NEXT PRINTED ISSUE OF THE TOWN-CRIER OUT FRIDAY, JULY 31 THE
TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE JULY 20, 2015
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Wellington Adds $480,000 In Extras To Community Center
Sarah Menor, Christina Cooney, Ruth Menor, Lisa Johnson, Sara Neering, Kim Elie and Deb Levinsky at the July 16 fundraiser at Lindburgers.
PHOTO BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Hundreds Come Together To Support Special Olympian Christina Cooney
By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report More than 200 people came out to the Lindburgers Restaurant in Wellington on Thursday, July 16 to help local athlete Christina Cooney get to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles. Christina, 37, is an experienced rider at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee Groves. She will be one of the 10 riders on the U.S. 2015 World Special Olympics Equestrian Team and will be among 7,000 competitors from 177 countries at the games. Christina has been riding since she was 11 years old, said her father, Mike Cooney. Hearing impaired, sight impaired and mentally challenged, riding has been a boon for Christina. When she gets on a horse, or works with a horse, her issues all seem to disappear. Vinceremos Executive Director Ruth Menor founded the organization in 1982, and this is only the second time that she has sent a rider to the Special Olympics World Games. Christina is excited about all
the attention her bid for glory has brought. “This, for her, this is the most attention she has ever had in her life,” Mike said. “She went to the Royal Palm School, and had a circle of hearing-impaired friends, but this is the most attention she has ever gotten.” The fundraiser at Lindburgers was an extra special night. The Cooneys are regulars at the restaurant, and when employees Sara Neering and Lisa Johnson heard about the trip, they worked quickly to put together the fundraiser, which raised approximately $7,000. After all, Christina won’t be traveling to California alone — she will have her coaches and her family cheering her along and helping her prepare. Expenses add up. “We brainstormed and put this together in a week,” Neering said. The duo worked tag-team style to drum up support from local businesses and organizations. “One of us would work at the restaurant and the other would go out for donations,” Johnson explained. They took turns following up,
working together with Mark Meyers, president of the Wellington Lindburgers location. “A night like tonight, and seeing this amazing community come out and support this wonderful person, is just amazing,” Meyers said. “We See COONEY, page 4
By Ron Bukley Town Council Staff Report The Wellington Village Council approved $480,000 in changes for the new Wellington Community Center on Tuesday, July 14. The money will allow the inclusion of a larger balcony overlooking the lake, an extended entry cover, and a lobby on the northwest side of the building that had been omitted in the final design stage after council approval. Councilman Matt Willhite had asked for a review of the building design at the council’s previous meeting after commenting that the final plan did not look like the plan that had been approved. The $13 million, 26,000-squarefoot facility is planned for completion in the spring or summer of 2016. The plans include an event room that will seat 360 people, an Internet lounge, three multi-purpose rooms, a fitness room, a conference room, an arts and crafts room, a baby/tots classroom and a warming kitchen. Also at the July 14 meeting, the council approved a preliminary truth in millage (TRIM) ad valorem tax rate at the current rate of 2.45 mills, an Acme Improvement District as-
sessment rate unchanged at $230 per unit, and solid waste assessments of $140 for curbside and $105 for containerized service, which is $20 less per customer than last year. The 2.45 millage rate is the same as last year but above the rollback rate of 2.24 mills. It is anticipated to raise an additional $1.48 million for a total $16.16 million in ad valorem revenue due to rising property values. The total budget of $79.05 million is an increase of $2.10 million, or 2.7 percent, which proposes a total of $6.6 million in capital projects to include drainage, road and building improvements. Also at the meeting, six proposed charter amendments developed by the Charter Review Task Force were presented to the council, which decided to plan a joint meeting with the task force for further review, as well as several public workshops. Proposed charter questions for the March 16, 2016 ballot include proposed changes to council compensation, procedures to fill council vacancies, policy on notice for public meetings, referendum policy on increased millage rates and protection of the Equestrian Preserve Area.
Lennar Moves Ahead With Royal Palm Land Purchase
By Paul L. Gaba Town-Crier Staff Report The sale of Royal Palm Beach’s former wastewater treatment plant property will proceed as planned, Village Manager Ray Liggins told the Town-Crier last week. The $35 million sale of the 154acre property at the north end of Crestwood Blvd. was approved by the Royal Palm Beach Village Council in February, but had to go through several studies by purchaser Lennar Homes, including a traffic study and an analysis of cleaning up an old shooting range.
Liggins said Lennar met a Monday, July 13 deadline to submit a “notice to proceed” with the sale to the village, and that the sale’s “due diligence period” is now over. “The next step is they have to close on the property, either within 10 days after site plan approval or by Dec. 31, whichever is first,” Liggins said. Lennar has paid the village two deposits totaling $597,000 so far. As part of the site plan approval, representatives from Lennar will meet with village staff and put together a concept of what it intends
to build on the property. After that is completed, the proposal will go before the Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission, and then to the council for final approval. Liggins said the village’s goal is to have things finalized for council approval by its Nov. 19 meeting, and close within 10 days of that date. According to the village’s proposed 2015-16 annual budget, $5.5 million of the capital improvement fund — of which nearly half was dedicated to major road resurfacing projects in 2016 — is to come from the property sale.
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE July 20, 2015
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HOLISTIC GLOBE’S SEVENTH ANNUAL HEALING ARTS CONFERENCE
The seventh annual Holistic Globe Healing Arts Conference was held on Saturday, July 11 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. The event showcased products for mind, body and spirit. Learn more at www.holisticglobemag.com. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Tanya Kogan and her daughter Rachel Dora, creator of the Raw by Rae dessert.
Sula De Paula performs access bars therapy on Louanne Spielman.
Samantha Rosenbaum and Jessica Gero get a volcanic ash hand treatment.
Teresa McClure gets Jeunesse eye cream applied by Della Burke.
Guru Jahmaal Hays shows Dr. Karen Byron a Himalayan singing bowl.
Suzanne Arnaud receives a divine soul blessing from Marsha Valutis.
David Holley gets an aura chakra photo and report from Ana Rico.
Angela Torrey applies a henna tattoo to Megan Blumel.
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE July 20, 2015 Page 3
Wellington’s American Legion Post Installs New Officers
By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington’s American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 held its annual officer installation ceremony Thursday, July 16 at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 30 on Stribling Way. Southern Area Commander Joe Motes came to perform the swearing-in ceremony, where Al Ziker became commander, James Napuli became first vice commander, Loren Heistand became second vice commander, Dennis Masch became adjutant, John Isola became sergeant at arms, Jerold Klein became service officer, Marc Piven became finance offi-
cer, Michael Pancia became historian and Robert Dugre became chaplain. Prior to the installation, outgoing Commander Max Nelson was presented the Bravo Zulu award for membership, as well as a plaque for membership by 11th District Commander Gene Bruce. Staff from the 11th District Sergeant at Arms Edward Manak and First Vice Commander Robert Miller of American Legion Post 199 were on hand along with Motes to perform the ceremony. For more information about the Post 390, e-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail. com.
Michael Pancia, John Isola, Robert Dugre, Marc Piven, Dennis Masch, Al Ziker, Commander Max Nelson, Sgt. at Arms Edward Manak, Southern Area Commander Joe Motes and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce during the ceremony. Not shown: James Napuli, Loren Heistand and Jerold Klein. PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Outgoing Commander Max Nelson is honored by 11th District Commander Gene Bruce.
Southern Area Commander Joe Motes and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce with Al Ziker.
Southern Area Commander Joe Motes and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce.
Incoming Commander Al Ziker, outgoing Commander Max Nelson and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce.
Southern Area Commander Joe Motes and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce with incoming Commander Al Ziker and his wife, Beverly.
PBSO Deputy and Sgt. at Arms Edward Manak, District 11 Vice Commander Robert D. Miller Jr., Southern Area Commander Joe Motes, Commander Al Ziker, First Vice Commander Robert Miller of American Legion Post 199 and 11th District Commander Gene Bruce.
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE July 20, 2015
Cooney
Local Special Olympian
continued from page 1 are actually doing the easy part, to have the restaurant and the walls and the ceilings and the food. The hard part is what everyone is doing behind the scenes… Including all the amazing donations that people gave — way above and beyond.” There was a silent auction, music, raffles and more as Lindburgers was filled with Christina’s supporters. Local businesses taking part included: Lindburgers, Short Stacks, Dr. Marc Pinkwasser, Sam Jon’s Salon, Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies, the Movies at Wellington, Edible Arrangements, Taylor Made Café, Schaefer Drugs, Sansone AC, Visions Salon, Melody Acres Music, Village Music, Everglades Farm Equipment, Strathmore Bagels, Bonefish Mac’s, Eyes of Wellington, the Tackeria, Tato’s, JRD Saddlery, Joey’s Outback Adventures, Tipsy Salon & Spa, Jordan’s Steak Bistro, Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Dive Bar, Tijuana Flats, Gold Coast, Brown Distributing, Bacio Bacio Bridal Salon, the Gold Connection, Scotty’s Sport Shop, Wellington Florist, Garden of Life, Warrior Brand Clothing, Van Dell Jewelers and Kathryn Johnson.
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At Vinceremos, Christina works with coaches Sarah Menor and Kim Elie, as well as interpreter Deb Levinsky. She will have different coaches at the Special Olympics, but her Florida team will be there to support her. “It’s a privilege to be supporting her. I’m just honored to be her coach. It has changed my life teaching her,” Kim said. Christina wears a small electronic device on her wrist to convey instructions, and uses posters, as well as tactile exercises, to learn the routines. In May, Mark Elie, Kim’s husband, created a gofundme account to help with the expenses for the cross-country trip. As of Saturday, July 18, 91 people had donated $8,540. The owner of K&E Travel, Mark is helping with accommodations and coordinating the adventure. Mike was overwhelmed with the community support Thursday evening, as well as the support from Mark’s gofundme account. “We could not have found one of our riders who deserved this more,” Ruth said. “She’s not someone who just shows up and gets on a horse. She is totally immersed in our program. She deserves to go to the Olympics and shine.” Mike takes Christina to Vinceremos every day. “I’ve watched her grow from somebody who was very dependent on other people,” he said.
“I was very tuned in to her deficiencies, and I watched her grow in the sense that she started slowly taking initiative.” Christina started working at Goodwill Industries, then moved on to working at Vinceremos. “Ruth offered an opportunity for her to do something constructive,” Mike said. “She has always had a passion for horses. It offered a safe
environment for her, in an enclosed area, and offered her to show and grow and give her initiative to become really independent, to the point where she is left on her own endeavors to do pretty much as she pleases as far as getting the work accomplished and done.” Being able to compete, and ride horses, has given Christina confidence, independence and another
family. “Many athletes go out there and have this competitive nature about them, but that’s not what Christina is about. It is about pleasing the crowd, pleasing Ruth, pleasing her dad and her family, and pleasing her instructor,” Mike said. “That’s the kind of person she is.” To help Christina and her supporters with travel expenses, visit www. gofundme.com/olympicschristina.
Christina Cooney with her nephew Sam Hickman, sister Caryn Hickman, cousin Belinda Seymour, Ruth Menor of Vinceremos and father Mike Cooney.
PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER
Christina Cooney with Mark and Kim Elie.
Tom Blake provided the entertainment.
Sara Neering, Lisa Johnson and Mark Meyers of Lindburger’s with Christina Cooney.
Patty Wills, Marti Williams and Nicole Evelyn enjoy the fundraiser.
Vinceremos rider Rebecca LePage with Special Olympian Christina Cooney.
Brenda Dillian dances with her niece, Brooke Benitez.
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE July 20, 2015 Page 5
RED BARN FEED HOSTS PURINA CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT
Red Barn Feed & Supply hosted its 2015 Purina Check-R-Board Days customer appreciation event on Saturday, July 11 during regular business hours. For more info., visit www.redbarn1.com or call (561) 790-0004. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Shelbea Reville, Mario Mejia, Ashley LeBlanc, Antonella Guerra and Brittany Arnold of Red Barn.
Purina Animal Nutrition Equine Sales Specialist Shiela Conde discusses horse feed with Shelbea Reville.
Tara, Adrian and James Ocampo select dog food.
Maya Suchy cuddles a bunny.
Janine Lambe with Tyci.
Ryan Hammond, Johnny Herring and Landen Hall of the RPB Lightning All Stars raise money for a baseball trip.
Anita Mays and Nancy Nevius look at saddle pads.
John Hiscock and Patrick Quirk.
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SPECIAL NEWS UPDATE July 20, 2015
Register Now For AYSO Fall Soccer
AYSO Region 1521 recreational soccer in The Acreage is currently registering boys and girls, ages 4 to 18, for the fall 2015 season. Parents can register players at www.eayso. org. For more information about AYSO Region 1521 and additional programs, such as upcoming competitive team tryouts or the VIP program, visit www.ayso1521.net or call (561) 798-5467.
Wellington To Change Water Disinfection
Residents in Wellington’s water service area may notice a slight chlorine taste and odor in their drinking water from July 27 through Aug. 10. This is due to a temporary change in the water disinfection process. The water disinfection process will change from a combined chlorine treatment to a temporary free chlorine treatment. Periodic use of this temporary treatment process is recommended as a precautionary measure to ensure that water remains free of bacteria. The temporary conditions will not cause adverse health effects. Due to the change, specialized users of water — such as tropical fish owners, resi-
Tuesday, July 21 • Wellington will hold a Walk & Talk in the Hyacinth Community on Tuesday, July 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. Neighborhood advocates, code compliance officers and PBSO deputies are visiting residents in communities around the village to hear concerns and discuss neighborhood issues. Call (561) 791-4796 for more info. • Wellington’s Community Services Department will offer a Family Game Night on Tuesday, July 21 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Goldenrod Park. For more info., call (561) 791-4764. • Wellington will hold a K-Park Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m. at Polo Park Middle School (11901 Lake Worth Road). Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov for more info. Wednesday, July 22 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host My Dog Hero for ages 6 to 10 on Wednesday, July 22 at 2:30 p.m. Hear stories about dog heroes and find some new dog books to read. Make a scratch art picture frame craft. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Wellington will sponsor a Neighborhood Watch Meeting in Wiltshire Village on Wednesday, July 22 at 6 p.m. Neighborhood advocates and PBSO deputies will discuss community crime trends and offer crime prevention tips. Call (561) 791-4796 for more info. • The second stop of the Feast of the Sea Chef Challenge will be Wednesday, July 22 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington to benefit several South Florida nonprofit organizations. Visit www. feastofthesea.com for more info. • Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the ITID office. Visit www.indiantrail. com for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Getting the Most Out of College Financial Aid” on Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 p.m. with Robin Blank of the Florida Department of Education. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Thursday, July 23 • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will host food trucks with music by Runaway Mile on Thursday, July 23 from 5 to 9:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info.
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dents with pools, businesses, hospitals and blood/dialysis clinics — may need to make adjustments in order to maintain their water quality parameters. The temporary treatment process will be discontinued on Aug. 10. If you have any questions, call Water Treatment Facility Supervisor Karla Berroteran at (561) 791-4037 or Village Engineer Bill Riebe at (561) 791-4000.
School District AntiBullying Roundtable
Bullying issues in schools and the community will be the focus of an roundtable discussion at the School District of Palm Beach County’s Fulton-Holland Educational Services Center on Tuesday, July 21. The Anti-Bullying Roundtable will be hosted by Superintendent Dr. Robert Avossa and General Counsel JulieAnn Rico, and moderated by Judge Ronald Alvarez. “The Anti-Bullying Roundtable is an opportunity for students, parents and community members to share their thoughts and ideas with me, while also establishing a meaningful community dialogue on bullying and prevention,” Avossa said. The roundtable is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. in the board room of the Fulton-Holland Educational Services
Center (3300 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach). The public is welcome, and participants are asked to register in advance by calling (561) 357-7572 or e-mailing engagement@palmbeachschools.org.
Tisha B’Av Program At Chabad In RPB
Royal Palm Beach’s Chabad Jewish Center (129 Sparrow Drive, RPB) will host a documentary and Tisha B’Av program Sunday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. With My Whole Broken Heart is a professionally produced and emotionally gripping 45-minute film featuring heart-wrenching stories of parents whose children’s lives were claimed by terror and their inspiring responses to these horrific experiences. The documentary also follows the lives of two of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz and Buchenwald. For more information, and to register for the event, which has an $8 admission fee, call (561) 225-1766.
Next K-Park Town Hall Meeting July 21
Wellington is continuing its series of town hall meetings to solicit input on the future of
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
• The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Anime All-Stars for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, July 23 at 6 p.m. Show off your anime knowledge. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. Friday, July 24 • The Royal Palm Beach Senior Expo is coming to the RPB Cultural Center (151 Civic Center Way) on Friday, July 24 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Exhibitors will be on hand with helpful product and service information for seniors. Admission and parking are free. Call (561) 790-5149 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Book Art for Teens for ages 12 to 17 on Friday, July 24 at 2:30 p.m. Create three-dimensional art pieces from recycled books. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. Saturday, July 25 • The Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host Prevention & Diagnosis of Orchid Pests and Disease on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The speaker will be Sandi Jones of Broward Orchid Supply and the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for nonmembers. Call (561) 233-1757 or visit www. mounts.org for more info. • The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach) will host a Green Health & Wellness Expo on Saturday, July 25 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more about healthy living, sustainable initiatives and environmental conservation. The expo features fun and educational activities for the family promoting a healthy lifestyle. The ticket price is included with paid admission to the science center and free for science center members. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter. org. • The Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest will return to the South Florida Expo Center on Saturday, July 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. For more info., visit www.palmbeachsummerbeerfest.com. • The Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) will feature a free Jimmy Buffett tribute band concert on Saturday, July 25 at 8:30 p.m. Call (561) 753-2484 for more info. Sunday, July 26 • The Wellington Aquatic Center will hold
a free aquatics event on Sunday, July 26. The pool will be open during normal hours from noon to 7 p.m. and admission is free. There will be many activities to enjoy, including swim races, cannonball contests and more. A complimentary lunch of a hot dog, chips and a bottle of water will be provided from noon to 3 p.m. sponsored by Professional Concessions. Tuesday, July 28 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Financing a Small Business” on Tuesday, July 28 at 2 p.m. Small Business Development Center consultant Ted Kramer will cover financing from the traditional to the exotic. Come with an open mind and leave with great ideas. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Wellington will hold a Walk & Talk in the White Pine Community on Tuesday, July 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. Neighborhood advocates, code compliance officers and PBSO deputies are visiting residents in communities around the village to hear concerns and discuss neighborhood issues. Call (561) 791-4796 for more info. • The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach) will host GEMS Club: Chemical Concoctions on Tuesday, July 28 from 5 to 7 p.m. GEMS Club offers the opportunity for girls in grades 3 to 8 to learn and grow as they discover the exciting world of math, science, engineering and technology. GEMS Club takes place on the last Tuesday of every month. This month’s session will feature a discussion by Dr. Alexandra Gorgevska of Palm Beach State College. Students will participate in a glow-inthe-dark polymers activity. The $5 registration fee per child includes dinner and refreshments. To register, call (561) 832-2026 or visit www. sfsciencecenter.org/gems. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Teen Takeover for ages 12 to 17 on Tuesday, July 28 at 6 p.m. Enjoy Wii games, board games and more. Bring a friend or make new ones. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Awake Group of the Western Communities, a health awareness group with sleep apnea, will meet Tuesday, July 28 at 7 p.m. at the center court of the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The featured speaker will be
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the K-Park property, located at the southwest corner of State Road 7 and Stribling Way. Meetings will consist of a brief presentation on the site’s history, followed by an interactive polling session to gain insight on how residents would like to see the property utilized. The meeting will wrap up with public comments. Residents have three more opportunities to attend and participate in K-Park discussions. All meetings are on Tuesdays and begin at 7 p.m. The July 21 meeting will take place at Polo Park Middle School. The Aug. 4 meeting is at Wellington Landings Middle School. The Sept. 8 meeting is in the council chambers at the Wellington Municipal Complex. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
CHS School Supply Drive Underway
As back-to-school season approaches, the Children’s Home Society of Florida is collecting backpacks and school supplies for more than 7,000 of Palm Beach County’s most vulnerable children. Donations are being accepted until Aug. 7 at Children’s Home Society, located at 3333 Forest Hill Blvd. in West Palm Beach 33406. For more info., or to arrange a drop off or a pickup, contact Jane Snell at jane. snell@chsfl.org or (561) 868-4359.
pulmonologist Dr. Carlos W. Sanchez. Call Kena at (561) 798-5553 for more info. Wednesday, July 29 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Not Your Grandma’s Bingo for ages 5 to 12 on Wednesday, July 29 at 3:30 p.m. Create a card and see if luck is on your side. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • Wellington will sponsor Neighborhood Watch Meetings in the Pine Valley, Summerwood Circle and Greenbriar Circle areas on Wednesday, July 29 at 6:30 p.m. Neighborhood advocates and PBSO deputies will discuss crime prevention tips. Call (561) 791-4796 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host its Card Gamers Club for all ages on Wednesday, July 29 at 7 p.m. If you like collectible card games, this is your place to be. Bring your deck, box or binder and come with a friend or make a new one. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. Thursday, July 30 • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host Writing Fan Fiction for ages 12 to 17 on Thursday, July 30 at 6 p.m. Write and read fan fiction about your favorite fandom. Snacks will be provided. Call (561) 790-6070 for more info. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Great Courses History of the Bible: The Making of the New Testament Canon” for adults Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. The DVD series will review the when, how and why the New Testament canon was written and who actually authored the books. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. Friday, July 31 • The South Florida Science Center & Aquarium (4801 Dreher Trail N., West Palm Beach) will host Alien Invasion Nights at the Museum on Friday, July 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. Make your own “galaxy goo” and learn about the solar system, the night sky, galaxies and the universe with fun hands-on activities. Admission is free for members, $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for children 3 to 12 and free for children under 3. For more info., call (561) 832-1988 or visit www.sfsciencecenter.org. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 33, Wellington, FL 33414 or e-mail news@gotowncrier.com.