Town-Crier Newspaper May 5, 2023

MEET THE VALEDICTORIANS & SALUTATORIANS FROM WELLINGTON AND PALM BEACH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLS – SEE STORIES, PAGE 3

TOWN-CRIER

EARTH DAY FUN IN WELLINGTON

Indian Trail Board

Approves $120,000 For

Additional Field Repairs

Parks and recreation issues were back on the front burner at the Wednesday, April 19 meeting of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors. The supervisors approved up to $120,000 for replacement of topsoil and new sod at the Acreage Community Park South Multi-Purpose Field, which is badly deteriorated. Page 4

Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco Celebrates

‘Clear The Shelter’

Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (WOW) hosted the annual Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco event at Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Thursday, April 27. It was the finale of WOW’s “Clear the Shelter” campaign. This year, 10 dogs attended in the hopes of finding their forever home. Page 5 New

Kool Runnings Ice Cream Café held a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 29 at Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach. With summer just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Page 16

Seminole Ridge Flag

Football Enjoying

Post-Season Success

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team is on a mission. The goal of that mission is to win a sixth Florida High School Athletic Association state championship trophy and to hang another banner in the school’s gymnasium. Page 21

County Commission Supports Land Swap

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Following hours of presentations, comments and debate on Wednesday, May 3, the Palm Beach County Commission approved a land/housing swap that will cut GL Homes’ development plans west of The Acreage by one-third.

In return, the developer will be allowed to build a high-end development coupled with workforce housing on property in the Agricultural Reserve west of Delray Beach off State Road 7. Opponents of the swap said that it would lead to more development in sections of the county supposedly set aside for agriculture.

At the comprehensive plan transmittal hearing, the vote was 5-2 in favor of the swap, which has been in the works for several years.

“What I mostly feel is relieved,”

with awards. Shown above, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone and Councilman John McGovern join with Smokey Bear and Cub Scouts from Pack 125 to plant a pond cypress tree.

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 8

Bellissimo Partners With Noted Development Group On Luxury Residential Project

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington equestrian entrepreneur Mark Bellissimo has raised the bar on his plan to develop more luxury housing aimed at equestrian clientele.

Last week, Bellissimo announced a partnership with Nexus Luxury Collection to create “The Wellington,” a luxury residential club community, on 600 acres of land that Bellissimo and his partners own in and around the heart of Wellington’s equestrian area.

Through a new partnership known as Wellington Lifestyle Partners (WLP), the principals plan to work with the Village of Wellington and the local community to craft a residential experience focused on wellness, resort living and sport, while honoring and enhancing Wellington’s equestrian roots, he said.

“WLP is eager to launch this next chapter to ensure that Wellington continues as the world’s premier equestrian lifestyle destination,” Bellissimo said. “With Nexus, we have selected an experienced, top-tier development partner to help us create ‘The Wellington,’ a world-class residential

experience that underscores all we have come to love about this village — sport, recreation and community.”

The proposed development includes doubling the size of the Wellington International showgrounds, Bellissimo said, adding that the expansion will facilitate a large investment to expand and enhance the major equestrian facilities.

WLP’s proposed new project includes a walkable commercial center featuring shops, hotels, offices, a park and restaurants with top luxury retail brands conveniently abutting the residential club community. The development plan will also include a public riding facility with trail riding and a basic introduction to horse sport that will be accessible by the community.

“We are highly selective in where we choose to go to curate a complementary suite of experiences for our customers. Partnering and co-investing with Mark to create ‘The Wellington’ is a perfect fit for Nexus as we expand into the important South Florida marketplace,” said Christopher Anand, CEO and managing partner of Nexus. “We are excited to

build something special on the land that Mark has painstakingly pulled together over the last 18 years. This new club community will take inspiration from what we have created at Albany in The Bahamas and will be customized to celebrate the best of Wellington’s sports lifestyle.” If the proposal sounds familiar, that’s because it’s similar to the “Wellington 3.0” proposal pitched by Bellissimo last year — a large increase to the showgrounds coupled with two new residential communities. This time, however, it comes with more deep-pocket support, a more recreation-themed image and the participation of several well-known celebrities.

In addition to Bellissimo and Nexus, WLP is supported by prominent investors, including entrepreneur Jeff Skoll. Founding president of eBay, he is an entrepreneur devoted to creating a sustainable world of peace and prosperity for all, and as founder of the Jeff Skoll Group, he has created an innovative portfolio of philanthropic and commercial enterprises. Nexus, meanwhile, has as

See BELLISSIMO, page 14

Farrell West Gets Board OK For 27 Homes At Palm Beach Polo

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier

Staff Report

A golf course parcel closed for more than 20 years that has been the controversial home of things like adult soccer games, freelance food and alcohol vendors nestled beside Wellington’s Palm Beach Polo community has gotten its first approval toward becoming a new residential neighborhood.

A village board has given its goahead to a plan to put 27 high-end homes on the land, over objections from some neighbors that Wellington is too quick to give up green and open spaces.

Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board voted 4-1

on Wednesday, April 19 to recommend that the Wellington Village Council approve the plan known as Farrell West.

It would happen on 23 acres southwest of Forest Hill Blvd. and Polo Club Road, if the council agrees in meetings expected in May and June.

Bridgehampton, N.Y.-based Farrell Building Co. has been building luxury homes for nearly three decades and has a strong Florida presence, including an office in West Palm Beach, said Michael Sanchez, representing the builder.

The proposed conversion of 23 acres to homes represents less than

two percent of the recreational land in the area’s comprehensive plan, he said.

“This existing recreation designation on this parcel is really a leftover of this site 20 years ago,” Sanchez said. “It hasn’t been used for recreation for more than 20 years, legally.” Developers heard “rumblings” of concerns within the community and met with about 60 to 70 local residents on April 3, he said.

The company withdrew applications for a Farrell East proposal on April 17 because of questions raised about a possible loss of amenities, including tennis, he

See FARRELL, page 4

District 6 Commissioner Sara Baxter said minutes after the session. “It’s not a decision I took lightly… Really, I had to choose

from two decisions I didn’t like.

But I represent District 6 [which includes The Acreage], and it was very important to the district.”

Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria Sachs, the commissioner who represents the affected area west of Delray Beach, voted against the swap.

GL Homes held permits to build 3,897 housing units, 300,000 square feet of commercial space and 50,000 square feet of office space on their Indian Trails Grove property in the northwest section of the Indian Trail Improvement District.

However, under the swap, the number of units built there will be reduced to 2,612, commercial development will be limited to 200,000 square feet and office space to 33,500 square feet. Lands dedicated for agricultural and water resources are to be increased by 980 acres, and publicly dedicated land will be increased from 640 acres to more than 1,600 acres. A

SWEET CORN FIESTA

Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds hosted the 23rd annual Sweet Corn Fiesta on Sunday, April 30. Guests enjoyed a farmers’ market, kids’ activities, rides, musical performances and all things sweet corn. The 19th annual National Sweet Corn-Eating Championship presented by Major League Eating attracted competitive eaters from around the country. Shown above, Miki Sudo is crowned after winning the competitive corn-eating competition. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 18

RPB Council Gets Updated Details On

Tuttle Royale

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

Years of planning, design, applications and negotiation culminated at the Royal Palm Beach Village Council meeting on Thursday, April 20, when the council approved the last layers of requests needed for developers to officially break ground on the Tuttle Royale project, located on the south side of Southern Blvd., approximately 0.27 miles west of State Road 7.

“I’ve got a two-hour speech ready after nine years,” said developer Brian Tuttle, who provided a brief history of the evolution of the site plans during that time. “Through all this, you guys have worked with us. You helped us to rewrite the code. You believed the dream.”

He thanked Village Manager Ray Liggins, Village Engineer Chris Marsh and Planning & Zon-

ing Director Bradford O’Brien, along with everyone else on the village’s staff.

“We didn’t always agree, but we did agree to keep working on it,” Tuttle said. “The expedited process worked out very well for us. We’re going get this built, and we feel confident about it.”

Tuttle Royale will consist of 12 main buildings and three outparcels. This will house 401 residential units, along with retail, a hotel, restaurants, entertainment space and parking garages.

Lenzy Jean-Louis of Urban Design Studios provided details on each building, along with renditions of the façades and landscaping.

“Just to set the stage, we are trying to create this large, sustainable mixed-use district. Not only as a vehicle for economic growth, but

See TUTTLE, page 4

Lox Council Approves Changes To Big Dog Site Plan

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council approved a new site plan for Big Dog Ranch Rescue on Tuesday, May 2 that allows the nonprofit animal shelter the ability to expand its existing buildings with the primary goal of accommodating new programs designed to serve veterans and active-duty military personnel.

“Many soldiers are forced to make the heartrending decision to surrender their dogs prior to deployment,” said Lauree Simmons, president and founder of BDRR. “With this expansion, we can assure that they can keep these dogs and be reunited with them when they return.”

Simmons said that the proposed new wing, the Langone Patriot Pet Boarding Lodge, is designed to address this issue, providing housing and care, free of cost for deployed soldiers. The project is being funded by Ken Langone, founder of Home Depot.

The expansion will also allow BDRR to grow the veteran dog training program that helps veterans with PTSD and other issues from 35 to 75 dogs per year.

The council spent more than two and half hours discussing the issue, both regarding the proposed expansion, and updating the list of conditions that were put in place when BDRR’s original site plan was approved in 2015. BDRR is located on a 32-acre

site at the southeast corner of Okeechobee Blvd. and D Road. The applicant has requested a site plan amendment to address the changing needs of the nonprofit after five years of operation. The principal change increases the approved maximum square footage from 65,805 square feet to 75,263 square feet. The largest change will redesign and increase the size of boarding dog housing from 6,581 square feet to 15,301 square feet, an increase of 8,720 square feet.

Simmons said that the two additional wings will be both for the veterans’ program and the boarding of dogs for deployed soldiers. “Even with the additional square footage we are requesting, we

would still be way under what is allowed in the town code,” she said.

Other changes to the plan are minor, providing a bit more space for education and the puppy area.

Simmons said that her nonprofit takes in stray dogs from the community, and also an average of 35 owner surrenders each week from around Palm Beach County. She noted that BDRR has been expanding nationally, recently opening a 100-acre facility in Alabama, as well as several other locations throughout the southeast, which is the area of the country with the largest problem with pet overpopulation. A program with 10 spay/neuter buses is also launching soon to

help combat pet overpopulation, Simmons said, adding that adoption centers will be opening in the northeast.

Planning Consultant Jim Fleischmann noted that conditions were changed to allow dog boarding for deployed military personnel and first responders, and also to allow temporary increases to the amount of shelter pets during emergency and disaster situations.

During public comment, several veterans attending with their service dogs praised the veteran dog training program.

Also attending on behalf of BDRR was Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

“I am here to support Big Dog See BIG DOG, page 14

The Village of Wellington hosted Earth Day and Arbor Day events at the Wellington Promenade and the Wellington Community Center on Saturday, April 22. An outdoor event featured the theme “Invest in Our Planet” and included a tree planting. Inside the community center, the Wellington Garden Club hosted a National Garden Club Horticultural Specialty Flower Show

PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

WHS Will Salute The Class Of 2023 May 15 At The Fairgrounds

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School’s Class of 2023 will celebrate their graduation on Monday, May 15 at 1 p.m. at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center. As the seniors march into the commencement, they will be led this year by valedictorian Michelle Wong and salutatorian Victoria Loredan. Both young women are members of the National Honor Society, Math Honor Society and the Science Honor Society with a world of opportunity ahead.

“Aside from earning the academic title of valedictorian for the Class of 2023, I feel extremely grateful to have been accepted into Harvard, Princeton, UNC Chapel Hill, UF and more. It all feels so surreal, and it feels amazing to know that my hard work has amounted to reaching my goal,” Wong said. “On National Decision Day, I committed to Harvard for its environmental science and public policy major with potentially a pre-med track. However, I am still deciding what it is I want to study or do in life, so my major is highly tentative. I am excited to learn more about the steps to becoming an entrepreneur with a successful startup, and how I can connect this to making the planet a healthier place for us all.”

Wong has a 4.0 GPA and a weighted GPA of 5.5067. She is the co-founder and co-president of the Asian Student Union

at WHS, where she felt that the Asian members of the student body deserved both representation and a voice. She is the founder and president of the Kindness Matters 365 chapter, where Loredan is also a member.

“At FAU, I was a fellow in the Barb Schmidt Fellowship in my junior year for two semesters. In this club, we learned about mindfulness and social activism. During my time as a fellow, I was the founder and director of management and operations of a student-led organization called Sea Citizens. We worked with local organizations to help fund the deployment of artificial reefs as an effort to conserve Florida’s dying coral reefs,” said Wong, who is now a Climate Ready ambassador at FAU as well. “I am the secretary of the Palm Beach County School District’s Superintendent’s Student Advisory Committee, also known as SSAC. I was selected by Superintendent Mike Burke to voice the thoughts of the students of our district to our school board members.”

When offering advice to her fellow graduates, Wong’s words are insightful and down to earth. “Trust the timing of your life. Not everything goes exactly as planned, but things will always fall into place as it should be. It’s OK if you feel like the pace of your life is moving slower than your peers. We are all living on our own individual timelines, so don’t feel

pressured to compete in a nonexistent race,” Wong said. She plans on spending this summer as an intern or working. “It would also feel great to catch up on what feels like years of missed sleep that has accumulated since the seventh grade,” Wong added.

Loredan is graduating with the highest GPA of any Black student who has ever attended WHS, a 4.0 GPA and a weighted GPA of 5.46. She is also leaving high school with an AA degree in psychology.

“One of the main challenges was having to navigate high school online. Having to juggle my schoolwork while also watching my two younger siblings was hard work,” she said. “One minute I’d be finding the area of a circle, and the next I would be stopping my brother from jumping off the counter. However, from COVID-19, I was able to learn more about myself not only as a student but as an individual.”

Loredan is also the president of BLAST (Black Leadership Achievement Student Team), a club that led to some of her favorite events in high school, including meeting leaders like Mayor Anne Gerwig, Community Services Director Paulette Edwards and members of the Crowned Pearls of Wellington. She feels these experiences led to an improvement in her speaking and leadership skills. She also received first place in a national video contest called “Districts

Make a Difference.” Her parody of the theme song from The Fresh Prince of BelAir was a creative and fun way of showing how her village’s special district helps the local community.

“Like the rapper J. Cole says, ‘It’s beauty in the struggle, ugliness in the success.’ Although there may be times in the future when you feel like giving up or you think you made a mistake, never forget that it takes hard work for you to relish in the success you deserve,” Loredan said. “I

plan to attend the University of Florida and pursue a degree in psychology and a minor in French. My goal is to be a pediatric psychiatrist so I can give children of color representation in the mental health field.” Loredan looks forward to her second summer as an intern at Premier Family Health. Her volunteer projects include Quantum House, Feeding South Florida, Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Village of Wellington, where she received a leadership award for her outstanding work.

PBCHS Gets Ready For 2023 Graduation Ceremony On May 17

By Callie Sharkey Town-Crier Staff Report

The seniors in Palm Beach Central High School’s Class of 2023 will walk in celebration of their accomplishments on Wednesday, May 17 at 8 a.m. The South Florida Fairgrounds Expo Center will be teeming with students and their families as they receive diplomas and accolades acknowledging their hard work over the past four years.

“My speech will focus on the district theme of ‘Educate, Affirm and Inspire.’ This is truly a special senior class that has overcome many barriers. They had to pivot during the pandemic and adjust to virtual learning. Finally, they led the way to us returning back to a new normal,” Principal Darren Edgecomb said. “I’m extremely excited and honored to celebrate their success.

Ryan Fingeret will serve as valedictorian for the Class of 2023, with a 4.0 GPA and a weighted GPA of 5.5. He made the Principal’s Honor Roll with straight A grades every nine weeks for three years. As though being a Bright Futures Scholar and in the National Honor Society isn’t enough, Fingeret is also an AICE diploma recipient with distinction and an MS Office

Specialist in Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

The future University of Florida student is also in the Rho Kappa History Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society. Fingeret is the founder and vice president of Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT).

When asked what advice he might give to his fellow students, he said, “Life is like a roller coaster — sometimes all you can do is scream and hold on.”

Salutatorian Amanda Schinina also plans to attend the University of Florida.

She will major in finance.

“I have been very good at math and managing money. I currently hope to become a financial advisor, so I can help people manage their money and make sure they are setting themselves up for success,” she said. “Some of my favorite classes in high school were my personal finance class during my freshman year and my AICE business class sophomore year.

Those classes taught me so many important lessons about finances and sparked an interest in a career in finance.”

Schinina will finish high school with a 4.0 GPA and a weighted GPA of 5.4. She is a member of the National Honor Society, an AICE Advisory Committee member

and will receive her AICE diploma with distinction. She is looking forward to spending time with her friends this summer while working to save money for college.

“The biggest challenge over these past four years of high school was going through the pandemic at the end of our freshman and sophomore years, because we were unsure if we would ever go back to normal, and if we would be able to have a normal high school experience. Then once we got back to school, we had to learn what the new normal would be,” Schinina said. “The advice I have for my fellow graduates is to not take any of the milestones in the next chapter for granted.”

Palm Beach Central’s Class of 2023 has approximately 120 AICE diploma recipients and another 50 AICE diploma candidates. “I am so impressed by this group’s tenacity in pursuing their goals,” PBCHS AICE coordinator Evana Tamayo said. “They have also expressed a great concern with becoming self-sufficient. Many are pursuing the AICE diploma to earn the Bright Futures scholarship so that they don’t have to burden their parents with the cost of college. Many are employed part-time.”

Her advice to the graduating class is to create a list of experiences they desire, such as travel or taking up a hobby, and do them. The list should evolve as they grow, too. “Experiences will add richness to your life and give you a break from the fast-paced and intense workload,” Tamayo said. “Many students in the Class of 2023

are leaders. They are demonstrating the ability to collaborate in and coordinate Palm Beach Central events from freshman orientation to Palm Beach Central’s Acceleration Night and the AICE Senior Celebration. They are actively contributing to creating the school environment they want for themselves.”

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Valedictorian Michelle Wong Salutatorian Victoria Loredan

Valedictorian Ryan Fingeret Salutatorian Amanda Schinina

ITID Board Approves $120,000 For Additional Field Repairs

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Parks and recreation issues

were back on the front burner at the Wednesday, April 19 meeting of the Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors.

The supervisors approved up to $120,000 for replacement of topsoil and new sod at the Acreage Community Park South Multi-Purpose Field, which is badly deteriorated, according to Parks & Recreation Director Kenny Lawrence.

The project should take 30 to 45 days, and the field should be ready for the start of the Acreage Athletic League tackle football season Aug. 1, he said, adding that ITID crews will be handling all of the work except the sod installation, saving the district $100,000 to $150,000.

“This isn’t like the north fields, where we found all sorts of drainage problems underneath,” Lawrence said. “We just need to clean and remix the soil and put down new sod.”

The current field was installed by an outside contractor in 2020, he said.

The supervisors balked at a request for $49,662 to pay for fencing that ITID Executive Director Burgess Hanson said is necessary to protect the field, the park and ITID employees from aggressive interlopers unwilling to follow the rules, and also to help curtail ongoing vandalism issues.

Hanson related an incident during which a recreation employee approached someone driving a cart on the field, told the individual doing so was not permitted and was nearly run over. The incident

was reported to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, but no one has been apprehended, he said.

“We respect the community, but there are some people in the community who aren’t respecting the rules,” Hanson said.

But Supervisor Patricia Farrell said, “It’s not fair to punish all because of a few.”

ITID Vice President Betty Argue agreed.

“I know we have a problem,” she said. “[But] we’re supposed to be staffing both sides of the park. It’s in the organizational plan, and it’s in the budget. There have been countless times when I’ve been to the park and saw no staff.”

“We don’t have the staff to cover all the needs,” said Lawrence, explaining later that 10 employees would be needed to cover the north and south sections of the 25-acre

park from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

The department, which oversees eight other ITID parks, has 12 slots, but currently only eight positions are filled. “It has been challenging since COVID-19, but that’s true of everywhere,” he said.

Something must be done about the ongoing vandalism at Acreage Community Park and other parks, Supervisor Keith Jordano said. “We need to get tough on crime,” he said.

Easier said than done, PBSO Lt. Rob DeMarzo told the supervisors. DeMarzo was on hand to deliver the monthly crime report.

While detectives are catching some of the vandals, a lot of the suspects are “very young, below teenage years,” he said, noting that makes them difficult to prosecute in a serious way. “But if you want

Officials Cite Some Success Combating School Traffic, But Many Issues Remain

By Charles Elmore

Town-Crier Staff Report

Traffic snarls at Wellington schools are generating a host of attempted improvements and ongoing challenges, according to a report to the Wellington Education Committee on Tuesday, May 2. School district officials and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office representatives highlighted some of the efforts undertaken during the school year now coming to a close.

“Even though it’s not perfect, I think the traffic situation has gotten a lot better over the last year and a half or so,” said Karen Whetsell, central region instructional superintendent for the School District of Palm Beach County.

At Wellington High School, for example, signs prohibiting U-turns

Tuttle Final RPB Approvals

continued from page 1 to create this community aspect, where people can interact, whether it be work or entertainment,” he said.

Buildings 1 and 2 are each five stories tall with a storefront-style façade. There will be 98 residential units in addition to the retail space on the first floor.

Building 3 is primarily intended for entertainment use and will contain a comedy club on the first floor, a bowling alley on the second and a movie theater on the top floor. The Improv, previously located in West Palm Beach, shut down and will move to the new location in Royal Palm Beach. When asked for additional details, Tuttle was ready with answers.

“From what I understand, the guys who started it were ex-comics. So, they knew everyone in the industry. Once you get to know the comics, you get them in your schedule, they start coming,” Tuttle said.

There will also be local and amateur talent booked in the club. “[The Improv] will have

Farrell Palm Beach Polo Land

continued from page 1 said. The east project, which would have put 14 homes on more than nine acres, will not happen, Sanchez said.

So that leaves just Farrell West.

Andrew Carduner, president of the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club Property Owners’ Association, said his group’s board of directors is “not opposed to that effort at all,” referring to the Farrell West plan.

He noted that Palm Beach Polo encompasses 1,253 homes, 3,000 residents and 3,000 opinions, so on any given issue there may be disagreement and “vitriol.”

Several residents said they opposed losing open, undeveloped space and views near them, with some wondering if this sets a harmful precedent.

A number asked about flooding and water-control plans, and raised the issue of additional traffic, including construction equip-

have been posted along Greenview Shores Blvd., she noted.

Designated staff members arrive before 7 a.m. and open gates and supervise students, with funding for expanded work hours. A student drop-off process has been updated, and a bus loop has been relocated to expand the car loop, Whetsell said.

At Binks Forest Elementary School, parents have been allowed to drop off students in an expanded range of time, have been encouraged to use school district transportation, and have seen the addition of two golf cart parking areas to reduce traffic.

Traffic at other schools, including Wellington Landings Middle School, continues to produce concerns from parents, Committee Member John Webber said.

Reminders of risks and haz-

to adjust their schedule to meet village criteria. They understand when the bars close, they close,” Tuttle said.

The bowling alley will have approximately 30 lanes, a restaurant and bar in the front and automatic scoring. Councilman Richard Valuntas commented on how the closest bowling facility is in Greenacres, and it will be great to have one locally.

In reference to the six-to-eightscreen movie theater, Tuttle is currently in negotiations with a few different options. “It will be an IPIC, Landmark or Apple Cinemas movie theater. They are all higher end, best-in-class. My first choice is IPIC. They would all serve food and alcohol, but not be a restaurant,” Tuttle said.

Building 4 is six stories of primarily parking garage space, with retail and a day care center on the first floor. Building 5 is a mix of 47 residential units, retail shops and parking garage in five total levels.

There are 58 residential units in the five-story Building 6, with retail on the first floor.

The largest structure is Building 7, which is designed to be a hotel with up to 250 rooms with retail on the ground floor. AC Hotels is a Marriott brand.

ment to build the new homes.

“Why do we have to keep developing?” asked Robert Pozzo, who said he has been a Polo Club resident since 1993. “I’m opposed to it, and I hope you people feel the same way I do.”

“Do the right thing” and turn down the plan, urged Susan Labriola.

Susanne Hanson said that there has not been a survey of what residents want.

“We don’t know what the majority of Palm Beach Polo believe because they have not been provided any information about this,” she said. “We have been left in the dark.”

The privately owned property has been “a source for continuous resident and code complaints” and used over time for activities from polo to “adult soccer games that also caused issues,” according to the village staff report.

Palm Beach Polo hosts a variety of housing types, from one-bedroom efficiencies to mansions, and the 27 proposed lots are comparable in size to those found in other neighborhoods within

ards remain. On the afternoon of March 9, a 71-year-old Wellington man died after a car driven by an 18-year-old struck his vehicle on Greenview Shores Blvd. north of Wellington High School.

“Unfortunately, like the young man who ran into the elderly man by McDonald’s and took his life, which was horrific, we can’t always stop those events,” PBSO Sgt. Matt DeJoy said. “We can try to educate, we can try to minimize, and we can do enforcement to try to curtail people from making bad decisions.”

For a village with a population approaching 70,000, and more than a dozen public and private schools, “we truly only have six designated traffic vehicles,” DeJoy said.

Two of those vehicles deal primarily with heavy trucks and agri-

“Of the 250 rooms, 125 will be quick stay and 100 or so extended stay,” Tuttle said. “The top floor is a pool overlooking the park. Bar and light service food will be there — we don’t want to over restaurant. There will be a banquet area.”

Tuttle explained it would be an ideal location for conferences or conventions.

Building 8 has first floor retail, and the other six stories are designated for a parking garage. Building 9 is smaller, only two stories, with a fitness center and a grocery store planned. The grocery store will likely be a Fresh Market, and Tuttle is in negotiations with LA Fitness.

Building 10 is five floors, with retail on the ground floor and the other levels designated for 100 residential units. Building 11 is another parking garage with retail on the lowest level and will be six stories tall. Building 12 is four stories of retail and office space.

All three outparcel buildings are single-story structures meant for retail and restaurants.

When looking at the village requirements overall, the site plan meets or exceeds the obligations. There will be more than the required parking spaces, and 23 percent of the site is open space,

Palm Beach Polo. The prospective placement of single-family homes on the site of just under 23 acres comes out to 1.17 dwelling units per acre.

The plan would shift permission to build homes from another tract in Palm Beach Polo to the site, and the overall area would retain abundant recreational space to comply with planning goals, village staff members said.

The staff report recommended approval.

The plan’s aspirations rest on completion of a land sale for the Farrell West site — a process that is still ongoing.

Attorney Neil Schiller, representing Farrell, said the proposal represents a significant upgrade by putting homes on a property that is not improved by any features, such as walking trails or benches, and has hosted non-approved uses like adult soccer games.

“There were a lot of code issues at that time, so bad that they had illegal concessions going on,” he said. “People were urinating in the bushes. It was really a bad scene. We think with this project, obvi-

to make a point, you could push to prosecute them all.”

“We’re not trying to make these kids into criminals, but stop them from becoming criminals growing up,” Argue said.

Other suggestions included PBSO deputies spending time in local schools to talk about vandalism/criminal mischief and its consequences, and that community service might be an alternative for offenders who are caught.

In other business:

• The supervisors voted unanimously to create a 12-member Equestrian Trails Committee that would be composed of five regular members, five alternates — all from within the community — and two at-large members with special expertise from other horse-friendly communities in the area, such as Wellington. The committee would meet at least quarterly, possibly monthly.

ITID Adopt-a-Street Program to encourage businesses, nonprofits, neighborhood groups or even families to collect trash in areas of their choosing along district roads. The county runs a similar program for county roads.

A pilot program for the ITID plan will be conducted on Carol Street in Santa Rosa Groves. Accomando lives in the area and has said the nonprofit she founded, Barky Pines Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, will sponsor the cleanup along a stretch of that street.

“This is something that is very dear to me,” she said. “I look forward to helping clean up our community. Hopefully, it will make people take more pride in their community.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” ITID President Michael Johnson said. “It gives you a way to learn about your neighbors, too.”

cultural and equestrian equipment, so that really leaves four that are rotated to various schools, he said. DeJoy said crash numbers in the most recent full year have come down, though specific statistics were not available at the meeting.

Sometimes parents park illegally and arrange for students to meet them in order to avoid lines, and the PBSO in some cases has stepped up issuing citations as opposed to warnings, DeJoy said. In other instances, such as dropping off students in unofficial locations near a school, the presence of a PBSO motorcycle can send an enforcement message without any citations being written, he said. “It’s a universal problem,” Webber said. “At the tail end of the year, it tends to get a little bit better, but come August, it’s going to be a nightmare again.”

instead of the required 20 percent. Twenty bike racks will be dispersed throughout the site as well. The Art in Public Places requirement will have $250,000 to work with, since the project surpasses $25 million in construction costs.

“Certainly, this is a milestone, and it has been a number of years, but I think everybody has worked together on both sides of the equation here,” Mayor Fred Pinto said. “Congratulations. Keep up the momentum. We are all very excited looking at the outcomes to be.”

Tuttle expects the project to take about two years to complete once construction begins.

In other business:

• The council had the opportunity to meet new Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief Amanda Vomero, who will be taking over for Phillip Olavarria, who was recently promoted to division chief of emergency management.

“I’m very excited to have been given the opportunity to serve your community. As you know, there are nine stations at Battalion 2, and I look forward to working with each and every one of you,” Vomero said. “We can get together to best serve the community.”

• A new sculpture is set to make its new home at 11925 and 11931

ously, all of that goes away, and it’s replaced by multi-million-dollar homes that can contribute to the tax base.”

PZA Board Member Maureen Martinez asked how ironclad Farrell’s pledges are to put three levels of trees and other landscaping between its homes and neighbors to its south. Many of the neighbors live in what are sometimes called golf cottages.

“I understand the landscape buffers are larger and more varied than required, but how fluid are those plans?” she asked. “In other words, is Farrell here making a commitment to be firm with that additional landscape buffer?”

Sanchez said that he is. “Absolutely, unequivocally we will provide the landscape buffers that I indicated today,” he said.

PZA Vice Chair John Bowers asked if Farrell West is still economically viable after the demise of the eastern plan, and the company representatives said that it is. The necessary motions to approve the Farrell West project passed 4-1 with Board Member Jeffrey Robbert dissenting.

Jordano suggested that the group should simply be called the “Equestrian Committee” to give it broader purview on equestrian issues, but Argue, who sponsored the proposal, said she wanted to keep the focus on the Indian Trail Mobility Plan. The outline developed by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and adopted by ITID in December 2020 contains an equestrian trails component.

“We need to start somewhere… [and] the trails keep getting kicked to the bottom of the pile,” Argue said. “I’d like to prioritize it.” At the same time, Argue said the committee also could help with obtaining grants and creating equestrian awareness with events and projects.

“We are a designated equine community, and we need to start advancing these equine initiatives,” Argue said.

• The supervisors also approved a proposal by Supervisor Elizabeth Accomando to create an

• The supervisors agreed to add sidewalks along Calamondin Blvd. and 180th Avenue North, at a cost of $49,820.

• The supervisors adopted the Santa Rosa Groves Surface Water Management Policy. ITID Engineer Jay Foy said that standards in the policy for the oft-flooded area are more stringent than those required by the county or the South Florida Water Management District.

While saying no plan can protect against a 1,000-year, 20-inch rainfall event such as the one seen recently in Broward County, Foy told supervisors that the requirements will do much to protect homeowners from flooding.

“We’ll see when we have a hurricane heading for us,” Argue said.

• The supervisors set the next regular meeting of the board for Wednesday, May 17. A budget workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, May 24, and the first budget hearing is set for Wednesday, May 31.

Southern Blvd., after receiving full support from the council.

“The artwork is entitled ‘Ring Canopy’ and measures 13 feet high, 6 feet wide and 6 feet deep,”

Public Art Professional Mario Lopez Pisani said. The bright white powdered gloss-coat aluminum sculpture “demonstrates the intricate and elegant arrangement of rings and beams of the sculpture that act as an abstract rendition of the natural environment.”

The artist, Lucy Keshavarz, has several public art projects on display in Florida, with this piece currently in Clearwater as a temporary exhibition. Royal Palm Beach will be its permanent home once

installed. “I think it’s attractive,” Pinto said. “So far, all of the things we’ve been looking at have been really nice.”

• Sunset Isles, located off Fox Trail Road North, is now officially part of Royal Palm Beach and no longer considered an enclave. The approximately 110 acres consists of 232 parcels and will help Royal Palm Beach provide better continuity of services to those residents. Senior Planner Josue Leger said that only four e-mails regarding the proposed annexation had been received, and those were just asking for clarification on the meaning of annexation. There were no complaints or concerns about the enclave being part of the village.

DAR To Provide A Gift To All Students Graduating In 2026

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

More than 1,400 Wellington students will be getting a 250th birthday present.

Not that any of them are quite that old, of course. But the country’s age hits a quarter of a millennium when their class graduates in 2026.

That is why the Daughters of the American Revolution plans to give U.S. Constitution booklets to about 15,000 students in Palm Beach County, including 1,432 in Wellington.

The run-up to the 250th birthday will feature essay and art contests, and a select group of local 2026 seniors will get a chance to take a trip to Washington, D.C.

“We stand on the eve of a grand commemoration,” Marjorie Ferrer, representing the DAR in Palm Beach County, told the Wellington Education Committee on Tuesday, May 2. “In July 2026, you may not know this, but the United States will mark its 250th anniversary.”

It’s a big milestone, but not yet a major topic of conversation for most people with the date still a few years out. Folks old enough to remember the nation’s bicentennial in 1976 may recall it did occupy a large space in the national consciousness by the time it arrived, Ferrer said.

The point is to remind students of where they stand in relation to national history, she said. They

See DAR GIFT , page 14

The Royal Palm Beach Village Council with new Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue District Chief Amanda Vomero and outgoing District Chief Phillip Olavarria. (L-R) Councilman Richard Valuntas, Councilwoman Selena Samios, Vomero, Mayor Fred Pinto, Olavarria, Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky and Councilman Jeff Hmara.

POOCHES, PEARLS & PROSECCO CELEBRATES CLEAR THE SHELTER PROGRAM

Women of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce (WOW) hosted the annual Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco event at Fred Astaire Dance Studio on Thursday, April 27. It was the finale of WOW’s “Clear the Shelter” campaign. This year, 10 dogs from Barky Pines Animal Rescue and Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control attended in the hopes of finding their forever home. The evening included a fashion show featuring the adorable pups and a dance show featuring the Fred Astaire dancers, along with an evening of networking while enjoying drinks and appetizers.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Members of the WOW Leadership Committee during the Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco event.

The models who took part in the Pooches, Pearls & Prosecco fashion show.

The Fred Astaire

Olivia Bishop shows off the latest fashions.

Shanell Foster takes part in the fashion show.

Stephanie Edison and Sonali Mendiratta.

Jenn Cohen of sponsor Max Health serves prosecco. 8-year-old Kenny

Michelle Bevacqua visits with 9-year-old shelter dog Bruno.

Janet Algeciras with shelter dog Simba.

Shelter dog Davy enjoys his visit.

Westlake Works With SID To Develop Vision For 50-Acre Park

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

Members of the Westlake City Council and the Seminole Improvement District (SID) Board of Supervisors met in a joint workshop Wednesday, April 26 to begin shaping the vision for a planned 50-acre park off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road.

The site, directly south of Seminole Ridge High School, is “the last open space in the city, the last open space for miles,” SID President Scott Massey said. “It’s important to keep it flexible.”

Even though serious construction of the park is likely a couple of years away, Kenneth Cassel, who manages both the city and the district in which it resides, said, “It’s important to set the scope of programming because that impacts everything else. Without the vision, you can’t create a game plan for financing or anything else.”

The park likely will be phased in over a three- to five-year period depending on financing, which could come in the form of grants, taxes, bonds or some combination.

“We want to make sure we’re getting the biggest bang possible for every buck spent,” Cassel said.

Council members and supervisors were shown five concepts developed by the landscape architecture firm Cotleur & Hearing,

which does much of the design work in Westlake for its principal developer, Minto Communities USA.

The common elements in all of the concepts were a walking trail, restrooms, at least six soccer fields, numerous pickleball courts, a “tot-lot” playground, hook-ups for a portable concert stage and a number of food trucks, along with 275 automobile parking spaces and 100 golfcart parking spaces.

Some of the concepts also include tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts, concession stands and a two-story, 7,000-square-foot community center.

Councilwoman Charlotte Leonard urged planners to keep at least one basketball court in the mix but said she was impressed with the playground area for younger children.

“We see this as becoming a gathering place… where moms bring their kids on Saturday mornings,” said Donaldson Hearing of Cotleur & Hearing.

Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor asked about including baseball and softball fields.

Councilwoman Pilar Valle Ron suggested construction of several tiki hut-type structures with barbecue grills that can be used for family gatherings.

Now that Hearing has direction from both boards, his team will sharpen plans.

“This park is going to be an incredible asset for the community [of Westlake] and for the entire western communities,” O’Connor said.

After the joint workshop, the Westlake City Council met for its April session. During that meeting:

• The council congratulated Western Pines Middle School student Isabelle Jo Petit for taking second place in the statewide “If I Were Elected Mayor” essay competition conducted by the Florida League of Mayors. FLM Executive Director Scott Dudley was on hand to present a plaque and a gift certificate for $250 to Petit.

• The council approved a replat of the Terraces of Westlake. The 23-acre property is on Ilex Way just east of the new Christ Fellowship Worship Center. The property will eventually have 250 total units, including 109 attached single-family townhouses.

At a brief meeting on May 2:

• The council approved the first reading of an ordinance that amends the city’s comprehensive plan to update the Five-Year Community Investment Program.

“Our development numbers are pretty much what we projected five years out,” Cassel said. “Many

Historical Society To Host Spring Mixer On May 24 At Village Music Café

Spring is here, and the Wellington Historical Society invites you to attend its Spring Mixer on Wednesday, May 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. This casual evening of music, drinks and light bites will be held at Village Music Café, located 10660 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in Wellington.

Come meet members, friends and neighbors involved in the Wellington Historical Society, a not-for-profit charitable organiza-

tion dedicated to gathering, preserving and sharing Wellington’s past for the benefit of generations to come.

The organization is working to capture and preserve Wellington’s history through stories and archives.

Notable initiatives include its Oral History project, in which founding and longtime residents share their memories in videos, and its document and photo ar-

chives, which contain pictures of some of Wellington’s earliest activities.

Sponsors of the event include: the Shapiro Pertnoy Companies; Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, Attorneys at Law; and Florida Litigators.

Tickets are $20 and include two drink tickets and light hors d’oeuvres. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www. wellingtonhistoricalsociety.org.

of our projects that didn’t have to be built [at this point] are already built.”

• The council heard that accord-

ing to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office, there are now 3,097 voters registered in Westlake.

• The council moved its regular July meeting to July 11, since it would otherwise fall on the Fourth of July.

Art Society Will Award Three Scholarship Recipients

The Wellington Art Society will present art scholarships to three deserving young artists at a meeting on Wednesday, May 10.

The meeting and presentation will take place at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). The meeting will open with a meet-and-greet at 5:30 p.m., followed by a member spotlight and a brief meeting. The meeting will conclude with the presentation of scholarships to three talented high school seniors. The public is invited to attend. For more information, contact Laura Jaffe at presidentofwas@ gmail.com.

The students who will be receiving scholarships this year are Isabella Mayman of Fusion Acad-

May 10

emy, Stella Martinelli of the G-Star School of the Arts and Jakira Julbe of Royal Palm Beach High School.

The scholarships will be presented by Scholarship Chair Barry Stefan. Each recipient will display their artwork and share their process, as well as their future plans.

The Wellington Art Society has been supporting the advancement of the arts in the community since 1981 with the intent to encourage young artists to pursue careers in the fine arts, provide programming that expands art in public places and make art accessible within the community daily.

The scholarship program was established in 2001 to provide scholarships to talented young artists for art-related college and

university expenses and tuition costs.

Over the past 22 years, the Wellington Art Society has awarded more than $120,000 in scholarships to some of the brightest and most creative students within the community. Past recipients have gone on to become educators, illustrators, authors, curators, artistic directors, professional artists and art advocates.

To support the scholarship program, the organization relies solely upon money raised from donations, membership dues, monthly raffles, artist exhibitions, municipal art shows and commissions. Help support the program with a tax-deductible donation at www. wellingtonartsociety.org.

Wellington To Celebrate Amphitheater’s Grand Reopening May 25-28

The Village of Wellington is excited to announce a four-day grand reopening event later this month to celebrate the completion of the Town Center Phase 2 Capital Improvement Project and the much-anticipated reopening of the Wellington Amphitheater.

The grand reopening event will be held Memorial Day weekend at the Wellington Amphitheater (12100 W. Forest Hill Blvd.), Thursday, May 25 through Sunday, May 28. A ribbon cutting with the Wellington Village Council

St. David’s Summer Soirée

St. David’s-in-the-Pines Episcopal Church will host its Summer Soirée Dinner & Dance on Saturday, June 17 at Temple Beth Torah (900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington). Make plans to join the St. David’s community for a fun evening of dining and dancing from 6 to 11 p.m. Dress is semi-formal attire. Tickets cost $75 in advance and $80 at the door. For more info., call (561) 793-1976.

Wellington

Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, recognizing the rich heritage and cultural contributions of individuals and groups of Asian and Pacific Islander descent. On Friday, May 12, Wellington invites the public to attend a special evening at Village Park (11700 Pierson Road) in celebration of this vibrant community.

Starting at 7 p.m., join the Aloha Islanders on a journey through Polynesia with pulsating drums, hula dancers and a Samoan fire knife dance. This Polynesian show features an action-packed, nonstop revue of dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa and New Zealand. Immediately following the performance, enjoy a free showing of Moana (PG) at 7:45 p.m. A limited selection of food trucks will be available on-site. Guests should bring their own blankets and chairs for seating.

For more information about AAPI Heritage Month, visit www. wellingtonfl.gov/aapi.

Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival Holding Auditions May 9

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival, the county’s second-longest-running professional performance company, has announced that it will hold auditions for its

will take place on Thursday, May 25 beginning at 6:15 p.m.

Wellington invites the community to come enjoy live music tributes to such artists as the Eagles, Journey, Steely Dan and Billy Joel, in addition to food trucks, live entertainment, bounce houses, vendors, games and activities for the entire family.

To learn more information about the event, along with each day’s schedule, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/amphitheaterreopening.

Interested in sponsorship op-

portunities? Contact Cultural Programs & Facilities Manager Jenifer Brito at jbrito@wellingtonfl.gov or call (561) 753-2476 for more information.

Meanwhile, Wellington’s popular Scott’s Place Barrier-Free Playground is set to reopen on Monday, May 15.

After being closed in July 2022 due to construction activity for the Town Center Phase 2 project, the playground is now ready to reopen. As the project nears completion, Scott’s Place is scheduled to

NEWS BRIEFS

upcoming production of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure. The auditions will take place Tuesday, May 9 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Benjamin Upper School Theater, located at 4875 Grandiflora Road in Palm Beach Gardens.

Interested actors are asked to bring a headshot and résumé, along with a prepared one- or two-minute Shakespearean monologue. This year, the festival is also seeking actor-musicians.

Instrumentalists are encouraged to prepare a short selection of music to follow their monologue.

Rehearsals begin June 12. This is a non-equity production.

This year’s production runs during Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII in Carlin Park, Jupiter on July 6-10 and July 13-16, followed by an encore production during Shakespeare by the Palms III at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on July 20-23. All performances start at 8 p.m.

Those unable to attend the open audition in person may upload their résumé, headshot and video monologue to www.pbshakespeare.org/submit-resume. Visit www.pbshakespeare.org or call (561) 543-8276 for more information.

Wellington Offering Rehab Grant Opportunities

Wellington’s Strategic Planning Department is accepting applications for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Hometown Repair Program and State Housing Initiatives Partnership Program (SHIP). These housing rehabilitation programs assist low- and moderateincome Wellington homeowners with eligible home repairs.

The purpose of these grants is to bring homes into compliance with the Florida Building Code and to address any health and safety concerns. Grant assistance is given in a forgivable loan in the form of a lien that is placed on the property for a term of five to seven years.

Visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ grants to review the eligibility requirements, approved projects and to apply for assistance. For questions about the programs, call (561) 791-4000 or e-mail grants@ welingtonfl.gov.

Little Smiles

To Feed Local Nurses

Little Smiles, a South Florida nonprofit organization that helps children in hospitals, shelters and other facilities, will be feeding local nurses during Nurses Week, held May 6 to May 12.

Last year, Little Smiles fed 1,443 nurses from 18 facilities. Thanks to a $10,000 donation from Thermo Fisher made in February, Little Smiles will now be in 19 facilities and able to feed even more nurses than last year’s impressive numbers. Little Smiles also thanks GoldLaw as the drink sponsor for this year’s meals.

National Nurses Week celebrates and acknowledges nurses and the hard work they put in to making their patients feel comfortable. It reminds people to thank these key medical professionals.

Nurses Week is celebrated between May 6, National Nurses Day, and May 12, the birthdate of celebrated nurse Florence Nightingale.

Little Smiles is a South Florida nonprofit organization that helps heal hearts and create little smiles by providing necessities, gifts and fun activities to children impacted by serious illness, homelessness or tragedy. Learn more at www. littlesmilesfl.org.

Purple Marlin Awareness Month Ceremony

Palm Beach County Mayor Gregg Weiss. Audubon Everglades and local firefighters will join together to proclaim May “Purple Martin Awareness Month” in Palm Beach County.

A public ceremony will be held Saturday. May 6 at 10 a.m. at Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station

resume regular hours of operation.

Scott’s Place Barrier-Free Playground was made possible by a generous donation from Wellington residents Del and Barbara Williamson in honor of their son Scott, who passed away at age six. The playground is designed to meet the needs of both able-bodied and disabled children.

The playground includes a full acre of accessible playground equipment, including sensory items, shades, slides, swings and wheelchair ramps.

Regular hours of operation for the playground are Monday through Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information about Scott’s Place, along with other Wellington parks and playgrounds, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/parks.

The Town Center Phase 2 Project, underway since April 2022, builds off the success of the lakefront promenade and docks (Phase 1), providing greater use of the amphitheater by expanding the

overall grass and seating area for events.

Additional improvements to the site include: a designated food truck parking area; a gateway plaza with seating, sun sails and brick pavers; a holiday display area; improved parking near the existing Wellington Community Center; picnic pavilions; and a portable restroom area. Town Center Drive was also relocated to minimize pedestrian crossing and prioritize pedestrian safety.

Purple Martins are beautiful native songbirds and the largest

27, located at 3411 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington.

Purple Martins are beautiful native songbirds and the largest swallows in North America. They are neotropical long-distance migrants that live in colonies and return each year from South America to breed in Palm Beach County.

Purple Martins have a unique relationship with humans as they nest exclusively in man-made housing. If humans stopped supplying suitable breeding habitats. they would likely disappear as a breeding bird in the eastern United States. Palm Beach County is a vital breeding ground for Purple Martins from January to July. It is estimated that North America lost 4.3 million Purple Martins, amounting to one third of the population, over the last 50 years, and researchers found that targeted conservation efforts make a difference.

Audubon Everglades plays a critical role in ensuring the survival of Purple Martins by elevating public awareness and fostering community partnerships. Audubon Everglades has joined forces with Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Stations 25 and 27, the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department, Lion Country Safari, the Okeeheelee Nature Center, the Green Cay Nature Center, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, the Wellington Environmental Preserve, Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, Riverbend Park, the Daggerwing Nature Center and Epiphany Lutheran Church.

Wellington staff members were on hand to collect the trophies that the village won for all of its hard work exercising.

Wellington Takes First Place In The 2023 Let’s Move Challenge

Wellington has once again secured the title of “Top Team” in the Let’s Move: Commit to Change Physical Activity Challenge for the third year running.

This year, the village logged a record-breaking 36,022,563 minutes of physical activity during the month-long campaign in March. In addition to the top team prize, Wellington sub-teams also placed third, fourth and fifth in the challenge.

The Let’s Move Challenge, presented by Digital Vibez Inc. in partnership with the Palm Health Foundation, encourages individuals and teams to commit to exercising for at least 30 minutes every day. The event is highly competitive, with teams from municipalities, county organizations and other groups all vying for the top prizes.

This year’s challenge saw more than 80 teams from across Palm Beach County logging an incredible 103,487,227 minutes of walking, running, dancing and various

other physical activities.

Wellington Village Manager Jim Barnes expressed his pride in the community for its dedication to the challenge.

“We are thrilled to win the Let’s Move Challenge for the third year in a row,” he said. “This achievement shows that our community is committed to prioritizing physical activity and taking control of their health. It’s inspiring to see so many people coming together to create a healthy and active community.”

The Let’s Move Challenge was first launched in 2012 by the Palm Health Foundation to improve a range of health issues through regular physical activity. The challenge promotes daily exercise as a way to combat illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, and strengthen brain health and life expectancy, among other benefits.

Wellington’s continued success in the Let’s Move Challenge is a testament to the village’s commitment to promoting health and well-being.

swallows in North America.

Western Pines Middle School student Isabelle Jo Petit, joined by her mother, is honored for finishing second in the statewide “If I Were Elected Mayor” essay contest. Presenting the award is Westlake Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor, joined by Florida League of Mayors Executive Director Scott Dudley.

WELLINGTON CELEBRATES EARTH DAY AND ARBOR DAY AT TOWN CENTER

The Village of Wellington hosted Earth Day and Arbor Day events at the Wellington Promenade and the Wellington Community Center on Saturday, April 22. An outdoor event featured the theme “Invest in Our Planet” and included a tree planting. Inside the community center, the Wellington Garden Club hosted a National Garden Club Horticultural Specialty Flower Show with awards. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Susan Hillson took Best in

Linda Messina’s red Brazilian cloak won a first-place award.

Petra Russell won a first-place award for her container-grown foliage maranta plant.

Artist Leslie Pfeiffer with “Captivating Cattleya.”

Fabulous Landscapes of Wellington Earning Recognition (FLOWER) award winners Phil, Sarah and Oliver Cudisch.

District X Director and Wellington Garden Club President Maria Wolfe won first place for her dieffenbachia, shown with National Garden Club Horticultural Specialty Flower Show Chair Caroline Kessman. Bob and Kathy Stockdale with puppy Oliver.

Wellington Art Society members (front row) Marcia Greene and Gail Erickson; and (back row) Leslie Pfeiffer, Cindi Taylor, Roberta Ehrenberg and Susan Oakes.

Andrea Kalina and Randi Huss with “tangled roots” plants.

Show and a Growers Choice award for her succulent and cactus dish garden.

Mayor Anne Gerwig, Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone and Councilman John McGovern join with Smokey Bear and Cub Scouts from Pack 125 to plant a Pond Cypress tree.

Jan Seagrave took a first-place award for her jade plant.

Margaret Tamsberg and her Anthurium red flamingo flower won Growers Choice and first place for container-grown flowering plants.

Wellington Garden Club members Carol Ralph, Carolee Samuels, Kathy Schneider, Maria Wolfe, Candice Cavalieri, Lisa Ferrano, Libby Dolsen and Stormi Bivin.

Councilman John McGovern, Kathy Siena, Mayor Anne Gerwig, Maria Wolfe, Uma Bhatti and Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone with the Earth Day proclamation. Cub Scout Pack 125 took part in the Great American Cleanup event early in the morning.

Pediatric General & Thoracic Surgery in the Palm Beaches

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Our Pediatric Surgeons Specialize In:

• Advanced minimally invasive laparoscopy (MIS)

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• Complex neonatal surgery with prenatal counseling and intervention

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• Oncologic surgery for childhood malignancies

To make an appointment call 888-249-9610 or scan the QR code

EYE CARE for the Entire Family

Avraham Schlager, MD, FACS Anne Fischer, MD, PhD, FACS

ROYAL PALM BEACH OFFICIALS MEET WITH RESIDENTS AT CITIZEN SUMMIT

The Village of Royal Palm Beach held its annual Citizen Summit on Thursday, April 27 at the Royal Palm Beach Cultural Center. Residents gathered with village staff to voice their views on future growth in the community, offering ideas about what they like and what needs improvement, as well as input into the village’s budget priorities. As in previous years, the session was facilitated by Dr. Lyle Sumek. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Shelly Albright Files To Run For The Wellington Village Council

Professional children and youth director, nonprofit fundraiser, volunteer and longtime Wellington community leader Shelly Albright recently announced that she has filed to run for Seat 4 on the Wellington Village Council in next year’s municipal election. Seat 4 will be an open seat. It is currently held by Vice Mayor Michael Napoleone, who is term limited. The election will be held March 19, 2024.

“As a longtime Wellington resident who raised my family here in the community that I love, I am running to bring my many years of experience to the Wellington Village Council. As a children and youth ministries director, and an active community leader, I have the knowledge and experience to be the strong and effective leader

that the village needs,” said Albright, the mother of four adult children.

Albright is a Florida native, a Hispanic woman, a 20-year resident of Wellington, the current director of children and youth ministries at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Wellington, a BoardSource certified nonprofit board consultant and the former CEO of the Sophisticated Octopus. At St. Peter’s United Methodist Church, Albright is responsible for all children’s programming from infants through 12th grade. As the former founder and CEO of the Sophisticated Octopus, she specialized in inspirational retreats and impactful workshops for women and girls that inspired women of all ages and stages

in life to live life to their full potential.

Additionally, Albright has a long history of statewide, county and local community service on multiple boards and committees.

Albright currently serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Foundation of Florida, which empowers women and girls to positively affect the economic, political and social status of women and girls across Florida.

Albright also currently serves on the advisory board for the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington and is the current vice chair of the Wellington Education Committee.

Albright is a longtime member and past president of the Junior League of the Palm Beaches Inc. As president, she was responsible

for the governance and management of a volunteer organization of 736 women. During her tenure, she served as a board member, chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Task Force, chair of the Internal Mentoring Development Committee and vice president of Fundraising, to name a few.

Albright previously served on the Palm Beach County Advisory Commission on Women, as chair of the Wellington Interfaith Committee, as president of the PTO for Elbridge Gale Elementary School, as president of the PTA for Citrus Cove Elementary School, as co-chair of the Cattle Baron’s Ball for the American Cancer Society, and in various leadership roles for United Methodist Women at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church.

Albright has also received much recognition for her community service, including the Bethesda Hospital Foundation’s Women of Grace Award, the Volunteer of the Year Award from Elbridge Gale Elementary School, the Junior League of Boca Raton’s Woman Volunteer of the Year Award nominee and the Junior League of the Palm Beaches’ President’s Award nominee.

Albright has a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Florida, a certificate of nonprofit board consulting from BoardSource and a certified practitioner of MBTI from the Myers & Briggs Foundation.

Seat 4 is one of three council seats that will be up for election in 2024. The others are Seat 1, currently held by Councilman

Shelly Albright Michael Drahos, and the mayor’s seat, currently held by Mayor Anne Gerwig. Like Napoleone, both Drahos and Gerwig are term limited.

Joey and Lorna Johnson.

Lorna Johnson, PBSO Capt. Ulrich Naujoks and Councilman Richard Valuntas.

Beau Marburger, Village Clerk Diane DiSanto and Ed Palmowski.

Planning & Zoning Director Bradford O’Brien gives an update on the Tuttle Royale project.

Dr. Lyle Sumek, Village Clerk Diane DiSanto, Mayor Fred Pinto and Village Manager Ray Liggins.

Sandy Rubin and Renate Wallner.

Paul Webster, Lou Recchio and Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky.

Mayor Fred Pinto with Citizens Summit facilitator Dr. Lyle Sumek.

Councilman Richard Valuntas, Human Resources Director Monika Bowles, Vice Mayor Jan Rodusky, Community Development Director Robert Hill and Councilwoman Selena Samios.

Bellissimo Luxury Living

continued from page 1 its partners golfing greats Tiger Woods and Ernie Els, as well as actor and musician Justin Timberlake.

“Nexus’ experience in creating the 600-acre Albany residential community in The Bahamas is invaluable, and we look forward to infusing a style that is modern but respectful to Wellington’s inherent beauty and tradition,” said Paige Bellissimo, Mark Bellissimo’s daughter, who is managing the development process.

Douglas McMahon, a senior managing director at Nexus and the Tavistock Group, is becoming the managing partner of WLP.

“We will be working closely with the Village of Wellington on all aspects of this important addition to the community,” said

DAR Gift For 2026 Graduates

continued from page 4 will be reaching an age where they can vote, join the military, work or go on to college.

“I believe it is critical they know the meaning of the Constitution, the laws of our country and the importance of voting,” Ferrer said. She presented materials to the committee honoring “lesser-known patriots” including women of color. Students receiving the booklet will be asked to inscribe their names

Big Dog Revised Site Plan

continued from page 1 Ranch,” he said. “When this program became available with the veterans, we saw an opportunity to partner with Big Dog Ranch on our mental health initiatives, and it has worked out fantastically. Anything we can do with mental health issues up front is someone we will not have to deal with on the back end.”

Bradshaw added that he would like to see the program expanded to first responders, who also have issues with PTSD.

Resident Cassie Suchy, however, didn’t like the addition of the changed conditions that were

McMahon, who brings 20 years’ experience working in various capacities across the Tavistock Group, including the Florida communities of the Isleworth Golf & Country Club and Lake Nona.

“We are going to bring our best experiences, collective ideas and thinking to ‘The Wellington’ as we create an extraordinary multi-generational community that adds to the greater Village of Wellington.”

The proposed club community will also feature the newly acquired Cypress Golf Course, a Pete Dye-designed, 18-hole championship course that will go through extensive renovations.

It will be supported by a new clubhouse, short game facility and performance center. Other amenities include:

• A world-class racquet center with a pro shop, a stadium tennis court, 12 additional tennis courts, 10 padel courts and 12 pickleball courts.

• Four swimming pools ranging

and keep it as their passport to be eligible for a trip to the nation’s capital, Ferrer said.

Founded over 125 years ago, the Daughters of the American Revolution has about 190,000 members who are descendants of soldiers and others who acted to bring about the nation’s independence.

Committee Member John Webber said as the parent of a student who just took an exam in a course on government, “This would have been useful on Monday. Instead, he kept asking, so what is Article 3? Like wait, I know that one.”

Overall, he liked the idea. “This is a great project,” Webber said.

not discussed by the Loxahatchee Groves Planning & Zoning Board. “We have rules, and we have processes that need to be followed,” she said.

Suchy added that a better photometric plan needs to be put in place that dim the lights at 11 p.m.

Resident Nina Corning wanted more specifics about the condition regarding allowing more dogs during an emergency. “Some of the open-ended wording has to be captured,” she said.

During council comments, Councilwoman Phillis Maniglia asked that the disaster exception be made for Florida dogs only, but Simmons disagreed.

“I don’t care if a dog was born in Palm Beach County or North Carolina,” Simmons said. “I don’t think it’s right for you to ask us to

from a 25-meter, six-lane lap pool, family pool and kid’s splash area to an adult-only resort-style pool with cabanas.

• A 120,000-square-foot, two-story field house including an indoor full basketball court, two tennis courts, two padel courts, four pickleball courts, four squash courts, five sports simulators, a market and smoothie bar, and a 40,000-square-foot fitness center.

• Children’s indoor and outdoor facilities, including sports, gaming rooms, a rock-climbing wall, bowling lanes, arts and crafts, and two outdoor sports fields.

• A 16-acre “Central Park” and lake with exercise and relaxation trails, yoga gardens and outdoor event spaces.

• Access to hundreds of acres of walking, jogging and biking trails, and nature preserves.

• A 17-acre commercial center with shops, offices, retail and restaurants.

The plan includes both single-family custom homes and condominium residences. Subject to village approval, the initial residential offerings within the community will focus on home sites ranging from a quarter acre up to five acres. Upon completion, the residences will be eligible to participate in an exclusive rental program managed by Nexus.

“Interest in this project is already high amongst our many Nexus families, shareholders and friends,” McMahon said. “We intend to launch a founder’s program, stagger the release of real estate offerings, and bring a wonderful collection of new architects and residences to Palm Beach County.”

let a dog die that we can help.” She noted that BDRR often gets called on to help with puppy mill closures all across the nation. Regarding the nighttime security lights, Simmons said that they are necessary since vet techs work all night taking care of sick and pregnant dogs and need the light to be able to safely traverse the facility. She said that they aren’t bothering anyone since the site is surrounded by nurseries, not residential.

Vice Mayor Robert Shorr thanked BDRR for all it does for veterans.

“When this first came before us, I think people thought there was going to be a bigger noise impact than there is,” he said. “I live pretty close to the facility, and I have never heard a dog bark personally.”

Homeowners in the new project will enjoy membership in the club community, as well as membership in the Nexus Luxury Collection and enjoy access, services and benefits to Nexus’ experiences in cities around the world.

“It has been a pleasure working with the team at Nexus,” said Lisa Lourie, an investor in WLP. “I truly believe that they will design and build a community worthy of Wellington’s residents, and I look forward to being a part of it.” For more information, visit www.thewellington.com.

Meanwhile, the Village of Wellington has also set up its own informational portal about this new development proposal at www.wellingtonfl.gov/2063/TheWellington-North-and-South. It will have information on the project as it moves through the approval process, which includes public meetings starting as early as June 7.

Wellington Planning, Zoning & Building Director Tim Stillings said that is when the project is currently slated to be heard before Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee, the first of three public meeting stops.

Stillings said that Bellissimo’s team just got Wellington’s comments from this latest submittal. “They have two weeks to respond to us,” he said. “It is still tentatively scheduled for June.”

Should that Wednesday, June 7 date happen, expect a long meeting, that might be continued on the evening of Thursday, June 8. A similar double date has been reserved for when the plan goes before Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board, ten-

However, he did agree that the all-night security lighting violates the town’s development code. He said that a condition needs to be added that allows the necessary security lighting but does not overburden the area with light.

Shorr also asked for an updated floodplain survey, more trees in the preserve area and monthly reports from BDRR regarding the number of dogs at the facility.

Councilwoman Marge Herzog suggested using lighting that doesn’t affect the night sky.

Councilwoman Marianne Miles felt that some of the requests were getting far afield from the issue at hand. “I think a lot of the issues brought up are easily rectified,” she said.

In the end, the council worked with staff and BDRR representa-

tatively scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, and the Wellington Village Council, tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 22.

At those meetings, the board will consider the proposal in its component parts — “The Wellington North” and “The Wellington South” — not as a single project.

Stillings said that from a planning point of view, the proposal may look quite different, but it still has the general land use requests and residential units as the previous Wellington 3.0 plan.

“The key difference is that the

Land Swap County Approval

continued from page 1 740-acre water storage area featuring three pump stations will be constructed by GL Homes.

In return, the developer gets the right to build a 1,000-unit adult community on 477 acres of the 681-acre Hyder West property in the Ag Reserve just north of the Stonebridge Country Club. At the same time, the company would build 277 workforce housing units on 104 acres of the property.

Baxter said that the only substantial change to the plan was that GL Homes agreed to her request that they also build a 200-acre ATV park and campground at Indian Trails Grove.

For Acreage residents, the changes could mean some 13,000 fewer daily vehicle trips on the area’s already overstressed roads, local officials have said. “I’m happy for multiple reasons,” ITID

tives to draft wording for several updated conditions that were agreeable to all parties.

Among the agreed-upon changes were that BDRR could increase its dog count by 100 dogs specifically to accommodate the veteran and military boarding programs, the increase for disasters and emergencies were limited to 45 days, BDRR would provide regular reports to the town and work with the town on the scheduling of special events, and BDRR would add more preserve area to the plan.

Mayor Laura Danowski said that she supported the plan but was not happy that the new conditions of approval were not reviewed by the Planning & Zoning Board. She wanted a delay so that the board could review the changes.

conceptional layout of the two properties have changed,” Stillings said. “The number of units and all the other decision points that go along with them are still the same. The north proposal is better in that they shift to a more conventional layout around a lake with more traditional recreational uses. The east side is a clubhouse and driving range, versus the short course they were proposing. The addition of the new partnership with Nexus Luxury Collection is changing some of the concepts and some of the approach.”

President Michael Johnson said Wednesday night. “Just as a resident, knowing there’s going to be less cars, less traffic on the roads.”

“I’m very happy about it,” ITID Vice President Betty Argue added. “Reducing the development out there by one-third, that’s significant.”

The water projects will be “a regional benefit for the entire L-8 Basin,” Argue said.

GL Homes has been lobbying for the swap for several years.

“This is a bold idea with a multitude of benefits for Palm Beach County, including 1,600 acres dedicated to the county for preservation and agricultural use, a water preservation project and the county’s largest for-sale workforce housing project ever,” GL Homes Vice President Kevin Ratterree told ITID supervisors in September. “Our plan is focused on the future of Palm Beach County and works to bring innovative ideas to help solve our county’s housing crisis, and environmental and water issues.”

“What was presented to Planning & Zoning does not reflect what was in our agenda,” she said. “Our job is to be thorough and accurate.”

Simmons, however, said that a further delay could incur big costs to BDRR. Miles said all the extra conditions are not what the current request is about.

“This is about the building she wants to do to have a special needs place for the veterans, the training of the dogs and the housing of dogs for the deployed,” Miles said. “We are here to discuss what’s in front of us, not what can be down the road.”

Shorr made a motion to approve the new site plan with the changes discussed, which passed 4-1 with Danowski opposed.

NEW KOOL RUNNINGS ICE CREAM CAFÉ OPENS AT VETERANS PARK IN RPB

Kool Runnings Ice Cream Café held a grand opening celebration on Saturday, April 29 at Veterans Park in Royal Palm Beach. “This was needed at this park,” owner Gerald Brown said. “Everyone deserves a treat while spending a day at the park.” With summer just around the corner, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Along with the signature ice cream, the café serves sundaes, shakes, popcorn, hot dogs and various pastries. While parents and children were waiting in line, a DJ played music for entertainment. Face painting was available for the children. For more information about the café, visit www.kricecreamecafe.com.

PHOTOS BY ERIN DAVISSON/TOWN-CRIER

Wellington Community Foundation Volunteers Team Up For Adopt-A-Street Cleaning

On Saturday, April 22, several volunteers from the Wellington Community Foundation gathered at the Wellington branch library to coordinate their efforts on the group’s quarterly Adopt-A-Street Clean Up Day. The Wellington Community Foundation has adopted the east and west roadways along Forest Hill Blvd. from South Shore Blvd. to Stribling Way and agreed to conduct cleanup days four times per year as part of the program.

The Adopt-A-Street program, which began back in the 1990s, allows residents to get involved and help keep the community looking great. Individuals, organizations and businesses commit to cleaning up their areas at least four times a year. By taking responsibility for keeping these streets clean,

residents contribute to making Wellington a more beautiful place to live.

“The Wellington Community Foundation Board of Directors agreed to sign up for the AdoptA-Street program in 2016 as a way to give back to the community,”

WCF Chair Barry Manning said. “The foundation is a charitable organization committed to benefiting the residents by supporting and improving their quality of life. This program is just one of the many ways that the foundation works to make a difference in the community.”

Although village employees do a great job picking up trash on the streets all the time, volunteers were surprised by some of the trash found along the roadway.

“We are proud to be part of

the Adopt-A-Street program and contribute to keeping Wellington beautiful,” WCF Vice Chair Jim Sackett said. “Our volunteers are dedicated to making a difference in the community, and we encourage others to get involved and help out.”

The Wellington Community Foundation is a charitable organization committed to benefiting the residents by supporting and improving their quality of life.

The foundation’s mission is to support and enhance the Wellington community by promoting charitable giving, creating partnerships and engaging in community outreach.

The Wellington Community Foundation encourages residents to learn more about the foundation and how they can become

Mayor Fred Pinto and Councilman Richard Valuntas.

Kids enjoyed face painting at the grand opening.

Councilwoman Selena Samios, Mayor Fred Pinto, Kool Runnings owner Gerald Brown and RPB Parks & Recreation Director Lou Recchio.

Excited kids and their parents wait on the line for ice cream. A chocolate sundae courtesy of Kool Runnings.

A DJ was on hand to provide entertainment.

Employee Kellee Green by the Kool Runnings signs.

ParentChild+ Team Donates Art Murals To Wellington Regional

The ParentChild+ Team members from three local nonprofit organizations in Palm Beach County, including Boys Town South Florida, the Guatemalan-Maya Center and the Lake Worth West Regional Planning Group, convened in September 2022 for a team-building retreat intended to uplift, soothe and inspire through visual art making. “This team is so dedicated to the work that is oftentimes done with families in crisis and in very challenging circumstances, which have been amplified after the pandemic. This team-building activity was a great way to use art as the medium

that connected and uplifted us all,” said Cobi Dunn, Florida regional director with ParentChild+.

The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County funds the ParentChild+ program, which serves more than 1,000 at-risk children and their families every year. The nonprofit Foundation for Hospital Art (www.hospitalart. org) supplied the paint-by-number canvases and facilitated the murals’ final production and delivery to brighten the hallways at Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Thanks to the partnership between Boys Town South Florida and its Board Member Jermaine

Bucknor, who works as the chief financial officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center, the murals found a home. The peacock and the frogs are hanging in the main lobby corridor. The beach scene is in the waiting area outside the NICU.

Palm Beach County ParentChild+ serves more than 1,000 at-risk children and their families.

It is fully funded by the Children’s Services Council and is a part of the Healthy Beginning’s System of Care. The program meets the county’s goal that children are ready for school by providing early literacy home visitation services to

young children and their caregivers. All of this is made possible through the tremendous dedication

of the early learning specialists and their leadership teams at Boys Town South Florida, the Lake Worth West Resident Planning Group and the Guatemalan-Maya Center.

Wellington Garden Club Honors College Scholarship Recipients

The Wellington Garden Club honored its 2023 college scholarship recipients at the Wellington National Golf Club on Monday, May 1. The club honors local high school and college students every year by recognizing their academic talents and giving each recipient a generous scholarship to apply

toward their college expenses. To be eligible, their majors must be in a field such as horticulture, botany, the environment or similar subjects related to the earth.

Scholarship Chair John Siena

awarded five $1,000 scholarships to the following recipients: Peter Sumell, Shovik Saha, Logan Shishkowsky, Samantha Anthony and Sabrina Jacques. For information regarding scholarship applications for the 2024-25 academic

(L-R) WRMC CFO Jermaine Bucknor, Boys Town South Florida Development Director Daniela Mesquita, ParentChild+ Inc. Florida Regional Director Cobi Dunn and Boys Town South Florida Executive Director Bethany Lacey with the peacock mural. The ParentChild+ staff members who created the frogs and beach scene murals.

Scholarship recipients Samantha Anthony (above) and Sabrina Jacques (below).

ANNUAL SWEET CORN FIESTA RETURNS TO SOUTH FLORIDA FAIRGROUNDS

Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds hosted the 23rd annual Sweet Corn Fiesta, presented by the Western Palm Beach County Farm Bureau, on Sunday, April 30. Guests enjoyed a farmers’ market, kids’ activities, rides, musical performances and all things sweet corn. The 19th annual National Sweet Corn-Eating Championship presented by Major League Eating attracted competitive eaters from around the country looking to claim the $6,100 top prize. The festival also featured corn-shucking contests for children and adults, as well as an amateur corn-eating competition. Learn more at www.facebook.com/sweetcornfiesta.

Corn lovers compete for a corn-shucking medal.

Professional competitive eaters (L-R) Miki Sudo, Nick Wehry and Eric Booker.

Professional competitive eater Peter Rovtar.

Competitive eater Eric Booker entertains

the Amazing Mr. A shows off his pet dinosaur to his new friends Pablo Cardozo, Santiago Garcia, Marian Fernandez and Barbara Cardozo.

Master of Ceremonies Sam Barclay with 2023 Harvest Queen Addison Ascheman and Junior Harvest Queen Jayden Ramos.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Miki Sudo (left) won the competitive corn-eating competition by finishing 52 ears of corn in 12 minutes.

Last year’s winner Gideon Oji looks for another victory.

Master of Ceremonies Sam Barclay presents Bryce McKinstry with a first-place medal for winning the kids corn-shucking competition.

Spectators watch in excitement as the corn-eating competition kicks off.

Jagden Lacera, 5, and Melody Rose, 3, enjoy fresh corn.

Shea Buckman and her sister Addison try their skills at shucking corn.

The Andrew Morris Band entertains the crowd during the Sweet Corn Fiesta.

Moises Rodriguez and Michael Bonham show off their trophies from the adult corn-shucking contest.

Dino Handler

Seminole Ridge Flag Football Enjoying Post-Season Success

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The Seminole Ridge High School girls varsity flag football team is on a mission. The goal of that mission is to win a sixth Florida High School Athletic Association state championship trophy and to hang another banner in the school’s gymnasium.

After completing the regular season with an impressive 9-2 record, the Hawks won two Class 2A, District 11 playoff games and advanced to the district tournament final against rival Wellington High School on Thursday, April 20. In that game, the Wolverines — sporting an impressive 12-2 record at the time — defeated the Hawks, 20-6. It was the first girls flag football district title in Wellington’s history.

With the victory, Wellington earned a bid to the Class 2A state tournament. Fortunately for the Hawks, their impressive overall record and lofty state ranking also earned them a spot in the state tournament. As it turned out, Wellington, seeded third, and Seminole Ridge, seeded sixth, played one another in the tournament’s first round on Wednesday, April 27. It was a Region 3 quarterfinal clash. By vir-

tue of its district title, Wellington hosted the game. It was expected to be close and competitive — and it was.

Wellington scored first with an opening-quarter touchdown to take a 6-0 lead. The extra-point play was unsuccessful. Both teams were unable to score for the rest of the first half, leaving the Wolverines ahead 6-0 at halftime. In the third quarter, Seminole Ridge quarterback Jaida Salguero connected with teammate Lola Agosto on a touchdown to tie the game at 6-6. Seminole Ridge’s point-after effort was unsuccessful. After three quarters, the game remained tied, 6-6.

In the waning minutes of the fourth quarter, Seminole Ridge’s Cayley Chieffalo intercepted a Wellington pass and returned it 15 yards for a touchdown. The point-after pass from Salguero to Chelsea Nedoroscik was successful, and Seminole Ridge led, 13-6. For the remainder of the fourth quarter, Wellington was unable to respond, and Seminole Ridge won the game, 13-6.

Statistically, in the game against Wellington, Salguero was 16 for 22 with a touchdown pass, Sanchez recorded two quarterback sacks, and Agosto had a touch-

down reception and an interception on defense.

Seminole Ridge head coach Scott O’Hara was proud of his team’s come-from-behind win and had words of praise for the opposition.

“It was a tough game, and Wellington is an incredible team,” O’Hara said. “They really pushed us to improve from the first matchup. We didn’t make as many mistakes against Wellington — penalties, dropped passes, interceptions — in the regional game against them, thankfully.”

According to O’Hara, the play of his defense was the key to the win against Wellington.

“We had great overall team defense with great coverage downfield for most of the game, spearheaded by our terrific middle linebacker, Kyarra Howard, and our equally talented safety, Dakota Parks,” O’Hara said. “We had tremendous overall play by our fantastic corners Chelsea Nedoroscik and Jaida Salguero. Defensively, we had two interceptions by our magnificent outside linebackers, Cayley Chieffalo and Lola Agosto, and an unbelievable rush by our gifted rusher Angelina Sanchez.”

The next game for Seminole

Ridge (12-3) will be a Class 2A, Region 3 semifinal game against Palm Beach Gardens High School. That game was played on Wednesday, May 3 at Seminole Ridge, but the result was not available at press time. It was the third time this season that Seminole Ridge played Palm Beach Gardens. The Hawks

prevailed in both previous games: 26-6 on March 14 and 26-18 on April 19.

The Seminole Ridge-Palm Beach Gardens winner will advance to the Class 2A Region 3 final on Monday, May 8 against either Fort Pierce Central or Spanish River. The winner of the Region 3 final will book a ticket to the

FHSAA’s Class 2A state finals, which will be held in Jacksonville at Mandarin High School on May 12-13. For Seminole Ridge to complete its mission of earning a trip to the FHSAA’s Class 2A final four and winning a state title, it will require four more victories — on May 3, 8, 12 and 13.

Wellington High Girls Softball Squad Looking To Make History

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Wellington High School’s girls

varsity softball team has had a strong season thus far with the postseason district tournament now underway.

Under the direction of head coach Mark Boretti, the Wolverines had an impressive regular season, finishing with a 15-2-1 record. According to Boretti, his team has all the necessary ingredients for a deep postseason run and a possible berth in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 7A state finals, which will be held at the Legends Way Ballfields in Clermont on May 26-27.

“It has been a good season,” Boretti said. “We’ve had strong

pitching this year, timely hitting and a strong defense. This team also has strong senior leadership on the roster.”

Now that the postseason is underway, the first order of business for Wellington is to win the Class 7A, District 12 tournament.

On Tuesday, May 2, Wellington defeated crosstown rival Palm Beach Central High School, 13-0, in the tournament semifinals. That set up a rematch against longtime nemesis Jupiter High School in the District 12 tournament final, which was held on the evening of Thursday, May 4 at Palm Beach Gardens High School. The results were not available at press time.

That game was a rematch of the regular season encounter on

April 6, when Wellington defeated Jupiter, 6-5, in nine innings. The winner of the District 12 final will receive an automatic bid to the FHSAA’s Class 7A state tournament, which begins on Thursday, May 11. But, according to Boretti, he fully expects both Wellington and Jupiter to be playing in the state tournament, since both teams have strong regular season records and high rankings, which are used to determine at-large bids. There’s also a strong chance that Wellington and Jupiter will meet again in the regional final on Friday, May 19.

“We want to win the district tournament, so we are guaranteed to play all three regional games at home and not have to travel,” Boretti said.

With three Class 7A regional round victories, Wellington would then qualify for the FHSAA’s Class 7A state final four.

Two of the keys to victory for Wellington will be how the team’s two top pitchers perform inside the circle. They are senior co-captain Jordan White and sophomore Victoria Payne. White’s earned run average is an impressive 1.74, while Payne is right behind her at 2.09. “Jordan has had great command of her pitches this season and has been able to spot the ball well. She has four pitches she can throw,” Boretti said. “Victoria

has good velocity on her pitches. Mentally, she’s like a bulldog out there inside the circle. We like to start with Jordan and have Victoria finish the game.”

Boretti was also quick to praise the efforts of his three senior starters — all of whom are co-captains — who have led by example this season and continue to do so.

“Seniors Jordan White, Kaitlyn Campbell and Kylie McCann have provided great leadership for the team throughout the season,” Boretti said.

In addition to her pitching prowess, White is leading by example with the bat. She is leading the team in home runs (4), hits (24), RBIs (24) and batting average (.480). Campbell is leading the team in stolen bases (12) and runs scored (23). McCann, who plays either shortstop or second base, is one of the team’s top defensive players with a fielding percentage of .974.

That senior leadership will be necessary on and off the field in order for Wellington to reach the FHSAA’s Class 7A state final four in Clermont in late May. If that happens, it will be Wellington’s third trip to the FHSAA’s softball final four in school history, following in the footsteps of the 2011 team that lost in the state semifinals and the 2017 team that lost in the final that year.

Caitlin Waites Enjoys Coaching Students At Wellington Landings

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Longtime Wellington resident Caitlin Waites is a teacher, an athlete, a student and a coach. While she excels in all four disciplines, her true talents may well be as a coach, especially in soccer.

On April 11, Waites coached the Wellington Landings Middle School girls soccer team to its second consecutive Palm Beach County middle school girls soccer title. The championship-clinching win was a 3-0 defeat of Don Estridge Middle School. Like all successful coaches, Waites took very little credit for her role in the win.

“Both years, I have had an amazing team full of girls with heart and the want to win,” said Waites, who teaches language arts and physical education at Wellington Landings. “Every practice, every game, every team bonding experience allowed us to produce the season we had.”

For Waites, making the transition to being a coach has been a natural extension of her childhood, where she attended Glades Day School in Belle Glade and played volleyball, soccer and softball.

“Honestly, it’s just the love for sports,” Waites said. “I’ve been very active with athletics since the age of three. There was never

a time growing up that I wasn’t involved with a sports team. After each sport in high school ended, I immediately started the next sport.”

While in high school, the end of the school year each spring didn’t mark the end of competitive play for Waites. Instead, it represented the beginning of another annual sports cycle.

“During my summers, I would train, mainly with my dad, or I would be attending camps and clinics at different colleges,” Waites said.

After enrolling at Ave Maria University, where she graduated with a degree in literature and a

minor in education, she remained physically active. “When I was in college, I couldn’t stay away from it either,” said Waites, who is currently pursuing a master’s degree online. “I had the opportunity to play collegiate softball, but plans changed. I did play a lot of intramural sports in my off season from soccer and worked for the athletic department for two years, where I would work softball and baseball games doing stats for the players. During my season, I mainly worked the weight room. I also follow many professional sports as their seasons are taking place.”

One of Waites’ strengths as a See WAITES, page 24

The Seminole Ridge High School girls flag football team celebrates following its 13-6 win against Wellington on Wednesday, April 27.

The Wellington High School girls varsity softball team.

Wellington High School softball seniors (L-R) Kaitlyn Campbell, Jordan White and Kylie McCann.

Coach Caitlin Waites celebrates with her players after a big win.

Park Place Team Claims First U.S. Open Polo Championship Title

Held over two days due to a rain postponement, the finale of the U.S. Open Polo Championship featured a clash between Park Place (Andrey Borodin, Juan Britos, Hilario Ulloa and Jason Wates) and Valiente (Bob Jornayvaz, Mariano “Peke” Gonzalez, Adolfo Cambiaso, Agustin Nero and Rufino Merlos) battling for American polo’s most coveted title.

Gathering under stormy skies on Sunday, April 23 at the National Polo Center-Wellington, a sold-out stadium at U.S. Polo Assn. Field

One celebrated the apex of the high-goal season. Unfortunately, what started as a light drizzle quickly turned to a deluge, forcing the suspension of play at the end the first half.

Resuming action on Monday, April 24 on the Isla Carroll East field, a riveting and high-scoring contest ultimately came down to the power and athleticism of the two 10-goalers, with Ulloa placing a meticulous hook on Cambiaso at the goal line in the final seconds

of play to protect Park Place’s lead and deliver the team’s first U.S. Open Polo Championship title 12-11, along with $100,000 in prize money. Undefeated in bracket play, Park Place and Valiente faced two different paths leading up to the final match. Falling to Pilot in the semifinals of the previous tournament, the USPA Gold Cup, Park Place advanced to the U.S. Open final after an 11-8 semifinal victory over MAG. Park Place has consistently maintained contender status.

“We lost in the final of the U.S. Open two years ago, and we lost in the final of the USPA Gold Cup last year,” Britos said.

“We’re always there fighting in the semifinals and finals and close to winning, but we were killing to win one of the big ones.”

Led offensively by 10-goaler Ulloa with three U.S. Open titles to his name (2010, 2014 and 2018), Park Place’s sharpshooting captain took to the field ranked third in scoring with 84 goals in the Gauntlet series, trailing only Facundo Pieres and Francisco Elizalde.

Valiente made a triumphant return to the high-goal season for the first time since capturing their second U.S. Open title in 2017. Making their Gauntlet debut, Valiente kicked off the 22-goal season securing the C.V. Whitney Cup 10-9 over Pilot. Blazing their way into the U.S. Open semifinals rematch versus Pilot, an unfortunate injury sustained by Lucas Criado Jr. at the end of the second chukker sidelined him for the remainder of the season, with Nero and Merlos entering as substitutes. Despite a commanding five-goal performance from Facundo Pieres,

Valiente ultimately stood tall in the face of adversity to claim the 11-9 victory.

Feeding the ball to Ulloa early and often resulted in back-to-back goals for Park Place to open the final match. Largely reliant on Criado Jr. throughout the season to make the majority of Valiente’s penalty goals, Cambiaso took the lead and struck from distance on a successful Penalty 4. Dampening Park Place’s offense on the field, Valiente managed to hold Ulloa to just two conversions, as a threegoal effort from the field tied the match 4-4. Outscoring Park Place for a second consecutive chukker, a drive from Cambiaso followed by Gonzalez’s first penalty conversion lifted Valiente to a 6-5 lead at the half.

Faced with a storm growing in ferocity drenching the field, the game was officially postponed due to weather conditions, halting both teams in their tracks overnight.

Utilizing the time to their advantage, Park Place began to strategize and adjust to Valiente’s new roster.

“Today, thankfully, we knew who we were playing against, so last night we were having a team meeting and really put a strong plan together. The biggest takeaway from the meeting was attitude,” Wates said. “No matter what we do, we do with attitude and confidence. I think that got us the win today.”

With the sidelines packed with eager fans, the green light was finally given for a 1:15 p.m. start.

Determined to declare a victor despite the weather, both Ulloa and Cambiaso drove to the goal in the fifth, as Cambiaso racked up his third to give Valiente a 10-8 lead.

Finding openings on the field, Park Place evened the score once more in the sixth, but a determined Cambiaso took command in the final minutes of play to boost Valiente back on top. Answering for Park Place, Ulloa hit back-to-back goals to slingshot Park Place ahead with a narrow 12-11 advantage.

Left with just seconds on the clock, Cambiaso broke free from multiple defenders, sprinting to the goal, but the horsepower and precision of Ulloa allowed him to make the game-saving hook, as Britos finished the play on a brilliant backshot. Working in tandem to shut down one of the great polo talents of the era, Park Place survived Cambiaso’s final push in the remaining seconds to claim the U.S. Open Polo Championship, 12-11.

Leading Park Place with a spectacular 10-goal performance, the only Park Place player to get on the final scoreboard, Ulloa was named Most Valuable Player.

Receiving a $1,500 travel credit courtesy of Fly Polo, Ulloa playfully joked that he would use his MVP award to change his airline ticket due to the postponement. Reflecting on the good luck bad weather had given him in previous victories, Ulloa said, “I won three U.S Opens in the rain. With Crab Orchard it rained, with Daily Racing Form it rained and this one.”

Britos credited the Park Place organization for its tireless dedication. “It has been a lot of years with Andrey leading this whole operation with horses, the team, grooms, vets and trainers,” he said. “It’s a lot of people who have been fighting for this title, and after all these years it finally came. We’re

very happy for Andrey and the whole team.”

The Willis Hartman U.S. Open Polo Championship Best Playing Pony and Best Argentine Bred were presented to Ulloa’s Latia Kavaska. A standout in the competition, Latia Kavaska was also the recipient of two other U.S. Open Polo Championship Best Playing Pony awards, the first in Game 12 against Aspen and the other in Park Place’s quarterfinal victory against La Elina.

A U.S. citizen, having spent more than half of his career in the states, Jamaican-born Wates honed his passion from a young age at the Kingston Polo Club. He had support from a large contingent of supporters, many of whom made the journey from the island and also Colorado to watch in person.

“The energy on the sidelines both days here in the rain, ev-

eryone still showed up,” he said. “People were supposed to leave this morning and changed flights to be here an extra day.”

Earning his U.S. Open title in his Gauntlet debut, Wates reflected on the process of becoming a champion.

“A lifetime of work has gone into getting me here, and winning the U.S. Open is the biggest thing you can win,” he said. “It makes all that work and time worth it. This season, the entirety of it, has meant so much, being a part of a great organization. Andrey has put together a great group of people, so being a part of that group for this whole season has been a pleasure.”

Borodin capped off the season riding the ultimate high. “It was a tough journey for several years to achieve this, and it means a lot,” he said. “Everyone gave everything they could, and the result is this.”

Strong Effort For Scarlett Stephens Of WHS At State Tennis Tourney

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

At this year’s Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A state tennis tournament, one of the 16 competitors in the girls singles division was Wellington High School sophomore Scarlett Stephens. She competed in the two-day event held April 26-27 at Sanlando Park near Orlando.

To become the state champion, Stephens needed to win four singles matches during the twoday event.

In Stephens’ first match on April 26, she played Sunshine Reitz, a

senior from Viera High School.

In this match, which lasted 65 minutes, Stephens won in straight sets (6-0, 6-2). For the most part, Stephens dominated Reitz in every statistical category. Of the 14 games played, Stephens won the opening point on 12 occasions. In the first set, she won 25 out of the 30 points contested. While serving, she had no double faults.

“I tried to stay consistent and let my opponent make the mistakes,” Stephens said.

After a two-hour break, she played a quarterfinal match against Alyssa Novoa, a junior from

Apopka High School. While Novoa defeated Stephens in straight sets (6-2, 6-4), it was a closely contested match.

Throughout the match, Stephens had a number of highs and lows, which included 18 winners, 14 unforced errors, seven missed returns, just two double faults and one ace. At one point in the second set, she led 3-2 in games, but was unable to maintain that lead.

“Alyssa was more aggressive, and I had to be more aggressive, too,” Stephens said. “She was the No. 1 seed in the tournament. I was pleased with my performance, and

I am very grateful for the entire experience.”

“It was a great match,” agreed her father Luke Stephens, who was in attendance. “Scarlett kept fighting, and the match drew praise from several other coaches from around the state.”

Novoa went on to win her next two matches and claimed the Class 4A state title in girls singles tennis.

Stephens earned a spot in the FHSAA Class 4A tournament when she won the local district title on April 11, defeating Jupiter High School’s Gabriella Michels in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).

Pets Are Family, Too!

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

Tapeworms are common in dogs and are usually transmitted by ingesting fleas. Dogs may become infected by eating the feces of other animals. Tapeworms are flat, segmented intestinal parasites. There are several types of tapeworms, but the most common species observed in dogs is Dipylidium caninum. Tapeworms do not typically cause serious health problems, but can cause abdominal bloating, mild digestive upset, anal irritation, and itching. Dogs will drag their bottoms on the ground, a behavior known as scooting, to calm irritation. However, keep in mind that scooting can also occur for other reasons and a veterinarian will need to make a proper diagnosis. Treatments typically consist of deworming medication either in tablets or by injection.

The latest pest and parasite control products currently on the market make life easier for both you and your pet. If you need information about ridding your pet of fleas, ticks, tapeworms, and other harmful parasites, we invite you to call us at COMMUNITY ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF ROYAL PALM BEACH. We can provide you with complete medical, surgical, and dental services, as well as preventive care. Please call 798-5508 for appointments or emergencies pertaining to your pet’s health. We are conveniently located at 11462 Okeechobee Blvd., 1/4 mile east of Royal Palm Beach Blvd., Where Pets Are Our Passion! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

P.S. Flea control is critical in the management and prevention of a tapeworm infection.

Juan Britos, Andrey Borodin, Hilario Ulloa and Jason Wates of 2023 U.S. Open Polo Championship winners Park Place. PHOTOS BY DAVID LOMINSKA

MVP Hilario Ulloa of Park Place challenges Valiente’s Adolfo Cambiaso.

Scarlett Stephens of WHS at the state tennis championships.

PHOTO BY KELLY JOHNSON

SPORTS & RECREATION

WLMS Girls Soccer Coach

continued from page 21 coach is her ability to relate to each student-athlete on her team.

“As a coach, I would say my main strength is adapting when it comes to the kids,” Waites said. “Every sport is going to draw kids from all different backgrounds. I like to think I am intense when it comes to coaching, but in a positive way. I like pushing the kids to their best ability and making them realize their talent, especially when they don’t see it for themselves. That’s how I was always coached. Sometimes kids need to be boosted up because they have the talent but lack the confidence. So, you boost them up and build the confidence to match the level of ability. Some kids need to be humbled and reminded that no matter how good you are talent-wise, respect and teamwork are the keys to success. Becoming ‘un-coachable’ is an athlete’s Achilles heel. When an athlete feels there is nothing more to learn, that is usually where the drive and determination falls.”

Even though Waites’ soccer teams at Wellington Landings have won championship titles in 2022 and 2023, she is quick to remind her players that winning back-to-back titles in any sport at any level is not the norm.

“I also try to remind the kids that failure is part of sports,” said Waites, whose Wellington Landings team had an 11-1-1 record this past spring. “You can’t grow without learning to fail. If you don’t learn how to fall, how do you know when to pick yourself back up? I try to use losses as motivation and determination to play the next game.”

In addition to coaching girls soccer at Wellington Landings, she also coaches track in the spring and assists with volleyball in the fall.

“My love for sports, in general, has never died down, even after my collegiate career ended,” said Waites, who added that college softball is her favorite sport to watch. “I’ve always known I wanted to keep athletics in my life, and coaching was the best option for that.”

Waites plans to return next season as the head coach of the girls soccer team at Wellington Landings. “Yes, sir!” Waites said. “That is the plan.”

Wellington’s Roger Gross Offers Historical Presentations That Are Well Received

Wellington resident Roger A. Gross has been giving presentations to country clubs, assisted living facilities and senior living facilities in the Palm Beach County area. Gross served with honor for 42 years in the federal government with law enforcement, security and management experience. He settled in Wellington with his wife in 2019, a retired ICU charge nurse from Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Gross has many behind-thescenes stories from his employment and from history. His master’s degree in education, minor in

history and his years of dedicated service allow him to merge these topics. He uncovers fascinating tidbits and topics to present and entertain his audiences.

Highlights of his presentations involve working security with several presidents of the United States, senators, representatives, celebrities and actors, as well as his connections to historical events.

Seniors love his presentation about the U.S. Treasury and how money is made. When he advises that currency paper is not paper, people are amazed. When speaking of gold dollars and coins during President Franklin Delano

Roosevelt’s presidency, several audience members remember those times.

Many recall silver dollars that were given to them at Christmas or Chanukah. Several seniors, some in their 90s, recall receiving them as children, bringing back memories of their families and their past at joyous times. Some have said they still have them.

Gross is able to fill in on short notice or develop a presentation for any group. If you are interested in having him give a presentation, he can be reached at ragross978@ gmail.com for references, rates and availability.

Roger A. Gross

Zachary Pike Shares His Personal Story About Living With Asperger Syndrome

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, 1 in 100 adults and 1 in 36 children in the United States are identified with having autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Yet, despite its prevalence, the majority of books written about the neurological disorder that impacts communication and social interaction are by non-autistic authors. Zachary S. Pike, a 26-year-old diagnosed with ADHD and Asperger syndrome, decided to change that.

His new book was released in February 2023 by AuthorHouse. Regular: A Young Man with Autism and His Journey to Be “Ordinary” Which Took Him to “Extraordinary” documents Pike’s triumph in achieving personal empowerment and a sense of normalcy despite living with a neurodevelopment disorder since childhood.

As the book opens, Pike, then a high school senior, prepares for his graduation commencement ceremony at Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington.

“I finally achieved one thing that every parent should be proud of, and that is seeing their child graduate from high school,” Pike recalled.

It’s not until after graduating that he unexpectedly learns his special diploma option 1 — an option for high school students with developmental disabilities —

has diminished his college course choices considerably, and his only opportunity is to earn a high school equivalency diploma.

Spanning the four years following his graduation, Regular recounts Pike’s unremitting pursuit for personal and professional normality. In his book, Pike shines a light on the mental and psychological challenges he experiences as a young adult with autism, like juggling a career in the food service industry while taking GED classes at night. “Getting a job was one of the main achievements I have ever gotten,” he said. “It made me feel regular.”

One of the narrative’s most enduring qualities is the young writer’s frank refusal to become mired in defeatism. Pike excitedly shares small yet empowering milestones he achieved through determination, grit and a strong support team of family and friends. These include advancing from a hardworking busboy to gregarious host, earning his driver’s license and publicly petitioning the School District of Palm Beach County for a reissued high school diploma.

And while readers will be delighted to know that the author ultimately receives his official diploma, the takeaway is even more important. Pike’s autobiography provides a fascinating glimpse into the autistic mind that will fascinate both neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike.

Regular: A Young Man with Autism and His Journey to be “Ordinary” Which Took Him to “Extraordinary” can be purchased online at Amazon.com or BarnesandNoble.com.

Pike currently divides his professional life between the kitchen at Lake Worth’s Hidden Oaks Elementary School and Texas Roadhouse in Boynton Beach,

where he serves as a part-time host trainer. The 26-year-old is currently studying cinematography at Palm Beach State College in Lake Worth and hopes to become a news cameraman after graduation. As a die-hard fan of Marvel and DC Comics, he enjoys attending comic conventions, where he commiserates with popular superheroes.

Enjoy a summer of fun with memories for life at Camp Gan Israel, the premier Jewish camp in the western communities, serving Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee and Westlake. Why settle for just one camp when you can have them all? Want your child to have sports? How about art? Want swimming? Camp Gan Israel has all of that and more. Children (boys and girls) from ages 4 to 12 will enjoy sports, swimming, crafts, songs, drama, outdoor fun and trips to local activities like bowling, ice skating and more. The camp runs for four weeks from June 5 until June 30 with trained staff flown in from out of state. The one-on-one individualized attention that the staff is known for is bar-none. For more info., or to register, visit www.wellingtonjewishcenter. org or call Rabbi Eli directly at (561) 633-7025.

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 sleep-away 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

LMC’s summer camp programs are interactive, educational and stimulating. Geared towards children ages 6 -13 and includes fun activities such as snorkeling, fishing and scientific projects.

• Camps start on June 5th and hours are: Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

• Late pickup is available for an extra fee

• Three unique experiences to choose from

• Multi-week and sibling discounts available

Located in Loggerhead Park 14200 U.S. Highway One Juno Beach, Florida 33408

Questions? Email: reservations@marinelife.org

Coach Caitlin Waites hugs a player after a big win.

Author Zachary Pike (right) with his father, Steve Pike.

Francine Shorr Wins X-Factor Award At

Spring Classic Dressage Show

The team at C U at X Tack, an equestrian emporium located in Wellington, was tickled pink at the recent Wellington Spring Classic dressage show when they spotted Francine “Fran” Shorr aboard Davina. Shorr was primed and prepped in her pink show coat, which was a standout in a sea of mostly black and blue riding jackets.

The Hoog sisters, Sarah and Katie, owners of C U at X Tack, were floored by Shorr’s outstanding light pink show jacket as she rode down centerline in the Prix St. Georges class on Davina, a flashy Oldenburg mare. They immediately knew that she would be the perfect recipient of their X-Factor Award. But only after giving Shorr the award did they truly learn the significance of her pink jacket.

Shorr shared details about her fight against breast cancer and explained that some of her friends had the pink show coat made in honor of her continuing battle. Shorr’s fight with breast cancer has been long and brutal. She has been through 13 different surgeries and numerous chemotherapy treatments. Yet, despite her arduous battle, she continues to pursue the sport she loves, dressage.

That perseverance and strength

prevailed when Shorr not only competed successfully in the FEI Prix St. Georges class, but also received CU at X Tack’s X-Factor Award. The award is presented to one rider at each show based on their turnout. With her stunning and meaningful pink show coat, Shorr was the quintessential X- Factor recipient. She is not only a dressage competitor but also a USEF and Canadian dressage judge. She was awarded the X-Factor ribbon, a rhinestone-encrusted medal and a $50 gift card. Davina’s owner, Marilyn Carey, and Shorr’s husband, Loxahatchee Groves Vice Mayor Robert Shorr, were on hand for the presentation.

The Hoog sisters have been avid riders for more than 25 years. Their shared love of fashion and all things horses and dressage inspired them to start C U at X Tack. Their first-hand experience in dressage gives them a unique edge. This edge offers customers a fresh and unique shopping experience whenever they walk through the door. They created the X-Factor award to recognize riders who go above and beyond with their show ring presentation.

Shorr was touched to be recognized with the special award, just as her season with Davina was winding down. Davina will

Francine Shorr, winner of the C U at X Tack X-Factor Award, with Marilyn Carey and Robert Shorr.

head home to North Carolina for the summer. Shorr herself hails from North Carolina. Four years ago, she met Robert Shorr while visiting for the winter horse show season. After a budding romance, Robert asked Fran what it would take to get her to stay in Loxahatchee Groves with him, rather than return to North Carolina. Her answer was, “a ring and a ring,” referring to a diamond engagement

ADMIRALS COVE FOUNDATION SUPPORTS KCF

ring and a dressage riding ring. Shorr said that she intends to continue her dressage show career with Davina next season. For the summer, she will travel to ride the mare monthly in North Carolina and also intends to relax and continue healing at home with her husband.

For more information about C U At X Tack and the X-Factor award, visit www.cuatxtack.com.

UDNF Hires Amy Gray Of Wellington As Inaugural CEO

A group of undiagnosed and ultra-rare disease patients and their family members, medical providers and advocacy partners recently announced the launch of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation (UDNF) and the hiring of the group’s inaugural CEO. The organization aims to improve access to diagnosis, research and care for all with undiagnosed and ultra-rare diseases.

Amy Gray, a longtime Wellington community member and nationally recognized rare disease advocate, will oversee the UDNF as its first CEO. Gray brings more than 20 years of experience in rare-disease-focused nonprofits.

As the former CEO of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Association, she is skilled at uniting patients, families, scientists, clinicians and researchers to advance a shared mission of improving the lives of rare disease patients. Gray has also

held executive leadership roles at the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The UDNF’s board of directors is delighted to welcome Gray as a leading force in achieving the best outcomes for patients.

The UDNF was conceived by patients and families enrolled in the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN), a medical study that has set the international standard for researching undiagnosed diseases. The UDNF and UDN will partner together to pursue clinical and research solutions for the well-being of undiagnosed and ultra-rare disease patients. The UDNF will serve both pediatric and adult patients through patient navigation, community education programs and collaboration with the UDN.

“The foundation will help ensure that patients have access not

only to resources and community support but also to the research and clinical care they need — from the very onset of their symptoms, through their diagnostic journey and, eventually, to treatment,” said UDN principal investigator Dr. Isaac Kohane, chair of the Department of Bioinformatics at Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Meghan Halley, senior research scholar in the Center for Biomedical Ethics at Stanford University, mother to a son with an undiagnosed disease and president of the UDNF Board of Directors, explained the importance of the UDNF. “By centering those left behind by healthcare — especially undiagnosed patients who often struggle to navigate the healthcare system — we can develop new approaches to comprehensive patient care that benefit everyone,” she said.

UDN participants and caregiv-

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. Visit www.wellingtonconservationcenter.org to learn more.

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.

Vinceremos Summer Horsemanship Camp is an inclusionary camp for riders of all abilities, ages 8 to 16, with no horse experience necessary. Learn equestrian skills and horse care. Build confidence and independence while caring for horses and enjoying time at the farm. Instructors are PATH certified. Camp runs from June 5 through Aug. 4. Sessions are weekly from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.facebook.com/vinceremostrc.

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.

ers have already demonstrated the power of the undiagnosed community. Thanks to the tireless efforts of undiagnosed patients and family members, funding for the UDN will continue through 2023. On Dec. 22, 2022, Congress passed a spending bill for 2023 that includes $18 million to fund the UDN. While this success secures the immediate future of the UDN, advocacy efforts must continue to guarantee long-term sustainability. The Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation is a patient-led nonprofit organization founded in 2023 committed to improving access to diagnosis, research and care for all with undiagnosed diseases. The UDNF aims to foster collaboration among patients, clinicians and scientists to enhance the quality of life of undiagnosed and ultra-rare disease patients and their families. For more information, visit www.udnf.org.

The Kids Cancer Foundation was recently honored to be presented as one of the Admiral Cove Foundation’s 2023 grant recipients. The Admirals Cove Foundation’s support and funding enables KCF to provide easily accessible and compassionate support services for children and their families battling childhood cancer. The Kids Cancer Foundation’s mission is to ease the struggle of these families as they navigate the journey of childhood cancer by providing child enrichment services, counseling, tutoring, financial assistance and more.

TYLER BURROUGHS OF LOXAHATCHEE WORKING ABOARD USS TRIPOLI

Airman Tyler Burroughs from Loxahatchee prepares to paint a bulkhead aboard the amphibious assault carrier USS Tripoli (LHA 7) during the ship’s maintenance availability April 12. Tripoli is an America-class amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER SYPERT/U.S. NAVY

The Royal Palm Beach High School dance team recently held a toiletries drive for Children & Family Services. The drive was not a countywide drive, but an idea formulated by master teacher M.J. Blecher, since April is a slow month for county pantries and supply distribution centers. The drive was hosted by Blecher and the Wildcat Dancers Dance Team. The school collected 16 boxes of toiletries for those in need. It was the fourth collection drive hosted by Blecher and Royal Palm Beach High School students this school year, including aid for Hurricane Ian victims, Samaritan Box, the Children & Family Services toy drive and now the toiletries drive. Blecher believes that it is extremely important to teach students the importance of helping others in need and giving from their hearts without getting something in return. As an original staff member at Royal Palm Beach High School, she is proud to be a part of the Wildcat family and extremely proud of all the students who attend the school for their generous and open hearts.

Annual Literacy Links

A full field of golfers teed up for the seventh annual Literacy Links Golf Tournament on April 14 to support the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. The popular benefit raised more than $40,000

for adult and children’s literacy programs. The tournament took place at the Palm Beach Par 3. Afterward, players were treated to lunch, awards and a silent auction at Al

Town Hall Meeting On School Choice And Universal Vouchers Set For May 11

A free informational town hall session on “School Choice and Universal Vouchers” will be held Thursday, May 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Palm Beach Gardens branch library, located at 11303 Campus Drive. It will focus on the expanded Universal School Voucher Bill HB1/SB202, passed during the 2023 legislative session

and signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis to be effective July 1, along with several other bills that impact effective teaching and learning to meet students’ diverse needs.

The May 11 session will help parents understand what the approximately $8,500 school choice voucher will provide and what

RPBHS DANCERS PRESENT DISNEY-THEMED SHOW

The Wildcat Dancers Dance Team and the Royal Palm Beach Dancers invited their guests to, “Relax, pull up a chair while the dining room proudly presents their dinner,” then proceeded to perform their spring show, “RPB Does Disney” on Thursday, April 20 in the school’s auditorium. The 20 dance routines ranged from extra-large groups to duets and solos. All performance material was masterly choreographed by M.J. Blecher. The dance routines smoothly moved through the genres of jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, musical theater and praise. As a surprise bonus, the audience members were gifted Mickey Mouse ears and leis branded with the show name during the grand finale.

Golf Tournament Raises More Than $40,000

Fresco Restaurant at the clubhouse.

“Thanks to everyone who sponsored and played to help raise significant funds to provide links to literacy for so many children and

adults in our community,” Literacy Coalition CEO Kristin Calder said. “Golfers were able to experience a picturesque course on a beautiful day all the while knowing their support will help us reach more

children and youth to help them improve their reading skills.”

Sponsors included anonymous donors, Brenda Medore and Leanne Adair, Publix Super Markets

Charities, the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, Ed Morse Automotive Group and Northern Trust. Special thanks to event chair Nancy Vera and committee mem-

bers Caleb Bowser, John Campo and Travis Foels. A recipient of the coveted 4-star Charity Navigator rating for 13 consecutive years, the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County works to improve the quality of life in the community by promoting and achieving literacy. Learn more at www.literacypbc.org.

Summer Horsemanship Camp Call (561) 793-7606 And Ask About Our Special Camp Advertising Packages!

of Women Voters of Palm Beach County; and introductions by Sara Miller, president of North County Democratic Club. Pre-registration for the free session is required to assure that there are adequate materials and refreshments for everyone who attends. RSVP to northcountydemspb@ gmail.com. Weekly Sessions June 5 - Aug. 4 9-noon

David Johnston, Gabe Williams, Henry Shawah and Tom Brady.

PHOTOS BY TRACEY BENSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Richard Leland of Wellington swings at Literacy Links.

Mac Mackay, Travis Foels, Ian Robinson and John Campo.

Illustrated Properties Announces

Three Executive Sales Manager Appointments

Illustrated Properties (IPRE) continues to grow its talented team across the Palm Beaches with Jason Pappas, Andy Noble and Tammie Epting as executive sales managers taking on new roles focusing on the creation of strategic opportunities as leaders of the firm. Pappas, Noble and Epting will oversee the Wellington, PGA and Jupiter offices, respectively.

Having served as the executive sales manager for IPRE’s Fairway office for more than four years, Pappas will continue in that capacity while also leading the firm’s Wellington office. Under his leadership, the Fairway office achieved sales growth of more than 100 percent, and he has played a pivotal role in contributing to the firm’s training and development programs.

Noble is an industry veteran bringing 20 years of management experience and a successful track record of coaching sales associates, building strong relation

ships, and leading with integrity and professionalism. He will be responsible for day-to-day operations in the PGA office, as well as developing and implementing the strategic growth plans for IPRE companywide.

Epting also brings 20 years of luxury management experience, previously as district manager and referral director for Coldwell Banker and as executive sales manager for Premier Realty Group. She holds a Florida broker’s license and will be a non-competing sales leader in the Jupiter office responsible for the day-to-day operations while focusing on maximizing sales potential.

“Having talented real estate professionals such as Jason, Andy and Tammie truly exemplify the growth Illustrated has had in the Palm Beaches and speaks to the successful team we have built locally,” Illustrated President Daniel Dennis said. “We look forward to the support they will

Entrepreneurial Husband-And-Wife Team Open Kitchen Tune-Up In RPB

Kitchen Tune-Up, a national kitchen remodeling company known for five service options to update kitchens and cabinetry, has arrived in Palm Beach County. Meeting the growing demand from homeowners seeking to update and upgrade the look of their kitchens, Royal Palm Beach’s Kitchen Tune-Up is serving homeowners throughout Royal Palm Beach, Loxahatchee, Wellington and Westlake.

Local residents Matt and Sarah Harden have launched Kitchen Tune-Up’s operations along with the support of the company’s home office in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The award-winning company has established itself as an industry leader with more than 35 years of success behind it.

“We’re firm believers that the kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the best places for creating memories with family,” Matt Harden said. “It’s where we’ve created some of our favorite memories with our two kids.

That’s why we enjoy working with clients to make sure their kitchen space is not only functional, but a beautiful and comfortable space to spend time in.”

Prior to joining Kitchen TuneUp, Matt spent more than two decades as a boat captain learning important business management skills like budgeting, crew management, vendor relations and customer service. His experience has given him the foundation needed to launch and grow his Kitchen Tune-Up business locally.

“Matt and Sarah are fantastic additions to the Kitchen Tune-Up family. We have all the confidence in them and their team to create kitchen upgrades that inspire and uplift their clients,” said Heidi Morrissey, president of the Kitchen Tune-Up Franchise System.

“They are exactly the type of trusted partners homeowners in Palm Beach County need to complete their kitchen project.”

In addition to residential clients, Kitchen Tune-Up offers kitchen

Minto Opens Sales In The Woodlands Of Westlake

Minto Communities USA, the master developer and primary builder in Westlake, has opened sales for the Woodlands of Westlake. The new neighborhood will include 164 homesites at build out, many with water views. The Woodlands is located on Town Center Parkway, just north of the existing Orchards neighborhood.

Later this quarter, Minto also plans to offer the Indigo Collection of single-family homes on 65-foot homesites at the Woodlands. This home collection includes 3 to 6 bedrooms and 2.5 to 4.5 bathrooms, with 2,410 to 4,320 square feet under air, and will be priced from the $500s.

remodeling for commercial customers. Services for both client bases include the company’s Original Tune-Up, a proprietary wood reconditioning process, as well as cabinet redooring, cabinet painting, cabinet refacing and custom cabinets. Plus, the Kitchen Tune-Up sales process guides homeowners through the entire project.

“Kitchen Tune-Up is dedicated to customer service excellence and building trust with clients,” Matt said. “From my professional background as a boat captain, customer service is something that I value highly and will bring to my Kitchen Tune-Up business in Palm Beach County. It’s especially important to build trust with clients in a business that requires you to enter a person’s home, and we plan to treat our clients’ homes with the utmost respect and care.”

To learn more about Kitchen Tune-Up in Royal Palm Beach, visit www.kitchentuneup.com/ royal-palm-beach-wellington.

The initial sales release in the Woodlands includes estate homes from the Atlantic Collection on 75-foot homesites, nearly all with water views. Floorplans range from 2 to 6 bedrooms and 2.5 to 6.5 bathrooms, with 2,703 to 4,546 square feet under air. Homes are priced from the $700s.

“The larger homesites and variety of home designs offered in the Woodlands means that move-up buyers and luxury home buyers will find a home that fits their family’s needs, while enjoying the amenities and lifestyle that Westlake offers,” said Steve Svopa, southeast division president at Minto Communities USA.

All About Moms Fashion Show At The Mall At Wellington Green

The Mall at Wellington Green will celebrate mothers and their exceptional taste with a fashion show on Wednesday, May 10 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Grand Court area.

The Mall at Wellington Green will transform into a megawatt fashion show featuring local “supermoms,” who will model trendsetting designs from Chico’s, Dillard’s, Francesca’s, Macy’s, Tommy Bahama and more.

DJ Doozie will be dropping energetic beats, while guests enjoy

hair and makeup tips, gift card giveaways and roaming photo opportunities. The public is also invited to participate in the mall’s Mother’s Day Instagram contest for a chance to win a $500 shopping spree.

The All About Moms fashion show is free. Registration is not required.

The Mall at Wellington Green is located at 10300 W. Forest Hill Blvd. For more information, call (561) 227-6900 or visit www. shopwellingtongreen.com.

Westlake is approved for 4,500 homes and more than two million square feet of commercial space. Minto offers a mix of single-family homes, estate homes and townhomes for sale starting in the $400s. Nurses, paramedics, teachers and other public servants can take advantage of the Welcome Heroes program, which gives a three percent discount off the base price of a new Minto home. The Westlake Sales Center is located at 16610 Town Center Parkway North in the City of Westlake off Seminole Pratt Whitney Road. For more information, call (888) 299-3628 or visit www. westlakefl.com.

Homes from Minto’s Atlantic Collection will be available in the Woodlands.

Jason Pappas will oversee IPRE’s Wellington office.

Nothing Quite Like Setting Up A Yard Sale For My Sister In L.A.

My sister, Pam, is a flight attendant for a major airline, a job she has held for nearly 40 years. It’s a great job with great benefits, and the greatest of all those benefits is that I get to fly free — well, almost free.

Pam lives in a 1930s house in Los Angeles, in an area highly coveted because of its close proximity to shopping (Ventura Blvd.) and great public schools or — if you choose to send your child by Uber or chauffeur — a private school with an annual tuition of $70,000.

Despite all this, Pam is still a Midwestern girl, which means that she doesn’t fly me out there for the Academy Awards or the L.A. Lakers, she flies me out

there when she needs help setting up her semi-annual yard sale. After all, junk is my field of expertise. And that’s where I am now, recovering from last Saturday’s sale.

Our routine was to go to breakfast at

the local deli, then start lugging tables and configuring shelves from bricks and boards. When all the “staging” was set up (that’s a Hollywood term!), Pam would hand me boxes and bins and bags and bundles out the back door, and I would pile them into a mound. I have no idea how she fit this much stuff into her tiny, perfectly appointed home!

“Under the beds,” she said. “And in the attic of the garage. And in my son’s old room.”

I took a peek into said room. It was stacked to the ceiling!

Little by little, we got everything out-

side and, because I am ridiculous that way, separated it into “departments.” There was the Linens department, the Toys department, the Wood & Metal department, Books, Music... you get it.

When we opened for business at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m. on Saturday, there was already a line of people waiting to get in. When we opened the back gate, most of them rushed to the Movie Memorabilia table that held autographed photographs of her friends (movie stars!) and even a framed memo on Warner Bros. letterhead proclaiming that the first Harry Potter movie had just hit “$32 million in sales.” Pam has friends in high places.

It was interesting. Instead of pushing and shoving like normal people, hopeful shoppers would announce, “You are crowding my personal space!” So unlike what I am used to. So politically correct. But now the sale is over, the tables folded up and the leftovers dumped at local thrift shops. We are on our way to get massages and have lunch at some tony restaurant, dressed in clothes quite different from what we were wearing last week. People will wonder if we’re “anybody.” We’re not. We’re two girls from Wisconsin, one of whom is $1,500 richer and one who gets to ride an airplane for free tonight. Life is good.

‘Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant’ Is A Surprisingly Good War Film

I was a bit surprised at Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant in that it was not one of the director’s usual wisecrack gangster films, but a serious and very good look at people who take honor seriously. It is a bit uneven; there are a couple of slow spots when your attention wanders, but they are more than balanced by a few similarly slow spots when you can barely breathe. This is the kind of movie that Hollywood studios used to make. Men can be heroes, and they keep their word no matter the cost.

Most of the film takes place in Afghanistan. Sgt. John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) leads a hunter/killer team out to destroy Taliban bases far out in the country. Their translator gets killed, but a local man, Ahmed (Dar Salim), volunteers to take over. Although not initially trusted by the American soldiers, Ahmed has a good reason for wanting to help. The American government had promised to provide visas for those Afghans who helped our troops

‘I’ On

CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

and their families to keep them safe from the Taliban. Right from the beginning, Ahmed goes further than most. He warns the Americans that they are being betrayed and leads them past a trap. He tells Kinley that he is not a translator but an interpreter. He understands the special tricks that might be used against them. And in a harrowing series of episodes, he saves Kinley’s life at great risk to his own. The scenes of the two men hiding from the Taliban operatives are superb, a highlight of the film. I felt my own heart beating throughout, even

though I knew that the two men would survive.

Then Kinley is sent home, where he faces PTSD and other problems, driving his wife Caroline (Emily Beecham) half crazy. But then he finds out that the American government, as they decide to decamp, has broken its promise to the Afghans who risked their lives. Kinley returns to Afghanistan and works with Ahmed to bring him and his family out, going through a series of nasty battles (where Ritchie returns to his old methods of quick reaction shots) to get him out. While the American government ignored its promises, Kinley was part of a group that looked on the agreement as a covenant, an agreement that matters. One could say, metaphorically, written in blood. Is this a true story? Partially. It is based on a whole series of rescues done like this, rather than a single operation. The American government, unfortunately,

has not stood by its promises, but there are people who have. Heroes, not only Americans, but also Afghans, and people of honor from other countries who helped.

Gyllenhaal was excellent as the troubled though heroic Kinley. He was definitely an old-fashioned type. He went out taking horrible chances almost daily, doing it because he believed in this country. We can see him expanding his idea of brotherhood among warriors to include Ahmed. We can feel for him as he struggles with civilian life afterward and then wonder as he returns to the extremely dangerous battlefield. He’s a modern-day Gary Cooper from High Noon.

Although we do not get all that much from the other soldiers, they present the usual somewhat wise guy while heroic look.

But it is Dar Salim who dominates the film. The actor is so strong while also nuanced, that in many ways he becomes the center. His motivations are incredibly

complex. We can admire him and worry when we find out that our country has betrayed him. Throughout, he keeps his dignity.

One of the most striking contrasts comes from the two men’s wives. Beecham portrays a strong woman, one running a family business even while worrying about the fate of her husband. Basira (Fariba Sheikhan), Ahmed’s wife, is destitute, struggling to keep her family fed. The contrast, though not direct, is chilling.

This is a strong movie that focuses on a part of the American record many would prefer to ignore and then forget. We expect our political leaders of all parties to lie to us (if you don’t believe me, well, there’s a really nice bridge going to Brooklyn I can sell you cheap) but seldom so openly and with such fatal consequences. As a film, it is not brilliant, but it is very strong and quite good. I recommend it.

Deborah Welky is The Sonic BOOMER

- Job Openings -

Front Desk Clerk

Person with good verbal/written communication skills and the motivation to provide good customer service. Flexible schedule needed. Experience preferred, but we will train the right motivated person. Royal Palm/Wellington/Acreage residents will save on gas and travel time.

Housekeeper

Responsible for cleaning guest rooms in a timely and thorough manner. Experience and fluency in English is preferred. Must be able to work weekends and/or holidays.

To Apply:

We’re Hiring for the following position!

Position: Dispatcher–Fuel

Job type: Full-time Location: Riviera Beach, Florida

About the Job

A dynamic growth-oriented distributor of lubricants and fuels to wholesale, retail, and commercial end-user markets throughout Florida. We are seeking a Dispatcher for our Riviera Beach location. Previous dispatching a plus but willing to train the right person that is a motivated, self-starter and open to learn and grow with the company.

Responsibilities will include:

 Dispatch deliveries in an efficient and profitable manner.

 Maintain and review driver DOT logs.

 Monitor vehicle tracking system.

 Establish cost-effective delivery routes and schedules.

 Establish performance standards for drivers.

 Review driver delivery paperwork for accuracy and compliance.

 Maintain relationships with customers and resolve delivery complaints.

 Investigate and resolve delivery issues, spills, accidents.

 Other duties as requested.

Requirements:

 Minimum 2 years’ experience dispatching and supervising drivers.

 Computer literacy and competency with Microsoft Office programs Excel, Outlook, and Word.

 Experience with vehicle tracking systems, order entry, and dispatching software.

Offering a Very Competitive Compensation Package

Comprehensive Benefits: Health insurance, dental and vision insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Free basic life insurance plan of $25,000

401K plan with company match Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

SSI Petroleum is a non-smoking environment, Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply or learn more, contact: Vivian Prescott, Human Resources Manager Ph: 863-508-1406 | E: vprescott@ssipetro.com

KICK BACK AND RELAX IN THE WELLINGTON “COUNTRYSIDE”

CHARITY CAR SHOW AND FAMILY OUTING

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023

9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Village Park | 11700 Pierson Rd | Wellington

ˆ Judged competition 20+ trophied categories — $20

ˆ Show vehicles — $10

ˆ VIP non-show vehicle parking — $10

ˆ Register on-site or prepay on Eventbrite

ˆ Free parking also available

ˆ Family Friendly

ˆ Activities, food, music

ˆ Proceeds to charity

UPCOMING 2023 DATES

June 11 | July 9 | August 20 |

September 10

October 8 | November 12 | December 3

CARS, TRUCKS, MOTORCYCLES, RV’s

FAMILY FRIENDLY, ACTIVITIES, FOOD, MUSIC SCENIC PARK