Town-Crier Newspaper July 12, 2024

Westlake Revamps Its HAPPY Program To Focus On ‘Heroes’

The Westlake City Council passed a resolution Tuesday, July 2 that will allow more firsttime homebuyers to tap into a $4.3 million treasure chest of benefits. Under the changes to the city’s Housing Assistance Purchase Program Yearly — known as HAPPY — first-time homebuyers or those who have not owned a residence during the last three years can qualify for $25,000 to $35,000 toward the purchase of a home. Page 3

Skillets Now Open In The Courtyard Shops On Wellington Trace

Skillets of Wellington held its grand opening celebration on Tuesday, July 9. Now open in the Courtyard Shops at 13860

Wellington Trace, located at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd., it is Skillets’ 16th location in Florida and third in Palm Beach County. Page 5

Community Celebrates 100th Birthday Of RPB

Resident Bertha Arndt

A celebration was held Sunday, June 30 to mark the 100th birthday of Royal Palm Beach resident Bertha Arndt. Page 8

Whalen Coaches His Athletes To Succeed In Swimming And In Life

Richard Whalen, the head coach of the Wellington Wahoos swim club and the head coach of the girls and boys swimming teams at Wellington High School, is the “Pied Piper” of swimming in Palm Beach County, especially in Wellington. During the high school swimming season, which lasts from August to early November, Whalen provides coaching to more than just his swimmers from WHS. Page 21

FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS

The villages of Royal Palm Beach and Wellington, along with the City of Westlake, held their annual Fourth of July celebrations on Thursday, July 4, filled with family-friendly

and spectacular fireworks to cap the evening. Shown above are

and Beverly Atkins at the Royal Palm Beach festivities.

PHOTOS FROM WESTLAKE, PAGE 16

PHOTOS FROM ROYAL PALM BEACH, PAGE 18

PHOTOS FROM WELLINGTON, PAGE 19

ITID Board Meets Monday To Consider New Culvert Option

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting Monday, July 15 in an attempt resolve frustrations over the board’s April decision to remove a culvert at the south end of Carol Street in the Santa Rosa Groves neighborhood. The removal cut access to 60th Street/59th Lane North and left residents of the rural tier neighborhood with only one way in and out — via Louise Street to 70th Road North.

“I’m hopeful,” Santa Rosa Groves resident Bill Derks said Wednesday about the upcoming meeting. Derks and his wife Young have been leading the push to have the culvert replaced and the crossing reopened.

ITID President Elizabeth Accomando, a Carol Street resident,

is also hopeful that the access will be reopened soon.

“I’d definitely like to see a resolution to this,” she said.

On Tuesday night, the Acreage Landowners’ Association used its meeting at ITID headquarters as a forum to allow some 20 Santa Rosa Groves residents and others to express their views. Derks led the discussion. Afterward, the ALA agreed to send a letter to ITID supporting the installation of a new culvert and crossing.

“I don’t think they realized the impact [removing the culvert] was going to be,” ALA Treasurer Lou Colantuoni Jr. said Wednesday. “Hopefully, the board will give the community back that historic connection.”

According to Monday’s agenda, the two choices before the supervisors are to continue their plan to poll Santa Rosa Groves/Unit 20 landowners regarding their wishes

concerning installation of a new culvert or to approve a special permit allowing developer GL Homes to install a single 80-footlong culvert and cover it with the proper amount of soil to allow the crossing to reopen.

GL, which owns several thousand acres in the area that it currently leases for farming, would do the project for free.

The company’s engineer has approved the plans, but the ITID agenda notes that the culvert to be used is designed for “agricultural and very low-density residential usage as currently exists. This crossing is not typical of crossings ITID has in the M-1 and M-2 basins.”

ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said that the district remains “concerned with the longterm structural integrity of the culvert” and will be studying the

Groves Council Gets Overview Of Challenging Budget Cycle

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council heard a staff presentation Tuesday, July 2 overviewing what is expected to be a difficult budget for fiscal year 2025. At the meeting, the council set the TRIM (truth-in-millage) rates for the town’s solid waste assessment, ad valorem property tax rate and the non-ad-valorem assessment for the dependent Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District. Each of the rates were set higher than last year to provide maximum flexibility during the budget process, but several if not all of them are expected to come down before the final budget is adopted in September. The TRIM rates represent the maximum a municipality can charge property owners next year. The rates can come down as the

budget process continues but cannot go up.

The budget overview was presented by Project Coordinator Jeff Kurtz, stressing that the votes taken that evening were not final.

“This is preliminary. It doesn’t actually enact anything,” he said. “What it does is set the highest rate that can potentially be assessed through the budget process. Those assessment hearings will be held in September.”

On Tuesday, July 16, the council will hear an initial presentation reviewing a more detailed budget. This will be fine-tuned at budget workshops on Aug. 13 and Aug. 20, as well as Aug. 22, if needed. There will also be a meeting of the town’s Finance Advisory & Audit Committee (FAAC) to review the budget.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, the town will hold its first public hearing

on the budget and set the final LGWCD and solid waste assessment rates. The second and final public hearing, which will adopt the budget and final millage rate, is set for Wednesday, Sept. 18. The new fiscal year begins Oct. 1. Kurtz warned that the town does not have reserves available to help balance the budget.

“We do not have reserves that we can rely on to fund projects as we have in the past,” Kurtz said.

“We are asking you to utilize revenues that will be produced in the next fiscal year to pay for projects and services that the town and water district provide next year. We will not be using prior year funds to any great extent.”

In recent years, the town’s finances have also been supplemented with federal money through the American Rescue Plan

Two Attorneys Aim To Become County’s Next Public Defender

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

The winner of a Tuesday, Aug. 20 primary open to all voters will become the first public defender besides the retiring Carey Haughwout to hold that title in Palm Beach County in nearly a quarter century. The race pits a Royal Palm Beach resident and the current No. 2 person at the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office, Daniel Eisinger, against longtime Delray Beach City Commissioner Adam Frankel, an attorney who worked at the agency himself

Circuit, since 2001. She is retiring after six terms in office. With no Republican in the running, the primary contest between the two Democrats — Eisinger and Frankel — effectively decides who heads an agency that makes sure all defendants get legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. That means oversight of 100 attorneys, 100 staff members and an $18 million annual budget, in what Eisinger said amounts to the largest criminal defense firm in the county.

“I’m the one who has been in the trenches every day,” Eisinger said. Frankel argues that perspective from both inside and outside the job can help an office that has been good but “could be great.”

Wellington’s Fire Station 25 Up For A Major Renovation

By Charles Elmore

Staff Report

Eisinger, Haughwout’s chief assistant, received her endorsement last fall as “perfect for the position.” He emphasizes maintaining and building on the office’s achievements, including an initiative he spearheaded to create a misdemeanor mental health court. There, low-level offenders for charges like trespassing can receive treatment and social services instead of time behind bars.

Public defender is not a job for figurehead leaders, he said.

“I truly have dedicated my career to this kind of work,” Eisinger said.

For his part, Frankel, who stepped down as a Delray Beach commissioner earlier this year, touted endorsements from police

going to bring in stateof-the-art, new facilities for them and also focus on their health, one of the new major issues for our firefighters,” said Ivan Gomez, an architect working on the project for the county at Currie Sowards Aguila Architects. Station 25 currently covers

Magic of Rotary.” Outgoing President Chris Durham presented several awards, including Rotarian of the Year to Keith Jordano and Rookie of the Year to Steve Avila. Incoming President Lynn Balch was installed by Eric Gordon. Shown here, outgoing President Chris Durham receives a gavel

fun, live music

Diane DiSanto with Cody, Lou Recchio

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

See CULVERT, page 14

groups, including the Fraternal Order of Police in April. “The public defender’s office does a good job, but I think it could do a great job,” Frankel said at a candidate forum July 1 hosted

by the Baywinds community east of Royal Palm Beach. “There could be several improvements that I see that can be brought in, as the candidate who has worked

Adam Frankel Daniel Eisinger

An artistic rendering of what the expanded and redesigned Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station 25 will look like.

Three Attorneys Seeking Vacant Seat On County Court Bench

By Linda Grasso Town-Crier Staff Report

Voters countywide will take part in an election to fill a rare open seat on the Palm Beach County Court bench next month. The vacancy in the Group 2 seat follows the retirement of County Court Judge Ted Booras, who was appointed to the bench in 2006. The nonpartisan primary election will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 20 with three attorneys seeking the position — Lourdes Casanova, Douglas Leifert and Jean Marie Middleton. The two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the general election in November, unless one candidate wins more than 50 percent of the vote and is elected outright. Casanova and Leifert have both served as prosecutors and now are in private practice with substantial community service to their credit. Middleton is currently employed by the School District of Palm Beach County and has also devoted substantial time to serving the community. Each shared with the Town-Crier why they believe they are the best choice to serve as a county court judge. The county court is a limited jurisdiction court and is frequently referred to as “the people’s court.” It hears misdemeanors, traffic hearings, credit card and other debt collection matters, small claims and issues before the Veterans Court. The amount at issue in the county court is limited to $50,000.

LOURDES CASANOVA Lifetime resident and community advocate Lourdes Casanova is one of the candidates for the open County Court Judge Group 2 seat.

She has legal experience both as a prosecutor and defense attorney and has spent much of her legal career practicing in the County Court. “I have the legal experience, judgment and integrity to serve our community as county court judge,” Casanova said. “For nearly a decade, I have litigated in the criminal, civil and traffic divisions of our county court. It would be an honor to serve Palm Beach County in our judiciary.” She founded Casanova Law in Palm Beach County, providing legal services in criminal law, DUI, fish and wildlife, sealing and expunging, traffic tickets, small claims, juvenile court and immigration. Casanova founded her law firm in 2015 as a sole practitioner, and in addition to practicing law, has learned how to run a business. She learned business from the ground up, as she was the first person in her family to start and run a business.

Casanova attended Palm Beach County public schools and was the valedictorian at Royal Palm Beach High School in 2005. She was a University of Florida cum laude graduate, and later obtained her law degree there. Casanova said that she is strongly committed to family values, community service and outreach educational programs. She explained that her commitment is a reflection of the experience of her parents, who immigrated from Cuba to escape the tyranny of a dictatorship. Casanova said that she is grateful for their courage in fleeing oppression every day, and she learned from their experience an appreciation of American legal principles, such as

separation of powers, due process and access to the judicial system.

The Judicial Nominating Commission has several times nominated Casanova for a judgeship, reflecting their confidence in her capacity to serve. As a prosecutor, she managed 300 to 400 cases daily, reviewing warrants, examining evidence and preparing witnesses. As a defense attorney, Casanova regularly litigates in the county court.

Casanova noted that she has continued her commitment to community service and is active in many organizations, including the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association (where she served as president in 2023), the Florida Bar Leadership Academy, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, Special Olympics, the Florida Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Association of Women Lawyers.

“I believe that family and community come first. It is necessary to be of service and give back to our community, and especially to those who are in need,” Casanova said.

Visit www.casanovaforjudge. com to learn more about Casanova’s campaign.

DOUGLAS LEIFERT

Also seeking the Group 2 seat is Douglas Leifert, who has devoted his time since graduating in 1990 from Nova Southeastern University’s law school litigating a variety of matters as both a prosecutor and later as a defense lawyer. However, that was not his original goal in life. Growing up, he instead wanted to become a commercial airline pilot.

“I grew up on the final approach to JFK in New York City, watching international flights, even the Concorde, arrive from all over the world,” he recalled. “I imagined becoming a commercial airline pilot, but my Jewish parents wanted a doctor or a lawyer. I realized that as a lawyer, I could help people, and provide a way to earn a living and support a family.”

Leifert served as an assistant state attorney for five years before entering solo practice as a lawyer. Since 1997, he has been in partnership with his brother, Brian Leifert, in the Leifert and Leifert Law Firm.

Leifert takes pride in being a courtroom lawyer, both previously as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney, in all of Palm Beach County. He views the judicial system as a mechanism to resolve disputes in a way that treats all the parties with respect in a fair and

non-biased manner.

The goal of a county court judge, he said, is to follow the rules and fashion a decision that evolves from the best resolution for the parties and is based on the experience of mature lawyers, as well as life experiences.

“A county court judge needs to always be fair, courteous and impartial,” Leifert said. “Most cases can be settled. People don’t want to spend their days in court. They would rather resolve the problem and return to their normal life, and judges should make that happen.”

If elected, he intends to manage his docket by keeping the parties and lawyers to the dates established in the judicial case management system. This is critical, he believes, to the efficient administration of the court calendar.

Leifert noted that this judicial opening is the first to be decided by an election in six years. Often

judicial seats are selected by a nominating committee and then appointed by the governor, but this seat will be decided by the people for their court, he said.

Leifert said that the vacancy comes at a good time for him to become a judge, as his children are grown, and he now has fewer financial obligations. He views becoming a county court judge not as a job, but as public service and the pinnacle of his career. If elected, Leifert intends to serve two terms and retire, giving the seat back to the people to select another judge, who will in turn provide excellent service to the people. Learn more about Leifert’s campaign at www.leifertforjudge.com.

JEAN

MARIE MIDDLETON

Jean Marie Middleton, the third candidate seeking the Group 2 seat, currently serves as assistant

Westlake Revamps Its HAPPY Program To Focus On ‘Heroes’

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

The Westlake City Council passed a resolution at their Tuesday, July 2 meeting that will allow more first-time homebuyers to tap into a $4.3 million treasure chest of benefits. Under the changes to the city’s

Federal Housing Administration income guidelines in relation to income eligibility.

Realistically, most applicants will qualify for assistance with homes in the $350,000 to $450,000 range, such as the community’s two recently added townhome developments, The Crossings and

better than [anywhere else in Palm Beach County]… It’s not only about people who need a leg up, but also about the type of people we want to attract to this city.”

The program takes the place of the Florida Hometown Heroes program and is modeled after it, though it expands the definition

“They are part of the great core of people we want to attract to Westlake,” O’Connor said this week. Previously, eligibility was based solely on family income and the price of the home. Even though the program has been sidelined for some time, City

continue to move upward.”

Cassel, who worked with Minto Communities USA Senior Vice President John Carter to shape the original offering, added, “That’s what the intent of this whole program was from the beginning.” Minto is the largest developer and landowner in Westlake, which

years, averaging approximately 40 new home occupancies every month, Cassel said. This week, Cassel noted that many of the same professionals also can take advantage of a three percent discount as part of Minto’s Welcome Heroes initiative. The two programs are “stackable,”

Jean Marie Middleton Douglas Leifert

Lourdes Casanova

Westlake Putting More Distance Between Predators And Kids

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

There will be a special meeting of the Westlake City Council on Tuesday, July 16 at 5:30 p.m. to codify a change to the municipality’s sexual offender and sexual predator ordinance.

Mainly, the change extends from 1,000 feet to 2,500 feet — the additional length of some six football fields — the prohibition against persons listed as sexual offenders or predators living near parks, playgrounds, daycare centers, libraries or “any other place where children regularly congregate,” such as bus stops or the Westlake Adventure Park.

The revamped ordinance passed 4-0 at its first reading on Tuesday, July 2. Vice Mayor Greg Langowski was not present.

Council members agreed to call a special, one-item meeting on the earliest date legally possible to hold a second reading of the ordinance. If approved again by the council at its second reading, it will become law.

“The safety and security of our

residents and children is paramount,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said this week, noting that he has two young children of his own.

The urgency grew out of concerns by residents of the 55-and-older Cresswind development regarding two individuals listed on the U.S. Department of Justice sex offender public web site and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement sexual offenders/predators search. Sexual offenders are required to register their residential location with local law enforcement agencies. Several concerned Cresswind residents spoke up at the July 2 meeting.

However, City Attorney Donald Doody emphasized that the ordinance is not intended to target any individual or to create an absolute ban against such individuals living in Westlake.

“We cannot legally prohibit that, but we can regulate the distance,” he said, noting that the 2,500foot limit has been upheld by the courts. “It is defensible.”

Considering Westlake’s small geographic size — 6.5 square

miles — Doody was asked if the new ordinance did not in effect wall out sexual offenders.

“If [the ordinance] extremely limits the opportunity for individuals who are sexual predators, then that will be the case,” he said. “But this is not a total prohibition.”

O’Connor was satisfied with the wording in the new regulation.

“The ordinance accomplishes what we need to accomplish,” he said. “The essence of the order is to prohibit known predators from living anywhere near where our children may congregate.”

In other business:

• The council adopted 4.95 mills as the tentative rate for the city’s 2025 ad valorem property taxes, as required by the state’s Truthin-Millage (TRIM) law. The 2024 fiscal year rate was 5.0, down from 5.1 in 2023.

The city’s second budget workshop is set for Aug. 6. The first budget hearing is scheduled for Sept. 3, with the second and final hearing planned for Sept. 11, at which all council members must be in attendance.

Under Florida law, the TRIM millage rate once set cannot be increased, but it can be reduced — something O’Connor is encouraging staff to do before the final vote.

“I know we run a lean government as it is,” O’Connor said, “but let’s tighten the belt and at least match what we did last year.”

The city had to return $110,000 in tax revenue because of findings by the Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Value Adjustment Board, Cassel told the council. “That’s why we budget the way we do,” he said this week. “So that we have reserves for situations such as this.”

The city plans to set aside $1,382,100 in the 2025 budget to go with $1,259,800 projected to be in the municipality’s reserve fund by the Sept. 30 end of the current fiscal year. That will create an approximate $2.64 million emergency reserve for the municipality.

• The council approved a $44 increase — $280 to $324 — per residential unit for solid waste disposal, plus $180 for the county’s disposal fee.

O’Connor reiterated that none of the money — some $761,000 total — goes to Westlake.

The city’s current waste disposal contract expires at the end of the next fiscal year, and Cassel said the work will be put out for bid in hopes of finding a better deal.

“We’re of a size now that I’ve had three or four of the hauling companies contact me, and we’ll see how sharp their pencils are,” he said. “Their looking at us as a good target for business, and we’re primed for bidding.”

• The council approved a $1,066,606 contract with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for police protection services. That represents a four percent increase over the current fiscal year.

“The PBSO has been great,” O’Connor said. “So, let’s give them whatever they need.”

The sheriff’s office has seven full-time deputies assigned to Westlake.

• The council heard more complaints from residents about people walking behind their property to fish in the community’s many

lakes and waterways, all of which are the property of the Seminole Improvement District (SID), which provides most of the infrastructure, roads and drainage for the community. In most cases, residential property stops where the slope down to the lake or canal begins, Cassel noted, but added that many residents are rightly concerned about strangers wandering around behind their homes. Fishing from SID’s swale or in SID’s lakes is prohibited, he said. “The proper procedure is to call the PBSO,” he said. “They’ll chase them off and, if necessary, fine them.”

O’Connor said this week that he hopes someday to be able to create a safe space for children and adults to “enjoy this great pastime and hobby” — perhaps in the form of a boardwalk alongside one of the lakes that front the 50-acre regional park that Westlake is building in conjunction with SID on the west side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road just south of Seminole Ridge High School.

Baxter Plans July 25 Forum For ITID Seats, Local House Districts

By

Palm Beach County Commis-

sioner Sara Baxter will host a candidate forum Thursday, July 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center, located at 151 Civic Center Way in Royal Palm Beach.

Candidates for Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors Seats 2 and 4; State Representative District 94, which includes parts of Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee Groves and the Acreage/Loxahatchee area, and State Representative District 93,

Station 25 Renovation Planned

continued from page 1 with Board Member John Greene absent. Palm Beach County is the applicant in this case. There was no discussion at the meeting about construction timetables, costs or sources of funding.

Hopes for state help for another public safety building in the village took a hit when $500,000 for

serving Wellington and areas to the east, will be invited. The session will be moderated by Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo. Baxter said she planned the gathering because “a lot of different areas of the county have organizations that host candidate forums. We don’t really have one in [the western communities] that does that.”

Baxter, whose District 6 includes all the areas represented at the candidate forum, added, “I feel like voters would like to know where candidates stand on

a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Wellington fell victim to the governor’s veto pen recently. Other local projects that were vetoed after making the state budget were $500,000 for Park Road North in Royal Palm Beach and $2 million for County Road 880 west of Wellington. In other business:

• The board agreed to allow a slightly larger than standard auxiliary ground sign for a medical office building just north of Wellington Regional Medical Center at Forest Hill Blvd. and State Road

issues relevant to our area.”

The session is expected to last two hours, she said. Each candidate will get one minute to introduce themselves before being questioned by the moderator. Attendees also will be allowed to ask questions at the end of the evening. In the District 94 race, the four Republican candidates are nuclear engineer Christian Acosta; Anthony Aguirre, who manages inpatient hospitalist medicine; Gabrielle Fox, a self-described “conservative activist” and small business owner; and Meg Weinberger, who for the last 10 years has been

7. The sign is designed to help motorists find the building when they are driving on interior roads in the complex.

• The board approved updates to the village’s approved code involving exterior home colors and fence designs. Modifications or clarifications include that highgloss and semi-gloss paint is not permitted, and the garage and front doors shall be painted or stained one color.

• The board chose Stacy Somers to continue as chair, with Maria Raspanti as vice chair.

Budget Challenging Fiscal Year

continued from page 1 Act (ARPA), which is no longer available. There will be $750,000 in the general fund that can be transferred to the capital fund. Meanwhile, there is a projected shortfall of $600,000 in the road and drainage fund. There was a similar shortfall last year, which was covered by money in reserves.

To help with that, Kurtz suggested that the road and drainage assessment through the LGWCD be raised to $280 per acre from the current year’s $200, which would cover the fund’s shortfall.

As for capital projects, Kurtz said that about $2.25 million will be needed for the upcoming year. He said that the shortfall in that fund could be covered by moving some money from the current year, and not completing a few of the small road projects that are planned.

Another source of funding would be to raise the millage rate, Kurtz said. He suggested placing the TRIM rate at 4.00 mills, up from 3.00 mills, in order to keep

that option open during the budget process. However, that type of increase would require a unanimous council vote for final passage.

Setting both the assessment and the millage TRIM rates higher would give the council options, Kurtz said, but only one such increase may be necessary in the final budget.

Mayor Anita Kane wanted to know the impact of that type of increase on property owners, and Kurtz said that would be different for each resident based on their taxable property value. Commercial properties pay more with a millage rate increase rather than an assessment increase, he added.

Councilwoman Laura Danowski said that she does not want to see any increases in the tax rate or assessments.

“I would rather keep everything at 3.00 and $200 an acre and learn how to tighten our belts,” she said. Danowski favored cutting back on projects rather than allowing rate increases.

Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia said the current vote is not about raising taxes, but rather giving the town options as the budget process moves forward. She did not want to see necessary paving and drainage projects postponed further.

“I am not in favor of raising taxes, but we are in dire straits,” Maniglia said. “We have to pay for the infrastructure that we have been ignoring and neglecting.”

She favored a millage increase over an assessment increase in order to shift more of the burden to commercial taxpayers. She also does not think the town should continue to subsidize the solid waste assessment.

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog agreed with Maniglia. “I think it is very important that we allow ourselves the ability to negotiate,” Herzog said.

Councilman Robert Shorr, who attended the meeting remotely, said that the per-acre increases will hurt the long-term residents, who have property values that are capped by state law.

“I do not want to see the peracre increased,” he said. “I want to see some of this burden shifted to commercial.”

Shorr did not support an increase in the solid waste fee of $400. He noted that even with no rate changes, the town’s income will go up due to rising property values. “It’s not huge, but it is a decent increase to offset things like employee raises and administration costs,” he said.

focused on her animal sanctuary Rescue Life.

Rachel Litt is the only Democrat in the race. She was elected to the Palm Beach Gardens City Council in 2017 and served as the city’s mayor and vice mayor. Litt will face the winner of a primary among the Republican candidates set for Tuesday, Aug. 20. The winner of the general election will replace State Rep. Rick Roth, a Republican who is vacating the seat.

In District 93, the candidates are incumbent State Rep. Katherine Waldron, a Democrat who is completing her first term, and Republican Anne Gerwig, who recently stepped down as Wellington

Defender

Eisinger And Frankel Seek Post

continued from page 1 both inside and outside the office.”

For example, he wants to bring a juvenile mental health court to Florida and Palm Beach County, similar to what states such as Texas and California have now. He wants to update what he calls an antiquated web site. And he would like to explore making job training part of case resolutions that often include a community-service component, such as sweeping floors or picking up trash on the beach.

Eisinger raised more than $132,000 in campaign contributions by July 8, according to the Florida Department of State’s Division of Elections database. Frankel collected more than $84,000.

Eisinger, who has three children with wife Amy, attended Suncoast

Kane noted that the town’s per-acre assessment is the lowest among neighboring municipalities.

Maniglia felt that there was money to be saved in the budget by switching to an in-house attorney, and she urged the council to support more pro-active code enforcement.

When it came time to set the LGWCD assessment rate. Herzog made a motion to set the preliminary rate at $280, but it failed for lack of a second. Maniglia then suggested $200, the same as last year, which passed 3-2 with Kane and Herzog opposed.

When the discussion shifted to the solid waste collection rate, staff noted that the proposed rate of $450 per unit is an increase of $50 over the current year’s rate, but it returns the rate to the fiscal year 2022 level.

Lowering it to $400 required the town to supplement the cost with $118,000 of money that could be used elsewhere. Shorr, however, wanted the rate to stay at $400 again.

A three percent increase (about $20,000) is expected from trash collection vendor Coastal.

Maniglia made a motion for the staff recommendation of $450,

mayor due to term limits. There is no primary in this race, which will be decided at the general election in November.

In ITID Seat 2, five candidates are challenging incumbent Supervisor Keith Jordano, a longtime Acreage resident, insurance agency owner and former president of the Acreage Landowners’ Association. Jordano is seeking his second four-year term.

The other candidates in the primary are: Lou Colantuoni Jr., Kirk Allen Ljongquist, Stian Oksavik, John Rivera and Richard Vassalotti II. Colantuoni, Ljongquist, Oksavik and Vassalotti are making their first runs for public

High School before earning an undergraduate degree and then a law degree from the University of Florida. He joined the public defender’s office in 2003. Eisinger went on to become a member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and co-chair of the West Palm Beach Task Force for Racial and Ethnic Equality’s Criminal Justice Subcommittee, among other roles.

“I am running because it would break my heart to see the office take a step backward,” Eisinger said at the July 1 forum. “I’ve worked too hard, too long, poured my sweat into it, my blood, 50-60 hour weeks, to see our office take a step backward. We’re known for being one of the best offices in the nation, and I do not want to see that go back now.”

Frankel was born in Toledo, Ohio, earning an undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University and a law degree from the University of Toledo. Not long after graduating, he moved to Delray Beach, serving as an assistant public defender from 1999

which passed 3-2 with Danowski and Shorr opposed.

The council majority agreed with staff’s TRIM rate proposal of 4.00 mills, above the 3.00 mills from last year, and above the rollback rate of 2.70 mills.

Shorr accepted the preliminary proposal of 4.00 mills. “This gives us some flexibility. I think as we get deeper into the budget, we may not need it,” he said.

Maniglia made a motion to set the TRIM rate at 4.00 mills, which passed 4-1 with Danowski opposed. However, it would require a unanimous vote for final passage.

After Danowski opposed the millage increase, Maniglia asked to reconsider the LGWCD assessment, which was then changed to $250, between the current rate of $200 and staff’s recommendation of $280, on a 3-2 vote with Shorr and Danowski opposed.

In other business:

• Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter attended the meeting, along with Legislative Affairs Director Kasey Denny, to give a legislative update on how recent changes in Tallahassee will impact the local area. Baxter congratulated the town on its approval of $750,000 in state funds through the budget process.

office. Rivera ran unsuccessfully for ITID Seat 5 in 2018 and 2022. Under Florida law, if more than two candidates qualify for a nonpartisan race, they must go through the primary. The top two vote-getters will advance to the November general election, unless a candidate gets more than 50 percent of the vote and is elected outright.

In Seat 4, the contest is between two-term incumbent Supervisor Betty Argue and trucker advocate Natalia Melian Torres. Because there are only two candidates in the race, they will skip the August primary and go straight to the general election ballot in November.

to 2001. He then set up a private practice in criminal defense. He served five terms as a Delray Beach city commissioner starting in 2009, including a stint as vice mayor. Community and professional roles include service on Palm Beach County’s Tourist Development Council and the Florida Public Pension Trustees Association. The candidates agree on some things, such as they don’t view this as a particularly partisan job — even if the decisive voting occurs in a primary. It is open to all voters regardless of party affiliation.

“Being that I served 12 years on the Delray Beach City Commission, the people who came in for help, we didn’t ask if they were Republicans, or Democrats, or independents, whatever, we helped everyone,” Frankel said. “That’s how I envision this position.” Learn more about Eisinger’s campaign at www.danieleisingerforpublicdefender.com. Visit www.votefrankel.com to learn more about Frankel’s campaign.

• Danowski was presented an award by Katelyn Bates and Ashley Schroth of Junior Achievement of the Palm Beaches, thanking her for her work supporting the local nonprofit.

• Gina Lawrence of My Government Online gave a presentation on new software that the town will be implementing to oversee permits and code enforcement. The contract was approved at the meeting, and the council hopes that the new software will upgrade crucial systems that have been problematic in the past.

• After more than a year of discussion, the council rejected an amendment to the town’s Unified Land Development Code that would have added “debris management services for the purposes of post-disaster clean up” among the list of essential services. This would have allowed the town and its emergency debris management provider AshBritt to move forward with setting up a post-hurricane debris management site near Southern Blvd.

• The council continued its discussion regarding proposed changes to the town’s recreational vehicle ordinance, which is expected to return to the council in a more final form later this summer.

Louis Hillary Park

Town-Crier Staff Report

A look at the planned front elevation of the renovated PBCFR Station 25.

Skillets Now Open In The Courtyard Shops On Wellington Trace

Skillets of Wellington held its grand opening celebration on Tuesday, July 9. Now open in the Courtyard Shops at 13860 Wellington Trace, located at the corner of Wellington Trace and Greenview Shores Blvd., it is Skillets’ 16th location in Florida and third in Palm Beach County. At the grand opening event, Skillets President & CEO Joe DiGangi presented a donation to the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. Children from the club were treated to breakfast and invited to join in a pancake-flipping contest.

This is Skillets Restaurants’ third location on the east coast of Florida, joining its Boca Raton and Delray Beach restaurants. This location features Skillets’ signature homemade and nutritious breakfast and lunch items in a 4,500-square-foot restaurant that seats 195 guests and has 25 dedicated employees.

“As we expand in Palm Beach County, the Wellington area is an ideal fit,” DiGangi said. “This equestrian and family-centric area has many early risers looking for a quality breakfast experience. Wellington will fall in love with our great breakfast and lunch food choices and seasonal menu. Skillets Restaurants become a gathering space where flavors come alive, and memories are made. We look forward to serving our guests with passion and dedication. We want to thank the Wellington community for graciously welcoming Skillets.”

In 1995, Ross and Noreen Edlund started their first Skillets in Naples. Now, they have five locations in Naples alone and

have expanded across Florida. Their mission from the beginning has been to prepare homemade, delicious and nutritious breakfasts and lunches from scratch with top-notch, friendly and efficient service in inviting and comfortable surroundings.

“We have had great success on the west coast, with Skillets being a common household name, and we could not be more excited about the early success of our restaurants in Boca and Delray,” Skillets founder Ross Edlund said.

“Wellington is a great addition to our Palm Beach expansion. We hope to become a staple in the Wellington community and look forward to feeding generations of families here.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County will be the new location’s charity partner in Wellington. “This organization is not only beloved in the community, but known for its outstanding work with children, and we are so excited to be able to support their club in Wellington, the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club,” Skillets founder Noreen Edlund said.

Using only premium ingredients, Skillets serves breakfast and lunch from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at 16 locations in Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, Bradenton, South Sarasota, Venice, Bonita Springs, Lely, Wellington, Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Port Charlotte. For more information, visit www.skilletsrestaurants.com.

RE-ELECT

Early Life and Education

Hometown: New Orleans, Louisiana.

Early Work: I started at my dad’s construction company at age 7, earning $7 a week.

Education: I hold a business degree from Loyola University of the South, where I served as President of the City College Student Government and VP of the Student Union. I also earned an associate degree in business computer programming.

My Professional Background

Early Career: I worked for the U.S. Department of Energy Strategic Petroleum Reserve in Louisiana and Texas, managing configuration and logistics.

Government Work: I transitioned to the Department of Defense, overseeing computer inventory for the U.S. Navy Reserve. I served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 13 years in Special Forces Special Boat Unit 22, earning multiple commendations and awards.

Private Sector: I became a broker with MetLife, achieving various certifications and traveling across the U.S. to enroll large companies in their benefits programs.

Community Involvement

Acreage Landowners Association: As President, I initiated volunteer groups for elderly support and improved community communication.

Local Organizations: I served as VP of the Palms West Chamber of Commerce, President of the Royal Palm Beach Rotary, and VP of Legislative Affairs for Palm Coast Health Underwriters and Life Underwriters, representing them in Tallahassee and Washington, D.C.

Special Needs Advocacy: I served as President of Unity for Kids, an inclusionary school for special needs children.

Political Career

Indian Trail Improvement District: I was elected to the Board of Directors in 2020, currently serving as Treasurer.

Closing Message: I’m Keith Jordano, and I believe in the values of God, family, and country. I stand for all residents of the district and strive to foster unity over divisiveness. Your support on August 20th, 2024, will help me continue to serve and improve the Indian Trail Improvement District.

I represent ITID at PBC Leagues of Cities, RPB council meetings, SID Meetings, TCRPC, and the Equestrian Trail Committee.

Vision for the Future

Lower Taxes: I am committed to reducing the tax burden on residents.

Infrastructure Improvements: I will address traffic congestion, enhance road safety, and improve drainage systems.

Recreational Facilities: I aim to upgrade park facilities for both youth and adults, including equestrian activities.

Community Safety: I focus on safer equestrian trails and protecting community boundaries.

Communication and Unity: I advocate for better communication among residents and promoting unity within the district. My Personal Motto: “People above politics”

General Manager Marc Schwartz (front with scissors) gets ready to the cut the ribbon and open the new Skillets location, joined by restaurant staff, Boys & Girls Club members and President & CEO Joe DiGangi.

President & CEO Joe DiGangi, hostess staff members Angelina Mariani, Kenzie Parsons and Leonie Okunyade, and General Manager Marc Schwartz.

Skillets is located in the Courtyard Shops at Wellington.

Skillets of Wellington General Manager Marc Schwartz and President & CEO Joe DiGangi with staff members at the new restaurant.

Boys & Girls Club members are treated to breakfast during the grand opening event.

Wellington Boys & Girls Club Director Latricia Jenkins is presented with a donation check by Skillets Restaurants President & CEO Joe DiGangi, joined by club members.

Skillets President & CEO Joe DiGangi with Boys & Girls Club Wellington Chair Marcella Montesinos, Board Member Sonali Mendiratta, Club Director Latricia Jenkins, Board Member Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez-Bruno and Board Member Luc Limbourg.

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Village Of Wellington Enhances Resident Engagement

By Rolling Out Multiple Interactive Budgeting Tools

The Village of Wellington recently announced the launch of multiple resident engagement interactive budgeting tools available throughout the months of July and August. These include Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, the Budget Challenge online survey and Flashvote. The first release on July 8 included two innovative budgeting tools, Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, for the fiscal year 2025 budget season. These interactive platforms empower residents by providing them with comprehensive information and opportunities

for active participation in the budget development process.

Balancing Act offers residents a hands-on experience in exploring the fiscal year 2025 proposed General Fund budget. By modifying allocated funding and witnessing the real-time impact on the overall budget, users gain valuable insights into the trade-offs and considerations inherent in budget planning. This interactive simulation fosters a deeper understanding of Wellington’s budgeting process, building trust in the allocation of funds, and encouraging resident input and recommendations.

In addition to Balancing Act, Taxpayer Receipt provides residents with an unofficial, itemized receipt showcasing how the village spends tax dollars. Taxpayer Receipt offers a transparent breakdown of programs and services supported by residents’ tax contributions, ensuring transparency and accountability in public spending.

“We are excited to continue the use of Balancing Act and Taxpayer Receipt, two essential tools that enhance resident engagement in the budgeting process,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “These tools not only provide residents

with a deeper understanding of how their tax dollars are spent but also offer them the opportunity to actively shape the future of our community by sharing their perspectives and recommendations.”

The Budget Challenge online survey will open July 17 following the Wellington Village Council’s consideration of the proposed fiscal year 2025 TRIM (truth-inmillage) proposed budget. This online survey focuses on residents’ priorities and considerations and will be available at www.wellingtonfl.gov through Aug. 1, when the Flashvote budget survey will open.

These multiple platforms expand outreach and engagement opportunities. Residents are encouraged to visit the dedicated page at www.wellingtonfl.gov/ balancingact to access both the Balancing Act online budget simulation tool and Taxpayer Receipt. They will find detailed instructions and user-friendly features that will help them explore different budget scenarios. Web page information for the Budget Challenge and Flashvote will be available as they are released. Residents are also invited to attend the three budget hearings on

Aug. 13, Sept. 3 and Sept. 19 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). These hearings offer an ideal platform to learn more about the village budget and provide input that will be considered before the final budget adoption. According to Barnes, Wellington remains committed to fostering transparency, resident engagement and effective public spending. With the help of these outreach options, the village empowers its residents to become informed advocates for the services and programs they value most.

ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO COMMONS PARK IN RPB

Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Announces Pre-Show Entertainment

Outrun Hunger 5K Returns

Sept. 21

Feeding South Florida will host its annual Outrun Hunger 5K Palm Beach on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Okeeheelee Park, located at 7715 Forest Hill Blvd. The run/ walk start time is 7:30 a.m., with check-in at 6:30 a.m. Create a team with your family, friends and co-workers to raise awareness and funds to address food insecurity and hunger. Register for the run/walk today at www. feedingsouthflorida.org/5KPBC. To learn more, contact events@ feedingsouthflorida.org or (954) 518-1818.

School Crossing Guard Job Fair

In RPB Aug. 1

School Traffic Safety is actively seeking dedicated individuals to join the team as crossing guards for the upcoming school year. If you or someone you know is interested in a fulfilling, part-time position ensuring the safety of students, you are invited to learn more at an upcoming job fair on Thursday, Aug. 1 from 9 a.m. to noon at PBSO District 9, located at the David B. Farber Training Center at

tival will welcome international artist Devon Glover (“The Sonnet Man”) during the July 18-21 Shakespeare by the Sea evening performances. The Shakespeare by the Sea July 11-14 and Shakespeare by the Palms July 25-28 performances will open with pre-show exhibitions on medieval battle presented by the SCA’s Shire of Sea March. Pre-show entertainment begins at 6:45 p.m.

Glover is a teacher, rapper, poet, playwright and actor from Brooklyn, New York. He performs Shakespeare’s sonnets through hip-hop as “The Sonnet Man” in schools and theaters worldwide.

“We are proud to welcome Devon during this year’s festival,” PBSF Producer Elizabeth Dashiell said. “The Sonnet Man will be doing outreaches during his time with us and sharing the relevance and beauty of Shakespeare’s works with our community, which goes directly toward our mission’s goals. We hope everyone can join us during our inaugural production of King Lear, and we are so grateful to both Devon and the Shire of Sea March for enhancing this spectacular production.”

NEWS BRIEFS

1050B Royal Palm Beach Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. To learn more, call (561) 688-3805.

Calling All Dogs!

On Wednesday, July 17 from 4 to 8 p.m., the Village of Wellington and Theatre Arts Productions (TAP) will sponsor a neighborhood dog show at the Wellington Amphitheater. There will be prizes for dogs, activities for kids, vendors, dogs to adopt and more. The entry fee is $10 for admittance, and the competition fee is $20. Vendor tents are also available. For more information, contact TAP at tapstars.info@gmail.com.

Molleda To Talk At Lox CERT Meeting

On Thursday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m., Robert Molleda will be speaking about hurricane forecasting and warnings at the Palms West Presbyterian Church, sponsored by the Loxahatchee Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The meeting is free and open to the public.

Molleda has recently been promoted to the meteorologist-incharge (MIC) at the National Weather Service Miami Forecast

Office. In this role, he directs weather warnings and forecast services for the Miami Forecast Office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He will be speaking about the current year’s hurricane predictions and the latest improvements in forecasting and public communications.

Molleda’s talk will be held in the Sunday school building (the smaller building just north of the main church) at 13689 Okeechobee Blvd. in Loxahatchee Groves.

CCRT Public Meeting July 16

The Palm Beach County Office of Community Revitalization (OCR) invites the community to the upcoming Countywide Community Revitalization Team (CCRT) meeting on Tuesday, July 16 at 10 a.m. The meeting will be held in person at the Vista Center Hearing Room 1E-60 at 2300 N. Jog Road in West Palm Beach, and can also be accessed virtually or via conference call.

This month, Frederick DeTar, emergency program manager with the Palm Beach County Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, will be talking about hurricane preparedness. During his presenta-

Considered “one of the greatest tragedies ever performed,” this year’s production of King Lear, adapted and directed by Trent Stephens, is a premiere for Palm Beach County’s longest-running professional performing arts company. The Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV production takes place July 11-4 and July 18-21 at the Seabreeze Amphitheater in Jupiter’s Carlin Park. The Shakespeare by the Palms IV encore production takes place July 25-28 at the Commons Park Amphitheater in Royal Palm Beach Commons Park, located at 11600 Poinciana Blvd. Performances start at 8 p.m. and run until 10 p.m., with a 15-minute intermission. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. with pre-show entertainment. Visitors are invited to bring a beach chair, blanket and picnic basket, or enjoy on-site concessions. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV is a co-production of the Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival and Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation. Grant funding is provided by Publix Supermarket Chari

tion, DeTar will discuss the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season, and he will cover making a plan, building a kit, getting involved and being informed.

Do you want to minimize the impacts of emergencies in your community? Do you know where to turn in case of emergencies? Do you know how to work with your neighbors to improve preparedness and respond to disasters and emergencies? Do you know how to help build community capacity and plan for the unexpected? If you answered no to any of these questions, don’t miss this CCRT meeting.

This public meeting is a great opportunity for neighborhood residents to network with county agencies, OCR partners and other community leaders who are making a difference in Palm Beach County neighborhoods.

To join the CCRT meeting virtually, access www.pbcgov. org/ccrt or dial (844) 621-3956 (United States toll-free) with the meeting number: 2312 315 1667. Connect via Microsoft Lync or Microsoft Skype for Business by dialing 23085764232@pbc-gov. webex.com. For further details, call OCR Division Director Houston L. Tate at (561) 233-5303 or OCR Principal Planner Ruth Moguillansky at (561) 233-5376.

Forgotten Soldiers Outreach Thanks Enterprise Mobility For Contributions

In a heartwarming showcase of unity and compassion, Enterprise Mobility has provided remarkable contributions over the past two years as part of their Stronger Together Employee Giving Campaign.

Powered by the unwavering dedication of Enterprise Mobility team members and buoyed by a 50 percent matching gift from the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, a phenomenal $132,122.49 has been raised to support the mission of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach.

The generous contributions from Enterprise Mobility have significantly bolstered Forgotten Soldiers Outreach’s ability to reach more service members, providing them with a sense of connection and comfort amid the challenges of deployment.

The Enterprise Mobility Stronger Together Employee Giving Campaign exemplifies the power of collective action and demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when individuals and organizations unite for a common cause.

The ongoing support from Enterprise Mobility team members, coupled with the Enterprise Mobility Foundation’s generous matching gift program, serves as a shining example of corporate responsibility and community engagement.

To date, Forgotten Soldiers Outreach has supported more than 600,000 military personnel covering all world theaters and all branches of the military through its mission of sending monthly

“We Care” packages to troops serving overseas and sending that little bit of home to those who receive little or no support from the home front. For more information about Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, and how you can support their mission, visit www.forgottensoldiers.org.

“We are profoundly grateful to them for their unwavering support over the past two years,” said Lynelle Zelnar, executive director of Forgotten Soldiers Outreach, a Palm Beach County-based nonprofit. “Their dedication to our cause has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless service members, reminding them that they are valued and remembered.”

The Royal Palm Bassmasters presented the 32nd annual Ed Singleton Memorial Fourth of July Family Fishing Tournament on Thursday, July 4 at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park. Dozens on young anglers were on hand to try their luck fishing at the park’s lake. PHOTOS BY BAILEY HASTINGS/TOWN-CRIER

Will Dunn, Tyson Schroader, Omar Affholder, and Greyson and Jason Schroader.

Cody Arnold and Wyatt Clark.

Landon and Luke Evers take part in the tournament.

Arianna Gomez and D.J. Zabala.

Leo Rossi and Alessandro Rossi.

Michael, Mike and Parker Sheets. Legend and Nathan Coker.

Julian Gomez with his catch.

John Baldriche and Tom Parker with Tommy and Jacob Baldriche.

(L-R) Susan Towe of Enterprise, FSO’s Lynelle Zelnar and Sharita Tisdale-Pauldo of Enterprise.

Sara Grant as Cordeli, Caroline Dopson as Regan, Amy Simms as King Lear and Kelly Hussey as Goneril. PHOTO BY JEFFREY LANGLOIS

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ties and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County through the Board of County Commissioners. Shakespeare by the Palms IV is presented by the Village of Royal Palm Beach. Additional sponsors include Gary and Katherine Parr, Frank Cona and Lisa Calberg, and an anonymous donor. Learn more at www.pbshakespeare.org.

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival recently announced the pre-show entertainment during this year’s Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIV and Shakespeare by the Palms IV production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear This year’s free, outdoor fes-

COMMUNITY CELEBRATES 100TH BIRTHDAY OF RPB RESIDENT BERTHA ARNDT

A celebration was held Sunday, June 30 to mark the 100th birthday

with neighbors at her longtime home in Royal Palm Beach’s Village

family at Olive Garden in Wellington.

In December 2023, the YMCA of the Palm Beaches held a ceremonial groundbreaking on the first phase of a new community center that will dramatically expand its impact in the area by allowing the organization to serve four times the number of community members than it did in its previous facility. The project aligns the YMCA of the Palm Beaches with Palm Beach County and its Parks & Recreation Department in a unique and historic public-private partnership. In support of the community center project, a gift of $500,000 was recently awarded to the YMCA of the Palm Beaches through the U.S. Federal Government’s Community Grants program. The funds were secured with the help of U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel (D-District 22), who

presented the grant to the YMCA at a recent press conference.

“We are incredibly grateful to Congresswoman Frankel for helping to secure this generous grant,” said Tim Coffield, president and CEO of the YMCA of the Palm Beaches. “This is an investment not only in the future of the Y, but in the futures of those who we serve in the community, particularly our children.”

The funds will be used for the development of the Y’s new 55,000-square-foot community center at Lake Lytal Park in West Palm Beach, scheduled for completion in late 2025. A key hallmark feature of the new center will be its Youth Engagement and Resource Center, designed to reach and mentor young people ages 12 to 22 with workforce

skills, job training, mentorship and more.

Additional amenities for youth will include a music recording studio, STEM lab and robotics center, a teaching kitchen, a visual arts studio, and much more.

Additional components of the overall project include an Olympic-style skate park and an expansive new aquatics facility, which is being developed by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department.

The YMCA of the Palm Beaches has served the Palm Beach County community for more than 100 years, providing essential programs, activities and services for thousands of children, seniors and families annually. For more information, call (561) 968-9622 or visit www.ymcapalmbeaches.org.

PHOTOS BY BAILEY HASTINGS/TOWN-CRIER

Bertha Arndt smiles with her cake.

Celebrations with friends and family at Bertha’s residence earlier in the day.

Bertha Arndt with family members.

Sandra Love helps Bertha Arndt speak to her friend Coleen on FaceTime.

Friends from her condo association celebrate with centenarian Bertha Arndt.

Sandra Love and Bertha Arndt celebrate with members of PBCFR Station 28.

2024-25 board members Lynn Balch, Jeff Hmara, Steve Avila, Keith Jordano, Chris Durham and Steve Epstein.

Phyllis and Mike Gauger, Matt and Alice Saroka, and Jeff and Carolyn Hmara.

Chris Durham gives Steve Avila the Rookie of the Year award.

Outgoing President Chris Durham receives a gavel plaque from incoming President Lynn Balch.

Jeanette and Charlie Borg with Keith Jordano.

Sally Balch, George Zahul and incoming President Lynn Balch.

Pastor Mike Rose gives the invocation.

Chris Durham presents Keith Jordano with the Rotarian of the Year award.

Steve Epstein and PBSO Capt. Ulrich Naujoks.

Program Supervisor Shakeera Thomas and YAH President Francine Bryant.

Linda Foutty, Monique Lananna, Andres Palacio, Margie Cruzado and Sydney Martinez.

Rhonda Beitmen, Consuelo Navarro, Tommie Walters, Mary Ann Popper and Sonia Feldstein.

DJ Andre Carroll with Monique Lananna.

Mary Kaminski, Carolyn Hmara, Steve Kaminski and Jeff Hmara.

Councilman Jeff Hmara, Shakeera Thomas and Young At Heart President Francine Bryant.

Terry Major, door prize winners Hannah Weidgans, Monica Ingram and Newton Leighton, and DJ Andre Carroll.

MaryAnn Mollo, Don and Rose LaForge, and Cathy and Mario Ricci.

Marion Sackstein, Glynnis Horowitz and Sheryl Widan.

The Village of Royal Palm Beach started the holiday off early on Thursday, July 4 with the annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament, held at the Madison Green Country Club. Dozens of golfers took part in the annual charitable event.

Village Manager Ray Liggins, Mayor Fred Pinto, Councilwoman Selena Samios and Dan Getson.

Kathryn Leonard, Michelle Meehan, Louise Boffice and Nancy Sutton. Beaver Golf’s Michael Meaney, Glen Beaver, Brianna Beaver and Danni Rocco.

Garry Hiebert, Bill Johnson, Steve Leisure and Mike Ferraro.

First-place winners Sean Kelly, Chris Mallick and Brad Scherzer (Tom Schultz not shown) with Mayor Fred Pinto.

50/50 winner Martin Martuscelli with Parks & Recreation Director Mark Pawlowski.

Second-place winners Martin Martuscelli, Corey Satern, Eric Sessions and Greg Blackwood with Mayor Fred Pinto.

Longest drive winners Bill Johnson and J.D. Ross with Mayor Fred Pinto.

Eric Gordon inducts Lynn Balch as president.

On Tuesday, July 9, Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Sachs, fellow county commissioners and Palm Beach County Administrator Verdenia C. Baker joined Supervisor of Elections Wendy Link during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Supervisor of Elections Headquarters at the county's Cherry Road Complex in West Palm Beach. The headquarters serves as a combined office and warehouse space, including administrative offices, training rooms, a call center, early voting, canvassing, opening/tabulation/auditing, secure ballot storage and more.

Culvert Meeting

On Monday

continued from page 1 permit request with an eye toward conditions that may be applied to it from a legal and/or engineering standpoint. Those may include the installation of guard rails.

Hanson also pointed out that while only two options are listed on the agenda, “the board could do something completely different. It’s up to them.”

The Cypress Grove Community

Court Vote Three Seek Open Seat

continued from page 3 general counsel for the School District of Palm Beach County, a role she has held since 2013. Middleton said that her career goal is to become a judge, and her experience makes her uniquely qualified to fill the judicial vacancy. She currently manages four attorneys, two paralegals and a legal assistant at the school district. She previously worked for the Miami-Dade County school system and managed a larger group there. Middleton is proud that she has held several wonderful legal positions, and most of the time she was asked to apply, rather than apply for an opening.

In her final year at Howard University’s law school, one of the companies that visited the campus was Lincoln Insurance Companies, and they were impressed by her work in one of the legal clinics and asked her to apply for a position. She began her legal career

Development District, which is in charge of drainage for a narrow strip including the Carol Street crossing, will maintain the culvert, if approved.

Derks reiterated Wednesday his view that there is no need for further polling on the issue. He said he already has polled most of the 99 individuals who own lots in the neighborhood, and of the 62 responses he has received, all supported reinstallation of the culvert.

He said some property owners could not be reached because they live elsewhere, and that he

there. “I remember my time at Lincoln Insurance as a wonderful learning experience,” Middleton said, adding that Lincoln trained her to be a lawyer and a manager. Her brother was working for an insurance company in Miami, and they were looking for an attorney, so she interviewed and moved to Florida. Later she worked for the City of Miami, and then worked a private law firm in West Palm Beach. When she learned that the School District of Palm Beach County was hiring lawyers, she applied and was hired. After three years, her supervisor moved to the Miami-Dade school system, and asked her to come with her, and she became head of litigation there, until Miami-Dade instituted a residential requirement.

Middleton later worked for the City of Lake Worth as assistant city attorney and the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County as a staff attorney before returning to the School District of Palm Beach County in 2013. “I am fortunate to have substantial legal work in employment, contract, criminal and family

did not provide a questionnaire to Accomando.

Derks blames Accomando for the culvert’s removal. Accomando has said she became concerned that the culvert was unsafe and reported her concerns to ITID staff members.

Supervisors voted April 17 to remove the culvert after district staff reported that it was dangerously deteriorated.

Initially, there were no plans to replace the culvert or reopen the crossing, but pressure from a number of residents led by Derks forced ITID to reconsider.

law, intellectual property, and landlord-tenant while I was in law school, and that makes me uniquely qualified for county court judge,” Middleton said. “The cases I have won have been upheld by appellate courts. I have written dozens of jury instructions. I have 38 years of trial experience and in-house counsel for Fortune 500 cases, where I have drafted policies and procedures, in addition to legal memos for board members.”

Along the way, Middleton has volunteered with a number of organizations, such as the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the Palm Beach County Sheree Davis Cunningham Black Lawyers Association, the F. Malcolm Cunningham Sr. Bar Association (past president) and the Florida Association of Women Lawyers. She has been vetted by the Judicial Nominating Committee and been sent to the governor for potential appointments to both circuit and country court vacancies. Visit www.jeanmarieforjudge. com to learn more about Middleton’s campaign.

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Brooke Lalonde and Madison Phillips in their festive attire.

community enjoys the fireworks in Westlake during FourthFest.

David Fierra, Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Selena Samios, Andrew Jenkins, Michael Tuttle, Mayor Fred Pinto, Brian Tuttle, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Vice Mayor Jeff Hmara and Jon Isherwood.

Andrew Jenkins, Michael Tuttle, Brian Tuttle, Matthew London, John Laffitte, Keith Jackson and Adam Swaney. Kids and adults enjoy the sounds of headline band Wonderama.

Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor welcomes everyone and counts down to the fireworks show.

Friends Analia Jensen, Alayja Collins, Nayeli Agosto and Layla Orenstein enjoy snow cones from Kane’s Cones.

Danae Plotnick waves her flag in honor of the holiday. Stilt walkers interact with the crowd.

The bubble pool was a crowd favorite

FourthFest. Sophia and Matthew Davals along with Stefani Tapia.

WELLINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS ‘WEIRD FLORIDA’ PRESENTATION

Author Eliot Kleinberg was the featured speaker at the Wellington Historical Society’s Wednesday, June 26

Lunch and Learn event, where he spoke on the topic of “Weird Florida,” based on his book by the same name. The event was held at the Wellington National Golf Club. Learn more at www.wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

Coming off a record fundraising and attendance year, Clinics Can Help (CCH) recently announced plans for its 11th annual Golf Classic. Once again, the event will be presented by the Gil Martinez Agency-State Farm and will return to the Wanderers Club in Wellington on Friday, Oct. 11. The 2024 Salute to Superheroes theme will recognize and honor the superheroes in the community, as well as the superhero clients CCH serves, while fundraising for the organization’s KINDER Project.

Resuming in the role of event chair is CBS 12’s morning anchor Matt Lincoln, with PGA Tour champion Dana Quigley, whose personal experience after a tragic accident involving his

son brought him to Clinics Can Help, returning as honorary chair. In 2023, the Quigley family sadly lost Devon, and this year the organization will be honoring the family for the tireless dedication they have given to Clinics Can Help over the years. The event, which tees off at 8:45 a.m., will be a scramble format with both mixed and men’s and women’s divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed team (sun-and-fun golf attire), closest to the pin (men and women), and longest drive (men and women). A hole-in-one contest will also add to the excitement. Event proceeds will support families of children with special needs through Clinics Can Help’s

KINDER (Kids In Need of Durable Equipment Right Now) Project. Many of the children served by CCH are affected by serious medical conditions. The KINDER Project directly helps families that struggle to afford this equipment and enables their children to lead more independent lives. Tickets for the tournament range from $325 to $1,300 for golf. Lunch-only tickets are available this year for guests who are not golfing for $100. The Wanderers Club is located at 1900 Aero Club Drive in Wellington. For additional information about this event, visit www.clinicscanhelp.org/golf24. Sponsorship opportunities can be customized, with information available from

Angie Niehoff at (305) 582-7450 or golfinfo@clinicscanhelp.org.

A vital resource in Palm Beach County and throughout southeast Florida for families in search of medical equipment, such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, nebulizers and more, CCH provides access to critical equipment for thousands of children and adults who cannot afford it.

The only organization of its kind in Florida and one of only four in the United States that provide a vast and diverse array of equipment, CCH makes a difference through a simple process of organized recycling.

To learn more, visit www.clinicscanhelp.org or call (561) 6402995.

Morris & Shields

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Board members Paula Sackett, Angie Francalancia, Allyson Samiljan, Chuck Edgar, guest speaker Eliot Kleinberg, President Sue Bierer, Hope Barron, Sara Webber and Ryan McCarthy.

Eliot Kleinberg signs his book for Allyson Samiljan.

Don and Maureen Gross with Paula and Jim Sackett.

Ben Boynton, Joan Manning and Joanna Boynton.

Raffle winner Twig Morris with Ryan McCarthy. Herta Suess, Joanna Boynton and Laurie Cohen. Lillian Floyd, Judy Winston and Mary Kastner.

Maria Pisz and Peggy McClelland. Tiffany Lewis with Little Lady Crumpett.

Owen O’Neill, Matt Lincoln and Gil Martinez.

PBSO Lt. Mike Ferrante, Deputy John Matthews, Agent Enrique Perez, Agent David Maccarone and Deputy Joao Pacheco.

Celebrate, a Three Dog Night tribute band, performs onstage.

The Earth Wind & Fire tribute band rocks the park.

Councilwoman Selena Samios, Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky and Mayor Fred Pinto welcome residents.

Nevaeh Deravine likes the bumper boats. The Greene family enjoys the music.

Jake Hampu, Caden Oakley Hampu and Michelle Beaupied.

Luis Santiago has fun on the water slide.

Makenzie, Madison and Colton Ferry.

The Cher/KC and the Sunshine Band tribute artists onstage.

Sam Rodriguez with Zero and Stephanie Rodriguez with Kouga.

Sara Pervaiz applies a henna tattoo to Zasma Saboseo.

Victoria Recchio with baby Kaylie Titley and dog Niko.

Michael and Phyllis Gauger, Matt and Alice Saroka, Jane Justice, Carol Verdigi and Natasha Torres.

Diane DiSanto with Cody, Lou Recchio and Beverly Atkins.

The Military Branch Tribute is held onstage.

Fireworks light up the sky over Commons Park.

The crowd enjoys an exciting fireworks display over Village Park.

Kids have fun with bubbles on the Village Park field.

Kids

Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri celebrates the holiday with her family.

Richard Whalen Coaches His Athletes To Succeed In Swimming And In Life

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Richard Whalen, the head coach of the Wellington Wahoos swim club and the head coach of the girls and boys swimming teams at Wellington High School, is the “Pied Piper” of swimming in Palm Beach County, especially in Wellington. During the high school swimming season, which lasts from August to early November, Whalen provides coaching to more than just his swimmers from WHS. “In addition to my kids from Wellington High School, I coach swimmers from other high schools, such as Palm Beach Central, Royal

Palm Beach, Seminole Ridge, the School of the Arts, Park Vista and Cardinal Newman,” said Whalen, who has been coaching high school swimming in Florida for more than 40 years. “They swim for the Wellington Wahoos during the club season, so it only makes sense for them to continue to train with me during the high school season.”

His career as a swim coach started in Tallahassee immediately after he graduated from Florida State University back in the early 1980s, where he swam the 200yard backstroke, the 200-yard breaststroke and the 400-yard individual medley for the Semi-

noles. Prior to swimming at FSU, he spent two years going to school and swimming for Indian River Community College, one of the swimming powerhouses in national junior college circles.

Since 2004, Whalen has been in charge of the swimming program at WHS, where he also teaches economics/government, film/ television production and works with ESE students.

As a swimming coach, Whalen is rather matter of fact about how swimming can impact a young athlete’s life and his role as a coach.

“Swimming helps develop selfdiscipline, being responsible, and

you learn about the power of perseverance,” Whalen said. “If you put in the work, you’ll succeed in life and go faster in the pool. I expect my swimmers to show up and work hard.”

When his swimmers express uncertainty or a lack of confidence in the pool, he has a quick response.

“You can if you want to” and “If you want to, you’ll be successful” are two of his common responses, always said with a smile.

Whalen has a long list of his former swimmers who have moved on from swimming and have been successful in business, law, medicine and more.

On the topic of the speed of today’s swimmers, Whalen is amazed at how swimmers’ times continue to improve.

“At some point in time, there has to be a limit, but we’re not there yet,” said Whalen, who noted that technological improvements in swimsuits, goggles, bathing caps and how swimming pools are designed have played a role in times getting lower over the last 40 years.

While Whalen is invested as a swim coach, he’s also a big fan of the sport. He is looking forward to watching the swimming at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris. Like many avid swimming fans, he was glued to the nine straight days of nightly broadcasts on NBC and Peacock of the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials from Indianapolis in June.

“Our Olympic swim team is a mix of the old guard with a few new faces sprinkled in there,” said Whalen, who watches swimming on television as both a fan and a coach. “Our Olympic team is strong, but so is the Australian Olympic swim team. There will be some good races to watch.”

As Whalen looks forward to

the upcoming high school season, which is a fall sport in Florida, he is expecting great results from many of his swimmers, both boys and girls.

“Julian Granison, Dylan Metz and Andreas DaSilva should do well this fall,” Whalen said. “Julian is strong in the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle races, Dylan will be a force in the two distance freestyle events, which are the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle, and Andreas is very good in the 100-yard backstroke and 100-yard butterfly. Julian will be a sophomore, while Dylan and Andreas will be juniors.”

Whalen would not be surprised to see Granison, Metz or DaSilva return home as state champions in November.

On the girls side, Leorah Rotchin, Natalie Honzik and Veronica Metz, who is Dylan’s sister, are expected to go fast this fall.

“Leorah can swim the 100-yard butterfly as well as the 100-yard, 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle,”

Whalen said. “Natalie will be strong in the 100-yard breaststroke and the 200-yard individual medley. Veronica can swim anything, but her best events are the 200yard individual medley and the 500-yard freestyle.” This fall, Rotchin will be a senior, Honzik will be a junior and Metz is an incoming freshman. One thing that Whalen is looking forward to is the opening of the new swimming complex at Village Park in Wellington, which is expected to open in late 2025.

“The current pool has been upgraded twice, and we need more pool space for our Wahoos swim team,” Whalen said. Outside the pool, one of Whalen’s constant companions is his dog Guinness.

“She’s a Jack Russell-black lab mix,” Whalen said. “Six years ago, I rescued her from a field in Belle Glade, when she was fleabitten and eating lizards. She’s now healthy and loves walks in the park.”

Local Rugby Players And Coach Tour New Zealand With U.S. Team

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

From June 19 to July 2, one of the co-founders of the Wellington Wizards youth rugby club and two of the club’s original players traveled to New Zealand as part of the USA Rugby South Panthers U19 team’s tour to the South Pacific nation.

The co-founder is Mark Patterson, and the two original players are 15-year-old Cooper Patterson and 16-year-old Liam Ishizaki. Patterson is a rising sophomore at Park Vista High School, while Ishizaki is a rising junior at Seminole Ridge High School, where he plays as a running back on the school’s varsity football team.

The players on the U.S. squad were from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois and Pennsylvania. While Cooper Patterson and Ishizaki played for the Panthers, Mark Patterson, Cooper’s father, was one of the team’s assistant coaches.

This U.S. squad of 23 players and four coaches departed the U.S. on June 19 and arrived in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 21. While on tour, the young American rugby team spent nearly as much time sightseeing and traveling around New Zealand as they did practicing and playing rugby, where the sport is the national pastime.

After arriving in Auckland,

which is located at the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island, the Panthers traveled around the city, visited Sky Tower and toured Eden Park, the national rugby stadium where the New Zealand All Blacks, the national rugby team, plays many of its home matches each year. On their first full day in Auckland, they also attended one of the country’s major rugby events, held at Eden Park.

“We attended the Super Rugby Final between the Auckland Blues and the Hamilton Chiefs,” Mark Patterson said. “There were 44,000 fans in attendance. It was like their Super Bowl. The Blues won, 4110. It was an amazing experience. Our players and coaches loved it.”

After spending three days in Auckland, the group traveled to Rotorua for one day, where they visited Kuirau Park and enjoyed a skyline gondola ride.

From Rotorua, they traveled by luxury coach to Wellington,

which is New Zealand’s capital city. While in Wellington for three days, the Panthers toured the New Zealand Rugby Museum, dropped by the headquarters of New Zealand Rugby, and paid a visit to the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary.

After three days in Wellington, the young rugby tourists concluded their trip with five days in Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island. To get to Christchurch from Wellington, they traveled by an ocean-going ferry. While in Christchurch, they saw the seal colony at Kaikoura and toured the Willowbank Kiwi House.

On day five in Christchurch, the players and coaches boarded flights for the long trip back to the United States.

The rugby portion of the trip included a number of practice sessions with some of New Zealand’s top rugby coaches. They attended several top-flight rugby games and

actually played two rugby games.

The Panthers’ first game was against a squad from Hutt Valley High School. It was the school’s equivalent of its junior varsity team. The Panthers won 26-7. In that game, Ishizaki played inside center, which is similar to being a running back in football, while Patterson played fullback, which is a position that requires you to run like a running back, tackle like a linebacker and catch the ball like a punt returner. In the game against Hutt Valley, Ishizaki scored a try, which is rugby’s equivalent of a touchdown in football.

Immediately prior to that game, the host team performed a Haka, the Māori cultural dance, for the visiting Americans. “It was awesome to see,” Mark Patterson said.

The second game was played against the second team from the Christchurch Boys’ High School.

The Panthers prevailed again, 200. In that game, Ishizaki scored another try on a 50-yard breakaway score.

“The rugby coaches in New Zealand are very detail-oriented,”

Mark Patterson said. “Those New Zealand rugby coaches break down every aspect of your play. They go so much deeper in their analysis of each player’s performance, which is why the national team — the All Blacks — is so good all the time. In one of our practices, we were instructed by two former All Blacks players.” When most of the team boarded flights back to the U.S., Mark and Cooper Patterson stayed behind for a few extra days.

“We had three days of snowboarding at Cardrona Alpine Resort, which is the top-rated snow resort in the country,” Mark Patterson said. “There were no trees, and it was all white, fresh snow. We had lots of fun.” As Mark Patterson reflects on his recent trip to New Zealand, he’s clearly looking forward to another visit to this hotbed of rugby.

“We got to see and play the best rugby on the planet, but the big surprise was the unmatched beauty of this country,” he said. “New Zealand is the most beautiful place on earth.”

Liam Ishizaki and Cooper Patterson during the game against Hutt Valley.

The visiting U.S. players with the Hutt Valley High School team.

Mark and Cooper Patterson during their New Zealand trip.

Rugby players Cooper Patterson and Liam Ishizaki.

Richard Whalen poolside with his dog Guinness. PHOTOS BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

Ava Dowdell Named Alternate For National Flag Football Team

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

One of the rising, talented athletes in the western communities is 14-year-old Ava Dowdell. She is a passionate and proven flag football player who plays travel flag football for the TRU Skillz team and recreational flag football in the Breakthru Athletic League. Meanwhile, Dowdell is now an alternate on this year’s USA Football National U15 Girls Flag Football Team.

What’s impressive about her is that Dowdell has only been playing flag football for a short period

of time. She started playing the sport in July 2022 and quickly grasped the fundamentals of flag football.

Like many young promising athletes, Dowdell has been positively influenced by a member of her family.

“I really enjoyed watching one of my uncles, Fred Pickett, play high school football for Glades Central and Pahokee, and college football at Marshall University,” said Dowdell, who feels that she has good hands, great speed and the ability to get open as a receiver. Like many great athletes, it’s

RPBHS Football Team Busy Preparing For 2024 Season

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

While the Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcats football team doesn’t open its regular season until Friday, Aug. 23 at Port St. Lucie High School, the team has been putting in the work this summer trying to get stronger, fitter, faster and better. Under the leadership of thirdyear head coach Chuck Kenyon, his Wildcats football team has been improving since he took control of the program in 2022.

“In 2022, we were 2-8,” Kenyon said. “And, last year, we were 3-7, and we should have been 5-5.” According to Kenyon, he and his assistant coaches have been overseeing conditioning sessions where the players have been focused on getting better every day.

“We have been doing a variation of weightlifting, conditioning and installing a new offense,” he said. “We are going to be different this year.”

Kenyon took his team to the Keiser University team camp in mid-June. It was a beneficial experience for the entire team.

“The Keiser camp was very beneficial for us,” he said. “Overall, we are continuing to lay the foundation for a successful season. I’m very optimistic that we’ll have a strong season this fall.”

Between now and late July, when fall practice officially begins on July 29, the members of the Wildcats football team will continue to focus on improving their strength, stamina, speed and

endurance so they can produce a winning regular season record and enhance the team’s chances of making a push for the Florida High School Athletic Association’s postseason.

“Our young kids who started last year are starting to see the benefits of last season,” added Kenyon, whose team will also benefit from players who have transferred to his program from Palm Beach Central High School and Boynton Beach High School. According to Kenyon, one of the key cogs of his team’s new offense will be the play and leadership of sophomore quarterback Max Griner, who is a transfer from Boynton Beach.

difficult getting her off the flag football field, since she plays as a receiver on offense and a safety on defense. On offense, her job is to catch passes thrown by her quarterback, and on defense, her mission is to intercept passes thrown by the opposing quarterback. According to Dowdell’s mother, Jalisa Steele, she was invited to attend a regional USA Football flag football tryout in Charlotte, North Carolina, back in March. Dowdell made such a strong impression that she was invited back to Charlotte at the end of May for the USA Football Flag Football National Trials.

As a result of those two performances, she was selected for USA Football’s U15 Girls National Team. Dowdell was then asked to travel to California for a final practice session to earn a spot on the unit that’s competing in the International Cup on July 19

Wellington Wolves To Host Trent Frazier Basketball Camp July 27

The Wellington Wolves Travel Basketball Association, in partnership with the Village of Wellington, will host the second annual Trent Frazier Basketball Camp on Saturday, July 27 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Village Park gymnasium at 11700 Pierson Road. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. for campers ages 8 to 14.

Frazier is a professional basketball player, currently playing as a guard for the Russian team Zenit. Throughout his high school years, Frazier played for Wellington High School, helping his team win the state championship in 2015. He also participated in the

Wellington Wolves organization. Frazier then played for the University of Illinois, where he is the school record holder for most games started (138) and most minutes played (4,885). He also is fifth all-time in scoring and second in career made three-pointers. Growing up, Frazier’s participation in camps and programs was limited by the cost to attend, so he is giving back to his community by partnering with the event and offering the camp for free to participants and their families. He will be onsite signing autographs and taking pictures with the participants.

Camp objectives include developing ball handling, offense, shooting, defense, passing and fundamental basketball skills. While the camp is free, registration is required. Spaces are limited to the first 100 children. Online registration began on Wednesday, July 10. To register, visit https:// wellingtonwolves.leagueapps. com. All registered campers will receive a shirt provided by K12 Print along with food provided by Chick-fil-A Royal Pam Beach/ Wellington. For additional information, call Chris Fratalia at (561) 252-9530.

Coach Chuck Kenyon speaks to players during a previous season.

The team during a summer conditioning session on the track.

Ava Dowdell

Ava Dowdell catches a pass on offense (left) and looks to deflect the ball on defense (right).

Kravis Center Presents Inaugural Outstanding Educator Award

On June 27, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosted 45 Palm Beach County educators for the ninth annual Educator Night. The celebratory evening opened with a pre-performance reception catered by Lessing’s and continued with remarks delivered by Director of Education Tracy C. Butler, thanking the educators for their dedication to the success of their students. Butler then presented the inaugural Educator of the Year Award to Alex Kovalsky, an outstanding music educator at Spanish River High School who has a long history of collaborating with the center’s education staff to provide life-changing opportunities for local students. The participating educators were then

invited to enjoy Mamma Mia! in Dreyfoos Hall.

“Educator Night at the Kravis Center is a cherished tradition, as it gives us a chance to thank these teachers for all of their hard work throughout the school year,” Butler said. “It was especially exciting to present the first annual Kravis Center Educator of the Year this year to Alex Kovalsky. Aside from his impactful work in the classroom, he is an extraordinarily dedicated music educator who served in many different capacities over the last several years. His students adore and respect him, and we were honored to present him with this award.” Kovalsky is the chorus director and fine arts department chair at Spanish River, where he teaches

chorus, keyboard and Advanced Placement music theory. Kovalsky is a teaching artist for the De George Academy for Performing Arts and is involved with the Palm Beach County District Honor Choir, Spotlight on Young Musicians and the American Choral Directors Association honor choirs. He resides with his wife and their sons in Greenacres.

Teachers from Binks Forest Elementary School, Boynton Beach High School, Coral Sunset Elementary School, Egret Lake Elementary School, Highland Elementary School, Jupiter High School, Lake Park Elementary School, the Lighthouse Academy Palm Beach, the NRI Institute of Health Sciences, the Palm Beach Maritime Academy, Palm Springs

Tutoring Support And Collaboration From Recent PBCHS Grad Helps Student Succeed

Before he graduated this past spring, Randy Sabina was a Palm Beach Central High School student enrolled in the Latinos in Action (LIA) program. He provided tutoring to Fabrizio, an English Language Learner (ELL) student at Wynnebrook Elementary School in West Palm Beach, a pairing that fostered a bond that helped Fabrizio succeed academically.

“When we began tutoring, I felt a bit apprehensive,” Sabina recalled. “Helping younger kids who truly needed assistance was scary at first. However, once I met the kids I was tutoring, like Fabrizio, everything changed. Fabrizio had a great sense of humor; he dubbed me ‘Mr. Man,’ and I affectionately called him ‘Little Man.’ This playful exchange unexpectedly made our connection stronger.”

Fabrizio faced some academic challenges, but thanks to Sabina’s dedication and encouragement, as well as the efforts of Fabrizio’s teacher Monica Hernandez, Fabrizio was motivated to strive for improvement.

“The essence of ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ underscores the collective responsibility in and supporting the growth of every student in my classroom,” Hernandez said. “This was particularly true this year with a very bright and amazing student who needed lots of support and encouragement.”

There was an outpouring of

gratitude and joy during the last tutoring session when Sabina and Hernandez finally got the chance to meet. They embraced each other, celebrating the student’s success they had helped make possible. It was a moment that captured the power of teamwork, collaboration and overcoming obstacles in learning.

“Initially, tutoring Fabrizio presented challenges,” Sabina said.

“Despite our rapport, he struggled to focus during our sessions. To break through, I started asking him about his interests and discovering our shared love for sports, shows and movies. Approaching him as I would have approached myself at his age, I shared tips that had helped me in the past. Surprisingly, they worked. Fabrizio is incredibly bright, he just needed guidance in focusing.”

Sabina also incorporated games to improve Fabrizio’s concentration, noticing that Fabrizio completed tasks quickly when he focused, surpassing Sabina’s expectations. Over time, Fabrizio developed a strong work ethic, by independently tackling challenges.

“Witnessing his intelligence and determination was inspiring. His progress filled me with immense pride,” Sabina said. “Fabrizio’s journey taught me the power of perseverance and patience in education.”

Sabina and Hernandez’s efforts is a testament to the positive benefits that come from individ-

uals working together to support students. It also highlights the importance of encouraging a sense of community and collaboration within educational institutions.

“Collaboration among students is a powerful tool for learning, which enriches the learning experience and also cultivates a sense of community and mutual support among students,” said Carlene Rejc, the Single School Culture Coordinator at Wynnebrook.

“We are immensely proud of Fabrizio’s academic success and the role that each person involved played in helping him achieve it,” added Adriana Pabon, the LIA teacher at Palm Beach Central.

During each of their tutoring sessions, there was plenty of enthusiasm by Sabina and Fabrizio, evidence that fun and learning was taking place simultaneously. Fabrizio’s accomplishments showed that when students receive support and guidance, they not only thrive academically but also develop the necessary skills and mindset for lifelong success.

“It was such a joy to see the transformation that Fabrizio made while working with his buddy, Randy,” Hernandez said. “Fabrizio’s smile lit up the room when he came back into the classroom ready to share his fun learning experience he had with his tutor. Randy’s fun spirit and patience were the keys to helping Fabrizio succeed. This experience will empower Fabrizio for a lifetime.”

Elementary School, Park Vista High School, Royal Palm Beach Elementary School, the Royal Palm School, Spanish River High School, the Conservatory School,

the Foundations School, West Gate Elementary School, Yesteryear Village and others were in attendance. The event is open to all Palm Beach County educators and is free of charge. For more information about Kravis Center education programs, visit www.kravis.org/ education-community.

Four dancers, Captain Gianna Nembhard, First Dancer Kenordia Reynolds, Christina Valuntas and Mya McIntyre, from Royal Palm Beach High School’s Wildcat Dancers Dance Team, along with teacher and master choreographer Michele Blecher, recently traveled to Savannah, Georgia, for the Platinum National Dance Competition the week of June 27 through July 2. The Wildcat Dancers were the only high school present. The remaining dance competitors were from dance companies, studios and academies. The four dancers were outstanding in solos and small group routines, winning awards in several categories. Shown above are Kenoria Reynolds, Mya McIntyre, Gianna Nembhard and Christina Valuntas with some of their awards.

Vanessa Young of Kravis with Gwen Tichauer of Binks Forest Elementary School.

Honoree Alex Kovalsky with Kravis Director of Education Tracy C. Butler.

Jill Williams of the Royal Palm School and Paula Beauchesne of the NRI Institute.

Local Nonprofit Expands To Serve More Seniors Under New Name

Wellington Cares officially changed its name to Our Community Cares. Since 2010, Wellington Cares has been coordinating volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling people age 65 and over to remain in their homes with the help of volunteers. In 2020, service was expanded to the Royal Palm Beach senior community. As the organization continues to look for expansion opportunities, the new name and image further supports the group’s mission of providing free services to the senior community.

“The rebranding of Wellington Cares to Our Community Cares

represents an exciting time of growth for our organization,” said Bill Maher, board member and marketing chair. “Our mission is already proving successful in helping seniors age in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes.”

Our Community Cares’ free services include: transportation (door-through-door) to medical appointments, food shopping and places of worship. Other services include pick-up and delivery of prescriptions; socialization through home visits and phone calls; advocacy in scheduling appointments and written communication; and coordinating services

available to participants within the community.

The official announcement of the new name and desire for expansion came at a packed reception at Village Music in Wellington. Guests included community leaders, volunteers from the organization, and supporters.

The evening began with a welcome from board chair Cheryl Anders, who gave a brief history of the organization and announced that since its inception, the organization has provided more than $1 million of free support. Director of Operations Diane Gutman followed with information, in-

cluding a record 660 participant engagements and a new high of 840 volunteer hours in the first quarter of 2024. She also shared that more than 16,000 volunteer miles are driven annually in support of program participants. The launch event and support to aid recent growth trends has largely been made possible through a capacity-building grant from the Palm Health Foundation.

Although participants must be residents of Wellington or Royal Palm Beach to receive services, volunteers may be from anywhere after passing a level two background check. For more infor-

WHS Grad Serves Aboard Navy Warship In Mayport

Chief Petty Officer Justin Anderson, a 2002 graduate of Wellington High School, serves aboard the USS Lassen, a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Mayport, Florida.

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those he found growing up in the Wellington area.

“My hometown taught me persistence and patience,” Anderson said. “There’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and I learned growing up how to get through the bad days and persevere.” Anderson joined the Navy 17 years ago. Today, he serves as a fire controlman.

“I joined the Navy for better opportunities,” Anderson recalled. “I was living with my mom, went to the different branches for recruitment, and I thought the Navy would be a good fit because of the fire controlman rating.”

A Navy destroyer is a multi-mission ship that can operate independently or as part of a larger

group of ships at sea. The ship is equipped with tomahawk missiles, torpedoes, guns and a phalanx close-in weapons system.

More than 300 sailors serve aboard Lassen. Their jobs are highly specialized, requiring both dedication and skill. The jobs range from maintaining engines to handling weaponry along with a multitude of other assignments that keep the ship mission-ready at all times, according to Navy officials.

With 90 percent of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of Naval Operations. “Together we will

deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Anderson has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during his military service.

“I’m most proud of my involvement in the Maersk Alabama, capturing the ship back from the pirates off the coast of Africa,” Anderson said. “On my second deployment, we rescued 11 people back from Somalian pirates.”

Anderson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“I get to mentor and teach people to understand how things work and be the best they can be,” Anderson said. “Whether they’ve made one tour or many, I help sailors make decisions to accomplish the mission.”

Anderson is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.

“I would like to thank Senior Chief Kyle Seager, Command Master Chief Jason Kutsch, Senior

Chief Jessica Featherall, Richard Helle, Senior Chief Danny Lara and Senior Chief (retired) Miah Lockhart,” Anderson said. “Kyle Seager and Miah helped me become the chief I am now. Jason, Jessica and Danny are all mentors and have helped me out whenever I needed it. Richard Helle, my grandfather, has always been there to support me.”

Local Student Gavin Kinney Receives National Honor

The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) recently announced that student Gavin E. Kinney from Wellington has been selected to become a member of the organization. The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS co-founder and President James W. Lewis.

“On behalf of the NSHSS and our co-founder Claes Nobel, a member of the family that es-

tablished the Nobel Prizes, I am honored to recognize the hard work, passion and commitment that Gavin has demonstrated to achieve this exceptional level of academic excellence,” Lewis said.

“Gavin is now a member of a unique community of scholars — a community that represents our very best hope for the future.”

NSHSS members automatically become lifetime members at the time of their initial membership. Each step along the way — from high school to college to career

— NSHSS connects outstanding young scholars with the resources they need to develop their strength and pursue their passions.

“We are proud to provide lifetime membership to young scholars to support their growth and development,” Lewis said. “We help students like Gavin build on their academic success by connecting them with learning experiences and resources to help prepare them for college and meaningful careers.”

Formed in 2002 by James W.

mation on services, volunteering or being a participant, contact Our Community Cares at (561) 568-8818.

Our Community Cares is a community-based, not-for-profit organization committed to coor-

dinating volunteers of all ages to assist in enabling those age 65 and over to remain in their home with the support of volunteers and local organizations. Visit www. ourcommunitycaresfl.org for more information.

Patrice Perkins, 16, has qualified as a state finalist in the National American Miss Florida Pageant, to be held July 12-14 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. The pageant is held for girls ages four through 24 in six different age divisions.

The newly crowned Miss Florida Teen will receive the official crown and banner, a bouquet of roses, and an invitation to compete at the national pageant in Orlando. Perkins has the chance to represent the state for the entire year. Contestants will compete in four overall categories, including Formal Wear Modeling, Personal Introduction, Interview and Community Service Project. National American Miss also offers optional contests, such as the Top Model Search, Talent, Actress and more.

Lewis and Claes Nobel, the Na-

tional Society of High School Scholars recognizes academic excellence at the high school level and helps to advance the goal and aspirations of high-achieving students through unique learning experiences, scholarships, internships, international study and peer networks.

Currently, there are more than 1,700,000 members in more than 170 countries. For more information about NSHSS, visit www. nshss.org.

Perkins’ activities include digital design, fashion modeling and community service activities. She also enjoys studying journalism and computer literacy, as well as advocating for various causes. Her sponsors include businesses, family members, friends and individuals.

National American Miss is dedicated to celebrating America’s greatness and encouraging its future leaders. Each year, the pageant awards thousands in cash and prizes to recognize and assist in the

development of young ladies nationwide. All activities are age-appropriate and family-oriented. The National American Miss Pageant System is the largest in the nation. The focus of the organization is to create future leaders and to equip them with real-world skills to make their dreams a reality. Emphasis is placed on the importance of gaining self-confidence and learning new skills, such as good attitudes about competition, as well as setting and achieving personal goals. Families interested in learning more about this unique youth program should visit www. namiss.com.

Board members Bill Maher, Petra Pitkonen, Kathy Foster, Cheryl Anders, Marion Frank and Marge Sullivan. PHOTO COURTESY COASTAL CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY

Chief Petty Officer Justin Anderson

Patrice Perkins

The Florida Dental Association

recently announced that Dr. Christopher Starr of Wellington was recognized with the Public Service Award at the 2024 FDA Awards Luncheon in Orlando.

Starr is a regular volunteer dentist at the Caridad Center Dental Clinic in Boynton Beach, which provides services to uninsured children and adults who reside in Palm Beach County and live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The Caridad Dental Clinic provides patients with critical pediatric and adult preventive and restorative care.

Starr graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1970 and earned his dental degree at the University of Buffalo in 1974. After graduating, he accepted

a commission in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, where he served as a general dentist at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island, S.C. He then taught dentistry at the University of Buffalo Dental School, Columbia University and the University of Florida College of Dentistry. In 1983, Starr opened a private practice in Wellington and, in 2014, he welcomed his son, Dr. Michael Starr, as a full partner in the practice.

As the state’s premier professional organization representing Florida-licensed dentists, the Florida Dental Association serves as Florida’s advocate for oral health. A constituent society of the American Dental Association, the FDA was established in 1884 to ensure

patients receive the highest quality of care from dental professionals. The FDA is the leading expert and advocate on issues affecting Florida dentists and the oral health of Floridians. To learn more, visit www.floridadental.org.

Top Notch Property Watch Receives NHWA Accreditation For The Sixth Year

Top Notch Property Watch has earned accreditation from the National Home Watch Association (NHWA) for the sixth year. The company is led by Gene Gibson and Zack Hornby, who together boast more than 53 years of service in the United States Coast Guard. Throughout their military careers, they expertly managed the upkeep of millions of dollars’ worth of military housing units, government buildings and related properties. Additionally, they were entrusted with maintaining millions of dollars’ worth of other military assets, including small boats, cutters and vehicles. Their exceptional service records are complemented by their qualifications as Coast Guard-licensed captains for vessels up to 100 tons.

Following their military service, Gibson and Hornby sought to start their own business. They identified the Home Watch industry as a perfect opportunity to continue serving their community while leveraging the skills and training they acquired during their military careers. Their attention to detail, reliability and commitment to safeguarding property make them ideally suited for this line of work.

Clients of Top Notch Property Watch can expect thorough and reliable Home Watch inspections, providing peace of mind that their properties are well-maintained in their absence. The company’s

Gene Gibson and Zack

military background instills a high level of discipline and precision in every task they undertake, ensuring that clients receive detailed reports and consistent communication about their properties’ status. Gibson and Hornby’s transition from military service to Home Watch business owners illustrates their ongoing commitment to service. Their NHWA accreditation for six consecutive years is a testament to their professionalism, dedication and the high standards they maintain in their work.

Top Notch Property Watch serves Palm Beach County, specializing in Wellington, and also serving Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Palm Beach

and North Palm Beach. Contact them at (561) 781-0555 or at topnpwatch@gmail.com. Visit www.topnotchpropertywatch.com to learn more.

The NHWA was formed in 2009 to establish and maintain the highest industry standards for Home Watch and absentee homeowner services throughout the United States and Canada. Home Watch is a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues, which means that it is a service that “keeps an eye on things” at your vacation or primary home while you are not in residence. All principals of NHWA accredited member companies are background-checked, insured and bonded. Learn more at www.nationalhomewatchassociation.org.

Dress For Success Treats Teachers To Some Free Back-To-School

Dress for Success Palm Beaches (DFSPB) once again is sending female teachers back to school in style, offering them attire at no cost as they prepare to return to the classroom.

In its fourth year, the seasonal “shopping” experience for teaching personnel from local schools is the nonprofit’s show of appreciation for those educators who go above and beyond, playing a vital role in assuring the welfare of local youth and families.

Reservations are required for the individual “pampering” appointments that will feature a personal stylist assigned to each participant, helping her find the perfect wardrobe addition. Participants also will receive school supplies and a selection of amenities provided by local businesses, including Chick-fil-A, Goodera, Office Depot, PDQ, Sam’s Club and TLC4Teachers.

The DFSPB Back-to-School Program will take place at the organization’s Palm Springs headquarters at 2459 S. Congress Avenue, Suite 204, beginning Wednesday, July 24 through Saturday, July 27, and Thursday, Aug. 1 through Saturday, Aug. 3,

from noon to 4 p.m. Additionally, appointments will be available at the nonprofit’s Belle Glade branch, located at 1089 S. Main Street, on Wednesday, July 24 through Friday, July 26, and Thursday, Aug. 1 through Friday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“Teachers are so deserving of this treat,” DFSPB CEO Joe Ann Fletcher said. “Even though our governor plans to increase their pay, Florida ranks second to last in the country in teachers’ salaries, and we know many of them spend overtime hours with their students, plus often purchase classroom supplies at their own expense. Setting aside a few days to offer these professionals and role models this morale-boosting experience is in perfect alignment with our Dress for Success mission to empower women. Our priority is to clothe and serve women who are preparing for job interviews or about to begin a new job, but thanks to the generosity of community donations, our racks of clothing and bins of accessories are overflowing, and we’re able to share the opportunity with this essential workforce.”

To reserve an appointment, teachers

Talented Teen Club Hosts CROWN Act Event In West Palm Beach

The Talented Teen Club and key sponsors the City of West Palm Beach, Wellington Regional Medical Center and others held the CROWN Act Event hosted in West Palm Beach by Salon Café on Saturday, June 1.

The event was held to celebrate National CROWN Day, focused on unity and empowerment, bringing leaders and entrepreneurs together with leading HR officials. The weather was fantastic, and the student band from Dr. Joaquín García High School was exceptional, as were the community of entrepreneurs and student leaders from the Talented Teen Club.

The organizers thank everyone for their support. The nonprofit provides scholarships and resources to help Talented Teen Club students throughout the year and were given a proclamation for the CROWN Act Event by State Sen. Bobby Powell.

National Crown Day is a hol-

Attendees celebrate natural hair at the CROWN Act Event in West Palm Beach. iday commemorating the first signing of the Crown Act legislation in California in 2019. The act aims to “Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair” (CROWN).

The Call of Action, put together by the students, will help make a difference in the 2024-25 school year. This includes: embrace and

celebrate your natural hair; educate others about the importance of the CROWN Act; and show solidarity with the movement by proudly wearing your CROWN. With a commitment of just $25 a month, you have the power to mentor and guide a child. Learn more at www.talentedteenclub. org.

Nancy Smith, an eighth-grade teacher at Lake Shore Middle School in Belle Glade, received this attractive outfit during the 2023 teacher appreciation event.

Dr. Christopher Starr

Hornby

Conversations With My Husband Sometimes Feel Like A Game

I was awakened this morning by the sound of a screw gun drilling over my head. It was outside, making it even louder. Just like any rational person, my first thought was that I was about to be murdered.

My second thought was that maybe the word “gutters” (that I had once noticed scribbled on the calendar) had something to do with it. My husband and I do not communicate well.

I stumbled outside, where Mark was happily sitting on the porch, coffee in hand, comfortable in his reprised role of Construction Supervisor.

“Sorry,” he said.

“I thought our house already had gutters,” I said, remembering quite clearly

the time I had spent each fall, pulling wet leaves from them.

“This is gutter protection,” he answered.

“We’ll never have to worry about clogged gutters again.”

I nodded and went inside. I had never once worried about clogged gutters. If I saw a leaf poking up, I knew there were

probably other leaves in there, got out the ladder, and cleaned them out.

But I had seen a raft of gutter protection commercials online lately, and Mark spends a lot of time online, being easily influenced by both good and evil. At least the gutter protection was good. Unnecessary, but good. I just wish he’d mentioned it.

So much of my day is spent trying to figure out what he is attempting to tell me. We’ll be driving along in the car, and he’ll point out the window. No words, just pointing. I look in that direction and try to guess.

“That car? Cow? Billboard?”

“No!” he’ll say, upset. “Clouds? Tree? Skyline?”

He’ll sigh in frustration.

“You didn’t see that bald eagle?!” No, I didn’t. I was busy scanning cars, cows, billboards, clouds, trees and the skyline for unusual markings or activity.

It takes a minute.

“Well, you missed it,” he’ll huff.

But back to the present. There’s a lull in the sound of gutter-screwing, and Mark comes inside. He refills his coffee and, standing in the middle of the kitchen, says, “I didn’t know what to do with these.” I look up from my laptop, and he’s just standing there, holding his cup and looking at me meaningfully.

The game starts again. “These.” What are “these?” Not wanting to upset him, I run through the possibilities in my mind — the dishtowels? Groceries? Coffee

cups? Now he’s turned around, facing the counter. Is this a clue or is he simply looking out the window? Did he mean the bananas? The muffins? The mail? I take a wild guess. “The dishes?” “I unloaded the dishwasher.” Not really an answer to my question, but perhaps related in some way. I see a pitcher and two thermal mugs on the counter. They have to be the mysterious “these!” I get up and put them away, and Mark starts wandering off. Success! Another mystery unraveled! I put an imaginary star on my forehead. I am so smart.

“Why do you always touch your forehead like that?” Mark asks.

“No reason,” I reply. Let him try to figure it out.

New ‘Quiet Place’ Movie Has An Excellent Script And Acting

I really liked A Quiet Place: Day One.

I’m really not a fan of horror movies, even if the monsters are from outer space. I had to be dragged to the first movie in this series and discovered that it was really interesting. Instead of either innocents or fools walking into the dens of the evil one(s), there was a real focus on the people involved and their feelings. This new film goes far beyond that. It is actually a prequel to the original two films (which began on the 89th day after the invasion).

We get to see the original attack of the aliens although, perhaps surprisingly, most of the violence is off-screen. Instead, we see the humans and their early struggle to survive.

This new movie not only focuses on human changes but is also, without pushing it on us offensively, a musing about the meaning of life and death. It has a really good script by Michael Sarnoski, who also

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

directed, and uniformly excellent performances, highlighted by an Oscar-worthy one from Lupita Nyong’o.

She plays Samira, a terminally ill cancer patient just waiting for death in a New York hospice, her cat Frodo her only companion.

Most of the staff, as well as Sam (what she calls herself), are just waiting for her to give in. But Reuben (Alex Wolff), one of the staff members, pushes her to go to a show in Manhattan. While there, the group sees rockets crashing to earth. Aliens start

attacking, and Sam is knocked out.

She wakes up in the theater as things go from bad to worse. Everyone has to be quiet. And survivors kill anyone who is noisy to prevent detection. Aliens find the theater, and Sam takes Frodo north to Harlem, which turns out to be the wrong direction. In the mess, she loses Frodo, but Eric (Joseph Quinn), an English law student, finds Frodo, who leads him back to Sam.

And then the movie shines. What makes this different from most is Sam’s understanding that her life is limited under any circumstance. The discussions about jazz, her father and the future are brilliant, as is the ending, which seemed to shatter the audience.

There are many adjectives that could be used to describe Nyong’o’s performance, and all of them are good. The part is not an easy one to play. Sam is cantankerous, an-

gry, fatalistic and obstinate. She is close to being the exact opposite of the usual movie lead. Yet she copes. She winds up doing well. It was clear everyone in the audience was rooting for her. When she talked of her younger days, loving hearing her musician father play, she seemed to glow. Quinn provided a great foil for her. He quickly bonded with a woman who was so different, helping her achieve at least one of her “bucket list” of goals, even as the world was collapsing around him. The film is a bit weak on why he became attached to someone like her; she was an obvious victim in the making. The rest of the cast, especially Wolff and Djimon Hounsou, excelled in smaller parts. Even Frodo the cat was very good. There were a few times the film seemed to wander. Watching Sam walking north to get to Harlem during an apocalypse was strange, although it was filmed well and there were some really exciting and “hold your breath” moments. Much of it was eventually explained by the end. But what sets this film apart from so many others is that it examines life’s purposes. We already know from the previous films that the aliens are going to dominate; that there may be very few humans left, if any. So what is the reason for living? For fighting back? This film examines those ideas, something that is almost never done these days. Too many horror films are made only to give scary moments.

As I’ve written earlier, I generally hate the genre. But the performances, wow! It is worth seeing. I know some of you may be lusting to see Despicable Me 4, and my grandsons will probably drag me to see it, but this is a really good movie. For me, the best in the series. And Nyong’o — I expect at least an Oscar nomination. If you like this type of movie, then go.