The Westlake City Council moved to put teeth in the community’s code enforcement regime on Tuesday, Feb. 7, voting to hire a special magistrate to adjudicate persistent violations. Attorney Alex L. Braunstein of Fox Rothschild in West Palm Beach was recommended by City Attorney Donald J. Doody. Page 3
A push is underway to switch on the footlights for a performing arts center, office lighting for businesses and perhaps the subdued glow of a rooftop restaurant on 10 acres owned by the Village of Wellington near the Mall at Wellington Green.
Cruizin’ For Crime
Stoppers Motorcycle
Ride Starts In Wellington
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County held its 12th annual Cruizin’ for Crime Stoppers motorcycle ride on Sunday, Jan. 29. The 100-mile ride kicked off at the Wellington Municipal Complex, where riders were treated to breakfast and music by IHeartRadio/Gator 98.7. Page 8
Portada Gallery’s Art
For All II In Wellington
Art For All II, a benefit for the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation, was held Saturday, Jan. 28 at center court in the original Wellington Mall. Presented by Portada Gallery, the event included an art exhibit open to the public, along with the crowning of Ms. Portada World 2023 Juliana Chavarriaga. Page 17
Local Schools Compete
At Cheerleading State
Finals In Gainesville
On Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4, the most talented high school cheerleading squads competed at the 2023 Class 1A and Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association
Competitive Cheerleading State Championships. Four teams from the western communities — Seminole Ridge High School, the King’s Academy, Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School — participated in this state competition. Page 21
One of the biggest evenings of the year at the Winter Equestrian Festival is the Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, held this year on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Wellington International. Teams of riders competed, with the best time winning $100,000 for a local charity. This year’s theme was particularly sweet, with candy-inspired costumes for both horses and riders. The Caridad Center team of Campbell Brown, Emma Hechtman and Abby Funk, sponsored by Frog Pond Stables and Little Creek Equestrian, took the top spot with a combined time of 91.622 seconds. (Above) Emma Hechtman helps her team to victory aboard Esther-II Des Brumes. (Below) Riders Campbell Brown, Abby Funk and Emma Hechtman are all smiles with the big first-place check. STORY & MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5
What is dubbed Project Lighthouse, supported by a group of resident activists, imagines an arts center with a theater, executive offices, potential high-end residences and retail woven together on the site. A discussion is scheduled for a Wellington Village Council workshop on Thursday, Feb. 16.
“We’ve been trying, for lack of a better word, to get out the vote,” said the group’s representative, Steven Traynor. “It’s been taking on a life on its own, which is fantastic.”
Traynor, a software executive who has lived in Wellington since 2003, said that his group does not represent any developer and is not paid, but wants to demonstrate support in the community for such a plan.
If it chooses to proceed, the village could move forward with seeing what proposals might be out there to build and manage such properties quickly. The Project Lighthouse group’s goal is to give prospective builders and operators some confidence that people really want such a project.
Some organizations involved in the arts say they are watching closely.
“We’re super-excited,” said Jaycie Cohen, founder and artistic director of Theatre Arts Productions, which offers classes and puts on productions locally. “We’ve been looking for a permanent home for about three years.”
Her nonprofit theater company uses Wellington Community Center space and puts on shows
at Wellington High School but would be intrigued by a possible home base with a theater on site, she said.
Wellington has plenty to sort out on its wish list in 2023. The village is phasing out its Lake Wellington Professional Centre office complex with no obvious replacement in sight. There are yearnings in some quarters for an arts center, but also concerns it might not generate enough revenue to thrive year-round. Discussions about a village “downtown” of the future often revolve around whether that realistically means the Mall at Wellington Green.
The Project Lighthouse plan seeks to make the case that one site can represent a big step forward on all of those concerns.
More than 50 business tenants risk losing their offices by year’s end at the Lake Wellington Professional Centre, as the village moves toward closing the aging facility it bought in 2013, instead of making expensive renovations.
Mayor Anne Gerwig has said she wants to explore retaining village ownership of the 10-acre park site while offering long-term leases to developers, though various parties are gathering information about possibilities involving either a land sale or lease.
Village officials have talked about keeping an eye on the longterm implications of what they choose. The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, for example, has attracted a business and professional community around it and formed a gravitational center for the community, Gerwig noted at the Jan. 10 council meeting.
Wellington does not have advantages such as close access to I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike, she acknowledged, but additional business facilities, as well as a cultural draw like the arts center,
Report
The Palm Beach County Commission made it official Tuesday, Feb. 7, approving $3 million for the construction of an artificial turf, regulation-size football field and other improvements at Acreage Community Park.
District 6 Commissioner Sara Baxter “was very quick to make a motion and get it approved,” said Indian Trail Improvement District Executive Director Burgess Hanson, who attended the session. “She was very supportive.”
ITID oversees roads, drainage and parks in the area. Other improvements planned for Phase 2 of the Acreage Community Park South Expansion Project include new bathrooms, equestrian parking for the equestrian trail, new lighting, and the relocation and
construction of a new skate park. The money was originally earmarked for construction of a community center at the park, but due to pandemic delays and the increased cost of construction, the project became too expensive. ITID supervisors requested that the district be allowed to use the money from the Infrastructure Surtax Funding Agreement for other improvements to the park.
Already nearing completion are major renovations to the north football fields at the park with the Acreage Athletic League flag football program expected to begin there in March.
Meanwhile, controversy about the league and its longstanding service provider agreement with the district flared again at the Wednesday, Jan. 25 meeting of the ITID Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Patricia Farrell read into the record an e-mail from a resident questioning the AAL’s methods, programs and leadership, and its relationship with ITID.
Relating a recent negative experience she had with personnel at Acreage Community Park, Farrell said, “At this point, it feels like a vendetta” against residents not aligned with the AAL.
The AAL has been ITID’s athletics service provider since 1992.
“I went through the service provider agreement, and I believe there are a lot of items that [the AAL is] not following through on,” Farrell said. “I want to make sure that everyone is playing nice in the sandbox.”
This led to a disagreement between Farrell and ITID Vice
See ITID, page 4
In honor of its 10th anniversary, Village Music Wellington presented an all-day music festival and fundraising event on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event was in partnership with the nonprofit organization A Spring of Hope and featured five-time Grammywinning South African bassist Bakithi Kumalo. Shown above are A Spring of Hope board members Gail Auguston-Koppen, Bakithi Kumalo and Charmaine Johnson-Leong.
MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 13
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Institute building, which is slated to be part of the Groves Town Center project on the north side of Southern Blvd., just east of B Road.
nearly
acres,
parcel is
existing Aldi store
Groves Town Center in a site
designed as Pod C of the overall project. It will be at the intersection of Tangerine Drive and Mango Street, both streets that are platted as internal Groves Town Center roadways.
The Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute plans to build a 20,200-square-foot, two-story building, which is 45.9 percent of the 44,000 square feet of approved commercial office space in the Groves Town Center project.
The proposed medical office and surgical center will provide outpatient surgery and medical office services. On-site physical therapy will be included, so that the facility provides a one-stop location for a multitude of cross-
treatment medical services. The surgery center will operate up to six days a week with no overnight patient stays.
The project was approved unanimously by the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board in December and was recommended for approval by town staff, subject to a list of 29 conditions.
Leading the presentation before the council was Brian Cheguis of iPlan & Design, agent for the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute. He went over the landscaping plan, access points and overall design elements, noting that no variances have been requested.
“As far as the architecture, we have endeavored to incorporate
as many of town’s Rural Vista guidelines as possible,” he said.
“We think we have hit all eight of the standards.”
These included decorative railings and canopies, as well as windows and columns that have been squared to give more of a rural appearance. “We are very proud of our landscaping for the site,” Cheguis added. “We have incorporated a lot of new plantings on the site.”
He noted that the applicant had agreed to all 29 conditions of approval suggested by town staff.
However, in discussions, council members said that the overall design still looks very modern and not rural.
Councilwoman Marge Herzog suggested using a split rail fence on the property somewhere to allow more of a rural look. Cheguis said he would work on that, perhaps as an entrance feature.
Mayor Robert Shorr also expressed strong concerns with the overall look. “You checked the boxes for Rural Vista, but the building doesn’t look rural,” he said. “It looks like a Palm Beach medical office building with some stone features on the first floor.”
He asked them to consider some changes to the railing and columns to make them look more rural.
The applicant noted that part of the issue is that in the end, it still
The Westlake City Council moved to put teeth in the community’s code enforcement regime on Tuesday, Feb. 7, voting to hire a special magistrate to adjudicate persistent violations.
Attorney Alex L. Braunstein of Fox Rothschild in West Palm Beach was recommended by City Attorney Donald J. Doody, who said he appears to possess the “judicial temperament” necessary for such a position.
Braunstein’s appointment was not part of the published agenda, but City Manager Kenneth Cassel said that it was important for Westlake to expedite the hire because of alleged violations that need to be dealt with as soon as possible.
“There are two cases going forward fairly quickly,” Cassel said without getting into specifics about the cases.
The council approved the item 4-0. Councilman Julian Martinez was not in attendance.
“It’s important to start down this path of code enforcement,” said Doody, while emphasizing that involving a special magistrate is “the last resort” to gain compliance from a builder, homeowner or business.
Braunstein graduated from the University of Florida Law School in 2012, according to his LinkedIn page. He spent four years with the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office before going into private practice.
Doody said there are arguments to be made for hiring a special magistrate and for creating a code enforcement board, but “it’s best to start with a magistrate… Mr. Braunstein can help us set up the process.”
Cassel, who also manages the Seminole Improvement District, which supplies much of the road
and drainage infrastructure for Westlake, said because the interests of the district and city are so closely entwined, the magistrate also will deal with overlapping issues.
Westlake will pay no ongoing fee to Braunstein. He’ll be paid $240 per hour of actual duties performed and that will not come from taxpayers’ pockets, Cassel said. The fee will be assessed to those found out of compliance.
In other business:
• The council approved 4-0 the first reading of a 22-page ordinance regulating sexually oriented businesses, since federal law does not allow an outright ban.
Among other restrictions, the ordinance would require that such a business be at least 1,000 feet from existing churches or places of worship, educational institutions, public parks and existing residential areas and properties zoned for residential use.
Because of Westlake’s small geographic size, the ordinance would effectively limit sexually oriented businesses to a narrow corridor on either side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road near the community’s north end, according to the city’s Planning & Zoning Department.
The proposed ordinance first came before the council in December but was tabled and sent back to staff with a request for more research into how nearby municipalities handle the issue. In doing so, Westlake staff found that the 1,000-foot limitation is generally in line with similar ordinances in Wellington (500), Royal Palm Beach (1,000), Greenacres (1,500) and Palm Beach Gardens (varies 1,000 to 2,500).
• The council approved 4-0 a variation to the city’s master signage plan that will allow additional “wayfinding” signs to Christ Fellowship Church’s new
facility, scheduled to open in March.
• The council heard concerns from Councilwoman Charlotte Leonard that there are too few signs on stretches of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road indicating a 30-mile-per-hour speed limit.
Cassel said that while the signage is within Florida Department of Transportation code, he is aware of the issue and is working with Palm Beach County transportation officials to add more signs.
• The council voted 4-0 for the city to officially adopt and adhere to a “Complete Streets Policy,” which means creating and maintaining roads, sidewalks and shared-use paths “that are designed and operated to enable safe access and travel for all users… [including] pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders and motorists.”
The policy further states that, in coordination with the Seminole
Improvement District, Westlake’s Complete Streets policy is set forth in the city’s comprehensive plan and land development regulations “to enable safe access, mobility, economic development, attractive public spaces, health and wellbeing for all people.”
“It’s an important step in keeping our streets safe,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said.
• The council approved 4-0 a new agreement with Chen Moore and Associates for city planning and engineering purposes. Cassel noted that under the new deal, the contract will become an “evergreen” with no specific duration. He said the agreement would give Westlake more flexibility in terminating the contract, with 90 days’ notice, should it ever become necessary.
• Cassel noted that the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office all-terrain vehicle (ATV) unit will be training this month in Westlake.
Alice Callahan Auction House and Gallery is now open in the original Wellington Mall offering unique art pieces from around the world to collectors both near and far.
Managing Director Ed Muller said the company moved in last December, mostly to have a place to store and display the items before they are sold online.
“Ninety-eight percent of my sales on retail are on Ebay, and I needed a place to store my paintings,” Muller explained. “The auction business is growing, and
I use it for a pickup and drop-off location, too.”
The auction house and gallery is family owned and is licensed, showcasing more than 400 pieces of art at the Wellington location.
“We supply a service unlike any other business,” Muller said.
Muller noted that they are not operating a consignment store; they charge a flat 25 percent fee for selling your item or artwork. The item is yours, until it is sold. And if you change your mind and no longer want to sell your item, it is returned to you.
Each month, Alice Callahan Auction House holds an online
live auction through LiveAuctioneers (www.liveauctioneers.com), with 22 million subscribers. The February auction will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, and the link can be found on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/webuyestates.
For those lucky enough to live in the community, they’re welcome to come to the gallery to peruse the unique street art, sculptures, contemporary art, museum art and more from around the world. All kinds of hard-to-find artwork covers the walls of the store, with many unique items. Sellers present Muller with unique pieces.
For example, right now, he has an 18th century dresser that belonged to a monk in Portugal, a 1920s ice box in pristine condition and several horse statues.
“We’re one of the biggest sellers of Highwaymen art, and we have the largest private collection of Francis Bacon paintings,” Muller said.
They also have artwork from Salvador Dalí, Marc Chagall, Picasso, Alexander Calder, Purvis Young and Van Gogh.
The pieces at Alice Callahan come from all over, and they offer free pickups.
“We liquidate items quickly, securely and painlessly,” Muller said. “We work with estates, we work with trusts, we work for a lot of kids who inherit things and just want to liquidate them. This is the purpose that we have.”
With a strong emphasis on customer service, Muller said, they help clients discretely utilize their services.
“We treat our clients like family,” said Claudia Zepeda, president of the company. Sellers are welcome to drop off their items with Muller at the mall location, and buyers are able to conveniently pick up their new pieces of art.
“We created Alice Callahan not
When it comes to your family’s health, you can count on our dedication to deliver compassionate, quality care every time. Wellington Regional is here with award-winning services, including cardiovascular, maternity and Level III NICU, emergency medicine, an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI and Resuscitation by the American College of Cardiology, an Accredited Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV, an Accredited Bariatric Center of Excellence by MBSAQIP and much more.
Zepeda lends her talents at Park Vista High School.
“Our goal is to create a positive impact within our community and to help sellers turn their items into treasures,” Muller said. The gallery is located at 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 8A. For more information, visit www. alicecallahanestates.com or call (561) 337-8844. Find them on eBay at www.ebay.com/usr/alice_callahan_estate_sales.
PHOTOS BY JULIE UNGER/TOWN-CRIER just to honor my late grandmother,” Muller said, “but to be able to give back to our community. With each sale, we give a percentage to a charity or an organization to help those in need. While I look after the day-to-day operations of the company, during the day my wife works at a local high school as a mental health counselor, and twice a week she volunteers with counseling victims of domestic violence at a local organization.”
Wellington’s Education Committee met Tuesday, Feb. 7 for a presentation on village schools by representatives of the Palm Beach County School District.
Regional Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines brought regards from Superintendent Michael Burke, as well as Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Schools Edward Tierney.
“Our priority outcomes are always to educate, affirm and inspire,” she said.
Zuloaga-Haines shared highlights from across Wellington’s 11 public schools, including an update on Principal Dr. Maria Vaughan at Wellington Elementary School, who has been ill.
“As you know, Dr. Vaughan has been on extended leave, and we really ask for your prayers and thoughts so that she can get healthy quickly and be able to return to us here at Wellington Elementary,” Zuloaga-Haines said. “But in the meantime, we felt that we needed to have an interim principal assigned to the school so we can continue moving the school forward. And so, I would like to be able to introduce to you Mrs. Diana Fernandez.”
Fernandez is from the Central Region office. She has experience at the elementary, middle and high school level as an assistant principal. “I feel blessed and honored to really continue the great work that Dr. Vaughn started. There are a lot of great things happening at Wellington, and I hope to continue that until the time comes, and Dr. Vaughn returns,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez thanked the Village of Wellington for its support, and
Zuloaga-Haines thanked Wellington Elementary’s Assistant Principal Donna Dekersky for her hard work as well.
Many of the local elementary schools recently celebrated Literacy Week, as well as the 100th day of school. Many area schools also have special events taking place between now and the end of February.
Whether it’s celebrating soccer teams, volleyball teams, Red Cross donations, safety patrol students, Junior Achievement students, robotics students and other student groups, there has been plenty to celebrate within Wellington schools.
In addition to sharing an update on the schools, Zuloaga-Haines shared information about how students are doing academically.
The mid-year performance data is in for the MP1 performance monitoring assessment in Wellington-area schools. This marks from the beginning of the year to the midterm, so the assessment doesn’t change from beginning to end, but the students learn throughout the year, giving a bump to their scores.
For Wellington’s elementary schools, Zuloaga-Haines said, the students have advanced in English language arts for grades 3 to 5 at a faster rate than the rest of the district. Similar gains were also found in math and science testing. Students in grades 6 to 10 are also performing at a higher level than students in the rest of the district.
“It’s exactly what we want to see,” she said. “And then we always compare with, ‘How is the district doing overall?’ And we’re doing better.”
Some challenges students face can include attendance, needing
additional support, social/emotional learning, and working on mental health with students and adults.
“It takes a village to be able to provide all of those resources and support to our students,” Zuloaga-Haines said.
Her presentation included short reports on activities at all of Wellington’s district-run schools, making sure to call out good things that are happening across the community.
Binks Forest Elementary School won first place at the Honda Classic art contest, held a family STEAM night in January, the safety patrol went on is annual trip in January, the school celebrated Literacy Week in January and the 100th day of school. Additionally, the school is working on its SAC initiative of collecting items for homeless veterans and a kindness initiative of collecting items for foster children in Palm Beach County.
Elbridge Gale Elementary School’s robotics team took second place in Robot Run and is moving on to regionals. Principal Gail Pasterczyk has been named the Central Region Principal of the Year and is a finalist for the School District of Palm Beach County award. More than 30 vehicles were at the school for Vehicle Day, they celebrated the 100th day of school with STEM activities, students celebrated Literacy Week dress up days with author visits, all staff was trained in youth mental health, the PTO Candyland Dance is scheduled for Feb. 10, the school is a Green School of Excellence and the PTO is supporting the school and local businesses with school spirit nights.
Equestrian Trails Elementary School recently held a winter
performance for families, students learned about body systems during field days, the Watch DOGS program is running with dads on campus volunteering daily, veterans visited and presented to the students, and students completed the South Florida Fair Mile in the cold weather.
New Horizons Elementary School celebrated Literacy Week with Diving into Books, BLAST from Wellington High School will be collaborating with the school to celebrate Black History Month, students ran the mile at the South Florida Fairgrounds with training from teacher Katelyn Ott, the Watch DOGS program is in full swing with 5 to 10 dads volunteering monthly, the PTA Glow Party fundraiser was a success, there are academic tutors supporting literacy and math, Parent University will take place on Feb. 13 at 8:15 a.m., and Flamenco dancers will perform on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Panther Run Elementary School has been an overall winner for four years, and this year they also won the elementary division of Heroes for Education, the fifth graders had a successful Veterans Day event, they are a Welcoming Inclusive Level 4 School, they are a Positive Behavior Support Platinum Level School and a Green School of Excellence. The school held its Panther Run Beach Clean in January, celebrated Literacy Week in January, held a spelling bee, celebrated the 100th day of school and the fifth-grade safety patrols went to Washington, D.C., earlier this month.
Wellington Elementary School’s PTO held a Mystery Dinner Theater production, the school celebrated Literacy Week, they cel-
ebrated the 100th day of school, took part in the Great Charity Challenge, on Feb. 10 there will be a Mother/Son Glow Party, on Feb. 17 there will be a Father/ Daughter Dance and on March 11 students will perform at the Winter Equestrian Festival.
Emerald Cove Middle School students advanced to the Palm Beach Regional Science and Engineering Fair, PreIT students have had entrepreneurs visit campus, AVID and PreIT are getting ready to visit the University of Miami and Lynn University, the Future Business Leaders of America participated in a local-level performance event, culinary students participated in the South Florida Fair bake off, choral students participated at All State, there were successful band and chorus concerts in December, the girls volleyball team had a 9-1 season and advanced to the second round of playoffs, the boys soccer team were division champions, the school celebrated Literacy Week and there is a career fair with Junior Achievement set for Feb. 10.
Polo Park Middle School’s girls volleyball team won the division championships, the Cyber Knights Robotics Team won Robot Performance and Overall Champions at the regional qualifier, the other two robotics teams have their qualifiers later in February, the school launched its Black History Month celebration and Literacy Week celebration, the PTSA walka-thon was a success, and the student government and NJHS held a Mini Dance Marathon, raising $5,811.73 for the Children’s Miracle Network.
Wellington Landings Middle School’s boys soccer team made
it to the second round of the playoffs, the speech and debate team had three students place at the FAU High Tournament, the Kindness Ambassadors collected blankets for Bryan’s Blankets in December and donated peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to feed the homeless, the school celebrated Literacy Week, and the Lunch Lady Squad was honored by the Florida Dairy Council and Fuel Up to Play 60 at the Jan. 9 Dolphins game.
Palm Beach Central High School is holding First Friday Coffee Talk with Principal Darren Edgecomb focusing on course selections, the Red Cross club made a donation in January, there was the honor roll ice cream social, Black History Month celebrations are from Feb. 6 to 10, Spirit Week Feb. 21 to 24 and graduation will be on May 17.
Finally, Wellington High School’s student government held a toy and bike drive for students at Rosenwald Elementary School, the school held a blood drive, the graduation rate of 97.8 percent has been maintained and celebrated, BLAST put together care packages for homeless students in Wellington, the Mighty Wolverine Sound traveled to London to perform in the New Year’s Day Parade, Paulina Velasquez is the 2022 school support staff employee of the year for adult and community education, and December and January brought awareness to Read a New Book Month, Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month, National Mentoring Month, Adults and Community Education Month, Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, and National School Board Appreciation Month.
The National Polo Center, Wellington’s destination for polo and equestrian sports, will transform into a colorful five-day fete with celebrants coming from around the world to support the Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, from April 6 to April 9. Creating a culture of community, togetherness and high fashion, the event inspires and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in sports and beyond.
“As our world continues to evolve, we remain a constant at the forefront, working to create inclusiveness and equality in not only polo and equestrian sports, but in the community as a whole,” said Chip McKenney, founder of the Gay Polo League. “We are honored to have so many friends and allies join us each year.”
The robust itinerary for the 2023 event kicks off with the GPL Polo Players Welcome Reception (by invitation) on Thursday, April 6.
continued from page 1 has to look like a building that patients recognize as a modern medical office.
Councilwoman Marianne Miles agreed. “I like the design. I have visited many of these facilities,” she said. “It speaks to me that it is a surgical center and not a country store.” During public comment, resident Cassie Suchy urged changes to the look.
continued from page 1
President Betty Argue, a longtime AAL supporter.
“I’m not sure what the agenda is here,” Argue said. “But I’m not going to go down this rabbit hole every time someone gets their nose out of joint. We’ve got way more important things that this board should be putting its energy into.”
“There is a lot to do, but one of the things we’re responsible for is parks,” Farrell said. “We have a responsibility to make sure [the AAL] is following through [on the agreement]… People would have
Players gather for camaraderie, joie-de-vivre and much fun before the weekend’s festivities fully begin. Everyone’s favorite preevent, the GPL Polotini Wigstock cocktail reception will take place on Friday, April 7 at the National Polo Center and will feature a hair-raising extravaganza and exciting special guests, cocktails and light bites. Wigs are highly encouraged for this event!
Saturday, April 8 is main event tournament and tailgate competition. Sixteen polo players from around the world will compete on the Isla Carroll West Field for the prize (and bragging rights) during both the Senator’s Cup and the Founders Cup beginning at 1 p.m.
Not to be missed is GPL’s world-famous tailgate competition. Tailgaters are already dreaming up their whimsical tablescapes and décor in preparation for the fun-spirited competitiveness that lines the polo field, with each tailgate becoming its own experience that collectively contributes to the overall flair and exhilaration
“This is not representative of the town we are in,” she said. “They can change the architectural look. Have them put in some type of architectural design to have it more fit in.”
Vice Mayor Laura Danowski tried to summarize the concerns.
“The building is stark; make it softer,” she said. Cheguis said that some changes could be made to the aesthetic.
“I have heard your concerns, and we are more than willing to bring on some of those elements,” he said. Shorr asked about the proposed timeline for the project.
more trust in us if they see we’re investigating.”
Argue said later that much of the recent bickering is due to the creation of a rival flag football league — the Breakthru Athletic League — that is competing with the AAL for players while scrapping for field space.
Wendy Tirado, the AAL’s acting president, said Wednesday that her organization has lost some players to Breakthru but “to each their own.”
“Our goal, no matter what, is to see kids doing something in the outdoors, whether it’s with us or Breakthru,” she said.
Hanson suggested that a more comprehensive review of policies is needed for the district’s 12 parks,
of the day. Coveted awards for Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate and Best Multiple Tailgate are up for grabs. All in attendance are anxiously waiting to see what themes tailgaters will bring to this year’s competition.
While each tailgater and team might be in competition, it is the desire for equality on and off the field that resonates with all in attendance. The impact that The Gay Polo League has made can be seen in the receiving of the Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports Award from the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2022. The first award from a nongay organization, the recognition symbolizes that GPL has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who may not have known gay people firsthand.
Back again this year after a wildly successful launch is Haute House — an exclusive tent filled with social influencers that add to
“I’m not here to stall this project,” he said. “I appreciate it, and I am looking forward to it in the town.”
Cheguis said that they anticipate moving forward rapidly.
“We are anxious to get started,” he said, adding that he hopes to be in construction over the next three or four months, followed by 15 months of total construction time.
Dr. Gary Wexler, representing the Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, said that he wanted to work with the town to make the design work.
“I agree with all of your comments,” he said. “We want to be
including a look at event permits, facilities rentals, alcohol sales and insurance requirements.
“We need to have a very robust discussion about what is appropriate [in the parks] and what isn’t,” Argue agreed.
Still, much of the issue comes back to space, Hanson said. “The board has to get a handle on the use of these athletic fields,” he said. “If we built 10 fields, we probably still would not have enough.”
In other business:
• Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando suggested that ITID consider starting an adopt-a-road program to create more community involvement.
“It’s just a way for a business or even a family to say, ‘I have pride
the stardom of the event’s attendees. The energy from the jovial groups and vibrant scenes will once again uplift the athletes on the field feverishly pursuing title championship.
Acting on its vision of providing equality, pride, inclusion and confidence for those who face discrimination simply due to having non-traditional sexual or gender identities, the tournament will once again benefit the OnePulse Foundation. In 2022, this GPL event raised $135,000 for the nonprofit organization, born after the tragic events that unfolded at Pulse Nightclub, where 49 people lost their lives in 2016. Aiming for even more money raised in 2023, the GPL is working tirelessly to support efforts by OnePulse to fund scholarships while creating a sanctuary for and to honor the victims who lost their lives.
“While triumphs in financial impact, anticipation and attendance each year are always highlights, it is the thousands of athletes, supporters and attendees celebrating
harmonious with the town and your design features.”
Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia made a motion to approve the project, but request other options on the railing, canopy, shutters, landscaping and roofline.
However, town staff suggested that the most efficient way to get the project moving would be to continue the item until the Tuesday, Feb. 21 meeting to work out the design elements.
A motion to continue passed 4-1 with Miles dissenting.
“We will see you in two weeks with a couple of tweaks,” Shorr said.
in my community,’” explained Accomando, founder of Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary.
Accomando said to get the ball rolling, Barky Pines would be happy to adopt Carol Street in Santa Rosa Groves, where her sanctuary and home are located.
• In a related matter, VoteLox, a group supporting the push for a November incorporation referendum, will be holding a public information meeting Thursday, Feb. 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. VoteLox also will be holding its first meeting Saturday, Feb. 18 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. for those who registered to volunteer for one or more committees. Both meetings will be at Hamlin House, located at 14893 89th Place North.
diversity together as one that is truly what makes this event so special,” McKenney said.
The Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, is open to all. Tickets and additional information can be found by visiting www.gaypolo.com.
continued from page 1 could be a “component” to help strengthen the village’s position.
“The mall will at some point become a downtown of the western communities based on the size of it,” Councilman John McGovern said at the meeting. “That is likely to be the end point of the future of that site.”
Comments from members of the public are not planned for the Feb. 16 workshop, but Traynor encouraged residents to monitor the proceedings and take advantage of chances to speak at council meetings, such as the next one scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Office, retail and possible residential development at the 10acre civic site would mean its future would not be tied solely to the ebbs and flows of an art center’s performance, proponents believe.
Some cultural facilities, like
To experience the excitement, or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.gaypolo. com. Custom sponsorship packages to elevate and advance brands can be curated. For additional information, contact McKenney at chip@ gaypolo.com.
the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, benefit from long-term tenants who lease space there, Traynor said.
To maximize its chances to flourish, an arts center could probably use a benefactor, a lead donor who helps it stay financially healthy, he said. Grants from federal and state agencies could help as well, Traynor added.
Gerwig mentioned that she has talked with Lynn Singleton, the founding president of Rhode Island-based Professional Facilities Management, which specializes in helping manage and book performing arts venues around the country. Traynor said his group has reached out for information to PFM as well.
The first phases of the plan could take up to three years with the full project completed in perhaps five or six years. The first step is making clear there are people in Wellington who want to see this happen, Traynor said.
“Right now, at Project Lighthouse, we’re looking to be the voice of the community,” he said.
To learn more about Project Lighthouse, find the group on Facebook by searching “Project Lighthouse - Community Vision.”
One of the biggest evenings of the year at the Winter Equestrian Festival is the Great Charity Challenge, sponsored by Fidelity Investments, held this year on Saturday, Feb. 4 at Wellington International.
Teams of three riders competed, with the best time winning $100,000 for a local charity. A total of 34 different charities were selected to compete this year, with the final place team still guaranteed $15,000 for their charity partner. This year’s theme was particularly sweet, with candy-inspired costumes for both horses and riders.
The Caridad Center team of Campbell Brown, Emma Hechtman and Abby Funk, sponsored by Frog Pond Stables and Little Creek Equestrian, took the $100,000 top spot with a combined time of
91.622 seconds. The Hab Center team of Vivian Golden, Gabriella Curry and Grace Debney, sponsored by Lunar Dressage and Campo Bahia, won second place and a $90,000 award. Third place and $80,000 went to Alex Breyer, Stephanie Garrett and David O’Brien on behalf of 211 of the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast, sponsored by the Postage Stamp Farm Foundation and La Victoria Farm.
Charities without a horse in the race had other opportunities to receive grants through Postage Stamp Farm’s pet parade and costume contest, the Doyle Family Foundation’s Volunteer Initiative, Social Media Spirit Awards and other randomly awarded grants. To learn more about the competition and the charities supported over the last 14 years, visit www. greatcharitychallenge.com.
PHOTOS BY CALLIE SHARKEY/TOWN-CRIER
Our Heart Matters checkup includes screening tests for blood pressure, BMI (body mass index) and cholesterol levels (including lipid profiles). Cholesterol results include: total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, and HDL risk ratio.
Results are not available immediately but will be mailed to you within 3 - 4 weeks. For best results, fasting after midnight is recommended.
new logos and branding for the jointly run organizations. The new logo outlines a white palm tree in blue, green and gold colors. For more informa tion, visit www.cpbchamber.com and www.hispanicchamberpbc.com.
Wellington’s Architectural Review Board approved design elements Wednesday, Jan. 25 for a new Mediterranean restaurant on State Road 7, as well as the daycare center component of the Lotis Wellington project, also on SR 7.
The board approved signage for the new Olive U Mediterranean Grill location in front of the Mall at Wellington Green. The local chain has several other locations
in Palm Beach County. The Wellington store is in front of Whole Foods Market just south of the Chili’s restaurant in a new building along SR 7. Two other businesses, BurgerFi and Paradise Grills, are already operating in the building. The discussion was focused on the two signs requested by Olive U, both of which did not conform to the code.
For the main sign, while its overall area was under the code’s allowance, its height of 45 inches
is 16 inches larger than the code allows. A similar sign deviation was requested for the secondary wall sign at the back of the building. Village staff agreed that the sign requests were proportionate with the overall wall façade. The request for the sign deviations was approved unanimously. Also at the meeting, the board approved the plans for Kids R Kids Daycare at Lotis Wellington, also with two wall sign deviations.
Kids R Kids Daycare is located
in the commercial pod at Lotis Wellington, north of Wellington Regional Medical Center on the west side of SR 7. Plans call for a two-story building of 18,000 square feet. The design ties into the other commercial buildings in the project with a focus on earth tones. It was previously approved for one small monument sign. The request was for the two wall signs. The main sign was within the approved code, but the secondary sign request of
The 14th annual Kids Lip Sync
“A Night at the Carnival” to benefit Danny & Ron’s Rescue will be held Sunday, Feb. 19 at the Blue Ribbon Club at Wellington International featuring honorary guest Gloria Gaynor with Kim Kolloff serving as emcee. This event sells out every year, and tickets will not be sold at the
Wellington has received notification of funding of its Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant application in the amount of $200,000 as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The funding supports the National Roadway Safety Strategy and a goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways.
Wellington has committed to Vision Zero and designated Wellington as a “Vision Zero City,” directing staff to create a Vision Zero Action Plan establishing a goal of no severe traffic injuries or fatalities by 2030.
Wellington will develop a Vision Zero Comprehensive Safety Action Plan following a Safe Systems approach, in accordance with SS4A guidelines, to impact the village’s entire municipal boundaries and several contiguous areas of unincorporated Palm Beach County that are critical parts of the transportation system. Wellington’s match is $50,000 for a total project cost of $250,000.
The VoteLox citizens group will hold its monthly information meeting on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Hamlin House at Nicole Hornstein Equestrian Park, located at 14780 Hamlin Blvd. For additional information, and updates on meetings and the legislative process, visit www. votelox.com.
Suicide Victim
Family and friends have set up a memorial fund for the children of suspected murder-suicide victim
door, so purchase tickets online today at www.dannyronsrescue.org. For those wishing to perform, the sign-up form can also be found online at www.dannyronsrescue. org. All performances must be approved before the event. To reserve your spot, and for any questions regarding scheduling rehearsals and music, contact Kolloff directly
via cell (978) 273-6475 or e-mail kimkolloff@aol.com.
Performers will be admitted to the venue free of charge. All other guests, parents, siblings and family members must purchase a tax-deductible ticket for entry to the Lip Sync. For additional questions, e-mail lipsync@dannyronsrescue.org.
Brittany Carter at Wells Fargo under the name “Brittany Carter Memorial Fund.” Donations will be accepted at any Wells Fargo branch, or anyone can Zelle to e-mail brittanycartermemorial@ gmail.com.
Carter, 34, died on Friday, Jan. 20 at a home on Balsan Way in Wellington’s Olympia neighborhood. Also found dead at the scene was suspect Stephen Smith, 45. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as a suspected murdersuicide.
Heidi Creates will present the second annual Read It Write It Book and Writing Festival on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Mall at Wellington Green. The day-long event will transform the Wellington-based mall into a literary haven where local authors, poets, up-and-coming scribes and kindred spirits of all ages will celebrate the art of the written word.
The free, family-friendly book festival will feature book and poetry readings, open mics, children’s activities, as well as writing panels and pop-up workshops dedicated to literary genres like nonfiction, self-help, cartoons, short stories, blogging and more. The public will also have a chance to meet and mingle with local authors, poets and publishers, who will share trade secrets, answer writing-related questions, and help pave the way to getting published. Make great literature come alive by dressing up as your favorite book character for the Literary Costume Contest. Prizes will be awarded for first and second place. For more info., contact Heidi Hess at heidicreates01@gmail. com or visit www.heidicreates. net/events. The Mall at Wellington Green
is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington. For more info., call (561) 227-6900 or visit www.shopwellingtongreen.com.
Heidi Creates was established in 2018 by Palm Beach County native and author Heidi Hess. Since its inception, Heidi Creates has been committed to showcasing the literary and arts community.
The Florida Department of Transportation District Four has begun the SR 710/Beeline Highway Resurfacing and Restoration Project from east of the Pratt & Whitney Main Entrance to east of the CSX Railroad Tracks in Palm Beach County.
Project improvements include milling and resurfacing existing travel lanes and shoulders, upgrading pavement markings and signing to current standards, installing internally illuminated street name signs at signalized intersections, and upgrading existing street lighting to LED luminaires.
Construction began Monday, Feb. 6 and is estimated to be completed in summer 2023. The estimated construction cost is $3.2 million. For more information, contact the FDOT Project Manager Ariam Galindo at (561) 466-5940 or via e-mail at ariam. galindo@dot.state.fl.us.
At St. Michael St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church, located at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington, will host services for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, is the beginning of the Lenten season in the church for 2023. The Lenten period leads up to the death of Christ on the cross on Good Friday
and his glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.
On Ash Wednesday, Christians are marked with ashes on their forehead to symbolize both repentance and mourning for their sins, and the death of Christ. St. Michael will offer ashes to all Christians, regardless of their church affiliation, during two drive-through ashes opportunities on Feb. 22 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the church parking lot. There will also be an indoor Ash Wednesday service in the church sanctuary at 7 p.m. Wednesdays during Lent will be observed with a family-style Soup and Spirit meeting. A simple soup supper will be offered in the church fellowship hall beginning at 6:30 p.m. A video and discussion will be held after the meal focusing on prayer. These meetings will be held on March 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29. Come for one or all of these meetings, which are open to the community.
For more information regarding any church services, contact the church office Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at (561) 793-4999, or e-mail stmelc@bellsouth.net.
Questions can also be directed to Pastor Sid Nelson at (561) 463-8900 or pastorsidnelson@ gmail.com.
American Legion Post 390 of Wellington will host a blood drive on Saturday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.
The American Legion is working with OneBlood on the blood drive. All donors will receive a $20 eGift card, a OneBlood longsleeve T-shirt, and a wellness checkup including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, iron count and cholesterol screening.
Appointments are encouraged. Visit www.oneblood.org/donatenow and use sponsor code 68508.
64 square feet was significantly larger than the code allows.
Brian Terry of Insite Studio, representing Lotis Wellington LLC, said that the larger sign was necessary because of its circular shape and the need to keep it in proportion to the building.
“We think it is a good addition and provides for some signage and identity on that building as you approach,” he said.
The board agreed, and the project was approved unanimously.
In other business:
• Board Chair Stacy Somers began the meeting with a moment of silence to remember late ARB Board Member Tom Wenham, who died Dec. 29 after six years of dedicated service on the board, along with many other roles in the community.
• The board approved a nonconforming fence for a home on Doubletree Circle in the Pinewood community. It was built by the homeowner in 2020 without the necessary permits and was cited in 2022. The four-foot fence is 124 linear feet around the pool area, but only 27.5 feet is visible from the road. It is made of wood and aluminum rail. The nonconforming fence was approved with several conditions, including raising its height several inches and planting a hedge to shield it from view.
• Finally, the board continued its ongoing conversation about the village’s approved color charts. Since the printed digital color board does not match the original swatches, village staff plans to get original swatches and continue the conversation at a future meeting.
Bark for Life of Palm Beach County is back and better than ever. This year, Bark for Life has combined its usual pet-friendly, festival-style event with a glow-inthe-dark 5K fun run on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park from 5 to 9 p.m. The first race group starts at 6:30 p.m.
Admission and parking are free. To participate in the fun run, the entry fee is $25 for adults and kids ages 12 and older, and $10 for children under 12. For $40, participants receive a special package that includes registration, a glowin-the-dark swag bag and entry into a drawing for tickets to Lion Country Safari. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
“We are so excited for the return of Bark for Life of Palm Beach County after a hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Candice Webb, co-chair of Bark for Life. “We find it important and inspiring to honor the role of our beloved canine companions in the care and treatment of cancer.”
Because this is a fun run, times will not be recorded. There will be
a race clock for participants to use. The fun run will have a staggered start with participants in one of three groups: Serious Runners, Jazzy Joggers and Walk & Rollers.
This year’s event features the Tacos Del Pueblo food truck with delicious meals to stay fueled throughout the event. Sponsors include Pro MD Wellington, Healing Arts Veterinary Center, My Community Pharmacy and Palm Beach Tax Group. Vendors include Paradise for Paws, PetWants Royal Palm Beach, Flower Crowns by Mary Kaye, Kissed by a Pixie, KB Social Artworking and Sweet Emporium by Kat.
All community members and their dogs are invited to this exciting event to support the American Cancer Society’s mission to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research and patient support, to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.
For more information, or to register for the fun run, visit www. eventbrite.com and search “Bark for Life 5K.”
The musical stylings of Branden & James will be at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m.
The duo brings the soulful timbre of James on his cello combined with Branden’s emotional and powerful vocals, creating a sound that leaves audiences feeling moved and inspired. Branden was a finalist on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent, and James has performed with some of the biggest stars from around the world. Since forming a duo, they’ve been touring around the world with their innovative, classically inspired pop songs and their undeniable charm and wit.
In 2021-22, they launched a 60-city U.S. tour to promote their recently released debut album named Chasing Dreams. Shortly after its release, Branden & James were named best unsigned artists in North America by Music Connection magazine. Tickets for Branden & James are
Branden & James
$25 and can be purchased online at www.dollyhand.org, by calling (561) 993-1160 or by visiting the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center Box Office on the Palm Beach State College Glades Campus at 1977 SW College Drive in Belle Glade.
Business and community leaders gathered at the Wellington International showgrounds on Saturday, Feb. 4 for an evening of camaraderie and equestrian competition at the Great Charity Challenge. Also that evening, the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County held a launch party for the unveiling ofMichael Stone helps with the official unveiling. Board members from both chambers in front of a sign with the new logo. Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Jan Rodusky with her daughter Victoria. Central Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford, Wellington International President Michael Stone and Hispanic Chamber CEO Maria Antuña. Hispanic Chamber CEO Maria Antuña, Councilman John McGovern, Councilman Michael Napoleone, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Michael Drahos, Councilwoman Tanya Siskind and Central Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford. Central Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford thanks members for their support. Wellington International President Michael Stone also serves as vice chair of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County held its 12th annual Cruizin’ for Crime Stoppers motorcycle ride on Sunday, Jan. 29. The 100-mile ride kicked off at the Wellington Municipal Complex, where riders were treated to breakfast and music by IHeartRadio/ Gator 98.7. The riders first rode to Pahokee Marina and took a break before heading to Abacoa in Jupiter. More than 400 riders from around the region left Wellington to help raise money for the Crime Stoppers program.
PHOTOS BY FRANK
The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club hosted Grill for a Cause on Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. The event was a benefit for the Kids Cancer Foundation. This monthly event will benefit a different nonprofit each time. As a special treat, Keith Jordano brought a king cake and muffalettas from New Orleans, while Rotary President Romeo Siquijor grilled hamburgers
The Village of Royal Palm Beach will have several volunteer board/commission terms expiring in March. If you are a resident of the Village and would like to be considered by the Village Council to serve on either board/commission, please stop by the Village Clerk’s office to pick up an application or download it from our web site www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov. Under Departments go to the Village Clerk section and then click on Boards and Commissions to online Volunteer Board Application. Please complete application no later than March 28, 2023 for Council consideration at its April 6th meeting. It is important to note the particular day of the week the board/commission meets to ensure that your schedule will be such that you are available on that particular day.
Seats available are:
(3) on Education Advisory Board meets on the 2nd Monday of the month
(1) on Planning and Zoning Commission meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month
(6) on Recreation Advisory Board meets on the 4th Monday of the month
If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at 790-5102.
Who died in the line of duty on February 26, 1993 while proudly serving the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of Palm Beach County
Joe Santoro had been dealing with mitral valve disease for almost a decade when his cardiologist told him his new symptoms were caused by an additional heart condition — atrial fibrillation.
After his doctor advised him to undergo a procedure to treat the valve disease, Joe, a first-grade teacher and musician, decided to get a second opinion. He chose Cleveland Clinic Florida, where he met with Jose L. Navia, MD, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Florida Heart, Vascular and Thoracic Institute and Minimally Invasive Valve Program.
“I left my appointment with Dr. Navia knowing I had more options,” Joe says. He chose a robotically assisted approach to his mitral valve repair surgery because it was less invasive than traditional open-heart surgery and he would heal faster.
“A robotically assisted approach for valve repair surgery is the ultimate new use for technology,” Dr. Navia says. “This approach provides the patient with a better option to have a durable repair or replacement of the valve.”
TALK WITH AN EXPERT.
Three weeks
To schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic Florida heart specialist, call 877.463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Heart to learn more.
I was jumping around, playing guitar and singing three weeks post heart surgery. It was amazing how fast I recovered.
— JOE SANTORO
On Thursday, Feb. 2, the C.V. Whitney Cup draw determined the brackets for the upcoming start to the highly anticipated fifth installment of the Gauntlet of Polo series.
A momentous year for the event, this edition of the gauntlet will mark the first time that the competition is held at the USPA-owned National Polo Center-Wellington.
Originally known as the U.S. Handicap, the C.V. Whitney Cup was first held in 1979. Nine years later, in 1988, the tournament was renamed for C.V. (Cornelius Vanderbilt “Sonny”) Whitney, an avid polo player, three-time winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship (1928, 1937 and 1938) and son of 10-goal Hall of Famer Harry Payne Whitney.
Serving as the first tournament of the three-part Gauntlet of Polo since 2019, the C.V. Whitney Cup will welcome 12 talented teams, all of which will pursue the USPA
Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship following the starting leg of the series.
Of the teams competing, Gauntlet of Polo newcomer Valiente is the most decorated in past C.V. Whitney Cup victories, with four wins, all of which were achieved in the last 10 years. To make their odds even stronger, 10-goal virtuoso Adolfo Cambiaso brings with him seven wins in the tournament. 2022 and 2021 victors Park Place, however, look to replicate their recent success for a third consecutive win, while 2022 runners-up Scone hope to avenge their loss. Fresh off wins in the 2022 USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open Polo Championship, Pilot has also positioned themselves as a favorite in the starting leg of the gauntlet. Similar to Cambiaso, 10-goal Pilot captain Facundo Pieres has accumulated significant success in this tournament, triumphing a total of six times, most recently
in 2019 when Pilot secured all three Gauntlet of Polo trophies and emerged as the first and only gauntlet champions. Pilot returns with three out of four of their original 2019 lineup, including Curtis Pilot, Matias Gonzalez and Facundo Pieres. 2022 Pilot competitor Matias Torres Zavaleta rounds out the team. Utilizing the same prize money distribution for the 2023 Gauntlet of Polo, the format guarantees a total of $200,000 in prize money with $50,000 awarded to each of the winning teams of the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup. Similarly, $100,000 in prize money will be presented to the winner of the U.S. Open Polo Championship, and any team that wins all three tournaments will be crowned the Gauntlet Champion. In keeping with the spirit of philanthropy, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide a $2,500 donation to the winner and runner-up teams of all
three finals to be donated to a polo charity of their choice.
The list of participating teams in their newly announced tournament brackets are: Scone, Pilot and Dazos in Bracket I; La Elina, Valiente and Aspen in Bracket II; Two Trees Polo, Shack Attack and La Fe in Bracket III; and Dutta Corp/Show+, Tamera and Park Place in Bracket IV.
The C.V. Whitney Cup will begin on Sunday, Feb. 12. Teams will play within their bracket. The top two from each bracket will meet in the first round. The loser of the first game in each bracket will play the third team in the bracket. The winner of the first game in each bracket will then play the third team. After bracket play, the top team from each bracket will advance to the semifinals. In the event of a tie, the win/loss, net goals, gross goals format will be used. Semifinal pairings will be determined by a draw. Winners of
the semifinals will advance to the final. The semifinals will be held Wednesday, Feb. 22, with the final set for Sunday, Feb. 26.
The 2023 Gauntlet of Polo will then continue with the USPA Gold Cup March 1-26 and the U.S. Open Polo Championship March 29 through April 23. All Sunday featured games will be held on NPC U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. Spectating from the NPC stadium, private boxes, fieldside tailgates and special hospitality tents all overlooking U.S. Polo Assn. Field One is an unparalleled experience available for Sunday matches throughout the Gauntlet of Polo series. Tickets can be purchased at www.nationalpolocenter.com.
The semifinals and final of the C.V. Whitney Cup will be livestreamed by the USPA Polo Network at www.uspolo.org, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Twitch free of charge.
Victory was sweet for Count Me
In and Ireland’s Conor Swail in the CHF216,000 MARS Equestrian CSI4* Grand Prix, the featured event on the expansive grass derby field at Equestrian Village during the Winter Equestrian Festival
Week 4 on Saturday, Feb. 4.
The pressure was on for Swail riding Count Me In, a 2007 Hanoverian gelding owned by Sandy Lupton and Mannon Farm. The first to crack the code on the opening round track designed by Anderson Lima, Swail was the trailblazer again in a five-horse jump-off.
“I’m lucky to have Crosby,” said
Swail, currently ranked fifth in the world. “He’s a very fast horse. I was trying to give it a good go and put the other riders under enough pressure and hope that they would make mistakes. It was a tough track, but fair I thought. I have an amazing horse, and I hope his good form continues. This was our first time out this year, and I must say I thought he felt fabulous.” Count Me In has been enjoying a much-deserved break since a successful outing at the CHI Geneva 5* in December. After spending a month in the paddock at Swail’s home base in Ireland, Count Me In came out strong to post a time
that would lead the field by six full seconds. They stopped the clock at 38.53 seconds.
U.S. Olympic team gold medalist Laura Kraut chased Swail down on Confu but came up short to finish second. Third went to Ashlee Bond with the fastest four-fault performance riding Garfield.
When Swail returned for the prize ceremony, Count Me In entered the ring with an obvious show of confidence. “He does have a bit of nervous energy when we’re competing because he has so much quality, but he’s such a relaxed guy when he comes back in again,” Swail said. “He
is the horse of a lifetime for me, and he’s changing my career, so hopefully we’ll get another few years together.”
Swail has returned to Florida to compete after spending time on the West Coast of the U.S. and is looking forward to the competition.
“If you’re winning here, you can win anywhere in the world,” he said. “It’s nice to come and compete against the best.”
Swail was presented as winner of the Mars Equestrian Grand Prix by Bridgett McIntosh of Mars Equestrian. He also received the Village of Wellington Cup from Mayor Anne Gerwig.
Wellington International, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, recently announced that it has inked a 2023 sponsorship agreement with Mars Equestrian, adding the brand to an elite group of major partners at WEF.
As part of an ongoing initiative to link Mars Incorporated’s family of brands to the equestrian community, Mars Equestrian was named the title sponsor of WEF Week 4, which ran Feb. 1-5 and featured CSI4* and CSI2* competition, highlighted by the CHF216,000 CIS4* Grand Prix, presented by Mars Equestrian. Ethel M Choc-
olates will be recognized as the presenting sponsor of the CSI2* division during WEF Week 7.
“We are proud to become a partner with Wellington International in our collective passion for the equestrian industry,” said Bridgett McIntosh, director at Mars Equestrian. “Through sharing Mars Incorporated’s diverse portfolio of confectionery, petcare, horsecare and veterinary products and services, this purposeful partnership affirms our commitment to making enduring positive impacts in the horse community and beyond.”
Spreading their support to the
hunter divisions, Mars Equestrian will present the $10,000 USHJA National Hunter Derby during WEF 7and the $5,000 USHJA Pony Hunter Derby during WEF 9. Both of the popular hunter offerings will take place on the grass derby field at Equestrian Village.
“Wellington International is dedicated to bringing mainstream brands and the equestrian community together through longstanding partnerships. We are thrilled to be among the events that has joined the Mars Equestrian family, and we appreciate their support of top horse sport venues, as well
as all levels and disciplines of the sport,” said Lenore Brown, director of sponsorships at Wellington International. Committed to an enduring equestrian legacy, Mars Equestrian sponsorships will include the Small Pony Hunter division throughout the season and an inaugural Children’s Sportsmanship Award. Additionally, Ethel M Chocolates has been coined the Official Chocolate of the International Club and Sunday Brunch Series in the Blue Ribbon Club at Wellington International. The Mars Equestrian spon -
sorship at WEF is only the latest illustration of Mars’ multi-generational impact on equestrian sports and the equine industry as a whole. Going back to the 1930s, the founders of Mars Incorporated, Frank and Ethel V. Mars, established a renowned Thoroughbred breeding and racing stable in Pulaski, Tennessee. They named the property Milky Way Farm, in honor of their best-selling candy bar, and followed up by naming their new Snickers Bar after one of the family’s beloved horses. A decade later, their long-shot Gallahadion carried the Mars silks
into the winner’s circle at the 1940 Kentucky Derby. Today, the Mars family and business alike share a passion for horses and equestrian sports. For more information, visit www.marsequestrian.com.
The Winter Equestrian Festival has been the pinnacle of equine competition in South Florida for more than four decades, welcoming enthusiasts and athletes annually to contest one of the most competitive shows in the world. This year’s circuit will offer more than $13 million in prize money. Learn more about WEF at www. wellingtoninternational.com.
KICK BACK AND RELAX IN THE WELLINGTON “COUNTRYSIDE” CHARITY CAR SHOW AND FAMILY OUTING
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12th
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Village Park | 11700 Pierson Rd | Wellington
Judged competition 20+ trophied categories — $20
Show vehicles — $10
VIP non-show vehicle parking — $10
Register on-site or prepay on Eventbrite
Free parking also available
Family Friendly
Activities, food, music
Proceeds to charity
UPCOMING 2023 DATES March 12| April 2 | May 7 | June 11 | July 9 | August 20 September 10 | October 8 | November 12 | December 3
CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES, RV’s FAMILY FRIENDLY, ACTIVITIES, FOOD, MUSIC SCENIC PARK
The Village of Wellington hosted its annual Father Daughter Dance with the theme “Boogie in the Bayou,” inspired by The Princess and the Frog, on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the Wellington Recreation Center. Dozens of young ladies attended the fun-filled event with their father or other special father figure. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
wore
Day, while
and
provided
Local equestrian pioneer and longtime resident of the western communities Dr. Howald Pferdekamper passed away in January at the age of 92. Pferdekamper was the original founder of White Fences and the Palm Beach Dressage Derby.
Also known as Horst-Ewald, Howlad or Dad, he lived a long, colorful life, traveling the world. He was a successful entrepreneur in his native Germany, as well as in America.
Born in the small town of Weida, Germany, on Aug. 19, 1930, Pferdekamper was a factory CEO and earned a doctorate in economics all while Russian forces slowly took away his home and businesses. Invited by Wily Reynolds to Palm Beach, he relocated in the 1970s and started a real estate career in Florida.
Pferdekamper moved 33 horses from Germany to his farm in Indiantown. His wife Gisela ran the farm and raised champion horses. Moving south, the business slowly evolved into what is now the famous White Fences equestrian community and predecessor to the well-known Palm Beach Dressage Derby. He also built Loxahatchee Plaza and had his office there.
At a memorial for Pferdekamper held Jan. 29, he was lauded as a community visionary who saw the swamps of Florida for what it could be, and what it is today — literally paving the way for many others to follow.
It was noted that Pferdekamper rubbed shoulders with the elite but never turned his back on anyone. He was known to be honest, transparent and a man of his word.
Howald Pferdekamper will be missed, never forgotten, and very much loved by his family and many friends, including his wife, well-known equestrian artist Gisela Pferdekamper, and sons Till and Marc.
Art For All II, a benefit for the Forza Stefano Charitable Foundation, was held Saturday, Jan. 28 at center court in the original Wellington Mall. Presented by Portada Gallery, the event included an art exhibit open to the public, along with the crowning of Ms. Portada World 2023 Juliana Chavarriaga and the recognition of outstanding citizens. The day also included raffles and gifts.
PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Royal Palm Beach held its annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Friday, Jan. 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Guests enjoyed delicious food and a hot chocolate bar, then played games such as musical chairs and limbo. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
The 24th annual South Florida Garlic Fest was held at Village Park in Wellington on Saturday, Feb. 4. The party was supposed to continue Sunday, Feb. 5, but was canceled due to rain. This year’s festival had the most advanced ticket sales. For the first time in three years, Garlic Fest merchandise was sold with actual garlic on the side. Party goers enjoyed a full musical lineup while sampling the unique garlic-themed food creations, such as garlic pizza, garlic teriyaki chicken and even garlic gelato. Carnival rides were available for kids to enjoy. Learn more about the festival at www.garlicfestfl.com. PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER
Your neighborhood Pet Supplies Plus has everything you need for your furry, scaly and feathery friends. Our shelves are stocked with the right products, including a wide selection of natural and made in the USA products. Easily find all their favorites at prices you love, whether you shop with us in store or online using free curb side pickup or same-day delivery.
On Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4, the most talented high school cheerleading squads competed at the 2023 Class 1A and Class 2A Florida High School Athletic Association Competitive Cheerleading State Championships.
The event was held at the Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center on the University of Florida campus in Gainesville. Four teams from the western communities — Seminole Ridge High School, the King’s Academy, Palm Beach Central High School and Wellington High School — participated in this state competition.
Seminole Ridge competed in the Class 2A Large Co-Ed division with 22 cheer athletes on its team: Chris Augustin, Alexis Brown, Nathan Derosiers, Heather Durand, Dmitri Freitas, Austin Fulton, Isabella Gaitan, Starlynn
Gilbert, Aneya Goodwin, Kinsey Higgs, Andrick Knight, Samuel Louidort, Kyle-Renee McGlotten, Derek Perry, Sailor Ruiz, Madelyn Salm, Hannah Shephard, Jordyn Shipe, Shayla Stillwaggon, Kyra Taub, Marisol Velez and Isabella Waters.
In addition to Seminole Ridge, there were two other schools in the category: Bartow High School and Ridge Community School from Davenport. Bartow, a perennial power in high school cheerleading and a 10-time state champion, won with 84.6 points, Seminole Ridge was second with 78.2 points and Ridge Community finished third with 57.9 points. It was the fifth state runner-up title for Seminole Ridge, which is coached by Tamara Licavoli.
“We were only six points behind Bartow High School, the top team in the nation,” Licavoli said. “We’ve been about 15 points behind [Bartow] all season, so this See CHEER, page 23
Five girls high school basketball teams in the western communities advanced to their respective district tournament finals played Friday, Feb. 3. Three of those schools emerged victorious: The King’s Academy, Palm Beach Central High School and Berean
Christian School. Wellington High School and Seminole Ridge High School lost their respective district championship games. The TKA Lions (20-4) hosted Cardinal Newman High School in the Class 3A, District 8 tournament final. The Lions — now winners of 10 straight games — prevailed 61-58. It was the third
district title in a row for TKA and the 19th in the history of the girls basketball program.
With that win, the Lions advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A state tournament. TKA is the No. 2 seed in Class 3A, Region 2. The regional quarterfinal game will be Thursday, Feb. 9, when the Lions host Edgewood High School of Merritt Island. With a victory, TKA would then host the regional semifinal against either No. 6-seeded Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy of Melbourne or No. 3-seeded Windermere Prep.
Last year’s team from TKA advanced to the Class 3A state finals in Lakeland, where the girls lost in the state semifinals to Sarasota’s Cardinal Mooney High School, 50-42. To advance to this year’s Class 3A state finals set for Feb. 22-25 in Lakeland, TKA must win three regional games.
The Palm Beach Central Bron-
cos (17-8) hosted crosstown rival Wellington in the Class 7A, District 8 tournament final. The Broncos won, 51-41. Palm Beach Central’s E’Zaria Adams was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points. It was the third time that both teams had faced one another this season, with the Broncos winning all three times.
“It’s not easy defeating a team three times in the same season, but we did it,” Palm Beach Central head coach Bruce Gaffney said. Wellington concluded its season with a 13-14 record. Palm Beach Central has now won three straight games. With that victory, the Broncos advanced to the Class 7A state tournament as the No. 7 seed in Class 7A, Region 2. Their opening game will be Thursday, Feb. 9 when they host Orlando’s Oak Ridge High School (18-8), the No. 2 seed, in the regional quarterfinal. Even though Palm Beach Central is the
lower seed, the Broncos will host the game by virtue of being the district champion. If the Broncos win, they will play at either Palm Beach Gardens High School or West Orange High School from Winter Garden on Tuesday, Feb. 14 in the regional semifinal. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m. Palm Beach Central must win three regional games in order to advance to the state finals, set for Feb. 24-25 in Lakeland.
The Bulldogs from Berean Christian (17-6) hosted the Boca Raton Christian School Blazers (16-8) in the Class 2A, District 14 final. The Bulldogs outscored the Blazers, 55-29, and have now won five straight games. It was the third time that Berean had defeated Boca Raton Christian this season.
The win marked the third district title in a row for the Bulldogs and the fourth in program history.
Berean’s head coach Kevin Green was pleased with his team’s
effort in the victory. “We executed the game plan, and our defense was strong,” he said.
With that win, the Bulldogs advanced to the state tournament. They are the No. 3 seed in Class 2A, Region 4. Their opening game will be Thursday, Feb. 9 when they play Boca Raton Christian, again, in the regional quarterfinal. The game will be played at Berean. The Blazers, the No. 6 seed, received a bid into the state tournament based on their strong FHSAA Power Ranking. It will be the fourth time this season that the two teams will play one another. If the Bulldogs win again, they will advance to the regional semifinal which, most likely, will be at No. 2-seeded Miami Christian (12-14) on Tuesday, Feb. 14.
Last year, the Bulldogs advanced to the regional final, where they lost at Miami Christian, 6729. This year’s potential rematch See BASKETBALL, page 23
The brackets for this year’s Florida High School Athletic Association boys and girls state soccer tournaments are filled with many teams from the western communities.
Locally, a key competition is the boys bracket for the FHSAA’s Class 7A, Region 3, which features Royal Palm Beach High School (14-4-4), Wellington High School (9-5-2) and Palm Beach Central High School (10-3-3) — all longtime rivals from the same district.
Royal Palm Beach earned an automatic bid into the Class 7A tournament by defeating Palm Beach Central 2-1 in the district final on Thursday, Feb. 2. Wellington and Palm Beach Central earned at-large bids into the tournament based on their high positions in the FHSAA Power Rankings.
Despite the fact that Royal Palm Beach won the district tournament, the Wildcats were the lowestseeded team (No. 8) in Class 7A, Region 3. The Wildcats’ quarterfinal was at top-seeded Boca Raton High School (19-4).
The Wellington High School Wolverines, the No. 5 seed, faced the Lions from Olympic Heights High School (10-8-4), the No. 4 seed. This was a re-match of the Nov. 18 regular season game between both schools, which was
played to a scoreless tie.
The Palm Beach Central Broncos, which reached the Class 7A state semifinals last year, are the No. 6 seed this year. The Broncos played their regional quarterfinal at No. 3-seeded Spanish River High School (15-4-1) in Boca Raton.
All Class 7A, Region 3 boys quarterfinal matches were played on Wednesday, Feb. 8, but results were not available at press time.
In each case, the winners would advance to the Class 7A, Region 3 semifinals on Saturday, Feb. 11.
If both Royal Palm Beach and Wellington win their respective quarterfinal games, they will face one another in the semifinal. The two semifinal winners will meet in the Class 7A, Region 3 final on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
The Class 7A state final game will be held at Spec Martin Stadium in Deland on Saturday, Feb. 25.
The boys Class 2A field includes the Berean Christian School Bulldogs, which won their District 13 tournament against Trinity Christian Academy on Jan. 13. That game went to penalty kicks, after being tied 2-2 following regulation and extra time. Berean prevailed 4-3 on penalty kicks. By virtue of their district win, the sixth-seeded Bulldogs (10-5-2) hosted Miami’s Riviera Prep (9-2-1) at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The result of that game was not available at
press time. Berean’s ultimate goal is to reach the FHSAA’s Class 2A state final game in Deland on Thursday, Feb. 23.
In girls soccer, the teams from Wellington High School, Seminole Ridge High School, Glades Day School, the King’s Academy and Berean Christian School advanced to the regional tournaments in their own classes. Wellington (Class 7A), Seminole Ridge (Class 6A) and Glades Day School (Class 3A) won their own postseason district tournaments. TKA (Class 3A) and Berean Christian (Class 2A) earned at-large bids based on their FHSAA Power Rankings.
Wellington hosted the Lions from Olympic Heights High School in a Class 7A, Region 3 quarterfinal on Tuesday, Feb. 7.
Wellington defeated Olympic Heights 1-0. With that victory, Wellington (10-3-2) will host Treasure Coast High School (10-5-1) in the regional semifinal on Friday, Feb. 10. The Class 7A girls state soccer final will be held in Deland on Friday, Feb. 24.
When Seminole Ridge defeated William T. Dwyer High School 1-0 on Wednesday, Feb. 1 to win the district tournament, it was the first-ever district tournament title for the Seminole Ridge girls soccer program. It was also Seminole Ridge’s 10th-straight victory.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Seminole Ridge hosted Martin County High School (10-3-1) in the regional quarterfinal. Seminole Ridge improved its record to 17-0-2 with its 11th-straight win, a 2-0
triumph against the visiting Tigers.
Now, the Hawks will host Dwyer (10-4-2) in the regional semifinal on Friday, Feb. 10. The Class 6A girls state soccer final will be held in Deland on Friday, Feb. 24.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, TKA traveled to play Cardinal Newman High School (9-6-2). TKA was seeded fifth, and Newman was seeded fourth. The TKA Lions (10-5-1) won 3-0 in their regional quarterfinal. Next, TKA plays at the Benjamin School (13-0-1) on Friday, Feb. 10 in the regional semifinal.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, in the Class 2A, Region 4 bracket, Wellington resident Hana Lohmann, a senior at Glades Day School and the leading goal scorer in high school soccer in Palm Beach County this
season, led sixth-seeded Glades Day to a 3-1 victory in its regional quarterfinal against third-seeded Miami’s Archbishop Carroll (112). Lohmann scored her 63rd and 64th goals of the season in that win. Now, the Gators (17-5-1) play True North Classical Academy (12-3) at Kendall Soccer Park in Miami in the Class 2A, Region 4 semifinal on Friday, Feb. 10.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, eighthseeded Berean traveled to Weston to play the South Florida Heat (16-6-2), the top seed in Class 2A, Region 4. In that regional quarterfinal, South Florida Heat (17-6-2) prevailed 8-0, which ended Berean’s season at 11-8. The Class 2A girls state soccer final will be held in Deland on Wednesday, Feb. 22.
Murray Smith, head coach of the boys varsity basketball team at the King’s Academy, is looking to take his program into unchartered waters: winning the Class 3A, District 8 championship and advancing deep into the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A state tournament.
“The boys basketball team here at King’s has not won a district title since 1990,” said Smith, now in his fourth year as head coach. “That’s more than 30 years ago.”
There’s a strong chance that this year’s team will successfully navigate those unchartered waters.
At the end of the current regular season, TKA had a brilliant 23-1 record. The only blemish was a 65-47 loss at home against Palm Beach Lakes High School on Jan. 17.
“We didn’t show up that night and didn’t play as a team,” Smith recalled.
continued from page 21 on Feb. 14 between the two teams should be a close game, since both teams have similar FHSAA Power Rankings. To advance to the Class 2A state finals set for Feb. 22-24 in Lakeland, Berean must win three regional games.
The Seminole Ridge Hawks (14-6) played against Pompano Beach’s Blanche Ely High School (20-3) in the Class 6A, District 13 tournament final. The Hawks lost, 69-44. Despite that loss, they were awarded an at-large bid as the No. 4 seed in the bracket, based
But for the majority of the season, TKA has had success because of its team-oriented approach.
“This season, our players have shared the ball, been unselfish and they actually like one another,”
Smith said.
The loss to Palm Beach Lakes was a wake-up call, and the team responded with seven straight wins, one of which was an 11-point district victory against John Carroll Catholic High School on Jan. 26.
That was a big win because
TKA played the Rams again on Wednesday, Feb. 8 in the District 8 tournament semifinals. That result was not available at press time.
With a win against the Rams, the Lions will play Friday, Feb. 10 at 6 p.m. at home in the district championship game against either the Benjamin School or Inlet Grove.
“If we keep winning at home, we keep playing at home in the postseason,” Smith said.
With or without a victory in the district championship game, TKA
on their strong FHSAA Power Ranking. Their regional quarterfinal game will be Thursday, Feb. 9 when they play at Hollywood’s South Broward High School (204), the No. 5 seed.
If the Hawks defeat South Broward, they will advance to a regional semifinal match on Tuesday, Feb. 14. That game, most likely, will be a rematch against Blanche Ely, the No. 1 seed.
Last year’s Seminole Ridge team advanced to the regional final, where they lost at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, 79-25.
To advance to the state finals set for Feb. 23-25 in Lakeland, Seminole Ridge must win three regional games.
will advance to play in the regionals, based on its strong FHSAA Power Ranking. In the Class 3A regionals, a team must win games on Feb. 16, 21 and 24 in order to advance to the Class 3A state finals in early March at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. For the Lions to advance to the state finals, Smith will be looking for big contributions from Jer-
continued from page 21 is a true win for us. All of our male athletes are new to the sport compared to the 10-time state champs, which has a middle school team and a JV coed team and are able to train their athletes for several years. We accomplished our goal and made a name for ourselves, yet again. This time in the Large Co-Ed division.” According to Licavoli, her team succeeded despite multiple recent setbacks.
“I am in awe of what this team did. For what this team has been through right up until the last minute, they did exactly what was needed,” she said. “It has been a wild ride this year with more changes and adjustments needed than usual. Right up into the week of states, we lost another athlete. This team is resilient! We are proud coaches because many athletes would have thrown in the towel, but they stayed strong and focused on their end goal. They hit their stunts and tumbling with the best execution and synchroniza-
maine Council, Jack Chamberlin, Javian Jones, Ransom Soles, Reggie Workman and James Shoenfelt.
“Jermaine can shoot the jump shot or drive it to the rim,” Smith said. “He uses his left hand to finish very well. Jack is 6-foot-5 and is our leading rebounder. He is a good passer when the defense double teams him. Javian is one of
tion of the season… We went in knowing that competing against Bartow High School, a cheer giant, would be difficult. Other teams changed divisions just to have an opportunity to win, and we decided to take them head on. No one really expected us to put the routine out that we did.”
The King’s Academy competed in the Class 1A Small Division Co-Ed category. The TKA squad finished in fourth place in the semifinals with a score of 67.8 points. TKA head cheer coach Jenn Allen realizes that her team’s best days are in their future.
“I prayed for an incredible group of athletes who wanted to work hard and am blessed to be on this journey with so much support,” Allen said. “The future is bright for this young team, especially with no graduating seniors. We are so proud of this team!”
Palm Beach Central competed in the Class 2A Small Division.
The Broncos scored 68.3 points and finished in eighth place out of 14 teams in their competition bracket. Only the top four teams advanced to the finals. Palm Beach Central head cheerleading coach Caitlin Flaherty was delighted with her team’s performance.
“Overall, I am extremely proud of how far this team has come
Hip dysplasia is a condition that occurs during the growing stage of a dog’s life. It results in a loosening of the hip joint, which can cause dysfunction and pain. It most often affects large breed dogs and is known to be hereditary. Hip dysplasia in dogs can sometimes go undetected because dogs have a high pain tolerance. However, there are common signs such as cracking and popping sounds coming from the joints, having trouble standing, abnormal sitting positions, bunny hopping when running, and having trouble getting on and off furniture. Over time, hip dysplasia causes arthritis, muscle atrophy, and limited mobility. Veterinarians often recommend surgical intervention, but other options, such as physical therapy and acupuncture, are available. Do you have questions about hip dysplasia because your dog is exhibiting some problems walking, standing, or running? With our years of experience as both dog doctors and dog lovers, we have answers about many pet care concerns. We believe in preventive medicine of all kinds at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH, and we feel that education is one of the most important services we provide to our patients here in the Royal Palm Beach area. 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., Where Pets Are Our Passion! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
P.S. Hip dysplasia is often seen in German Shepherds.
our best ball handlers and passers of the basketball. Ransom is one of our many good shooters. Reggie leads our team in assists with 6.5 assists per game. And, at 6-foot-4, James Shoenfelt scores, rebounds, makes steals and gets assists.”
If TKA can run the table by winning its district championship and a regional title, it will be Smith’s eighth trip to Lakeland for the
over the past year,” Flaherty said. “We had many obstacles that were thrown at us — including a last-minute injury, where we had to utilize an alternate who learned our entire routine, perfectly, in three hours. They hit a perfect routine, without any deductions. The team bond these kids created really showed out in their performance because they were out there cheering each other on all throughout the routine and encouraging each other until the end of the performance. Being able to coach this group of girls has been such a rewarding experience, and I am very grateful to be able to watch them grow as athletes and as young ladies. Another unique aspect to our team this year is that we had an exchange student from Italy participating. She was new to cheerleading and ended the season hitting all her stunts and learning so much.”
Palm Beach Central’s roster featured 14 cheerleaders: Avery Hill, Carsin Garcia, Gabriella Brockway, Olivia Matushin, Kendyl Crespo, Kimberly Berg, Valentina Sparta, Emily Kaplan, Mariah Heyner, Ava Raymond, Kaitlyn Marsden, Eden Pierre, Abigail Rodriguez and Ashlyn Bonta.
Wellington competed in the Class 2A Extra Large Non-Tum-
state finals in his long career as a high school basketball coach in Palm Beach County. And on three occasions, his teams won state championships.
“It’s not easy getting to the state final four in Lakeland,” Smith said. Winning a state championship for TKA would also be like venturing into unchartered waters for the boys varsity basketball team.
bling division. The Wolverines reached the finals, where they competed against five other schools: Lakeland, Terry Parker from Jacksonville, East Ridge from Clermont, Spruce Creek from Port Orange and North Port. The Wolverines registered a score of 85.8, which was good enough for second place. The winning team was Lakeland, which had 87.4 points.
Wellington traveled to Gainesville with 27 cheer athletes on its roster: Emily Singer, Bella Vordermeier, Shelby Buckstein, Calista Palfenier, Bailey Ball, Dania Kanhai, Lexi O’Halloran, Emily Oswald, Breanna Bistrong, Genevieve Merkle, Hannah Teebagy, Isa Azanza, Emilia McGovern, Sydney Lopez, Hannah Dalton, Kyleigh Gardner, Ava Hefty, Morgan Hays, Taylor Carbocci, Micki Tozzi, Jalaina Kane, Ajah Alves, Sophia Heinen, Sara Ross, Berlyn Conerly, Kaitlyn Strathie and Mackenzie Hays. Heather Brodnicki, the head cheer coach at WHS, had nothing but strong words of praise for her talented and enthusiastic team. “They were amazing,” Brodnicki said. “Their cheer was by far the highlight of their routine. We were against a fierce Lakeland High School team. It was very close!”
On Sunday, Jan. 22, the Joe Barry Memorial culminated in an excellent match between undefeated Iconica (Maureen Brennan, Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez, Lucas “Luckitas” Criado Jr. and Santos Merlos) and BTA (Kelly Beal, Ignacio “Nachi” Viana, Jesse Bray and Steve Krueger) at the USPA’s National Polo Center-Wellington. A match defined by momentum, Iconica’s early synergy withstood a second half comeback from BTA, a formidable effort that included eight unanswered goals. Iconica’s tenacity ultimately helped the team capture the title for the first time with a 12-11 win. The Joe Barry Memorial also served as the first leg of the new Florida Circuit 16-Goal Super Series, guaranteeing Iconica the first spot in the championship tournament, which will take place in April.
Three combined goals from Criado and Merlos put Iconica in a great leading position in the opening chukker, with BTA’s only response coming from Viana on a successful Penalty 2. Iconica continued to dominate the first half. Three goals from Gonzalez, two from Merlos and another from Criado kept the team firmly in control, resulting in a substantial 9-3 advantage for Iconica. Both teams re-energized after the break, and Iconica continued its forward momentum with three quick goals. Now sitting at a ninegoal deficit, BTA mustered the strength and willpower to mount an impressive comeback. Before the close of the fourth chukker, Viana scored twice, and Krueger added a tally to bring BTA back within six. Forcing an Iconica shutout in the remaining two
The Western Pines Middle School baseball team won this year’s Palm Beach County middle school championship. First-year coach Kyle Finch led the team to an 8-2 regular season record, which earned WPMS a spot in the county playoffs, but it was not an easy road. Making the playoffs came down to a “win and in” situation against a tough Wellington Landings Middle School team. The Tigers had to come from behind to win 9-7. In the first round of the playoffs, WPMS played the Jupiter Middle School Mariners, where they took care of business with a 13-1 win. Then, the Tigers took down Roosevelt Middle School 15-1. In the third round of the playoffs, WPMS
had one of the most memorable moments of the season when Camden Mcfadden threw a no-hitter in a 6-0 win against Independence Middle School to vault WPMS to the county championship. In the championship game, WPMS sent out pitching ace Carlo Vazquez against the Don Estridge Dragons. WPMS won 4-2 in a highly competitive game that came down to an incredible catch by Mason Turner in right center field that resulted in a double play late in the game.
WPMS finished the season 12-2 and were named the regional and county champions. The school is proud of these young men, who represented Western Pines with pride and respect.
chukkers, four goals off the mallet of Viana during the fifth chukker and a final field goal from Krueger in the sixth brought BTA within one goal of Iconica. As the final seconds ticked down, Bray made his way to goal, but time expired before he was able to send the ball through the posts, resulting in a narrow 12-11 win for Iconica.
“I’ve always wanted to win the Joe Barry — it’s one of the big ones,” Brennan said. “I’ve been playing with the sons of all the players that I’ve competed with in the past. I’ve won and played with Mariano [Gonzalez], Sebe [Merlos], Lucas [Criado] and now playing with their sons.”
For his spectacular four-goal performance in the final along with his impressive play throughout the tournament, Santos Merlos was recognized as Most Valuable
Player. “It’s my first year playing as a professional here, so the first win is awesome,” he said. “It’s a great organization. Thank you to Maureen for believing in me. Peke and Luckitas were amazing teammates. With Luckitas, I’ve been playing against and with him in Argentina, and Peke is friends with my eldest brother, and I’ve known him for a long time.”
Gitano, owned and played by Jesse Bray, was awarded Best Playing Pony honors.
Already looking ahead, Iconica joins the 16 teams now competing in the Ylvisaker Cup, which serves as the second leg of the Florida Circuit 16-Goal Super-Series.
Watch the incredible comeback and exhilarating final moments in the on-demand video, featuring player interviews, now available at www.uspolo.org.
The Wellington High School boys and girls wrestling teams have both captured the county wrestling championship team titles.
The girls wrestling team won the Palm Beach County wrestling tournament for the second consecutive year with five individual champions. Maggie Crum, Morgan Suniga, Vivianna Caullett,
Aurora Guadiana and Sofia Bentz all brought home county titles.
The boys wrestling team also won the Palm Beach County tournament for the third consecutive year by setting a team point record and breaking a record with six individual champions and finalists in 12 of the 14 weight classes. Individual champions were Cam-
The Western Pines Middle School boys soccer team won the Western Division championship this year.
The team outscored their opponents 47-5, ending the season with a record of 8-1-1 to become the first team in school history with back-to-back divisional titles. Richard Brewer set a school record scoring 16 goals, and Adrian Page also set a school record by allowing only 0.5 goals per game.
The team was coached by Ray Maris and coach “Pop” Maris. Team members were: Devon Soletzky, Evan Holowecky, Christian Spaulding, Michael Wetterer, Kai Trujillo, Richard Brewer, Dylan Voiret, Ryan Chamberlin, Harper Colp, Michael Deeds, Brayden Heim, Adrian Page, Cristian Clavijo, Samuel DaSilva, Isaiah Rivera, I-Jah Marseille, Matthew Willson, Parker Appell, Luther Howard and manager Paul Kamalii.
eron Gibson, Sam Marvel, Russell Crum, Mario Trigazis, Randy Lancaster and Mac Andrews.
Coach Travis Gray was delighted with his wrestlers. “Our girls team competed on Friday only and really dominated the competition. Some of the weight classes were combined to allow girls to get more matches, and we were able
to win all five of the weight classes that were competed in,” he said. “The boys team competed over the course of the two days, and the team was able to finish with more than a 100-point advantage over second place. This was a complete team effort where every one of our wrestlers scored team points and contributed to the victory.
Belle Herbe Farm was alive with fervent energy Friday, Jan. 27, glowing under an enchanting sky of blue and purple hues. Horses peered inquisitively out of their stall windows as the Wellington community began arriving dressed in long gowns and sharp suits instead of their usual breeches and tall boots. To welcome guests to the venue, Tom Blake strummed his acoustic guitar and serenaded their arrival.
A walk through the tunnel offered a moving glimpse into 20 years of action and the evolution of JustWorld International’s now thriving projects with a timeline of photos and stories. Everything from the food to the décor paid tribute to the JustWorld project sites in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras and the United States, highlighting the success of those who deserve recognition the most — the nearly 10,000 children who are supported by JustWorld.
Presented by Caryl Philips and Frank Zeiss, the 20th annual JustWorld Gala marked two decades of action, growth and the devotion of countless individuals from far and wide. After plating the flavors of the world, guests sat down to a dinner presentation, which kicked
off with an awards ceremony. Emcee Steve Wilde called out the names of longtime JustWorld activists, like Jessica and Maria Newman and Hector Cano.
In a gesture of appreciation, 16 passionate members of the Youth Ambassador Gala Committee received awards for their substantial involvement in the organization. They recently helped to raise more than $30,000 for the End of Year Fundraiser in support of the Storybook Treasures program in Belle Glade.
The five project leaders each took turns at the podium addressing the crowd to share the impact first hand, and express their gratitude for the many years of cooperation in breaking the cycle of poverty in their communities. Project leaders included Pioneer Park Elementary School Principal Dr. Sandra L. Moreau, Denise Corbo of Storybook Treasures, Phymean Noun of Cambodia’s People Improvement Organization, Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes of El Patojismo in Guatemala and Sandra Yadira Sauceda Tercero of Honduras’s Asociación Compartir. “At Asociación Compartir, with the support of JustWorld, we are able to help more than 3,000
boys and girls each year. They have access to books, nutritious snacks, recreational equipment, and are learning and developing their artistic skills through music,” Yadira Sauceda Tercero said.
The gala is the year’s keystone fundraising effort, securing a large part of the donations needed to support education, healthcare and nutrition interventions across these communities.
“We are humbled by the incredible outpouring of support from the equestrian community and grateful for the unwavering dedication of each and every sponsor, donor and ambassador who have helped make JustWorld a thriving nonprofit organization over the last 20 years,” Executive Director Eszter Kiss said.
Mixing in rousing entertainment, dressage star Anna Buffini treated guests to a heartfelt performance of “Rise Up” by Andrea Day. She was accompanied by Mister Trombone, a master of building the energy throughout the room. JustWorld founder Jessica Newman couldn’t help but be reminded of the first JustWorld Gala, held in a humble tent around Belle Herbe’s familiar center fountain. Guests like Laura Kraut and Juan
On Friday Jan. 6, Jan. 13 and Jan. 15, Theatre Arts Productions performed Frosty: A Play for Children at the Wellington Community Center. This was the first production of TAP’s Children’s Series where adults perform for children.
“We hope to make the Children’s Series a regular occurrence based on community support,” TAP Artistic Director Jaycie Cohen said.
The cast included Ashleigh Gans as Narrator, Debi Dubin-Kaufman as Ethel Pierpot, Shelby Tudor as Jenny, Debra Simon as Mayor Mom and Renako Harmon as Frosty. Learn more at www.tapstars. org.
During a night of tears and applause, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County named Alonza Lloyd from Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington the 2023 Palm Beach County Youth of the Year.
The dinner, held Friday, Feb. 3 at the Hilton West Palm Beach, celebrated the Boys & Girls Clubs’ mission of enabling young people to reach their full potential. Finalists from the seven clubs with teen programs competed for the county title and the right to compete for the state title.
Lloyd, a senior at Palm Beach Central High School, was named the winner after several rounds of essays, interviews and speeches. All finalists received a four-year Florida Prepaid College Scholarship, while Lloyd received a fouryear university scholarship with room and board from the Mary Alice Fortin Foundation.
This was the ninth annual Youth of the Year Dinner. Traditionally, the event provides surprises for the finalists and the audience. This year was no different as Coke Florida surprised the Youth of the Year finalists with new Chromebook laptops. The finalists were also surprised with brand-new tablets, thanks to the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation and K12 Print.
“The Youth of the Year Dinner is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County’s mission defin-
ing moment, and it is our most cherished occasion,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the countywide organization. “The moving tales of success shared tonight affirm that Boys & Girls Clubs are increasingly essential for youth. Were it not for the devoted staff and premier programs, many of our teenage members would never have had the encouragement to graduate from high school on time with a plan for the future.”
The 2023 Palm Beach County Youth of the Year finalists were Kelvin Rolle from the Florence De George Boys & Girls Clubs of West Palm Beach, Kimberly Pierre from the Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of West Palm Beach, Eric Wilson from the Max
M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club of Rivera Beach, Frank Zamor from the Boys & Girls Club of Delray Beach, Lynnshelsie Antoine from the Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton, Jada Lovely from the Smith & Moore Family Teen Center of Belle Glade and Alonza Lloyd from the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. The finalists were selected to represent their club through a preliminary competition that included a comprehensive application, three essays, three letters of recommendation and an interview in front of a panel of judges. Three-minute speeches presented live at the dinner served as the final scoring factor to determine the Palm Beach County title winner.
Andreas Rodrigues and his family, who attended the gala in its earliest years, are among the equestrians who today can appreciate the full scale of its impact.
“It’s a family and generational event. So, you see kids, parents, grandparents, everyone getting
involved. The gala is also an opportunity to introduce new people to JustWorld, so they can learn about our mission and potentially get involved,” Newman said.
Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully
vetted education, healthcare and nutrition programs for impoverished children around the world.
To donate, become an ambassador or learn more about JustWorld, visit www.justworldinternational. org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.
On Monday, Feb. 27 polo fans are invited to join a special event featuring a thrilling match and an opportunity to support a worthy mission. Even better, the funds raised during the eighth annual Polo for a Purpose, “A Passage to India” event, will be used to directly support South Florida families fighting pediatric cancer.
Founded by Brandon Phillips, a pediatric cancer survivor and professional equestrian athlete, Polo for Life has raised $2.2 million to date. As plans are underway for this year’s event, it has been announced that money raised will support the Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST), the Kids Cancer Foundation and the Baptist Health Foundation, and subsequently families who are currently in the fight.
“According to the St. Jude Research Hospital, approximately 400,000 children globally develop cancer every year,” said Phillips, when asked why he created this event. “Polo for Life estimates that more than 10,000 children in the U.S. under the age of 15 will be diagnosed this year alone, and something must be done so we can continue to see survivors going on to live long, healthy lives. I know firsthand the fear of a cancer diagnosis and the incredible life
Like in previous years, Polo for a Purpose will feature an exciting polo match and an Indian-themed reception, all to raise money for young cancer patients.
that can follow. I’ve made it my mission to help as many children and families as I can.”
Featuring live entertainment, a fabulous cocktail reception, a performance by the Wellington High School marching band and an electrifying polo match, this event does so much more than provide an afternoon of fun. Polo for Life encourages the community to bid in the auction and take part in the event that makes a huge positive impact locally.
Gates for the event open at 3 p.m. with the polo match beginning at 4 p.m. Sponsorships are still available. Individual tickets
and tables of eight can also be purchased online by visiting www. poloforlife.org/passagetoindia or calling (917) 838-2074.
Polo for Life Inc. raises money to help pediatric cancer patients and their families from diagnosis and treatment to survivorship and long-term follow-up. By partnering with South Florida organizations, Polo for Life provides financial assistance so families can remain in their homes, be confident they will have food to survive and overcome financial hardships that come with a pediatric cancer diagnosis. It has donated more than $2 million since its founding.
On Sunday, Jan. 29, Kickback Neighborhood Tavern honored the late Dan Hooker, a man who was the heart and soul of this neighborhood gathering place. Hooker was the general manager and partner for this local staple in Wellington. Hooker unexpect-
edly passed away on Jan. 3.
The community, friends and family packed Kickback to honor Hooker by helping raise money through silent auctions and giveaways, all while enjoying live music, provided bites and had opportunities to listen to speeches
in honor of a man who will be greatly missed.
To help Hooker’s family, you can donate at www.gofundme. com/f/daniel-hooker.
Kickback Neighborhood Tavern is located in the Wellington Plaza at 12771 W. Forest Hill Blvd.
of Dan Hooker were all over the tavern.
The Wellington Landings Middle School Academic Games team placed first in the Social Studies Games tournament that concluded on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
The WLMS team members are: sixth grader Santino Carotenuto, and seventh graders Cruz Alvarez, Andrew DellaVecchia, Eli Grave de Peralta, Lucas Kearney and Cristophe Martin-Aguirre.
The Palm Beach County Academic Games League was founded in 1973 and is the local level of the Academic Games League of America. The competition features top-performing students from elementary, middle and high schools from across Palm Beach County competing in tournament-style games.
The middle school level Social Studies Games season consisted of three categories: World Events,
The prestigious American Heritage Schools, the top-ranked PK3 through 12 college preparatory schools, recently announced that its summer programs, including day camps and the Summer Institute, will be offered in-person or online during summer 2023. They will run for nine weeks from June 12 through Aug. 11.
Summer Camp Programs —
American Heritage Schools’ summer camp programs are designed for children ages 3 to 14. In addition to day camp, specialty camps vary by campus, and include robotics, art, science, musical
Presidents and Theme (the Cold War this year). The individual team members performed as follows: Social Studies (all categories/total points) - Cruz Alvarez, second place; World Events/Theme - Cruz Alvarez in first place, Eli Grave de Peralta in second place, Andrew DellaVecchia in fourth place and Santino Carotenuto in fifth place; and Presidents - Cruz Alvarez in fifth place. Cruz Alvarez, Eli Grave de Peralta, Andrew DellaVecchia and Santino Carotenuto earned an invitation to the state tournament to be held Feb. 18. Alvarez, Grave de Peralta and DellaVecchia earned an invitation to the national tournament, to be held in April, where they will represent Palm Beach County. The team is coached by Ashley Cartagena.
theater, video production and sports camps. Each camper enjoys age-appropriate activities supervised by highly qualified staff.
Cabins for ages 3 to 5 are co-ed, while ages 6 to 13 have separate cabins for boys and girls. All cabins, which are classrooms during the school year, are air conditioned, and campers take pride in decorating them to reflect the cabin’s theme.
To expand the number of recreational activities available to campers ages 8 to 13, age-appropriate field trips are scheduled. Bus transportation is provided
The Wellington Elementary School campus shined bright on Friday, Feb. 3. The school participated in the American Heart Association’s “National Wear Red Day.” Grades Pre-K through 5, along with the staff, participated in this great cause. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. For more than 10 years, the American Heart Association has sponsored “National Wear Red Day.” The school participates in several events throughout the year for the American Heart Association and is proud to raise awareness in the fight against heart disease.
by C&L Bus Company, which is owned and operated by American Heritage Schools, and all drivers are properly licensed and screened.
All field trips are supervised by off-campus directors, as well as an appropriate number of counselors.
The summer camps are directed by state-certified teachers and college or high school students who have been carefully screened. Many of the counselors are students or alumni of the school. For more information, or to sign up, visit https://ahsummerprograms. com/pages/day-camp.
Summer Institute — The Amer-
ican Heritage Summer Institute is an educational program that offers more than 120 enrichment and reinforcement courses (three-week sessions or weekly seminars), specifically designed with student interest and engagement in mind, to students from PK3 through 12th grade. Most of the classes are offered live online and/or in person at one of American Heritage Schools’ two 40-acre campuses, including the Palm Beach campus in Delray Beach.
American Heritage Schools’ course offerings are often viewed as the gold standard in college-pre-
On Saturday, Jan. 14, the South Florida Fair hosted the Kids’ Mile Run. Students from Wellington Elementary School participated in the event. The fastest runners were Andy High and Joseph Truelove. WES coach Jason Versage was there encouraging the children to do their best. Shown above is Versage with the WES group.
paratory education, and the Summer Institute continues that standard. High school course offerings include advanced test prep, honors and AP level research work, as well as unique pre-professional programs for those interested in future careers in medicine, law or business entrepreneurship.
The Summer Institute also offers a wide variety of enrichment and reinforcement programs for Junior High School (grades 6-8) and Lower School (PK3 to grade 5) students, as well as one-on-one tutoring options for those looking to enhance their skills and build
confidence. The Summer Institute features top-notch instructors, all of whom are degreed and certified professionals in their fields. For more info., or to sign up, visit https://ahsummerprograms. com/pages/summer-institute.
Ahead of the summer programs, American Heritage will host virtual open houses on three different dates: March 8, April 19 and May 24. More information can be found at https://ahsummerprograms. com.
To learn more, call (888) 4907467 or e-mail summeronlineinquiry@ahschool.com.
Construction is officially underway on a new retail/restaurant complex in the City of Westlake.
On Tuesday, Jan. 31, Minto Communities joined Konover South, MEC Construction and city leaders to break ground on the Shoppes of Westlake Landings, which is composed of two multi-tenant retail shopping centers and pod of quick service restaurants totaling 23,000 square feet.
In 2021, Minto sold the 7-acre parcel within the Westlake Landings business park to developer Konover South. “I want to thank Minto Communities for trusting us to do this project and deliver some needed services to the
community,” said Bob Bedard, Konover’s senior vice president of development.
Tenants that have signed leases to date include Starbucks, KFC, Taco Bell, Habit Burger, 3 Natives, Heartland Dental, Verizon Wireless, Go Green Cleaners and Orange Theory. Konover South expects the complex to be 100 percent leased by the time it opens this fall. MEC Construction is serving as general contractor.
“This project represents another sign of maturation of our growing city,” said John Carter, senior vice president of Minto. “Soon, our residents will have a convenient place to grab a bite to eat or a cup
HCA Florida Palms West Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of its Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on Wednesday, Feb. 1.
The newly expanded NICU adds eight beds to the previously Level II NICU. The $6-million expansion features state-of-the-art equipment including an upgraded MRI, new ventilators, new x-ray capabilities, a new ultrasound and echocardiographic machine, Panda warmers, incubators and pumps.
The hospital is now capable of providing critical newborns in
Palm Beach County with higher levels of service, including those patients transferred from the Glades area.
The ribbon cutting included remarks from HCA Florida Palms West Hospital CEO Jason L. Kimbrell, Central Chamber CEO Mary Lou Bedford and a blessing of the NICU by Rabbi Joanna Tract.
Located on a spacious 94-acre campus, HCA Florida Palms West Hospital is a 204-bed, acute care facility that has been providing high-quality healthcare in Palm Beach County for more than 30 years. Learn more at www. palmswesthospital.com.
of coffee, enjoy a workout and take care of their everyday needs.”
The Shoppes of Westlake Landings is part of a broader building boom taking place in Westlake, which is approved for 4,500 homes and 2.2 million square feet of commercial development.
In the first quarter of 2023, the new Publix at Westlake Plaza is expected to open with a 50,000-square-foot grocery store and eight new retail stores. In December 2022, Minto sold nine acres to West Palm Beach e-commerce company Jamlyn Supply Inc. for an office/flex building and warehouse/distribution facility.
In May 2022, Mitchell Property Realty and Ridgeline Property Group acquired a 17.5-acre site from Minto to develop the Westlake Commerce Center, a 227,000-square-foot warehouse, distribution and office complex in Westlake Landings. A groundbreaking is expected soon.
Damon Barrett has been named as the new chief operating officer for HCA Florida JFK Hospital, effective March 1. Barrett has served as the COO for HCA Florida Palms West Hospital for the past two years, where he has been instrumental in reshaping the hospital’s ER and OR, leading a state-of-the-art emergency room expansion, the opening of an expanded Level III NICU, the facility’s Robotic Surgery Center of Excellence and spearheading the addition of clinical access points. Barrett has also overseen the development of the hospital’s upcoming surgical services expansion and served as the facility’s ethics and compliance officer.
Prior to Palms West, Barrett served as the vice president of operations at Aventura, where he led the construction of its $60-million, 60-bed patient tower. He also served as the facility’s cancer program administrator, chief staffing officer and was responsible for multiple ancillary service lines.
Damon joined HCA Healthcare in 2014 at Mercy Hospital as the director of rehabilitation services. He began his healthcare career as a physical therapist, providing
Merci Bimini café and restaurant, which opened last fall, sets the guest experience in a beautiful and cozy environment with a robust sense of hospitality and attention to detail.
a keen understanding for the delivery of high-quality patient care to the forefront of his accomplishments.
Originally from Australia, Barrett holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Chadron State College, a doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University and is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He resides in Palm Beach County with his wife Megan and two children, Binley and Myles.
From the moment you walk through the door, guests are welcomed in and invited to take their time drinking and dining on soft purple chairs at intimate tables, or on the couch in the lounge area. There is indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy healthy and delicious food from a menu consisting of brunch, lunch and light dinner items paired with a unique wine list of French and American wines, champagne and specialty drinks. Located at 8480 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 5, there is no other restaurant like it in the area.
Owner Stephanie Bogdan has been a resident of the area for six years and always desired to have a café like this in the community, so she created it. Bogdan is a graduate of the Natural Gourmet Institute of Culinary Arts, and she puts her passion for feeding people and generosity of spirit into Merci Bimini for each guest.
Bogdan and her team at Merci Bimini also love hosting public
The delicious menu items include Avocado Toast with Prosciutto & Parm.
and private events. Wine tastings with food pairings, holiday parties, birthday gatherings and business meetings have been regular happenings at the café.
Upcoming events include live music, networking groups, weekly evening dancing, pop-up designer sip and shops, as well as exclusive themed parties. Learn more at www.mercibiminiwpb.com.
The go-to emotion among a lot of older people is outrage. They work hard all their lives, retire and then have their first chance to sit back and observe how the world is going — and they’re outraged.
Not me. I’ve always been outraged! I simply cannot believe how people behave; how much things cost; how there are never enough parking spaces! (Obviously, exclamation points are extremely important to me.)
When I was younger, I was a vital cog in this fast-spinning world of business, industry, agriculture, commerce, education, communication, housing, finance and (in my case) parks and recreation. I put together dozens of classes, camps
Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER
and special events each year, all designed to make Wellington look good enough to lure people into buying homes west of Military Trail. (Sounds unbelievable now, but that was a real problem 40 years ago... “What self-respecting Floridian would want to live so far from the beach?
Would bringing in polo matches help?”)
But now that I am “retired” and choose to spend my days puttering around behind the counter of an antiques shop while wondering how long until my own stuff becomes inventory, I have time to think. And to ponder. And to make my blood pressure spike up and down, almost at will. Are computers actually helping or are they methodically messing up all the world’s systems? Is the postal service really going under or just conducting business as usual?
Is it a communist plot against me that Hollywood never releases a good movie when I want to see one?
And, finally — above all else — how are the grandchildren doing?
This is the retiree version of “Squirrel!” that is so distracting to dogs. “Grandkids!”
Huh? Where? What was I just talking about?
Actually, the grandkids are doing quite well, thank you for asking. Ten-year-old Orion brought his math score up two full grades (with a new teacher, but I outrageously digress) and 8-year-old Tess aced everything, top of her class, yada yada yada.
Last weekend, they entered the scouts’ pinewood derby, and Orion placed second in a field of 63 while Tess won six out of seven races in the siblings category. (She
would’ve won seven but got distracted by the snack bar).
So everything is going swimmingly.
At least, it was
Then, this afternoon, I get the following text from my daughter, “Just got a call from the school nurse because Tess’s stomach is upset. I was nervous about this until the child told me that she had just ‘won’ the jalapeño-eating contest by having 15 slices.”
Upon reading this, I was understandably… outraged! I furiously typed back, “Who sponsors a jalapeño-eating contest at an elementary school?!!!”
The reply? “Tess does.”
Of course she does. She’s eight.
Everything Everywhere All At Once had a sneak beginning. Not many people noticed it when it first came around last spring, but then by word of mouth it picked up a good-sized audience. It is a very different kind of movie, one that uses the multiverse as a playground to bounce all over the philosophical map. Somehow ideas like nihilism, existentialism, generational conflict mixed with Asian culture and eventually settled on an everything bagel as a symbol of the multiverse. Or maybe everything, if that is different. Different? You bet. But also fun.
Evelyn Quan (Michelle Yeoh) is a Chinese American immigrant running a laundromat with her husband Waymond Wang (Ke Huy Quan). They have a daughter, Joy (Stephanie Hsu), a lesbian who enjoys pushing the fact in her parents’ face. On top of that, Evelyn’s father Gong Gong (James Hong) is visiting, and
he is demanding and difficult. But Evelyn is most concerned with an upcoming visit with a not really pleasant IRS agent, Deirdre Beaubeirdre (Jamie Lee Curtis).
At the IRS meeting, Waymond’s body is taken over by “Alpha Waymond,” a version of her husband from the Alphaverse. He explains that there are many parallel universes because every choice in life creates a new one. And a version of Evelyn developed a way to “verse-jump” so they can access new skills and memories when they take over the bodies of
their parallel universe bodies. The whole multiverse is now being threatened by villain Jobu Tupaki, the Alphaversion of Joy, whose mind had shattered from too many of the jumps — jumps that Alpha Evelyn had pushed her to do. And Jobu, by being able to be in many universes at once, has created an everything bagel type black hole that could destroy the multiverse.
Evelyn is given the verse-jumping tech to fight Jobu’s minions so she can jump to different universes. In most of them, she has flourished because she made different choices, such as becoming a kung fu master/movie star.
She also learns of Waymond’s plans for divorce. Alpha-Waymond believes that Evelyn, as the greatest “failure” of all Evelyns in the multiverse, has the untapped potential to defeat Jobu. Alpha-Gong Gong instructs her to kill Joy in order to stop Jobu from entering her universe
through Joy. Evelyn refuses and decides to face Jobu by gaining powers through repeated verse-jumping. As Evelyn is chased by Alpha-Gong Gong’s soldiers, Jobu locates and kills Alpha-Waymond in the Alphaverse. As Jobu confronts Evelyn in her universe, Evelyn’s mind splinters, and she collapses, lifeless. And that’s just the start. There’s a lot more.
The cast, almost all Asian, is superb. Yeoh, an action star for years, has a well-deserved Oscar nomination for this. I enjoyed her immensely as the kung fu star, but she gave a marvelously shaded performance. Quan was really good.
For those who want to feel really old, he played the boy named “Short Round” in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Now he’s a middle-aged man. He manages just the right amount of gentility tempered with an iron core when it counted. Hsu is magnificent. She also was nominated for an Oscar, as were Quan
and Curtis. Hsu’s different manifestations were fantastic. Her Elvis was incredible. I’ve read that a lot of people used it for last Halloween. But in the end, it all comes down to the plot. Things, after a slow start to set the scene, move fast, occasionally being silly but wanting to be a bit silly. And it bandies fascinating ideas around. Jubu wants to destroy everything and Waymond believes in love as an ultimate experience, maybe the most important reason for living. Evelyn winds up being pushed to choose. And that creates the real tension.
I really liked this movie. It is long because it needs to be long. There are many elemental ideas that are dealt with. But this film could well win the Oscar because instead of pretending the audience are fools and lowering itself, it pushes us to think even as we feel. It’s all over television now. See it.
