Town-Crier Newspaper March 24, 2023

POKER

TRAIL RIDE IN LOX GROVES SEE PHOTOS, PAGE 8

TOWN-CRIER

RELAY FOR LIFE AT FAIRGROUNDS

Pages 24 thru 25

Westlake Council:

Public Art Requirement

Off To Impressive Start

James Business Park is “setting the bar incredibly high” for all businesses that will follow Westlake’s first Art in Public Places project, agreed members of the Westlake City Council, who approved the design at their Tuesday, March 14 meeting. Page 3

Justin Bartlett Animal

Rescue Hosts 5K Run/

Walk At Okeeheelee

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue hosted its “Run Walk Four Paws” Doggy Dash 5K at Okeeheelee Park on Sunday, March 19. In total, 130 runners and walkers, along with their furry friends, took to the course to help raise funds for Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue. Page 13

Wellington Rotary Hosts

Thomas M. Wenham

Memorial Golf Classic

The Rotary Club of Wellington held the inaugural Thomas M. Wenham Memorial Golf Classic on Thursday, March 9 at the Wanderers Club. The event, newly named in memory of former Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham, supported Wellington Rotary Club projects and the Wellington Community Foundation. Page 18

Event Shows

How Tennis Can

Transcend Differences

One of the most successful youth development programs in the world — the Israel Tennis & Education Center (ITEC) — owes some of its success to the annual financial support it receives from the members of the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club. Page 21

Baxter To Back Truckers In Big-Rig PBC Code Dispute

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter said Wednesday, March 22 that she’s ready to fight to loosen restrictions on big-rig, at-home parking for truckers in the 65,000 acres of Palm Beach County zoned agricultural residential, which includes The Acreage and most of the Indian Trail Improvement District.

“Truckers are an essential part of our economy,” said Baxter, whose sprawling District 6 includes much of the area in question. “They perform an essential service. They need to know they’re appreciated and supported… If we don’t provide a place for them to exist, we’re going to have a bigger problem than parking.”

Still, her support for the at-home parking is not unlimited, Baxter said, suggesting it should be restricted to one or two such vehicles.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Baxter’s comments came ahead of a Palm Beach County Commission Zoning Hearing scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at which Planning, Zoning & Building Department officials were scheduled to present the results of an internal investigation into alleged code enforcement abuses aimed at truckers.

“There have been no findings of inappropriate code violations related to commercial vehicle parking on residential lots,” Whitney Carroll, deputy director of Planning, Zoning & Building, wrote in a March 16 memo to commissioners.

Carroll noted that most of the complaints have come from The Acreage, which the memo described as “an antiquated AR [agricultural residential] subdivision.” Baxter said Wednesday that she will continue to push for an outside

FOUNDATION MOU AGREEMENT RENEWED

The Indian Trail Improvement District encompasses more than 100 square miles wound through by long tangles of equestrian trails and dotted with nine parks. The green jewel in that array is Acreage Community Park, sitting on 25 acres alongside 140th Avenue North.

In recent years, however, several facets of that jewel have shown some cracks and a need for refurbishing and upgrading, not only in the grass-and-goal-posts sense but also in terms of policy and plans for the future, district officials said.

ITID supervisors have suggested that a workshop series is

needed to review those issues, but so far none have been scheduled.

Despite long-term disagreements over park policy and a schism between flag football factions, actual brick and mortar, sod and turf, lighting and drainage work has been getting done with more being planned.

On March 16, ITID President Michael Johnson and Acreage Athletic League Acting President Wendy Tirado were among those on hand for the grand re-opening of the park’s north fields, which have undergone a 10-month, $580,000 renovation.

Honored at the ceremony was longtime AAL coach Willy Freundlich, a cancer survivor who died

of a heart attack at the park in 2020. His wife, Leslie Freundlich, and daughters Brady Claude and Katie Salabarria attended the ribbon cutting.

“It was a nice ceremony… and this was a good project,” said ITID Supervisor Patricia Farrell, who also was on hand. “The turf looks pretty well settled… and the kids are safe. That’s the main thing.”

Safety became a paramount concern last May when ITID workers began removing blighted and beaten-down sod and discovered electrical conduit running barely below the surface in some areas, along with roots and stumps.

“If we had realized the condition of the wiring under the surface, we’d would have shut those fields down and replaced it sooner,” said Robert Robinson, the district’s assistant executive director and operations director.

Standing water had long been a problem on the fields, and workers quickly discovered why — the drainage system beneath the field was improperly installed when it was constructed in the late 1990s.

Direc -

Recreation

ITID Parks & Recreation Director Kenny Lawrence personally climbed into a cherry picker to repair and replace the lights.

RPB Starbucks Moves Forward Despite Concerns Over Traffic

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council went into extensive details Thursday, March 16 regarding three requests by the developer of the new Starbucks in Village Center. The planned stand-alone coffee shop building will be located at 11710 Okeechobee Blvd. and includes a drive-through with direct access from Okeechobee. The majority of the discussion focused around a parking variance and concerns over stacking of cars in the drive-through, which was a major issue with the site’s neighbors. The project won the

reluctant approval of the village’s Planning & Zoning Commission in February, but not before that board added several requests to limit the variance.

Brian Terry of Insite Studio presented the request on behalf of the developer, Investment Equity Group III, to reduce the number of required parking spaces from 42 to 17, explaining that the requests of the Planning & Zoning Commission to eliminate outdoor seating and remove a dumpster to reduce the request were not an option with the developer.

“The Institute of Transportation Engineers sets industry standards. We looked at the coffee shop requirements,” said Bryan Kelley, a traffic engineer with Simmons & White. “It needs 13 spaces during the week and 22 on weekends.” He noted that leaves a “significant surplus,” even on weekends, because the nearby medical offices will not be open.

However, Roger Livingston, a

See RPB COUNCIL, page 14

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council heard its annual report for fiscal year 2022 from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, March 21, led by Capt. Craig Turner, commander of PBSO District 17.

Turner noted that there are five deputies covering Loxahatchee Groves. One is due to be promoted to sergeant, so there will be a replacement later this year.

There were 2,395 calls for ser-

vice in fiscal year 2022, as well as 9,973 PBSO-initiated stops. The larger number includes traffic stops and business or residence checks.

“The self-initiated calls are the majority — about 80 percent — of what we do, going around checking on houses, checking on businesses and conducting traffic stops,” Turner said.

He added that while the percentages haven’t changed, the number of calls have. They are up more See LOX PBSO, page 14

Wellington To Build New Pool Complex At Village Park

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

On Tuesday, March 14, the Wellington Village Council voted to move forward with building a brand-new Wellington Aquatics Complex at the back end of Village Park, near the park’s 120th Avenue South entrance. The decision came one day after the council heard a nearly twohour workshop presentation from design firm Ohlson Lavoie Corporation (OLC) on five possible sites for the new pool complex, with the majority of the council zeroing-in on the Village Park site as the best choice. The property is currently used as a Public Works Department storage area.

At the March 14 meeting, the council voted to award OLC a contract for architectural and engineering design of the new pool complex of $1.8 million. The entire project will cost an estimated $22.6 million over several years.

Vice Mayor Michael Drahos brought a trophy that he won in 1987 at a swimming event at the village’s current pool, then part of the old Wellington Club East.

“My trophy was brought here today to emphasize the point that 36 years ago, I swam in that same pool that we are talking tonight about replacing,” Drahos said. “Change is sometimes scary, but I think that in this instance, it is necessary. I am excited about the future and what

this aquatics complex is going to bring. There’s going to be a whole generation of kids who are going to go to this new site and make new memories there.”

The new complex will have four different pools: a 50-meter competition pool, an 11-foot diving well, a multi-purpose/learn-toswim pool and a recreational pool with a splash pad. Other amenities include the pool house, spectator seating, shade structures, cabanas, a picnic pavilion, pool equipment yard and plenty of parking.

ing and more. The only concern raised by the designers was that it is not as centrally located as the current pool site.

At the workshop, the council reviewed designs for four other possible sites. Two — an alternate site at Village Park closer to Pierson Road and a site at Wellington High School — were deemed too small to accommodate all the amenities that the village wants to offer, along with other concerns. The other two were two variations of keeping the pool complex at or near its current Wellington Town Center location. One would shut the current site and rebuild it at the same location, and the other builds a new facility on the lake-

front, including the space that is the currently the Lake Wellington Professional Centre.

While rebuilding on the current footprint was the less-expensive option, Councilman John McGovern warned against being “penny wise and pound foolish.” He pointed out that the pool is only at its current location because it was originally attached to the country club that Wellington bought in the late 1990s and turned into the Wellington Community Center.

“We need to finish off this site and complete the change that has been long coming,” he said at the March 14 council meeting. Councilman Michael Napo -

See NEW POOL, page 4

at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event raised money for programs serving those battling

while honoring survivors and remembering those who have been lost. Shown

Linda Vaillancourt, Katy Rice and Lorna Johnson. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

See ITID PARK, page 4

PBSO: Thefts And Traffic Accidents Up In Lox Groves

Westlake Council: Public Art Requirement Off To Impressive Start

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

James Business Park is “setting the bar incredibly high” for all businesses that will follow Westlake’s first Art in Public Places project, agreed members of the Westlake City Council, who approved the design at their Tuesday, March 14 meeting.

“I’m beyond impressed,” Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor said. “They did an incredible job. I love it.”

“It looks amazing,” Vice Mayor Greg Langowski added.

Resting on a plateau and pedestal, the metal “Orange with Three Blossoms” sculpture will stand approximately 12 feet tall at the corner of Town Center Parkway and Persimmon Blvd.

The plan also calls for small ligustrum trees behind the art to create a green barrier, flowering shrubs lined up in front for

a layered affect, and large palms to provide scale, according to the plan provided to the council by Donaldson Hearing of Cotleur & Hearing Landscape Architecture. Blue rocks will decorate the base of the sculpture.

O’Connor said he was impressed by the “intentionality” of the proposal, which represents a pealed orange with three blossoms and 39 anthers. The state flower of Florida is the orange blossom, and Westlake was incorporated out of the former Callery-Judge orange grove property in 2016, becoming Palm Beach County’s 39th municipality.

Jamlyn Supply Inc., which purchased the nine-acre site in December, “wanted to make sure it had meaning,” Hearing explained. The $200,000 piece was designed by West Palm Beach artist Ralfonso, who has specialized

in “environmentally interactive, kinetic and light sculptures” since 1980, according to Hearing’s presentation. “Since 1999, he specializes in the design and execution of large to monumental kinetic and light sculptures for public places,”

Hearing added.

Under Westlake’s Art in Public Places ordinance, businesses must either spend a percentage of their construction budget to create a piece of art for display or pay into a fund that will do so.

Hearing noted that Jamlyn spent twice the amount required under the ordinance. “They’re excited to do it. They’re excited to be part of the City of Westlake,” he said. “I think this is setting the stage and expectations for all future art that comes after us.”

The council approved the project 5-0.

Hearing also noted that Jamlyn is scrapping plans to build out the 145,643 square feet of commercial space in phases and instead will construct a 10,103-squarefoot office flex building and a 135,540-square-foot warehouse distribution facility at the same time. The entire space is already leased, he said.

The business park is expected to be completed in spring of 2024, City Manager Kenneth Cassel said.

The James site is adjacent to the Publix at Westlake Plaza, currently under construction, where Jamlyn has leased a 3,600-square-foot retail storefront for its first brickand-mortar store, Aubrey’s Pet Supplies.

Meanwhile, the 50,000-squarefoot Publix grocery and liquor store and the 76,510-square-foot Pinnacle Self-Storage facility, both

The metal “Orange with Three Blossoms” sculpture will stand approximately 12 feet tall at the corner of Town Center Parkway and Persimmon Blvd. in the City of Westlake.

located on Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, are expected to be open by May, Cassel said. Pinnacle will feature a threestory, limited-access structure, along with six one-story multiaccess storage buildings and an

outdoor storage area of 0.71 acres for boats and recreational vehicles.

In other business:

• The council voted 5-0 to approve the final reading of an ordinance to limit “sexually ori-

See WESTLAKE, page 14

Foundation Renews MOU, Elects New Chair & New Board Members

On the agenda at the Tuesday, March 14 meeting of the Wellington Village Council was a discussion regarding the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Village of Wellington and the Wellington Community Foundation.

Barry Manning, newly elected chair of the foundation, took part in the presentation, as did Assistant Village Manager Ed De La Vega, who shared some of the past accomplishments that the village has made by partnering with the foundation and encouraged the council to renew the MOU for another five-year term.

The MOU agreement formalizes the partnership between the village and foundation to support the needs of the community. It gives the village an opportunity to partner with a nonprofit organization, assess the needs of the community and be able to address those in need together. Where the village meets its limits, the foundation can come alongside to help accomplish many projects crucial to the community.

Manning, who has been a member of the Wellington Community Foundation’s board since its inception as an independent organization, said he was honored to represent the foundation as its newly elected chair. He added that he looks forward to working with everyone at the village to

continue serving the Wellington community with a specific focus on helping seniors, children and veterans in need.

The foundation recently held its annual election of officers. With the position of chair vacant since the December passing of Tom Wenham, Manning was elected the new chair of the board of directors on a unanimous vote, along with Vice Chair Jim Sackett, Treasurer Hope Barron and Secretary Terri Kane.

“It was an honor to serve alongside Tom Wenham since the inception of the foundation as an independent organization back in 2016,” Manning said. “I know that I speak for our entire organization when I say that Tom Wenham’s leadership will be missed, but the board of directors will continue to carry on the mission that Tom worked so diligently on for our community and residents in need.”

Councilman John McGovern thanked the foundation members for their services, good works and partnership with the village. He reminded those in attendance how hard he and then-Councilwoman Anne Gerwig fought to keep the organization alive and put members on the initial board.

“This is very much more than we could have hoped for, and the community is blessed to have you,” McGovern said.

Vice Mayor Michael Drahos agreed and acknowledged that there is much more work to be done, and he looks forward to accomplishing it together. Councilwoman Tanya Siskind added that the relationship has grown, and she looks forward to seeing what the next five years will bring.

Mayor Anne Gerwig said she appreciates the Wellington Community Foundation’s flexibility and thanked the board members present for serving as the village’s right hand to help when needed.

Village Manager Jim Barnes later shared that he was pleased to report that the council unanimously approved the renewal of its MOU with the Wellington Community Foundation.

“This MOU continues and builds on the great partnership between the village and the foundation for projects that make our community a great hometown,” Barnes said.

Manning said that he looks forward to working on many projects together in the future.

“As we continue to expand our initiatives and create more opportunities to serve our neighbors in need, we look forward to the ideas and planning that will come out of our upcoming visioning session,” he said. With the recent decision of longtime Director Mickey Smith

to step down from the board, and the passing of Wenham, there were two seats to be filled on the board. Recently nominated to the current board were two longtime Wellington residents — former Mayor Robert Margolis and business owner and community philanthropist Herta Suess. They have joined current directors Joanna

Boynton, Michael Gauger, Donald Gross, Dr. Gordon Johnson, James Seder, Pam Tahan and Maggie Zeller, in addition to the officers named above.

The Wellington Community Foundation has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past seven years, but the organization will not stop there. The plans are

set in motion to make this year’s upcoming annual fundraiser — Red, White & Blue Jeans “A Salute To Our Heroes” — a recordbreaking event. For more information on the organization, and to learn how you can become part of helping your neighbors in need, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

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Wellington Village Council members and Wellington Community Foundation board members at the Tuesday, March 14 council meeting. (L-R) Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, Mayor Anne Gerwig, WCF Director James Seder, Councilman Michael Napoleone, WCF Vice Chair Jim Sackett, WCF Secretary Terri Kane, Vice Mayor Michael Drahos, WCF Chair Barry Manning, Councilman John McGovern and WCF Director Joanna Boynton.

H.L. Johnson Updates RPB Ed Board On Progress At The School

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach’s Education Advisory Board heard a presentation from H.L. Johnson Elementary School Principal Crystal Amado Kucharski and Assistant Principal Danielle Agudelo on Monday, March 13.

H.L. Johnson’s Jaguar cheerleaders were ready to bring the school spirit to start the meeting. Their cheer club, made up of kindergarten and first graders, performed practiced cheers, while the second through fifth grade cheerleaders filled the side room with pom-poms, chants and a choreographed musical performance. Kucharski shared some background on the staff and students at H.L. Johnson, the village’s oldest elementary school. The average teaching experience of staff is 14.9 years, and the average years working at that school directly is 11.5 years. “Most of our staff has been there a long time,” Kucharski said.

The elementary school is consistently growing, with current enrollment at 819 students. Last year, the school had 789 students, up from 768 students the previous year. The two choice programs available are STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and Cambridge International, and both contribute to the growth in student population.

“Staff helps our AICE program make sure K through 12 in Royal Palm Beach has Cambridge,” Kucharski said. “We are hoping to build capacity in our schools and provide a K through 12 continuum.”

This path involves students feeding from H.L. Johnson into Crestwood Middle School and then Royal Palm Beach High School. The A-rated school remains a K-5 Everglades School, and while the Green School of Excellence program has ended, H.L. Johnson continues to expand its offerings.

“H.L. Johnson is the first Palm Beach County school to be issued growers’ permits,” Kucharski said. “That was last year, and we are renewing it this year. We will be at the green market in April, around Earth Day, and we will sell our plants that we grow. We are really excited.”

She went into details about previous FSA testing results, which is transitioning to the BEST program this year. On the first day of school, committees and teams were put together to create an action plan for the year. The plan is based on an anonymous survey completed by both students and staff, called the School Effectiveness Questionnaire (SEQ). Any category receiving less than 90 percent satisfaction was addressed.

For example, teachers were looking for more input in decision making regarding selecting and hiring staff.

“Immediately, that’s an easy fix, right? So, I invited more staff

Wellington Board Learns About Local Amateur Radio Users

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

If a disaster takes down the internet and cellular telephone networks, Palm Beach County’s western communities still have an old-school option to communicate.

OK, not smoke signals — ham radio.

Yes, it’s still out there, sustained by dedicated hobbyists including a number of police and fire professionals. Members of Wellington’s Public Safety Committee heard precise details on Wednesday, March 8 about how many of its practitioners are ready to do their thing if matters go sideways and it becomes vital to stay in touch in an emergency. This method of communication dates back more than a century and is officially known as amateur radio, but is often called “ham” radio, said Lt. Eli Shaivitz of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, himself a longtime user of the medium. “It is predominantly a hobby, but it does have a public-service benefit,” he said. For example, he often can get information through ham radio about emergency matters during hurricanes before it appears on the news, he explained to the committee.

According to Shaivitz, there are 93 licensed ham radio operators in Wellington’s 33414 zip code. Another 153 are in Royal Palm Beach’s 33411. Added to that total are the 118 operators in Loxahatchee’s 33470 zip code.

ITID Park North Fields Now Open

continued from page 1

tor Kenny Lawrence personally climbed into a cherry picker and repaired and replaced lights in the tall stanchions surrounding the field, which was expanded to official Pop Warner Football dimensions.

“I was a little nervous at first,” said Lawrence about his high-wiring act. “But I got used to it… I’m happy with what got done. I just wish it could have been done a little faster.”

The project, originally scheduled for completion in August 2022, was slowed when workers discovered one problem after another, and by supply chain issues, Robinson said.

ITID employees, who handled the entire project except for the resodding, worked through Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s to make sure they would be ready for the AAL’s spring sports, he said.

AAL co-ed flag football teams began their season on the new turf March 4 with some 350 players.

Even though the project ended up costing more than four times the original estimate, ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said he is satisfied with the outcome.

At least $100,000 was saved by having district crews do most of the work, he said.

Acreage Community Park also features a playground, grill and picnic areas, restrooms, a press box, a track and walking path, a

Are all of them active around the clock? No, Shaivitz said. Nonetheless, they represent a potential network to step into the breach if needed.

Florida has more than 48,000 licensed ham radio operators, and there are more than 848,000 across the United States, he said.

Users can communicate radio to radio within a mile or two, or use “repeater” networks to expand that range, or even tap into wider systems that include the improbable-sounding bouncing of signals off the moon, Shaivitz said.

Florida is the only state with a system of connected repeaters across its entire territory, which involves microwave technology, not internet or cellular, he said. Each Florida county has an emergency operations center, and there’s typically someone there who can use ham radio.

Wellington has a communications tower that includes ham radio repeater equipment, Shaivitz said.

For anyone out there who might be interested, there is even a Wellington Radio Club that meets at the Wellington Community Center on the fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m.

One long-running debate is where the term “ham” originates. Shaivitz said that there is not a clear consensus on this.

Many explanations propose that it was initially a derogatory term for incompetent or heedless users in the early 20th century beginnings of amateur radio, or

skate park, shade structures, an amphitheater, and football and soccer fields.

A facelift for park’s baseball and softball fields also is planned.

Farrell said she hopes the improvements will begin soon, but Hanson said that will be up to the board due to the expense, which would be considerable.

“We need to refurbish or replace the dugouts,” he said. “We also need to improve the press box and concessions areas.”

Whether it will be necessary to resod the entire outfield also will factor into the cost, Hanson added, noting that work also needs to be done to make the building compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Already ITID crews are doing what they can to upgrade the fields, he said. They are fertilizing the outfields and remixing the clay on the infield. Crews also replaced lights and made other improvements to the scoreboards

members to be a part of the interview process and looking at résumés. We’ve done that all year,” Kucharski said. “From that point, we moved into topic areas. We talked about safety, relationships — creating, building and deepening — clear and shared focus, high standards and expectations for all, high levels of communication and collaboration, solution-based, talked about our new BEST standards that are on everyone’s minds at this time, and then construction.”

Kucharski stressed the importance of students, parents and staff feeling safe. Funded by the school district, all staff now wears a crisis alert badge to show where they are on campus, which also allows them to alert administration immediately. A variety of new tactics are being tested this year to address the overall climate of the school.

“This is the year to be a risk-taker. We are not getting a school grade. What really works, what

doesn’t work anymore? Education has changed. So, let’s really reflect and look at that,” she said.

The construction refers to ongoing work on an older, single-story building on campus. That building is in the process of getting new floors, LED lights, new ceiling tiles, all new bathroom fixtures and new window shades. The project is in phase two of nine total phases. The entire school is also getting fresh interior paint and new furniture.

School Board Member Marcia Andrews was present and impressed at the strategies that H.L. Johnson has in place.

“The information that you gave tonight was so good. I like that you used those surveys. The surveys for the students, for your parents for your teachers — and you actually implement your programs based on ratings that you’re getting. You are listening to the voices of the stakeholders, of your children,” she said.

In other business:

• Central Region Superintendent Valerie Zuloaga-Haines announced that all elementary schools will host kindergarten roundups in the same week, and Royal Palm Beach schools chose Wednesday, April 12 as their day to welcome new families. Cypress Trails Elementary will begin at 8:30 a.m., Royal Palm Beach Elementary begins at 9 a.m. and H.L. Johnson will start at 6 p.m.

• The Education Advisory Board is ready to meet the 13 village scholarship candidates and interview them in person on Saturday, April 1.

• Chair Jennifer Sullivan thanked Vice Chair Meghan Crosby for her service. This was her last meeting, and Paula Wilson will be officially on the board at the next meeting. A new vice chair will be appointed at that time. The next Education Advisory Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 8. There will be no meeting in April.

WELLINGTON HONORS WHS BAND

going back even before that, to telegraph technology. In the same way that “ham” actors might be regarded as giving a bad name to their craft, ham users might create signal interference and make it difficult to prevent train accidents or other misfortunes.

The name stuck, according to the web site of the American Radio Relay League, a venerable group representing people who hoped to make constructive use of amateur radio.

“Amateurs, possibly unfamiliar with the real meaning of the term, picked it up and applied it to themselves. As the years advanced, the original meaning has completely disappeared,” the AARL web site explains.

Committee Chair Mohammad Junaid Akther asked about the command structure for using ham radio in local, county or state emergencies.

“You have to remember, these are basically, I’ll use the word, volunteers,” Shaivitz said.

“Let’s say everything is down and there is a fire in Wellington,” Akther said. “Do you have to go to Palm Beach County to tell them or do you just tell anybody who can get there?”

The technology increases the chances that someone can get word to the county center or other regional authority.

“It’s not a perfect science, but if cellular and internet go down, it’s just handy to have as a backup,” Shaivitz said.

during the revamp of the football fields, he said.

Starting soon will be a $3 million expansion of facilities at the south end of the park that will include an artificial turf, regulation-size football field, new bathrooms, equestrian parking for better access to the trails, new lighting, and the construction of a new skate park replacing the current grind rails, ramps and half pipes.

The money was originally earmarked for construction of a community center at the park, but due to pandemic delays and the increased cost of construction, the project became too expensive.

ITID supervisors requested that Palm Beach County allow the district to use the money from the Infrastructure Surtax Funding Agreement for other improvements to the park. County commissioners agreed earlier this year.

“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Robinson said.

The Wellington Village Council began its meeting on Tuesday, March 14 by issuing a proclamation recognizing the Wellington High School Mighty Wolverine Sound marching band for their representation of Wellington at London’s New Year’s Day Parade held Jan. 1, 2023. After two years of pandemic delays, a total of 75 band students and 33 chaperones traveled to London, England, to march in the televised parade. The council welcomed dozens of band students into the council chambers and viewed a video of the parade before congratulating them for their successful trip.

New Pool Moving To Village Park

continued from page 1 leone and Councilwoman Tanya Siskind agreed that the new pool complex should be at the 120th Avenue site.

“This belongs at Village Park,” Napoleone said. “It is the heart of our parks and rec program.”

“This is going to be an amazing facility,” Siskind added. “Not only that, but it’s also the safer layout. You’re not trying to squish anything in or give up something. It is going to be a state-of-the-art facility.”

Public comment at the meeting was also in favor of the 120th Avenue site.

Dolores Bocian, a resident and former president of the Mayfair at Wellington community, expressed concerns regarding putting a much larger aquatics complex right outside their community due to noise and traffic. Mayfair, a senior community, is located near the current pool facility.

“Mayfair at Wellington is very happy with the selection of the 120th Avenue site,” she said.

Diane Souder, current president of Mayfair, sent a letter also op-

Truckers PBC Code Concerns

continued from page 1 look into the way code enforcement has handled the issue.

“An independent investigation could shed more light on the situation and give people more confidence in [the outcome],” she said.

The memo came one day after a town hall meeting hosted by Baxter at Seminole Ridge High School and attended by almost 300 people. Most rose to express their dissatisfaction with county code enforcers, who have been issuing citations for the parking of large commercial vehicles, such as tractor-trailer rigs, at their homes in areas zoned agricultural residential.

“There needs to be the same rules for everyone,” said Natalia Melian, an Acreage resident who has helped bring attention to the issue, after the meeting. She added that code enforcers “don’t need to be going out harassing people.” Many local truckers have to park

posed to keeping the current site.

Resident Erik Bell, a member of the village’s masters swim team, uses the current pool regularly.

“I am gratified to learn that 120th Avenue seems to be the most favored site,” he said. “Having a facility be non-existent for two years is not a good option for either the masters team or the age group team. It would be a significant disruption.

Bell liked the plans for the new facility, adding that it appears to be comparable to the other top facilities in the state.

Jason Metz, a parent of two nationally ranked swimmers, echoed the comments made by Bell.

“I am happy to hear that 120th is the top runner. That is something that I came here to propose tonight,” he said. “The thought of having a pool down for so long is something that was terrifying for us as parents.”

A motion to award the bid for engineering and design for the 120th Avenue site to OLC carried 4-0 with Mayor Anne Gerwig recusing herself due to a conflict of interest with part of the engineering team on the project.

While she could not participate in the council meeting discussion on the bid award, Gerwig did take part in the previous day’s work-

their rigs in special lots as far away as Miami, Melian has explained in the past, even then trucks are often damaged and items stolen. Melian and her husband, Ricardo Alonso, own a trucking business and say that the ability to park their rig at their home was one of the main reasons they moved to The Acreage, but they might have to move again if the code can’t be clarified in favor of the truckers.

A handful of speakers shared their frustration with the truckers traveling residential Acreage streets not designed for use by tractor-trailer rigs. Pia Skoran, who started a petition against semi-truck parking in the area, also expressed concern that allowing them to do so would open the door for commercialization of neighborhoods.

“If we allow tractor-tailer parking, more will come,” Skoran said. “Many current residents will leave because they do not want a big-rig next door, then more trucks move in, and The Acreage becomes industrial.”

Baxter, an Acreage resident, said that the 100 or so big-rig trucks taken home by their drivers “are

shop session regarding the different site options. She was a dissenting voice on the 120th Avenue site, preferring the less-expensive option of keeping the pool on its current footprint. That option was estimated to cost $17.3 million, as opposed to $22.6 million.

“I think we should do the original site, scaled down from what we even have on this sheet,” she said. “I’m OK with us shutting it down. Lake Lytal is in operation, and that’s what we did before. It was shut down for 18 months the last time we rebuilt the pool in 2009. I get it would be inconvenient to everybody, but the price tag is just too much for me.”

In other business, the council granted the necessary approvals for Lock Up Self Storage to build a high-end self-storage facility on the Iorizzo property off State Road 7 behind the existing Cheddar’s restaurant. The facility plans to add additional public amenities in order to be granted a bonus in its floor area ratio (FAR). The original wording would have allowed the developer to give the village money in lieu of the extra amenities, but the council was not in favor of that language and removed it with the consent of the developer, since they did not plan to use that option.

not what’s hurting our roads.”

Since 2017, there have been approximately 186 properties in the ITID area cited for code violations related to commercial vehicles, Carroll wrote, adding, “Although many of these violations have been resolved, a small percentage of these violations remain not in compliance.”

Those found in violation can be fined $150 to $1,000 a day. Baxter said Wednesday that she will push for a moratorium on the fines, which county attorneys now say is allowable.

What this all really comes down to is a “bad cut-and-paste job” when the county’s code was amended in 2008 and 2019, said Baxter, adding that prior to that time, “semi-tractors” were included in the definition of “commercial vehicles” allowed to park on properties of one acre or more that are zoned agricultural residential.

“The people who say [semitrucks] were never allowed under the code — that is not correct. They’re simply wrong,” Baxter said. “Now we have to clean up the code because it now contradicts itself.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held for the newly renovated fields at Acreage Community Park.

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S RELAY FOR LIFE HELD AT THE FAIRGROUNDS

The Relay for Life of Palm Beach County, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, was held Saturday, March 11 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. The event raised money for programs serving those battling cancer, while honoring survivors and remembering those who have been lost. To learn more about upcoming ACS events, contact Lisa Noel at lisa.noel@cancer.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Dr. David Watson

one day finding a cure for this disease while caring for his Grandmother who suffered with Alzheimer’s disease. He subsequently has lost several family members to Alzheimer’s. Dr. Watson has dedicated his career to finding a cure and is one of the most passionate individuals in this cause.

The Royal Palm Beach High School Wildcat Dancers perform “Be Our Guest.”

The Santaluces High School Chiefs Latin dance team on stage.

Students from Royal Palm Beach High School at the relay.

CAFCI members at the relay.

Seanna Mesa and Lilly Ann Clark. Bob and Bonnie McKay during the survivors’ lap.

PBSO radio service parts specialist Amanda Powell and radio tech Emelyn Deve reflect at one of the luminaria.

Survivor Adrienne Sasko was the featured speaker.

Members of the Ringuette family made up Dino’s Dalmations.

Michelle Martin signs the pink pumper. Bonnie and Bob McKay.

WRMC team members Cory Verdoliva, Kysha Vernon, Amy McGuire and Pam Rada.

American Cancer Society Senior Development Manager Lindsay Bennett (seated), Survivor & Caregiver Chair Angie McLaughlin Kipp

The team from Royal Palm Beach Elementary School.

Michaela Paige sings the national anthem.

After Rising, PBCFR Response Time Ticks Down In Wellington

By Julie Unger Town-Crier Staff Report

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Aaron Pribyl presented PBCFR’s annual report to the Wellington Village Council on Tuesday, March 14.

In the last four years, the total number of calls for service has gone up 20 percent, but after going up for two years, response time decreased last fiscal year.

“It might be the case of we’re coming off the tail end of COVID-19, and we know how much COVID-19 taxed systems,” Pribyl said. “That might be one of these cases, but either way, it’s in a positive mode.”

In fiscal year 2021, there were 5,791 calls, which rose to 6,209 in fiscal year 2022. It took an average of 6 minutes, 54 seconds

to respond in fiscal year 2021, but dipped below 6 minutes, 50 seconds in fiscal year 2022.

Seventy-four percent of calls were medical calls, totaling 4,625 incidents. After that, 714 incidents were alarms, 362 were vehicle accidents, 299 were assists/investigations, 120 were fires, 54 were hazardous situations, 19 were interfacility transports, 13 were other and three were water-related incidents.

The four Wellington PBCFR stations — Station 20, Station 25, Station 27 and Station 30 — are fully staffed, Pribyl said, and three of them have four-wheel-drive brush trucks. Command staff comes from Station 28 in Royal Palm Beach.

“Palm Beach County FireRescue is all-hazard,” Pribyl said.

“We are able to supply all these different resources that might be unique. Because of the size, we have the resources at our disposal.”

There is aircraft rescue and firefighting, as well as Trauma Hawk’s air rescue service. The department has a hazardous materials response team, as well as large animal rescue, both of which are relevant to Wellington.

“Medical services have increased,” Pribyl said. “We have innovative programs.”

One such program is the ET3 — the Emergency Triage, Treatment and Transport model — where special care may be needed, allowing patients to be brought to the right place.

The agency also has units on the road able to provide whole blood transfusions.

“That’s such a big deal because a lot of times in trauma-type calls, there are two things that we can fix — stopping the bleeding, and then providing more of that fluid, or blood, to be able to keep someone alive,” Pribyl said. “This is one of those things that really is a milestone for our agency to be able to provide that to the public.”

Countywide, Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue has been above the state’s average for cardiac arrest cases that regain a heartbeat and are later discharged from the hospital alive.

Over the course of the year, medical services had 3,239 patients transported in Wellington, 121 trauma alerts in Wellington, 30 sepsis alerts in Wellington, 51 stroke alerts in Wellington and 18 STEMI alerts in Wellington.

There were 362 vehicle accidents in Wellington during fiscal year 2022. On the map, many accidents happened on the State Road 7 corridor, but also roads internal to Wellington, such as Forest Hill Blvd., Greenview Shores Blvd. and Wellington Trace.

In fiscal year 2022, crews were dispatched to 120 fires. Within 5 to 7 minutes, he said, there will be 20 firefighters on the scene.

“And that’s on the first alarm,” Pribyl said.

Afterward, other resources are on their way.

“We have a lot to be able to be offered,” he added.

PBCFR takes part in many events within Wellington, including A Day for Autism, the Pinewood Derby, the End of Summer Party in the Park, a hurricane

presentation and the annual 9/11 memorial, as well as events for Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

Pribyl noted that the department has a new apparatus — the Mobile Command Unit — which is a vehicle that responds to large-scale emergency incidents or special events. The 45-foot vehicle is one of the largest they have, and features workstations, a conference room, and can be stationed near a crisis or natural disaster.

The department also has a new aerial truck, located at Station 29, with a platform that can lift 1,300 pounds of equipment and personnel more than 100 feet above the ground.

Fires have likely decreased in Wellington, Pribyl said, due to the Community Risk Reduction

See PBCFR, page 14

Wellington Board OKs Allowing Dog Area At Planned Restaurant

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

A planned Wellington restaurant that lets foodies bring along fido is winning wags of the tail so far from a village board.

The Lazy Dog restaurant wants a rules change that would allow it and any like-minded eateries in Wellington to welcome dogs to an outside dining area.

“Bringing man’s best friend to our patio is a big part of our operation and something we’d like to bring to our future operation here in Wellington,” said Jared Taylor, representing the chain with more than 30 locations in California, Texas, Georgia and other states.

After a discussion, Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, chaired by Jeffrey Robbert, gave unanimous approval to

the idea at a meeting Wednesday, March 15.

The restaurant is slated to be part of the Lotis Wellington development on the west side of State Road 7, north of Wellington Regional Medical Center.

A Lazy Dog location west of Boca Raton is already operating with Palm Beach County approvals, officials noted. Yes, the chain offers a dog menu

that includes a complimentary water bowl and $5 hamburger and chicken bowls. People food at the Boca Raton site includes meatloaf and other “TV dinner” style offerings, along with various brunch and beer-club enticements.

Members of the village’s zoning board asked about reactions after approximately a year of operation in the Boca Raton area. “The feedback has been rela-

Palm Beach County Library System Introduces First Book Vending Machine, ‘Library To Go’

On Tuesday, March 14, the Palm Beach County Library System unveiled its latest resource available for community members to access library materials — the Library to Go cabinet.

Similar to a vending machine, Palm Beach County Library System cardholders can now borrow new and popular books from this device. In addition, members can return any library materials to the Library to Go cabinet by using their library card.

Library Director Douglas Crane welcomed guests to the grand unveiling of the Palm Beach County Library System’s first-of-its-kind cabinet.

“We’re very excited today to launch Library to Go. If it goes well at the Governmental Center, we expect to expand the service out to other locations,” he said.

In attendance were Palm Beach Mayor Gregg Weiss, who ceremoniously checked out the first book, followed by members of the Board of County Commissioners, including Commissioner Maria Marino, Commissioner Michael Barnett, Commissioner Marci Woodward and Commissioner Mack Bernard. All were very pleased to see this expansion come to the Palm Beach County Governmental Center.

Cory L. McCoy, president of Lyngose Systems U.S., the company that produced the Library to Go machine, was also elated.

“We wanted to keep it super simple and 100 percent mobile, where you can put these machines anywhere to increase the patron experience for the Palm Beach County Library System,” McCoy said.

to visit the machine, located at the Robert Weisman Governmental

Center Lobby at 301 N. Olive Avenue in West Palm Beach during regular business hours.

Copeland Davis To Perform With Symphonic Band

The Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches will join forces with the incomparable Copeland Davis Trio in two performances of “Copeland Davis Symphonic Jazz” on Saturday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Duncan Theatre in Lake Worth, and Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens.

“The intense virtuosity of the Copeland Davis Trio, plus the reliable excellence of the Symphonic Band of the Palm Beaches, will regale you in a performance pointedly driven by these two local treasures,” Maestro Mark Humphreys said.

A longtime resident of the western communities, Davis’ national debut with the Tonight Show Band, while still a student during the 1970s in South Florida, set his place as a leading young pianist/arranger. His electrifying handling of Jimmy Webb’s “MacArthur Park” underscores every accolade earned in a lifetime of musical passion. Similarly, performances of “Exodus” and “Maria” will utilize the full potential of both ensembles.

The Symphonic Band also will shine with Sammy Nestico’s “Salute to American Jazz,” Mancini’s “Days of Wine and Roses,” a fiery “El Cumbanchero” and more.

The band prides itself on helping to build a culturally enlightened and stronger community by providing high-quality, enjoyable yet modestly priced performances. In addition to an exceptional caliber of musicianship, the band has a strong philanthropic mission.

The nonprofit group has donated $938,908 in scholarships, grants and musical instruments to local students and schools during the past 41 years.

Tickets to the concerts are $20. For more information, call (561) 832-3115, or purchase tickets online at www.symphonicband.org with a $1 convenience fee.

NEWS BRIEFS ALA Concert March 26

The Acreage Landowners’ Association Rock Your Park Concert Series has resumed for a short series before the heat of summer hits.

The series will kick off on Sunday, March 26 and will feature Beer For My Horses, a Toby Keith tribute. Vendors, a kids’ zone and food trucks will start the event off at 5 p.m., and the music will begin at 6:30 p.m. Vendors and sponsors are needed. For more information, e-mail alaeventsco@acreagelandowners. com.

Program Aims To Train More PBC Lifeguards

Pools nationwide have suffered from a shortage of lifeguards and swim instructors, and Palm Beach County is no exception. That’s why the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department and the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County are launching a pilot program that will allow lifeguards and water safety instructors to become certified for free.

Certification costs to become lifeguards and water safety instructors often can act as barriers for teens and others who might be interested in applying. The cost can range from $175 to $400.

With an agreement approved by the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, the Parks & Recreation Department will provide the pool space and staff

for trainings at county-run pools, while the Children’s Services Council will cover the processing fees for certification. Hopeful lifeguards and swim instructors participating in the program will pay nothing to be certified.

“This is truly a win-win-win. A win for teens looking for summer jobs. A win for kids who need swim lessons or just want to enjoy a pool on a hot summer day. A win for the community because it helps protect our children around water,” said Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor, CEO of the Children’s Services Council.

The initial phase of the program calls for one lifeguard class and one water safety instructor class to be taught per month. The classes typically are three days, and participants must take a pretest to make sure they are physically able to carry out the job duties. The free certification classes are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

“We’re really excited to partner with the CSC to offer free lifeguard and water safety certifications to our community,” said Jimmy Davis, director of aquatics for Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation.

“Our goals are to remove financial barriers that exist with becoming certified, eliminate lifeguard shortages in our area and ultimately reduce the number of drownings.”

The first certification classes offered through this pilot program will be in April. The dates are being finalized and will be announced soon. County pools are the Aqua Crest Pool in Delray Beach, the Lake Lytal Family Aquatic Center in West Palm Beach, the North County Aquatic

Complex in Jupiter, the Pioneer Park Aquatic Center in Belle Glade and the Santaluces Aquatic Complex in Lantana.

SWA To Host 5K Event April 2

The Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County’s Run Away 5K will raise awareness of recycling and solid waste issues while raising funds for the reuse nonprofit Resource Depot.

On Sunday, April 2 at 7:30 a.m., individuals and families are invited to the SWA Greenway Trail System for a trail run and walk. Participants can explore cabbage palms, cypress hammocks, marshes and lush pine flat woods, with glimpses of the Grassy Waters Preserve and Renewable Energy Park as they witness industry meeting nature.

All pre-registered participants will receive a commemorative race medal and race shirt. Awards will be given to the best times for male and female runners in various age categories. Those who aren’t a fan of mornings can register for the Sleep-In Virtual 5K and receive the same swag as those who ran or walked in person. Registration is available online at www.swa. org/397/Run-Away-5K.

Immediately following the SWA Run Away 5K, all are welcome to enjoy staff-guided tours of the SWA’s award-winning Renewable Energy Facility 2 and LEED Platinum Education Center. By exploring these facilities, Palm Beach County residents and visitors will learn where their trash ends up and how it’s disposed.

tively positive,” said Dewayne Mitchell, vice president of design and construction at Lazy Dog Restaurants. “Every once in a while, we’ll get a dog that’s unruly. Where we get the feedback is when we make them leave.”

Customers who fail to clean up after their dogs, or have a dog who is barking or being disruptive, can be asked to leave after a warning, company officials said. The restaurant generally offers to cover the tab, they added.

On an informal level, restaurants in the village sometimes allow lapdogs or other pets in outdoor seating areas, board members and village staff members noted. Specific local rules on the issue would give more opportunity for enforcement or clarification of what is allowed, if needed.

In other business, the board approved changing the land-use designation for 45 acres of what is known as the Moncada property, located 3.5 miles south of Southern Blvd. on the west side of Flying Cow Road. The village recently acquired the property with the help of state grants, and it is expected to be added to efforts to mitigate flooding and filter water in the adjacent Wellington Environmental Preserve.

The area also features recreational trails. The board approved a change from Palm Beach County’s rural residential designation to Wellington’s conservation land use designation.

“I think it’s a boon,” Board Member Adam Rabin said.

Garden Club Meeting To Feature Talk On Florida’s Native Orchids

The Wellington Garden Club will meet on Monday, April 3 at the Wellington Community Center, located at 12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.

The meeting will feature a presentation at 10 a.m. by Rich Ackerman on orchids and what makes them different from all other plant families. He will also discuss Florida’s native orchids that are found in Palm Beach County, those that can be added to landscapes and gardens, and some invasive orchids to look out for.

Ackerman works closely with UF/IFAS Extension Broward County, where he is a Florida master gardener volunteer, serves on the Urban Horticulture Advisory Board, and is team leader of the Broward County Native Orchid Project.

A professor emeritus at Broward College, he has collaborated with Palm Beach State College, Florida Atlantic University and Broward College. He is also a former president of the Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society.

The community is invited to join the club for coffee and a plant raffle beginning at 9:30 a.m. Visitors

Rich Ackerman are asked to check in at the guest table. To reserve a spot, contact Maria Wolfe at tcacad_registrar@ yahoo.com.

The Wellington Garden Club, founded in 1981, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating its members and the public in the fields of gardening, horticulture, floral design, and landscape design, and to promoting conservation of natural resources, civic beautification and youth education. For more information, visit www.wellingtongardenclub.org.

FNBCC To Host Real Estate Contract Class

5K sponsors include Resource Depot and the Grassy Waters Preserve.

Area Code 728

Arrives In Palm Beach County

Starting Friday, March 10, new phone numbers in Palm Beach County may be assigned the 728 area code. Approved by the Florida Public Service Commission in December 2021, the 728 area code overlay will co-exist with the 561 area code.

“Palm Beach County began using the 561 area code in 1996, when it split from the 407 area code,” PSC Chair Andrew Fay said. “Palm Beach County’s continued growth is the driver behind the commission’s approval of the additional 728 area code. We believe the approval of this new overlay will help the county continue to meet the demand for new phone numbers.”

Existing customers will keep their current telephone numbers, but new customers, or requests for additional lines, may be assigned the new area code. Everyone will continue to dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number to make local calls (10-digit dialing).

Customers’ telephone numbers, including the current area code, will not change. The price of a call, coverage area, or other rates and services will not change. A local call will remain a local call regardless of the number of digits dialed. For additional information, visit www.floridapsc.com.

On Wednesday, April 5, First National Bank Coastal Community (FNBCC) will host a complimentary real estate contract class. Attendees will receive three hours of CE credit with the Florida Real Estate Commission (FREC) by taking this class. Only 10 spots are available, so RSVP to save your spot today. A happy hour with light refreshments will be held immediately following the class.

“As a true community bank, we are proud to have the ability to offer seminars that will help members of our community grow and prosper. We believe in relationships beyond banking, because life’s complicated enough,” said Darlene Curti, branch manager at FNBCC Wellington.

Attorney Scott Sweigart will be the guest speaker for the event. Sweigart has been admitted to practice law in the State of Florida since 1994. Additionally, he has been admitted to practice before the federal courts for the Southern District of Florida and the bankruptcy court for the Southern District of Florida since 1995.

Some of his memberships include the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar, the Palm Beach County Bar Association, the American Bankruptcy Institute and the Bankruptcy Bar Association for the Southern District of Florida.

The class will be held at FNBCC Wellington, located at 12140 South Shore Blvd., from 1 to 4 p.m.

To RSVP, call or e-mail Darlene Curti at (561) 231-5444 or darlene. curti@fnbccfl.com.

Dale Mutschler, Maria Gilmartin and Darlene Curti of FNBCC.

Attorney Scott Sweigart

Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard, Commissioner Marci Woodward, Commissioner Maria Marino, Mayor Gregg Weiss and Commissioner Michael Barnett in front of the new machine.

Copeland Davis

Members are encouraged

LOX GROVES POKER RUN RAISES MONEY FOR TOWN’S SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The annual Loxahatchee Groves Poker Run was held on Sunday, March 12 as a benefit for the Town of Loxahatchee Groves Scholarship Fund. The event began and ended at G&M Ranch and featured riders on horseback visiting several locations. After the poker run, attendees enjoyed awards, a barbecue and music by Tom Blake.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Project 425’s Ray Branch, Bill Arcuri, Dave Pietrafese, Curt Rich, Vice Mayor Laura Danowski, Mike Carroll and Mayor Robert Shorr.

Kate Brunne with Rouge and Austin Dziekan with Bestie.

Cowgirl gets cooled off by Brandyn Traxinger.

PBSO COP officers Lt. Sunny Quinn with Drummer and Capt. Alan Weisberg.

Sophia Grubert, Emily Grubert and Marilyn Bouza.

Monique Van de Kamp, Jackie Clifton and Nolan Clifton won the watch from Alex Van Dell (left) of Van Dell Jewelers.

Vice Mayor Laura Danowski and Mayor Robert Shorr thank G&M Ranch owner Mike Carroll for hosting the event.

Raffle winners Janet and Jerry Eick.

Ruth Haggerty shows off her card.

Darcy Dean Murray and Nicole Tippie.

Project 425’s Bill Arcuri and Curt Rich recite the POW Pledge and the Pledge of Allegiance as Tom Blake looks on.

Laurynn Paul on Walker Texas Ranger and Anthony Paul on Dublin.

Vice Mayor Laura Danowski, Mayor Robert Shorr, Palm Beach County Soil & Water Conservation District Vice Chair Audrey Friedrich and Excelsa Gardens Production Manager Colin Friedrich.

Hayen Loeffler hands a card to Kelly Schwiner aboard Grady while Brian Silvernail on Butters gets a card from Bob Sullivan.

Poker winners Maryana Poe (first), Marilyn Bouza (second) and Jnae Poe (third).

Purina Animal Nutrition

COMPLIMENTARY REAL ESTATE CONTRACT CLASS

COMPLIMENTARY REAL ESTATE CONTRACT CLASS

SCOTT SWEIGART

SCOTT SWEIGART

Scott Sweigart, Attorney at Law, will be our guest speaker for the event.

Scott Sweigart, Attorney at Law, will be our guest speaker for the event.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH 1:00 - 4:00 PM

FNBCC is pleased to invite you!

FNBCC is pleased to

FNBCC is pleased to invite you!

WEDNESDAY APRIL 5TH 1:00 - 4:00 PM

APRIL 5TH 1:00 - 4:00 PM

• This class is complimentary.

• Receive 3 hours of CE Credit with FREC.

This class is complimentary. Receive 3 hours of CE Credit with FREC. Happy hour with light refreshments to be held immediately following the class.

• Happy hour with light refreshments to be held immediately following the class.

ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Please RSVP to save your spot today!

ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE

Please RSVP to save your spot today!

at First National Bank Coastal Community 12140 S Shore Blvd Wellington, FL 33414

at First National Bank Coastal Community 12140 S Shore Blvd Wellington, FL 33414

at First National Bank Coastal Community 12140 S Shore Blvd Wellington, FL 33414

To RSVP: Call or email FNBCC’s Wellington Branch Manager

ONLY 10 SPOTS AVAILABLE Please RSVP to save your spot today!

Darlene Curti (561) 231-5444 darlene.curti@fnbccfl.com

To RSVP: Call or email FNBCC's Wellington Branch Manager, Darlene Curti (561)231-5444 darlene.curti@fnbccfl.com

To RSVP: Call or email FNBCC's Wellington Branch Manager, Darlene Curti (561)231-5444 darlene.curti@fnbccfl.com

JUSTIN BARTLETT ANIMAL RESCUE HOSTS 5K RUN/WALK AT OKEEHEELEE

Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue hosted its “Run Walk Four Paws” Doggy Dash 5K at Okeeheelee Park on Sunday, March 19. The top female finisher was Amanda Croker (24:10.31) and the top male finisher was Leon Pulido (24:39.49). In total, 130 runners and walkers, along with their furry friends, took to the course to help raise funds for Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue. Everyone who participated received a medal at the end of the course. Food and snacks were available to everyone, as well as water along the course. Attendees also got the opportunity to see many of the rescue dogs looking for their forever home. Learn more at www.justinbartlettanimalrescue.org.

PHOTOS FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Ella Lofaso, Willow Watts, Hazel Ellis receive their medals for completing the race.

Moulay Rahmoun and Jordan Zanotti.

Rachel Medeiros and three-year-old Leo cross the finish line.

Brothers Cody, Conner and Caiden Summerlin sing the national anthem before the start of the Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue 5K run/walk.

Annye Posada and Sabrina Diamond of sponsor Bang Energy Drink.

Leon Pulido, the first man to complete the race, crossed the finish line in 24:39.49.

Amanda Croker, the first woman and individual to cross the finish line, completed the 5K in 24:10.31.

Joshua Davis and Alex Perez with three-year-old Aria and one-year old Bishop.

Jordan Williams and two-year-old Baxter.

Staff and volunteers of Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue.

Richard Head led the runners and walkers along the course route.

Katherine Stollberg and six-year-old Goya.

Joanna Maud of Chris Allen Realty with one-year-old pup Starburst.

Emily Abbott, son Luke and seven-month-old Freddy of Animal Aid cross the finish line.

Jessica Green and two-yearold Madison after crossing the finish line.

RPB Council Starbucks Decision

continued from page 1

local resident and one of the owners of the Denny’s restaurant in the same plaza, said he expects that the lack of parking at Starbucks will hurt his business.

“I’m the closest to this Starbucks, and I have cross access and parking within a few feet of that Starbucks that is going to be severely impacted. There is a lot of traffic, a lot of people using parking spaces, and delivery drivers who are going to use my parking area. The other parking is cut off by the drive-through,”

Livingston said. “There is nothing that prevents it from queuing up in my parking lot and causing a zipper effect to get back on Civic Center Way. With the amount of traffic, plus DoorDash, I’m going to be one long drive-through, and it’s going to be a safety hazard for families.”

Councilwoman Selena Samios said she understood the business owner’s concerns.

“We have two other [Starbucks] in Royal Palm Beach, one in front of Costco and one on State Road 7. It’s primarily busy during the day, because that’s when the free wi-fi users are there all day,” Samios said. “We need to create better usage. I use that

Lox PBSO

Thefts And Accidents

continued from page 1 than 1,000 over fiscal year 2021.

Person crimes remain rare in Loxahatchee Groves with a total of two reported robberies and one sexual assault in fiscal year 2022. Burglaries included two business burglaries, two construction burglaries, five residential burglaries and eight vehicle burglaries.

The residential burglaries were all items stolen from the yard, not inside the house, and the vehicle burglaries were all either doors that were left unlocked or broken windows to get items left in plain view.

“People go around, and they are just pulling on door handles all day,” Turner said. “As soon as they find a vehicle that is unlocked, they will try to rifle through it really quick.” There were 16 stolen vehicles

Denny’s. I think the issue is the cross-access.”

Mayor Fred Pinto pointed out that the diagrams providing traffic flow did not show the Denny’s restaurant, and the council dug deep into the potential traffic flows and ways customers would potentially drive in and out of both the restaurant and the coffee shop.

“I think the challenge before us is to come up with a design solution that will address these issues, particularly the safety,” Pinto said.

He also suggested designating spaces for delivery service drivers.

“There is a whole sector of parking spaces that aren’t used,” he noted.

The parking variance request was approved by a 3-2 vote, with Councilman Richard Valuntus and Councilman Jeff Hmara dissenting. Hmara later asked that the record show he wanted to change his vote, but knowing it would not affect the outcome, the issue was not re-opened for discussion.

The second Starbucks request, a landscape waiver, looked to reduce the amount of vegetation required by the code. The variance was approved with a condition for extra foliage to be added elsewhere on the parcel.

The final request was for a site plan modification that included directional signage in an effort to encourage patrons to follow a safer flow of traffic in the cross-access parking lot.

Kelley provided data from Star-

over the course of the year, down one from the 17 in fiscal year 2021. These included a number of farm vehicles that were stolen. “We do have a task force on this issue. When multiple items are stolen from the county during the same time period, those cases are turned over to the task force,” Turner said. “They have a little more ability to go outside this area and do investigations.”

Thefts, however, are way up, rising from 14 reported in fiscal year 2021 to 33 last year. “Thefts and vandalisms are spiking throughout the county right now,” Turner said. “You have a lot of people going through and breaking mailboxes and going through and vandalizing parks.”

Turner said it is mostly juveniles doing this, but it does not appear to be gang related.

Vice Mayor Laura Danowski asked if Turner has had any reports of kids on bicycles harassing residents.

“I have not had anyone come

bucks regarding stacking at two other locations in similar areas.

“Maximum queuing that was observed at any one time was 12 [vehicles] for one site and 13 for the other site,” he said. “I want to be clear that is a moment in time. Throughout most of the day, most of the morning, it was less. It is our expectation, during peak time, that we would potentially get 12 or 13 vehicles. We do not believe this is a constant issue.”

After extensive discussions, the site plan was also approved. There are a number of conditions in place, which include closing the drivethrough if more than 10 incidents occur there within a 365-day period, excluding the first 30 days after opening. Incidents include severe stacking onto Okeechobee Blvd.

The Starbucks is expecting to open for business some point during the fourth quarter of this year.

“Let’s make this work,” Pinto said. “Let’s make this work for the neighboring restaurant as well.”

In other business:

• The council received a synopsis from its independent auditing firm Marcum LLP for fiscal year 2022. The village had unrestricted equity totaling more than $68 million, which was noted to be very strong. The robust year for the village was thoroughly audited, and no concerns were noted.

• The council approved an ordinance amending part of the village

forward to me that I know of,” he said. “If you have any specific issues like that, please let us know. I have a street team that can go sit in the plazas in unmarked cars.”

Motor vehicle crashes were up slightly, from 106 in fiscal year 2021 to 116 last year. There were 11 listed as hit-and-runs. “That is something that continues to climb,” Turner said. “The last couple of years in a row, we have gone up every year in our accidents.”

He added that is an issue all over the county, which Turner attributed to people using their cellular phones while they drive.

“Every three cars I pass, someone is staring at their phone,” he said. “It is a huge issue that I don’t think the states were ready to handle when mobile devices became as mobile as they are.”

As expected, the accidents are mostly clustered at intersections and plazas on Okeechobee and Southern boulevards. There were 1,339 traffic stops that led to 422 citations in fiscal year 2022.

code regarding vehicle parking on publicly owned spaces, swales and vacant lots.

“This does a couple of things. Our code requires on-street parking to be parallel with the direction of traffic. People have argued that diagonal counts as parallel. This adds specific direction,” Village Attorney Keith Davis said.

He also explained parking on private property. “This would change it to two hours without the owners’ permission, and no overnight parking on swales,” Davis said.

Long-term parking without the private property owner’s permission would be a code violation and dealt with through code enforcement.

• The council also approved an ordinance updating the language defining “accessory structures.” The ordinance provides specific details that shed structures should not be more than 150 square feet or more than eight feet tall. Pinto made sure the ordinance would go into effect moving forward and not be retroactive.

“A large building should meet the setbacks of the zoning district,” Village Manager Ray Liggins said. “We have made exceptions for sheds and accessory structures. When you have a 400-foot garage, it is not an accessory structure. We are built out and people are looking to build. We want to head it off before it happens.”

Danowski asked if more stop signs on Okeechobee Blvd. would help slow traffic. Turner said that it would. There were 14 arrests for person crimes, nine for property crimes and 41 for other miscellaneous crimes, including 11 drunk drivers and 12 people arrested while being served warrants. Broken down by high-profile locations, there were 15 calls for service at the Palm Beach State College campus and 276 at the nearby Publix plaza.

As far as community service in the town, the PBSO took part in a number of local events, including the Chili Cookoff, the Fourth of July Parade, the Poker Run and the Veterans Day Parade.

Turner was given kudos for his department’s help at the recent cleanup along Okeechobee Blvd. organized by the Loxahatchee Groves Landowners’ Association.

“If you guys need a deputy for an event, we will always provide it,” he said.

• Prior to the regular meeting, the council held its annual organizational meeting. Councilman Richard Valuntus and Councilwoman Jan Rodusky were swornin for new terms, after being re-elected without opposition. Rodusky was appointed to the post of vice mayor. Diane DiSanto was once again officially appointed the village clerk, and Shernett Lee was named the village treasurer.

Westlake March Meeting

continued from page 3 ented businesses,” setting distance requirements from other such businesses, schools, houses of worship, parks and residential neighborhoods.

It is unconstitutional for municipalities to enact outright bans on such businesses, City Attorney Donald J. Doody has explained in the past. However, this ordinance effectively limits such businesses to a narrow section of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road at the north end of the city.

• The council approved an agreement with the Westlake Residences Master Homeowners’ Association Inc. for use of the lodge building at the Westlake Adventure Park amenity center for council meetings.

“I’ve seen the facility, and it’s absolutely beautiful,” O’Connor said. “It’s going to be a lot easier for residents to come.”

The Adventure Park is located

PBCFR Wellington Report

continued from page 7 Division that focuses on community education, the Drowning Prevention Coalition, existing inspections, investigations, and plan review on new construction. The program has 11,248 participants, and there were 64 activities in Wellington.

PBCFR shares information with the community through its Public Information Office and Media Services.

With more than 31,000 Facebook followers, more than 17,000 Twitter followers and more than 14,000 Instagram followers, PBCFR is able to share important information quickly. The accounts can

• The council also held a moment of silence in honor of Stanley G. Hochman, the village’s longtime director of finance, who passed away on Friday, March 10. He was finance director and village treasurer for 22 years. “He was a fixture and a big part of all the successes the village has achieved over that period of time,” said Pinto, who also offered condolences to Hochman’s family.

at 16604 Town Center Parkway North. It features plenty of golf cart parking, O’Connor noted.

Cassel said that the council’s first meeting at the lodge will likely be in June.

• The council agreed to host a Spring Festival on Saturday, April 8. The event will take place in the large lot off Kingfisher Blvd. between Town Center Parkway North and South. It will feature an egg drop from a helicopter, prizes, music, face painting and food trucks.

The entire cost of the event is being covered by sponsors, O’Connor said, noting that the city has committed to supporting four such events per year. Next up in July will be FourthFest, celebrating the Fourth of July with vendors and a fireworks show.

• The council moved its April meeting to Wednesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. At 5 p.m., council members and Seminole Improvement District supervisors will meet in a joint workshop session. Both meetings will be held at the council’s current chambers at 4005 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

be followed at @PBCFireRescue.

“We’re very happy to be able to be here. I’m very happy to be able to live here, and to be able to provide the services that we do,” Pribyl said as he concluded his presentation.

Mayor Anne Gerwig noted that council members were recently able to take part in a firefighter training simulation.

“It was amazing to see this hands-on. What you talked about in here, we saw. It’s unbelievable the amount of medicine you’re bringing to the scene instead of waiting. Because the outcome is just so much better when it’s immediate, it’s just amazing. I know we were all super impressed,” Gerwig said. “I can’t think of a criticism to offer in any way, shape or form. It’s an amazing department.”

COLORECTAL SURGERY

Living Longer, Living Better After a Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis

An estimated 150,000 U.S. adults will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer this year. Excluding skin cancer, it is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women each year in the United States.

Now for the good news. The 5-year survival rate for colorectal cancer has more than doubled since 1970, climbing to 65%, due to medical advances and early screening. For people with localized colorectal cancer (stage 1) the survival rate is 91%.

“Colorectal cancer is both preventable and highly treatable when we catch it early,” says Steven Wexner, MD, PhD, Director of the Ellen Leifer Shulman and Steven Shulman Digestive Disease Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston. “Patients can live long, quality lives after a colorectal cancer diagnosis thanks to treatment advancements.”

Advanced surgical care

Treatment options for colon and rectal cancers vary depending upon a person’s health, age and cancer stage. While surgery is the most common treatment, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be needed as well. The type of surgery performed will depend on the extent of the cancer and where it’s located.

Some patients will require the removal of part or all of the colon (colectomy) or rectum (rectal resection). Others may require the removal of both. These procedures can be done during open surgery, through one large incision, or using minimally invasive techniques, which include laparoscopy, robotic, and transanal endoscopic surgery through a few small incisions.

“Patients benefit from minimally invasive surgery in many ways, including less pain and scarring, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery,” explains Dr. Wexner, who led the Cleveland Clinic Florida team that pioneered this approach. “Most importantly, we can perform these less invasive procedures while still minimizing the risk for cancer recurrence.”

Preserving quality of life

Advancements in surgical care have made it possible for many patients to achieve normal bowel habits and bowel continence after colorectal surgery. Fewer patients today require a permanent colostomy, in which stool is diverted from the lower part of the

TALK WITH AN EXPERT.

digestive tract by connecting the end of the colon to an opening in the belly. Thanks to newer surgical techniques developed and/or refined at Cleveland Clinic Florida, it is more common for patients to need only a temporary ileostomy to let the body rest and heal, rather than a permanent colostomy.

“Preserving and improving the quality of life are always our top priorities, and the work being done by my colleagues in Florida, Ohio, London and Abu Dhabi attest to these priorities,” says Dr. Wexner. “For patients with colorectal cancer, that means eliminating their cancer while helping them preserve bowel continence whenever possible.”

Cleveland Clinic Florida is home to South Florida’s only Gastroenterology and GI Surgery program ranked nationally by U.S. News World Report’s “Best Hospitals” rankings (2022-23). Identified as “high performing” in colon cancer surgery by the magazine, the team offers a full range of advanced treatment options for colon and rectal cancers. The Maroone Cancer Center at Cleveland Clinic Florida is an ACS Commission on Cancer® Accredited Program and Cleveland Clinic Florida in Weston was the first in Florida and second in the nation to earn accreditation from the ACS National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer.

Cleveland Clinic Florida’s Department of Colorectal Surgery is world-renowned for achieving excellent outcomes and using innovative state-of-the-art t reatments for colorectal conditions. Learn more at ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Colorectal or call at 877.463.2010 to schedule a consultation.

South Florida’s only nationally ranked GI and GI Surgery program seven years in a row.

877.463.2010

ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Rankings

A national leader in digestive care.

Steven Wexner, MD, PhD

BINKS FOREST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BRINGS ‘WILLY WONKA’ TO THE STAGE

Binks Forest Elementary School students performed a fun and colorful version of Willy Wonka Kids on Thursday, March 9. More than 57 students, including the stage crew, performed in the play before hundreds of parents and friends. To make it fun, golden tickets were given out to assign seats. Director Niki Gilberti-Wheeler was inspired to do Willy Wonka through the school’s creative expressions class and wanted to incorporate literature while teaching the production process. “This story is iconic and loved by people of all ages,” she explained. “I am so proud of all my students tonight.”

PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Community Foundation

Sponsors ‘A Day For Autism’ Event

The Wellington Community Foundation was proud to support “A Day for Autism: Building Bridges with Law Enforcement Picnic” for the fourth year. It was held on Sunday, Feb. 26 at Village Park in Wellington.

The event was free and open to the public, offering activities for the whole family, including a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house, games, a trackless train, arts and crafts, touch a truck zone and a relaxation zone. Attendees also had the opportunity to interact

with local first responders through therapy dogs, the mounted unit, ATV/motors, 911 bus and fire-rescue vehicles.

In addition, sponsor the FAU Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (FAU CARD) was on hand, along with community provider agencies and vendors offering information and important resources for families, children and adults with ASD. A complimentary lunch was provided to all attendees by Bolay.

Event organizer Scott Poritz, a

PBSO deputy, has been working with the autism community for several years.

“We’re excited to bring the community together for a fun-filled day while raising awareness and providing resources for individuals with autism and their families,” he said. “We’re grateful for the support of the Wellington Community Foundation in making this event possible.” Foundation Chair Barry Manning and Director Dr. Gordon Johnson attended the event and

were impressed by the interaction families had with the various activities and personnel, as well as all of the resources available.

The Wellington Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for Wellington

The show gets underway.

The cast members gather for a group photo.

Lesser, Lesser, Landy and Smith shareholder Mickey Smith, event organizer PBSO Deputy Scott Poritz with WCF’s sponsorship check, WCF Director Dr. Gordon Johnson, Wellington Councilman Michael Napoleone, WCF Chair Barry Manning and LLLS partner Steven Clarfield.

Willy Wonka arrives on stage.

Teacher organizers Niki Gilberti-Wheeler, Claudine Ashley and Robin Peck.

The Candy Kids on stage.

The stage crew was crucial to the show’s success.

Fernando Font, Alexis Sylvain, Aviana Pertrucco and Channing Burnett.

Hailey Rinda and Abigail Lopez.

PALMS WEST HOSPITAL CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW PEDIATRIC ER

HCA Florida Palms West Hospital held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, March 8 to celebrate the opening of its new pediatric emergency room. Aside from the ribbon cutting, the event included tours of the pediatric ER and refreshments.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

CNO Cheryl Wild, CEO Jason Kimbrell, Division CMO Dr. Jason Kelly, Emergency Medicine Chief Dr. Richard Giroux, Pediatric ER Director Dr. David Smith, ACNO Josh Woodruff and ER Director Joseph Aliscio.

FUNDRAISER IN WELLINGTON BENEFITS SHOOTING VICTIM SONJIA DAVIS

WellingCon, a fundraiser for Sonjia Davis, was held Saturday, March 18 at the Movies at Wellington. Davis, a 64-year-old grandmother, was injured in the crossfire during a recent shootout in West Palm Beach. The event included a special movie screening and a piano performance by Gary Davis. You can help Sonjia Davis through a GoFundMe account at https://gofund.me/7252e613.

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

INVISIBLE FENCES

Having a fenced-in yard is a good thing when it comes to owning a dog.

A fenced-in dog is less likely to be hit by a vehicle, has fewer aggressive interactions with other dogs, and has a decreased exposure to contagious diseases. While traditional fencing can be cost-prohibitive for many owners, there is another option. Invisible electric fences are gaining in popularity. They are a less costly way to ensure the safety of pets. Invisible fences are also more adaptable to terrain and can cover acres of ground in any pattern. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of invisible fences depends primarily on them being professionally installed and owners properly training their dogs to recognize the perimeter of the fence.

Preventative care consists of a combination of practices you can implement at home, including providing a safe environment, a nutritious diet, and services your veterinarian can provide to help prevent disease and increase the life of your pet. We provide total veterinary care for most small pets including small animals and reptiles. We emphasize preventive medicine, wellness care, quality of life, and pain management. Please call COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH at 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health.

Conveniently located 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., we offer

CFO Onel Rodriguez,

VIPs gather for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

June Bormanis and Marilyn Chin.

Hospital CEO Jason Kimbrell and Division CMO Jason Kelly.

Eva Valentina, Eileen Fallas, Susan Benenson, Sandy Burleigh and Vicki Haefele are friends of Sonjia Davis.

DJ JRK (Jonathan Ramon Kidd Sr.) at the sound board.

Lakeside Medical Center Associate Vice President Janet Moreland, Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jennifer Dorce-Medard, Palm Beach County Health Care District Vice President Karen Harris and liaison Dr. Richard Giroux.

CFO Onel Rodriguez, Emergency Services Director Joseph Aliscio, ER Manager Kristen Patowski, Emergency Medicine Chief Dr. Richard Giroux and Pediatric ER Director Dr. Dave Smith.

Dr. Ruby Cayco-Bell, charge nurse Cristel Calderon and nurse Ivelise Batista check out one of the ER rooms.

Pediatric ER Director Dr. Dave Smith with Danielle, Tucker, Cooper and Fisher.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Gary Davis at the piano.

WELLINGTON ROTARY HOSTS THOMAS M. WENHAM MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC

The Rotary Club of Wellington held the inaugural Thomas M. Wenham Memorial Golf Classic on Thursday, March 9 at the Wanderers Club. The event, newly named in memory of former Wellington Mayor Tom Wenham, supported Wellington Rotary Club projects and the Wellington Community Foundation. The day included lunch, on course games, a live auction, a ticket auction and a dinner awards ceremony.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

ROYAL PALM BEACH SENIORS ENJOY ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUN AT REC CENTER

The Royal Palm Beach Seniors Activities Group hosted a St. Patrick’s Day Social on Tuesday, March 14 at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center. Entertainment was provided by Michael O’Rourke and Sharon O’Meara. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Stuart Fried, Frank Sablone, Lloyd Astmann and Al Marulli.

First-place winners John Booth, Matt Mattino, Rusty Lamm and Ron Mattino with Tiffany Rodriguez and Larry Falk.

Ann Hardin, Patty McFarland and Jenny Lopez.

Becky Gamer, Yolande Baron and Elena Acevedo.

Mike Gauger, Scott Armand, Maggie Zeller, Barry Manning and Regis Wenham.

Volunteers Vinette Tracy, Francine Bryant, Dolly Hughes, Lorna Pearson and Hilary Varlack.

Maureen Gross, Tiffany Rodriguez, Maggie Zeller and Regis Wenham.

Muriel Guttenplan and Sandy Rubin.

Rotarians Mickey Smith, Tiffany Rodriguez, Michael Zeman, Larry Falk, Don Gross, Maggie Zeller, Scott Armand and Maria Cruz.

Longest drive and closest-tothe-pin winner Rusty Lamm with Tiffany Rodriguez.

Second-place winner Mark Neuman with Tiffany Rodriguez and Larry Falk.

Walter and Joan Imperatore with George Kinoshita.

Walter Imperatore with PBSO

Deputy Dwayne Brown. Michael O’Rourke, Shakeera Thomas and Sharon O’Meara.

Wycliffe Event Shows How Tennis Can Transcend Differences

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

One of the most successful youth development programs in the world — the Israel Tennis & Education Center (ITEC) — owes some of its success to the annual financial support it receives from the members of the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club.

The ITEC program — which has more than 20 centers scattered across Israel — provides an outlet for Israeli children who need a safe refuge to spend time after school, during school breaks and on weekends. In addition to providing a safe, secure and comforting place for children to spend time during

their free time, the ITEC experience is unique because the adult mentors teach life skills to the children as it relates to respect, integrity, hard work, compassion, friendship and communication.

The children are also given instruction on how to play and enjoy the game of tennis.

One amazing aspect of ITEC

is that the children who attend these centers come from diverse backgrounds. The ITEC children are Jews, Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Bedouins, Druze, and refugees from many countries around the world, such as Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya, Ukraine, the U.S. and Russia.

To give an update on the progress and profound impact of the ITEC program — and to generate more financial support — an ITEC delegation, with tennis racquets in hand, visited Wycliffe on Thursday, March 9. It was the sixth visit to Wycliffe in recent years by an ITEC crew.

Those tennis-playing ambassadors were Yonatan Barak, Celine Absawi, Mika Dagan-Fruchtman and Noam Gershony. They were led by Yoni Yair, ITEC’s U.S.based vice president of development. Yair is a product of the ITEC experience. He attended an ITEC chapter as a child growing up in Israel during the mid-1970s.

“Since 1976, we have impacted the lives of more than 500,000 children in Israel, which is one of the most conflicted regions in the world,” Yair said. “We serve 20,000 kids annually. We serve children from all walks of life in Israel.”

According to Yair, the opportunity to play tennis is a great incentive to join ITEC.

“Tennis is the vehicle to get kids enrolled at ITEC,” Yair said. “At ITEC, we teach children the right values in life and the importance of respecting diversity.”

Nowadays, Yair spearheads fundraising efforts in the U.S. Those funds are used to support the work of ITEC.

Those four racquet-swinging ITEC delegates walked onto Wycliffe’s center court, where they were interviewed by Yair. Their answers to his questions confirmed the value of the ITEC program, which is making life-altering differences in the daily lives of Israeli children. Having the chance to be taught how to play and enjoy the game of tennis is a plus.

According to 13-year-old Barak, who has been playing tennis since he was six, spending time at ITEC has been a blessing in his life.

“I love being at the center,” Barak said. “I have so many friends, and the coaches are like my family.”

Barak’s two future goals in tennis are to represent Israel in the Davis Cup and to win the men’s singles title at the U.S. Open. Absawi, 15, loves being friends with children who have different backgrounds.

“We are such a diverse team with Jewish, Muslim and Christian children playing together. I have many friends at the center,” said Absawi, who is known as the Ambassador of Peace. “We celebrate holidays together, like Hanukkah and Christmas.”

Dagan-Fruchtmann, 19, is the captain of the tennis-playing troupe that played at Wycliffe. She has taken her tennis-playing prowess to a new level. In 2019, she was the first female Israeli tennis player to play in the United Arab Emirates. She recalls receiving a warm and welcoming ovation from the UAE crowd.

Gershony, 40, has been confined to a wheelchair since a helicopter crash in July 2006 while serving in the Israeli army. He’s now a wheelchair tennis champion, as he won a gold medal at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

“Tennis has changed my life, mentally and physically,” Gershony said.

After the interviews, the players were joined on Wycliffe’s center court by Kam Kuchta, Wycliffe’s director of tennis. What followed was a first-class tennis exhibition featuring forehands, backhands, volleys and overheads, which thoroughly entertained the crowd of nearly 400 people.

Seminole Ridge Girls Flag Football Squad Off To A Strong Start

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team is off to a strong start this season. After the team’s first seven games, the Hawks are perfect with a 7-0 record. Over those seven victories, five of them have been shutouts. Offensively, Seminole Ridge has been virtually unstoppable. The team has scored 191 points in those first seven games. As powerful as they have been on offense,

they have been more dominant on defense, yielding only 13 points.

Seminole Ridge girls varsity flag football head coach Scott

O’Hara said his team knows that daily improvement is necessary in order to be ready for big games in the postseason, which starts in mid-April and concludes in early May at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s state finals, which will be held May 12-13 at Mandarin High School in Jacksonville.

“Our goal each day in practice and games is to do everything one percent better than the practice or game before,” said O’Hara, now in his eighth year as the team’s head coach. “We are constantly striving to get better, and we know we must in order to achieve both our individual and team goals for this season.”

At Seminole Ridge, it’s fair to say that the expectations of the girls flag football team are quite high, since the school has won five FHSAA state titles (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016) and been the state runner-up on three other occasions (2014, 2017 and 2018).

Two of the big reasons for the team’s success this season have been the play of quarterback Jaida Salguero on offense and the performance by safety Dakota Parks on defense.

Salguero’s decision-making and execution makes the offense click.

“Jaida Salguero has been a real leader both on and off the field,” O’Hara said. “She is that rare dualthreat player, playing the most important position in all of sports that gives us a lot of confidence going into every contest. It’s not just her throwing and running that make her great, but as she sees the field so well and has an uncanny feel for the game.”

Parks’ play on defense is a thorn in the side of opposing teams.

“Dakota Parks is our safety and a starting wide receiver on offense. She is a coach’s dream,” O’Hara said. “She always comes to practice with the mindset to outwork everyone and to always do things the right way. She has really improved in two years, which is a testament to her incredible work ethic. The sky’s the limit on what she can accomplish in her football career. She is super-fast and athletic and joins an impressive list of incredible safeties we have been very fortunate to have had at Seminole Ridge in my eight years now as the varsity coach.”

Seminole Ridge’s success can also be attributed to senior leadership.

In addition to Salguero, O’Hara has three other seniors who are invaluable members of this year’s

team. They are Chelsea Nedoroscik, Kyarra Howard and Cayley Chieffalo.

Nedoroscik plays center and cornerback, Howard is a slot receiver and middle linebacker, and Chieffalo lines up as a slot receiver and outside linebacker.

“Chelsea is extremely talented and has a brilliant mind for the game,” O’Hara said. “She is truly like having another coach on the field and impresses me more every day. Kyarra is the ultimate team player, who makes every player around her better by leading by example with her incredible play and unmatched athleticism. She can really do it all on the field. Cayley has unbelievable skill and competitiveness. She plays her best in the biggest moments, like the great ones do. It is not surprising that she is the daughter of Seminole Ridge varsity head football coach Chad Chieffalo.”

In addition to his four seniors, two of O’Hara’s juniors are an integral part of the team’s overall success — Angelina Sanchez and Lily Locke.

“Angelina is a dynamic twoway player who is our relentless rusher and also possesses terrific pass-catching ability from our blocking and slot receiver positions, while Lily is as solid as they come with rare versatility

and outstanding play as our slot receiver and backup quarterback,” O’Hara said.

The other members of Seminole Ridge’s 13-player roster include Alexa Baez (slot receiver and rusher), Sydney Pena (slot receiver and middle linebacker), Lola Agosto (slot receiver and outside linebacker), Gisella Negron (wide receiver and outside linebacker), Victoria Ayllon (slot receiver and corner) and Carrie Didio (wide receiver and outside linebacker). Baez is a junior;

Pena, Agosto and Negron are sophomores; and Ayllon and Didio are freshmen.

“Each girl uniquely adds her talent and constructive influence, which builds our wonderful team chemistry and resolve,” O’Hara said. “Even more impressive to me is that all our players are magnificent in the classroom, too. They are true student-athletes who take their classwork very seriously, and that makes me very proud.”

O’Hara is strongly optimistic

See SRHS FLAG, page 23

Coach Scott O’Hara meets with his players during a time out.

PHOTOS BY 412 MEDIA/ALLYSON GOOLSBY

Quarterback Jaida Salguero makes a pass for the Hawks.

ITEC’s Yonatan Barak hits a volley at Wycliffe. PHOTOS BY ALAN FABRICANT

Wycliffe event organizers Harriet and Marty Ross welcome the crowd.

Nearly 400 people attended this year’s ITEC event at Wycliffe. Wheelchair tennis champ Noam Gershony on the court.

ITEC’s Celine Absawi in action at Wycliffe.

ITEC’s Mika Dagan-Fruchtman hitting a strong forehand.

Advanced Breast Care in the Palm Beaches

Senior Jordan White Helps Power WHS Softball Team To Victory

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington High School girls varsity softball team, under the leadership of head coach Mark Boretti, is off to a strong start to its 2023 season. After its first nine games, the Wolverines are sporting an impressive 8-1 record. Of the eight victories, four of them have been shutouts.

The only blemish on the schedule was a close 3-1 loss in extra innings to Coral Springs Charter School on March 8. “Coral Springs Charter is one of the top teams in the state,” Boretti said.

Three of the team’s big wins have been against local rivals. On March 3, the squad shut out Palm Beach Gardens High School,

10-0. On March 10, Wellington outscored Park Vista High School, 6-4. And on March 16, Wellington doubled up Palm Beach Central High School, 10-5.

Without a doubt, the key player on this year’s team is senior Jordan White, who is leading by example as a pitcher and a hitter.

After the first nine games, White is leading the team in several offensive categories. She leads the team with the top batting average (.542) and the best on-base percentage (.542). White is also the team leader for runs batted in (18), hits (13), home runs (3) and has the team’s best slugging percentage (.958).

Inside the circle, White is the team’s top pitcher with a stingy

earned run average of 0.69. When she is not inside the circle hurling strikes, White, who bats third in the lineup, is the designated player, which is softball’s equivalent of baseball’s designated hitter.

“Jordan is doing it all for us this year — as a pitcher and as a hitter. It’s great to see, and she’s enjoying it,” Boretti said.

In addition to White’s role as a pitcher and a hitter, she is also a team co-captain alongside fellow seniors Kaitlyn Campbell and Kylie McCann. Campbell plays left field, and McCann plays second base. “We are getting great leadership from our three senior co-captains,” Boretti said. “Our success this spring has truly been a team effort. Last year’s freshmen

are this year’s sophomores, and they are playing strong. We have some talented juniors, as well, who are led by Kelsie Riggan.”

Besides White, three other Wolverines are batting over .400 this spring. Junior infielder Ava Matrascia is hitting .500, Campbell is swinging the bat at a .481 clip and Riggan’s batting average is .417. Campbell is batting lead-off, while Riggan is batting fifth in the lineup.

“Kaitlyn is a bunter and a slapper who gets on base. Kelsie is batting fifth, which is a good slot to help drive in runs,” Boretti said. Wellington resumes play on Tuesday, March 28 when the team travels to Royal Palm Beach High School. The game is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

La Fe Captures U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship Title

A week of high-caliber women’s play hosted by the Port Mayaca Polo Club culminated with Le Fe winning the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship, presented by Eastern Hay.

The final, which took place Sunday, March 19 at the National Polo Center-Wellington, marked a historic moment in the elite competition. For the first time, the final was held as the featured Sunday match on U.S. Polo Assn. Field One. Exciting play on the field

SRHS Flag Strong Start To Season

continued from page 21 that this year’s team will continue to create special memories.

“I can’t wait to see what they accomplish together,” he said.

O’Hara is also quick to point out that any accolades he receives as the head coach must be shared with his staff.

“I can’t thank our assistant coach, Ron Taylor, and our team mom, Carrie Chieffalo, enough for all their hard work and expertise in helping our program,” O’Hara said. “They both have been invaluable to me.”

The team will look to continue its winning ways on Tuesday, March 28 against Pahokee and on Saturday, April 1 with a pair of games against Riverview High School and Pembroke Pines Charter School.

saw competition newcomer La Fe (Winifred Branscum, Pamela Flanagan, Hope Arellano and Hazel Jackson) face returning contender Dundas (Ana de la Fuente, Erica Gandomcar-Sachs, Mia Cambiaso and Nina Clarkin) with $40,000 in prize money on the line. Relying on nonstop offensive firepower, especially from 8-goal American Arellano, La Fe launched an impressive effort that ended in a dominant 12-6 victory. At the outset of play, La Fe

drew first blood, with quick field goals from Arellano and Jackson, outpacing a single score from Dundas’ Cambiaso to create an early 2-1 advantage. Motivated by the deficit, Cambiaso worked to find the goal once from the field, then capitalized from the penalty line twice in the second. Only one response from Arellano shifted Dundas into the lead 4-3 moving into the third chukker. Regrouping, La Fe’s Arellano and Jackson hammered in six combined goals between the third and fourth chukkers. La Fe now firmly in the lead 9-4 heading into the fifth chukker, Dundas attempted

to ignite a comeback effort late in the game, but two goals from Cambiaso were met by goals from Jackson, Arellano and Flanagan. As time expired, La Fe’s unwavering efforts were rewarded with the commanding 12-6 win and the team’s U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship title. Along with the championship, La Fe earned $30,000 in prize money, while runner-up Dundas cashed in on $10,000, donated by title sponsor Eastern Hay with the support of the USPA Prize Money Matching Program. In the spirit of philanthropy and in partnership with USPA Global Licensing, both finalists also received a $2,500 check to donate to a polo charity of their choice. La Fe chose to support Replay Polo, while Dundas supported Work To Ride.

For 17-year-old Branscum, the trophy meant more than just her first win in the prestigious competition, but also marked a successful career debut on the high-goal Florida scene. “This is my first time on this level, and I’ve been using it to launch me into the world down here in Wellington,” she said.

Hailing from the St. Louis Polo Club, Branscum is skilled in both arena and outdoor polo, fresh off of a win in the Central Regional Girls’ Interscholastic Championship. Longtime acquaintances, Flanagan and Branscum have known each other for several years. In 2020, they were scheduled to compete in the U.S. Open Women’s Polo Championship

together alongside Nina Clarkin and Mia Cambiaso, but Clarkin announced her third pregnancy and the team subsequently needed to shift. Ecstatic to finally be able to compete with Branscum in the elite event, Flanagan said, “This is kind of serendipitous that she got to come back, be a part of the team and win here today.”

A massive effort, Flanagan thanked Gauntlet of Polo competitor and La Fe manager Robi Bilbao’s contributions. “The 17 different horse providers and the horses, all of that was organized by Robi Bilbao, the manager, so he’s managing the La Fe men’s team, the Dazos men’s team and the La Fe ladies,” she said. Jackson was thankful that all of their hard work paid off. “Today meant a lot,” she said. “To be

honest, it has been a long road to get here, and it has been so much organization and so much work behind the scenes to get to here.

So, to bring the win home today has just been phenomenal.”

For her impressive six-goal performance, Arellano was named Most Valuable Player. Her second chukker spare and sixth chukker horse, 9-year-old Macumba, was named Best Playing Pony. “Macumba is a mare that I purchased from Matias Magrini. He actually sent her to me to play her and sell her. I ended up falling in love with her,” Arellano said.

“At the moment I bought her, she wasn’t one of my best horses, and now she’s turned into one of my top five. Every time she goes onto the field, she gives me her whole heart and more.”

Senior Jordan White on the mound for Wellington High School.

PHOTO BY SYD JONES PHOTOGRAPHY

Seminole Ridge freshman receiver Victoria Ayllon.

PHOTO BY 412 MEDIA/ALLYSON GOOLSBY

La Fe’s Hope Arellano was named Most Valuable Player.

The 2023 U.S. Open Women’s Polo Champions — Hazel Jackson, Hope Arellano, Pamela Flanagan and Winifred Branscum of La Fe.

PHOTOS BY DAVID LOMINSKA

Farrington And Toulayna Win $226,000 Horseware Ireland CSI4*

U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Kent Farrington has found yet another leading lady in Toulayna with a win in the $226,000 Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix under the glow of Saturday Night Lights on Saturday, March 18 at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Stepping up to the biggest test of her career to date, the nine-yearold Zangersheide mare could not be caught over the Andy Christiansen Jr.-designed jump-off track and ticked the box for her first Grand Prix win. Nine horses advanced to the tie-breaking short course, where the lead changed five times.

“This is definitely the biggest track she’s jumped,” said Farrington of the mare that was also third in the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix during WEF Week 3. “I have high hopes for this horse. She’s fast, careful and everything I like in a show jumper.”

Farrington’s Tokyo teammate Jessica Springsteen set the pace as the first clear round aboard her Olympic mount Don Juan van de Donkhoeve for owner Stone Hill Farm. Their time of 39.58 seconds was soon eclipsed by fellow U.S. rider Lillie Keenan on Chansonette Farm’s Agana van het Gerendal Z in 39.10 seconds.

Ireland’s sole representative in the Horseware Ireland Grand Prix was Darragh Kenny in the irons of Amsterdam 27. They stole the lead from Keenan and stopped the clock at 38.94 seconds before Nicole Shahinian-Simpson took it back for the U.S. in 37.94 seconds. Farrington did just enough to seal the deal by stopping the timers at 37.38 seconds.

“I’m very confident on this horse, and that’s the way I like to do it; get them when they are young and produce them myself,

so I know them quite well,” said Farrington, who has been with Toulayna since the mare’s sevenyear-old year. “Even if they are green stepping up to this level, I know where I can take a shot.”

Farrington has set high expectations for Toulayna — ones that she is already meeting.

“She’s a very high-strung horse with a lot of blood and very sharp, but I try to keep the horses fresh and interested in the job because it’s a long season here,” he said.

“She’s done four weeks this season, and I think that’s plenty. We will hit the trails now and just chill out.”

Shahinian-Simpson finished as runner-up on the spirited mare Akuna Mattata, owned by Carol Rosenstein and Silver Raven Farms. Kenny rounded out the top three for owner Vlock Show Stables, with Keenan and Springsteen

capping the top five, respectively.

Laura Kraut, a third member of the U.S. team from the Tokyo Olympic games, had the time beat but pulled a rail at the final fence of the jump-off to take sixth. Kraut, a Horseware Ireland sponsored rider, was the defending champion of the Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix after winning the title in 2022 on Confu.

The Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix highlighted WEF Week 10 with thrilling competition.

“We have a long history with Wellington,” said Nina Filette, Horseware Ireland sponsorship and events executive. “We have been sponsors for many years, and it gets bigger and better every year. It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s one of our main shows on the calendar every year. It was an exciting jump-off, and the sport is

Bluetooth Emits Winning Signal To Carry Wandres To Freestyle Glory

The International Arena at Wellington International — home of show jumping’s Winter Equestrian Festival — hosted the CaptiveOne Advisors CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle and the CDI5* Grand Prix Special, sponsored by Wellington

Equestrian Realty, on Friday, March 17.

This show marked a change of venue for the five-star classes at the 2023 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), which usually operates out of the nearby

COLLEGE SIGNINGS AT CARDINAL NEWMAN

Equestrian Village site.

Frederic Wandres is no stranger to the winner’s circle, and he and the phenomenally talented Bluetooth OLD chalked up 82.31 percent as the penultimate combination in the class to ensure the German anthem rang out again. All five judges had the pair to win, and all awarded over 80 percent.

Two American female athletes filled the remaining steps of the podium. Sarah Tubman secured second with a 77.58 percent ride on Summit Farm’s 13-year-old Vivaldi stallion First Apple. Ashley Holzer scooped third place, riding her own 13-year-old Sir Donnerhall mare Valentine to 76.295 percent.

Wandres did not shy away from a high degree of difficulty, riding 19 one-time changes on a curving line to a new 1980s music compilation. Bluetooth looked confident and secure in the piaffe fans and the passage half-passes, which are both optional elements of a freestyle, but add to the degree of difficulty — and therefore risk — that a rider chooses to take. It paid off for the duo, whose balanced test was also bursting with power. It was their sixth consecutive victory at this year’s AGDF, and their highest score of the season.

“Six out of six is really amazing,” said a delighted Wandres, who rides for Bluetooth’s owner, Hof Kasselmann. “It shows that

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the horse and I have improved a lot. We started already high, and it’s not so easy over three months to keep the level that high — you have to keep the horses happy and sound — and they’re not used to the heat.”

Bluetooth had an easy period after the World Cup qualifier in AGDF Week 8, and Wandres felt he had benefited from the break.

“He was very fresh in the Grand Prix, and I had a super feeling,” he said. “He’s very with me during the tests. Even though there were a lot of spectators, he was very focused and with me.”

Wandres’ new freestyle soundtrack was a modern twist on 1980s music, and it was rewarded with a 10 from the judge at C, Stephen Clarke.

“It was a great evening, really good for the sport,” Clarke said. “The level was really high, and we had an outstanding winner, but also three or four riders were really close together and had real highlights. The atmosphere here is electric, and I think it gave a real edge.”

Tubman was especially pleased with First Apple’s piaffe, which has been a little tricky in the past, during their Terry Ciotti Gallomade freestyle. This was also her debut five-star show.

“We have been using the freestyle to help build Apple’s confidence,” she said. “I can set the test

up so it’s the best for him. Tonight I think was some of my best piaffe I’ve had in the ring, and he felt super reliable. He’s a showman — he loves the lights; the more people and the more noise, the better. I was really happy to feel honest energy with relaxation. We’re also really excited to take what we’ve learned over the season to Europe this summer. I’m pretty new at this in this big ring. This is my first five-star, so it’s a bucket list item to be sitting here with these guys.”

Holzer’s mare Valentine has been intimidated by large venues in the past, so her two podium

finishes last week at Wellington International’s atmospheric International Arena were of particular note. “This is a really challenging venue for her, and she was a little tense in the beginning, but I think the last centerline with the piaffe and passage was amazing,” she said. “She was feeling really energetic and forward. I’m excited that she’s able to come to these atmospheres now and cope. It has been a bit of a challenge, so the more I can do it, the better she gets as far as confidence is concerned. It’s great to have these venues in America.”

Camp Lingua is a unique, bilingual summer camp where children enjoy an enriching, fun experience while developing language and critical thinking skills in a nature-based environment. The camp’s all-new Palm Beach County location is home to an action-packed, equestrian-themed camp and offers day and sleepaway experiences. Geared toward those 5 to 15 years old, it includes horseback riding, indoor and outdoor camp activities, arts and crafts, hoe-downs, waterfront fun, sports, archery, ropes, barn care and much more. For more information, and to register, visit www.camplingua.com.

Science and tech camps are back in session this summer! Summer at the Cox Science Center is made for marine biology, astronomy, dinosaurs and more. Join in the upcoming summer camps for young scientists and engineers ages 5 to 12. Camp days are packed with engaging lessons, labs, crafts and outdoor activities led by expert science educators. For additional information, visit www. coxsciencecenter.org/camps.

For those exotic animal lovers interested in an exciting summer program, Wellington Conservation Center is now taking reservations for children ages 8 to 14 for the summer months. This camp is an all-access pass to animal fun for the summer! Become a junior zookeeper, learn about conservation or even just focus on some of the animals at the farm. There are three unique programs, with each week full of hands-on learning experiences sure to excite the interest of kids of all ages. Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. with before and after care available. The cost is $300 per week per child. To register, call Cole at (203) 206-9932. Learn more at www.wellingtonconservationcenter.org.

Kent Farrington and Toulayna, winners of the $226,000 Horseware Ireland CSI4* Grand Prix. PHOTO BY SPORTFOT

Four Cardinal Newman High School athletes, including three from Wellington, were recently honored on signing day after earning college scholarships. (L-R) Cameron Kimbrell, son of Palms West Hospital CEO Jason Kimbrell, baseball, University of West Florida; Trevor Robb of Wellington, baseball, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Grant Straub of Wellington, swimming, LeMoyne University; Vance Sheahan of Wellington, baseball, South CarolinaUpstate; and Cardinal Newman Athletic Director Reilly Campbell.

Frederic Wandres and Bluetooth OLD, winners of the CaptiveOne Advisors CDI5* Grand Prix Freestyle. PHOTO BY SUSAN J. STICKLE

WLMS

Student Carter Kassis Named 2023 Carson Scholar

Carter Kassis, an eighth grader at Wellington Landings Middle School, was recently named a 2023 Carson Scholar. Less than 500 total students in grades 5 through 12 across the country were named a first-time Carson Scholar this year.

Kassis will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward college, a medal, a trophy and a banquet ceremony on April 3 in West Palm Beach. He can reapply for the scholarship for the next four years. The scholarship is based on an essay, academic GPA and service to the community.

Kassis and his family thank the WLMS staff members who nominated him for this prestigious award, particularly teacher Karen Epstein, who wrote a heartfelt recommendation letter for the scholarship.

The Carson Scholars Fund was founded in 1994 by Dr. Ben

AMBER HANSEN PROVIDES COVER ART FOR FOUNDATION

Author Tiffany Noelle

Chacon Publishes Adult Romance Novel ‘Jump’

Write Horse Publishing recently announced the release of Jump, a new adult romance novel by Tiffany Noelle Chacon. This unforgettable love story will take readers on a journey of self-discovery, healing and finding true love, set against the backdrop of the competitive world of show jumping.

Carter Kassis

WELLINGTON ROTARY SERVES UP TREATS AT PALMS WEST HOSPITAL

Members of the Rotary Club of Wellington scooped ice cream, popped popcorn and served sweet sundaes to nurses, doctors and staff members at HCA Florida Palms West Hospital on Friday, March 10 to help promote volunteerism. The project was part of the hospital’s participation in HCA Florida Healthcare’s statewide “We Show Up For Our Communities” service week. The event also included a OneBlood blood drive and a volunteer fair for employees to learn more about the many opportunities for local community service.

Royal Palm Beach’s Amber Hansen, a 2022 graduate of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts and a current University of Florida student, holds her original cover artwork created for the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties’ golden anniversary annual report. Hansen donated her artwork and presented it to Danita DeHaney, president and CEO of the foundation. They are joined by Dr. Christopher Snyder, CEO of the Dreyfoos School of the Arts Foundation.

Jump follows the story of Mila Kozak, a college senior who watched her sister Anya’s tragic accident on course at a horse show in Wellington. Since then, nothing has been the same. Her relationship with her sister is as shattered as Anya’s paralyzed body. Her boyfriend of two years dumped her out of the blue and, even though she’s doing everything she can to win him back, he won’t give her the time of day. And her favorite thing in the world — show jumping — is tainted by the crippling fear she’ll end up like Anya.

Mila wants nothing more than to be her old life-of-the-party, livein-the-moment self. But no matter what she does, she’s not that Mila anymore. When Mila rescues her friend and barn mate Alex from immigration police, it sets them on a trajectory that’s as surprising as it is electrifying.

With its unique blend of heartwarming romance, raw female characters and a captivating sto-

Author Tiffany Noelle Chacon

ryline, Jump is sure to be a hit with new adult fiction fans. The novel’s relatable characters, exciting plot and breathtaking setting will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

“I am thrilled to share Jump with the world,” Chacon said. “This novel is a love letter to the world of show jumping and to anyone who has ever faced their fears and come out the other side. I hope it will inspire readers to make their own jump and find their own happily ever after.”

For more information about the book or the author, visit www. jumpthenovel.com.

Dr. David Samore To Release First Book

For parents and other adults interacting with children aged 11 to 14, help is on the way. Wellington resident Dr. David Samore, a Palm Beach County expert educator, is releasing Ecstatic Doom: The Adult’s Guide to Middle Schoolers on April 2. Ecstatic Doom is Samore’s first book and is available on Amazon.

Full of ups and downs, high emotions and stressful challenges, the middle school years could be called a roller coaster of ecstatic doom. A veteran educator and administrator with four decades of professional experience in K-12 schools, 26 years actually in middle schools, Samore provides a compelling and entertaining guide to any adult who interacts with children.

Know an aspiring scientist? Loggerhead Marinelife Center’s Junior Marine Biologist Summer Camp gives children ages 6 to 13 the amazing opportunity to explore Florida’s coastal ecosystems, enjoy hands-on science activities and so much more. Campers will also learn about fun ways to protect the oceans. Sessions include Sea Turtle Savers, Ocean Adventures and Conservation Kids. Camps run Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Late pickup at 5 p.m. is available for an additional fee. For more information, and to register, visit www. marinelife.org/camp.

Western Academy Charter School will host a summer camp for grades K through 8. Kindergartners must be five years old by the first day of camp on June 5. Campers from other schools are welcome. There are three field trips per week, plus two campus activity days. The camp fee includes breakfast, lunch and snacks each day, plus transportation and admission to field trips. Call (561) 792-4123 or (561) 795-2186 for more information.

To learn more about the book, visit www.davidsamore.com/ books.

Rotarians gather with hospital staff members at the event.

Palms West Hospital CEO Jason Kimbrell, Maggie Zeller, Maria Cruz, Scott Armand, and Joan and Walter Imperatore get ready to serve up some ice cream.

Carson and his wife Candy. Learn more about the program at www. carsonscholars.org.

CRESTWOOD STUDENTS HONORED AS PART OF SCHOOL BUS CONTEST

FATHER-DAUGHTER DANCE AT WELLINGTON EL

On Friday, Feb. 17, the Wellington Elementary School cafeteria was transformed into a ballroom and filled with fathers and daughters. The couples got to dance to the tunes of the disc jockey, while feasting on special snacks, pizza, cupcakes and posing for memorable photographs. Not only were there fathers, but uncles, grandfathers, brothers and other special men in the girls’ lives. It was a very special, fun-filled evening for all in attendance. Organizers Melissa Akladious and Amanda Silvestri of the PTO created this event with the goal of making special memories to last a lifetime.

Several Crestwood Middle School students were recently recognized by the Palm Beach County Behavioral Health Coalition for their amazing talent and achievements in the School Bus Drug Prevention Media Contest. On Wednesday, March 8, at the Mandala Healing Center in West Palm Beach, the following students represented Crestwood Middle School with the highest level of excellence: Caitlyn Panse (sixth grade) won first place/People’s Choice Award in the poster contest; Shaniada Dor (sixth grade) was a finalist in the poster contest; and Julie Calsetta and Amanda Delgado (eighth grade) won second place in the video contest.

American Academy To Host Virtual Webinar

American Academy, a program within American Heritage Schools, will host “Communicate with Confidence: Techniques for Students with Learning Differences,” a virtual event via Zoom on Tuesday, March 28 at 7 p.m.

This event is part of American Academy’s monthly speaker series, “Experts in Learning Differences.” Hosted by Alexandra Rollins, admissions director of the American Academy program, the expert speaker for the March event is Dr. Eric J. Nach, founder and president of the Support for Students Growth.

Before, during and after college, what are the skills young adults with learning differences need in the 21st century? The answer is soft skills, also known as communication, time management, organizational and social skills, all of which are vital to student

success in college and beyond. Join Nach, a top developmental and behavioral specialist in the enhancement of student growth and college life skills, who will explain how parents and professionals can identify underdeveloped soft skills and take proactive measures to help students gain greater levels of social and perceptual skills and boost self-confidence to thrive in college and in life. The speaker series is streamed live virtually, and all previous episodes are available for viewing at any time. The purpose of the speaker series is to educate families about topics that relate to mild learning differences and are relevant today. All of the speakers are experts in the various disciplines of each topic. For more information about the speaker series, visit www.ah-americanacademy.com/speaker-series.

and Melissa

did a phenomenal job of organizing the event. The dance floor is filled with father-daughter couples.

TKA Announces Gift From Frank DiMino Foundation

The King’s Academy recently announced a significant investment from the Frank DiMino Foundation that will allow for the construction of the Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center on its campus at the corner of Belvedere Road and Sansburys Way.

Darren Bardell, executive director of the foundation, recently presented a check to TKA, which will allow for the construction to begin in the coming months.

“Our board members recognized from the start of our relationship with TKA that we shared a common goal: to support and

develop the next generation of civic and business leaders,” Bardell said. “We are honored to have the opportunity to continue to partner with TKA through the building of the Early Childhood Center.”

The 10,000-square-foot Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center will serve nearly 200 students with an enriching and developmentally appropriate program and curriculum that will prepare two-, threeand four-year-olds for elementary school and beyond.

“I am so grateful for the tremendous generosity Frank DiMino and the Frank DiMino Foundation has

shown our school,” TKA’s President Randal Martin said. “The Frank DiMino Early Childhood Center will focus on the total development of a child’s social, spiritual, emotional, cognitive and physical needs in order to build a solid and broad foundation for lifelong learning and well-being in a safe, nurturing environment.”

Frank DiMino is no stranger to TKA. His name is displayed on many local and national facilities in honor of his generosity. He has been a supporter of the school through the endowment of the school’s nationally recognized

DiMino Engineering & Technology Program, support for the school’s championship competitive cheerleading team, naming the Frank DiMino Science Center and the Frank DiMino Student Union. DiMino is a South Florida resident and philanthropist. He was born in Grotte, Sicily. His family immigrated to the United States in 1935, when he was a young boy, and eventually settled in Rochester, New York. At the height of his entrepreneurial activity, DiMino owned and operated a wide variety of businesses.

GOLDEN GROVE’S BLACK WAX MUSEUM

The fourth graders at Golden Grove Elementary School have been diligently researching and learning about influential African Americans throughout history and today as part of Black History Month. As a culmination of their hard work, the fourth graders presented this year’s installment of the Golden Grove Black Wax Museum. These students memorized speeches, created timelines and arrived at school dressed and ready to perform. Students, parents and community members look forward to this event annually, and this year’s students did not disappoint.

Amanda Silvestri

Akladious

Andrew Burr Group Joins Keyes Company

The Andrew Burr Group is pleased to announce that it is now part of the Keyes Company Wellington.

“We are excited to bring our talents to this respected and innovative real estate organization,” Team Lead Andrew Burr said.

After many successful years with Coldwell Banker Wellington, the Andrew Burr Group has decided to make this strategic move to better serve clients and expand its reach.

The Keyes Company has a long history of excellence in the Florida real estate market and is known for its dedication to customer satisfaction, cutting-edge technology and comprehensive support for its agents.

As a broker associate with ABR, CNHS, ePRO, GREEN and SHC designations, Burr has an unparalleled understanding of the local market and a proven track record of delivering outstanding results. His expertise, combined with the Keyes Company’s resources and network, will provide an unbeatable advantage for clients looking to buy or sell property in South Florida.

“Our group includes Maria Fernanda Cruz, Randy and Leslie Pfeiffer, Kristoffer Karlsson, Julian Suriel, Amber Rose and Dawn Rivera, all of whom are invaluable members of our team, bringing diverse skills and expertise to every transaction. They share my commitment to excellence and

New Dental Office Coming Soon To Royal Palm Beach

Dr. Hiba Alrubaye will soon be offering dental services to the community of Royal Palm Beach at her brand-new office, Dental Care of Southern Palm. The new full-service, state-of-the-art family dental practice is set to open on Friday, April 7.

Dental Care of Southern Palm will be fully equipped with the latest products and equipment available in the dental industry, offering Alrubaye and her dental team the opportunity to provide the most up-to-date procedures and services to their patients. From routine cleanings and simple fillings to more in-depth restorative and cosmetic services, patients can expect individualized care to help them keep their teeth for a lifetime.

“We are excited to be joining the

Royal Palm Beach community to offer high-quality dental services to families and individuals of all ages,” Alrubaye said. “Our mission is to provide exceptional experiences to each patient who walks through our doors. Dental health is vital to overall health, so we want to help our patients make the best decisions for their care. We plan to educate patients on the importance of dental care and encourage them to adopt an ongoing preventative care routine.”

Dental Care of Southern Palm is located at 100 Royal Palm Beach Blvd. The office is now accepting new patients.

Appointments can be made by calling (561) 785-0214 or visiting www.dentalcareofsouthernpalm. com.

Universal Health Services To Break Ground On New Hospital

Universal Health Services (UHS), the parent company of Wellington Regional Medical Center, will host a groundbreaking Tuesday, March 28 for a new hospital to be constructed in Palm Beach Gardens. The 150-bed facility will offer advanced medical technology and access to quality healthcare. The hospital is scheduled to open in 2025 at 13655 Pasteur Blvd.

UHS submitted an application to the City of Palm Beach Gardens for land use and zoning approvals in support of the proposed development of the 34-acre parcel of land in the subdivision of Alton,

near Donald Ross Road. The Palm Beach Gardens City Council unanimously approved the project.

“This is a wonderful location that will be attractively designed with the possibility of future expansion as the hospital continues to expand its services to match the growth of the community,” said Kevin DiLallo, group vice president for Universal Health Services.

“We will serve as the community hospital with our unwavering commitment to the mission of putting patients first and delivering high-quality healthcare.”

Learn more about the project at www.newaltonhospital.com.

have a deep understanding of the local market, allowing them to provide unparalleled service to our clients,” Burr said.

Burr added that his group is confident that they can deliver exceptional results for every client they work with.

“Whether you are buying or selling a property in the western communities, you can count on the Andrew Burr Group to provide the highest level of service and support throughout the entire process,” Burr said. “We are thrilled to join the Keyes Company family and bring our team’s experience and passion to this dynamic organization. Our clients are always our top priority, and this move will allow us to offer even more personalized

attention and superior service.”

At the Andrew Burr Group, they are committed to exceeding clients’ expectations and achieving their real estate goals. Whether you are a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, they have the knowledge and skills to guide you through every step of the process.

If you are interested in obtaining information regarding your real estate needs, contact the Andrew Burr Group to experience the highest level of service with the exceptional advantages of the Keyes Company difference. The Keyes Company is located at 13920 Wellington Trace, Suite 200. For more information, contact Broker Associate Andrew Burr at (561) 324-8914.

Bainbridge Fills Two Key Vice President Roles

The Bainbridge Companies, a fully integrated family of real estate companies engage in virtually every step of the real estate process, recently named Heidi Jehlicka as vice president of marketing and Krista Washbourne as vice president of learning and development at the Wellington-based firm.

Jehlicka and Washbourne will aid with continued growth in 2023. Last year, Bainbridge secured more than $2 billion in transactions while expanding its footprint and partnerships in North Carolina, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and Virginia, all the while continuing its strong presence throughout Florida.

“With the incredible success

from last year, Bainbridge has brought on new executives to aid with our continued growth in 2023,” said Shae Shults, chief strategy officer at Bainbridge. “We are thrilled to add Heidi and Krista, both impressive leaders, to our team. Each brings decades of industry expertise to our firm and will elevate our innovative sales and operations programs, partnerships, and internal and external communications.”

Jehlicka brings more than 20 years of experience in the real estate industry to her new role. Most recently, she served as vice president of operations at Orbit Investments. Prior to that, she was

the senior vice president of operations at Southern Land Company, senior vice president of marketing and employee development for Bainbridge, and director of marketing at Advenir Living. Jehlicka has overseen diverse portfolios of multifamily, build-to-rent and mix-use across the U.S. She holds an MBA from Fitchburg State University and is skilled in all facets of marketing, operations, training, team development and revenue management. Jehlicka is based in Wellington and will oversee property and corporate marketing, as well as public relations.

Washbourne brings more than 20 years of experience in multi-

family and organizational development. Most recently, she has worked with Lincoln Property Company as vice president of learning and talent development, as well as with Interplay Learning, a high-growth VR/simulation training start-up. During her career, Washbourne has also served as learning and development manager for Gables Residential, as well as director of education for JPI/Greystar. Washbourne holds a bachelor’s degree in both psychology and public relations from Kansas State University. She is based in Austin, Texas. Learn more about Bainbridge at www.bainbridgecompanies.com.

Talon Point Capital Brokers $6.3M Inlet Way Sale

West Palm Beach-based Talon Point Capital, a full-service real estate advisory firm, recently announced the sale of an off-market, 10-unit condominium property directly on Palm Beach Inlet in Palm Beach Shores for $6.3 million. The buyer is a private investor with a diverse portfolio of real estate holdings.

Talon Point Capital is intimately familiar with the oceanfront enclave community. As owner of income property in Palm Beach Shores and having represented many investors, the firm was able to advise the buyer to a successful transaction.

“There’s so much more to a successful contract than just the pricing. This is a testament to the quality of our presentation skills and our sophisticated investor pro-

file that put our contracts on top,” said Albert Boyd, broker of Talon Point Capital and a longtime resident of the western communities.

Talon Point Capital spearheaded the intense negotiating that developed after several challenging factors threatened to derail the transaction while under contract. After approximately five months of addendums and various potential obstacles, the sale finally closed. “Mr. Boyd is a dealmaker. His relationship-building skills are what makes the difference in creating unique solutions,” the buyer said.

The property is located at 320 Inlet Way in Palm Beach Shores. The condominium nature of the property and its location provide for a few value-add options in terms for the buyer. “This partic-

ular transaction, with 10 different owners, all out of state, required some tenacity and a level head to keep all parties engaged during the five months of troubleshooting,” Boyd said. “This transaction reflected Talon Point’s ‘Commitment to the Mission’ philosophy.”

Talon Point Capital provides off-market niche opportunities to a clientele of discriminating investors who value expert services in the hospitality, multifamily, residential development and retail sectors. As investors and niche developers, Talon Point’s team understands real estate finance, the value-add development process and a sound plan. In addition, investors appreciate the firm’s specialty services, such as CPA tax planning for real estate investors and developers, an in-house expe-

rience, as well as a bilingual team with direct connections in South America, Europe and nationally. For more info., contact Boyd at aboyd@talonpointcapital.com or visit www.talonpointcapital.com.

The Andrew Burr Group joins the Keyes Company management team for a welcome luncheon at Kaluz Wellington. (L-R) Dawn Rivera, Kristoffer Karlsson, Maria Fernanda Cruz, Randy and Leslie Pfeiffer, Andrew Burr, District Sales Manager Jennifer Schillace, General Manager Barbara Kozlow, Alex Diaz and Julian Suriel.

Broker Albert Boyd

My Granddaughter Wants A Little Sister, But Not Just Any Sister

Yesterday my granddaughter Tess, age 8, marched into the kitchen and declared to her mother that she wanted a baby sister, specifically, a five-year-old sister — someone she could play with.

“Babies always start out as babies,” her mother informed her. “And they’re a lot of work.”

“Then let’s get one from the shelter,” Tess countered. Yes. From the shelter. Wouldn’t that be great? I’m sure that everyone out there who can’t conceive would adore that solution. In fact, everyone would adore that solution. Of all the women I know who have borne children, love their children, even those who want more children, not one has ever said to me,

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

“I wish I could go through that birthing process again. That was fun!”

First, there’s the realization that you’re pregnant. Although this can be a joyful time, it also means saying goodbye to life as you know it. Even if you already have kids. Everything is going to change — usually for the better, but not always.

Second, try this. Tie a soft, fluffy pompon to your ankle. Now, every single month, replace it with a larger soft, fluffy pompon. I don’t care how adorable this pompon is, after nine months of wearing it, you’d be quite annoyed by this pompon. And, even though it’s not nearly as heavy as an eight-pound baby and the big sack of water in which the baby resides, you’d want it removed!

So, you’d go to the doctor, who would say, “OK, I can remove it and give you, instead, an adorable little baby, but first there will be quite a lot of agony. Are you OK with that?”

And you’d say, “No.” And the doctor would say, “Well, you

have no choice, and we’re doing it right this minute.”

“What? Now?” But the pompon would know “it was time,” so the doctor would remove it and hand you a baby, together with a rather hefty bill.

But imagine if you could enjoy those nine months of your life without the annoying pompon tied to your ankle. Imagine if you could just bop down to the Baby Shelter when you felt ready to change your life. And imagine if there were cribs full of sweet babies to choose from.

Would you choose the one screaming its head off? No.

Would you choose the one that was eerily silent? No. Would you choose twins or triplets or

quadruplets or octuplets? Probably not the first time. In fact, I bet you’d choose the baby who seems most like you

But that still doesn’t solve Tess’s problem — she wants a five-year-old baby. She’d have to go to the section of the shelter that houses “returns.” And just like we balk about buying a box that has obviously been re-sealed, her mother would balk about choosing this child — why was it returned in the first place? For Tess, the answer seems to lie in depending upon the way things have always been done. So I join with her, looking at her mother with puppy eyes and asking, “Won’t you please have another baby?” and her mother swiftly answering, “No.” And that is that... for now... we think.

We All Need To Learn How To Stop Just Talking Past Each Other

One of the ugliest aspects of life the past couple of years has been the chasm between those on the left side of the political spectrum and the right. There have been stories of families that have broken apart, longstanding friendships gone and constant arguments. At one point years ago, it was fashionable for those out of power to call themselves the “loyal opposition.” That has changed. Parties not in control seem to go out of their way to oppose. A politician who talks about trying to cooperate and compromise with opponents is called a “collaborator.” And, of course, people who would normally support the person now turn away, which makes it very difficult to get anything worthwhile really done. Any proposal for change now has to provide special benefits that helps the friends of whichever group is in power, who in turn provide special help to the politicians.

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Casting blame is not easy, but I know where much of this comes from. Our media has done more to shatter wide spectrum collaboration than perhaps any other force. If I were trying to pick an actual single source, I would look to the old CNN program “Crossfire.” Every week night, there would be a liberal reporter and a conservative one, and they would stage a debate. That is good. How often do we really have debates on our news stations any more? Yes, there are fake ones. Fox

will present some moderate liberals who never seem to get angry no matter what the conservatives say. MSNBC has spent years honing a group of anti-Trump Republicans to blast Republicans. But few real debates. The problem with those debates was mainly that it brought up two sides to each question. That, of course, is more helpful than presenting only one. But why should there only be two? When it comes to abortion, there are advocates for “it’s a woman’s fight. Abortion at any time.” And on the other hand, we have the “it’s not the baby’s fault if mama was raped. That baby is sacred.” The choice of names for the groups made differences clear. It was not “pro-abortion” and “anti-abortion.” It was “pro-choice” and “pro-life.” People talking in two different languages can seldom solve problems. And there was not much opportunity for anyone in the middle to speak. So both groups had

their demands, and after 50 years, we still do not have consensus. Does this hang on? Look at Ukraine. On the left, Democrats and some Republicans talk about providing large amounts of money to “protect democracy.” And Republicans and some Democrats talk about reports of corruption in Ukraine. Why are the two notions so opposed? Perhaps the idea of freedom and self-determination is worthy but there is corruption? Could that be? But neither group spends much time focusing on the dual possibility.

Checking MSNBC’s lead stories against the leads over at Fox is revealing. There are few topics that are identical. They each spend their time on favorite topics, often going into great depth. But they ignore the other group’s issues or dismiss them casually. Someone who watches only one source will have a skewed view of events.

Added to the mix is that we now have

seen the rise of censorship. Recently, some “scientific verities” have been overturned. Masks may not have been as effective against COVID-19 as originally believed. Closed schools may not have done much to protect children in terms of disease but seems to have damaged many of them educationally. In other words, on a major health issue that should have had no real partisan split, there was no real discussion. People who argued one side of the topic were laughed at. That is the problem with talking past each other. When we only hear one side of a story, the path ahead seems obvious. But we are not hearing of the pitfalls. Maybe the media on all sides should try a more balanced approach. Not giving up on who they are; simply listening, really listening, to those with different views and letting their viewers know there is more than one path.

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Employment Opportunities

Front Desk Clerk

We’re Hiring for the following position!

Position: Field Service Mechanic

Job type: Full-time

Location: Belle Glade, Florida

About the Job SSI Petroleum is a dynamic growth-oriented distributor of lubricants and fuels to wholesale, retail, and commercial end-user markets throughout Florida. We are seeking a Field Service Mechanic for our Belle Glade, Florida location. Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, and preventative maintenance and repairs experience is required.

Qualifications/Responsibilities include:

• Applicants must possess the ability to troubleshoot and repair simple mechanical/electrical systems and keep records of those tasks.

• Assemble, maintain, and repair portable tanks, pumps, motors, power generating, and hydraulic equipment.

• Assist maintenance mechanic with all duties, i.e., changing engine oil, and fluids, repair of flat tires, etc.

• Perform basic preventative maintenance functions on fleet equipment.

• Maintain inventory of tools and supplies needed for daily tasks.

• Able to safely operate multiple vehicles and most heavy mobile equipment.

• Physically able to climb ladders and lift heavy objects routinely.

• Willing to travel between branches and job sites throughout Florida as needed.

• Detail-oriented, team player with strong communication skills.

• Motivated to learn and willing to work nights and weekends whenever the job calls for it.

• An energetic, motivated, eager, positive-minded individual that desires to be part of an exciting and growing operation.

Requirements:

• CDL Class A or B or willing to obtain

• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems and repair experience

Offering a Very Competitive Compensation Package

After