Town-Crier Newspaper January 1, 2021

WCF TEAMS UP WITH SOUTHERN LAWN SEE STORY, PAGE 3

2021 SOUTH FLORIDA FAIR GOES ‘MINI’ SEE STORY, PAGE 7

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

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Volume 42, Number 1 January 1 - January 14, 2021

Serving Palms West Since 1980

WELLINGTON SENIORS ENJOY HOLIDAY

Student’s Passion: ‘No Soldier Should Ever Be Forgotten’

If you’re attending events staged by Wellington’s American Legion Post 390, don’t be surprised if one of the key people involved is a lot younger than you might expect. Odds are, it’s Sons of the American Legion Post 390 Squadron Commander Joshua Katz.

Page 3 The Wellington Seniors Club held a drive-up box lunch event on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Wellington’s Village Park. As the seniors checked in at the gate, they received cookies and a coffee mug. The box lunch was from TooJay’s, and the goody bag sponsors were Healthy Partners, Wellington Regional Medical Center and Harbor Chase. Shown above, Kyle Ostroff, Rich Febles, Jenifer Brito, PBSO Sgt. Matthew DeJoy, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Santa, Joe Piconcelli and Michelle Garvey prepare to hand out lunches. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 22 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Loxahatchee Groves Hosts Successful Holiday Basket Drive

On Friday, Dec. 18, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves held its first Holiday Gratitude Basket deliveries to town residents to show their appreciation and support for the local community during the holiday season.

Page 5

Lox Groves Making The Most Of Pandemic Era As 2021 Begins

In the midst of a pandemic crisis, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves has retooled the way it does business to create a new socially distanced process that may be the way governments do work in 2021. Page 7

New Wellington Manager Looking Ahead To A Year Of ‘Connections’ In 2021

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report The Village of Wellington begins the new year with a new manager and keen eye on a future beyond the current pandemic.

“For now, the challenges presented by COVID-19 in 2020 will remain in 2021, but we are looking beyond the pandemic and starting initiatives that will shape Wellington’s future deep into the decade,” new Village Manager Jim Barnes told the Town-Crier this week.

This includes a wide array of capital projects either nearing completion, underway or in the planning phases.

“Capital projects scheduled to be completed in 2021 include the athletic complex at Wellington High School, the water plant expansion and the water reclamation facility expansion,” Barnes said.

“Projects proposed to be undertaken include pathway expansions and improvements on Big Blue

Trace, additional improvements at the Town Center, and a whole host of maintenance projects that continue our investment in our infrastructure assets for roadways, surface water management and utilities.”

Barnes noted that the Wellington Village Council reaffirmed and updated existing goals through its workshops with staff last year. The council and staff will continue that practice in 2021, albeit socially distanced and modified due to COVID-19, with a visioning workshop proposed for the spring.

“This effort allows for mindful consideration in the planning, navigating and establishment of long-term future direction organized around four overarching themes: infrastructure, land use, the economy and quality of life,” he said. “This annual effort is a significant undertaking, and our council, staff and the community will all be a part of the process. The

village remains fiscally strong and well-positioned for the future. Our council and employees take great pride in serving our community and connecting with our residents, businesses and organizations to provide best-in-class services and a safe environment for all in which to live and work.”

Even as the virus keep people apart, Barnes sees “connections” as the theme for 2021.

“As we see the completion of roadway and pathway projects connecting neighborhoods throughout the village, I am reminded of the many ways we, as public servants, serve as connections to the community — connecting people with services, places and often with other people,” he explained. “From the customer service representatives who answer phone calls at each of our village facilities to the awardwinning public works and utilities See BARNES, page 18

ITID To Start Implementing New Plan For Roads In 2021

Palm Beach Central Boys Basketball Squad A Work In Progress

In basketball, what’s most important is how a team finishes the season. That’s important to keep in mind when looking at the Palm Beach Central High School varsity boys basketball program. So far this year, the Broncos have split their first four games — winning two and losing two. Page 21 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS...............................3 - 18 NEWS BRIEFS......................... 7 PEOPLE.............................. 8 - 9 COLUMNS............................. 16 BUSINESS............................. 19 SPORTS................................. 21 CLASSIFIEDS.................23 - 24 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District will see the first phase of implementation for its new mobility plan in 2021 after the ITID Board of Supervisors approved it in December.

The plan will begin with the installation of speed tables at many locations that do not have traffic calming, followed by the replacement of existing speed bumps with more vehicle-friendly but equally effective Seminole speed tables.

“We’re looking to implement it in fiscal year 2021, which will be calendar year 2021 now, and into fiscal year 2022, so the project would be done in calendar year 2022,” ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson told the TownCrier.

In addition to speed tables, the project will also identify roads that

need resurfacing that were part of the R-2 Road Plan, as well as paving 140th Avenue North from Orange Blvd. south to where it dead-ends near Acreage Community Park’s southern expansion.

The district is also looking at resurfacing Tangerine Blvd. from Avocado Blvd. to 140th Avenue North, as well as some other roads, Hanson said.

Also on the 2021 agenda, ITID is looking at a plan to place millings on dirt roads, which was presented to the board in December as a cost-saving measure in materials and maintenance.

“Depending on what the board decides, that could take seven years or 15 years, with our current staffing and our annual budgetary levels for milling and road rock,” Hanson said. “The goal here is to have no unimproved, dirt roads.”

However, if 51 percent of residents on dirt roads do not want

their roads improved, they will be able to opt out, he noted.

ITID staff is also looking at updating its parks by gauging what the community and board want.

This includes an updated park plan that looks at all the different ITID parks throughout The Acreage, with the exception of Acreage Community Park, which already has a master plan in place.

“We want to put in some better fields at those parks so that neighborhood kids or even the parks and recreation department staff can go out and have pickup flag football or soccer — things that are not organized like what the Acreage Athletic League provides,” Hanson said.

ITID also plans to continue extensive work on swales, as it has over the past year to improve drainage.

“When we go in to do road See ITID 2021, page 18

New Village Hall, Commons Park Shelters In Sight For RPB In 2021

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Construction of a new village hall and a design for a new recreation center will be the main projects planned by the Village of Royal Palm Beach in 2021.

“Village hall is our big project for next year, to get that under construction, and to get the recreation center under design,” Village Manager Ray Liggins told the Town-Crier.

Plans for the new village hall were unveiled in early 2020. At 24,000 square feet, the project is in its final design phase and will be out to bid and under construction by the end of the year.

“That’s our main goal that we’re focusing on,” Liggins said. “We’re very proud of it. It’s going to be a very useful building. The interest-

ing thing about the building is it’s not necessarily getting larger. The actual offices are getting smaller.”

It’s the modern design and hurricane-safe architecture that will make all the difference. The current building was built in the 1970s and retrofitted several times since.

While the overall building is larger than the current village hall, total office space will drop from about 6,000 to about 5,500 square feet, but plans call for additional office space in the future, as well as conference rooms and storage areas.

“There is also a significant amount of public space,” Liggins said. “There is a large entranceway, which is going to be two stories tall. You’ll have all the deSee RPB 2021, page 7

HOLIDAY HELP FOR CHANDLER FAMILY

Lights 4 Hope, the nonprofit organization that produces the holiday light show at Okeeheelee Park, recently helped out Wellington’s Chandler family. Nearly two years ago, Katie Chandler and her daughter Valerie were in a car accident, leaving Valerie paralyzed. On Sunday, Dec. 20, Lights 4 Hope held its big holiday drop-off of items for Valerie and her family.

Shown above, the event also happened to be the day before Valerie’s birthday, and in addition to the drop-off, there was a large birthday caravan offering gifts.

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 10 PHOTO BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Four File For Two Available Seats On Lox Groves Council

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Two seats are open on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council during the upcoming municipal election on Tuesday, March 9, and two challengers have filed to run against two incumbents.

Seat 1 incumbent Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia is being challenged by former Councilman Dave DeMarois, while Seat 3 incumbent Mayor Lisa El-Ramey will face community activist Marianne Miles.

Miles could be seen at most meetings before pandemic restrictions on attendance and is probably best known for her advocation of road improvements, especially on B Road, where she lives.

Miles said she considers herself running on issues rather than

against El-Ramey. “I look at it as running to try and do what I feel would be good for all of Loxahatchee Groves’ residents,” she said. “It’s not so much as how I feel, but how they feel, because I’ve listened to them on Facebook, and I’ve listened to them at the meetings.”

Miles feels that the council is listening to only a select few individuals.

“They’re not hearing what all of the residents want because they’re not asking them,” she said. “I’ve asked several times for the council to ask them, and they don’t do it.”

Miles would like the council to obtain enough money for all the roads in town to be done, whether it is paving or dirt.

“Our public works department See LOX VOTE, page 7

Changes To SR 7 Extension Address WPB Concerns

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report At a meeting of the Palm Beach County Transportation Planning Agency on Thursday, Dec. 17, Florida Department of Transportation representative Scott Peterson reviewed changes to the State Road 7 extension project that his agency feels may resolve challenges that have been raised by the City of West Palm Beach.

“In 2018, this project was let to construction,” Peterson said.

“Due to some concerns, legal challenges raised by the city, the department has spent the last yearplus refining the design, trying to alleviate those concerns. I’m

back before you to discuss what those changes are and how they have affected both the design and the cost.”

He said the alignment and location has not changed, but the footprint and environmental impact have been reduced to eliminate outfall to the Ibis Golf & Country Club lake system west of the projected easement, which was one concern that was raised. Retaining walls and swales have also been minimized.

The extension remains four lanes, but a swale on the east side was removed, as well as one of the two sidewalks that were on each side of the road, replaced by

a shared use path on the east side.

The median width was reduced, effectively reducing the overall width of the easement from 94.5 feet to 84.5 feet.

“In the previous incarnation, there was a sidewalk on each side, so it’s less of a footprint to have a shared use path than two sidewalks,” Peterson said.

A wet conveyance channel was added to replace a dry swale that would have discharged to Ibis, he explained.

“One of the ways that we were able to eliminate the outfall to Ibis was to detain the water onsite before it ultimately drains to the north,” Peterson said. “One

thing, which was not known in 2018 but had to be addressed was that FEMA has updated its flood map, and we had to address those changes.”

The estimated construction cost has increased from $20.4 million to $23.2 million for the segment from Okeechobee Blvd. to the roundabout at 60th Street North, and from $50.3 million to $56.7 million from the roundabout to Northlake Blvd.

“Some of that was due to the FEMA maps changing and having to provide flood plain compensation,” Peterson said. “Some of that is due to unit prices increasing as the years go by. Some of it is due

to the fact that we had to add walls to reduce the footprint.”

He said that FDOT submitted an updated footprint to the South Florida Water Management District in September and will submit the plan to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers next month.

“We are on track to complete the plans in May, with a letting in September 2021,” Peterson said.

The report was accepted without comment from agency members or the public.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor Fred Pinto currently serves as chair of the TPA’s governing board. He said that he hopes the proposed See SR 7, page 18

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

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Sheriff Deputies and My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper Deliver Bags with Turkey and Ham and All the Trimmings to More Than 200 Families in the Glades, Bringing Christmas Holiday Cheer to All During the past twelve Christmases, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office deputies have brought hundreds of families in the Glades to the Super Walmart store in Royal Palm Beach on buses, and My Brothers’/Sisters’ Keeper Charitable Trust provides the funds to enable these Glades families to buy food, clothes and toys to enjoy the holiday season. However, this Christmas, due to the virus pandemic, and to avoid having families close together on the buses, PBSO Major Eric Coleman and Jess Santamaria decided to deliver bags of turkeys and hams with all the trimmings to more than 200 families in the Glades instead. Florida Crystals also contributed the trimmings and sugar. These kind deeds added joy to the holiday season.

(Above and below) Deputies delivering bags of turkeys and hams with all the trimmings to more than 200 families in the Glades, producing many happy faces during the Christmas season.

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

Page 3

NEWS

Student’s Passion: ‘No Soldier Should Ever Be Forgotten’

By M. Dennis Taylor Town-Crier Staff Report If you’re attending events staged

by Wellington’s American Legion Post 390, don’t be surprised if one of the key people involved is a lot younger than you might expect.

Odds are, it’s Sons of the American Legion Post 390 Squadron Commander Joshua Katz.

This past year, Wellington’s traditional Veterans Day Commemoration with its wreath-laying ceremony was a virtual event led by the Post 390 officers, who placed wreaths at the Wellington Veterans Memorial. The ceremony is believed to be a first in having American Legion Post 390 Commander Bill Bartels joined by Katz, representing the Sons of the American Legion, present together for the honor of laying the ceremonial POW-MIA wreath.

Katz went to some effort to be part of the ceremony. Upon being invited, he received permission to

leave college for the day at Keiser University to attend the event and return, all with appropriate social distancing.

“Keiser is great and very supportive of military events,” Katz said. “They have ROTC, and they are very supportive of soldiers who attend the school.”

He was quite modest in explaining why he had been tapped for the opportunity. “Mainly for the other work I have done in support of the American Legion,” Katz said.

Those efforts began some six years ago, when he was just 12 years old and working on the accomplishments necessary to earn his Eagle Scout rank. To honor his grandfather, a Vietnam War veteran who he longed to have known better, Katz visited the South Florida National Cemetery, where his grandfather’s headstone is located. There, he noticed coins on some markers that let a grieving family know that a compatriot has

visited the grave. The higher the denomination of coin, the closer the relationship of the visitor — a penny for a fellow serviceman up to a quarter for someone present when the service member died.

Katz enlisted the help of his father, David, and created his own POW-MIA-OREE (Outdoor Remembrance Educational Event) complete with his own custom-designed commemorative coins for each veteran in the cemetery. Katz and his father experimented with various coins and designs, and trademarked the coined phrase, “No Soldier Should Ever Be Forgotten.”

In events to show respect for all veterans and their families, Katz does a live read of every name in the cemetery and places a coin for the family on the headstone.

“This year would have been the sixth, but we had trouble this year.

We had to cancel it because of the virus,” Katz said.

The program has since expanded to other locales and is held with other volunteers in other cemeteries as well. “We were in lots of cemeteries last year, something like nine,” he said. “We get lots of inquiries about expanding the program across the country.”

Katz devotes up to 1,500 hours each year to the POW-MIA-OREE program. It is the only event of its kind, live reading the names of all the veterans interred in national cemeteries and leaving the custom challenge coin on every headstone.

These are a keepsake for the families, friends and loved ones with the message, “No Soldier Should Ever Be Forgotten,” all in support of National POW-MIA Remembrance Day, which is held the second Saturday of September.

Katz holds fundraisers and accepts donations to provide the coins. He has some 200,000 so far for the next event.

Named previously as the Eagle

Joshua Katz at the South Florida National Cemetery.

Scout of the Year by the American Legion Florida District, Katz’s Eagle Scout project was a memorial at the South Florida National Cemetery. Katz also became only the second person ever in 40 years to receive the “Legacy Keeper” title for his dedication to sharing

the legacy of America’s veterans.

This was presented to Katz in 2019

by Undersecretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs Randy Reeves.

David Katz is proud of the work his son has done organizing See KATZ, page 18

WCF Teams Up With PBSO, Southern Lawn To Help Local Family

When Wellington Community Foundation Board Member Maggie Zeller received a call from Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jen Baker about a Wellington family in need, she knew the foundation had to jump into action.

Although the foundation had already funded multiple Christmas

gift packages this year through the generosity of donors, the foundation’s leaders knew that they could not let the family go without this holiday season. So, the foundation teamed up with business owner Paul Giarrusso of Southern Lawn & Outdoor Equipment to get all of the items on the family’s wish list.

With board support, Zeller

went shopping for this Wellington grandmother who cares for two children and three grandchildren.

Prior to the pandemic, she worked as a nurse, but had to leave her job because of the fear that she could carry the virus home and spread it to family members with immunocompromised health issues.

“These are the types of commu-

PBSO Deputy Jen Baker, WCF Chair Tom Wenham, WCF Board Member Maggie Zeller, PBSO Deputy Ray Gonzalez, Sherry Cleaves, WCF Board Member Barry Manning and PBSO Deputy Casey Lussier.

nity projects that we look forward to helping with,” Giarrusso said.

“Every year, my team and I look for ways to get involved and help brighten one or two families’ lives who may be struggling to make the holiday happen for their family. This year, more than ever, it was wonderful to know that this deserving grandma and her family

had a wonderful Christmas.”

Zeller was thankful that both Giarrusso and the foundation supported the project. “Their needs seemed simple enough,” she said.

“I loved to put a smile on their faces for the holidays.”

So, together with the foundation support, funds from the Giarrusso’s generous donation and

teamwork from PBSO deputies, this Wellington family received a Christmas to remember.

For more information about the Wellington Community Foundation, or how to become part of making miracles happen in the local community, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation. org.

Business owner Paul Giarrusso of Southern Lawn & Outdoor Equipment joins with employees to celebrate the gift of giving this holiday season.

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

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NEWS

Indian Trail Board Approves ‘Complete Streets’ Mobility Plan

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors passed a resolution on Wednesday, Dec. 16 approving the mobility plan that the district has been working over the past year and a half.

Kim DeLaney with the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council said the “complete streets” mobility plan will determine design expectations, identify partners and recommend improvements

for ITID over a 20-year timeframe and beyond.

The plan is intended to control cut-through speeding, reduce county impacts on ITID residents, add more traffic calming, improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, keep the rural look, expand the equestrian trail network, explore canal bank pathways, promote bioswales as buffers, and consider golf carts and other uses.

“There is a menu of different types of improvements identified

in the plan,” DeLaney said, including types of sidewalks, intersection treatments, equestrian facilities and bioswale plant types.

The plan identifies existing ITID traffic calming measures and sets forth near-term, mid-term and long-term packages and phases of improvements.

“This is anticipated to be a 15to 20-year buildout of physical improvements within the roadway network, intersection improvements, and traffic calming like speed tables, splitter islands and

improvements near schools to improve safe passage for students,” she said.

The plan includes specific components of street network improvements.

“In the interest of budgeting, a selection of improvements were identified for the major roadways in the district,” DeLaney said.

The plan suggests 72 miles of sidewalks on ITID’s 85-mile road network and a 41-mile equestrian trail network over the same timeframe.

“The equestrian trail network… is a combination of paved roads, unpaved roads as well as canal banks with crossings to allow us to get north, south, east and west without running into conflict,” DeLaney said.

It also has a detailed cost estimate for each phase.

“The first phase is going to be about $8.5 million,” she said. “We would expect more than half of that cost to be picked up with grant dollars as the district navigates through the grant opportunities,

particularly from the Transportation Planning Agency.”

The plan goes longer than the 20-year time frame, suggesting a complete mobility plan at buildout.

“With this plan, we are already in line for applications to be submitted in the next cycle for the TPA, so it’s a great way to bring your own tax dollars home in transportation projects,” DeLaney said.

Supervisor Jennifer Hager made a motion to approve the resolution, which carried 5-0.

ITID’s New, Returning Supervisors Sworn-In For Four-Year Terms

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Keith Jordano and Betty Argue were sworn in as Indian Trail Improvement District supervisors for

new four-year terms on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

While Argue began her second term on the board, Jordano was elected in November to replace

former Supervisor Tim Sayre, who chose not to seek re-election.

Under board appointments, Supervisor Jennifer Hager made a motion to keep them the same

as the previous year, other than naming Jordano to boards.

Hager also made a motion to keep Argue as president, herself as vice president Supervisor Joni Martin as treasurer, Supervisor Michael Johnson as secretary and ITID Attorney Mary Viator as assistant secretary, which carried 5-0.

Argue asked if she could remain as ITID’s representative to the

Western Communities Council.

Jordano asked to be appointed to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the Palm Beach County League of Cities, along with Argue and Martin, who will serve on the Policies and Procedures Committee.

Martin agreed to continue attending the monthly City of Westlake meetings, while Argue agreed

to attend South Florida Water Management District meetings after several other supervisors declined.

ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said that SFWMD meetings are important due to issues with the L-8 and M-O canals with recent breeches, as well as getting proper funding and permits.

Willhite Appointed To Alzheimer’s Disease Committee

On Dec. 17, Speaker Chris Sprowls appointed State Rep. Matt Willhite (D-District 86) to serve as a member of the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee.

The role of this committee is to advise the Department of Elder Affairs as it relates to legislative, programmatic and administrative issues that affect people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.

Since his election in 2016, Willhite has been a staunch advocate for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, working to pass several pieces

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors: (L-R) Michael Johnson, Jennifer Hager, Betty Argue, Joni Martin and Keith Jordano.

of legislation to make Florida a nationwide leader in the battle against Alzheimer’s and other related dementia.

In 2017, during his first term, Willhite sponsored a House Resolution designating June 18-24, 2017 as “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Awareness Week.”

Between 2018-20, he sponsored two pieces of legislation relating to Alzheimer’s disease that strengthened the Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee and established the role of dementia director at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. He has also been

honored for his efforts in Alzheimer’s research through clinical trials with his mother at the JEM Research Institute.

“Thank you, Speaker Sprowls, for this honor,” Willhite said. “It is a great privilege to be appointed to this important committee, and I am proud to serve in this new capacity in the battle to find a cure. Alzheimer’s disease touches the lives of 560,000 Floridians, and that does not include the individuals who act as caretakers to their loved ones.

As we look at the years ahead, let us remember that our work is not done until a cure is found.”

OPINION

Keep Up All Safety Precautions And Be Prepared To Get Vaccinated

An Open Letter To Our Community: Wellington Regional Medical Center recently received our first package that could represent a light at the end of the tunnel.

Strong words for a box that was not much larger than a shoebox.

Inside was the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to frontline healthcare heroes at Wellington Regional who are directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients. Over the next several months, the healthcare industry anticipates enough vaccine will be made available to the general public.

Since March, the healthcare community has been faced with the difficult task of caring for patients during a global pandemic. It has not been easy on any of us, and we have never been more proud of our staff’s professionalism and response to this crisis. One of the

primary objectives of scientists around the world over the past year has been the development of a vaccine for COVID-19. The result has been the rapid development of several vaccines that appear to be effective in protecting against the virus. The result has been hope.

However, now is not the time to be complacent. Now is not the time to relax our precautions.

Until the vaccine is available for widespread distribution, we encourage you to continue to do the simple acts that have shown to be effective in slowing the spread of the COVID-19 virus… steps such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, not gathering in large groups and frequently washing your hands.

Pandemic fatigue is real, and the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your family is to continue the safety protocols

recommended by the CDC. And so it begins with the arrival of a small plain box. For the pandemic to end, enough members of the public either need to catch the virus and develop antibodies, or take the vaccine. With enough people carrying the antibodies to prevent COVID-19 infections, we can develop the protection known as herd immunity. Our staff is currently doing its part to help put an end to the pandemic, we encourage you to do your part and get the COVID-19 vaccination when it is available to the general public. Until then, be safe. This truly ends when we do it together.

Pam Tahan, CEO, Wellington Regional Medical Center Dr. Adam Bromberg, Chief of Staff, WRMC Dr. Larry Bush, Infectious Diseases, WRMC

Local Doctor: Together, We Can Stop The Spread Of COVID-19

Coronavirus cases are rising in almost every U.S. state. The American Academy of Pediatrics reported 182,000 new pediatric cases last week, the highest weekly increase since the pandemic began.

Today, I got the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at Palms West Hospital, and I feel inspired. After almost 10 months since we started

dealing with COVID-19, we have the much-anticipated vaccine, and we can see the end of this pandemic within reach. However, it is estimated that 70 percent of the population will need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Herd immunity is a term used to describe when enough people have protection

Dr. Annette Santiago receives the COVID-19 vaccine.

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that it is unlikely the virus can spread and cause disease. While COVID-19 causes mild illness in some people, others can get very sick and need hospital care.

Slowing down or preventing the spread of the virus will save lives.

We can stop the spread of this virus but only if we work together. We need to continue with mitigation measures: physical distancing, facial masking and frequent hand washing. Lastly, now that the vaccine is available, we encourage everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine. While it is true that this vaccine was made in record time, it is also true that no step was skipped during its development, and the vaccine complies with all the safety and effectiveness regulations of the FDA. The vaccine does not contain the virus, so you will not get the infection with vaccination. Most common side effects include fatigue, headache and fever — nothing compared to be battling the infection. Together, we can stop the spread of COVID-19… let’s do it!

Dr. Annette Santiago Pediatric Hospital & Critical Care Medicine Palms West Hospital

Pam Tahan

Dr. Larry Bush

We Should Start By Fighting Pet Overpopulation Here At Home

Regarding the story about rescuing golden retrievers from China by bringing them into Florida (“RPB Woman Helps Organization Rescue Golden Retrievers,” Dec. 18), while I applaud all efforts to save an animal’s life, rescue and adoption has never and will never achieve a permanent solution to pet overpopulation and animal abuse and cruelty, unless accompanied by breeding restrictions, funding free and accessible sterilization surgeries, and public education.

Homeless pets are being euthanized, abused and neglected every day in the United States, including in South Florida, as multi-million-dollar shelters continue to be built. Local breeders are still selling puppies and kittens, and the internet pet trade is importing and exporting these animals worldwide to unknown fates. Saving a few dogs from the meat trade by bringing them here is not going to end the practice, especially if breeders are being paid. It will take efforts of animal welfare activist citizens living in these locations (with support of international animal welfare groups and others) pressuring the governments to enact laws and educating citizens about cruelty and health issues to change the culture. Ending the killing of other animals for meat is something we have not achieved in

BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager RON BUKLEY Senior Editor

Dr. Adam Bromberg

STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ Art & Production Manager

EDITORIAL STAFF/ Meredith Burow • Erin Davisson • Denis Eirikis Denise Fleischman • Mike May • Callie Sharkey • M. Dennis Taylor CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah Welky ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Joetta Palumbo STAFF/ Yolanda Cernicky • Shanta Daibee • Jill Kaskel • Carol Lieberman

the U.S. either, despite documented neglect and cruelty in the meat processing industries.

In November, Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control took in 205 dogs and 387 cats. This doesn’t include animals taken off the streets by individuals, nonprofits or homeless animals still out on the streets or animals that died on the streets.

The welfare of animals should be the priority of the pet rescue industry, not meeting the demand of consumers. That’s what caused the pet overpopulation problem in the first place. The focus must be on preventing the births, not satisfying public demand for kittens and puppies or certain breeds of dogs, at least not until we end pet abandonment and surrender that fills shelters and streets and results in abuse, neglect and death. The goal should not be to replace pet shops with “nonprofit” shelters, if the animals are coming from just as horrible conditions as those from puppy mills or backyard breeders

or from cats whose kittens are adopted while parents are left behind on the street and nothing is done to truly end the breeding where it originates.

Yes, it is true that an animal saved anywhere is an animal saved. But isn’t it even better to stop the breeding so we don’t have so many to save here so we can save more animals from other places? So, if you want to support saving a dog from China, go ahead, but at the same time, support funding for ending pet overpopulation in your own community through prevention of births and veterinary care for those already here. Fight for the animals here in shelters and on the streets by telling your elected officials to require administrative staff to budget funding free and accessible spay and neuter, and staff to hands-on assist with trapping (if necessary) and transporting them to sterilization clinics.

Debbie Lewis Royal Palm Beach

For The Record In a story published Dec. 4 titled “Westlake Attempts to Resolve Conflict with Seminole District,” Councilman JohnPaul O’Connor was incorrectly identified as having voted against the final motion.

The actual dissenting vote came from Councilman Patric Paul. The Town-Crier regrets any confusion this might have caused.

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Page 5

NEWS

Loxahatchee Groves Hosts Successful Holiday Basket Drive

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report On Friday, Dec. 18, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves held its first Holiday Gratitude Basket deliveries to town residents to show their appreciation and support for the local community during the holiday season.

Town Clerk Lakisha Burch suggested the project for the holidays and was able to get the help of council members and residents to deliver bags of staples to residents.

More than 55 Holiday Gratitude Baskets were delivered after the Palm Beach County Food Bank

delivered boxes of staples, boxed vegetables and frozen turkeys.

McCoys Sunny South Apiaries provided honey, Florida Crystals provided rice and sugar, and council members and residents donated additional items.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, Vice Mayor Marge Herzog and council members Robert Shorr, Phillis Maniglia and Laura Danowski each delivered baskets to multiple residents, along with residents Ken Johnson, Lisa Cruz, Mary McNicholas and Geoff Sluggett, who made the event possible at no cost to the town.

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia and Councilman Robert Shorr, along with residents Ken Johnson and Geoff Sluggett, thank Town Clerk Lakisha Burch for her project idea and coordination.

PHOTOS COURTESY MARY MCNICHOLAS

Mayor Lisa El-Ramey, Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia, Councilman Robert Shorr and Geoff Sluggett load boxes.

The Palm Beach County Food Bank delivers supplies to Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall.

Councilman Robert Shorr delivers a turkey.

RPB ROTARY SUPPORTS COMMUNITY FOR HOLIDAYS

The Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club’s community partnerships continued during the winter holidays to help out neighbors in need.

The club once again partnered with seven Royal Palm Beach schools by adopting a family for the holidays and providing them all the fixings for a great holiday meal. The club thanks the community for its support in these efforts making the holiday season more festive. The club also wishes the community a very happy New Year.

Jeff and Carolyn Hmara and Dr. Sarda Bhandary with the holiday baskets provided to community residents in need.

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Mayor Lisa El-Ramey delivers Holiday Gratitude Baskets to assist with a local family.

Town Clerk Lakisha Burch and longtime resident Ken Johnson prepare bags.

Councilwoman Laura Danowski (right) makes a delivery.

‘Music Of The Knights’ Coming To Dolly Hand On Thursday, Jan. 14

Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Sir Elton John and Sir Paul McCartney have much in common: they are all British-born, they all have an Academy Award, they all have multiple Grammy Awards and they are all knights. They also happen to be three of the most successful songwriters of all time.

Their music will be featured in “Music of the Knights” on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center.

“Music of the Knights” will be performed by New York vocalists Blaine Krauss, Chris Blem and Scott Coulter with John Boswell at the piano, featuring songs like “Memory,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Circle of Life,” “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” “Your

Song,” “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude” and many more.

Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children, Palm Beach State College students and staff. In accordance with county regulations, seating will be socially distanced, masks will be required and hand sanitizer stations will be available.

Start celebrating Webber’s music with the Free Friday Movie showing of Phantom of the Opera on Friday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. Come early and buy dinner from a Chickfil-A food truck.

The Dolly Hand Cultural Arts Center is located on the Belle Glade Campus of Palm Beach State College at 1977 College Drive. For tickets to “Music of the Knights,” call the box office at (561) 993-1160.

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NEWS

Lox Groves Making The Most Of Pandemic Era As 2021 Begins

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report In the midst of a pandemic crisis, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves has retooled the way it does business to create a new socially distanced process that may be the way governments do work in 2021.

The town has reconfigured its system to allow residents and businesses to interact online with an improved system, Town Manager Jamie Titcomb told the TownCrier.

“We’ve actually worked

throughout this pandemic and restrictions and remote workers and all those challenges that it has provided,” Titcomb said. “We’re smaller than most when it comes to providing those capabilities and staffing and budgeting. It actually, in some ways, has been an asset in the sense that the restriction in movement and access has also provided a little extra time and energy to focus on what we can do to evolve the systems.”

The town has created e-mail portals in all its main systems for permits, business tax receipts

and code enforcement that allows Loxahatchee Groves to put systems in place so it can direct communications to the correct department and see that copies go out to any staff members who will need to review it.

Titcomb added that coming up at the council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 5 is a proposal to save time and paperwork by using contracts previously approved by other governmental agencies, sometimes referred to as “piggybacking,” to obtain specific goods and services, thereby simplifying the process.

“We’re trying to maximize the amount of contractual services that we can’t provide in-house by leveraging the work of other larger cities, saving those costs and expediting those purposes by utilizing that system,” he said.

The town is also creating official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts to help with town communications. “We’re working with an area resident to help us link social media accounts to good news stories,” Titcomb said.

The town is also working on bringing local businesses that have

operated out of the purview of the town by making them aware of changing laws that have occurred since they started operating.

“Our focus and aim has been to work on the system so the town can streamline them and get them in proper alignment. We’ll create better participation between all of these historic users out here and what the rules have been and get people coming into the fold and contributing the way that they ought to in the context of our ordinances,” he said.

Titcomb added that he hopes he

can get consensus from the council in 2021 on an approach to fix the town’s roads and drainage system.

“Being a fiscally and otherwise constrained town, we can only parse out so much in any given fiscal year,” he said. “It’s important that the residents and town come together on what they want done and how they want it done, so that we can actually implement a multi-year capital improvement and restoration plan to deal with the infrastructure deficiencies that have been inherent out here over long periods of time.”

Scaled Back, Socially Distanced South Florida ‘Mini’ Fair Planned

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The 2021 South Florida Fair, set for Friday, Jan. 15 through Sunday, Jan. 31 will be scaled back with no adult rides, large concerts or indoor activities. However, this “mini” fair will include a number of other popular attractions that draw attendees.

The fair has eliminated adult rides and big-name entertainment that attract large crowds, but it will still have fair foods and beverages, a variety of local and tribute bands performing daily, shopping opportunities with vendors under a large tent, racing pigs, a giant sand sculpture, strolling entertainers, farm animals and the historic buildings of Yesteryear Village.

Kiddie rides still will be offered, but other rides are being eliminated due to the large crowds that they typically attract, and no indoor activities will be held.

“This decision came about due

to growing concerns about the safety of our guests during this pandemic,” said Vicki Chouris, the fair’s president and CEO. “Hosting a scaled back, outdoor version of our traditional fair will still allow fairgoers to enjoy a funfilled event.”

Loxahatchee Groves Councilman Robert Shorr, who is also one of the South Florida Fair’s directors, told the Town-Crier he is excited that the fair is still going to have all the agricultural activities.

“It will have all the animals and the produce,” Shorr said. “They’ll still have the fair food, and all the events in Yesteryear Village will still happen.”

Shorr said he recently relocated and renovated an old railroad caboose to Yesteryear Village that had been sitting in Oakland Park for years. It now sits alongside the railroad depot in Yesteryear Village.

“I moved it up from there about

three years ago,” he recalled.

“People will be able to see the caboose from the deck of the railroad building.”

COVID-19 safety measures will be enforced during the mini fair and include mandatory mask wearing by everyone, safety protocols for all vendors and a revamped site layout to accommodate more social distancing. There also will be hand sanitizing stations throughout the fairgrounds.

“After being cooped up in our homes for so long during this pandemic, we think people will be ready to come outdoors to safely enjoy a variety of fair activities,” Chouris said. “It’s possible we’ll be able to host the full-fledged fair later in the year, but for now, we’re inviting everyone to come and experience our mini fair.”

On opening day, Friday, Jan. 15, guests will be admitted free during the first hour from noon to 1 p.m. After opening day, weekday

hours will be from 4 to 10 p.m. On Saturday, Sunday and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, hours will be from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Advance tickets are being sold exclusively online via the fair’s web site at www.southfloridafair. com through Jan. 14. Admission is free for children 10 and younger, in advance and at the gate. That’s a change from last year, when free admission was only age 5 and younger. Advance tickets are $10 for age 11 and up and may be used any day.

Buying a ticket in advance allows for contactless admission and avoids having to wait in line at the ticket booths. Guests with an advance ticket will show their barcode on their phone or present a printed copy of their purchase at the gate.

Tickets at the gate will be $10, good Monday through Friday, and $15 on Saturday and Sunday, a $5 savings compared to last year.

(L-R) Fair directors Dan Hulen, Robert Shorr and Frank Sardinha with the caboose they relocated to Yesteryear Village. Yesteryear Village is one of the many outdoor attractions that will be included in the slimmed down South Florida Fair.

Indian Trail Board Plans To Resubmit Local Incorporation Bill

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors heard a legislative update from lobbyist David Ramba on Wednesday, Dec. 16 that includes another try at a local bill authorizing ITID to conduct a study on the feasibility of incorporation.

The local bill was first submitted last year but did not make it

through committee in Tallahassee.

“We submitted a provision related to a local bill a couple of months ago, similar to one we submitted last year,” Ramba said.

That bill would allow ITID to take advantage of a state provision that allows certain areas to do an analysis review on the opportunity to convert a district like ITID to a municipality. A referendum would be required.

The process would include having 10 percent of voters in the district submit a petition to go to a referendum asking voters if they want to convert ITID to a municipality.

“We have not done anything other than present to the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation and talk to those folks prior to their January meeting to determine their support,” Ramba said.

The next delegation meeting is set for Thursday, Jan. 7 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

ITID President Betty Argue said she wanted to allay some fears she saw some residents express on social media. She stressed that passing the bill in Tallahassee would not mean the incorporation of the community.

“That is absolutely not true,”

Argue said. “As Mr. Ramba just pointed out, it would give some authority to the district to be able to participate, to do some reviews and analysis, but ultimately, it’s resident-driven, and it would require a petition before we can ever go to a referendum — and the referendum would have to pass by a majority.”

She explained that once ITID conducts a feasibility study, a

committee of residents and the board could create a draft charter and then gather a petition of 10 percent of the voting population, asking the district to conduct a referendum to see if voters want to incorporate, which would require majority approval.

Supervisor Michael Johnson made a motion to accept Ramba’s legislative report, which carried 5-0.

ALA Plans Concert Series At Expanded Acreage Community Park

By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report A schedule of concerts at the new amphitheater at Acreage Community Park has been set up by the Acreage Landowners’ Association, beginning Sunday, Jan. 10 with the Southern Blood Allstars “A Salute to Southern Rock.”

“We hope Acreage residents enjoy the music and support our efforts to continue to bring en-

Lox Vote

Two Seats On Ballot

continued from page 1 — it seems like we are pulling teeth every time you need to work on these roads,” she said.

El-Ramey was elected to a two-year term in 2019 and is now seeking a full three-year term. She is concerned that the town is still in its infancy and the changes are coming too quickly.

“We’re starting to move a little prematurely regarding zoning changes when we are still really not being effective at controlling some of the nonconforming uses going on around town,” she said.

Since the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District recently became dependent to the town, she feels the council should better define the scope of public works so that it is more sustainable, and possibly contracting for some services that would not be provided by the town on a regular basis.

“Public works has not been able to keep up with what I consider essential services, and we have some employment issues as far as personnel, and I’m hoping that those get under control,” El-Ramey said.

“As far as long-term plans for the

RPB 2021

New Village Hall Coming

continued from page 1 partments that deal with customers [in one place].”

The village will also advertise a request for qualifications this year for an architect to renovate and expand the existing Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center at 100 Sweet Bay Lane.

There are also several smaller projects at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, such as some new paved parking, additional lighting and the addition of two large pa-

tertaining and fun events to our community,” ALA Board Member Bob Morgan said.

The concert series will continue every second Sunday through June, with entertainment produced

by FM Generation, which provided the Hall & Oates tribute band H2O for the Acreage Community Park expansion grand opening last month.

The ALA is working with the Indian Trail Improvement District

to bring entertainment back to the park at the new amphitheater.

“The ALA is leasing the park and [ITID] is co-hosting it,” Morgan said. “We do have to put their emblem on our advertisements, but they are trying to stay out of the limelight.”

Music will start at 6:30 p.m. and run to 8:30 p.m., so attendees are not out too late, but vendors including food trucks will be onsite from 2:30 to 9 p.m.

“Vendors will be selling all kinds of personal items and handmade items,” he said. “The food trucks will also start around that time.”

The amphitheater has been named after the late ALA Board Member Bob Renna, who brought the Acreage Community Jams to the park before the amphitheater and park extension were built.

“The amphitheater was named after him at the last ITID meeting,”

Morgan said. “That was brought up by [former ITID supervisor and Renna’s former employer] Michael Erickson. They voted on it and approved it.”

The ALA plans to have other concerts with local bands.

“We’re planning open jam sessions where the local people, the kids, anybody who wants to can come out and play,” he said. “The gentleman with FM Generations has all the equipment, and he said

he would be happy to set it up and they can just come up and play as they wish.”

The ALA is also hoping to do car shows and a chili cookoff at the park.

“These are all just on scratch paper right now,” Morgan said, explaining that most of the board was not present when the community jams and other ALA events were held at the old park. “We’re just getting our feet wet.”

roads, I think we’ve got some things in the works that will give us a much better idea of the cost and the ongoing maintenance cost of those issues.”

She is also concerned about the town having enough water, where it was previously concerned with getting storm water off property rather than retaining it.

After serving three years on the council, DeMarois lost his seat to Vice Mayor Marge Herzog last March. He is challenging Maniglia for Seat 1 on issues that also include the roads. “I will try to improve the roads for the people,” he said.

DeMarois opposes the horse trail and roundabout proposed on Okeechobee Blvd. Although those proposals would be partially funded by grant money, he feels the town putting up its share is not a good idea at the current time.

He also has questions on how town management and public works — formerly the LGWCD — is run. DeMarois said that public works is pressured by the council to get things done when it has a staff of only four or five people.

“When we had the water district, we had three people in the office — the manager, the book-

Phillis Maniglia

Dave DeMarois

Lisa El-Ramey

Marianne Miles

keeper and the secretary — and on average six to 10 people out on the roads,” said DeMarois, who served for many years on the LGWCD board.

When the LGWCD became dependent to the town, he said most of the staff left and replacements were not made, leaving a minimal staff.

“That’s what they have now,” DeMarois said. “We had four or five working in the field and three of them left. They put too much pressure on them.”

Maniglia is seeking a second three-year term running on her record as a councilwoman. As a key success, she cites removing the previous management company and hiring a manager that could transition the town with minimal cost.

She was also involved with making the LGWCD dependent to the town and eliminating the old LGWCD board.

Maniglia said she was also instrumental in stopping selective code enforcement and making

OGEM road repair a priority for the 2021 budget.

“My concerns are decreasing revenue due to the virus crisis, town-wide through traffic from outside influences, a lack of townwide maintenance and seeing the effects of previous town planning,” she said.

Maniglia also wants to create a new vision for the town to follow.

“We’re talking about what’s happening on Southern Blvd.,” she said. “They were like, ‘It’s commercial, it’s going to make

us money.’ Now, we’re sorry. We need to have more control over that or it’s going to look like Military Trail.”

Maniglia plans to continue her activism over her next term on the council.

“I would like to continue to fight to clean up the town, restructure the public works department, encourage connectivity, protect neighborhoods from noise and traffic, and work toward the desires of the residents of Loxahatchee Groves,” she said.

vilions around the great lawn. The octagonal-shaped pavilions will be available both for rental and added amenities during activities sponsored by the village.

“We’re looking to do two on either side of the stage, and they’re going to be fairly large,” Liggins said. “They’re going to be the largest ones we have out there.”

For large events, at least one of the pavilions will probably be for the sale of alcohol. “We have the sale of alcohol now, and we typically have it in that area,” he said.

The pavilions will also serve as shelter from the rain during events at the park. “That’s why we located them where we did,” Liggins said.

“The two large open areas along the walkway on either side of the stage lend themselves perfectly for these. The concept started as a corporate pavilion rental, and when we started looking at placing it and what makes sense, we wanted to get as much use out of it as possible.”

The village’s recreation staff has also proposed a tram to shuttle people from the great lawn to the parking area. “One of the complaints we get is the pretty long walks,” Liggins said. “We don’t have a boat tram yet, but maybe that’s in the future, because our waterway goes right up to the parking lot up in the front.”

A rendering of the planned new Royal Palm Beach Village Hall.

Page 8

January 1 - January 14, 2021

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Temple Beth Torah Hosts Safe Drive-Through Hanukkah Celebration

As Hanukkah approached, the team at Wellington’s Temple Beth Torah didn’t want to let their congregants down due to COVID-19 restrictions and hosted a drive-through celebration with fun activities on Sunday, Dec. 13.

Hanukkah is the eight-day celebration known as the Festival of Lights, remembering the rededication of the second Jewish temple in Jerusalem. It’s a favorite holiday for Jewish children, and to make the celebration festive yet

The event included a candle-lighting ceremony.

RIDDLES EARN SHO-DAN RANK

Genbu-Kai Karate recently announced the advancement of two adult students to the rank of Sho-Dan (first degree black belt) in the art of Batto-Do. Michael and Suzanne Riddle traveled to Santa Ana, California, early in 2020 to test for this level, also competing and placing during the annual championships. They were presented their new ranks during the annual Genbu-Kai Karate Florida Christmas party. Batto-Do is the Japanese art of drawing and cutting with the Japanese katana. Shown above (L-R) are Suzanne Riddle, Sensei Keith Moore and Michael Riddle.

safe, Temple Beth Torah created its first Drive-Through Hanukkah Celebration.

This innovative event featured seven fun stations. From a sword dual between the Maccabees and the Assyrians to stilt-walkers and

a Hanukiyah Watergun Shootout, kids enjoyed nonstop action. There was also a contactless version of the dreidel game to play, complete with traditional gelt prizes — and no Hanukkah celebration would be complete without donuts, dec-

Dozens of families took part in the drive-through event.

orations and a small gift for each child.

“Though this year is a difficult one, it’s important for our congregation — and particularly our children — to recognize and enjoy the traditions and rituals that we

Attendees enjoyed a sword dual between the Maccabees and the Assyrians.

value and enjoy,” said Temple Beth Torah’s spiritual leader, Rabbi Andrew Rosenkranz. “We are so appreciative of our staff and volunteers, whose tireless efforts made this festive occasion a reality.”

A stilt-walker was among the entertainers on hand.

GOLDEN GROVE WELLINGTON ROTARIANS SAFETY PATROLS HOST SUPPORT VILLAGE HOLIDAY GIFT DRIVE HOLIDAY EVENT

Golden Grove Elementary School’s safety patrols recently partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County on their holiday gift drive. The Golden Grove community donated 175 toys and gift cards, with the Gator safety patrollers serving as great role models for the school.

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PALMS WEST PEOPLE

Kids Cancer Foundation Hosts Santa Sleigh Stop At Wellington Green

The Kids Cancer Foundation held its annual Christmas and holiday party at the Mall at Wellington Green on Saturday, Dec. 12 in the Live 360 studio.

Due to health and safety concerns, the annual Breakfast with Santa that the foundation usually hosts at the South Florida Fair-

grounds was canceled. However, the foundation found a safe and socially distanced alternative to celebrate.

At the Santa Sleigh Stop event, children met Santa, took family photos and collected gifts.

The many generous volunteers working the event included this

year’s FAU medical students, Life.Church, the ladies of the Couture Club, as well as Journey Church, which provided crafts and miniature Christmas trees for the children to decorate.

Although 2020 has been a challenging year for everybody, the Kids Cancer Foundation is thank-

Kids Cancer Foundation founder Michelle O’Boyle and volunteer Donna Leone at the sign-in table.

ful that they managed to round the year out on a jolly and hopeful note for all their patients and families battling childhood cancer.

The Kids Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit founded in 2001 to provide support to local children and families battling childhood cancer and/or blood disorders.

KCF patient Johan Antigua and his family visit with Santa.

Foster Children Given The Opportunity To Buy A Gift For A Special Person

A local coalition of holiday elves from Speak Up for Kids, CMI Electrical, Marine Plumbing and the Royal Palm Beach Target store joined forces on Monday, Dec. 14 for Better to Give, an epic shopping event for 100 children involved in dependency and foster care.

“I continue to be in awe of our community,” said Coleen LaCosta, executive director of Speak Up for Kids. “I recognize how blessed we are to do the work we do, but without the support of individual and business contributions, our impact would not be as great as it is.”

Though many find it a chore or take for granted the ability to buy a gift for a special person during the holiday season, children in foster care do not often get the opportunity to buy for someone they love. With Better to Give, each child was partnered with a shopper and given $50 to shop for anyone who has impacted their life in a profound way.

The children searched the aisles

to choose gifts for foster parents, case managers, siblings, parents, grandparents and their guardians ad litem. They were then ushered into the wrap room, where Target elves and volunteers were on hand to help them choose the perfect wrapping paper and bows, expertly wrapping the presents to make the gift extra special.

“Last year, I helped a little boy shop for his foster parents, and I watched as his foster dad shed tears of gratitude,” volunteer Dorothy Alvarez recalled. “I knew I had to participate again this year, and now I am excited about next year’s Better to Give.”

LaCosta said that the program is needed now more than ever.

“The pandemic has certainly made this year a whirlwind, but COVID-19 could not halt generosity in Palm Beach County or take the cheer out of the holiday season for the children we serve,” she said. “Though their smiles were hidden behind masks, the joyous sparkle in their eyes remained undeniable.”

Contact us to arrange an appointment to discreetly discuss your dental needs.

(Financial arrangements available)

(561) 798-0100

Local Author Jillian Rodriguez Releases New Children’s Book

Up-and-coming author, former preschool teacher and mother of two daughters Jillian Rodriguez has collaborated with illustrator Irina Litvin on her new book, I’ll Meet You at the Rainbow. Rodriguez, a Loxahatchee resident, has created a heartwarming bedtime story for young children that also has educational value.

Inspired by her own experiences as a child with her father, I’ll Meet You at the Rainbow tells an uplifting fantasy adventure that both entertains and intrigues while helping children learn their colors.

“One thing I have always had a soft spot in life for was a good children’s book. I don’t know why, but I truly fall in love with them. Well over this quarantine and with both girls in school full time and having some time to focus, I decided it was the perfect time to write one,” Rodriguez said. “This story I wrote is based off a nighttime saying my dad used to say to me: ‘I’ll meet you at the rainbow, princess.’ It’s something I took and turned into a little story adventure I say to my girls at night. I am so excited about this book. It has such gorgeous and vivid illustrations done by the extremely talented Irina Litvin, who took my visions and brought them to life.”

The book is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions at Amazon.com, where it has been met with enthusiasm, along with Barnes & Noble. Rodriguez

Author Jillian Rodriguez with her new book, I’ll Meet You at the Rainbow. intends for it to be the first in a four-book series.

Now a stay-at-home mom, Rodriguez previously worked as a preschool teacher for eight years. She first began studying early childhood education in high school, where she received some of her credentials and was president of the Florida Future Educators of America club. She then went on to get her associates degree and continued studying early childhood education at FAU. Rodriguez hopes everyone enjoys her book and hopes to write more children’s books in the future. Learn more about the book at www.facebook.com/ illmeetyouattherainbow.

Wellington Employee Earns Playground Safety Certification

Young shopper Gabby with the gifts she bought.

Dr. Christopher Starr Dr. Michael Starr

A dental office designed specifically for serving the needs of the family.

Established in 1983 Wellington’s first full-time, full service dental practice.

Page 9

A TRUE FATHER AND SON TEAM APPROACH TO YOUR PERSONALIZED DENTAL CARE OVER 45 YEARS OF DENTAL EXPERIENCE

Wellington employee Josh Endres, a maintenance technician with the Public Works Department, recently earned the certified playground safety inspector certification (CPSI).

Certified playground safety inspectors examine playgrounds for safety issues to ensure that they meet current national industry standards developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

This certification is offered by the National Recreation and Park

Association (NRPA) in coordination with the National Certification Board and International Playground Safety Institute. To earn this designation, Endres was required to attend a three-day instructional course and pass the CPSI examination.

Through this designation, Endres joins the ranks of 7,500 fellow certified playground safety inspectors worldwide. This certification helps Wellington advance its mission of providing high-quality services and reaffirms its commitment to protecting the health and safety of residents.

We are a Conservative, egalitarian synagogue serving the Western communities of Palm Beach County.

We seek to inspire each member to become more deeply connected to his or her Jewish identity by providing relevant worship experiences, life-long educational experiences, opportunities for social action, and a connection to Jewish culture.

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1200 Corporate Center Way, Suite 103 | Wellington, Florida 33414

Il Pomodoro PIZZA AND RESTAURANT

Located in Loxahatchee Florida, Il Pomodoro serves New York style pizza TUESDASYPECIAL and delicious interpretations of classic Italian dishes.

CARRY-OUT e Larg Delivery Available Starting at 11 a.m. on orders $25 or more Cheese Pizza

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Shoppes at Chancellor (Next to CR Chicks)

12020 S. Shore Blvd. #400 Wellington, FL 33414

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Page 10

January 1 - January 14, 2021

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NEWS

LIGHTS 4 HOPE GIVES BACK TO HELP THE CHANDLER FAMILY OF WELLINGTON

Lights 4 Hope, the nonprofit organization that produces the holiday drive-through light show at Okeeheelee Park, has a goal of giving back to local families coping with a child’s illness or lifechanging condition. One of the Lights 4 Hope families is the Chandler family.

Nearly two years ago, Katie Chandler and her daughter Valerie were in a car accident, leaving Valerie paralyzed from the waist down.

Lights 4 Hope supports these local families during the holidays through proceeds from the light show, sponsorships and fundraisers.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, Lights 4 Hope held its big holiday drop-off of items for Valerie and her family. The event also happened to be the day before Valerie’s birthday. In addition to the drop-off, there was a large birthday caravan filled with friends, former teammates from the Wellington Volleyball Academy and a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office escort.

PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Valerie Chandler with her sister Camryn and parents Katie and Donald.

Valerie Chandler received many presents.

Supporters from the Wellington Volleyball Academy.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office was on hand to help out at the event.

Valerie Chandler surrounded by family and friends during the drop-off event.

Valerie Chandler and her mother Katie watch as friends drive by.

Lights 4 Hope President Jason Wilson with his family, joined by volleyball coach Nestor Garrido and event organizer Meghan Buser.

WELLINGTON JEWISH CENTER SALUTES HEALTHCARE HEROES ON CHANUKAH

The Wellington Jewish Center honored healthcare heroes with a Menorah Parade to Wellington Regional Medical Center on Sunday, Dec. 13 to celebrate the holiday of Chanukah. The evening included the parade, a menorah lighting led by Rabbi Mendy Muskal, music, entertainment and treats. There were also treats given away to hospital employees.

PHOTOS BY CAROL PORTER

Holiday treats were provided to hospital employees.

Rabbi Mendy Muskal leads the menorah-lighting ceremony.

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OPEN FOR

BREAKFAST & LUNCH DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT

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with the purchase of an Adult Entree (kids under 10 only)

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Our goal at Shults Orthodontics is to help our patients achieve more attractive and healthier smiles with minimal discomfort and inconvenience. We are committed to serving you and your children efficiently in our comfortable family-centered practice in Wellington, Florida.

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561-793-9888 12180 South Shore Blvd., Suite 101, Wellington www.ShultsOrthodontics.com

The Cowboy Circus was on hand for entertainment.

Employees took the treats as they entered the hospital for their shift.

The Town-Crier

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

Page 11

ROYAL INN

LAKEFRONT HOTEL RESORT Your Safety is our Concern • Our Staff wear Masks and Gloves • Practice Social Distancing • Continuous Sanitizing of Rooms & Common Areas

• 166 ROOMS & SUITES (WITH KITCHENS) • • 7 RESTAURANTS FOR BREAKFAST/LUNCH/DINNER WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF YOUR ROOM/SUITE • • HAIR SALON & BARBERSHOP ON PREMISES •

(561) 793-3000 www.royalinnhotel.com

Dog Friendly Rooms & Suites Available

CENTRALLY LOCATED WITHIN 5 MINUTES DRIVE OF WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • ACREAGE N.W. CORNER SOUTHERN BLVD. & ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD.

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Page 12 January 1 - January 14, 2021

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Serving Gourmet Breakfast, Lunch & Overstuffed Deli Sandwiches

Hilary’s restaurant In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

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WINNERS

January 1 - January 14, 2021 Page 13

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

in the

Annual National Buffalo Wings Competition

LUNCH 11 - 3 PM | DINNER 4 - 1O PM DINE IN | TAKE OUT | FREE DELIVERY

in Buffalo, NY.

FOR YOUR SAFETY WE FOLLOW ALL CDC GUIDELINES

Online Ordering Available

EXCITING NEW ITEMS!

Order Online

OPEN FOR

BREAKFAST & LUNCH DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT

CURBSIDE TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

We Practice CDC Safety Guidelines and Sanitation Procedures.

BEST OVERSTUFFED CORNED BEEF OR PASTRAMI SANDWICH IN THE WEST!

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

561-790-7301

Located in the ROYAL PLAZA

Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM

Tree’s Wings & Ribs

OR CALL 561-249-7168

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603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Royal Palm Beach, FL. 33411

Free V.I.P. Program

561-791-1535

Spin the PRIZE WHEEL at every visit!

Home of the BEST Wings & Ribs. EVER

Come In and Join Us 50% capacity inside dining room with social distancing Outside seating allowed with social distancing

INDIA GRILL CASH

Employees wear face mask or covering and abide by social distancing rules while working.

Hand sanitzing stations. Sealed silverware.

Dine-In Take-Out Delivery

Valid towards dinner and dine in orders only.

Not valid for holidays & special events.

Clip coupon and present to your server. Expires 1/31/21

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM | DINNER 4 PM - 10 PM

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 4 - 6 PM

INDIA GRILL & BAR | 650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD | ROYAL PALM BEACH

(561) 249-7168 | WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM

www.TreesWingsAndRibs.com

Order Online WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM or Find Us On:

In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

We are COVID-19 conscious business.

We do require face-mask, have proper distancing and disinfect all surfaces.

Authentic Indian Kitchen Bar menu . kids' menu . A la carte menu . Party menu

Tuesday – Sunday

Located in the “ORIGINAL” Wellington Mall Ramp at the end of the parking lot

DINE-IN | PATIO BAR & LOUNGE Full Service

In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

SERVING THE BEST PARRILLA ARGENTINA IN PALM BEACH COUNTY SINCE 2007

LUNCH | DINNER

CATERING • TAKE OUT • SPECIALTY CAKES • GROCERY

OPENING HOURS:

11am-3pm | 5pm-10pm

Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 8:00 pm  Friday – Saturday 6:30 am – 9:00 pm  Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

**RAJA FREE DELIVERY** CALL 561.371.6560

TAKE-OUT

RAJA FOOD DELIVERED

To The “Original” Wellington Mall Next to Nut N’ Fits, Woody’s & your local post office 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., 5B, Wellington, FL

ALL CDC SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED. PRIVATE ROOM . PARTY ROOM . CONFERENCE ROOM . OUTDOOR PARTY LOUNGE

CALL 561.371.6560

Catering Available

ALL CDC SAFTEY MEASURES ARE USED TO PROTECT OUR DINERS

Authentic Philipino foods including appetizers, soups and entrees with favorites such as Sinigang, Tinolang, Nilaga na, Crispy Pata, Leston Kawali, Binagoongan, Empanadas, Smoked Fried Bangus, Pompano, and more...

Specialty cakes made to order Catering party packages available - call for details.

Open Tues. - Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 11am - 4pm

12 7 9 4 F o r e s t H i l l B l v d | S u i t e 2 0 | W e l l i n g t o n | F l o r i d a 3 3 414 www.rajawellingtonfl.com | 561.371.6560 | rajawellingtonfl@gmail.com

601 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL (561) 530-3700 www.alpanpanbakery.com

561-904-6826

251 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 www.kabayanfl.com IN THE ROYAL PLAZA

Homemade Daily: Cuban Sandwiches Pastries/Bakery Empanadas Soup/ Sandwiches/Salads Espresso/Coffee & More!

BREAKFAST LUNCH DINNER

Page 12 January 1 - January 14, 2021

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

Serving Gourmet Breakfast, Lunch & Overstuffed Deli Sandwiches

Hilary’s restaurant In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

The Town-Crier

www.gotowncrier.com

WINNERS

January 1 - January 14, 2021 Page 13

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

in the

Annual National Buffalo Wings Competition

LUNCH 11 - 3 PM | DINNER 4 - 1O PM DINE IN | TAKE OUT | FREE DELIVERY

in Buffalo, NY.

FOR YOUR SAFETY WE FOLLOW ALL CDC GUIDELINES

Online Ordering Available

EXCITING NEW ITEMS!

Order Online

OPEN FOR

BREAKFAST & LUNCH DINE-IN & TAKE-OUT

CURBSIDE TAKE-OUT AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

We Practice CDC Safety Guidelines and Sanitation Procedures.

BEST OVERSTUFFED CORNED BEEF OR PASTRAMI SANDWICH IN THE WEST!

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

561-790-7301

Located in the ROYAL PLAZA

Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM

Tree’s Wings & Ribs

OR CALL 561-249-7168

Daily Specials

603 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

Royal Palm Beach, FL. 33411

Free V.I.P. Program

561-791-1535

Spin the PRIZE WHEEL at every visit!

Home of the BEST Wings & Ribs. EVER

Come In and Join Us 50% capacity inside dining room with social distancing Outside seating allowed with social distancing

INDIA GRILL CASH

Employees wear face mask or covering and abide by social distancing rules while working.

Hand sanitzing stations. Sealed silverware.

Dine-In Take-Out Delivery

Valid towards dinner and dine in orders only.

Not valid for holidays & special events.

Clip coupon and present to your server. Expires 1/31/21

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK LUNCH 11 AM - 3 PM | DINNER 4 PM - 10 PM

HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS 4 - 6 PM

INDIA GRILL & BAR | 650 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD | ROYAL PALM BEACH

(561) 249-7168 | WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM

www.TreesWingsAndRibs.com

Order Online WWW.INDIAGRILLANDBAR.COM or Find Us On:

In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

We are COVID-19 conscious business.

We do require face-mask, have proper distancing and disinfect all surfaces.

Authentic Indian Kitchen Bar menu . kids' menu . A la carte menu . Party menu

Tuesday – Sunday

Located in the “ORIGINAL” Wellington Mall Ramp at the end of the parking lot

DINE-IN | PATIO BAR & LOUNGE Full Service

In the Royal Plaza at Corner of Southern & Royal Palm Beach Blvd.

SERVING THE BEST PARRILLA ARGENTINA IN PALM BEACH COUNTY SINCE 2007

LUNCH | DINNER

CATERING • TAKE OUT • SPECIALTY CAKES • GROCERY

OPENING HOURS:

11am-3pm | 5pm-10pm

Monday – Thursday 6:30 am – 8:00 pm  Friday – Saturday 6:30 am – 9:00 pm  Sunday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

**RAJA FREE DELIVERY** CALL 561.371.6560

TAKE-OUT

RAJA FOOD DELIVERED

To The “Original” Wellington Mall Next to Nut N’ Fits, Woody’s & your local post office 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., 5B, Wellington, FL

ALL CDC SAFETY GUIDELINES ARE FOLLOWED. PRIVATE ROOM . PARTY ROOM . CONFERENCE ROOM . OUTDOOR PARTY LOUNGE

CALL 561.371.6560

Catering Available

ALL CDC SAFTEY MEASURES ARE USED TO PROTECT OUR DINERS

Authentic Philipino foods including appetizers, soups and entrees with favorites such as Sinigang, Tinolang, Nilaga na, Crispy Pata, Leston Kawali, Binagoongan, Empanadas, Smoked Fried Bangus, Pompano, and more...

Specialty cakes made to order Catering party packages available - call for details.

Open Tues. - Sat. 10am-7pm, Sun. 11am - 4pm

12 7 9 4 F o r e s t H i l l B l v d | S u i t e 2 0 | W e l l i n g t o n | F l o r i d a 3 3 414 www.rajawellingtonfl.com | 561.371.6560 | rajawellingtonfl@gmail.com

601 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL (561) 530-3700 www.alpanpanbakery.com

561-904-6826

251 Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 www.kabayanfl.com IN THE ROYAL PLAZA

Homemade Daily: Cuban Sandwiches Pastries/Bakery Empanadas Soup/ Sandwiches/Salads Espresso/Coffee & More!

Page 14

January 1 - January 14, 2021

The Town-Crier

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It’s not simply about portfolio holdings and account balances.

It’s about your complete life.

WELLINGTON ART SOCIETY

Presents

You should have a wealth management partner who understands that. Who cares about your personal goals for your family, your business, your future. Who can give you comfort in making decisions that not only support your financial objectives, but that help ensure you have time to do things you enjoy with those you love.

Artscapes

Virtual Exhibit 1 Nov. 2020 - 4 Jan. 2021 Featuring 25 artists and 81 original artworks by WAS members Stained Glass | Photography | Painting Mixed Media | Drawing

All artwork is for sale - a portion of proceeds goes towards WAS Scholarship and Outreach Programs.

View at: www.WellingtonartSociety.org

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

The Wellington Art Society is a non-profit charitable organization In its 38th year. It is open to artists of all mediums and patrons of the arts, allowing both local and regional artists to display their art work in local galleries, interact with other artists and serve the community through their art.

Boynton Financial Group, Inc. is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services, Inc. CFP Board owns the CFP® marks in the United States.

Investment Advisory Services offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc.

For further information please visit www.wellingtonartsociety.org

Restartwith the Arts 2020-2021 Season

Music of the Knights Jan. 14

Let’s Hang On! Feb 23

SPECIALIZING IN TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIR The Phantom of the Opera Jan. 8

Grease Feb. 19

Purchase dinner prior to each movie! Serving from 5:00 pm 7:00 pm.

Family Owned & Operated Since 1996

• Service & Repair • New Equipment • Sell All Brands

Box Office 561-993-1160 1977 College Drive, Belle Glade, FL

All dates, artists and programs subject to change.

Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts

Lic.#CAC057272 • Ins.

The new management team at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery in the Palm Beaches is pleased to introduce our beautiful Garden Mausoleums.

Available Options for all your Cemetery Needs: In Ground Burial • Mausoleum Crypt • Cremations Options*

www.johnchuntonac.com

If You’re Selling We’re Buying!

GOLD . SILVER . COINS DIAMONDS . JEWELRY WATCHES . DESIGNER

* Cremated remains are the body in a different form thus, deserving a respectful final resting place on sacred ground.

Contact us to learn more about Pre-Arrangement Options. We have a Family Service Advisor Team who can speak to you in English, Spanish and Polish.

P: 561.793.0711 • 561.793-0182 www.ourqueen.org

10941 Southern Blvd., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411

ANTIQUES . COLLECTIBLES Fast Friendly Service Fair Market Pay

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

Page 15

NEWS

FAU STUDENT NURSES GIVE COOKIES TO TEACHERS AT P.W. CHARTER SCHOOL FAU Student Nursing Association student nurses Cove Damberg, Kaleigh Williams and Rhiannon Boffa made 400 cookies for teachers, giving out the cookies on Friday, Dec. 18 on the Palms West Charter School. It is the fourth year that Boffa has given out cookies to teachers. Both of Boffa’s parents work at the school.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Rhiannon Boffa, Principal Steve Epstein, Kerriann Spratt and Patty Chirino.

Student nurses Kaleigh Williams and Rhiannon Boffa give Cheryl Rappolt and Elida Wray cookies.

Rhiannon Boffa with her mother Shirley Boffa.

Rhiannon Boffa gives Cathy DiGiovanni some cookies.

Palms West Charter School Assistant Principal Mary Beth Greene, student nurses Cove Damberg, Kaleigh Williams and Rhiannon Boffa, and Principal Steve Epstein.

Student nurses Cove Damberg, Kaleigh Williams and Rhiannon Boffa.

Second-grade teachers Sandie McLaughlin and Joyce Waggoner pick out a pack of cookies.

Holidays Saved For B&G Club Kids Thanks To Community Support

Children get their holiday gifts at the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue officers visited the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington on Thursday, Dec. 17 to deliver donated toys to club children. It was a celebration that only happened due to an outpouring of community support.

The economic downturn caused by the pandemic threatened to ruin the holidays for thousands of Boys & Girls Clubs members across the county, but thanks to record-breaking support from community sponsors and individual donors, the holiday was saved. Every club member received at least one holiday gift and an extra-special holiday party held at the club.

The annual Boys & Girls Clubs

of Palm Beach County gift drive started slowly this year, but due to the generous sponsorship of GL Homes, media coverage and social media shares, the holiday gift campaign surpassed all expectations and records.

“There was real concern that our club members were going to be disappointed this holiday season with not enough toys and gifts to go around. Thanks to overwhelming community support, our area’s most disadvantaged children will have a happy holiday after all,” said Eric Roby, marketing, public relations and holiday gift drive director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.

While donations were smaller

� PuroClean®

this year, more people donated, and widespread community support more than made up for the shortfall of gifts. Despite challenges, traditional corporate sponsors like the Breakers Palm Beach and Office Depot continued to be the backbone of the holiday gift drive, while newer partners like GL Homes helped meet the goal.

For the first time, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County was the charity of choice for the Lake Clarke Shores Holiday Boat Parade. New partners like Park View Properties helped to get more than a dozen other businesses involved with the gift drive. Nonprofits like the Boca West Children’s Foundation, Spirit

of Giving and the Rocking Horse Foundation also pulled out all of the stops this year.

“It’s heartwarming to see our community pull together in a time of such great need,” Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County President & CEO Jaene Miranda said Founded in 1971, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County is a not-for-profit youth development organization dedicated to promoting the educational, vocational, health, leadership and character of boys and girls in a safe, nurturing environment.

For more information, visit www.bgcpbc.org or call (561) 683-3287.

� � The Paramedics of Property Damage

Dr. Parrilla-Rosario Dr. Patricia Forsythe, V.M.D.

Dr. Parrilla-Rosario received his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus in 2014. He then did postgraduate training at Mount Sinai BI Hospital in New York as well as Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, he is also an active member of American Medical Marijuana Physicians Association.

Proudly Serving Your Community for 18 Years

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FEATURES

I Have Solutions For All The World’s Big Problems, Just Ask Me!

I only have one New Year’s resolution — to fix the country. It’s a big one, so that’s why it’s only one, but I can do it.

First, I will fix the school system. Due to the pandemic, a lot of kids are remote learning. A lot of others were remote fooling around, hiding under their parents’ bed while playing games on their school-issued iPads. A lot of remediation will be needed next fall, and this is the perfect time to implement my plan, which works like this: 1. Within the first week of school, test every student in the country using standardized tests that the national Department of Education has rigorously put together by working tirelessly from January through July. If a child is in second

2. Place each child in the grade level in which he scores with no consideration at all given to age. At the end of the school year, the tests will be given again with the prize this time being that you either advance to the next grade level or you don’t. Because teachers are already complaining about too much testing (and they’re right!), all other standardized tests will be shelved for this school year, maybe forever. The time they wasted will be used to administer comprehensive developmental tests for underserved kids facing real challenges.

Next, I will fix relationship dynamics.

I’ve broached this idea before, but I still think it’s a good one — marriage by renewable contract. Every year, on your

Deborah Welky is

The Sonic BOOMER grade, he will take a test that covers subject matter from first through third grades. The rewards for every child that completes the test will be huge — a new bike in every pot, if you know what I mean. The bikes will be on display during the test-taking, maybe on stage in the cafetorium, all shiny and new and motivating.

anniversary, you will “re-up” with your spouse by re-signing (and re-dating) your marriage certificate. It will be a celebratory event with people dining out and toasting each other as they docu-sign their agreement on an iPad proffered by the maitre’d.

For those who are disinclined to continue the marriage, a 90-day lapse with no “re-up” and you are automatically divorced — no precious court time, no expensive attorney fees, no wailing and gnashing of teeth. Your marriage certificate simply expires, like unpaid car insurance. If one person signs and the other one doesn’t, both parties will be emailed the dissolution notice with a note that says, “Sorry, this wasn’t going to work out anyway.”

The division of material goods (and credit card debt) goes 50/50 and whomever takes the kids also takes the house, the good car and all the cash because, brother, they’re going to need it. Possessions with only one name on the deed or title go to the other person — this will keep people from padding their “accounts” and, anyway, what are you doing shopping as a single when you’re registered as a legal couple, you selfish so-and-so?

I have more ideas to save the nation but, actually, I’d rather be asked — better yet, begged. Because I have all the answers, I really do. And, just like anyone else with way too much time on their hands, I sure would love to share them.

Wonder Woman 1984 Is Fun To Watch, But Is Not A Great Movie

Wonder Woman 1984 is here and this was one movie I was really waiting for.

The first of the films with the character was superb, one of the best of the genre — a brilliant origins picture. Now we would go to the 1980s!

Unfortunately, the new movie is not nearly as good as the first. Mind you, it is not a bad one, actually pretty good. But it has enormous flaws, and they get in the way of creating a coherent, exciting story line. This is a film clearly made because it is a sequel to a really successful film that has a couple of top stars, particularly Gal Gadot, the most charismatic performer in the DC/Marvel pantheon.

Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), Wonder Woman’s alter ego, is working as a cultural anthropologist at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, keeping a low profile, although she does manage to capture a group of goons at a local mall before

formed. Diana, in passing, wishes her great love Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) could be alive, and he returns. And Lord wishes that he could be the means for everyone to achieve their wishes.

As expected, things fall apart. Diana is thrilled to reunite with Steve and recruits him to help find the wishing stone, one said to have been involved in the destruction of civilizations all through history.

Barbara and Lord oppose her. That leads to the major plot… which goes nowhere.

The chemistry between Gadot and Pine still works. Together, they are great. You can sense the attraction between the two.

Some great comedy is worked in. Watching her try to get him dressed in 1980s fashion was funny. I enjoyed Steve trying on parachute pants and asking if it meant that everyone went parachuting. Their scenes were great, with an emphasis on the best action setup in the film as the two of

‘I’ On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler going back in hiding. She meets awkward Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig), who has a whole string of degrees, when she begins work at the Smithsonian. Barbara is the opposite of Diana: she’s awkward, bad with people and is essentially ignored by just about everyone.

Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal), a failing businessman, recognizes an artifact as a “wishing stone,” one that grants people their heart’s desire. Barbara wishes to be more like Diana and is gradually trans-

them chase Lord and a group of minions on an Egyptian highway.

Wiig gets a great chance to steal scenes using her impeccable comic timing, her good looks and acting ability to play a really complex character. Pascal is way over the top, stealing most scenes because the other actors are more laid back, but his motivation, aside for a drive for power, is unclear. And the ending creates a change in the character that seems unbelievable.

There are not many action scenes considering the genre and the more than two-and-a-half-hour length. There is a nice opening sequence with Diana as a child learning that cheating is wrong, which presents the film’s moral message about truth being the most important thing. Then there is a brief fight with some clumsy thugs, the aforementioned highway chase, a far-too-long fight in the White House and a final battle between Wonder Woman and

Cheetah, which was filmed in the dark so that it’s hard to figure out who was winning or even if the actors were really there.

Somehow Barbara becomes sort of feline, although I could barely see it.

This film reminds me of the really silly superhero movies we saw before Christopher Nolan did Batman Begins in 2005. The villains have no real motive, and there are massive holes in logic. But with Gadot headlining it, they thought we could sit through more than two hours of it. There were some good sequences, but except for the parts where she and Pine were together, the film dragged.

Since you’ll probably see the movie on HBO Max if you have it, and it’s free for the next month, see it. It’s certainly worth that price of admission. As I wrote earlier, not bad but not really very good.

Nevertheless, it was great to actually see a new movie.

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

SENIOR PET CARE

Senior pets are an absolute delight, so it’s important to make sure you are extra protective of them in their senior years. Here are a few things to watch for. If your senior is experiencing weight loss or has a lack of appetite, your veterinarian can design an age-appropriate diet and suggest food choices. When you smell bad breath or see gum issues, your vet can investigate the many potential causes and recommend dental care and cleanings and other treatments. Other issues confronting senior pets include (but are certainly not limited to) lethargy and/or being in pain, scratching a lot, having trouble peeing, or being extra thirsty. These are all good reasons for a visit to the vet.

We all know that if we take better care of ourselves, it’s likely that we will live longer, healthier lives. So we choose our healthcare providers carefully, change to a healthier diet, and exercise more.

Shouldn’t we be doing the same for our senior pets to help them live healthy, long lives? We’ll do our part at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH by providing your pets, whatever their age, with unsurpassed medical, surgical, and dental health services in our state-of-the-art pet care facility. We are conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies. OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK. P.S. If you notice any problems or changes with your senior pet, it is important to act fast. Timely treatment and care can be critical with older animals.

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January 1 - January 14, 2021

Page 17

NEWS

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS GET UNDERWAY AT WRMC

The first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine for distribution to frontline healthcare heroes arrived last week at Wellington Regional Medical Center. The first people vaccinated were doctors (above left), nurses (above right) and other staff members who are directly involved in the care of COVID-19 patients.

Board Member Orlando Ortiz as Santa with student Jaiden.

Connections Education Dance Unlimited Students Perform ‘The Nutcracker’ Center Families Get Holiday magic filled the Wick Alexa Tiller and Jaki Hicks, while es were handmade by Keller’s Keller called the experience a Theatre with the classic show the role of the cavalier in the mother, Nancy Lomauro, and great escape during the pandemic.

Gifts And Food From The Nutcracker performed by Sugarplum Pas De Deux was many props were constructed by “It has been very nice to have the students of Dance Unlimited performed by Bradley Dunlap of parents of the students. A modified some sort of normalcy with these Santa And His Elves Academy in suburban Lake Worth. the Miami City Ballet. audience of 180 filled the socially dancers,” she said. “They’ve The cast of 37 dancers graced the stage pirouetting through Tchaikovsky’s compositions for their second annual production held Tuesday, Dec. 15. It was staged by studio owner and instructor Jessica Keller, who choreographed it along with instructors Ben Slayen, Katelynn Draper,

The full-length production was largely inspired by Peter Anastos and George Balanchine’s version of the ballet. It was a true family affair, as many of the dancers’ parents, as well as Keller and her father, joined on stage to perform in the opening party scene, in which many of the intricate dress-

distanced auditorium, and masks were mandatory, except while the dancers were performing.

worked so hard this season, and it has been amazing to see it all come to fruition on stage.”

Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, in coordination with Spirit of Giving and Feeding South Florida, spread some holiday joy for school students and families on Wednesday, Dec. 16.

Students from the Connections Education Center received a holiday gift, and each family received a turkey and two-weeks’ worth of food. Families drove through at Connections to receive their gifts from Santa and his elves.

The Connections Education

Center of the Palm Beaches is a Palm Beach County charter school serving students on the autism spectrum.

Connections is a Title I school with about 91 percent of its students at or below the poverty line. At this challenging time of COVID-19, this special gift gives these families a little hope and holiday joy.

To learn more about Connections Education Center of the Palm Beaches, call (561) 328.6044 or visit www.connectedpb.com.

(Above) An array of angels and the Sugarplum Fairy, performed

by Heather Cruise, dance for Clara. (Below) Russian candy canes, with lead Sojiene Estime, light up the stage.

PERFORMANCE PHOTOS BY MELANIE KOPACZ

The cast included Adriana Maranto, Alexandria Cousins, Amanda Ovitt, Auria Slavic, Avery Vazquez, Bella Fuentes, Bella Vazquez, Carley Schenkman, Courtney Dodd, Emma Goldblatt, Erin Pino-Schwarz, Ethan Slavic, Gabriella De La Fe, Gabriella Hernandez, Hailey Neihoff, Heather Cruise, Imani Rucks, Isla Slavic, Jayden Smith, Jordan Smith, Julissa Jimenez, Justine Jean Louis, Karley Kopacz, Katie Mizne, Kira Piasecki, Kristen Mesick, Lily Sandor, Madison McGill, Maria Moyano, McKenzie McGill, Mia Insardi, Morgan Myers, Peyton Baillie, Sheila Hernandez Velasquez, Sojiena Estime, Sophia Cole and Sydney Dodd.

Principal Debra Johnson, parent and Board Member Orlando Ortiz playing Santa, his wife Aura Ortiz and their daughter, student Natalie Ortiz.

GROUP PHOTO BY ALEXA TILLER PHOTOGRAPHY

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Page 18

January 1 - January 14, 2021

The Town-Crier

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NEWS

Palms West Charter School Hosts Toy Drive For Kids In Hospital

The Palms West Charter School’s seventh annual toy drive to benefit the Children’s Hospital at Palms West was once again a success thanks to an overwhelming generosity of time, donations and heart.

In a year of extraordinary hard-

ships and struggles, pain and suffering, students, their families, teachers and staff collected hundreds of toys, coloring books, gift cards, survival bags and more.

The items were delivered with care to the hospital in large boxes decorated and wrapped for the

holidays, along with many thank you cards.

The students had the opportunity to share the experience with Palms West Hospital CEO Josh DeTillio, Chief Operating Officer Lorna Kernizan and many of the nurses.

Palms West Charter School students with the collected toys.

Barnes

A Year Of Connections

continued from page 1 employees who maintain our roadways and drainage infrastructure, as well as operate and maintain our water treatment plant and water reclamation facility. Our 300-plus full-time employees and more than 50 seasonal and part-time employees are ‘all in, all the time,’ making sure our residents continuously receive the unmatched services and amenities to which they are accustomed.”

Barnes is also proud of new technology in place that “completely rewired” the entire village operations.

“We also leverage technology to provide these connections. This past year, we completed our migration to a new enterprise resource planning system in order to better serve our customers from utility accounts and building permits, to recreation program registration and public records access,” he said. “This streamlines customer service requests and provides another way for residents to connect with the village and get a timely response.”

In many ways, the village also helps connect people to places and each other.

“Our community events attract more than 300,000 people each year [pre-COVID-19]. From our spring events like the Wellington Classic Brewfest, Marchtoberfest and the Bacon & Bourbon Festival to Independence Day festivities and Fall Fest at Village Park, and events honoring service to our nation and community like Memorial Day, Patriots Day and Veterans Day, our events have created places where people meet, have fun and form yearly traditions,” Barnes said. “Our parks maintenance and neighborhood parks employees keep Wellington’s many parks beautiful, safe and state-of-the-art so that families have places to spend time and unwind. Additionally, our partnership with all our private and nonprofit community partners allow us to provide even more services and benefits to our residents.”

This is how the village also serves as a bridge, forming connections among people.

“Our award-winning HYPE program received recognition from the Florida League of Cities.

The program, which is part of the Community Services Department,

provides services to youth that include after-school activities ranging from informal games and athletics to academic support, tutoring and mentoring,” Barnes said. “That program was just one of the many youth outreach initiatives, which promotes and facilitates real social, cultural and civic connections with the community’s youth year after year.”

Other programs from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and Wellington’s Parks & Recreation Department serve similar purposes.

Barnes noted that 2020 was a challenging year, but one that brought a great deal of innovation.

“It has required us to think a bit differently about how to continue to serve our customers amid COVID-19. We continue to provide our usual services while taking many of our usual offerings to virtual formats,” he said. “From virtual recreation and wellness programs to game nights, student outreach and senior socials, we have reimagined the virtual as well as drive-in/drive-through concepts. We will continue to look at innovative programs and service delivery approaches as we navigate our way through and eventually out of COVID-19.”

The toys and other gifts are presented to hospital officials.

Barnes summed up his connections theme when looking at 2021 and beyond.

“We also serve as connections to the future,” he said. “By maintaining smart policies, investing in innovation and infrastructure, engaging in thoughtful planning and implementing forward-thinking budgets, the council and village employees are continuously building upon our past successes and proud traditions to ensure that Wellington remains a community of choice — vibrant, innovative and engaged — for generations to come.”

SR 7

FDOT Changes

ITID 2021

Roads And Drainage Projects

continued from page 1 retros, we will also do swales,” he said. “We are going out to bid for mowing of our road frontage swales to determine if it’s more cost effective to have a contractor come through and do it.”

In-house mowing crews in turn

Katz

Honoring Veterans

continued from page 1 changes would mitigate challenges presented by the City of West Palm Beach.

“It seems to me that there was an attempt made by FDOT to address some of the many concerns, environmental concerns in particular, that were raised by West Palm Beach, and it looks like you went back to the drawing board to try to address those issues,” Pinto said.

continued from page 3 events to honor military veterans.

“We want people to remember the things [veterans] have done,” he said. “They deserve to be remembered forever. Joshua is known nationally for his work and was recognized with the honor of laying this year’s wreath.”

Wellington’s American Legion post is honored to have Katz on their team.

“It was quite an honor to re-

will then focus more on canal easements to get them under control.

“We’ve been playing catch-up on that since I got here,” Hanson said.

Finally, district staff is also looking at reformatting its budget process so that it is more easily understandable for the public and the board.

“We’re going to be working on that over the next six months to start to implement for fiscal year 2022,” Hanson said. ceive such an accommodation on a national level,” explained John Shwiner, Post 390’s adjutant and public relations officer, who said that Katz has created a lifelong memorial for veterans.

Katz himself is passionate about furthering social media programs that develop and maintain awareness of the sacrifices every veteran makes. He hopes the POW-MIAOREE program will be commemorated in all national cemeteries throughout the country to signify, “No Soldier Should Ever Be Forgotten.”

For more information, visit www.pow-mia-oree.com.

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January 1- January 14, 2021

Page 19

BUSINESS NEWS

Braman Motorcars Donates 161,000 Meals To Feeding South Florida

Each year, Braman Motorcars in West Palm Beach and Jupiter puts on their Season of Giving, where each test drive equals meals to the disadvantaged community, and each car sold equals toys for kids.

The dealerships also collects toys from customers and Club Braman members.

This year, Braman has chosen Toys for Tots as the benefactor to assure that the treasures get delivered to those most in need.

A preliminary down payment of 6,500 toys was delivered to the Toys for Tots warehouse in West Palm Beach in early December, with more going at the end of the month.

“Toys for Tots has an incredible infrastructure able to handle and efficiently distribute this massive amount of toys — and that’s why we chose them this year,” General Manager Stephen Grossman said.

“With the unusual situation of the pandemic, our regular mechanisms to collect toys has been

hampered by our inability to hold Club Braman events where our customers traditionally bring toys during celebrations for distribution to those in need. So as a result, we decided to tie vehicle purchases to toy donations.”

Each dealership of Mini, BMW, Porsche, Rolls-Royce and Bentley were also collection points for toys where customers could drop off packages. Braman’s marketing in the community continuously broadcasts the need for toys, fueling the effort. “This is such a great time of the year that brings together our staff and customers in this endeavor,” Grossman said.

The annual toy drive began the day after the conclusion of the annual Drive to End Hunger, where BMW dealers team up in the Southern Region to feed the hungry. This year, Braman Motorcars contributed 161,000 of the 2.4 million meals provided by BMW Southern Region dealers, more meals than ever before.

A rendering of the new home at 2520 Cypress Island Court.

Two Stock Custom Homes Are Nearing Completion

General Manager Stephen Grossman.

One of the many beautifully decorated trees adorned by donated toys throughout Braman’s dealerships.

“Fulfilling the need this year was paramount to us as a dealership,” Grossman said. “With the arrival of this pandemic, there are so many people in need who a year ago never thought they would be.

Relieving just some of these hardships made our staff work harder than ever to reach our Season of Giving goals.”

For more than 30 years, Braman Motorcars has been providing South Florida with a world-class luxury automotive experience.

With locations in West Palm Beach and Jupiter, Braman is an authorized dealer for Bentley, BMW, Mini, Porsche and Rolls-Royce automobiles. Learn more at www. bramanmotorcars.com.

Palm Beach Mask Donates 100,000 Disposable Facemasks To The Community

Palm Beach Mask, a company dedicated to manufacturing locally made PPE equipment, donated 100,000 disposable facemasks to government offices, medical organizations, first responders and nonprofit groups across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast this holiday season.

Palm Beach Mask was created as a spinoff of Canvas Designers to combat the dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic. Founded by longtime Acreage residents Mike and Pam Erickson, along with their sons John and Robert, Palm Beach Mask produces, distributes, markets and sells consumer-grade and medical-grade facemasks.

“We, as a family, decided to pivot some of our resources and know-how to start this venture in the hopes of helping everyone in our community get through this pandemic,” Erickson said. “We have to work together to end the pandemic, and only then will we be able to return to a normal life.”

Facemasks remain a vital weapon in the battle against COVID-19.

Face coverings can prevent the transmission of germs from person to person. With COVID-19 cases

increasing in the United States, Palm Beach Mask has taken the step to further help local communities by donating masks. While many Americans will receive the COVID-19 vaccine over the coming weeks and months, experts stress that facemasks are still helpful in combating this pandemic until the vaccine has widespread effects. Facemasks and the vaccine can work together to save millions of American lives.

Palm Beach Mask has donated thousands of face masks to local organizations throughout the pandemic, but this marks the company’s first opportunity to give back in a much bigger way and truly make a difference. Palm Beach Mask is spreading safety and goodwill throughout the region by delivering boxes of 2,000 facemasks decorated in the holiday spirit to 50 community-based organizations. The company is also donating masks to both the Boca Raton Bowl and the Delray Beach Open tennis tournament, two large-venue events that will take place in Palm Beach County over the next month.

Palm Beach Mask’s three-ply

Stock Custom Homes, the award-winning luxury custom homebuilding division of Stock Development, has two estates nearing completion in Wellington’s Palm Beach Polo Golf and Country Club. The homes are slated for completion in January.

The first, located at 2520 Cypress Island Court, will encompass 7,516 square feet under air and is currently offered at $8,495,000.

It is being collaborated on with Beasley & Henley Interior Design and R.G. Designs, and its floorplan will maximize the beautiful views surrounding the lot. A modern aesthetic, grounded in earth tones and textures, will be found throughout.

The future homeowner will live in true luxury with an oversized, private study and a private master retreat with a stunning fireplace.

The second property, this time with R.G. Designs and Marc-Michaels Interior Design, is located at 2510 Cypress Island Court

and listed at $8,995,000. With 7,581 square feet under air, it is designed to take in the incredible golf course and lake views from multiple rooms. Its floorplan will allow numerous opportunities for indoor-outdoor living and entertainment. The furnishings and fixtures will have a hint of Polynesian flair and mix clean-lined pieces with character pieces that feature either carved profiles or different organic finishes.

Stock Custom Homes has been actively expanding on Florida’s east coast with multiple luxury residences in Palm Beach Polo.

The division is also constructing an incredible 13,000-square-foot oceanfront estate with a private beach at 916 S. Ocean Blvd. The $59 million home is slated for completion in next summer.

For more information about Stock Custom Homes, visit www. stockcustomhomes.com or call (239) 249-6400.

Kickback Neighborhood Tavern Now Open In The Wellington Plaza

100,000 masks stacked up in front of Palm Beach Mask offices. facemasks are made from non-woven fabrics, including a high-quality inner filter that exceeds 98 percent BFE filtration. In addition, the holiday-themed facemasks provide a fun, colorful alternative to the typical disposable face coverings sold in stores.

“Tis the season for giving, and as a local startup disposable

mask manufacturing company, we want to contribute to our local communities in as big a way as we can,” Erickson said. “Please help support our startup and watch for another 100,000-mask donation this spring.”

For more information about Palm Beach Mask, visit www. pbmask.com.

Longtime fans of Backstreets Bar & Grill in Wellington were thrilled to see the new and improved Kickback Neighborhood Tavern open its doors on Monday, Dec. 21 at 12771 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza.

The owners have re-imagined the restaurant with new furniture and fixtures, a refreshed bar, shiplap walls and renovated restrooms.

A 29-degree, 8-tap beer system serves up pints alongside classic cocktails and new libations. The food menu features elevated tavern fare featuring comfort classics and familiar favorites. Popular items like the Tenderloin Tips with Béarnaise Sauce, Peter Luger Burger and Gorgonzola Salad continue to delight diners.

The new layout appeals to family and friends visiting for lunch or dinner. Guests will be able to enjoy

live music with a stage area featuring vintage musical instruments and old school vinyl records.

“We are thrilled to be back and ready to continue serving the Wellington community,” said Dan Hooker, managing member of Mad Hospitality Group. “We hope regulars and newcomers alike will embrace our refreshed look while enjoying the neighborhood feel, warm hospitality, live entertainment and great food and drink.”

Kickback Neighborhood Tavern is a family-friendly restaurant and watering hole. Part of the Mad Hospitality Group portfolio, the restaurant features an 8-tap beer system and craft cocktail list alongside elevated tavern fare in a warm and inviting setting. For more info., follow www.facebook. com/KickbackWellington.

Page 20

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Page 21

SPORTS & RECREATION

Palm Beach Central Boys Basketball Squad A Work In Progress

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report In basketball, what’s most important is how a team finishes the season. That’s important to keep in mind when looking at the Palm Beach Central High School varsity boys basketball program. So far this year, the Broncos have split their first four games — winning two and losing two.

The Broncos opened the season on a positive note, winning a pair of district home games. They defeated Palm Beach Lakes 68-65 on Dec. 9 and outscored Jupiter 54-48 on Dec. 11. But in the days leading up to the holiday break, Palm Beach Central dropped two non-district games — losing 61-39 at William T. Dwyer on Dec. 16 and falling 66-56 at Santaluces on Dec. 18.

The Broncos open up the 2021 portion of the schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 5 when they host local rival Royal Palm Beach High School in a district clash.

Palm Beach Central head coach Jason Pitman, now in his eighth year leading the Broncos, is cautiously optimistic that his 12-play-

er squad will continue to improve.

In order for the Broncos to have a great season, Pitman is looking for leadership from his 10 upperclassmen — six seniors and four juniors. He expects a little more leadership from the top five returning players from last year.

The other two varsity players this year are a pair of freshmen.

Those five returning players from last year’s squad are junior Andrew Frection, senior Max Cedeno, senior Leo Puckering, senior Jenerrian Cross and senior Danny Potter.

Pitman believes that Frection can be a dominant player in every game.

“Andrew is a strong post player and a great rebounder,” Pitman said. “My hope is that he is our leading scorer and rebounder in every game.”

Pitman noted that Cedeno understands how to get to the rim with the ball while also understanding the importance of playing strong defense.

“Max is a playmaker and creator, and he guards the perimeter well on defense,” Pitman said.

Senior Leo Puckering is a tenacious defender.

According to Pitman, Puckering is an extremely aggressive player on both ends of the basketball court.

“Leo is our sixth man and is a tenacious defender,” Pitman said.

“Leo is a hard-working player who plays the full court. He can score, too, as he had 22 against Jupiter.”

Cross, who stands 6-foot-1 and can play either guard or forward, is committed to excellence in basketball.

“Jennerian has really improved from last year,” Pitman said. “He is a really good shooter.”

Few teams have a player on the roster like senior Potter, so Pitman considers himself fortunate to have him on the squad.

“Danny is one of our key reserves,” Pitman said. “He is a vocal leader, who plays hard, and can play the post since he is tall (6-foot-3).”

The other seven players on the team — senior Rayvin St. Louis, junior Frantz Jules, junior Sergio Hayes, junior Timothy White, junior Kendall Seguignol, and freshmen David Nelson and Jaelen Nelson (not related) — are new to

the varsity boys basketball squad, but Pitman is confident that they will all contribute to the team’s success this year.

“Those seven players are new to the varsity team at Palm Beach Central,” Pitman said. “The presence of the pandemic has hurt their development, but they are all working hard and trying to find their way. They all have a great attitude.”

Defensively, Pitman’s squad will use four or five defenses throughout the season, though Palm Beach Central’s main defense will enable the Broncos to challenge every one of their opponents this year.

“Primarily, we play a man-toman defense,” Pitman said. “It gives us a great chance to win.”

With a reduced 15-game regular season schedule, down from normally 25 regular season games due to COVID-19, it’s time for the Palm Beach Central Broncos to start transforming an acceptable 2-2 start to a winning finish. It all starts at 7:30 p.m. when the Broncos host the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats on Tuesday, Jan. 5.

Senior Danny Potter is a vocal leader on the Bronco squad.

PHOTOS BY GENE NARDI

Senior Jennerian Cross stands 6-foot-1 and can play either guard or forward.

Senior Max Cedeno is a great playmaker for the team.

Junior Andrew Frection is a great rebounder.

Coach Sees Better Days Ahead For The Seminole Ridge Boys Basketball Team

Seminole Ridge High School varsity boys basketball team will be led by returning senior point guard Tylar Cerez.

PHOTO COURTESY SEMINOLE RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report The Seminole Ridge High School varsity boys basketball team had a tough 0-3 start to this year’s season, but don’t judge a book by its cover. Head coach Leonard Smith sees better days ahead for his squad.

The Hawks opened the season with a pair of close road losses — a 54-48 loss on Dec. 9 against Boynton Beach High School and a 42-37 loss at West Boca Raton High School on Dec. 15. Then, on Dec. 17, the Hawks lost their home opener to Spanish River 53-38.

According to Smith, his team could easily be 2-1, especially if the squad had played better defense. Still, Smith knows that the best days for his players are in the future, perhaps as soon as this month when the season resumes.

“We lost five seniors from last year’s team, and four of them were starters,” said Smith, who is entering his second year as head coach of the Hawks. “We’re young as far as experience is concerned. We are now adding a few players from the football team.

And we didn’t really start practicing until Nov. 18. Our biggest

issue is building team chemistry.

That comes with more practice time and getting them to learn how to play together.”

The lone returning starter from last year’s squad is senior point guard Tylar Cerez. Right now, Cerez’s job is to dribble the ball down the court, pass the ball to open teammates, score points when the opportunities present themselves, and grab as many rebounds as possible.

Smith is looking for a few players to step forward to lend a helping hand to Cerez. He is expecting more production from Will Houraney, Josh Badett and Tylar’s brother, Dylan Cerez.

Smith expects Houraney to use his 6-foot-4 frame to score points and grab more rebounds.

“Will is a big key for us inside,” Smith said. “He grabs around 10 rebounds a game. He’s a very good rebounder, but we need points from him.”

Smith also has high expectations from both Badett and Dylan Cerez.

“We need more production from Josh,” Smith said. “And Dylan needs to pick up the pace.”

Smith’s coaching philosophy is focused on getting his team to play aggressive defense.

“Defense creates offense,” Smith said. “We have many defenses that look the same yet operate differently. My favorite defense is a full-court 1-2-2 press. I like for my teams to apply full-court and half-court pressure. We are always

changing defenses in every game.”

The Hawks are now focused on getting their first victory of the season when they host Olympic Heights High School (3-0) on Tuesday, Jan. 5. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Team Rosters Revealed For Joe Barry Cup And Ylvisaker Cup At IPC

The International Polo Club Palm Beach recently announced the team rosters for the first two tournaments of the 2021 highgoal season. Three teams will vie for the Joe Barry Memorial Cup, which will kick off the season on Sunday, Jan. 3, while four teams will compete for the Ylvisaker Cup, beginning on Jan. 20.

All tournaments except the Iglehart Cup will be livestreamed on Global Polo TV so that friends, family and fans can keep up with all the action from home.

Joe Barry Memorial Cup teams are: Beverly Polo (Bill Ballhaus, Lucas Diaz Alberdi, Tolito Ocampo and Hilario Figueras); Palm

Beach Equine (Costi Caset, Robbie Bilbao, Gringo Colombres and Scott Swerdlin); and Santa Clara (Keko Magrini, Lucas Escobar, Matias Magrini and Luis Escobar).

The Ylvisaker Cup team will be Aspen, Beverly Polo, Palm Beach Equine and Tamera.

While IPC will not be open to the general public during the 2021 polo season, there will be a limited number of tickets to Sunday brunch in the Veuve Clicquot Pavilion for spectators, as well as exclusive pre-sold tailgates and boxes. There will be no day of event ticket sales.

For more information, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

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NEWS

WELLINGTON SENIORS CLUB MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON

The Wellington Seniors Club held a drive-up box lunch event on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Wellington’s Village Park. As the seniors checked in at the gate, they received cookies and a coffee mug. The box lunch was from TooJay’s, and the goody bag sponsors were Healthy Partners, Wellington Regional Medical Center and Harbor Chase.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Robert Nappi, Shirley Horn, Ray Silvacoll, Rosemary Goldson, Santa, Eileen Kuhnel and Marie Coleman.

Michelle Garvey, PBSO Deputy Scott Poritz and Jenifer Brito.

Mayor Anne Gerwig and Santa wave at the seniors.

Marie Coleman hands out goody bags.

Kathy Schneider receives a goody bag from Eileen Kuhnel.

children

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Elizabeth and Gerzy Skrodziki.

Fran Langley and John Silvestri.

Ernie and Sherry Zimmerman.

Selma Waters wishes everyone a happy holiday.

Jay Mann gives a thumbs up.

Sisters Sherie and Janet Scalzitti with dog Buddy.

Robert Nappi and Marie Coleman speak with Nancy Koloff.

Rosemary Goldson and Eileen Kuhnel load up a car.

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ted s! a d Up Week o w T ated R FEI

2021 PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTER

No spectators permitted, but you can view weekly Grand Prix and FEI live feeds at

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WEF Premiere January 6–10 USEF Premier “AA” WEF 1 January 13–17 CSI3*, USEF Premier “AA” WEF 2 January 20–24 CSI3*, USEF Premier “AA” WEF 3 January 27–31 CSI3*, USEF Premier “AA”

AGDF 1

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AGDF 6

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AGDF 9

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National Show February 19–21

National Show March 12–14

AGDF 3

AGDF 7

CDI0 3* & National Show March 16–21

AGDF 8

National Show March 26–28

CDI 4*/CPEDI 3*/National Show January 27–31

CDI 5* & National Show February 24–28

AGDF 5

Palm Beach Dressage Derby, CDI-W & National Show Florida International Youth Dressage Championships March 3–7

CDI-W & National Show February 10–14

AGDF 10 AGDF 11

AGDF 12

CDI 4* & National Show March 31–April 4

No spectators permitted, but you can view Grand Prix Freestyle live feeds at

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