyards and other locations throughout the county. To download the iNaturalist app, go to the app store on your phone or visit www.inaturalist.org. Share your BioBlitz activity results by sending photos to the department on Facebook and Instagram @pbcparks, or by e-mail to pbcparks@pbc.gov. Other ways to participate in Parks for Pollinators in September include attending a program at Palm Beach County nature centers or Riverbend Park that is specific to learning about pollinators. To learn more about Parks for Pollinators, visit www.nrpa.org/

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Our Community Cares at www.ourcommunitycaresfl.org.

Michael “Mike” Nelson

January 28, 1945 - August 8, 2025

Michael H. Nelson, lovingly known as “Mikeapedia” for his encyclopedic knowledge of Wellington, passed away on August 8, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on January 28, 1945, Mike moved to Miami in middle school with his parents and younger sister, Janice. Mike later moved to Clearwater, and then made Wellington his home in 1984.

Mike’s career included Bank President, Owner of Distinctive Homes, a local property management company, and as Owner of Effective Solutions, a local government affairs consulting company specializing in helping landowners navigate the governmental process of land development.

Mike’s love for Wellington extended far beyond his professional work. As past president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, a former Rotary member, and numerous other volunteer roles, he helped shape the community he cherished.

Mike is survived by his wife, Kathy Foster, son Jack Michael Nelson, daughters Kelly Nelson Warren (Benny) of Jacksonville, Florida, Kimberly Nelson Kelshian (Rob) of Fairfax, Virginia, step-son Michael Povilatis (Erica) of Taos, New Mexico; sisters Jan Nelson Parker (Dan) of Brooksville, Florida, and Francine Nelson of Wellington; and 10 grandchildren who brought him great joy.

A private service will be held for family.

The charge to play in the Red, White & Blue golf

Kevin Thompson returns this season as coach for the Broncos.

Shakespeare Festival Announces Three Shows, Including ‘Macbeth’ In RPB

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, the county’s longest-running professional theater company, recently announced its upcoming 2025-26 season, which features a collaboration with Palm Beach Atlantic University and a Shakespeare by the Sea original premiere. The season line-up includes the PBAU collaboration production of Romeo & Juliet on Oct. 2-4 at the Fern Street Theater; the sixth annual Shakespeare by the Palms presentation of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth on Feb. 13-16 at a new location in the Veterans Park Amphitheater in Royal Palm Beach; and the 36th anniversary Shakespeare by the Sea pre-

miere of the original production, Falstaff: Shakespeare’s Greatest Invention at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Carlin Park, Jupiter, from July 9-19. In addition to its professional productions, the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival officially launches its in-school Sharing Shakespeare educational programs. Underwritten by Gary and Katherine Parr, the program includes interactive performances of selected scenes from the spring production of Macbeth , with company actors and its director breaking down the history, language and methods of performing each scene. Additionally, the festival will

LOCAL TWIRLERS WIN INDIVIDUAL MEDALS

Team Solid Gold recently announced that team soloists brought home 20 individual medals from the AAU 2025 Junior Olympic Games in Texas. The girls twirled one, two and three batons during the event to score in the top three in their divisions. Team Solid Gold is proud to be part of the Royal Palm Beach High School Community Education Program. Classes are open to anyone who would love to twirl or march in local parades. To learn more, call the school at (561) 753-4071 or Coach Debbey at (561) 719-9023.

bring its fall production of Romeo & Juliet to the Kravis Center as a part of the educational S*T*A*R* Series on Oct. 27-29.

“Following our incredible anniversary season, we are so excited to bring more of the Bard to the community through an added fall production and the official launch of our Sharing Shakespeare educational programming,” Managing Producer Elizabeth Dashiell said.

“Despite multiple years of funding cuts, we are able to expand our offerings thanks to our longtime cultural partnerships with PBAU and the Kravis Center, as well as the School District of Palm Beach

County, and our season sponsors, Gary and Katherine Parr. The arts are for everyone, and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure access to the language, history, critical thinking and more that the works of William Shakespeare brings to us all. All of our productions are presented at low or no cost to our students and patrons to remove as many socioeconomic barriers as possible from seeing these great works as they were meant to be enjoyed — live on stage.”

The sixth annual Shakespeare by the Palms production of Macbeth will take place Feb. 13-16 at

7 p.m. at the Veterans Park Amphitheater, located at 1036 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Have a bloody good time over Valentine’s Day weekend with the couple that truly “slays.” Shakespeare’s macabre tale recounts the tragic story of General Macbeth, who is told by three witches that he will be king of Scotland. Encouraged by his wife, Macbeth kills the king and takes the throne, fulfilling the witches’ prophecy. But once on the throne, the couple find that “blood will have blood” and they, and the country, will never be the same.

Shakespeare by the Palms is

presented by the Village of Royal Palm

U.S. Polo Assn. To Sponsor Palm Beaches Marathon

U.S. Polo Assn., the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), has agreed to a multi-year partnership as the new title sponsor of the Palm Beaches Marathon. The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon, a race owned and managed by Ken Kennerly’s K2 Sports Ventures, will be held in downtown West Palm Beach on Dec. 13-14.

This renowned marathon event is recognized for its beautiful views of the waterfront and palmtree-lined streets. It welcomes runners from across the country and around the world to the warmth of Florida during the cold winter months. It is also a qualifier for the legendary Boston Marathon.

“U.S. Polo Assn. is honored to be the title sponsor of the Palm Beaches Marathon, an iconic event that, like our brand, is deeply rooted in this vibrant community of Palm Beach County,” said J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, the company that oversees the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

“While our sport-inspired brand has a worldwide footprint in more than 190 countries, our heart and heritage are right here in the Palm Beaches, home to USPA Global, the United States Polo Association, and the USPA National Polo Center, the most prestigious polo destination in the world.”

The race weekend will include the 5K and 10K at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, followed by the featured marathon, half marathon and marathon relay on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 6 a.m. Early registration is now open. The cost is $130 for the marathon and $100 for the half marathon. The early registration

fee for the 10K is $60 and $45 for the 5K. To register, visit www. palmbeachmarathon.com.

A Health and Fitness Expo will coincide with race packet pickup on Friday, Dec. 12, from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Meyer Amphitheatre (104 Datura St., West Palm Beach). The expo will feature the latest in health and fitness products and services, running apparel and upcoming race information.

“We are excited to add a renowned global brand like U.S. Polo Assn. as the title sponsor of the Palm Beaches Marathon,” Kennerly said. “This is a massive deal for the future of our race and its appeal to runners throughout the world. The Palm Beaches are a globally recognized blue-chip destination, and we are looking forward to continuing to grow the race not only in our community, but also on an international level.”

U.S. Polo Assn. brand products include apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories, luggage, watches, shoes, home furnishings and more, with distribution across 190 countries through independent retail stores, department stores, U.S. Polo Assn. brand stores and e-commerce.

“Partnering with the Palm Beaches Marathon allows us to celebrate athletic excellence, community spirit, health and wellness, as well as the shared passion for sport that connects us locally and around the world. From the polo fields to the streets of Palm Beach, we are inspired by the athletes who give their all, and we look forward to sharing in the energy, camaraderie and world-class competition

that make the Palm Beaches Marathon truly special,” Prince added.

The race will support local charities, soon to be announced.

WPBF 25 will return as the official broadcast station of the race and will provide extensive pre- and post-race coverage on all on-air and digital channels, as well as produce a live broadcast on marathon race morning.

“WPBF 25 is thrilled to extend our partnership for a second year in a row as the official broadcast station of the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon, reaffirming our commitment to help bring such a unique and exciting event like this to our community,” President and General Manager Caroline Taplett said. “Working together with our incredible partners, Ken Kennerly and the marathon team, we are dedicated to promoting a more connected community, supporting local businesses, and inspiring participants, locally, nationally and internationally to join us in beautiful South Florida for this one-of-a-kind experience.” Visit www.palmbeachmarathon. com to learn more about the event.

Genbu-Kai Karate recently announced the advancement of two Ninja (4- to 6-year-old) students to their first ranks. Elliott Ford and Raphael Da Costa have been training for the past two months and did an excellent job during their recent testing evaluations.

The Ninja program incorporates basic karate skills while focusing on eight life skills (focus, teamwork, control, balance, memory, discipline, fitness and coordination). It is a prep class for the junior karate program.

Genbu-Kai Karate offers classes in Japanese Karate, Okinawan Kobudo (weapons) and Batto-Do (the Japanese art of cutting with the katana). There are classes for ages 4 to 6, 7 to 12, and 13 and older.

Genbu-Kai Karate is located in the Extra Space Storage Mall next to Domino’s Pizza at 10200 Fox Trail Road South,

PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Wellington Resident Gets Award From National Aeronautic Association

The National Aeronautic Association (NAA) announced Tuesday, Aug. 19 that longtime Wellington resident Doug Matthews has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Frank G. Brewer Trophy.

The Brewer Trophy, established in 1943, honors significant contributions of enduring value to aerospace education in the United States and is housed at the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.

“The Brewer Trophy serves as a testament to Doug’s extraordinary

educational achievements,” said Amy Spowart, president and CEO of the NAA. “Doug’s unwavering dedication and commitment to providing sources of instruction to aerospace learners are truly inspiring. His ascent from learner to teacher and imparting knowledge at every step of his journey is a powerful demonstration of the transformative power of education, perseverance and dedication. His dedication is nothing short of inspirational.”

For more than 60 years, Matthews has committed himself to

training, teaching and educating the world’s aviation community. His innovations have spawned industries, improved educational methods and opportunities, and help people around the world train. Matthews is one of the world’s top vintage aircraft instructors. In 1984, he established the Matthews Scholarship for MBAs at the Goizueta Graduate Business School at Emory University in Atlanta. He also provides the foundational funding for the Matthews Aviation Scholarship, which supports several young pilots in

obtaining their flying licenses and ratings through FAA commercial, instrument and multi-engine.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to receive this extraordinary recognition,” Matthews said.

“Receiving this award is a reminder of the amazing people in my life who have supported me along the way. It serves as a reminder of the incredible opportunities I have been given, and I am grateful for each and every one of them.”

The 2025 Brewer Trophy will be presented at the NAA Fall Awards on Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C.

Wellington’s Sulzberger Joins Literacy Coalition Board

The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County has appointed seven literacy supporters to its board of directors, including Cynthia Sulzberger of Wellington.

Sulzberger is a retired reading specialist, philanthropist and accomplished equestrian. She volunteers as a tutor with the Literacy Coalition’s Building Better Readers and Read with Me programs.

Also joining the board are: Travis Foels of Palm Beach Gardens, a Jones Foster shareholder in West Palm Beach. He represents businesses, individuals and municipalities in civil litigation. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida Levin College of Law and earned membership in the prestigious Order of the Coif.

Nancy Haviland of Palm Beach Gardens, a dedicated advocate

for children’s health, education and literacy. She volunteers as a tutor with the Literacy Coalition’s Building Better Readers program at Jupiter Elementary School.

Adam Hodges of Palm Beach Gardens, an attorney at Holland & Knight in West Palm Beach. He focuses his practice on fraud investigation and litigation, with a specific emphasis on healthcare and insurance-focused fraud.

Stacey-Anne Johnson of Boca Raton, a senior vice president and private client manager with Bank of America Private Bank in Palm Beach. Previously, she served as an associate banker at Citi Private Bank and as a branch manager at Citi.

Bill Orlove of Boynton Beach, a senior manager in marketing and communications at NextEra Energy Inc. He leads a team re-

sponsible for internal and external communications for all the company’s power-generating facilities, including natural gas, wind, solar, battery and nuclear.

Jared Wellman of Lake Worth, library director at the Lynn University Library in Boca Raton. He manages and develops digital resources to align the library’s resources and services with Lynn University’s educational enterprise, vision and mission.

The Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County provides adult and family literacy programs, children’s literacy programs and the Literacy AmeriCorps program, all aimed at improving quality of life by promoting and achieving literacy.

For more information, visit www.literacypbc.org or call (561) 279-9103.

McDonald Honorary Chair Of Holiday Lunch

Amy Considine and Manda Galin, co-chairs of the 10th annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon, recently announced that Danielle McDonald will serve as honorary chair for the event. McDonald has been a major sponsor of the luncheon and has been a loyal supporter of Grandma’s Place since 2019. The luncheon committee is already hard at work planning the event. Committee members include Susy Burrowes, Angelica Cimminella, Margaret Donnelley, Sunny Hawkins, Barbara Hollender, Jourdan Isasi, Brittney Jones, Eleanor Jones, Mary Lewis Moews, Rossanna Mora, Elizabeth Nunez, Madison O’Connell,

The luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Sailfish Club starts at 11:30 a.m. with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch there will be a small live auction while CBS12 News Anchor Liz Quirantes once again serves as the celebrity emcee. The auction proceeds benefit Grandma’s Place, which provides housing, compassionate loving care, educational opportunities and support to the most vulnerable children and families in the community, including emergency shelter for foster children and respite care to the caregivers of children with special needs. Tickets are $225 per person or tables for $2,250. To receive

the event, call Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 376-0488, e-mail roxanne@ grandmasplacepb.org or pay on-

“Matthews’ contributions to aviation education have left an indelible mark. His innovative training methods, comprehensive manuals and rigorous classes have equipped aspiring pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a fiercely competitive field,” nominator Lou Nemeth of CAE said. “His legacy is evident in the thousands of pilots he has trained, who continue to uphold the highest standards of safety and professionalism in aviation. We are deeply appreciative of his significant contributions.”

Troop 125 Camps At Daytona Speedway

More than 50 Scouts and leaders from Troop 125 in Wellington recently took part in a unique camping experience at the Daytona International Speedway.

The group set up camp in the infield of the legendary racetrack, where Scouts had the opportunity to work on rank advancements and strengthen their skills in the outdoors. Adding a personal touch to the experience, one of the troop leaders crafted a custom woggle — a traditional neckerchief slide — that became a special keepsake for the Scouts.

In addition to their rank work, some Scouts took advantage of the lake inside the speedway, where they were able to catch fish and put their angling skills to use.

Beyond camping, the Scouts enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look

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Wellington and Royal Palm Beach residents competed successfully at the prestigious Sundance Classic statewide dance competition held at the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa on Aug. 21-24 in the categories of International Standard, American Ballroom and Ameri-

Doug Matthews

Danielle McDonald

Cynthia Sulzberger

Scouts from Troop 125 at the Daytona International Speedway.

exciting race, where many of the Scouts found themselves cheering for William Byron, a NASCAR driver and proud Eagle Scout. The connection between Scouting and success on the track made for an inspiring end to

WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOSTS SUCCESSFUL CURRICULUM NIGHT

Wellington Elementary School hosted Curriculum Night on Wednesday, Aug. 27. It was a great opportunity for parents to find out what their child will be learning this year and how they can support them. The sessions were split up with grades K to 2 coming earlier, then grades 3 to 5 later. Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan and Assistant Principal Donna Dekersky greeted all the parents as they entered. There were also school spirit wear items to buy, and PTO members and staff were on hand to answer questions. Shown here are the fifth-grade teachers, the last to leave for the evening. (Front row) Kim Portilla and Ally Goldstein; (middle row) Matt Campbell, Sadiona Deda and Lisa Robinson; and (back row) Kristine Frey and Kelly Small.

Over the summer, the Royal Palm Beach High School Navy JROTC program hosted a marksmanship camp during the week of July 28 to Aug. 1 with the support of the Navy League. Campers began their week with introductions, learned the fundamentals of handling and using a rifle, and had the opportunity to spend time on the range. Aside from RPBHS, several other organizations and schools participated, like the Atlantic High Army JROTC, the Seminole Ridge Army JROTC, the Forest Hill Army JROTC, the Jupiter Langley Sea Cadets and the Young Marines. Forest Hill had their best shooting performance during the week.

WES VPK FAMILIES ENJOY THEIR DONATED BOOKS

Philanthropy Tank Honored By PBC School Board For 10 Years Of Service

Philanthropy Tank was recently honored by the School District of Palm Beach County for reaching the milestone of 10 years of service to students. Through Philanthropy Tank, hundreds of Palm Beach County students have turned their ideas into meaningful programs that address real challenges right in our backyard. The mentoring and funding that the Philanthropy Tank program provides have helped students develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills and fostered a culture of service and innovation that will

continue to shape the future. Philanthropy Tank has also partnered with the school district to establish Philanthropy Tank clubs in schools across the county. The clubs started with the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts and Suncoast High School. Clubs are being added at Spanish River High School, Park Vista High School this school year. These clubs will encourage even more students to launch initiatives to solve problems facing our community.

“As we celebrate this 10-year milestone, I want to express my

sincere appreciation for the partnership of the School District of Palm Beach County,” said Amy Brand, Philanthropy Tank CEO.

“With their continued support, we look forward to many more years of uplifting and empowering the next generation of leaders in Palm Beach County.”

Brand was joined at the school board meeting by Michael Kohner, co-founder of Philanthropy Tank; Joshua Burnston, president of the Suncoast Philanthropy Tank Club; Cathryn and Jackson Murray, founders of My Allergy is Driving Me Nuts,

a Philanthropy Tank 2025-26 program; and Luke and Chase Barenburg, founders of DuNation, a Philanthropy Tank 2025-26 program and co-presidents of the newly formed Park Vista Philanthropy Tank Club.

Founded in 2015, the nonprofit Philanthropy Tank challenges, empowers and equips student “changemakers” to develop and execute sustainable initiatives and solutions to solve problems in their communities while developing youth leaders.

For additional information, visit www.philanthropytank.org.

Virginia Savietto, Gloria Branch, Michael Kohner, Erica Whitfield, Karen Brill, Joshua Burnston, Jackson Murray, Cathryn Murray, Superintendent Michael Burke, Luke Barenburg, Marcia Andrews, Amy Brand, Edwin Ferguson, Chase Barenburg and Matthew Lane.

Shown here

Cathy Eckstein’s VPK students reading

Children’s Services Council for the donation.

The Endres brothers, Orion, Atlas, Talen and Killian, read the new book together.

Daxton, Asher and Paisley King read together.

VPK student Cristina Caesar gets read to by sister Sophia.

Swank Specialty Produce Announces Table Series & Farmers Market

The Swank Table 2025-26 season has arrived, bringing 10 themed dinners featuring South Florida’s finest chefs, brewers and musicians — all in support of local charities. Guests will gather under the twinkling lights of Swank Specialty Produce’s 20acre Loxahatchee Groves farm for unforgettable evenings that blend seasonal menus, craft beverages and live entertainment. Now in its 17th season, the series continues its mission to celebrate local agriculture, showcase top culinary talent and raise funds for deserving organizations. This year’s lineup features first-

time chef appearances and fun new themes: Funk on the Farm in collaboration with the Kravis Center, a roaring 1920s Speakeasy experience complete with vintage attire and a secret password, an all-female chef Italian feast (Hot Pink Tomato), the authentic South African Braai with internationally acclaimed bassist Bakithi Kumalo, and a foot-stomping Full Moon Hoe Down to celebrate Swank’s 25th anniversary. Beloved traditions like Throwback to the ’70s and the ever-chic White Party return for another season.

Leading the culinary charge once again is Swank’s own resi-

Horizon Makes A Splash For Safety With Gift To Every Child A Swimmer

As part of its year-long 40th anniversary celebration that kicked off in May, Horizon Pool & Patio continues to honor four decades of community service, most recently by advocating water safety education for local youth.

In mid-August, thanks in part to ticket purchases by Horizon customers, the company donated $1,000 to Every Child A Swimmer, a nonprofit on a mission to reduce childhood drownings through lifesaving swimming lessons, regardless of financial need. The funds were raised through the raffle of a gift basket valued at more than $500, including a $250 Horizon Pool & Patio gift card.

“Seeing our customers rally around this cause has been truly inspiring. We’re incredibly grateful to all who helped make this milestone meaningful. It’s not just about pools — it’s about building safer futures together,” said Chuck

Grove, president and founder of Horizon Pool & Patio. Every Child A Swimmer is a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to giving every child the gift of water safety. By providing full scholarships for age-appropriate, lifesaving swim lessons, the organization partners with certified instructors and community groups to reduce childhood drowning rates and build confidence in and around the water. Learn more at www.everychildaswimmer.org.

Established in 1985, Horizon Pool & Patio has been a trusted leader in pool and spa services, renovations and retail solutions in Wellington for four decades. The company specializes in pool maintenance, equipment installation and repair, and complete renovations. Its retail store in the Wellington Plaza features a wide selection of products. Learn more at www.horizonpool.com.

dent chef, Jon Sarmiento, whose innovative approach and deep connection to the farm’s produce set the tone for each dinner. From fresh, pesticide-free vegetables to micro-greens and edible flowers, the farm’s bounty takes center stage at these events, supported by local partners. Sponsors of Swank Table include Mr. Greens, Independent Seafood, Palm Beach Illustrated, Miami Club Spirits, Jon Wine, Cumbres Coffee and more.

In addition to the Swank Table series, Swank Specialty Produce will host its fifth annual Farmer’s Market starting on Saturday, Oct.

11. This free market, open every Saturday through May from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., offers fresh produce, live music and a wide selection of goods from more than 25 local vendors.

The season will kick off on Nov. 16 with “Funk on the Farm” and continue on Dec. 14 with “Farmers Market Réveillon.”

Dates in 2026 include “Dinner at the Speakeasy” on Jan. 11; “Hot Pink Tomato: An Italian Feast” on Jan. 25; “Full Moon Hoe Down” on Feb. 1; “South African Braai” on Feb. 15; “Throwback to the ’70s” on Feb. 22; “Global Spice: Mediterranean” on March 8;

“Memphis Blues” on March 22; and “15th Annual White Party” on April 12.

Founded by Jodi and Darrin Swank, Swank Specialty Produce is a hydroponic farm regionally famous for its 350 varieties of pesticide-free vegetables, edible flowers and micro-greens. The 20-acre farm also features an expansive pole barn and stage. The farm and farmhouse are also available for private events and weddings. The farm is located at 14311 North Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Learn more at www. swankspecialtyproduce.com.

Flagship Premium Cinemas Will Renovate And Re-Open Wellington Movie Theater

FP Cinemas LLC and Bruce Strumpf Inc. recently announced plans for Flagship Premium Cinemas to take over the former “Movies at Wellington” theater, located at 13881 Wellington Trace in the Wellington Marketplace plaza.

The theater will undergo a complete transformation with plans to re-open in early spring 2026 as a state-of-the-art entertainment destination, bringing Flagship’s signature upgrades and customer-first philosophy back to the Sunshine State.

The fully renovated theater will feature luxury power recliners, upgraded sound and projection systems, along with self-serve refillable popcorn and fountain drinks, all designed to enhance the moviegoing experience.

The Wellington location will also debut Flagship Cinemas’ newest approach to affordable luxury: the “Cinema Redefined”

Homesense, the latest retail experience from the TJX family of brands, will open its newest location in Wellington on Thursday, Sept. 11 in the Shoppes at Isla Verde on State Road 7.

Homesense features a wide array of furniture, as well as a rug emporium, a wall art and mirror gallery, and an extensive lighting department with chandeliers.

Customers can also shop for seasonal items, décor, entertaining essentials, and bed and bath, all at prices 20 to 50 percent less

model to keep pricing affordable so everyone in the community can enjoy a trip to the movies.

“This isn’t just a renovation — it’s a reinvention of what a movie theater should feel like: modern, stylish and effortlessly comfortable,” said Paul Wenger, president of Flagship Premium Cinemas. “We are excited to bring the community a space where movie lovers can relax in comfort and enjoy an elevated experience without breaking the bank.”

Jill Strumpf, president of Bruce Strumpf Inc., property manager at the Wellington Marketplace, said that Flagship Premium Cinemas aligns perfectly with the company’s commitment to managing properties that serve and enrich the community.

“We’re thrilled to help bring a new source of family-friendly entertainment to the Wellington area,” she said. “The addition of Flagship Premium Cinemas at our

than full-price retailers.

With new merchandise shipments arriving every week, customers can discover an exciting assortment of quality merchandise. The selection includes a mix of artisan-crafted and top-brand pieces, unlocking the opportunity for shoppers to be inspired by bold, statement-making pieces, without breaking the bank.

“Homesense makes curating your dream space even more attainable with its exceptional selection of incredible, quality pieces sold at

Empowering Young Minds for Success

and

great values,” said John Ricciuti, president of HomeGoods and Homesense in the U.S. “We are thrilled that those in the Wellington community can look to Homesense for a standout shopping experience and unlock unlimited design possibilities in their homes.”

Local shoppers can enjoy the newest Homesense store opening on Sept. 11 at 8 a.m. To learn more, visit https://us.homesense.com/ grand-openings. Regular store hours will be Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. In celebration of its new store location, Homesense will contribute to the community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Jack the Bike Man. Homesense operates 76

Horizon presents a big check to Every Child a Swimmer.

Flagship Premium Cinemas focuses on premium amenities, welcoming environments

affordable pricing.

Based in Baltimore, Flagship Premium Cinemas currently operates theaters throughout Maine, New York, Maryland and

Swank Specialty Produce will host its fifth annual Farmer’s Market starting on Saturdays starting Oct. 11.

Now That Summer Is Over, The Fall Season Is Right Upon Us!

Okay, parents. Start your engines. School is back in session and you’ve had some time to clean the stickiness off your floor. Now it’s time for holiday prep! First up? Birthdays. Why are there so many kids with so many birthday parties in September? Because, as any mathematician can tell you, mommy and daddy had a minute to relax last December, and this is the price they pay for “getting to know each other again” — kids. Birthday parties no longer mean blowing out the candles on a homemade cake after dinner with your family. No, birthdays have been elevated to a grand scale, pitting friend against friend, neighbor against neighbor and room mom against room mom. People are taking store-bought

cakes, scraping off the icing and re-imagining the pink roses as Barbie’s bedroom using cupcakes for height and plastic Barbie accessories for authenticity. Parents of boys might buy a whole second cake to cut into cubes, using the green icing that formerly read, “Happy Birthday, Tommy” as coloring for Minecraft hallways and tun-

nels. Candles are almost an after-thought. Once September birthdays are out of the way, there’s a frantic rush to attend all the fall festivals and corn mazes one can stand. No orange and brown leaves where you live? Simply book a flight to Vermont for a weekend of “leaf-peeping.” Immediately upon your return, you need to put on your thinking caps because trunk-or-treat looms large. And just handing the kids candy out of your trunk is less than sporting in 2025. You must choose a theme, dress your family appropriately and fully decorate the trunk to match. At my grandkids’ school, interactive games are incorporated. Last year, my daughter spent every spare minute creating a life-size Monopoly board; finding a small top hat for her son and a “jail

cell” for her husband; spray-painting a race car, thimble and cannon; and fashioning giant dice out of cardboard boxes. This year, one of the kids is going to be stuffed down inside a garbage can as they’ve decided to do “Sesame Street.”

You’d think that November, with its one holiday devoted to family, food and gratefulness, would calm things down. Ha! The Food Network and Pinterest mean that lousy cooks like myself can no longer get by with a pre-cooked turkey and a can of jellied cranberry sauce plopped onto a plate. No, we have to have a charcuterie board and designer cocktails at the ready when we first greet our guests, a homebaked loaf of bread in the shape of a fall wreath next to the turkey and two dozen

somethings stuffed full of something else to be credible. Football is in full swing; holiday parades start dotting our calendars; brag letters need to be brought to the printer if they’re ever going to be mailed out; and Black Friday sales have been moved up the calendar as far as they can go. Savvy gift-buyers pounced on presents the moment the fall styles hit the stores, but that doesn’t mean they’re done. Oh, no. Tempting treats line the aisle of every big box store, hand-crafted goodies appear on the shelves of mom-and-pops and Amazon rises from the jungle like the behemoth it is, offering gifts from the imaginative to the mundane. Something for

Great Mid-Range Movies Have Gone The Way Of The Dinosaur

They don’t make many “mid-range” movies anymore. The term refers to films that cost at least some cash but not enormous amounts. In other words, forget the Marvel movies on one hand and the cheap slasher films on the other. But for decades, people went to movies where the budgets were in between the two and turned Hollywood into a big, successful business. That has changed.

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

I thought about that while watching Turner Classic Movies to see How to Steal a Million, a charming trifle brought out in 1966 for about $6 million. Of course, today that would translate into about $45 million, but then again, as part of the plot, they were selling a Cezanne for $400,000, while today it would probably go for $150 million. Anyway, it was charming romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Peter O’Toole. It featured the heist of a statue from a top museum. No computer images… this was from 1966. The top technology used was a balsa glider that any kid could buy. And the movie was fun. You don’t find movies like that in theaters anymore. There are many reasons why. The first is that we no longer really have “movie stars” like in days of yore. That leads to the biggest issue. Making films is a risky business. Years ago, there were stars who could bring in audiences. There was also, until recently, a big business in digital sales. We all used

to have large collections on VCR tapes, until we replaced them with DVDs. Now we have streaming services and thousands of free films provided by cable providers. Without leaving our recliners, we click a few keys on the remote and see movies. But it is the streaming services and cable companies that get the money. Ten years ago, that extra money helped make certain that even a box office dud could make back its cost. That no longer exists. So, the movie companies have become more risk adverse. What films do they favor? We have those big tent franchises. Bring in an audience for one, and then it is far safer to do a sequel where there is already built-in interest. For those of us who are older, I remember the excitement waiting for the sequels to Star Wars. That was a “can’t miss” until we ran into Jar Jar Binks. And even then, it took the Disney machine to shatter the franchise

a generation later. For a decade, Disney partnered with Marvel and created a series of (mostly) really good films that made huge amounts of money. So why try to create intelligent dramas that could not be turned into sequels? And, as expected, even that has faded. Romantic comedies do not bring in the big audiences to the same degree because we no longer really care about the actors. Who is around now who could really sparkle like Audrey Hepburn? Or charm like Peter O’Toole? Now, if you want a romantic film, you turn on the Hallmark Channel. Yes, there are only about two plots in their regular romances (possibly the reason they run Christmas in July, so we can have some Santa or just seasonal love), but there’s a whole stable of reliable performers who can bring in enough viewers to make the relatively low cost of each movie worth the effort financially.

Another key element is that TV can now provide really long-run storytelling. Shows like Succession or The Bear can spend a lot more time on character development and complex plots. For almost a decade, large numbers watched the dynastic plotting of Game of Thrones. And last, we have the real biggie. Movie going has become wildly expensive. When tickets cost more than $12, and popcorn starts at $6, a trip to the theater is almost

St. Jude’s Novena

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St.Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer 9 times a day by the 8th day, your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you, St Jude for granting my petition.