Town-Crier Newspaper August 14, 2020

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SCHOOL BOARD AMENDS OPENING PLAN MAJOR RENOVATIONS AT WELLINGTON EL SEE STORY, PAGE 3 SEE STORY, PAGE 4 THE

TOWN-CRIER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

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Volume 41, Number 20 August 14 - August 27, 2020

Serving Palms West Since 1980

WELLINGTON CAMPS EXTENDED

Wellington Foundation Donates $8,500 To Help Summer Campers

The Wellington Community Foundation Board of Directors recently stepped up to support the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington with an $8,500 donation to help first responders and healthcare professionals find a safe place for their children. Page 3

ITID Files Countersuit To Minto Lawsuit Over 140th Avenue Access

The Indian Trail Improvement District has filed a countersuit to a lawsuit brought by developer Minto and the Seminole Improvement District demanding that it be allowed to access 140th Avenue North a few blocks north of Persimmon Blvd. in The Acreage. Page 4

County Supports Request For Real Estate Office Near Acreage Plaza

The Palm Beach County Commission recently gave preliminary approval to a request that would allow a real estate office to be built on what is currently a residential lot at the southwest corner of Orange Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in The Acreage. Page 7

Neil S. Hirsh Family B&G Club Stays Open For Extended Camp

Monday, Aug. 10 was the first day of extended summer camp at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has extended its summer camp schedule through Aug. 26 to account for the delayed start of Palm Beach County public schools. Page 10

Dogs At Animal Care & Control Shelter Enjoy Bow Wow Luau Party

Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control held a Bow Wow Luau birthday party for shelter dogs on Saturday, Aug. 8. Dogs got a whipped cream cone, toys and other enrichment from shelter staff and volunteers. Page 15 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 22 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 PEOPLE.............................. 8 - 9 COLUMNS............................. 16 BUSINESS......................17 - 19 CLASSIFIEDS.................23 - 24 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

Due to a delayed start to the 2020-21 school year, Wellington Parks & Recreation has extended its summer camps and academies to accommodate families seeking activities to help keep their kids happy, healthy, active and engaged. Programs active at Village Park on Friday, Aug. 7 included Visual Art Camp and Cheer, Hip-Hop & Gymnastics Camp. Shown above, Bailey Gibbons paints whale flukes. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

County Virus Surge Slowing, But It’s Not Time To Relax

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County saw a slight decrease in the rate of COVID-19 cases and deaths over the past week, but it is not a sign that residents should ease up on social distancing, mask wearing and other precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County Director Dr. Alina Alonso told the Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The State of Florida has reported 536,962 cases of COVID-19 with 8,277 deaths. “While there have been a few spikes up and down in general, the numbers are going down,” Alonso said. “For Palm Beach County, we have 37,297 cases, which is an increase of 277 positive cases. We have total hospitalizations of 2,814. That represents seven new

cases, and that’s 8 percent of our cases, which is about the same as the state average.” The number of local deaths stood at 936, which is five more in the past week and 3 percent of total cases, she said. “If you remember early on in the pandemic, in March and April, the percentage of deaths was way up, and we kept wondering why that was happening,” Alonso said. “It has been consistent now. We’re just 1 percent above the state average, and we still continue to have the same elderly population, but those are not the new cases now.” The age distribution of the current cases remains highest in the 25-to-34 age bracket, with 7,000. The 35-to-44 bracket has about 6,000, and 15-to-24 has about 4,000. “That is a big bulk of all of our new cases, in that age group,” Alonso said. “There are very few

on either end of the spectrum that are representing new cases.” Florida has tested more than 4 million people, representing 18.4 percent of the total population, and the positivity rate has increased to 13.36 percent of those tested, which is still above the current state goal of 10 percent. “Palm Beach County is the lowest in southeast Florida, and that includes our neighbors to the west in our agricultural communities,” Alonso said. “The highest numbers were Hendry County at 21.3 [percent] and Collier County at 16 [percent]. Miami-Dade has 19 percent. We know that they are really struggling, and so is Fort Lauderdale.” She advised people not to get too excited about the possibility of going into a Phase 2 re-opening, which would include re-opening bars and some other facilities See VIRUS, page 20

Wellington Capital Projects For Next Year Top $14 Million

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council reviewed capital projects included in next year’s budget at a workshop session held Monday, Aug. 10. The $14 million budget for capital improvements in the fiscal year 2020-21 budget covers 29 new or ongoing projects, including distinct portions of larger projects. The capital improvements budget is broken down into $9 million for utilities-related projects and about $5 million for other governmental endeavors. Director of Administrative & Financial Services Tanya Quickel presented the staff-prepared preliminary budget for a workshop before its initial reading at Tuesday’s council meeting. She said that some of the projects utilize grant money and that such projects are only done with matching grants. Village Manager Paul Schofield, who was back on his first day in

the office after recovering from COVID-19 and working from home for the past six weeks, said that in the case of utilities, the costs are captured by developers and users who benefit from the projects. “Existing residents are not paying for this,” he explained. Most of the items in the budget are ones that the council has reviewed in some form previously. “These are all things we have seen before, except the waterside playground. That is new to me,” said Mayor Anne Gerwig, referring to a $400,000 project for a new children’s playground that is funded in part by a $200,000 grant. The proposed budget expenditures includes the following: communications and technology investments of $280,000; neighborhood entrance signage of $80,000; neighborhood parks program spending of $300,000; a parks improvement program of $500,000; village-owned facility improvements to modernize and

improve customer service (some related to COVID-19 responses) of $100,000; Town Center improvements of $400,000; turn lanes and traffic engineering of $297,000; the ongoing Acme Improvement District renewal and replacement program spending of $740,000; Section 24 trail bridges (a grant in progress) at $400,000; sales surtax projects at $341,000 and the Wellington High School Sports Complex at $1,500,000. “Village parks will receive upgrades and improvements to ensure the safety and usefulness of the neighborhood parks system,” Quickel said. Proposed utilities projects with expenditures next year include: $2,035,000 in water supply improvements, $2,750,000 for work on the water treatment system, force main wastewater system work at $700,000 and $3,700,000 for the water reclamation facility. Schofield said that the village is See PROJECTS, page 20

Wellington Works Toward Regulating Vacation Rentals

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report The Wellington Village Council gave its initial approval Tuesday, Aug. 11 to zoning text amendments designed to regulate vacation rentals in the village, despite dissatisfaction with parking criteria. Village Engineer Tim Stillings explained that the local issue with vacation rentals has been situations where someone rents a large home and then packs it with guests for a party. “The problem has been vacation rentals being used as a party house,” he said. By Florida law, local governments cannot prohibit vacation rentals, popularized by internet companies such as Airbnb, but they can regulate permitted uses in residential areas. This is not to be confused with a homeowners’ association, which can legally and contractually prohibit vacation rentals in its community. Palm Beach County and the State of Florida each provide licensing by vacation rental owners for the collection of taxes. A responsible party must be registered for the vacation rental ownership. The request to modify the use regulations schedule in the vil-

lage’s land development regulations to include vacation rentals is not taking anything away that had been permitted. Rather, it is amalgamating all the related rules in one place to provide easy access for vacation rental users and owners. Stillings said that the supplementary regulations address standards for the number of overnight occupants, day use visitors, parking, licensing, tax collection, database searches, pool regulations, and regulations that apply to other homes that also apply to vacation rentals. The number of overnight occupants is limited to two persons per bedroom. Children under three years old are not counted. There is no provision for guests that might sleep on fold-out couches. Now, a search of a national database is required to ensure that no guest of a vacation rental is listed on the national register of sex offenders. This differs from the current regulation that states that no one listed on that register may reside within 2,500 feet of a school. Further, an affidavit listing the registered renter and the owner’s See RENTALS, page 20

Mail-In, Early Voting Going Well Amid Virus Precautions

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link told the Westlake City Council on Monday, Aug. 10 that 140,000 of the 340,000 mail-in ballots for the Tuesday, Aug. 18 primary election had already been processed by her office, although extensive COVID-19 precautions are in place for those who still wish to vote in person. “Vote by mail has been very busy,” Link said. “We have sent out more than 340,000 ballots already, and we have already received back 140,000. We have the most that we have ever received for an August primary. We are

anticipating that we will continue to be very busy.” Both major political parties pushing mail-in voting has also made a difference, Link said. She added that the free return postage also contributed to the success of voting by mail. “A lot of people have asked me, ‘With that kind of response, are you able to keep up? Are we going to have delayed election response?’ The answer is no,’” she said. “We have been very aggressive with our opening, tabulation and canvassing schedule, so the canvassing board is meeting every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.” Canvasing board members must See VOTING, page 22

County Scrambling As Census Count Time Is Cut Short

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The deadline for residents to fill out their 2020 Census form has been shortened a month to Sept. 30, Assistant County Administrator Patrick Rutter told the Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 11. “We have been working very hard for about two years on this, and we’re coming into the absolute home stretch. Last week, the Census Bureau made a modification,” Rutter said. “The end date for residents to fill out their 2020 Census was previously Oct. 31. That has

now been changed to Sept. 30.” That means the “boots on the ground” portion of enumerators going out and knocking on doors of non-respondents will only be available for seven weeks as opposed to having the additional four weeks. “We are in the final hour right now, and I can’t emphasize it strongly enough what needs to be done in these next seven weeks for responses,” Rutter said. The county at this point has counted 60.8 percent of residents, while the state is at 60.1 percent, See CENSUS, page 20

Injured Veteran Liam Dwyer Gets Keys To His New Home

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report Capping a four-year process, Marine Staff Sgt. Liam Dwyer and his wife Meghan received the key to their new custom-built, handicap-accessible house through the national nonprofit Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) on Saturday, Aug. 8. The normally wide-scale community celebration was toned down greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but that did nothing to stem the excitement and support by the surrounding neighborhood. HFOT President & CEO Tom Landwermeyer was on site to present the key to the Dwyers. “The most important part of

what we do is enabling veterans to rebuild their lives,” he said. “We do not see our mission as charity. We see it as a moral obligation of our country to repay a very small portion of a huge debt that can never be completely repaid for these veterans and their families.” Dwyer was severely injured while serving in Afghanistan after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) during patrol in May 2011. Dwyer lost his left leg, suffered severe injuries to his right arm and right leg, and has undergone more than 50 surgeries during his time in recovery. The process of getting this fresh start here in the western communi-

ties was neither short nor simple. “Four years ago, we got accepted to get a house. Finally, after this year’s trials and tribulations, six surgeries for us this year, obviously COVID-19 and some other challenges in our life, we were looking at this house as the light at the end of the tunnel,” Dwyer said. “In February, when we found out the project had started, that light shone — and as time went on, that light got bigger. Finally, we had a rock-solid date for this key ceremony. Now, all of a sudden, that bright light is us coming out of the tunnel, and we see everything for the first time.” HFOT is rapidly approaching See DWYER, page 22

Homes For Our Troops CEO Tom Landwermeyer presents Staff Sgt. Liam Dwyer and his wife Meghan with a ceremonial key to their new home. PHOTO BY CALLIE SHARKEY/TOWN-CRIER


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

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NEWS

School Board Approves State-Mandated Change On Re-Opening

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County School Board wrestled with an amended proposal mandated by the Florida Department of Education in a special meeting Wednesday, Aug. 12 that will give parents more control over when their children physically return to school buildings. This most recent change does not alter the fact that the school year will begin Monday, Aug. 31 with distance learning, returning to in-school learning when it is deemed safe. However, instead of a phased return by grade level, all grade levels will be allowed to return once campuses re-open, based on parent choice. Palm Beach County is one of three Florida counties, along with Broward and Miami-Dade, that are under a state-imposed Phase 1 re-opening, which requires the closing of certain businesses and other operations until it is deemed safe. Until Palm Beach County moves into Phase 2, all students will remain on distance learning. After hearing about an hour of

telephone messages mostly from parents concerned about their children returning to physical classrooms before the pandemic slows, School Board Member Sharon Brill said that much of the parents’ angst was due to uncertainty regarding health protocols once students return to in-person learning. She encouraged them to sit in on the school board’s Wednesday, Aug. 19 meeting, where more details will be discussed about students physically returning to school. Superintendent Dr. Donald Fennoy said the amended plan recommends starting the school year with distance learning for all students and returning to brickand-mortar, in-person learning when county health conditions permit, based on parents’ choice. Deputy Superintendent Keith Oswald said the purpose of the meeting was to review changes received from the Florida Department of Education regarding the Palm Beach County School District’s re-opening plan. “Just recently, we did receive

some specific feedback that requires us and the board to take on regarding a return to brick-andmortar,” Oswald said. “In addition, we’ll talk about and provide more detail on the roadmap to physical re-opening, and upon approval by the school board, we’ll submit the plan back to the Department of Education.” On July 15, the school district submitted a plan to the state recommending distance learning at the start of the school year. He noted that the school district is providing wi-fi connections to families that do not have access to the internet. “Our principals are working hard in their communities to make sure that all happens,” Oswald said. What was not approved by the DOE was the school district’s recommendation for a “dimmer switch” or staggered learning approach to re-opening, based on grade level and on the individual student’s needs. “When we do enter into Phase 2, that opportunity has to be avail-

able to all of our students,” Oswald said. “Based on that feedback, all other aspects of the plan that was approved on July 15 remains intact. However, what has been removed is this staging for our families.” Fennoy emphasized that families would still have a choice. “We’re not requiring everyone to come back to school at the be-

ginning. It is a choice, and there are other pieces associated with this in terms of our finances and our ability to maintain some of our federal and state statutes that will now be fixed by allowing our families a choice,” he said. The state does have the ability to withhold state and federal funds needed by the school district to operate if the DOE does not sign

off on the final re-opening plan. School Board Member Dr. Debra Robinson said she was unhappy that the school board did not have the final say in what she considered local decisions. School Board Member Erica Whitfield made a motion to approve the amended plan, which carried 6-1 with Robinson opposed.

Acreage Groups To Host Series Of Equine Clinics Starting Aug. 15 Wellington Foundation Donates $8,500 To Help Summer Campers (L-R) Jim Sackett, Maggie Zeller, Tom Wenham, Jaene Miranda, James Seder and Hope Barron.

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Acreage Landowners’ Association, Western Equestrian Shows & Trails and the Indian Trail Improvement District will host a series of horse owner clinics beginning Saturday, Aug. 15 at the Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, located at 14780 Hamlin Blvd. “Western Equestrian Shows & Trails (WEST) is a subcommittee of the ALA,” explained Dixie Thiery, ALA secretary and WEST president. “The ALA is interested in and has been pushing equestrian needs for some time. It’s part of the Acreage Neighborhood Plan.” The series is geared toward owners who do a significant portion of care for their own horses. Veterinarians will be on hand for consultation with attendees. “Some people don’t understand, or they’ve been taught the wrong way, about basic care,” Thiery said, noting that the first clinic had been scheduled for Aug. 1 but was postponed due to Hurricane Isaias.

“We have a couple of vets who have decided to come. They’re with Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and the first clinic is going to be on hurricane preparedness for horses.” Kim Emmons, a certified equine technician on the WEST board who works at Palm Beach Equine Clinic, is helping coordinate the series. “She’s going to be doing our clinics through the year.” Thiery added that the first clinic will be especially topical since hurricane season is here. Topics will include how to locate and identify a lost horse and how to care for a horse during the barometric drop during a hurricane. Microchipping will be available at the clinic at a reduced cost. “When you go to the veterinarian, you usually have to pay a barn fee, which brings the cost up higher than people might have funds for, especially at this time,” Thiery said. Although the clinic itself is free, there will be a haul-in fee of $10 for residents and $15 for non-

residents. There is a $25 fee for microchipping; $35 for Coggins shots; $26 for flu and rhino shots; $35 for WEWT shots; $20 for rabies shots; $40 for WEWT/rabies shots; and $55 for WEWT, flu and rhino shots. Pre-registration is preferred for clinic or veterinary services. The event will go on from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with sign-ups starting at 8 a.m. A tack sale will be held, with tables available for $10. Social distancing and mask wearing will be enforced. The next clinic is set for Saturday, Sept. 19. For more info., call Thiery at (561) 644-5410. Meanwhile, WEST will hold its first barrel and saddle show on Sunday, Sept. 6. “It will go the first Sunday of every month until May or June,” she said, adding that WEST hopes to add pleasure and jumper shows geared to the backyard equestrian. “We’ve been working with ITID, which has come in and cleaned the park up. We haven’t had a show here in some time.”

The Wellington Community Foundation Board of Directors has been working overtime to identify the biggest needs during the COVID-19 pandemic, and when the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington announced the expansion of its summer program to help first responders and healthcare professionals find a safe place for their children, the foundation jumped right in. “It was a priority for us to reopen for direct service to children because of parents who need us more than ever before,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County President & CEO Jaene Miranda said. “Without our summer camps, these parents would have to choose between not going to work or leaving their children at home unattended.” The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County faced unprecedented costs due to re-opening during the pandemic and the added

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expense of continuing large-scale food donation programs. The organization launched a campaign to raise $750,000 this summer to cover the extra costs. The Wellington Community Foundation is laser focused on helping Wellington children in need and voted to fund this summer camp initiative with a donation to the Wellington club in the amount of $8,500. “The Wellington Community Foundation is honored to donate to the Wellington Boys & Girls Club summer camp $8,500 to help care and support the children of our first responders and healthcare professionals as they focus on saving lives,” WCF Chair Tom Wenham said. Miranda joined Wenham and WCF board members Jim Sackett, Maggie Zeller, James Seder and Hope Barron at the WCF office to accept the donation on Thursday, Aug. 6. “The Boys & Girls Clubs have

been fulfilling their mission of helping youngsters through athletics and a myriad of other programs for many years,” Sackett said. “Now comes, perhaps, its most important and crucial mission, paying back to those who have been on the frontlines of the pandemic. The Wellington Community Foundation is proud to be able to sponsor some youngsters for the club’s summer camp program. It allows their first responder parents and healthcare professionals to continue with their essential work.” Supporting the Boys & Girls Club is near and dear to the heart of WCF Vice Chair Maria Becker. “As a board member of both the Wellington Community Foundation and the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, I am proud to see both of these organizations join together to offer help to the first responder families who give so much to our wonderful community,” Becker said. “For more See WCF, page 20


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

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NEWS

Palm Beach County Supports Proposal For More Homes At Arden

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission last month supported a request to allow 420 more residential units in the Arden community as part of its final phase. At a comprehensive plan public hearing held Tuesday, July 28, the commissioners approved transmittal of a request by the residential community located along Southern Blvd. west of Lion Country Safari Road. The new approval will allow a total of 2,420 homes in the community, which was capped at 2,000 homes when the original application was approved in 2004 due to

traffic issues on Southern Blvd. Collene Walter with Urban Design Kilday Studios, representing Highland Dunes Associates and the Arden Property Owners’Association, said her clients are requesting a change to the condition that was placed on them at the time. “It is not a change to the land use designation to the site,” Walter said. “When the land use was adopted in 2004, there was a condition placed on it that capped the number of units at 2,000, which is 1.7 units an acre. A review of traffic today shows that the cap is no longer needed.” The original owners of the site did not develop the 1,210-acre

property when it was initially approved. The land was purchased by Highland Dunes in 2014. “They immediately started a redesign of the project to create a very unique community here in Palm Beach County, similar to ones that they have developed elsewhere in the United States,” Walter said. The project is designed as an “agrihood,” offering produce for sale by farmers who grow on the property, as well as community gardens and abundant open space. “Sales began in 2017 in their first phase of development, and sales for their second phase of development just commenced ear-

lier this year,” Walter said, adding that the property is separated from other residential communities, such as Fox Trail, by 150-foot to 200-foot buffers. The additional 420 units would be in a third phase at the north end of the property. “When the applicant redesigned the project, the goal was to create a community with a large emphasis on healthy living, encouraging people to get outdoors and also encouraging people to interact and get to know their neighbors, hence the ‘agrihood’ community was created,” she said. A red barn is the centerpiece of the community where produce is

available and community events are held. “Adjacent to the barn is the recreation center, and these are located central within the community,” Walter said. “As part of the rezoning, there were requirements to dedicate a 25-acre park site to the county… and a 15-acre school site to the school district. Also, a 3.7-acre trail head at the southwest corner of the site was also dedicated to Palm Beach County.” She said that one of the most unique aspects of the development is the open space that has been created throughout. “All of the neighborhoods have connected open space and trail systems,”

Walter said. “The main central lake that runs north and south is about a mile in length and has open space and lakefront amenities around the entire perimeter of the lake open to all of the residents.” She pointed out that Arden and Highland Dunes Associates were honored with Master Plan of the Year and Amenity of the Year awards by the National Association of Home Builders. Commissioner Melissa McKinlay made a motion to approve transmittal to the state for comment, which carried 7-0. Once approved by Tallahassee, the proposal will return to Palm Beach County for final approval.

Sales Surtax Yields Big Renovations At Wellington Elementary

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington Elementary School has been abuzz this summer, but not with the voices of school children. Instead, the sounds of power tools have been reverberating throughout the halls as many renovation projects have been completed, with more being worked on in the coming fiscal year. Money for the long-planned work comes from the one-cent sales surtax approved by voters in 2016. The money raises millions each year to be split between Palm Beach County, the Palm Beach County School District and the county’s municipalities. Work at Wellington’s oldest school has included a deferred maintenance project, so it is not new construction. Instead, it is the replacement of existing items that are out of date. Messam Construction is the firm doing the $3,780,283 project. All the work is taking place in buildings 5 through 13. There is no work being done in buildings 1 through 4, which were modernized in 2010. While the work is slated to be completed prior to the start of the

school year, it will be some time before students get to enjoy their renovated surroundings, since all county schools will start the year Monday, Aug. 31 with distance learning due to the pandemic. Just as students love the smell of a new book, new is the watchword for the upgrades and renovations. Work at Wellington Elementary School includes new interior waterproofing, new flooring, new LED light fixtures, new water heaters, new ceiling tiles, new window blinds, new drinking fountains (not as tall as you might remember them from when you were in elementary school), new exhaust fans and all newly renovated bathrooms including new floor tiles, new wall tiles, new fixtures and new accessories, plus there is a new concrete sidewalk to provide ADA accessibility to the recreation field. The work will continue with a slate of projects to complete before the next school year. These include new air conditioning units, reroofing flat roofs for classroom pods, new water shut-off valves and new energy management system controls.

Renovations include new ceiling tiles and light fixtures, roof work, water proofing, flooring, water fountains and more.

Westlake OKs Revised Look, Taco Stands At 7-Eleven Locations

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Westlake City Council approved site plan amendments on Monday, Aug. 10 for both 7-Eleven convenience stores on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, adding taco preparation and sales as an approved use and changing architectural features. Planning Consultant Nilsa Zacarias said both stores, 7-Eleven 1.0 opposite Seminole Ridge High School on 1.4 acres near city hall, and 7-Eleven 2.0 south of Seminole Ridge, had been approved previously by the council. Both stores are proposed to

remain the same 4,500 square feet with 16 fuel pumps each and car washes, but taco food services will be added with an outside dining area added to the northern store and indoor dining area at the southern store. “The floor area is not increasing,” Zacarias said. “The applicant is adding a taco food service that is 10 percent of the store operation as an accessory use.” The building façade of both stores has been changed with new colors and materials, and grease traps have been added, as well as additional landscaping. “There is a drastic change with

regard to colors and materials of the proposed new building elevation,” she said. Land Planner Donaldson Hearing, representing both applicants, said both modifications are minor in nature, but with color and architectural enhancements. One store will feature a more modern look, to differentiate the two stores. “The primary purpose is the modification of the façade, but also the incorporation of a food vendor on the inside of the building,” Hearing said. “They’ve also added a covered terrace on the south side of the building, which will make it

a nice venue for people to be able to eat outside.” The 7-Eleven 1.0 will be painted rust brown with more glass and a higher façade than the conventional white stores with red and green trim, and the outdoor dining terrace will be landscaped to shield diners from the sun. Hearing noted that Westlake staff had recommended approval of both modifications. “Otherwise, the site plan remains the same, and the buffers remain the same,” he said, pointing out that the design will be a departure from the design of most 7-Eleven stores. “What is being

proposed is very unique and very forward leaning. It is very consistent with the flavor that has been established out in Westlake.” He said the applicant looks forward to beginning construction as soon as Westlake staff issues permits. Councilman JohnPaul O’Connor made a motion to approve the modifications, which carried 4-0 with Councilwoman Kara Crump absent. 7-Eleven 2.0, located on 2.48 acres on the northwest corner of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road and yet-to-be constructed Seminole Blvd. West, will be a lighter bone

gray color with a more towering façade than the more commonly seen 7-Eleven stores, but the design does not deviate from the previously approved plan. Hearing said the applicant is eager to start construction as soon as possible. “This one is a little bit more contemporary,” he said. “We picked up some of the elements that we have at other areas in Westlake, a very nice design, very well landscaped, and still maintain the 7-Eleven brand.” A motion by O’Connor to approve the amendments also carried 4-0.

Wellington Seeks Resident Input On Budget As Final OK Nears

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report Meeting virtually, the Wellington Village Council held a public hearing Tuesday, Aug. 11 and approved portions of its budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The council adopted resolutions approving the budgets and assessment rates for the Acme Improvement District, solid waste collection and the Saddle Trail Park Neighborhood Improvement District, as well as resolutions adopting the budgets for Wellington’s water and wastewater utility and the Lake Wellington Professional Centre.

The council also reviewed its overall budget package for fiscal year 2020-21, with the final opportunity for public input set for meetings on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. The final budget is slated for adoption Sept. 22 for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1. Wellington Director of Administrative & Financial Services Tanya Quickel explained that the total updated, preliminary budget includes revenues of $96.9 million and expenditures of $101.6 million with the $5 million spread covered by reserves from various accounts to balance the budget. Quickel said that the majority of

the revenue is made up of charges for services and the taxes. An explanatory video is also posted and information about the budget is available on the village’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov/budget in the effort to seek out comments and questions from the public. “We want to learn what projects and initiatives are important to residents,” Quickel said. Her presentation showed that 22,900 private residences in Wellington have a taxable value of $8.9 billion, which is an average tax value per home of $300,000. This represents a 2.9 percent increase in value over the last year.

The millage rate remains constant with the previous year’s rate at 2.47 mills. This figure could be made lower by the council but cannot go higher. At this rate, the average homesteaded property will owe a tax bill of $741, which represents a slight increase over 2019-20 because of the increase in home values. Quickel reported that the nonad valorem tax rate for the Acme Improvement District is $230 per unit. The solid waste fee is slightly higher at $135 for curbside and $100 for container pickup. The water base rate is $20.71, and the wastewater base rate is $19.75.

Councilman John McGovern asked about the budget for the Lake Wellington Professional Centre. The future of the facility has been much debated by the council over the past three years. The revenues are flat amid the current economic crisis, and expanded building maintenance and higher insurance premiums have increased the expenditures by $89,000. McGovern also asked for further explanation for the additional $868,000 governmental expenditure in the utilities budget. This was due to adding two positions to the 59 positions and 7 sup-

plemental positions, as well as merit salary increases, benefits and health insurance increases for staff. The higher rate for the solid waste contract and escalating costs for chemicals and supplies added to the increase. McGovern made a motion to approve the budget resolutions, seconded by Councilman Michael Drahos. They were adopted unanimously. In other business: • The council heard public comment from resident Alexander Terry, who lives on Wellington Trace just west of Greenview Shores See WELLINGTON, page 20

ITID Files Countersuit To Minto Lawsuit Over 140th Avenue Access

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District has filed a countersuit to a lawsuit brought by developer Minto and the Seminole Improvement District (SID) demanding that it be allowed to access 140th Avenue North a few blocks north of Persimmon Blvd. in The Acreage. ITID recently blocked off an access road from Minto’s Westlake property to 140th Avenue North that was being used by utility vehicles that damaged a sidewalk there. A 76-page complaint filed in circuit court by Minto and SID, the

Minto-controlled special district in charge of Westlake’s roads and drainage, against ITID asks for declaratory and injunctive relief for access to 140th Avenue North based, in part, on its development order from Palm Beach County to provide two east-west connections from Seminole Pratt Whitney Road to 140th Avenue North. The complaint also contends that ITID does not have the right to install a physical barrier to prevent traffic from SID’s jurisdiction from using the mutual right of way and from connecting to ITID’s roadway system. ITID’s civil counterclaim filed

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in the 15th Judicial Circuit asserts that the plaintiffs are trying to access a private road owned by ITID. “Defendant exclusively maintains its roads [by] using funds from assessments on and for the benefit of the landowners living within ITID,” the countersuit states. The countersuit states further that the plaintiffs seek to gain unlimited access to ITID’s roadway system without contributing funds for the maintenance, repair, upgrading or upkeep of those roads. “ITID’s roads are designed and maintained for low-volume traffic serving the needs of local

residential neighborhoods and are unpaved in many sections,” the countersuit continues. “They are not designed to safely and efficiently handle the high-speed, high-volume traffic from outside areas that SID and Minto are seeking to allow, especially when that traffic includes heavy-duty dump trucks used in the development of Minto’s property.” The countersuit further alleges that the plaintiff’s proposed connection to 140th Avenue North is not a necessity and both SID and Minto have numerous options to avoid the use of ITID roads altogether.

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The countersuit further asserts that ITID’s action barricading the access road was justified in asserting its vested rights to the right of way in question, and consistent with the promotion of public health, safety and welfare of ITID and its residents. The suit notes that Florida Statutes specifically permit ITID to assess and collect reasonable fees for a connection to its roadway system, and asserts that any reference by SID or Minto that they have historically used the connection at 140th Avenue North in the past would refer to agricultural uses, not the proposed

heavy development use that Minto intends for the current use of the connection. The countersuit further alleges that the plaintiffs seek to gain unlimited access to ITID’s roadway system without contributing toward the maintenance, repair, upgrading or upkeep of the roads. “Plaintiffs are seeking to avoid paying either the county or ITID for making its connections onto ITID’s roadway system,” the countersuit states. “To allow SID and Minto access to ITID’s roadway system without contributing any funds for its maintenance, upgrade or repair would be inequitable.”

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NEWS

THE VILLAGE OF WELLINGTON EXTENDS SUMMER CAMPS AND ACADEMIES

Due to a delayed start to the 2020-21 school year, Wellington Parks & Recreation has extended its summer camps and academies to accommodate families seeking activities to help keep their kids happy, healthy, active and engaged. Programs active at Village Park on Friday, Aug. 7 included Visual Art Camp and Cheer, Hip-Hop & Gymnastics Camp. There are also equestrian offerings, as well as sports and athletics. For more info., visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/camps or call (561) 791-4005. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

(Front row) Samantha Silverman and Sophia Yohe with “Tumble King” Devron Richardson; and (back row) Annie Silverman, Kloe Mack and Mia Maggio.

Annie Silverman, Sophia Yohe, Kloe Mack, Mia Maggio and Samantha Silverman with “Tumble King” Devron Richardson.

Sophia Yohe, Kloe Mack, Samantha Silverman, Devron Richardson, Mia Maggio and Annie Silverman.

Timothy Villapando and Ryleigh Villapando work on watercolor batiks.

Sophia Yohe, Annie Silverman, Mia Maggio, Kloe Mack and Samantha Silverman with Devron Richardson.

Annie Silverman with Devron Richardson.

Clara Long uses a glue stick.

Art instructor Melissa UlrichWeisz with Bailey Gibbons. Micaela Raggiotto and Braelyn Poe.

Bryce Quilleon with art instructor Miss Muriel.

Samantha Silverman and Sophia Yohe during a gymnastics class.

Miss Muriel leads an arts and crafts class with Autumn Johnson.

Parker Gibbons with her cityscape and Lexie McKenzie with her Serengeti art.

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Page 7

NEWS

County Supports Request For Real Estate Office Near Acreage Plaza

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Palm Beach County Commission recently gave preliminary approval to a request that would allow a real estate office to be built on what is currently a residential lot at the southwest corner of Orange Blvd. and Seminole Pratt Whitney Road in The Acreage. At a comprehensive plan public hearing held Tuesday, July 28, the commissioners approved transmittal of a request that would allow a privately proposed text amendment introducing a new policy to allow additional commercial office development in the county’s exurban tier and the Acreage Neighborhood Planning Area in the Indian Trail Improvement District.

David Milledge, an attorney with the planning firm Cotleur & Hearing, said the applicant, Chad Hanna, is a local resident and business owner who owns the 1.76acre property. To the northeast is the Acreage Plaza, where Hanna currently operates his real estate business, Reach Estate. “Part of this proposed policy would require all development to maintain a Florida vernacular style of architecture,” Milledge said. “There’s substantial screening from the roadway around the subject site. There are several location requirements, which limit the affected properties to nine. In addition to the location requirements, there are design requirements, as well as limiting development stan-

dards such as setbacks, landscape buffers and preservation areas.” The intent of the proposed policy is to allow additional lowimpact commercial uses that are compatible with the surrounding character and to provide a transitional use between residential properties and the existing commercial plaza, Milledge said. The floor-area ratio on the property would be limited to 0.05. “All land development regulations and the Indian Trail standards would continue to be followed, and there has been substantial community outreach, including multiple discussions with the Acreage Landowners’Association as well as the Indian Trail Improvement District,” Milledge

said. “Both of these organizations have no objections to this proposal.” Palm Beach County Principal Planner Lisa Amara said that the county has received letters of support from the ALA and ITID. “We’re recommending transmittal,” Amara said. “We’re hoping to bring this back to the board if it’s transmitted today, all together with the zoning, the text amendment and this land use change at one hearing so we can really see the total package to make sure that it has that look that we’re looking for, and this will only apply to office land uses and those other eight affected properties.” Amara pointed out that the other eight properties would not

An artistic rendering of the proposed real estate office. automatically get the ability for office zoning and would have to come through a land use amendment process. The current request would be back in September or October for final approval by the county commission, she said. Commissioner Melissa McKinlay made a motion to approve transmittal.

“The rarity of the county commission office, the Acreage Landowners’Association and the Indian Trail Improvement District all agreeing on a land use change is unbelievable, so hats off to staff and to the applicant, and to the leaders of those two community organizations,” McKinlay explained. The motion carried 7-0.

Groves Council Gives Initial Nod To Okeechobee Blvd. Overlay

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council on Tuesday, Aug. 4 approved the preliminary reading and transmittal of a comprehensive plan amendment creating an overlay for Okeechobee Blvd. in an effort to control the future design and future uses of the road. The ordinance will be transmitted to officials in Tallahassee for comments, and it will return for final approval sometime over the next seven months. Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia said such an amendment should have been passed five years ago to protect Okeechobee Blvd.

“I want to tell you who really lost here on Okeechobee,” Maniglia said. “If you go back and look at all the homeowners — all the people who own on Okeechobee [now], they’re developers, they’re nurserymen, sitting, poised and waiting. They’re investors.” She said that the people who lost out were the previous owners. “The town did a huge injustice to them by not doing this overlay in 2015 because those properties that they sold for $600,000 are on the market for $2 million now. We did a huge injustice doing nothing,” she said. Maniglia said approving the

ordinance would be the first step toward protecting the Okeechobee Blvd. corridor from unwanted uses and control the locations of approved uses, and the town could actively adjust it as needed. “In some cases, we have things that are already in place that can stay in place, but they’re going to get taxed,” she said. “This is our opportunity, this council, to really start in motion to make this a real town.” Planning Consultant Jim Fleischmann said the ordinance would be a first step in addressing nonconforming or illegal uses along the corridor.

“We will have more tools and the direction to actually sit down with them and work something out,” Fleischmann said. He noted that the town’s Land Planning Agency passed two motions at its meeting on July 30, one approving the traffic portion of the ordinance, and another asking for more time to review details of the overlay, particularly for buffers and setbacks, to separate conflicting uses and better maintain a “rural parkway” on Okeechobee Blvd. Councilman Robert Shorr agreed that the overlay is long overdue, pointing out that he has seen several properties on

Okeechobee lately that appear to be going toward undesired uses for the location. “Here’s our opportunity, in my opinion, to turn Okeechobee into a ‘rural parkway,’ to create that buffer,” Shorr said. Mayor Lisa El-Ramey was not enthusiastic about approving the ordinance as it currently exists. “This can has been kicked down the road for a long time,” El-Ramey said. “We know that we have nonconforming uses that continue to thumb their noses at the town, but if we are not very diligent in this process, we’re going to end up with the same problems we’re seeing along

Southern [Blvd.] right now.” Fleischmann explained that if the ordinance were approved that evening, it would be sent to the state, which would have 30 days to review it, and by state law, the town would have six months to give final approval. “There’s nothing to say that between that first and second reading, we cannot make changes,” he said. “This is a start, and we would have seven months to take it to the public, take it back to the LPA and get their input.” Maniglia made a motion to approve the comprehensive plan amendment, which carried 4-1 with El-Ramey opposed.

COVID-19 Growth Rate Slows Slightly In Palm Beach County

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The increase in the rate of COVID-19 cases, as well as fatalities, has decreased slightly in Palm Beach County, but residents must remain vigilant with social distancing and masking to see a meaningful decrease and bring the virus under control, Florida Department of Health-Palm Beach County Director Dr. Alina Alonso told the Palm Beach County Commission on Tuesday, Aug 4. Alonso added that block parties and large gatherings such as weddings and birthday parties are

contributing significantly to the failure to control the virus. “Together, we can do this,” she said at the meeting held virtually. “We did it prior to our re-opening, and we need to do it again.” As of Aug. 4, total cases in Florida were nearing 500,000, with 34,550 in Palm Beach County and 845 deaths. “The group that is growing the largest is the 25- to 34-year-olds,” Alonso said. “They now have 6,548 cases. That is the number that continues to grow the most, followed by the 15- to 24-yearolds, and the 35- to 44-year-olds.

However, the ones dying continue to be 40 percent of those patients over the age of 85.” She stressed that COVID-19 cases are being traced to social gatherings, such as parties, birthdays, weddings and barbecues, that bring people together. “We see that after these events, we have spikes in the number of cases related to those events,” Alonso said. “We can show that by both our contact tracing, as well as by information being given by the police and others who are looking at these events and trying to break them up… Obviously, the masks

come off, the drinking starts and all your inhibitions are relaxed, and, therefore, we make mistakes.” In Florida, 3.8 million people have been tested out of a total population of 21.5 million, amounting to 17.5 percent of the population, with a positivity rate of 13.09 percent. “The overall goal for this number is to be under 10 percent,” Alonso said. “The [current] daily positivity rate for Florida is at 9.09 percent, which is just below the goal of 10 percent for the state, but remember, we want to go all the way down to 5 percent to be able

to have effective contact tracing and be able to stop the spread of COVID-19.” She emphasized that contact tracing is only a tool to measure the rate of spread. “The virus can only be stopped by social distancing and wearing of the masks,” Alonso said. “What can each individual do to stop the spread? That’s the only way the virus will go down.” In Palm Beach County, the positivity trend has gone up slightly, but remains lower than Broward and Miami-Dade counties, the state’s other hotspots.

“We’re happy for that,” Alonso said. “This is not a good trend. We want it to be going down. However, I want you to notice that it’s very small increments. It’s going up very slowly. It could be going up much faster.” She predicted that as more testing is done, the positivity percentage will start going down if the community continues to practice social distancing and mask wearing. To learn more about the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.pbcgov.com/ coronavirus.

Lox Council OKs Changes To Site Plan At Big Dog Ranch Rescue

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved site plan amendments Tuesday, Aug. 4 for Big Dog Ranch Rescue, adding a break room for staff and reducing overall kennel size without increasing the overall square footage of the buildings at the facility. The 65,805-square-foot animal rescue shelter is located at the southeast corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and D Road. It was granted a special exception to build in 2015. Representatives of the nonprofit explained that they are

requesting some adjustments after working there a few years. Representatives for Big Dog said social distancing due to COVID-19 concerns led the applicant to redesign buildings so that staff could have a separate area from the public for breaks. “During the day, staff needs a place to take a break,” Big Dog President Lauree Simmons said. A planned caretaker house is being eliminated and replaced with a staff support building that will include space for staff meetings, employee lockers and an employee break/lunchroom

consisting of a full kitchen with a refrigerator, sink, dishwasher and stove, as well as separate bathrooms for men and women. A maintenance building, quarantine building for local found dogs and physical therapy building are being increased in size, while a senior dog sanctuary, boarding dog housing and heartworm recovery cabins are being reduced in size. Town Planning Consultant Jim Fleischmann said the proposal does not increase the total approved building area or floor area ratio and allows the facility

to better address current needs, which includes separation of staff from the public due to COVID-19 precautions. The Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Committee recommended approval of the amendments last month. Simmons said the planned caretaker’s house will not be built in lieu of keeping an existing house on the property. “The existing house on the property that was on the last approved site plan is where the staff manager or overnight caretaker stays,” Simmons said. “The staff

support [building] is not going to have beds in it. Staff just needs a place where they can go in and take their breaks.” She explained that an existing boardroom/meeting room is used by volunteers and visitors. “After living and working at the ranch for these few years, we’re defining what our needs are, so we’ve fine-tuned it and just moved a few buildings around,” Simmons said. “We gave up one of the heartworm pods to have a physical therapy unit because we’ve got the big Aqua Paws underwater treadmill and a hyper-

baric chamber. We take in a lot of dogs that are hit by cars. It’s all the same square footage.” Councilwoman Laura Danowski noted that parking space appears to have been increased. “Does that impact anything as far as drainage?” Danowski asked. “All of our underground drainage is in place and was complete prior to us finishing any buildings,” Simmons said. Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia made a motion to approve the Big Dog amendments, which carried 5-0.

on today’s political landscape, current events and her priorities in Congress. Klobuchar is the first woman elected to represent the State of Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. Throughout her public service, Klobuchar has always embraced the values she learned growing up in Minnesota. She has built a reputation of standing up for families and workers, finding common ground and working to deliver results on the country’s most pressing issues. Tickets for the event are currently available and can be reserved on the Forum Club’s web site or by contacting Kelsey Joyce at kjoyce@forumclubpb.com. For more information about the event, visit www.forumclubpalmbeach.org/upcoming-events. The Forum Club of the Palm Beaches is Florida’s largest nonpartisan political and public affairs organization. For 45 seasons, the nonprofit organization has continued to present an impressive lineup of national leaders. Due to the circumstances surrounding the virus, the Forum Club has transitioned to virtual events until it is safe for the organization to gather in person again. For more information about the Forum Club, visit www.forumclubpalmbeach.org.

secure web chat and secure texting on its hotline to increase access for survivors of domestic violence who may be unable to call for assistance. Individuals seeking services or help who are not able to make a phone call are encouraged to text AVDA’s 24-hour crisis hotline at (800) 355-8547 or select the chat option at www.avdaonline.org. Secure web chat and texting has become a trusted method of communication for many domestic violence service providers. Due to local stay-at-home orders during COVID-19, it was challenging for survivors to make a phone call to seek help. Texting offers a safe, secure and more discreet option for survivors to reach out for help when they need it. AVDA’s victim advocates are available 24 hours a day to answer hotline calls, web chats and secure texts in real time. Program Services Director Jennifer Rey was instrumental in implementing this new service for the agency. “Knowing that survivors are at home with their perpetrators more often than not because of the pandemic, web chat and secure texting options are critical to ensure survivors can discreetly contact AVDA’s 24-hour hotline to access our full range of life-saving services,” she said. AVDA promotes violence-free relationships and social change by offering alternative choices to end violence and domestic abuse. AVDA’s crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day at (800) 355-8547. For more information, visit www. avdaonline.org.

NEWS BRIEFS Virus Testing Available At Wellington Community Center

Wellington has partnered with Premier Family Health to provide walk-up COVID-19 testing for all western communities’ residents age 12 and over. Health officials from Premier Family Health will conduct tests at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. Testing opened Wednesday, Aug. 12 by appointment, for both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents. Tests are performed using a nasal swab. Antibody tests are not currently available. To schedule an appointment, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/testing and complete responses to a few questions. Those without computer access or who need assistance to schedule an appointment should call (561) 753-2484. To ensure the health and safety of testing staff and community members, everyone must wear their protective facial covering at the testing site. Follow directional signage on site. A photo ID is required for testing.

somewhere in-between, you are invited to participate in the Village of Wellington’s first-ever Social Distance Virtual 5K. What is a virtual 5K and how does it work? A virtual 5K is a race that can be completed from anywhere. Run, walk, jog or treadmill to complete the distance on your own time (within the race period) and at your own pace. Complete your distance anytime between Saturday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Sept. 13. It can be done anywhere! Pick your favorite trail, sidewalk or treadmill. Complete the run at your own pace; run, walk, jog or use a treadmill; track your run; and submit your results to receive a finisher medal. Registration opened Monday, Aug. 3 and continues through Friday, Aug. 21. Participation is free and open to all, but spaces are limited, so register early. Registered participants (within the United States) who complete the run and submit their results will receive a finisher medal. To register, or for additional details and frequently asked questions, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ Virtual5K. Wellington thanks Humana and Fit2Run Wellington for their partnership in this event.

Kids Free At Zoo August Long Wellington Parks All The Palm Beach Zoo is celkids during the month of & Recreation To ebrating August. Now through Aug. 31, for Host Virtual 5K each full-price adult admission,

Whether you are a beginner looking to complete your first 5K, an experienced distance runner, or

two children age 13 and under are free. “We are so thankful to provide

a place where everyone can be out in nature and connect with animals during this time,” said Margo McKnight, president and CEO of the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society. “We are making the zoo more accessible to all by offering our annual kids free event in August, prior to the start of the school year.” Palm Beach Zoo’s winding shaded pathways and refreshing Fountain Plaza splash pad make it a great place to visit during the long summer days. To the delight of the hundreds of animal residents, visitors have been safely and steadily returning to the zoo. “The animals missed the guests when we were closed and have enjoyed getting to see them again,” Palm Beach Zoo General Curator Mike Terrell said. “It is a livelier place all around with guests visiting. The otters, bears and jaguars all seem to get as much enjoyment out of watching the visitors as guests get watching the animals.” The zoo reopened to the public on June 5, after being closed for 80 days due to COVID-19. During Palm Beach County’s Phase 1 re-opening, the zoo is limiting attendance to allow each guest 100 square feet of space to physically distance from other guests. Indoor locations remain closed during this phase and several hand sanitizer stations are available. The zoo has enhanced its daily cleaning protocols for high-touch surfaces and restrooms. In addition, the Tropics Café launched a mobile ordering platform allowing guests to remotely order food, pay and pick up at a scheduled time at the cafe window.

This helps minimize touch points and face-to-face interactions. Tickets to the zoo are available online at www.palmbeachzoo.org/tickets, and advanced purchase is recommended for a touchless entry.

Village Park Closed Aug. 15 For Back-ToSchool Event

In order to accommodate oneway traffic for Wellington’s Back to School Drive-Thru event, the Village Park Athletics Complex at 11700 Pierson Road will be closed to the general public on Saturday, Aug. 15 from 8 a.m. to noon. The Back-to-School Drive-Thru is set to occur at Village Park from 8 to 11 a.m. Advance registration is required. Students must be a Wellington resident or attend a Wellington school in order to receive supplies. For more information, and to register, visit the Eventbrite page at www.eventbrite.com/e/wellingtons-back-to-school-drive-thruevent-registration-113666339080. Register early as supplies are limited.

Forum Club to Present Sen. Amy Klobuchar

At noon on Tuesday, Aug. 25, the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches will present a virtual lunch with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. During the noon program, Klobuchar will share her insights

AVDA Offers Web Chat, Texting For Domestic Violence Victims

AVDA (Aid to Victims of Domestic Abuse) recently launched


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Trainer Carmen ‘Queca’ Franco Clicks With Horse Photography

Many of the riders, owners and trainers who come to Wellington for the season will experience the excitement and paparazzi that goes along with equestrian competition at this world class level. However, one particular photographer stands out as being different from the rest. Carmen “Queca” Franco is an accomplished equestrian and judge herself, yet she has another passion and talent that she brings to the shows — taking pictures of all the beautiful horses and capturing spectacular moments of the season. “I love photography, and so four years ago I took my camera out, and I started shooting pictures at the Palm Beach Derby,” Franco recalled. “We also created a public Facebook page about the Palm Beach Derby and started publishing pictures of things like what happened in the jog, who was in the bleachers, who was competing and who wasn’t. We had a lot of followers and people commenting about the history of the derby. It became a tradition for me to do this at the derby, but at the same time, I had my own training business and horses to show myself. So, I would take my camera to the shows and take pictures here and there or take pictures at other events, such as clinics.” This grew into something much more. “There is an artistic part of the moment of the picture that I love to find. I focus on the people, on the horses, or the weather conditions — just trying to translate to everybody what was really happening, and to bring the emotion or the feel of it all,” she said. Franco explained that photog-

raphy is a wonderful hobby that complements her horse training business. “There are many times I take pictures of horses because I know what is good and what is bad riding-wise, and that’s what I love to capture, but it’s really just a hobby. My life is working horses,” she said. “I ride and train and have my whole business around that. I believe if my photography were to become a business, it would take a little bit of that magic out of it. I love being able to take a picture when I want to — not when I have to.” Before her career in horses, Franco graduated as an architect from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia. She feels this has helped support her love of photography. “I like the aesthetics part of it,” she said. “As an architect, I feel it’s in my soul.” In 2019, Franco was honored to receive a first-place award for her photo, “Sunshine State Dressage” in the United States Dressage Federation Arts Contest. “It was very rewarding to hear that I was recognized with the award,” she said. “It was a beautiful sunset, and the whole team was practicing. I kept thinking, ‘There should be a good picture here.’ Then, I knew the moment I took it that it was a nice picture.” Franco was also thrilled to learn that another one of her photos was selected by Semican, a well-respected equine feed company, to be used on the Alfalfa Pellets product bag. The company was looking for a beautiful horse to grace the product and felt that Franco captured the perfect shot. And while Franco’s camera may

Carmen “Queca” Franco with her camera.

PHOTO BY LILY FORADO

capture some very different shots as equestrians adjust to a new norm with social distancing and mandatory masks in public, one thing is for certain — she will still be capturing the beauty of horses interacting with people and share it through her photos. Although she loves photography as a hobby, Franco said her true professional purpose is as a rider, trainer and judge, and owner of her dressage business, Q-Equestrian. Franco is available to travel for lessons, clinics and training of horses, and she accepts all levels of riders and horses. Her base location is May Faire Oaks Farm in White Fences. For more information, e-mail queca@q-equestrian. com or visit www.q-equestrian. com.

Deb Burggraaf’s Book Honored At FAPA Awards

Local author Deb Burggraaf’s new book Miss Deacon and the Tale of William was honored at the 2020 Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Book Awards, winning three silver medals in the categories of Self-Help, Inspirational and Memoir. The publisher of the book is Steve White of Protective Hands Communications, and Burggraaf once again worked with

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award-winning illustrator Matthew Lumsden. Meanwhile, Burggraaf’s book Josie on Shadowridge Drive was recently recognized as a finalist in the International Book Awards in the Children’s Picture Book category. The books are available through Amazon and at www.dburgg.com. (Right) Deb Burggraaf holding her award-winning book.

Wellington’s Donald Tuckwood Serving Aboard USS Ronald Reagan

Wellington native and Wellington High School graduate Donald Tuckwood is currently serving aboard the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which is continuing to conduct operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Tuckwood is an airman, in charge of moving aircraft like they do at an airport. He moves about 15 aircraft per day for maintenance or flight operations. “I feel like we are doing the right thing so that our potential adversaries don’t do the wrong thing, and I’m proud to be part of the best warship in the fleet,” Tuckwood said. Since the ship’s Yokosuka departure in June, the Ronald Reagan continues to operate in the Indo-Pacific alongside allies and partners to demonstrate the United States of America’s commitment to defense agreements, as well as provide security and stability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. In early July, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) and the USS Ronald Reagan carrier strike groups started conducting dual carrier operations in the Philippine Sea and South China Sea. These car-

Donald Tuckwood works with planes on the USS Ronald Reagan. rier strike groups incorporate the gan completed a trilateral naval capabilities of embarked fixed exercise with the Japan Maritime and rotary wing aircraft, Aegis Self-Defense Force and the Ausguided-missile cruisers and de- tralian Defense Force. Australia stroyers, and attack submarines. and Japan have both fostered This opportunity for two carrier long-standing alliances with the strike groups to train and operate United States. This year also marks together in the region provides the 60th anniversary of the treaty combatant commanders with of mutual cooperation and security significant operational flexibility between the United States and and capabilities that only the U.S. Japan. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Navy can bring. Strike Group is the Navy’s only Most recently, the Ronald Rea- forward-deployed strike group.

Somyr Woods Mercado Receives National Honor

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) recently announced that Wellington High School student Somyr B. Woods Mercado has been selected to become a member of the esteemed organization. The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS Founder & Chairman Claes Nobel, senior member of the family that established the Nobel Prizes. “On behalf of NSHSS, I am honored to recognize the hard work, sacrifice and commitment that Somyr has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” Nobel said. “Somyr is now a member of a unique community of scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.” NSHSS members automatically

become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. At each step along the way — from high school to college to career — NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strengths and pursue their passions. “We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” NSHSS President James W. Lewis said. “We aim to help students like Somyr build on their academic success by connecting them with unique learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.” Formed in 2002, the National Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goals and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experi-

Somyr Woods Mercado ences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks. Currently, there are more than 1,500,000 society members in over 170 countries. For more information, visit www.nshss.org.

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It’s “The Law” by Leonard F. Baer

COVID 19 Treatment- DNR or Living Will The current healthcare crisis has created numerous questions concerning the use of a ventilator when someone seems to be failing due to COVID 19. This highlights the common confusion between a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) order and a Living Will and the misconception they are the same document. While inter-related, they are very different. As explained below, neither document, in and of itself, directs or prevents health care professionals from using a ventilator to aid a patient’s breathing. A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order placed in one’s medical record by a doctor informs the medical staff cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be attempted if the patient stops breathing or suffers a cardiac event. The order is based on the doctor’s medical opinion that resuscitation would be futile or result in harm or pain to the patient. The DNR is written by a doctor, not by the patient (although it is sometimes written at the patient’s request). Important to note, a DNR is specific about CPR. It does not state the patient shouldn’t be treated. In the case of COVID-19, ‘treatment’ includes the use of a ventilator, so it’s use is not affected by a DNR. Living Wills generally have two components, an Advance Directive and Health Care Proxy. Advance Directives are legal documents signed by the individual, containing instructions and preferences for medical care in ‘end-of-life’ scenario. They are often relied upon if one or more doctors determine the patient

is terminal, incurably and permanently unconscious, and there is no reasonable hope of recovery. A Living Will helps one avoid end-of-life suffering and relieves family members and friends of the difficult burden of making these decisions. Living Wills can be very simple and broad-based, or they can be complex and specific. This important document does not affect the use of a ventilator during a COVID-19 crisis, where the use of the ventilator assists the patient to breathe and is the protocol for treatment. It is a much different situation, where there has been a diagnosis the patient is terminal and will not survive. In this event, mechanical ventilation is the only means of life support, as the patient will never regain the ability to breathe on his own. A Health Care Proxy on the other hand, designates an agent to act on a patient’s behalf to make and enforce medical decisions in the event the patient is unable to give informed consent or make decisions on their own. Be Educated! Be Proactive! 2020 VIRTUAL (VIA SKYPE, FACETIME OR ZOOM) OFFICE VISITS AVAILABLE; OR OUTSIDE PORCH HIGHLANDS OFFICE WITH SAFE DISTANCING!

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Anthony Tralongo Wellington Working Moms Raise Money To Cater Dinner For Healthcare Heroes Selected For Perfect

Every Sunday morning, a group of close friends, who all happen to be working mothers, get together for coffee or tea. This has been virtual since the pandemic began, but they still make time for each other. Recently, two of the members, a hospital CEO and a physician, mentioned the continued strain on local healthcare workers. In the beginning of the pandemic, donations and food deliveries were pouring in for essential workers at hospitals, but that has substantially subsided. The Coffee Talk crew quickly decided to organize a dinner delivery for Wellington Regional Medical Center to show support. The women focused on community outreach, and donations came in from local businesses, as well as families thrilled to be able to help support those who are taking care of the community. The Coffee Talk crew worked with the CEO of WRMC and used the donations to order dinner from a local woman-owned business, Taylor Made Cafe of Wellington. The Aug. 4 dinner fed the entire Wellington Regional Medical Center staff of more than 180 essential workers. The women wanted to recognize the entire staff, including the custodial and cafeteria workers, all of whom

Game’s 14U Select Baseball Festival

(L-R) Megan Wellikoff, Liz Herman, Jennifer Shapiro, WRMC CEO Pamela Tahan, Robyn Mishkin and Taryn Silverstein, along with Debra Barron (not shown) raised funds to cater dinner for the night shift staff at WRMC. have been giving their all during Florida, Herman Law PA, Jenni- Wendy and Marvin Babyatsky, the pandemic. fer and Kevin Shapiro, Jennifer and the Pulmonary, Critical Care The Coffee Talk crew thanks the and Michael Preville, Jenny and & Sleep Disorders Institute of following families and businesses Stephen Levin, Jillian and Scott South Florida. for their generous donations: Loss, Kathy and Brian Neville, Many people would like to Barbara and Jeffrey Ginsberg, Kimberly and Gregg Walsh, Me- do something to help, but are Barbara Kosela, Beth and Tom gan and Adam Wellikoff, Rachael struggling to figure out what that Marion, Bethanny and Jeff Sil- and Brian Bausch, Robyn and is, especially when keeping your verman, Christine Seal, Dana Ryan Mishkin, Ron and Suzie distance. The Coffee Talk crew is and Doug Murphy, Debra and Wellikoff, Sonni and Lawrence hoping that this will be a recurring Todd Barron, Dr. and Mrs. Alvaro Greenberg, Staci and Michael monthly event, so if you would Castillo, Estee and Patrick Toole, Mishkin, Stephanie and Josh like to get involved, reach out at Gastroenterology Associates of Davis, Taryn and Dan Silverstein, coffeetalkcrew@gmail.com.

Wellington Musician Creates Instructional Videos For The Palm Beach Symphony

Wellington resident Claudio Jaffé made his orchestral debut at the age of 11 in his native Brazil performing a cello concerto written specifically for him. He is now connecting with today’s young musicians in a four-part series of instructional videos for the Palm Beach Symphony. “In addition to serving as our principal cellist, Claudio has won numerous prizes in national and international competitions,” Palm Beach Symphony CEO David McClymont said. “He has also been resident conductor of the Florida Youth Orchestra for more than 18 years and was a perfect choice to create videos to encourage and educate students during this time when their activities in band or orchestra have been paused due to the pandemic.”

In the four-part series, Jaffé provides instruction on the physics of sound production and bowing techniques on the cello. Jaffé also serves as cellist for the Delray String Quartet and principal cellist of the Florida Grand Opera. He has performed in some of the most prestigious concert halls around the world from New York City to Brazil to Tokyo. He performs regularly at the Sunflower and Buzzards Bay music festivals. The first Brazilian cellist to win the Villa-Lobos International Cello Competition, Jaffé has performed in most Brazilian states both as soloist with orchestra and in recital. Trained as a solo cellist, Jaffé received four degrees from Yale University, including a doctor of musical arts degree, and currently

teaches at Palm Beach Atlantic University. As an educator, he served as dean of the Lynn University Conservatory of Music and created its preparatory division, and he also began the strings program at Saint Andrew’s School. Jaffé’s videos, as well as those by other Palm Beach Symphony musicians, are available at www. palmbeachsymphony.org. Recognized by the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County with a 2020 Muse Award for Outstanding Community Engagement, Palm Beach Symphony serves nearly 18,000 students each season. The Palm Beach Symphony is celebrated for delivering spirited performances by first-rate musicians and distinguished guest artists. For more info., visit www. palmbeachsymphony.org.

Cellist Claudio Jaffé

PHOTO BY EMILIO VAZQUEZ JR.

Continuing to expand its efforts in leading the amateur baseball industry, Perfect Game recently announce that Wellington native Anthony Tralongo has been selected for the second annual 14U Select Baseball Festival to be held the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 5 at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in Oklahoma City. Other Floridians chosen for the honor include Coral Springs native Christian Rodriguez, Fort Lauderdale native Daniel Cuvet, Manuelle Marin and Brandon Olivera of Hialeah, and Miami native Eduardo Fernandez. Far more than just a game, the event provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players selected. While in Oklahoma City, the players will participate in a series of baseball-related activities, in addition to a visit to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, site of the April 19, 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. In the weeks leading up to the event, players will have the

opportunity to participate in a fundraising effort to help support the Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, which benefits families with children battling cancer. Prior to the game, players will visit with children at the OK Kids Korral, which provides a cost-free, convenient and comfortable home for pediatric cancer patients. “The Perfect Game Cares Foundation is proud to partner with our 2020 14U Select players to raise important funds for underserved children through the PG Cares Rise initiative, as well as the children and families of the OK Kids Korral in Oklahoma City,” said Jennifer Ford, executive director of the Perfect Game Cares Foundation. “Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these beautiful children.” The 14U Select Baseball Festival will be streamed live on PerfectGame.TV. For more information, visit www.perfectgame. org. You can help by donating at www.perfectgamecares.org.

FRLA Palm Beach Chapter Awards 14 Scholarships To Local Students

The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recently awarded $27,500 in college scholarships to 14 Palm Beach area culinary and hospitality high school students, including Jasmin Pickens of Wellington, who will attend Valencia Community College. Scholarship funds were raised during the annual Palm Beach EATS (Education Agriculture Together Showcase) event held earlier this year. Other 2020 scholarship winners included: Faith Underwood, Carolyn Von Werne, Jylene Velez, Falencia Aulbrice, Stephany Escobar, Emily Loomis, Clarvens Philosthene, Anterica Benyard, Jaden Walker, Nathanael Jolteus, Serena Boggs, Jade Kelley (winner of the Brian Fink Memorial Scholarship) and Mia Rideau.

“We had a tremendous increase in scholarship applications this year, and we realize the need is greater than ever,” said Nick Velardo, FRLA committee chair for education and vice president of food and beverage for the Breakers. “By providing scholarship support to students who are interested in the culinary and hospitality field, we strengthen the future of the industry.” “FRLA is committed to investing in the future of the hospitality industry, and I am pleased that we can support these students’ efforts for continuing their education,” Palm Beach County FRLA Regional Director Jodi Cross added. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier nonprofit hospitality industry trade association. Learn more at www.frla.org.

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NEWS

Neil S. Hirsh Family B&G Club Stays Open For Extended Summer Camp Monday, Aug. 10 was the first day of extended summer camp at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club in Wellington. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County has extended its summer camp schedule through Aug. 26 to account for the delayed start of Palm Beach County public schools. Once distance learning starts for students on Monday, Aug. 31, the nonprofit hopes to keep sites open during regular school hours and remain open until 7 p.m. weekdays. The expanded schedule will allow club members to have a safe space to go as classrooms remain closed. The plan still needs to be approved by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Executive Board.

“I commend our parents for asking us to stay open during regular school hours for distance learning so that they do not have to quit their jobs,” President & CEO Jaene Miranda said. “By our clubs opening, we can help them with the peace of mind that their children are safe while they are at work.” Currently, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is investigating the added costs associated with extending operating hours, which includes extra staff and internet upgrades. The clubs also plan on feeding members breakfast, lunch, a snack and dinner at no cost to families. “Sometimes doing the right thing is not the easy thing, but we do whatever it takes to make sure

that our club members are safe and are not academically falling behind because of an achievement gap created by distance learning,” Miranda said. “We need to raise at least $775,000 to cover the additional operating costs. Our executive board will ultimately decide if it is feasible.” This summer, clubs across Palm Beach County have been able to host, on average, more than 750 children a day. The number is limited due to COVID-19 safety guidelines. Typically, the clubs are able to host more than 2,000 club members on a summer day. To help those members who cannot attend, the nonprofit created a new virtual club at www.bgcathome. org. It provides live interactive programming five days a week

with activities that are led by staff members that the children know and trust. The programing features educational courses, the arts, social-emotional mentoring, career building, STEM and physical activities. Clubs also continue emergency food programs that started immediately after schools closed in March. The nonprofit has handed out more than 500,000 meals to children in the county, and more than 55,000 club family members have received a week’s worth of groceries. If you would like to help the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County stay open during school hours to help children with distance learning, visit www.bgcpbc. org to donate.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Sinai Gatete, Maria-Camilla Loazia and Samantha Silveria make mini ball launchers.

Bella Farmer and Hayden Bradt like to draw.

Sinai Gatete launches a ball.

Lamaro Campbell on the basketball court.

Cree Farmer and Jonathan Self shoot some hoops.

Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club Director Kenda Peterson and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County Marketing & Public Relations Director Eric Roby.

Jersira Johnson, Tatiana Montoya, dance instructor Nevonte Brock and Bibiana Montoya dance.

Guallilee Gatete and Morgan Herget with their activity boxes.

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy for one (1) regular member and one (1) alternate member on the Planning and Zoning Commission with the terms expiring in March of 2022. The Commission meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Meeting Hall. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, pick up an application at the Village Clerk’s office or download it from the Village’s website at COMMISSION/BOARD APPLICATION. Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than September 9, 2020 for Council consideration at its September 17th meeting. If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at (561) 7905102 By: Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Honors the memory of Deputy Sheriff

James R. Dickinson

Who died in the line of duty on August 22, 1989 While proudly serving the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Palm Beach County

Deputy James R. Dickinson will always be Remembered by his PBSO Family

AND

George C. Douglass

Who died in the line of duty on August 27, 1921 While proudly serving the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Palm Beach County

Deputy George C. Douglass will always be Remembered by his PBSO Family

TO SERVE AND PROTECT WAS THEIR OATH TO HONOR THEM IS OUR DUTY


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

The Town-Crier

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sheriff Ric Bradshaw Endorsed by:

July 29, 2020

RETAIN RIC L. BRADSHAW...BECAUSE HE HAS THE EXPERIENCE, RELATIONSHIPS AND EXPERTISE NEEDED FOR THE JOB — RIGHT NOW.

SHERIFF RIC BRADSHAW IS KEEPING US SAFE CRIME IS DOWN 25%* $10 MILLION FOR PROGRAMS

A PLAN FOR BODY CAMERAS

Invested $10 million in confiscated funds from criminals to support kids, seniors, and underserved communities.

Has a plan to install body cameras to ensure the highest possible amount of public accountability.

LEADERSHIP DURING COVID-19

PREVENTING SCHOOL SHOOTINGS

Provided food distribution for front line workers, nurses, and seniors during the pandemic.

Congress turned to Ric Bradshaw to testify about how police agencies can prevent school shootings and what policies they can implement to keep our students and schools safe.

$

Vote-by-Mail ballots must be mailed or dropped off in person at any Elections Office or Early Voting site. Your ballot must be received by the Supervisor of Elections office by 7pm on Election Day for it to be counted.

IMPLEMENTING POLICE REFORMS Implemented police reforms recommended by President Obama, including a ban on chokeholds, to reduce violence.

Local Early Voting Locations Wellington Branch Library Acreage Branch Library 1951 Royal Fern Dr 15801 Orange Blvd Wellington FL 33414 Loxahatchee FL 33470 visit pbcelections.org for more locations and information

PRIMARY ELECTION: AUGUST 18TH | GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 3RD ELECTION DAY POLLS OPEN FROM 7AM - 7PM

Paid by Ric Bradshaw, Democrat, for Sheriff

*Represents overall crime reduction in Palm Beach County since 2016 according to the FDLE.

THE COURAGE TO LEAD. THE HEART TO CARE.


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

Page 15

NEWS

DOGS AT ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL SHELTER ENJOY BOW WOW LUAU PARTY

Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control held a Bow Wow Luau birthday party for shelter dogs on Saturday, Aug. 8. Dogs got a whipped cream cone, toys and other enrichment from shelter staff and volunteers. “Op Around the Clock” was also taking place Aug 8-9. Visiting veterinarians performed spay and neuter operations on 180 community cats. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Vet assistant Alec Arguelles checks on post-op cats.

Sally gets a toy from volunteer Heather Smith.

Bandit stands up for a treat from Behavior and Enrichment Manager Stephanie Moore.

Behavior and Enrichment Manager Stephanie Moore gives Teddy a whipped cream cone.

Dr. Amber Hinson spays a cat.

Behavior and Enrichment Manager Stephanie Moore and volunteer Anna Fenstermacher with Sport.

Vet techs Samantha Cross and Taylor Lamar prepare a cat for surgery.

Brenda likes bubbles.

South Florida Science Center Hosting New ‘Power Up’ Interactive Exhibit

The new Power Up exhibit at the South Florida Science Center & Aquarium is open until Sept. 13. Guests can race drones, control flight simulators, watch Battlebots and let their imagination run wild with 3D printers in the space set up in the exhibit hall. It is every parent’s dream to let their children’s imagination loose worry-free without fear of a drone disappearing over a lake or in the neighbor’s yard, and parents can rest easy knowing their kids are in a protected environment. “We want to make sure the learning continues outside the classroom and provide a safe place

for kids this summer,” said Kate Arrizza, president and CEO of the Science Center. “We are grateful to our exhibit partners like Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) for helping us bring our guests’ imaginations to life.” Like a new age version of “Rock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots” that many parents grew up with, several battle robots are on display in the Robo Riot zone, including the famous Witch Doctor. The battlebot arena on show was custom made in Las Vegas for robotic combat and is made of bulletproof glass. The spinning blades on the robots run at thousands of RPMs and can

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Page 16

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FEATURES

Back-To-School Shopping Was A Strange, Oddly Fun Experience

Because we are all now living in Bizzaro World, my daughter Jen and I took the kids shopping for school clothes. Whether they will actually be attending school is still being debated, but my position on the matter is this — the only fun thing about going back to school is the back-to-school shopping, and why should my grandchildren be deprived of that? So we all got “suited up” with our masks and gloves and sanitizing wipes, and headed out to a store. The rules were clear — and extensive. There would only be one store; no one was allowed to stray more than three feet from their accompanying adult; children were not to grab things willy-nilly; we had to stay in budget; and, after the items were selected, mommy had the final say. If these rules were not

perfectly behaved. (I would say “perfectly” without the caveat, but you’d know I was lying because, you know, children.) My daughter took the girl and headed for her department, and I took the boy and headed in the other direction. “Just get a nice mix of stuff,” Jen advised. “Shirts, pants, you know.” Let me just say it right now — I love shopping with men, even seven-year-old “men.” They know what they want, and they feel absolutely no need to compare those items with other items or to look at bothersome price tags. Here’s what Skippy wants: sports gear. Anything made of jersey and displaying the Nike swoosh or a team logo is acceptable. In short order, he had chosen four shirts, four pairs of shorts, two pairs

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER adhered to, everything would be put back, the children would be loaded into the car and no one would get so much as an ice cream cone on the way home. We were all praying that the other ones would stay in line. I must say, it went pretty well. The children were delirious at being allowed out in a public place and were, therefore, almost

of long pants and we were done. As we rounded a corner, he saw the belts and grabbed one off the rack. “I need a bigger belt,” he said. He also chose one package of underwear and one package of socks. When we got to the shoe department, we discovered that his foot had grown two sizes during the shopping famine. “I don’t want laces,” he told me. “Laces are out.” Brilliantly, shoe companies have finally recognized this and have all kinds of shoes that look like they have laces but are actually slip-ons. Mom happy, kid happy. Great. He chose two pairs of shoes. He found a backpack he liked (I wondered if he’d get to use it) and a Nike lunchbox, which he does not need but, like I said, Nike. At my urging, we swung through the toy department where a Lego

helicopter found its way into the cart and into my own personal budget. When we met up with the mom-daughter team, 5-year-old Tess was delirious with joy. She’d always been fashion-conscious and, when introduced to the miracle of an 80 percent off sale, went absolutely wild. If her mother tried to cull out some of the less-practical purchases, Tess would clutch them to her chest imploring, “Not this! How could I ever give up this?” So, in addition to the helicopter, my budget made room for a small stack of t-shirts and a pair of Christmas pajamas that will absolutely be too small for her by Christmas. Because we had done so well following the rules, Jen bought us each a smoothie on the way home. And I got a hat. It was nice remembering what fun was like.

New Netflix Sci-Fi Comedy ‘Space Force’ Is Not Worth Your Time

I hated the Netflix series Space Force. I am a science fiction junkie and was a real Trekker. For those unaware of the designation, those who went to Star Trek conventions dressed like Klingons were Trekkies, those who liked the science, the good scripts and the ideal world presented by the classic TV show were Trekkers. I loved seeing people of different races (different species if you count Mr. Spock) working together to make things better. Yes, the technology now seems retro and somehow they never learned to wear seatbelts to prevent them from flying around the bridge, but it was a chance to see the best in humanity. In Space Force, everyone is at best a buffoon and at worst an idiot. The lead is General Mark Naird (Steve Carell), well-meaning but often clueless. His wife Maggie (Lisa Kudrow) is doing a 40-

caricatures. Air Force Chief of Staff Kick Grabaston (Noah Emmerich) seems better suited to a mental institution than any command position. And, of course, he is a backstabber par excellence who continually puts down Naird and eventually stages a coup against him. The rest of the Joint Chiefs of Staff are only interested in going to war, and at one point plan and then stage a war on the moon against the Chinese. Naird also has an adjutant, Brigadier General Bradley Gregory (Don Lake), who has all the forcefulness and demeanor of Barney Fife. And as idiotic as the military leaders are presented, they are brilliant compared to the politicians. The president is so dumb and petty that he makes Donald Trump seem like George Washington. We have a Nancy Pelosi parody stand-in (Concetta Tomei) and an Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler year sentence for an undescribed crime, leaving him to raise their daughter Erin (Diana Silvers) on his own, and she is a real handful. And these are the good guys! Of course, there is also head scientist Dr. Adrian Mallory (John Malkovich), who by being anti-war, gay and working with a functioning brain, is the only useful personality around. The military leaders are presented as pro-war morons, nothing more than

parody (Ginger Gonzaga) who cries about an orange sent to space. There is also briefly a congressman on the Space Committee who believes the earth is flat. The producers seem to be evenly partisan in their contempt. The plots become ridiculous. The U.S. planned to send a group of people up to the moon to create a habitat that included non-astronauts. A couple of them decide at the last minute they want better deals, so the leaders go on Google to find some replacements, one of whom it turns out has a criminal record and another who smuggles her pet bird with her. Can you imagine Star Trek’s Kirk or Picard or Sisko or Janeway having nuts like that around and tolerating them? There are some good scenes, touching ones and even funny ones, such as Maggie trying to explain to her husband why they

need an open marriage. Naird’s relationship with Mallory, an attempt to mimic the Kirk vs. Spock vs. Mc Coy banter, works quite well at times. There is also an amusing relationship between pilot/astronaut Angela Ali (Tawny Newsome) and scientist Chan Kaifang (Jimmy O. Yang) that includes an actually really funny road trip. But the good scenes are far too few. The series was done by people who really don’t like politicians or the military or much to do with space. At times it seems like perhaps they are proponents, but deep down they just mock the idea. Gene Roddenberry, who created Star Trek, believed in a future where the best people could all work together to “go where no one has gone before.” The people behind this show simply make fun of all these ideas. As a result, it really goes nowhere. Skip it; it is not worth your time.

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Pets Are Family, Too! By Randall S. Dugal, D.V.M.

DEAFNESS IN DOGS There are various reasons why a dog can be deaf, including old age, injury or illness, and a condition of birth, which occurs in dogs with certain types of markings, one example being Dalmatians. Being the happy personalities that most of them are, dogs can live full, joyful lives with deafness. However, there are things you can do to help with that. Be sure you have a tag on its collar stating that your dog is deaf. Since the dog won’t know when you call it, securing a bell on its collar will help you locate it. Keep the dog on a leash or in an enclosed yard. Finally, deaf dogs can be trained to respond to hand signals. There are many signs that a dog is having trouble hearing. She doesn’t seem to notice you’re in a room unless you touch her. She may turn the wrong way when you call, or may not respond to noises. If you notice these signs, stand behind your dog out of sight and clap once loudly. If she doesn’t seem to notice, get a vet’s opinion. At COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, we provide medical care and treatment for your dog, cat and exotic pets. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. We are conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd. P.S. Dogs losing their hearing due to old age usually are able to adjust to the decline in many ways without you knowing, by watching your body language and using their other senses.


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BUSINESS NEWS

Award Honors Palms West Hospital’s Commitment To Quality Stroke Care

Palms West Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get with the Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus and the Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award. The awards recognize the hospital’s commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines based on the latest scientific evidence. Palms West Hospital earned the awards by meeting specific quality achievement measures for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients at a set level for a designated period. These measures include evaluation of the proper use of medications and other stroke treatments aligned with the most up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines with the goal of speeding recovery and reducing death and disability for stroke patients. Before discharge, patients should also receive education on managing their health, get a follow-up visit scheduled, as well as other care transition interventions.

“We are dedicated to improving the quality of care for our stroke patients by implementing the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines stroke initiative,” Chief Nursing Officer Sheila Sanders said. “The tools and resources provided help us track and measure our success in meeting evidenced-based clinical guidelines developed to improve patient outcomes.” Palms West Hospital has also met specific scientific guidelines as a Primary Stroke Center, featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department. “We are pleased to recognize Palms West Hospital for their commitment to stroke care,” said Dr. Lee H. Schwamm, national chair of the Quality Oversight Committee. “Research has shown that hospitals adhering to clinical measures through the Get with the Guidelines quality improvement initiative can often see fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates.”

(L-R) Director of Emergency Services Rita Willis, Chief of Emergency Medicine Dr. Richard Giroux, Manager Emergency Services Monica Ible and Charge Nurse Mary-Anne Davis. According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of adult disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. suffers a stroke every 40 seconds and nearly 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent

stroke each year. Palms West Hospital is a 204bed acute care full-service facility combining high quality, patient-driven care and stateof-the-art technology to serve residents of Palm Beach County and beyond. Learn more at www. palmswesthospital.com.

Lori Berg Has Returned To The Royal Poinciana Plaza As General Manager

The Royal Poinciana Plaza, the iconic Palm Beach lifestyle destination, recently announced the appointment of Lori Berg as its new general manager. Berg makes her return to the Royal Poinciana Plaza with more than 30 years of professional luxury retail and hospitality experience. She played a crucial role in the redevelopment of the Royal Poinciana Plaza, where as general manager she leased and opened 45 boutiques over three years. Berg has been immersed in luxury fashion since the beginning of her career, working in every aspect of retail from inventory management and merchandising to sales, event production and marketing, to day-to-day operations and talent development. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of managerial and directorial roles at several highly regarded fashion institutions, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and the

Fashion Institute of Technology. Most recently, Berg served as the vice president of retail at the Baha Mar, a resort in the Bahamas, managing extensive retail offerings, buying for the resort boutiques and was instrumental in leasing Sugar Factory, Vineyard Vines, Tory Burch and Montblanc. Berg is deeply ingrained in the Palm Beach community and has served on multiple charitable committees through various Palm Beach philanthropic organizations. She was also on the board of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce. “The Royal Poinciana Plaza is one of the most respected retail destinations in the country. I am excited to collaborate with the talented team here once again to support our businesses in being as successful as they can be by attracting new customers, fostering relationships with current customers and maintaining proper-

Lori Berg returns as general manager at the Royal Poinciana Plaza. PHOTO BY CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY

ty-wide safety,” Berg said. “While I was abroad, I gained experience in every facet of the business, including retail buying and merchandising, leasing negotiations and hospitality. I so look forward to bringing these skills to our

Royal businesses and ensuring that the Royal remains one of the most dynamic and exciting properties in the world.” For more information, visit www.theroyalpoincianaplaza. com.

August 14 - August 27, 2020

Page 17

Arden Wins Four 2020 Gold Nugget Merit Awards

Arden, South Florida’s first “agrihood” master-planned by Freehold Communities, recently received four prestigious Gold Nugget Merit Awards at the 2020 Pacific Coast Builders Conference. Arden was recognized in the following categories: Masterplan Community of the Year, Best Recreational Use Facility/Amenity (nominated for both its lakeside clubhouse and farm-side event barn), Best Community Land Plan (which includes 20 miles of expertly mapped walking and biking trails, expansive lakes and lush landscaping) and Best Indoor/Outdoor Lifestyle for a Community. The annual PCBC Gold Nugget Awards honors architectural design and planning excellence and attracts candidates from across the globe. Now in its 57th year, the program honors those who improve communities by recognizing achievements of exceptional design, planning and development concepts. The awards were announced on July 24 at a virtual event. Winners

this year were selected from a panel of top industry experts who reviewed 575 competitive entries from around the world. “It’s a great honor to be recognized for these categories among so many great developments from all over the world,” said Andrew Smith, division president of Freehold Communities. “These recognitions serve as a testament to all the work the Arden team and our homebuilders have done and continue to do to create the uniquely uplifting, communal and health-forward community that our residents cherish.” Earlier this year, Arden was also awarded the National Association of Home Builders’ 2020 Gold Award for Best Amenity and Silver Award for Best Master Planned Community. Master-planned by the development team of Freehold Communities, Arden was brought to life by an impressive collection of top-quality homebuilders, including Ryan Homes, Lennar and Kenco Communities. Learn more at www.ardenfl.com.

Drive-Thru Food Distributions To Continue At Palm Beach Outlets Palm Beach Outlets will continue monthly drive-thru food distributions in partnership with the Schumacher Auto Group and the Tree of Life Resource Center on the second Friday of the month starting Friday, Aug. 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. Additional distributions will take place on Fridays, Sept. 11, Oct. 9, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. All vehicles will enter through the Congress Avenue entrance, where the organizations’ staff and volunteers, along with local officers, will assist in the distribution of items on a first-come, firstserved basis to include produce, non-perishable foods, dairy and diapers for 500 families. To adhere to the COVID-19 CDC guidelines for health and safety, all volunteers will wear gloves and masks, and attendees must remain in their vehicle and open their trunk when it is their turn in line to receive items. The resource center is one of Tree of Life Foundation International’s 22 branches. It offers grocery assistance and other resources to those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are pleased to continue our monthly partnership with Schumacher Auto Group and the Tree of Life Resource Center to provide much-needed food assistance to area families,” said Trina Holmsted, marketing director of Palm Beach Outlets. Amanda Schumacher, president and founder of Tree of Life Foundation International is happy about the continued collaboration. “Collaborative leadership is key to helping our neighbors, and we are grateful to partner again with incredible companies and organizations, Schumacher Auto Group, Palm Beach Outlets, Cotton Bottom Diaper Bank and Farm Share, to provide basic critical necessities for so many individuals and families in our community who need our support,” she said. Additional event sponsorship is by Schumacher Auto Group with items from Farm Share’s Big Red Truck and donations from Cotton Bottom Diaper Bank. For more information about receiving food or services, call the Tree of Life Resource Center at (561) 6565601 or visit www.treeoflifefi.org.

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Page 19

BUSINESS NEWS

Capstone First U.S. Senior Community To Install New Sanitization Solution

The Capstone at Royal Palm, a new assisted living and memory care community operated by Integral Senior Living and developed by Hunt Midwest, recently announced that it is the first senior living community in the United States to install state-of-the-art sanitization solutions to help its community reach a safer and healthier new normal. Developed by Healthe Inc. of Melbourne, Fla., these products include a walkthrough Cleanse Portal that utilizes Far-UVC light to sanitize clothing and personal items and two Air-Sanitizing Troffers in key staff areas to continuously cleanse and circulate the air.

“The well-being of our residents, associates and guests is our top priority. These innovative products utilize Far-UVC light, which scientific studies have proven to inactivate coronaviruses and provide additional layers of sanitization beyond the significant protective measures we have already taken to safeguard our community,” said Jeffery Smith, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “We are excited to install this leading-edge protective technology to further safeguard our community.” A growing library of evidence, including independent research published in peer-reviewed scien-

tific and medical journals, demonstrates that Far-UVC light is effective at inactivating pathogens in the air and on surfaces and is safe for indoor environments. The Cleanse Portal is a free-standing, walkthrough arch sanitizer, similar in size and shape to a metal detector. It removes up to 90 percent of the viral load on items in just 20 seconds and can function in always-on or motion-activated modes. It has been strategically installed at the community’s main entrance. The Cleanse Air-Sanitizing Troffer utilizes a multi-stage process to trap pollutants and inactivate viruses and bacteria,

Tech Industry Association Expands To Tri-County Region

What started five years ago as an initiative to build a tech hub in the Palm Beaches has now become the driving force behind “all things tech” in the Tri-County region. With support from major companies to startups, the newly unveiled “South Florida Tech” has experienced major growth and recognition in 2020, both geographically and by the ever-growing list of companies its mentors and supports. “We are thrilled to have companies like Modernizing Medicine, Ultimate Software and REEF Technology based in South Florida,” South Florida Tech President & CEO Joe Russo said. “But we’re thinking about the entire ecosystem; companies from startups to mammoths to work together to create a domination of technology success stories from Palm Beach to Miami. If we’re on the international radar, who knows what kinds of forward-thinking technology founders will notice and consider making South Florida their home?” Russo was recently appointed to the prestigious Technology Councils of North America and also serves on advisory boards or committees for Synapse, the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the School District of Palm Beach County, Palm Beach State College and Florida Atlantic University. “We will work relentlessly to unite and build our South Florida Tech community,” Russo said.

South Florida Tech President & CEO Joe Russo South Florida Tech has assembled a highly dedicated team and an impressive A-list of active board members from Palm Beach to Miami. This includes new board members like Ultimate Software CTO John Machado, Wyncode Academy co-founder Johanna Mikkola, City Furniture President Andrew Koening and Carrier CISO Nicole Darden Ford. “I’m especially excited to have the insights of Pete Martinez, the former head of IBM South Florida, and Scott Adams, the co-founder of our region’s first tech initiative named Internet Coast,” Russo said.

Both have been named board members of South Florida Tech. “We saw a real opportunity in working together in a collaborative effort to connect our business leaders, economic organizations, educators and elected officials in the Tri-County region on behalf of our mission and community,” South Florida Tech Chairman Michael Fowler said. “We all have the same goal — create a nationally recognized South Florida hub of innovation and creation.” As part of this expansion, 1909 will become an independent nonprofit organization. Named for the founding year of Palm Beach County, 1909 was launched by Palm Beach Tech in 2018 to provide co-working, mentorship and accelerator programs based in the downtown West Palm Beach area. “I’m proud of the success 1909 has achieved and look forward to seeing our next generation of entrepreneurs lifted up through the leadership of Chairman Nicholas Mohnacky and Executive Director Shana Ostrovitz,” Russo said. South Florida Tech will be focusing predominantly on talent and education initiatives in the coming year and is welcoming anyone interested in joining the organization as a leader, member or volunteer to reach out to team@ southfloridatech.com. South Florida Tech is located at 313 Datura St., Suite 200, in West Palm Beach. For more info., call (561) 425-8918 or visit www. southfloridatech.com.

in addition to providing room illumination. The low-profile troffer draws room air through a HEPA filter, then exposes the air to UVA and UVC light that targets remaining airborne pathogens, achieving a 99.9 percent kill rate in the expelled air. The UV components are contained within the Troffer, avoiding human exposure. The Troffers have been installed at the community’s delivery and receiving entrances. “We are pleased to be working with industry-leader Integral Senior Living to bring our sanitization solutions to their newly opened community, the Capstone at Royal Palm,” Healthe Executive

Chairman Abe Morris said. “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on older Americans. We are pleased to be able to help Integral deploy an aggressive, multi-layered approach to safeguarding their community utilizing our best-in-class technology.” The Capstone at Royal Palm is set to open this month, with its rental office already open at the community and accepting deposits. In addition to the installation of these sanitization products, the community features a variety of spacious floor plans and resort-style amenities and accommodations. “Now, more than ever, is the

time to make the move to a senior living community,” said Melanie Acevedo, the Capstone at Royal Palm’s executive director. “We encourage anyone who is considering senior living to contact us for a virtual tour and learn more about how we plan to keep our residents active, healthy and connected once our doors are open.” Located at 10621 Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach, the Capstone at Royal Palm features Mediterranean-style architecture and a wide variety of indoor and outdoor amenities. For more information, or to arrange a tour, call (561) 570-2005 or visit www. thecapstoneatroyalpalm.com.

Bainbridge Announces New Hire To Support Strategic Growth

The Bainbridge Companies, a leading developer, owner and manager of luxury multifamily communities, recently announced the hiring of Toni Boyette as regional manager. In her role, she will manage operations for multiple markets throughout the southeast and southwest regions of the country, including Florida and Texas. Boyette joins the Bainbridge team as regional manager based in Austin, Texas. Her key responsibilities will include optimizing performance to achieve company goals, effectively recruiting and training personnel, and ensuring an overall competitive market position through the development of a strong sales culture and strategic planning. With more than 20 years of experience in the multifamily industry, her portfolio includes a diverse range of communities from new construction, development, conventional property management and student housing. Throughout

her career, Boyette has overseen management operations for as many as 35 communities across the nation. “I’m thrilled to join Bainbridge’s team of highly qualified and passionate professionals,” Boyette said. “With my experience managing operations for communities in multiple regions across the country, I’m excited to step into my role as regional manager and help the company continue its management expansion.” Bainbridge, based in Wellington, is currently going through a major expansion. “Bainbridge is in an exciting period of expansion, and Toni will be an incredible asset to our on-theground team,” said Dana Caudell, president of property management at Bainbridge. “Toni’s decades of industry experience cut across various asset and project types ranging from the east coast to the west coast. Her strong experience in operational management, value add and lease-ups, combined with

Toni Boyette her highly organized and motivated work ethic, will be integral in Bainbridge’s continued strategic growth in the region.” To learn more about the firm’s property management services, visit www.bainbridgecompanies. com/services.

LLLS Lawyers Designated Top 500 In The Nation

Over the years, the team at Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, one of Florida’s oldest law firms, has received considerable recognition for their hard work and dedication to clients. Recently, four attorneys were named to the prestigious 2020 LawDragon 500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers Guide. Firm partners Gary S. Lesser, Joseph B. Landy, Mickey Smith and Jeffrey

F. Gordon were recognized for inclusion on this exclusive list, comprised of only 500 attorneys nationally. LawDragon presents a curated look at the best of the U.S. plaintiff bar, representing individuals who have been injured by others. Its editorial team selected the 500 honorees through submission, journalistic research and editorial vetting from a board of peers.

A total of 33 lawyers from South Florida were included among the 500 lawyers selected for the honor. Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith has been representing families who have suffered serious personal injury or the loss of a loved one due to the negligence of another for more than 93 years. For more info., visit www.lesserlawfirm. com.

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Volunteers Needed! Wellington Cares is looking for volunteers to help meet the needs of our growing senior residents. Volunteering is based on your schedule. Please call 561-568-8818 or visit www.WellingtonCaresOrg.com for more information. Are you a Wellington resident 65 or older who requires non-medical assistance?

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Wellington Cares, is a 50 I ( c) 3 community based not-for-profit organization committed to coordinating volunteers of all ages serving in a time exchange format to enable persons age 65 or older who require assistance to remain in their home with the support of the Wellington community residents and local organizations.


Page 20

August 14 - August 27, 2020

Virus

Stay Safe

continued from page 1 that have been ordered to remain closed under Phase 1 with the higher numbers around Palm Beach County. “We would be back in the hole as fast as we open up, so I just want people to start thinking about that as we go forward,” Alonso said. The COVID-19 testing positivity at 13.2 percent for the county shows that the rate has gone up, but more slowly.

Wellington

Council Meeting

continued from page 4 Blvd. He complained that cars are speeding on his street to the extent that he feels it is dangerous to allow his children to play in the front yard of their home. Mayor Anne Gerwig asked staff about increased enforcement in the area and to explore possible traffic-calming measures. Village Manager Paul Schofield promised to do a speed study in the area and work with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on enforcement. Gerwig noted that there are several areas in need of such enforcement. “Let’s look at this community wide,” she said. Drahos thanked Terry for bringing his concerns to the council. “Thank you for bringing this to

WCF

B&G Club Donation

continued from page 3 than 30 years, the Boys & Girls Club has provided a place for the children of Wellington to spend time where they are safe and nurtured. We always say that bright futures start at the Boys & Girls Club. Now the people who are essential to our village during this challenging time can rest assured that the Wellington Community Foundation is lending a hand to make sure that their kids are taken care of while they take care of us.” WCF Board Member Mickey Smith said that Wellington’s Boys & Girls Club is always deserving of the community’s support. “I

“I attribute that to a large percent to the education we’ve done, but mostly to the COVID Education & Enforcement Team that is going around and going to places and looking at the people who are not doing their businesses the way they should be doing them, wearing a mask, making sure the distance is complied, because the moment we let the foot off that pedal, people will naturally continue to party,” Alonso said. To learn more about the county’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit www.pbcgov.com/ coronavirus. our attention,” he said. “We don’t want any resident to feel unsafe in their front yard.” • The council unanimously approved its annual action plan for the Community Development Block Grant Program. This approval was in order for the village to be eligible for a grant of almost $300,000 that can be used to help senior residents make home modifications to age in place. • It was announced that a COVID-19 testing site has opened in cooperation with Premier Family Health at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd. It is open to anyone, with or without symptoms. It is free, and online reservations are available at www. wellingtonfl.gov/testing. They will try to accommodate walk-ins, but reservations are recommended. • Gerwig was again named to the Florida League of Cities as a voting member. am especially pleased that the foundation is able to support the club during this pandemic,” he said. “The Boys & Girls Club is helping the children of so many first responders and healthcare professionals. It feels great to be a part of that effort.” The Wellington Community Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization committed to benefiting Wellington’s seniors, children and veterans by supporting and improving their quality of life. They count on the foundation and its supporters, donors and volunteers all year long, but during a time of crisis, it is even more important to take care of the vulnerable and help “build a stronger community.” To join in this effort, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.

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Census

NEWS

Time Cut Short

continued from page 1 trailing the nation at 63.2 percent. “Dialing in locally, 25 of our cities are at or below 60 percent in the self-response rate, so that’s a critical issue that we all really need to up our game and get moving,” Rutter said, adding that county statisticians have a lot of census information to share that includes ZIP codes and census tracts. “We’re going to be working with all of our cities, and have all this really detailed information,” he said. “We’ll work with the League of Cities as well to get them that information in the jurisdictions where the numbers are

Projects

Capital Workshop

continued from page 1 using pipe lining replacements in neighborhoods for strictly storm water use. These surface water management system improvements will address sections where inspections indicate significant deterioration and imminent failure in drainage pipes. The process relines existing old corrugated metal drainage pipes with a new fiberglass liner that is almost the same size, just slightly smaller, to slip inside through a boring technique and extend the life of the existing pipe. The work is part of a 5-year

Rentals

Parking Questions

continued from page 1 representative must be submitted with the rental agreement. Stillings said that parking is limited to four cars parked overnight. However, Mayor Anne Gerwig said that might be an issue in areas with large estate homes. “I think this is too restrictive because some equestrian homes have eight bedrooms,” she noted. Councilman John McGovern suggested the idea of different rules for high-end accommodations. A lengthy discussion yielded

running the lowest, where they can do additional targeting.” He added that the county’s web site also has abundant census information. “We will continue to message this at every opportunity possible, and we can only encourage our cities to message this as well,” Rutter said. “There’s no more waiting. It’s not a day off in the distance. We are here now, and we need to get it accomplished.” Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Robert Weinroth asked whether enumerators are knocking on doors of people who have not yet responded, and Rutter said they began work that morning. “Do we have any ability to assist in that endeavor?” Weinroth asked. “We realize that we are behind the nation. That means our allocation of funding and of representatives

is going to be impacted to our detriment, so is there anything we can do as a county to assist the enumerators to get higher representation?” Rutter said he would see what the county could do to help. Commissioner Melissa McKinlay added that President Donald Trump had recently issued two executive orders related to the census, one moving up the reporting date and the other the way respondents are counted, possibly excluding residents who are not citizens. “How exactly does the citizenship portion of President Trump’s executive order impact us?” she asked. Rutter said he did not know exactly how it would affect the count, but he would get back to the board with an answer.

County Administrator Verdenia Baker said that every person counted equates to about $1,600 annually. “There’s 1.5 million people estimated in Palm Beach County, which equates to $2.4 billion,” Baker said. “Over the next 10 years, this would add up to roughly $24 billion.” If you haven’t already filled out the census form, visit www. my2020census.gov.

program and is subject to a $2.7 million grant application that is in progress. Gerwig was concerned that the ongoing neighborhood entrance signage program had not received adequate resident input. The program upgrades or replaces neighborhood entrance signs throughout the village with signage that is more consistent and made of more durable materials. The program anticipates that one to three signs will be replaced each year until all have been completed. “I really like them, but it seems to me we should get some resident input,” she said. Schofield assured her that input would be collected. “We will talk to the Pinewood residents,” he

said, referring to the first neighborhood where a sign is being replaced. The walkways at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas Environmental Preserve, the Section 24 trail improvements, will be replaced involving a reconstruction of the entire walkway using synthetic material rather than pressure-treated wood. Schofield pointed out that the existing walkway is a decade old. “Ten years is not out of the ordinary to be replacing [the walkway] now,” he said. The much-anticipated Wellington High School Sport Complex, in which the village foots the bill for recreational facilities on school district land, thus preserving village land for future use while

gaining access to the facilities, is expected to have its Phase 1 completed this month. The project includes the funding, planning, design, construction and the maintaining of improvements, including four synthetic turf athletic fields, eight tennis courts and three basketball courts on the school’s campus. Funding includes relocating the field event and equipment area, revamping the parent drop-off loop and resurfacing the existing stadium field with a synthetic turf. Phase 2 construction will occur in fiscal year 2020-21. New and replacement assets are part of the budget, and these include new computers, three new vehicles, as well as software and other equipment.

a promise from Village Manager Paul Schofield to develop a compromise by the item’s final reading, currently scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25. “I will suggest a clarification before the second reading,” he said. Gerwig said that the rules should focus on the issue that created the need. “We are really trying to focus on the party house, which has become a problem,” she said. Schofield agreed, but added that other protections for neighbors are also warranted. “Vacation rentals introduce a for-profit dimension to a residential neighborhood,” he said. “We want to have clear, defensible regulations to resolve a problem when it arises.” Gerwig reiterated that the reg-

ulations are not necessarily new. “Some people buy homes to use as vacation rentals exclusively — investment properties are OK,” she said. “We are putting it all in one place and making it clear. We don’t want people to say that they didn’t know there was an ordinance.” Schofield pointed out that putting it all in one place allows the village to collect information on standard rentals, seasonal rentals and vacation rentals. It gives the village a handle on how many vacation rentals there are in Wellington, as trying to establish this figure has been challenging for staff. Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board also struggled with similar issues with the

ordinance in discussions for some two hours before recommending approval 5-0 and sending it to the council. “Nothing restrictive or new is being added,” Vice Mayor Tanya Siskind said. “All the rules will be in one place. If you are doing vacation rentals right, this is not going to affect you.” “Everyone has rights,” Councilman Michael Napoleone added. “The owners who rent out their homes have rights, and their neighbors who live there have rights.” The council voted unanimously to approve the item despite the misgivings about the parking requirements. Schofield reiterated that new wording would be devised before the final reading.


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

Page 21

Covid Or No Covid,

In March 2020 the world changed for all of us in many ways. We would like to thank all of our customers that have allowed us to serve them during this troubled time. If the current market is any indication, I expect we will help as many or more customers over the next 3 months!

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August 14 - August 27, 2020

Page 22

Wellington To Launch New Utility Billing System Aug. 20

Wellington will launch its new utility billing system on Thursday, Aug. 20. Due to this change, there will be some limitations of service before the scheduled “go-live” date. Payment processing is suspended through Aug. 20. Customers will not be able to make utility payments in person, online or through the village’s interactive voice response system via phone. Wellington asks customers to postpone making a utility payment. Payments by mail or dropbox, utilizing a check or money order, will still be available during this time, but will not be processed until after Aug. 20. Wellington will not disconnect customers or issue late fees or penalties as utility staff works through the pandemic and the new billing system conversion. Online payments in the new

Voting

Aug. 18 Primary

continued from page 1 be at the warehouse while mail-in ballots are being opened and tabulated, as well as any members of the public who want to observe. “We’ve been able to keep up,” she said. “As of now, everything that we received, we have opened. The tabulation is being completed right now, so on the Monday before the election, we will have gone through the processing and tabulation on everything that we have received through Monday night. On Tuesday, the only thing that we will be processing will be the ballots we have received on Tuesday. Of course, that’s going to be a lot. We always have the most on election day, and people can turn them in until 7 p.m.” The first set of results published by the Supervisor of Elections Office on Tuesday night will include early voting and voteby-mail results that have been received through Monday night, she said. The official results will be available on the Friday after the election, once the canvasing board certifies them. “We opened up early voting a week ago,” she said. “All 18 early voting sites are going very well. The feedback we have gotten from voters has been very good. We are

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NEWS

Dwyer

Vet’s Key Ceremony

system will be made through a new online payment portal available beginning Aug. 20 at www. wellingtonfl.gov/utilities. The first billing in the new system is scheduled for Aug 20. The utility billing conversion will take approximately two full cycles to normalize. During this process, Wellington is preparing for extensive call center and customer service demands. Customers may expect longer wait times during the initial transition phase. All other billing departments, such as building, engineering, planning, code compliance and business tax receipts, will operate normally. Once the system goes live, there will be some changes to normal operations. Village staff will provide user guides and assistance to keep customers informed.

continued from page 1 its 300th completed home spread across 42 different states. The organization has land in three other states for future homes, which will bring the total to 45 states. “We have 73 projects going on right now around the country, and another 100 veterans in the application process,” Landwermeyer said. “There’s another thousand or so who have the injuries that would qualify for our program. We put about 25 homes on the ground every year.” Landwermeyer has three important messages for the community. “First, wrap your arms around this family. They chose to live here,” he said. “Second, we keep our overhead low, so help us with awareness. Tell some people about our organization, who we are, what we do and what we support. And last, if you have the ability to donate or fundraise, just call us up or go on our web site.” The neighbors around the Dwyers were ready with open arms — at a social distance. Local residents Andrea Fulcher and Kelly Breffle put the word out to welcome the couple with a neighborhood golf cart parade. Scores of neighbors came out on carts, cars and even a bicycle to cheer and wave at the new residents. “I didn’t know we would have so many people,” Fulcher said. “I am so happy, and everyone is excited to have the Dwyers here.” The adapted house includes features such as lower windows with sliding side-to-side opening,

keeping them very clean.” Similar enforcement of CDC guidelines will also be in effect on primary day. Poll workers have their temperature taken with disposable thermometers before they begin work every day. They also fill out a virus questionnaire and will wear facial coverings and gloves. Voters, if they do not bring their own masks, will be provided one, as well as gloves if they prefer. “We do have hand sanitizer as well as disinfecting wipes to wipe down the polling booths after each voter,” Link said. “We’ve even laminated our secrecy sleeves so they can be wiped down easily before they are reused by anybody. We have plexiglass shields that will be between the voter and the poll worker. Also, when they use the pens to mark their ballots, they just keep the pens. They say, ‘I Voted’ on them.” Polling places will also be marked off to enforce the CDC distancing requirements. “Voters have been very good about wearing the masks,” Link said, encouraging voters to take advantage of early voting, which will be available through Sunday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. People can also turn in their vote-by-mail ballots at the early voting locations. Information about the 18 early voting sites is available on the Supervisor of Elections web site at www.pbcelections.org.

drop-down cabinets, wider doorways and even a safe room with a backup generator. The design, build and landscaping process was contracted to Complete Construction & Management (CCM), which did such a great job that HFOT has signed them up for three more house projects. “After an injury, the basic independence of tying your shoe, brushing your own teeth, feeding yourself and doing your own laundry or taking care of your kids — that becomes a real challenge,” Dwyer said. “Thanks to HFOT, we get that freedom and independence back.” Dwyer also wanted to thank the contractors in a special way. “In tradition with the military, when they are leaving a command and you’ve been doing good, they offer you a coin. So, from me, to you guys,” said Dwyer, as he presented coins to Jay Kelleher and Eric Guionnaud of CCM. For more information about Homes For Our Troops, visit www.hfotusa.org.

Tom Landwermeyer welcomes Liam Dwyer as he steps out onto his new driveway.

A parade of neighbors welcome the Dwyers.

The American flag is raised.

Mary and James Crow are proud of their daughter Meghan and son-in-law Liam.

Liam and Meagan Dwyer in front of their new home.

PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY/TOWN-CRIER

The Florida Patriot Guard Riders stand at attention during the ceremony.

Staff Sgt. Liam Dwyer with Eric Guionnaud and Jay Kelleher of Complete Construction Management.

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Paint Now, Pay Later Triple Quality Painting can

FINANCE YOUR WHOLE PAINT PROJECT! Call our office today to arrange an estimate.

(kids under 10 only)

SUMMER HOURS: 7:00 A.M. - 3 P.M. 7 DAYS A WEEK

We Practice CDC Safety Guidelines and Sanitation Procedures.

BEST OVERSTUFFED CORNED BEEF OR PASTRAMI SANDWICH IN THE WEST!

561-790-7301

Located in the ROYAL PLAZA Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Corner of Southern

While we are all practicing social distancing from our friends, neighbors and family, we at John C. Hunton Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Inc. are open for all our customers air conditioning needs. Our technicians are also practicing social distancing as recommend by the CDC, along with hand washing and/or using hand sanitizer before and after each service visit with our customers. We will do all we can to make the customer comfortable in what can be a stressful time. Call today for any of your A/C needs.

SPECIALIZING IN TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR Service & Repair • New Equipment • Sell All Brands

Family Owned & Operated Since 1996

561-371-7072

Over 40 years in Business Family Owned and Operated Since 1985

9835-16 Lake Worth Rd, Lake Worth, FL 33467

www.triplequalitypaintinginc.com • email alextqp@aol.com

Lic.#CAC057272 • Ins.

www.johnchuntonac.com


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August 14 - August 27, 2020 Page 23

WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE

Call Today! 561-689-1555 Proudly Serving Greater Palm Beach County!

$10 OFF Coupon

Commercial/Residential •Septic Tank & Grease Trap Pumping

All Types of Pressure Cleaning, Chemical Roof Cleaning, Houses, Driveways, Patios, etc. and Interior/Exterior Painting

• Drain Fields • Lift Stations • Drain Cleaning

www.Dannys-Septic.com Customer@Dannys-Septic.com

**ATTENTION **

NEW YORK CITY HOMEOWNERS We understand that this crisis has impacted everyone in one way or another. As a Manhattan, NY based Home Management business - we would like to provide you with peace of mind regarding your NY home.

WHITE

We are pleased to offer you 25% off ANY of our services.

GLOVES

From simple house-checks, regular maintenance and errands, to complex repairs and renovations - you can count on us! With 25 years of experience, and impeccable references, please reach out anytime night or day.

cleaning service

“Let the Poo Crew come to you”

For all your Septic and Plumbing needs!

Above all Stay Safe and Healthy! Katyhinecompany@gmail.com or text/call 347.244.2228 www.katyhine.com

www.poo-man.com

poomanpumping247@gmail.com 561-318-8416 561-540-5929

KATY HINE COMPANY LLC NYC PROPERT Y MANAGEMENT MANHATTAN APARTMENT MANAGEMENT

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Looking for Hairdressers,

Irrigation & Landscaping Lighting Division of C&P Growers, Inc. 15742 Northlake Blvd. • WPB, FL 33412

Peter Grosso, Mgr.

Barbers, Nail Techs,

Irrigation Specialist | PJGrosso77@gmail.com

Massage Therapist,

561.723.4684 c • 561.622.3626 f

Estheticians, Tattoo & Permanent Make Up Artist For information call

Chris Armstrong

Water Systems

Residential & Commercial Water Treatment

• Sales & Service • Scheduled Maintenance and Equipment Re-beds • Reverse Osmosis & Drinking Water Systems • Irrigation & Well Pumps

We design & assemble affordable systems specific to your purification requirements.

Irrigation Specialist • Rust Prevention Systems • Licensed & Insured • Lic #U-21548

561-499-9935 x 0

Free Estimates, City or Well Water, Water Analysis Included.

(561) 693-9971

Family Owned Since 1986 Let us quote your water treatment! www.Excelpureh2o.com

WC

ACCORDION SHUTTERS

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Fine Gold, Silver & Diamond Jewelers, Gemologist, Watch Makers & Certified Swiss Watch Repairs

For information call

561-499-9935 x 0WC

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

Established 1994

• Commercial & General Liability • Rental & Vacant Property • Business / Work Vehicles • Auto Insurance • Payroll Service / Work Comp

Miami-Dade Hurricane approved

CONTRACTORS Local Contractors

561-791-9777 U-17189 Licensed & Insured

Homes | Apartments | Offices

Looking for

ALUMINUM STORM PANELS

P&M

References, Experience, Professional Service

Jewelry Exchange

HURRICANE IMPACT

piwanska@yahoo.com

Be Your Own Boss!

Be Your Own Boss!

Salon, Spa Suite Services

Patrycja Jaskolski (561) 657-0420

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

Ph: 561-471-0513

561-425-5409

700 S. Military Trail West Palm Beach, FL 33415

www.singerelectricalcontracting.com

www.allcountyinsurance.com AnthonyA@Allcountyinsurance.com

CLASSIFIEDS • • • WELLINGTON ROYAL PALM BEACH LOXAHATCHEE THE ACREAGE

Professional Services

Professional Services

Professional Services

Professional Services

A/C Refrigeration Services

Home Improvement

Plumbing

Sprinkler Systems

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

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

POO-MAN — Pumping, plumbing, & drain cleaning. For all your septic & plumbing needs! Let the Poo Crew come to you. 561-318-8416

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

Caregiver

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

DO YOU NEED A CAREGIVER? — Friendly caring mature, responsible Woman. Daily or Sleep in assistance available Good references and qualifications. Experienced. We care and understand your needs. call 561-758-6321

Cleaning - Home/Office CLEANING LADY — I can help get your house cleaner than ever! Try me once and you will not be disappointed! 561-657-0420

Countertop Remodeling COUNTERTOP REMODEL: KeanerStone Inc.- Let us make your dream kitchen come to life. We are your countertop solution in granite, marble and quartz. Call or email today to schedule your FREE estimate. Phone: (561) 371-1654 Email: keanerstoneinc@outlook.com

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

Insurance

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

Painting

Roofing ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. R O O F I N G R E PA I R S R E - R O O F I N G A L L TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-309-0134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC-023773 RC-0067207 NEIL O’NEAL JR. ROOFING — Roofing & Reroofing. Family owned and operated. Residential/ Commercial. Wood Replacement, Roof Coatings, Solar Vents, Skylights & Roof Ventilation. 561-6564945 Lic. & Insured CCC1330208.Free Estimates

Screening

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

J O H N ’ S S C R E E N R E PA I R S E R V I C E — Pool & patio re-screening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call u s 7 9 8 - 3 1 3 2 . w w w. p o o l s c r e e n r e p a i r. c o m

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

DANNY’S SEPTIC SERVICE — 561-689-1555 Commercial/Residential Septic Tank and Grease Trap Pumping *Drain Fields *Lift Stations *Drain Cleaning w w w. D a n n y s - S e p t i c . c o m L i c # S R O 111 6 9 6

Septic Service

Window Cleaning WE DO WINDOWS — Window Cleaning, Licensed and Insured. Residential and Commercial. E s t a b l i s h e d 1 9 8 8 . K e e p Yo u r W i n d o w s , Frames and Screens Clean. 561-313-7098

Wallpapering PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman’s touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263

Water Systems E X C E L WAT E R S Y S T E M S & F O U N TA I N SERVICES — Pure And Perfect Water Always! We a l s o s e r v i c e a n d i n s t a l l c o m m e r c i a l beverage dispensing equipment. (561) 693-9971

Place your ad here. Call 561-793-7606

Real Estate Property Maintenace Attention Manhattan Homeowners! ATTENTION MANHATTAN HOMEOWNERS! — Contact us anytime, 24/7 for professional orchestration of home repairs & Maintenance, housechecking and more! 347.244.2228 or www.katyhine.com

Town-Crier Classifieds

Call 561-793-7606 Seeking Employment HOME HEALTH AIDE AVAILABLE — Experienced Home Health Aide seeks new position. Flexible hours, full time, day or night. I am a Licensed CNA who has worked as a home health aide and also as a nanny. I have many years of experience taking care of the elderly at home. Price negotiable, references provided upon request. Call Pat at (561) 294-1423.


Page 24 August 14 - August 27, 2020

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

HERE’S MY CARD Residential Commercial

Knockdown Textures Interior - Exterior Carpentry Repairs

W.H. BROWN,LLC PAINTING

Free Estimates

Lic. #U-16274 Bonded Insured Wallpaper Removal

Ph: (561) 649-5086 Cell: (561) 313-0409

Drywall Repairs

United K9 Special Patrol Protection by Officers who have been thoroughly screened & drug tested

B. ELLIS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Irrigation Repairs

IVA P. WUMMER

$65.00 1st Hour - $40.00 Hour After

President 30+ Years In Business

Office: 561-848-2600 Fax: 561-848-8752 Cell: 561-301-8399 Lic. & Ins. #B-0000845

Email: unitedk9@bellsouth.net

535 RPB Blvd. • Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

Commercial & Residential

Ben Ellis President Office 561.798.1477 Mobile 561.722.5424

U2597 CGC015908 8620 Wendy Lane E. West Palm Beach, FL 33411

B. ELLIS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Irrigation Installation $3,499.00 on 1 1/4 Acre Lots Free Estimates On All New Systems

Commercial & Residential Ben Ellis President U2597 CGC015908 Office 561.798.1477 8620 Wendy Lane E. West Palm Beach, FL 33411 Mobile 561.722.5424

SERVICES:

• Electric Panel Upgrades • Landscape Lighting • Generator Installation • Recessed Lighting • Troubleshooting

Thomas McDevitt, Master Electrician P 561.798.2355 F 561.784.9401

Licensed & Insured

Ben (561) 530-9112

admin@twmcdevittelectric.com LIC# EC13007161

Family Owned & Operated for 20 Years

Benny “Pops” (561) 389-4889

DATTILE PLUMBING, INC.

THE BEST IN THE WEST DOUGLAS DATTILE

dattileplumbing@yahoo.com

PRESIDENT

SERVING WESTERN PALM BEACH COUNTY SINCE 1973

561 -793 -7484

WWW.DATTILEPLUMBING.COM

CFC057769

CLASSIFIEDS • • • WELLINGTON ROYAL PALM BEACH LOXAHATCHEE THE ACREAGE

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

HURRICANE SHUTTER INSTALLER WANTED Shop Work • Screen Fabricator and Installer. Salary Open. Acreage and RPB Area. Call P&M 791-9777

HOTEL HOUSEKEEPING LAUNDRY ATTENDANT Looking for full-time Houseman/Laundry Attendant who is independently motivated, reliable, and works well with others. Position requires heavy lifting. Apply at 675 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 or Call 561-793-3000.

Legal Notice IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF LUCILLE K. DUNNE, Deceased. _______________________/

PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2020 CP-001896

Fictitious Name Notices Legal Notice No. 673 Notice Under Fictitious Name Florida Statute 865.09 Public notice is hereby given that the undersigned desires to engage in business under the fictitious name of:

Musicwoman Magazine Located at:

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of Lucille K. Dunne, deceased, File Number 2020-CP-001896, is pending in the Circuit Court for Palm Beach County, Florida, Probate

300 High Point Blvd Unit A Boynton Beach, FL 33435

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

Division, the address of which is Palm Beach County Probate Division, 205 N. Dixie Hwy., 3rd Floor Room 3.23, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against

Dr. Joan Cartwright

Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper

Date: 8-14-20

decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice has been served must file their claims with this

Legal Notice No. 674

court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST

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

PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE TIME OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

August 14, 2020 The date of the first publication of this Notice is ______________________. L. Christopher Tabor, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No. 102876 The Boutty Law Firm 1150 Louisiana Avenue, Suite 5 Winter Park, FL 32789 Office: 407-883-1024 Fax: 407-641-8586 Email: chris@bouttylaw.com email: shane@bouttylaw.com email: risa@bouttylaw.com

Kathryn Dunne Personal Representative 14080 Aster Avenue Wellington FL 33414

Musicman Magazine Located at:

300 High Point Blvd Unit A Boynton Beach, FL 33435

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

Dr. Joan Cartwright

Publish:Town-Crier Newspaper

Date: 8-14-20

Town-Crier Classifieds Get Results Place Your Ad Here Call 561-793-7606


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August 14 - August 27, 2020

Page 25

A New Concept with Old Florida Charm

Explore inspired living at Wellington Bay a luxurious senior living community in an enviable location, Wellington Bay offers you the opportunity to enjoy your retirement years to their fullest. You’ll live in a spacious, upscale apartment, revel in a host of resort-like amenities, and engage in stimulating whole-person wellness programs for your body and mind. You’ll also appreciate the coveted financial freedom of our flexible rental model. Call 561.335.5405 to learn more about the inspiring lifestyle of Wellington Bay.

Join Our Priority Partner Program Today

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Retirement living choices from the Liberty Senior Living family.

120035 wellington bay summer ad-town crier.indd 1

| W E L L I N G T O N B AY F L . C O M

© 2020 Wellington Bay

5/21/20 10:57 AM


Page 26

August 14 - August 27, 2020

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South Florida’s #1 hospital three years in a row. Thanks to every one of our caregivers for always putting patients first. We’re proud to be ranked the #1 hospital in South Florida by U.S. News & World Report for the last three years in a row. But what fills us with even more pride is every caregiver working towards one goal − delivering world class care.

Count on South Florida’s #1 hospital for every care in the world.

Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties U.S. News & World Report 2020-21

ClevelandClinicFlorida.org /Rankings

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