Town-Crier Newspaper November 15, 2024

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DYNAMIC DUO REUNITES TO HOST A RECORD-BREAKING WCF EVENT

Improvement store and a Walmart are “in the pipeline.” Page 3

Loxahatchee Groves Honors Veterans With Parade And Ceremony

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves held a Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony followed by a Founders Day Ceremony. The three-mile parade route ended at Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall, where a ceremony was held honoring the community’s veterans. Page 16

Wellington Rotary Brings In Donations With First Ruck March

The Wellington Rotary Club held its first-ever Ruck March on Sunday, Nov. 10 to help raise food donations for Wellington’s Hometown Holiday Food Drive. Participants wore backpacks full of food to donate and “marched” military style in either a 2K or 5K route. Page 18

The Wellington Community Foundation’s ninth annual Red, White & Blue Jeans: “A Salute To Our Heroes” event, held Friday, Nov. 8 at the Wellington National Golf Club, was a record-breaking success. The sold-out event drew attendees from across the community. Shown above, retired WPTV news anchors Jim Sackett and Roxanne Stein, both foundation board members, reunited to serve as hosts for the evening, which supported the foundation’s initiatives benefiting local seniors, children and veterans. SEE STORY & PHOTOS, PAGE 15

Gerwig To Represent District 93 After Unseating Waldron

By Joshua Manning Town-Crier Staff Report

By a razor-thin margin confirmed by a recount, former Wellington Mayor Anne Gerwig unseated State Rep. Katherine Waldon in the race for District 93.

Gerwig, a Republican, will now represent the area in Tallahassee. District 93 includes all of Wellington and western portions of Greenacres and Lake Worth. Waldron, a Democrat, narrowly won the newly drawn open seat in

2022. She was seeking her second term in office. After all the ballots were counted, only 356 votes separated the two candidates out of more than 91,000 cast. The margin of less than half a percent triggered a machine recount, which was ordered by Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd. It began Friday, Nov. 8 and finished in the early morning hours of Saturday, Nov. 9. The recount confirmed the original outcome with Gerwig taking 45,938 votes (50.19 percent), and Waldron garnering 45,582 votes (49.81 percent).

After a hard-fought campaign, Gerwig said she will be proud to represent the area in the State Legislature.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenges ahead, and to continuing public service,” said

Stumbling Blocks Bring Delays In Wellington’s Sale Of K-Park

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Talks to buy Wellington’s last major chunk of land available along State Road 7 generated enough points of divergence to put off plans to nail down a deal by the Tuesday, Nov. 12 meeting of the Wellington Village Council.

Developer Related Ross and an educational partner offered $45 million to buy the K-Park property near SR 7 and Stribling Way, according to village officials. The pitch is to put hundreds of rental residences, shops, restaurants and a private school there.

“This is too big a deal and too important for us to rush this through,” Mayor Michael Napoleone said in a workshop Monday, Nov. 4. So, a quick deal was off. Ne-

gotiations remained on, with the possibility of an agreement by the council’s Tuesday, Dec. 10 meeting.

One idea discussed in subsequent talks was postponing the school’s opening from August 2027 to August 2028 to raise chances that various pieces of the project appear at roughly the same time.

At the workshop, council members and staff discussed an array of calculations that the right negotiating “floor” price might sit north of $50 million.

Some preliminary offers from other developers have hit $54 million or $55 million, officials said. Then again, any deal that grants commercial or residential development rights across the entire property tends to make the whole

parcel pricier than one with a notfor-profit school on a big slice of it.

One of the odder wrinkles is that no one seems completely sure exactly how many acres are on the property. Various government and media references vary considerably, often between 66 and 70 acres. Contract talks, as it turns out, are taking all of this uncertainty into account.

Existing appraisals are based on an assumption there are 68.8 acres at the site, which has sat undeveloped since the village acquired it in 2003. But an updated survey, which might take place only after a sale agreement with the village, could show less land, or more, officials said. That means the parties are talking about per-acre prices, but with overall ceilings and floors

See K-PARK, page 4

Six Candidates Seeking Seats On RPB Council

By Joshua Manning

Town-Crier Staff Report

Royal Palm Beach residents will vote in a contested mayoral race and one contested council race on Tuesday, March 11.

When the qualifying period closed Tuesday, Nov. 12, two incumbent council members were returned to the dais without opposition, joined by one newcomer.

Councilman Richard Valuntas will keep the Group 2

Three candidates filed paperwork to run for mayor, while three also filed to run for the vacant Group 3 seat. Both are special elections for one-year terms. Mayor Jeff Hmara, a longtime

councilman appointed mayor last month to fill the vacancy created by the unexpected death of Mayor Fred Pinto, is running to keep the top job, challenged by longtime Councilwoman Selena Samios, as well as political newcomer Justin Plaza. The race for Group 3 includes Steve Avila, who challenged Pinto for mayor last year, along with Pinto’s widow Donielle Pinto, and Sylvia Sharps, who ran unsuccessfully for a Palm Beach County Commission seat in 2022. MILLER TO JOIN COUNCIL Adam Miller has served as a planning and zoning commissioner for the past six years. He works for the School District of Palm Beach County as chief of performance accountability. Miller previously served as a school principal and director of educational technology for the district.

“I have been on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and I enjoy See RPB COUNCIL, page 14

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER

Argue Keeps ITID Seat, Vassalotti Will Join Board

By Louis Hillary Park

Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors meeting to be sworn in as the group’s newest member after defeating Seat 2 incumbent Supervisor Keith Jordano in the Tuesday, Nov. 5 election. Though the ITID board held its monthly meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13, Florida’s election results were not expected to be certified

The Rotary Club Of Wellington Brings Community Groups Together To Support Tornado Relief Fund

By Shannon Anastasio

forces to provide aid, resources and hope to those most impacted. Rotarians spearheaded the relief efforts, rallying support and raising funds to help families begin the process of rebuilding. Partnering closely with the Village of Wellington, the Wellington Community Foundation and the Crowned Pearls Wellington, the initiative

saw a groundswell of donations. These organizations contributed significantly to a community relief fund aimed at addressing the immediate needs of tornado victims, including housing repairs, supplies and essential services.

Wellington International’s Great Charity Challenge stepped forward to match all funds raised by the coalition, which effectively doubled the resources available to the community, maximizing the impact of each donation and enabling a faster and more robust response.

“At Wellington International, we believe in the power of community and the responsibility we share in helping each other during challenging times,” said

Standing Room Only Productions kept the crowd in suspense with their performance of “Totally Killer ’80s Prom,” this year’s Wellington Murder Mystery Dinner Theater show on Saturday, Nov. 2. The interactive murder mystery gave guests the chance to be a part of the performance and dress in their best 1980sthemed prom attire. Shown here are Danielle Austin, Carla Robles, Mio Melucci and Idelsis Ruiz. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 5

PHOTO BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Anne Gerwig celebrates with supporters Sophie Nelson, Steve Willey, Jay Vidal, Jack Webber and Sandi Allred at Village Music in Wellington on election night. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Walmart And Lowe’s Planning To Build Locations In Westlake

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

It was evident at the Friday, Nov. 1 meeting of the Westlake City Council that growth is continuing to roar forward in Palm Beach County’s newest municipality.

During the session, the council approved the plat for another 492 homes, and this week, City

Manager Kenneth Cassel said that a Lowe’s Home Improvement store and a Walmart are “in the pipeline.”

Both retail outlets are slated to be located on the west side of Seminole Pratt Whitney Road across from the Westlake Sales Center at the northern end of the community. The Walmart store

will include gas pumps. Plans previously had been announced for a Chick-fil-A restaurant in the same area.

Representatives of Walmart and Lowe’s are expected to bring site plans before the council in January or February, Cassel said.

The city and its largest developer, Minto Communities USA,

have been negotiating with the companies for several months, he said, adding that the arrival of the two stores will have an impact beyond the 6.5-square-mile community.

“I think it speaks to the fact that there’s no commercial within a decent distance for a lot of people out this way,” said Cassel, noting that Lowe’s chose Westlake as one of a small handful of locations for new outlets this year in the U.S.

Aside from big box stores, Councilman Gary Werner said this week that Westlake’s central location among Palm Beach County’s western communities also makes it appealing to “start-ups and boutique businesses that are unique to Westlake.”

Landscape architect Donaldson Hearing, who frequently represents Minto and other development interests before the council, noted that Habit Burger recently opened and is “doing very, very well.” Hearing also said that Chipotle, Orangetheory Fitness, 3Natives and Heartland Dental are expected to open in “early 2025, if not sooner.”

Meanwhile, Minto plans 266 single-family homes in a development to be known as the Oaks

of Westlake. The homes will be east of River Bend, south of its sister development, the Pines of Westlake.

Also approved were 266 townhomes on 22 acres as Phase 3 of the Terraces development on Ilex Way across from Christ Fellowship Church. When all phases are completed, the Terraces will contain 477 townhomes.

By South Florida standards, the homes and townhomes are designed to be moderately priced with single-family units in the $400s and 500s, and townhomes in the $300s and $400s.

Both plats were accepted 5-0.

“I’m excited that we have affordable housing that’s selling so well,” Councilman Julian Martinez said. “We should add more.”

Councilwoman Charlotte Leonard agreed. “This means we’re continuing to grow while making it affordable for young families to purchase a new home and live the American dream,” she said.

Mayor JohnPaul O’Connor noted this week that GL Homes is expected to soon bring in a plat for council approval for 400 to 500 homes on 100-plus acres on the east side of Westlake, also off River Bend.

“Our growth has not slowed down. It has not waivered,” O’Connor said. “It remains tremendous… based on the lifestyle, safety and affordability the city offers.”

However, even Westlake’s biggest elected cheerleader acknowledges that there are growing pains for a municipality that was carved out of orange groves and incorporated just over eight years ago.

“We have to have mobility and transportation,” O’Connor said. “Not just for Westlake but for all the western communities. These are county issues that affect the whole area, and we’ve got to get our arms around them.”

O’Connor said at the Nov. 1 meeting that for the first time, all 39 of the county’s municipalities and the county seem to be actually working together to create a transportation master plan.

“It’s really encouraging to see,” he said. “We understand we’re never going to pave our way out of this. We’ve got to find better ways.”

One innovative way could be the establishment of a helipad and vertiport on a small area of land in the 50-acre regional park

Two Roundabouts Eyed For 120th Avenue South Near L.W. Road

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Not one but two roundabouts less than a quarter of a mile apart are emerging as the latest plan to manage traffic around the 42-home new Pulte development along 120th Avenue South, bordering Wellington’s equestrian areas. Details came up for discussion at a meeting of Wellington’s Equestrian Preserve Committee on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Roundabouts steer traffic around a central island, relying heavily on yield signs around the circuit as opposed to traffic lights or multiway stop signs at an intersection. There was already one roundabout proposed for 120th Avenue South and Lake Worth Road. Now there could be another one about 1,300 feet south of that on 120th, at the entrance to the new residential community.

In an earlier plan, builders proposed a left turn lane for southbound traffic on narrow 120th into the community entrance. After consultation with village staff and

others, the most recent idea began to take shape.

“We think the roundabout option is the better option,” said Jeff Schnars, president of Boca Raton-based Schnars Engineering Corp., working with Pulte on the project. “It truly does act as a better calming device, and we think it looks better.”

Committee Member Kirsten Kopp said she favors measures to slow traffic down and has changed her mind to support some roundabouts where they exist now. But she noted that not all drivers of horse trailers look forward to them.

Schnars said the middle island of the roundabout would have gentle sides, as opposed to hard curbs. That would allow trailers some leeway to edge over them safely if the driver finds it difficult to stay in the curved lane the whole way.

“This is the preferred option that the village negotiated with the applicant,” Village Engineer Jonathan Reinsvold said.

Committee Member Sarah Goos wondered if the roundabouts were ready to accommodate existing traffic, plus coming attractions, such as a new village aquatic center in the overall corridor around it.

“I could see traffic really backing up,” she said.

Reinsvold said roundabouts are designed to slow traffic but ideally would not produce static back-ups.

Still, Goos said, “You have to yield.” If traffic is heavy, that can mean stopping, she said.

One advantage to the additional roundabout is that it tends to slow down drivers on 120th, where the posted speed may be 25 mph, but studies show that many drive closer to 45 mph, Reinsvold said.

In public comments at the meeting, resident Maureen Brennan said equestrians she knows did not want the residential community’s entrance to be on 120th in the first place, but the matter did not come before the Equestrian Preserve Committee before the homes were approved. The Pulte property sits just outside the preserve, though it

will rely on a road that those inside the preserve also use.

“This roundabout or any kind of access into it is a problem,” Brennan said.

In the end, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that Wellington Village Council approve a roundabout at the community entrance instead of a turn lane.

In August, the council voted 3-2 to approve a plan for Pulte to build homes on land it bought from the Catholic Diocese of Palm Beach, with pledges of more than $500,000 from the applicant toward road improvements. That will contribute to but not cover the full cost of road work, which otherwise comes from village funds or, should any be arranged, outside grants.

The 22.5-acre property sits just south of St. Therese De Lisieux Catholic Church. It is sometimes called the Canter project and is part of the Orange Point Planned Unit Development.

Meanwhile, the village is budgeting up to $4 million for a round-

about at 120th Avenue South and Lake Worth Road. There are three options there, Reinsvold said in a presentation. Differences involve, for example, whether to have 40th Street South, which leads largely to horse farms, directly connected to the roundabout.

Several committee members expressed support for a fiveentrance option that leads 40th Street directly to the circle.

Counting other possible projects, there could be as many as five roundabouts along the 120th Avenue corridor, Reinsvold said.

“That’s a nightmare,” Committee Member Dr. Kristy Lund said. “I couldn’t imagine taking my trailer there.”

Reinsvold responded, “You’d be going slow. And that’s the point.

It’s a pain. I hate to say it that way, but traffic calming is a pain.”

On another matter, Reinsvold said the southern portion of Flying Cow Ranch Road has re-opened with restrictions. Unpaved portions were closed earlier following concerns that trucks were using

it as an informal village bypass. There is now a posted weight limit for vehicles of 16,000 pounds, he said.

As for whether it will eventually be paved or otherwise changed,

“The plan for it is to stay exactly as it is,” Reinsvold said.

An update arrived on when the committee would likely hear about a plan to build 40 luxury homes in horse country courtesy of a development company founded by former Los Angeles Dodgers owner and billionaire Frank McCourt. The Isla Carroll project would probably come before the committee in early January, Planning, Zoning & Building Director Tim Stillings said. It would then go to the village’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board and later the Wellington Village Council. In other business, Ash Atkinson, a British-born equestrian who runs a hunter-jumper business in Wellington, joined the committee. Rachel Eidelman departed the panel after about eight years of service.

Weinberger Wins In District 94; Harrell Holds State Senate Seat

By Louis Hillary Park Town-Crier Staff Report

In two Florida legislative races impacting Palm Beach County residents north of Southern Blvd., incumbent Gayle Harrell of Stuart held the District 31 seat in the Florida Senate and newcomer Meg Weinberger of Palm Beach Gardens took the District 94 seat in the Florida House to replace term-limited State Rep. Rick Roth. Both Republican women said they may have benefited from the strong, statewide showing of former and future President Donald Trump, who carried the state with 56 percent of the vote. But Weinberger and Harrell agreed

that while Trump’s coattails may have influenced the size of their victories, they did not determine the outcome.

Weinberger defeated Democrat Rachelle Litt, a former mayor of Palm Beach Gardens. Weinberger took 53,063 votes (55.1 percent) to 43,247 votes (44.9 percent) for Litt.

“If there were coattails, I’ll take them,” said Weinberger, who is listed as the county chair for the conservative advocacy group Moms for Liberty. “I’m grateful to have had his support.”

Weinberger leaned heavily on Trump’s endorsement during a four-way primary race over the

summer but downplayed the connection in her well-funded media campaign for the general election.

“I feel like it was more of a grassroots thing… getting out in front of the people, talking to people,” said Weinberger, an animal rescue advocate who often campaigned on horseback. “I just did what I love to do.”

Harrell, 81, bested Democrat Aaron Hawkins, also a Stuart resident. Harrell took 199,854 votes (61.48 percent) to 125,203 votes (38.52 percent) for Hawkins.

“Certainly, I’m happy and very pleased to have won,” said Harrell, who served in the Florida House from 2000 to 2008 and again from

2010 to 2018. She has been in the Florida Senate since 2018. “Fortunately, I have a broad base of support and get a lot of crossover votes. I think lot of people appreciate the work I’ve done to protect our state parks.”

Harrell’s district encompasses Martin County, parts of southern St. Lucie County and most of northern and western Palm Beach County, all the way to Lake Okeechobee.

Locally, that area includes Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake, Arden and western Palm Beach Gardens.

“Maybe if I had started my

campaign earlier… and given Democrats and independents more time to get to know me,” Hawkins said this week. “But Harrell is a longtime incumbent, fairly well established. She knows how to play the game.”

Hawkins, 26, with long family ties to Martin County, said his youth “helped me more than it hurt me. A lot of people were open to someone new… This is not the last time people will hear about me.”

The district that Weinberger now represents includes The Acreage, Loxahatchee, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake, parts of Royal Palm Beach and Palm Beach

Gardens, and all of western Palm Beach County. “While the election did not go as I had hoped,” Litt said this week, “I am proud of the fact that we ran a race based on truth, integrity and respect. I will continue to advocate for and work toward a united Florida that values personal rights, civil liberties, truth, justice and the prosperity of all residents.” Weinberger is proud of her victory and looks to the future. “I didn’t pay that much attention to the negatives,” she said. “I stayed focused on the goal. I was floored by how many amazing people came out for me — so many amazing patriots.”

Lox Groves Urges Residents To Sign Up For New Alert System

By Christopher Vargas Town-Crier Staff Report

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves recently launched an advanced alert system aimed at keeping residents informed and prepared for emergencies and major local events.

The alert system utilizes modern technology to send timely notifications through various channels, including text messages, e-mails and voicemails. It is specifically designed to provide critical information about events that could affect the safety and well-being of the community, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, public health alerts, significant police activities, and other urgent situations that might pose risks or cause disruptions.

“When Hurricane Milton and the tornadoes hit, we saw firsthand

K-Park

Several Stumbling Blocks

continued from page 1 on a final price in case the acreage changes.

“What is the lowest it could be? 65 [acres]?” Vice Mayor John McGovern asked at the workshop.

“Yes, but it could be more,” said George Pincus, an outside

the value of staying in touch,” Town Manager Francine Ramaglia said. “In the Groves, everyone tends to look out for each other, and during Hurricane Milton and its tornadoes, that bond grew stronger.”

The alert system, operated through CivicReady, offers residents multiple options to ensure that they receive notifications in the most convenient way for them.

The first method for accessing these alerts is through the “myAlerts” mobile application, available on both the Google Play Store for Android devices and the App Store for Apple devices.

Once downloaded, residents can easily set up the app by entering their contact and location details. This information is essential, as it allows the system to send tailored

attorney working for the village on the project.

Pincus said he has worked on agricultural land deals where the count was off by 10 acres, but he doubted it was that much in this case.

Another slightly curious aspect was that council members, staff and attorneys debated for nearly three hours over what they wanted as negotiating positions, with all aware it was a public meeting, and Related and its partners could see it. Pincus said he has negotiated

alerts relevant to the specific area in which the resident lives or is currently located. Any resident living in Loxahatchee Groves can choose to receive alerts about local events in their immediate community, or they may opt to receive alerts for nearby areas if they frequently travel outside the community.

For residents who prefer not to use the app or who would rather set up their alert preferences on a computer, the Loxahatchee Groves Alert page provides an alternative registration method. Residents can access the web page at www. loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov/1476/ Alerts-Notifications to create or modify a personalized notification profile.

On the web, residents can submit their contact and location details, similar to the app setup,

other real estate deals involving governmental bodies, and he was comfortable in the sunshine.

Negotiations involved not only a bottom-line price but proposed contract safeguards that builders may or may not accept, advisers cautioned. Among these were attempts to make sure developers do not, for instance, construct hundreds of rental residences before restaurants and other promised amenities, or build the school way ahead of other pieces.

The worry is that even with the

WELLINGTON’S KEELY SPINELLI SCHOOL GRANT PRESENTATION

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Wellington Village Council presented checks to 11 local school principals for the annual Keely Spinelli grant program. Each school received $37,000 to fund programs specifically designed to support students who are struggling in math and reading — a total of $407,000. The program is named in honor of Keely Spinelli, the beloved principal of Binks Forest Elementary School, who died in 2008 after a long battle with cancer. The grant program continues her legacy of educational excellence by ensuring that Wellington schools have the resources to help those who need it most.

OF

Two Prestigious Awards For Library System

but with additional customization options. This flexibility allows residents to adjust their notification settings according to their specific needs and preferences. They can input their e-mail address or phone number, select their preferred language for receiving alerts and choose from a range of notification types. These options range from urgent weather alerts and public safety warnings to updates on town events, meetings or other important community-related information.

Ramaglia urges everyone in the community who hasn’t yet signed up for texts, e-mails and/or calls from CivicReady to do so as soon as they can.

“CivicReady helps us stay connected when it matters most,” she said. “It lets us reach folks quickly — through text, e-mail or voice —

most reputable builders, sometimes unforeseen economic conditions or other snags can halt a project while parts of it touted as benefits for the whole community sit unrealized. Because it was a workshop session, the council did not vote on anything, but rather gave guidance to negotiators.

Appraisals played a role. A presentation showed four appraisals for K-Park, obtained by various parties, including the village and the builder. The two highest valuations were $53.3 million and $53 million. Another landed at $48.3 million. An appraisal arranged by the developer, staff members said, came in lowest at $39.7 million.

A land sale would be provisional, contingent on eventual village approval of a particular development plan.

Trying to guarantee that various parts of the project get built on a certain schedule can become complicated. Village staff members advised that the proposed 1,675-student private K-12 school at the western end of the project faces a shorter permitting and approval process than the mixed-use part because it has a less complex mix of buildings. School leaders with the group Education in Motion initially said they hoped to open by August 2027. The possible 2028 start has come up since.

ITID Vote

Argue And Vassalotti Win Seats

continued from page 1 County Fire-Rescue captain, said he was not surprised by the election outcome, even though this was his first foray into politics.

so no one is left out. That sense of community, backed by the right tools, keeps us all moving forward together — making sure everyone stays informed and safe.”

For those residents unable to download the app or visit the web site, there is a simplified option to subscribe to text-based emergency alerts. By sending a text message with the keyword “LOXALERTS” to the number 38276, residents can sign up to only receive critical emergency notifications exclusively via text message.

This option is particularly helpful for individuals who may not have regular access to the internet or a smart phone, but still want to stay informed about potential emergencies in the area.

The eastern end would feature 400 to 550 rental residences, including townhomes and apartments, along with trails, green public spaces, 40 to 50 shops and restaurants, and maybe a hotel, according to Related Ross.

One working plan has been to have separate land purchases for the school and its partner Related, though concern arose over the possibility that the school’s land payment could be “phased” or paid over time.

There was talk of asking Related Ross, led by Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, to serve as the overall buyer for the whole thing.

It’s one more chapter in K-Park’s history, where plans have been abundant but endings elusive in the past.

At the Nov. 4 workshop, Wellington resident Jim Mantrozos renewed pleas for a cause he has championed for years, a botanical garden.

“We need the council to do something for us as a community,” he said. “What’s in concrete jungles for us?”

Councilwoman Maria Antuña said she enjoyed the pictures of gardens he provided from other places around the world but wanted to hear some kind of a detailed proposal at this stage.

“My concern is you’re constantly saying this is what you

astated,” Jordano said. “I made up a lot of ground [after the primary], and I still believe I was the best candidate.”

Jordano blamed much of his loss on an aggressive anti-incumbent web, social media and direct mail campaign funded by a Tallahassee political action committee known as Building Florida’s Future.

In developing this new system, the town has taken significant steps to ensure that no resident is left without access to timely information in urgent situations. By offering multiple methods of subscribing to alerts, officials have made it convenient for residents with varying levels of technological comfort to stay connected. This inclusivity not only enhances community safety but also fosters a greater sense of awareness and preparedness among residents, officials said.

Overall, the new alert system in Loxahatchee Groves exemplifies a proactive approach to community safety, giving residents the tools they need to stay informed about critical life and safety events.

This easy, opt-in feature ensures that all residents, regardless of technological access, can be included in essential emergency communications.

want, but here we are again with no numbers, no data, no information, and yet it’s continually said the council doesn’t want to do anything,” she said.

Mantrozos said he is just relaying what many people say they want, and the details are not his job unless the village wants to put him on a committee, for example. Other council members suggested a botanical garden could be proposed for other places in the village, such as a portion of the 50 or so acres that the village is slated to acquire near the Wellington branch library.

In other business at the council’s Nov. 12 meeting:

• The council ceremonially presented more than $400,000 in annual Keely Spinelli grants to benefit the village’s schools in math and language tutoring.

• On final reading, the council unanimously passed updates to village noise and nuisance ordinances. One addition to the overhaul gives the village a bit more explicit authority on animal noises, such as sustained or extreme dog barking in the wee hours of the morning.

• The council unanimously approved revisions to its rules regarding vacation rentals, meaning leases of 30 days or less. These are designed to strengthen village responses to complaints about noise, parking and more.

Rebuilding a web site from the ground up with more than 100 pages typically can take up to a year or longer. The library’s communications department faced an

The Palm Beach County Library System was honored to take home two Bernays Awards at the Gold Coast PR Council’s annual ceremony in October. The GCPRC, South Florida’s largest independent association of public relations, communications and marketing professionals, celebrated its 19th year of the Bernays Awards. GCPRC has given out these awards since 2005 honoring excellence in local public relations campaigns, marketing programs and media coverage. The first award category was for Best Nonprofit Project or Campaign-Large. The library system won for the “Strategic Plan FY 2024-2028 & Action Plan FY 2024.” The library’s “Strategic Plan FY 2024-2028 & Action Plan FY 2024” provides guidance for the delivery of services over the next five years. It outlines a vision of outstanding library service for residents of the Palm Beach County Library District and addresses community needs and emerging trends. It also serves as a guide for the library’s development as a cornerstone of a well-informed and educated community. The second award was for Best Marketing Material (Video/ Digital). The library won for “Embracing the New: The Complete Renovation of www.pbclibrary. org.” The previous library system web site had become outdated, and a streamlined site for both members and staff was needed.

aggressive timeline. Staff had a six-month window for completion of a new web site that displays the library as a community cornerstone. By dividing the workload, the small team of four not only built an attractive web site, but completed it a month ahead of schedule. The new site has bright, cohesive branding and more than 21 new tools to make it into a social hub, garnering a 446 percent increase in library web site users in January 2024.

“Winning not one, but two awards among many talented private and government sector agencies is a tremendous honor for the library. I couldn’t be prouder of our staff’s exceptional work on both the strategic plan and the web site,” Palm Beach County Library System Director Douglas Crane said.

“I was getting such a great response from the community — such a positive vibe,” he said.

“People know my service to the community through 30 years in fire-rescue and in youth sports. They believe in me, and they trust me.”

Vassalotti led a six-way primary in August with 40.03 percent of the vote. Jordano finished second with 22.49 percent.

In the general election, Vassalotti polled 12,939 votes (54.28 percent), while Jordano, who was seeking a second term in office, got 10,897 votes (45.72 percent).

Vassalotti ran ahead of Jordano on election day, in early voting and vote by mail. His strongest showing was among early voters, where he out-polled Jordano 8,097 to 6,284.

“I’m disappointed but not dev-

Argue has estimated some $200,000 was spent by area developers and others in an effort to unseat her and Jordano.

“Between the e-mail and hate mail and social media stuff… there was no way to overcome that hurdle,” Jordano said. “I believe I ran a clean campaign, and I’d rather do that than fight dirty.”

Argue did manage to overcome the negative ads, though she said the onslaught made the race closer than it otherwise would have been.

“I’m not surprised because of the amount of money spent attacking me and Keith,” she said. “But people know and trust me, and they know what I stand for. They know I’m fighting to preserve our community.”

Overall, Argue took 12,341 votes (51.57 percent) to Melian’s 11,589 votes (48.43 percent).

“I’m extremely happy that I won because it shows that deep

pockets have no place in Indian Trail elections,” Argue said. Melian outpolled Argue on election day (2,359 votes to 1,993 votes) but Argue had established a formidable lead in early voting (7,339 to 7,115) and especially vote by mail (3,009 to 2,115), giving her a 1,118-vote cushion going into Nov. 5. “I didn’t want to lose, of course, but I feel good,” said Melian, who has been a leader in the county’s “Save Our Trucker” movement. “I feel grateful. I did great on election day.” Melian said she was frustrated by the negative ads and mailers pushed by Building Florida’s Future and suggested they might have cost her votes.

“There was a lot of misinformation out there,” said Melian, who is a youthful 27. “I’m not 15, for instance. I’m not in high school… Or they called me the ‘trucker lady,’ and said I wanted to turn the district into a truck stop.” Melian, who does own a trucking business with her husband, called the campaign “a learning experience.” And though she said she has made no decisions about her future, she added that the loss has not discouraged her. “If anything, it’s motivated me,” she said.

A Lung Screening Can

Murder mystery table winners Mr. T and the A-Team.

Day Gonzalez and Sarah McKnight.

Jonathan Robles, DJ Jazzy Ruiz and Carlos Austin.

Detective Richard Head declares

PTA President Mrs. Lamakowski (Patricia Shelton) the murderer.

Danielle Austin, Carla Robles, Mio Melucci and Idelsis Ruiz.

Detective Richard Head questions Karina Gintonio.

Producer and show coordinator Cathy Rollins.

Detective Richard Head questions “suspects” Cynthia and Thomas Mondeaux.

Guests enjoy the evening with drinks, dinner, dancing and laughs.

Shannah, Cheryl and Arista Levine enjoy the murder mystery dinner event.

Jason Neering and Melanie Tavora enjoy the evening. David and Sharon Clark.

DJ Jimmy Cariallo spins tunes during the 1980s-themed evening.

“80s Ken” Paul Casson was a costume contest winner.

Tiffanie Hoffman was a costume contest winner.

Prom King Jack Jordan (John Lariviere) and Prom Queen Mandy Malone (Jeanne Lynn Gray) perform the opening number.

RPB Board Highlights Excellence At Crestwood Middle School

By Denis Eirikis Town-Crier Staff Report

The Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board meeting held Monday, Nov. 4 featured a presentation by faculty and student leadership at Crestwood Middle School. Each board meeting, generally held on the first Monday of each month, focuses on a different school, and Royal Palm Beach teachers, principals, school administrators, elected officials, parents and volunteers come together in an effort to ensure that local students receive the best possible education.

The Nov. 4 meeting was no exception, as a crowd of enthusiastic supporters of public education came together. Board Chair Jen-

nifer Sullivan opened the meeting by welcoming those present and those watching online before introducing Crestwood Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance. “It truly humbles my heart to be here tonight,” Nance said. “I think of Crestwood Middle and Royal Palm Beach as my second home, because I have been teaching in the village for 29 years, and this is my 18th year as principal at Crestwood.”

She went on to describe the school as an “eclectic mosaic” where “diversity is our strength” and how the 752 students at Crestwood are from 31 different countries of birth, and they speak more than 20 different native languages. About 76 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch,

and they are taught by a team of 100 dedicated teachers and support staff.

Nance noted that Crestwood is a strong B school emerging from the difficult pandemic years. “We are not resting on our laurels,” she said. “We want our ‘A’ back!” Goals for this year include increasing student proficiency in all tested areas, increasing student learning gains in math and language, and cultivating better relationships with stakeholders.

Nance stressed the important role of parenting. “When a parent is in sync with the child’s education, student’s outcomes are better,” she said, before going into detail on how the school is working on its various goals.

Nance then introduced students

from “Student Voice,” a program where students take responsibility and ownership for their learning.

Jennifer Aguilera described Student Voice as, “Students coming together to make the school a better environment.”

A team from Student Voice then described how one current program is fundraising for better filtration and drinking water quality at school water fountains. Another effort is to add Spanish history classes to the curriculum. The program not only gives students a “voice” in their educational environment, but it empowers and encourages students to take ownership of their own educations.

Nance then introduced students from the Safe School Ambassador

(SSA) program. This is a group of students who provide a platform for bullying prevention.

“The SSA is a program that identifies and selects socially influential students from diverse groups across campus,” Safe School Ambassador Marley Mitial said. “We make sure every student feels safe and welcome at Crestwood.”

A positive initiative of the ambassadors is the Kindness Chain, where students come to the stage and express kindness toward one another by sharing complimentary remarks.

Safe School Ambassador Nicholas Caldovino is a Crestwood pre-engineering/STEM academy student. When asked his career aspirations, he said, “I want to be a

marine engineer. I’m interested in naval architecture and everything about how ships are engineered to go to sea.” His exact plans aren’t set yet, but he said attending the United States Naval Academy is something he might consider.

Mayor Jeff Hmara, council liaison to the board, said that programs at local schools can help students like Caldovino with their goals.

“The Crestwood pre-engineering/STEM program will help prepare him to achieve his goal of entering a prestigious institution like the Naval Academy,” he said. “This speaks volumes about the ambition and drive of Crestwood students, as well as the impact of our schools in fostering these qualities.”

Wellington Board Nixes Purple Glow At State Road 7 Taco Bell

By Charles Elmore Town-Crier Staff Report

Taco Bell wanted purple cove lights to set a branded mood outside its eatery in Wellington’s Village Green Center off State Road 7. Hold the purple rain of glowing photons, the village’s Architectural Review Board decided Monday, Oct. 28. Keep any cove lighting white, members decreed by a 4-1 vote.

Welcome to the latest clash in the village’s time-honored struggle with retail establishments over sign sizes, colors and other attractions.

“I know the big discussion is going to be the cove lighting around the top,” said Jennifer Ronneburger, representing Taco Bell in

its efforts to win local regulatory approval. The applicant in this instance was Kimco Realty Op LLC. The village classifies some forms of specialized or colored lighting as if they were signage. If this were “copy,” or words, that’s one thing, Ronneburger said.

“This is an architectural feature that’s going to be beautiful,” she explained.

All the other structures in the plaza have white lighting, Board Member Sal Van Casteren noted.

“All the purple would just not be consistent,” he said, warning of “circus” lighting if neighboring establishments get an OK for any color they want.

Board Member John Greene agreed. “The purple lighting is a hard no for me,” he said.

Enhanced Utility Payment System

In Wellington

The Village of Wellington recently announced the launch of a new and enhanced utility bill payment system, now available to all utility customers.

This upgraded system, introduced on Nov. 5, offers a range of convenient payment options designed to make managing utility bills easier and more flexible. There are several new payment options available: Digital Wallets — Customers can now use PayPal, PayPal Credit, Venmo, Apple Pay and Google Pay to make payments. Major Credit Cards — Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are all accepted. Convenient Payment Options — AutoPay and Pay-by-Text options are available for added ease. However, current AutoPay customers must re-enroll through the new system. AutoPay setup may require additional steps; contact the Utility Customer Service Department for assistance. In addition to these features, customers can also pay directly using a checking or savings account. For those who prefer to pay by phone, Wellington has upgraded its interactive voice response system. Call (561) 791-4010 and

Taco Bell also requested updates to various wall and monument signs, which were granted, but the board followed a staff recommendation not to allow the purple cove lighting, 4-1, with Board Member Ryan Mishkin dissenting, and board members Maria Raspanti and Maria Wolfe absent.

Also on the agenda, the board unanimously approved architectural details for the planned Kids R Kids daycare center, a two-story building serving up to 210 children in the Lotis Wellington development on the west side of SR 7, north of Forest Hill Blvd.

The plan mostly featured signs, colors and elevations within standard limits, though an eastern wall sign facing SR 7 would be shaped like a bronze orb at more than triple

the normal 30-inch height allowed.

“This is the Kids R Kids medallion,” said Rich Kasser, director of entitlements at Lotis Group. “It is their brand-specific sign that is on all of their buildings.”

The overall 120-acre Lotis Wellington project won council approval in January for 372 residential units from single-family homes to one-bedroom apartments. The project also features restaurants including Lazy Dog and Cooper’s Hawk, PopStroke mini-golf, stores, offices and park areas. Along the way, the daycare center moved from the southern Lotis 1 portion of the project to the northern Lotis 2 area.

In other business:

• The board unanimously approved a flat roof on more than

NEWS BRIEFS

select option 1 to make a payment.

“Our goal with this new system is to provide our residents with more flexibility and ease when managing their utility bills,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “We are committed to making village services as accessible and user-friendly as possible.” For more information on Wellington’s enhanced utility payment system, visit www.wellingtonfl. gov/utilities or contact the Utility Customer Service Department at (561) 791-4010.

Fall Rummage Sale Nov. 16

St. Michael Lutheran Church at 1925 Birkdale Drive in Wellington will be hosting a Fall Rummage Sale on Saturday, Nov. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be many true treasures and friendly people. Walking tacos will be available for purchase. Come see the many items for sale.

Run For Reading 5K At Commons Park Nov. 16

The award-winning free book gifting program for children under age 5, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, will hold a family friendly 5K run/walk event to benefit the program at Royal Palm Beach

Commons Park on Saturday, Nov. 16. Registration is open through Nov. 15. The Imagination Library (www. imaginationlibrary.com) is now available to families in several Palm Beach County zip codes. The official local partner, the Palm Beach County Imagination Library, mails one free, high quality, age-appropriate book per month to every child enrolled, at no cost to the family, regardless of income. The success of the Imagination Library program depends on local community partners, and the Palm Beach County Imagination Library’s third annual Imagination Library Run for Reading 5K, presented by the NCT Foundation, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16 starting at 8 a.m. All proceeds will go toward purchasing Imagination Library books for children in Palm Beach County.

This family friendly event will be timed by Accuchip, and the first 400 registered participants will receive a uniquely designed finisher’s medal, race shirt and swag bag filled with items from sponsors, including a Puma golf tote bag. There will be book giveaways of Imagination Library books.

Research shows that reading to young children is the biggest predictor of future success in school and the best way to foster a lifelong love of reading. Nearly

half of all children in Palm Beach County currently read below grade level. The Imagination Library helps families build an at-home library of age-appropriate, highquality books, selected by a panel of educators at the Dollywood Foundation.

Dolly Parton created the Imagination Library in 1995 as a tribute to her father, who never learned to read. Over the years, the Imagination Library has won many accolades, including recognition from the Library of Congress, helping to make it the preeminent book gifting program for young children in the world.

The Nov. 16 event will include: Runner/Walker Giveaways — The first 400 registered participants will receive a uniquely designed finisher’s medal, race shirt and swag bag.

Imagination Library Book Giveaways — There will be book giveaways of the first Imagination Library book each child receives, The Little Engine That Could, with a special introduction by Dolly Parton. Penguin Random House is the official publisher of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Literacy Americorps — The official event volunteers will be members of Literacy Americorps from the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County. To register for the event, visit www.runforreading5k.com.

40 percent of a proposed singlefamily residence near a barn and equestrian amenities on Fairlane Court in the Mallet Hill neighborhood. The existing house is being demolished and rebuilt. Applicants sought the flat roof as part of an overall Portuguese-inspired architectural look with a courtyard and varied roof configurations connecting spaces with angled roofs.

• Hanging wooden retail signs would be phased out within about a year at the Town Square shopping plaza at 11924 W. Forest Hill Blvd. under a proposal approved unanimously by the board. People can touch the signs, they swing in the wind, can be hard to see at night and are subject to rot, according to the argument for their elimination.

It is part of a broader overhaul at the Publix-anchored center built in 1982. The new look emphasizes backlit wall signs, along with refurbished awnings featuring colors including a Sunbrella Marine Blue. Approval came with conditions based on the applicant’s submittal of color tweaks in certain exterior spaces, with a softer dove-white replacing a brighter hue, and a beige replacing a gray.

• The board voted 5-0 to paint roof tiles in an earthy terra cotta color at the Courtyard Shops plaza at 13880 Wellington Trace, where Publix is about to re-open a rebuilt and expanded anchor store. Some tiles were painted gray in an episode of confusion about what color had been approved, officials said.

Palm Beach County’s largest

Thanksgiving pie sale, which has raised more than $1 million to help Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches provide nutritious meals to thousands of homebound seniors, is back again, with “Pie It Forward” celebrating “10 Years of Pies.”

“Since ‘Pie It Forward’ began in 2015, it has grown into the signature event for our organization,” said Pamela Calzadilla, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches. “We are so grateful for the support from our community, which has embraced this unique event and helped it grow into our largest fundraiser of the year.”

To mark the 10th year of selling pies, “Pie It Forward” is teaming up with Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa to offer a special hazelnut pumpkin praline pie with toasted marshmallow topping for $40. Also being offered is an Anniversary Bundle, which includes a special apron, pie server and, of course, pies.

“We are very appreciative of the support we’re receiving from Eau Palm Beach, which is helping to make this event even more special this year,” said Meals on Wheels Special Events Director Maura Sartory. “Eau Palm Beach has been with us since the beginning, donating more than 1,000 pies to our campaign over the past 10 years.”

“Pie It Forward,” presented for the 10th year by Bank of America, is also offering apple, pecan, pumpkin, key lime and other specialty pies prepared by chefs from country clubs, restaurants and resorts throughout the community.

Pies are available for a donation of $30 each, and $35 each for other specialty pies, with the exception of the hazelnut pumpkin praline pie. Virtual pies, a $30 donation, are also available, and supporters can once again “Gift-A-Pie” to someone special, allowing the lucky recipient to order their choice of pie and convenient pickup location. Pies are being sold online until

Nov. 18 and will be available for pick up at three convenient locations — the Palm Beach County Convention Center, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter and Duffy’s Sports Grill in Delray Beach — on Nov. 26, which is two days before Thanksgiving. This year, “Pie Masters” from throughout Palm Beach County will be donating more than 3,000 pies, with each pie purchased helping to cover the cost of one week of nutritious meals delivered to a homebound senior in the community. More than 30 “Pie Masters” from restaurants and county clubs will be participating in this year’s “Pie It Forward.” Marking their 10th year of being a part of the event are presenting sponsor Bank of America, Boca Grove Golf and Tennis Club, Brown’s Moving and Storage, Duffy’s Sports Grill, Eau Palm Beach, the Palm Beach County Convention Center, the Sailfish Club and the Beach Club. Other “Pie Masters” include those from: Addison Reserve Country Club, Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club, Admirals Cove, Buccan, Charlie and Joe’s at Love Street, Delaire Country Club, the Lost Tree Club, Quail Ridge Country Club, Sandy James Productions, the Colony Hotel, the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club, Hilton West Palm Beach, Okeechobee Steak House, Turtle Creek Country Club, Country Club at Mirasol, the Abacoa Golf Club, Ibis, PGA National, the Polo Club of Boca Raton, Crumb N Crust, Angelo’s Italian Restaurant, Serenity Tea House, Table 26, Frenchman’s Reserve Country

Principal Dr. Stephanie Nance addresses the Education Advisory Board.

Crestwood students Jennifer Aguilera, Catalina McGuire and Alanna Rivera. PHOTOS BY DENIS EIRIKIS/TOWN-CRIER

A milestone birthday turned into an impromptu roast for longtime Rotarian Barry Manning at the Rotary Club of Wellington’s meeting Thursday, Oct. 31. Manning, publisher of the Town-Crier newspaper, recently turned 80 years old. He was presented with a humorous proclamation by Wellington Mayor Michael Napoleone, and several guest speakers shared their thoughts. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

THE WOMEN OF THE WESTERN COMMUNITIES SUPPORT MEALS ON WHEELS

VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALM BEACH PUBLIC NOTICE

The Village of Royal Palm Beach currently has a vacancy on the Recreation Advisory Board which meets on the third Monday of the month. All meetings are held in the Village Council Chambers. If you are a resident of Royal Palm Beach and would like to volunteer your service and expertise on this local government Board, go to the Village’s website www.royalpalmbeachfl.gov at COMMISSION/BOARD APPLICATION. Return the completed application to the Village Clerk’s office no later than January 6, 2025 for Council consideration at its January 16, 2025 meeting.

If further information is desired, please call the Village Clerk at 561-790-5102.

By: Diane DiSanto, MMC, Village Clerk

RPBHS JROTC members: Kamaal Bryan, Ramesha Georges, Carolyn and Mayor Jeff Hmara, Kaitlyn Johnson, Makenzie Kohl, Noah Pantaleon and Isabel Gamarra (front).

Mair Armand, Allyson Samiljan, Donna Kuebler, Sheri McCandless and Lynda Chicano show off completed blankets for Meals on Wheels seniors.

The Women of the Western Communities gathered for their monthly meeting on Thursday, Nov. 7 at

Wellington National Golf Club. The ladies tied blanket ends to finish lap blankets for the seniors taking part in the Meals on Wheels program. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

State Rep. Anne Gerwig, Magdalena Maxwell and Amy Considine. ITID President Elizabeth Accomando and U.S. Navy veteran Mary Montanaro.

Pie It Forward winners Donna Kuebler, Meals on Wheels CEO Assistant Sheri McCandless, Paula Castro and Sherrie Rhoads. Marcella Montesinos and Lizz Smith tie blanket ends.

(Seated) Boodoo Ragoonath and Pablo Nieves; and (standing) Jeff Fleischman with Darrel and Melinda Ragoonath.

(Seated) Marge Herzog, Carol Perrine and Connie Kramer; and (standing) Deirdre Krause and Barbara Stafirn of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 367. Greg Choinski, Mary Montanaro and Jason Hernandez.

Kiannelly Hidalgo sings the national anthem.

RPBHS Student Council volunteers: (Front row) Adalynn Solomos, Olivia Borges and Elizabeth Vargas; and (back row) Kiersen Saint-Vil, Adrianna Waithe, Carolyn and Mayor Jeff Hmara, Diondre Louiser and Kalea Kameka.

Guest speaker Col. George Kinoshita at the podium.

Mayor Jeff Hmara with Gold Star mother Dorothy Halvorsen and Chuck Eigner.

County Commissioner Sara Baxter, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Selena Samios, Councilwoman Jan Rodusky, Councilman Richard Valuntas and Mayor Jeff Hmara.

Col. George Kinoshita, American Legion Southern Area Adjutant Johnny Castro and Pastor Mike Eleveld.

Wellington Florist Joins Nationwide Effort To ‘Petal It Forward’

On Wednesday, Oct. 16, Wellington Florist joined with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County to surprise unsuspecting passersby in Wellington and West Palm Beach with two free flower bouquets each — one to keep and one to give to a friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger. The random-acts-of-kindness effort — called Petal It Forward and organized by the Society of American Florists (SAF), of which Wellington Florist is a member — is designed to help people start their day with more smiles and less stress. The effort illustrates research from the University of North Florida that shows living with flowers reduces stress.

“Petal It Forward is the floral industry’s way of giving back,” said Elizabeth Daly, SAF’s manager of marketing and communications, noting that the effort was purposefully planned for a Wednesday to help the mid-week slump.

J.P. Varvarigos, owner of Wellington Florist, wanted to be a part of the mood-boosting effort and make a difference in the community. He also wanted to be a part of this effort with a local nonprofit and decided to work with Habitat for Humanity to assist in this random-acts-of-kindness effort.

“We see the positive impact day in and day out when we make our flower deliveries,” Varvarigos said. “People love to get flowers ‘just because,’ so we wanted to create random smiles today and give people a chance to do the same for someone else… Through the positive effects of flowers, we hope to make someone’s day brighter, and provide a much-needed moment of calm amidst the hectic pace of life.”

The research findings on flowers and stress relief, and the need for mood-boosting gestures, seem timely. A survey by Wakefield Research in July showed that 68

percent of Americans experience stress weekly, and 32 percent report feeling stressed daily. Women are even more affected, with 25 percent reporting stress multiple times a day.

Varvarigos said the original idea behind Petal It Forward’s “keep one, share one” concept, which started in 2015, came after looking at statistics that showed while 80 percent of people reported receiving flowers makes them happy, even more (88 percent) said that giving flowers makes them happy. “We want to give people the chance to experience both,”

Varvarigos explained.

Julia Murphy, chief development officer at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County was eager to get involved.

“We are excited to be a part of this nationwide event to help brighten the day of people in our community,” she said. “Our Habitat team will hand out 2,000 flowers donated by Wellington

Florist throughout the day all over our county.”

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office also gave away 300 roses from Wellington Florist in front of the Palm Beach County Courthouse, and the Wellington Rotary Club passed out 500 flowers in the Wellington area. A total of 3,500 flowers were given away by Wellington Florist during Petal It Forward.

Wellington Florist has been serving Wellington and the Palm Beaches since 1991. Third-generation owner and operator J.P. Varvarigos and the 25-person crew are committed to offering only the finest floral, plant and orchid arrangements, backed by detail-oriented and dependable service.

Wellington Florist delivers same-day throughout Palm Beach County, and all of their arrangements come with a seven-day guarantee. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonflorist.com.

Wellington Florist owner J.P. Varvarigos with PBSO officers in front of the Wellington store.

The PBSO later gave away the flowers in front of the Palm Beach County Courthouse.

Members of the Wellington Rotary Club passed out flowers in the Wellington area.

The Habitat for Humanity team handed out 2,000 flowers donated by Wellington Florist.

Natalie Borodayev with silver-shaded Maine Coon Vulkan.

Kristina Hapanovich with a Siberian kitten named Croissant from kittensup4sale.com.

Monica Turey with Stoney. Janet Scott and Jim Scott of Rawz Natural Pet Food. Miguel and Samantha Segui with JoJo.

Yanni Sotero grooms FireFly before seeing the judge.

Cat show judge Patti Andrews with

Wellington Florist teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Palm Beach County on the “Petal it Forward” initiative.

On Monday, Nov. 11, the Village of Wellington and American Legion Post 390 held a Veterans Day Parade along Forest Hill Blvd. The parade was followed by a ceremony celebrating all armed service members, past and present. Families, veterans and their loved ones gathered together to watch the parade and to pay homage to those who have served the nation.

Veterans gather for a group photo after the ceremony.

Councilwoman Amanda Silvestri, Mayor Michael Napoleone, Councilwoman Maria Antuña, Vice Mayor John McGovern and Councilwoman Tanya Siskind lay a wreath for Veterans Day.

Members of American Legion Post 390 march in the parade.

Seminole Ridge High School’s ROTC marches in the parade.

The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard takes part in the ceremony.

Elections Gerwig Wins District

93

continued from page 1

Gerwig, who served eight years as Wellington’s mayor after six years on the Wellington Village Council.

Gerwig added that her primary goals over the next two years will be “finding solutions to the problems facing our great state.” Among these are issues surrounding the maintenance of condominiums, which have led to

safety issues, she said, with many other issues also very important.

“Affordability, mental health services and insurance issues are the things that come immediately to mind,” Gerwig said. “I will continue to seek solutions to improve our quality of life.”

During the election, Gerwig managed to flip a seat that normally elects a Democrat. “I was able to appeal to many Democrat and independent friends through the longstanding relationships that I have built in this community,” she said. “I think that people understood the issues and

have been confident in my ability to make decisions. While we have differences of opinions, I think we all want the same thing: freedom, reward for our hard work and a better quality of life for all.”

Gerwig added that she aims to help all residents, across the entire political spectrum. “The nature of elections is challenging, especially as close as this election result was,” she said. “I knew it would be a close race and did not ever take any support for granted. I have had a reputation for treating all people with respect, whether we agree on policy or not.”

integrated transportation system. It’s not going to get better without a dramatically different approach.”

Races

continued from page 1 volunteering and giving back,” Miller said. “I also enjoy making sure that our village keeps that small-town feel. I really love what the council has been doing, financially and outreach. It made sense to me to take the next step when a seat opened up.”

From a position on the council, Miller wants to support local educators. “Working with the school district, I see the value of our teachers, and I would like to do more to recognize teachers in Royal Palm Beach, and perhaps incentivize more to live and work in Royal Palm Beach,” he said.

Miller has been a Royal Palm Beach resident since 2003. He currently lives in the PortoSol neighborhood. He is married to Tsiri Miller, principal at Western Academy Charter School. They have two daughters.

MAYOR’S SEAT Jeff Hmara, who was first elected to the council in 2012, was appointed mayor about a month after Pinto passed away. He is running to continue the work he has been doing.

“There is an opportunity to be able to influence decisions and work being done in the community that is enhanced by being mayor,” he explained. “I have a number of ideas that I believe would lift this community from being a really good place to live to a really great place to live.”

One key focus would be on working with the county and other agencies on the current countywide transportation plan.

“Traffic congestion gets worse every single day,” he said. “Solving issues requires relationships in order to provide solutions. We need to put together a coordinated,

Relief Fund Many Groups Involved

continued from page 1 Michael Stone, president of Wellington International. “When we saw the devastation caused by the tornado, we knew we had to step up to support our clients, neighbors and fellow community members.

Matching the funds raised by the Rotary Club of Wellington allows us to amplify the incredible generosity of our community, providing immediate support to those affected and assisting in the recovery efforts.” Wellington International, through its philanthropic arm, the Great Charity Challenge, contributed $15,420 to support the tornado disaster relief efforts led by Rotary.

“As a part of this community, we feel a strong responsibility to help when it’s needed most,” Stone said. “By matching these donations, we aim to not only provide immediate relief, but also to encourage a spirit of solidarity and hope throughout Wellington as we rebuild together.”

Coordinating the relief effort, the Village of Wellington has played a vital role in ensuring that funds reach residents most in need. The village has worked closely with local organizations to identify affected individuals and families.

“Almost immediately, our residents and neighbors looked for opportunities to assist those impacted by the tornado spawned by Hurricane Milton,” Village Manager Jim Barnes said. “From houses of worship and community organizations to individuals and families, Wellingtonians rallied to

He also wants to work on ideas that have not gotten traction before, such as providing more help for local schools.

“The village can have more significant impact by virtue of engaging with schools more frequently and with greater depth,” Hmara said, adding that he is looking for a commitment to assist at the classroom level.

He is also looking forward to the expansion of the recreation center, which will provide more space and programming for senior activities.

Selena Samios was first elected to the council in 2016.

“I am running for mayor to bring clear, results-driven leadership to Royal Palm Beach,” she said. “Our residents deserve straight answers and real solutions to the issues that impact our daily lives, not endless talk without action. I am committed to making sure that every voice is heard, every concern addressed and every opportunity for improvement pursued. Together, we can build a future for Royal Palm Beach that we can all be proud of.”

In her current campaign, Samios said that she will continue with the themes that she has run on since her first campaign for office.

“As mayor, I will continue to focus on our senior population, local businesses and transparency,” she said. “I will preserve our village’s unique character by continuing to fight to reduce traffic congestion and manage growth responsibly.”

Justin Plaza is making his first bid for local office with a focus on a unique online platform he developed to enhance public participation in community governance called the 60|40 Platform, which he said allows residents a “vote after the vote.”

“It is a way for all residents to make a statement and make a change at their convenience,” he said. “I am going to try to implement a fully democratic system.”

help their own, donating their time, talent and treasure to help tornado victims.”

With the village coordinating recovery efforts, Barnes said it was important to have a separate local nonprofit partner to coordinate donations.

“The Rotary Club of Wellington has the infrastructure in place to assist with these types of endeavors,” he said. “We continue to work with Rotary representatives as well as our internal housing assistance guidelines to develop criteria to assist in determining eligibility and distribution of donation proceeds.”

Rotary Club of Wellington President Walter Imperatore was proud to see the support from both within and beyond the Wellington community. “Seeing so many organizations, residents and local businesses step up to help shows what our community is made of,” he said. “Together, we can rebuild stronger than ever.”

Imperatore noted that the club was one of the first community organizations to join in the cleanup and support efforts led by the village.

“The village approached us, proposing that we establish a relief fund to assist those impacted,” he said.

“Through our Rotary Club of Wellington Foundation, we opened a dedicated account for these efforts and began raising funds. To ensure transparency, we assembled a dedicated team to oversee the fund.” Within days of starting the fund, Imperatore said the club was contacted by Wellington International’s Great Charity Challenge offering assistance. Recognizing the urgency created by the emergency, they agreed to match any donations up to a total of $20,000 to the Tornado Relief Fund raised by Oct. 31.

COX ELECTED

STATE ATTORNEY

The top countywide race on the ballot was to replace retiring State Attorney Dave Aronberg. It came down to a close race between Democrat Alexcia Cox, currently deputy chief assistant in Aronberg’s office, and her Republican opponent, Palm Beach Gardens lawyer Sam Stern. When the balloting was complete, Cox edged out Stern to become the county’s next top prosecutor. Cox took 353,203 votes (49.19 percent) to Stern’s 347,468 votes (48.39 percent). Also on the ballot, independent candidate Adam Farkas took 17,337 votes (2.42 percent).

“As I step into this role, I am more determined than ever to continue my life’s work: delivering justice for victims, holding criminals accountable, and leading with transparency, integrity and a commitment to putting our community first,” Cox said after securing her victory. “This campaign was never about politics. It was about bringing people together across our community who share a vision for a fair, balanced justice system that protects every resident and family.”

Through the program, residents would interact with a council member, who would be responsible for putting items supported by the community up for a vote.

“At heart, I’m a problem solver,” Plaza said. “I am at the point in my life that I want to give back.”

Aside from a focus on community engagement, Plaza wants to look deeply into the village budget to find changes to how the village operates. He has a particular interest in how the village does bidding and contract negotiations, where he has a great deal of experience.

“I love the town. I don’t want to change that. I just want more engagement with residents,” Plaza said.

Plaza has been a Royal Palm Beach resident since 2016. He lives in the Madison Green neighborhood. Voters can learn more about Plaza’s 60|40 Platform at his web site, which can be found at www.rpbmayor.com.

GROUP 3 SEAT

Steve Avila got 40 percent of the vote in his race for mayor against Pinto earlier this year. It was his first attempt at a local elected office.

“A lot of people have been hesitant in electing me straight to mayor, but it is a whole different ball game running for a council seat,” he said. “I was very encouraged to get 40 percent as a newcomer. That motivated me to continue on with the coalition that I built.”

Avila’s focus will remain on his previous campaign themes of term limits, fighting overdevelopment and government transparency.

“I received so much support this past election cycle. I had so many people vote for the first time. I heard from so many people who want change that I decided to throw my hat in for this council seat,” he said.

Avila grew up in the community and graduated at the top of his class at Royal Palm Beach High School in 2007 before attending Dartmouth College. He lived in

“We hope this contribution not only brings immediate relief but also fosters a spirit of unity and resilience in Wellington. Our community has shown time and again how much can be achieved when we come together, and we’re honored to play a role in these rebuilding efforts,” Stone said. “To the residents of Wellington and everyone who has donated, your generosity is making a profound difference. By matching your contributions, we aim to double the impact, providing vital support to those affected by the tornado.”

While the Tornado Relief Fund is administered by the Rotary, it can be more accurately described as a partnership of organizations, community groups, schools and the village established to help neighbors deal with the consequences of the tornado.

“Since establishing the fund, we have participated in village-led calls with school representatives, gathering direct feedback on community needs,” Imperatore said. “The Wellington Community Foundation made a $10,000 donation, adding to donations from the Rotary, the Crowned Pearls of Wellington and other private donors.”

Barry Manning, chair of the Wellington Community Foundation, said that supporting neighbors in need aligns perfectly with the foundation’s mission to assist seniors, veterans and children in Wellington.

“The efforts of the Rotary Club of Wellington are truly commendable,” Manning said. “They wasted no time stepping in and immediately taking action as soon as the all-clear was given. In response, our board of directors came together to find a way to collaborate with them. We were excited to learn that any donation

OTHER COUNTY RACES

In several other countywide races, voters chose to keep the incumbents in office.

In the race for Palm Beach County sheriff, incumbent Sheriff Ric Bradshaw secured a sixth term in office. Bradshaw, a Democrat, took 420,406 votes (58.10 percent), to defeat Republican candidate Michael Gauger, who took 303,132 votes (41.90 percent).

Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link, a Democrat, earned her second full term in office by defeating challenger Jeff Buongiorno. Link took 411,060 votes (57.13 percent) to Buongiorno’s 308,484 votes (42.87 percent).

Palm Beach County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo, a Democrat, garnered a second term by defeating his Republican challenger Samuel Thompson. Abruzzo received 380,173 votes (53.35 percent), while Thompson received 332,418 votes (46.65 percent).

In local congressional races, incumbents U.S. Rep. Brian Mast in District 21 and U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel in District 22 also secured new terms. Mast, a Republican, took 277,388 votes

(61.83 percent), while Democrat Thomas Witkop took 171,203 votes (38.16 percent). Frankel, a Democrat, took 201,486 votes (54.95 percent), while Republican Dan Franzese took 165,182 votes (45.05 percent). In the two Port of Palm Beach Commission races on the ballot, voters kept both incumbents in office. In the Group 2 race, Democrat Varisa Dass took 112,485 votes (52.62 percent) to defeat Republican Ted Sarandis, who garnered 101,002 votes (47.25 percent). In the Group 3 race, Democrat Jean Enright took 111,687 votes (52.37 percent) to defeat Republican Roderick Clarke, who garnered 101,328 votes (47.52 percent).

SCHOOL SALES SURTAX Voters approved a countywide referendum supporting the School District of Palm Beach County with a half-cent sales surtax to fund security, technology, facilities and infrastructure improvements. Votes in support of the surtax were 419,450 (60.34 percent), with 275,732 opposed (39.66 percent). The surtax will begin Jan. 1, 2026, and expire on Dec. 31, 2035.

China for five years, returning home in 2020, and he is part owner of a company that does college admissions consulting.

Donielle Pinto said that she is running to continue the good work that her husband did for the village over the course of his 21 years in office.

“My goal is to assist in continuing the passion of service to our citizens and the village that my husband was devoted to, especially for Royal Palm Beach being an even safer and wonderful place for entire families to live and thrive in,” she said.

As a councilwoman, Pinto said that she would focus on safeguarding the village while listening to citizens and local business owners.

“I admired my husband for purposely going to our local grocery stores to be accessible to our citizens in order to hear from them

Westlake Regional Road Issues

continued from page 3 that the city and the Seminole Improvement District (SID), which provides most of Westlake’s roads and infrastructure, are developing together south of Seminole Ridge High School. A vertiport is a physical structure that allows for the arrival, departure and parking of automated, battery-powered aircraft that take off and land vertically. Presently, the only substantial way in or out of Westlake is north and south via Seminole Pratt Whitney Road connecting Northlake and Southern boulevards, both of which already are overburdened with traffic, especially during rush hours.

So far, the east-west connections agreed to by Minto during negotiations with the county prior to development have not occurred. Efforts by Minto and SID to

we made toward the tornado relief efforts would be matched by Wellington International, making it a win-win situation for everyone involved.”

While the scope of the disaster took many by surprise, Manning said that the foundation works diligently year-round to raise funds not only for annual projects, but also to be prepared for unexpected circumstances like this.

“We are proud to play a small part in helping our Wellington residents ‘rebuild a stronger home.’

because most of the time they can’t make the council meetings,” she said, adding that she would like to develop more programs to support village residents in need, such as seniors, widows, widowers and those who are homeless.

Pinto grew up in California, where she frequently worked on political campaigns and causes. She moved to Florida in 1991 and has been a resident of Royal Palm Beach for 12 years, currently living in the Victoria Grove neighborhood.

Two years after running unsuccessfully for the Palm Beach County Commission, Sylvia Sharps said that her goal in seeking public office remains the same.

“I just want to want be a representative for the people and fulfill my goal to be an effective servant leader,” Sharps said. “Royal Palm Beach is a beautiful place to live.

connect to roads in the adjacent Indian Trail Improvement District were thwarted by an ITID lawsuit. Minto and SID are appealing a circuit court ruling that came down in May. At the same time, County Commissioner Sara Baxter said this week that a plan floated last year for Minto to construct 60th Street North in cooperation with the county from 140th Avenue North two miles to Seminole Pratt Whitney Road “isn’t dead but it is stalled. 60th Street is a county road, and improvements to it and the connection to Seminole Pratt have been needed for a long time.”

If the connection were made, it would give Westlake a direct east-west outlet all the way to State Road 7, more connections to Northlake Blvd. and access to 140th Avenue North, along with other ITID roads.

In other businesses: • Werner objected to a request by DKC Westlake Landings LLC to modify its site plan to allow the use of striped crosswalks rather than

Working together like this is at the heart of Wellington, a community dedicated to restoring the spirit and strength of this great hometown,” Manning said.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents expressing deep gratitude for the swift, organized support from the coalition of organizations and the Village of Wellington.

“We’ve met with the village to develop a broader outreach and support strategy,” Imperatore said.

We are so blessed that we do not have a lot of the issues that other municipalities have.” Her focus on the council would be dealing with traffic woes, bringing more employment and more senior programs.

“We have become lightly crowded, and traffic has become pretty bad. I would like to see what we can do regarding traffic,” Sharps said. “We need more employment for young people and more for them to do when they are not in school, as well as doing more for our senior citizens. I would like to develop some commissions or boards for seniors to give some of their experiences to help us make decisions.”

The Town-Crier and the Village of Royal Palm Beach will host a candidate forum in advance of the election on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at 7 p.m.

pavers between several outparcel buildings.

Werner said he was concerned that doing so would set a precedent that eventually would damage the aesthetic consistency of the community. The council voted 4-1 to approve the change because city employees already had inadvertently OKed it. However, they agreed that pavers should be the standard and suggested that the requirement be added to the city code.

• The council appointed Kim Lanza of St. Armands Way to the Arts in Public Places Advisory Board. Lanza has a degree in architecture.

• The third annual Westlake Holiday Pop-Up Market will be held Sunday, Dec. 8 from noon to 5 p.m. on Kingfisher Blvd. Also, the second annual Westlake 5K Run/ Walk will be held Saturday, Jan. 25 starting at the Lodge at Westlake Adventure Park at 5490 Kingfisher Blvd. Discounted registration is now available. For more information, visit www.westlakegov.com.

“Our team is expanding to include partner community groups, aiming to review needs and distribute resources equitably. This week, we’ll be distributing gift cards through schools to families identified as impacted, with further fundraisers planned in collaboration with the village and local businesses, based on community needs.” As the recovery efforts continue, donations are still welcome. Contributions can be made through the Wellington Rotary Club through a link at www.wellingtonrotary.org.

Anne Gerwig (center) and her husband Alan Gerwig surrounded by supporters on election night. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

RECORD-BREAKING ATTENDANCE AT WELLINGTON COMMUNITY

NINTH ANNUAL RED, WHITE & BLUE JEANS: ‘A SALUTE TO OUR HEROES’ EVENT

By Shannon Anastasio Town-Crier Staff Report

The Wellington Community Foundation’s ninth annual Red, White & Blue Jeans: “A Salute To Our Heroes” event, held Friday, Nov. 8 at the Wellington National Golf Club, proved to be a record-breaking success. The sold-out event drew attendees from across the community who came together in support of the foundation’s initiatives benefiting local seniors, children and veterans.

The atmosphere at the club was vibrant and patriotic, with more than 200 guests, most wearing their finest red, white and blue attire. The event included live entertainment by a 16-piece “big band” led by Moe Goldstein, as well as heartfelt speeches and inspiring stories that highlighted the profound impact of community support on those most in need.

WCF Chair Barry Manning opened the evening by welcoming everyone in attendance. The traditional POW/MIA empty chair ceremony was conducted by William Bartels with support from American Legion Post 390 of Wellington. Mary Lou Beford did an outstanding rendition of the national anthem, and Post 390 Commander Laz Sed led the Pledge of Allegiance.

“This night is more than just a fundraising event,” Manning said. “It’s a celebration of community resilience, compassion and the incredible things we can accomplish together. The level of support we received for tonight has been overwhelming.”

Attendees were moved by narratives of children starting the school year equipped with essential supplies, seniors feeling remembered and cherished on special occasions, and veterans gaining accessibility upgrades in their homes to enhance their independence. The presentation

of the foundation’s programs was given by event MCs Jim Sackett and Roxanne Stein, both foundation board members.

Among those recognized were veterans, seniors and children who have directly benefited from the foundation’s support. Special guest of honor, 100-year-old World War II U.S. Army veteran Carmin Yannotta, was met with a standing ovation, highlighting the night with a group photo of all veterans in attendance.

The foundation introduced several community partners, including Susan Guinan of the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center; Jaene Miranda of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County; Kathy Foster and Selena Samios of Our Community Cares; PSBO Investigator Scott Poritz of A Day for Autism; Jenifer Brito and Ian Williams of Wellington Community Services; Ana Thomas and Luis Torres of Palm Beach State College; J.P. Varvarigos of Wellington Florist; John Sitomer of the Council of Dads; and Wellington Rotary Club President Walter Imperatore. All of these community partners work closely with the foundation to help identify the individuals in need and coordinate programs that impact the lives of seniors, children and veterans with foundation support.

The event successfully raised funds to support essential programs that address critical, often hidden needs within the Wellington community. It was all done thanks to the generosity of attendees, donors and sponsors, including Wellington Regional Medical Center and Diamante Farms Dressage, along with dozens of table sponsors, including Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith; Jim and Paula Sackett; Frank and Herta Suess; Terri Kane; Wellington Florist; Seacoast Bank; Katie Edwards-Walpole; Michael and Phyllis Gauger; Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Johnson; Maggie Zeller; the Boynton Financial Group; and Wellington The Magazine/ The Town-Crier

The night would not have been complete without special recognition of Wellington’s first lady, Regis Wenham, who was in attendance honoring the memory of her late husband, former Wellington Mayor Thomas M. Wenham, the founder and inaugural chair of the foundation. “The legacy of what Mr. Wenham built lives on through our work and continued dedication,” Manning said. “We owe an enduring debt of gratitude to Mr. Wenham’s vision of what this foundation can do for neighbors in need.”

With every ticket sold and every table sponsored, the night demonstrated the power of a community that believes in giving back. The foundation’s board members expressed their gratitude to all who participated, underscoring their ongoing commitment to “Building a Stronger Community” through initiatives that change lives and bring hope to those who need it most.

Jim Sackett wrapped up the program presentation with a wonderful reminder that, “These aren’t just programs, they are lifelines. They represent our commitment to addressing the hidden needs in our community, a place where affluence and need can co-exist in surprising ways, but we can’t do it alone.”

Roxanne Stein went on to add, “We thank you for your belief in the power of coming together to make a positive impact.”

As the evening drew to a close, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, knowing that their contributions will make a lasting impact all across Wellington. For those who couldn’t attend, the foundation continues to welcome donations online to help sustain these vital programs.

For more information about the foundation, or to donate, visit www. wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

Representatives of Ruby Sponsor Wellington Regional Medical Center gather for a group photo, including WRMC CEO Pam Tahan, a foundation director.

Veterans in attendance gather around 100-year-old World War II veteran Carmin Yannotta.

Paula Fisher, Katie Edwards-Walpole, Barbara Miedema and Kelly Layman.

Don and Maureen Gross, Royal Palm Beach Councilwoman Selena Samios, Peggy Candreva, and Louis and Beth Eisenberg.

Jennifer Robinson, Alex and Sean LoBiondo, and Mary Lou and Scott Bedford.

Don McKenzie, Julie Tannehill, Ben Boynton, Hope Barron, Joanna Boynton, Dr. Juan Ortega and Jaene Miranda. Scott Armand with Michael and Phyllis Gauger.

Mary Lou Bedford and Jaene Miranda.

Jane Cleveland, Kathy Foster and Katie Edwards-Walpole.

Dr. Gordon Johnson and Dr. Linda Johnson.

Ken Young, J.P. and Melissa Varvarigos, Loren and Craig Young, Deb Young, and Meredith and Robert Tanen.

Ian Williams, Steve Moss, Roxanne Stein, Jenifer and Erick Brito, and Don Gross.

Nikki and Brian Stinson, Joan Imperatore, Sandy Kinoshita and Walter Imperatore.

Fern Gessford, Sydney Norick, Roxanne Stein and Amy Trujillo.

Sid and Shanta Daibee (seated), with Barry and WCF Executive Director Dawn Rivera (standing). Ana Thomas and Luis Torres of Palm Beach State College.

The Wellington Community Foundation Board of Directors: J.P. Varvarigos, Vice Chair Jim Sackett, Roxanne Stein, Pam Tahan, Dr. Gordon Johnson, Don Gross, Treasurer Hope Barron, Chair Barry Manning, Secretary Terri Kane, Michael Gauger, Joanna Boynton and James Seder.

Royal Palm Beach Mayor Jeff and Carolyn Hmara, Alice Saroka and Phyllis Gauger. Barry Manning with Mair and Scott Armand.

Theo and Cathy Tarantini, Terri Kane and David Wiggins.

Jeremy Ring, Pam Tahan, Kyle Eldredge, and Dr. Andrew and Ilene Shapiro.

Mickey Smith, Regis Wenham and Barry Manning.

William Bartels of American Legion Post 390 performs the MIA/POW ceremony as WCF Chair Barry Manning looks on.

LOXAHATCHEE GROVES HONORS VETERANS WITH PARADE AND

On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves held a Veterans Day Parade & Ceremony followed by a Founders Day Ceremony.

The three-mile parade route ended at Loxahatchee Groves Town Hall, where a ceremony was held honoring the community’s veterans. Children were treated to games and a bounce house, while everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch.

James John Ogorek

April 24, 1945 – Oct. 28, 2024

James John Ogorek, loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Monday, Oct. 28, 2024. He was 79.

James “Jim” Ogorek was born on April 24, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Frank and Elvera Ogorek. He shared 40 amazing, loving years with his first wife, the late Helen Ogorek, and he is survived by his second wife of 14 wonderful years, Linda Webb.

He was an Evans Scholar who graduated from the University of Illinois in June 1967 with honors and a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He graduated as a Certified Public Accountant. After college, Jim proudly served in the U.S. Army, working in Texas at Fort Sam Houston base during the Vietnam War and achieving the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his service, he started work as a CPA at Ernst & Ernst in Chicago, IL in 1970.

In 1979, Jim transferred to Wellington, Florida, where he was a senior manager for Ernst & Young, auditing Gould Florida Inc. He then worked for Gould as vice president of administration and finance. Jim oversaw club and golf operations, golf course construction, food and beverage, and ultimately development and construction. In Wellington, he oversaw the construction and design of two golf courses, fixed the airstrip and polo field drainage, and built out the infrastructure for the Sugar Pond and Greenview Shores developments.

Tired of the corporate world, in 1989, Jim took over ownership of Budget Fence in West Palm Beach, where he worked as president for more than 25 years.

After retiring, Jim and Linda followed their passion to travel the world. Jim lived life large, captivated a room with his personality, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his children Jennifer Hungerbuhler (Peter) of Roswell, GA; Paul Ogorek (Beezy) of Lexington, SC; and his 10 grandchildren: Allison, Parker, Bradley, Kiersten, Brooke, Steven, Kyle, Jacob, Brandon and Matthew. Jim was preceded in death by his sister Judy Lyons.

The family invites you to Jim’s Celebration of Life on Friday, Nov. 15, at 4 p.m. at Palms West Funeral Home in Royal Palm Beach, FL.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles in Royal Palm Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s name to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407.

PHOTOS BY FRANK KOESTER/TOWN-CRIER

Opening remarks by Town Clerk Valerie Oakes.

Rev. Ruffin Stepp offers the invocation.

Parade participants make their way along the route.

Red Neck Alchemist BBQ provided lunch.

Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue raises the flag at the site of the ceremony.

Iris Mabb in patriotic colors.

Councilman Robert Shorr with members of his family.

Vice Mayor Marge Herzog honors deceased veterans.

Tom Blake performs the national anthem.

Mayor Anita Kane welcomes everyone.

Members of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office mounted volunteer unit.

A number of veterans attended the ceremony.

Councilman Robert Shorr acknowledges active service members and veterans.

Will Gurney reads a poem written by his father, Bill Gurney.

Pat Kohn, Pamela Lopez, Alice Beharie and Malika Sam.

PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER

TD Bank’s Dave Anderson and Zaira Sabater from the Royal Palm Beach branch.

Back to Basics volunteers Denise Miles, Kelle Enriquez, Kim O’Dell, Brenda McGowan and Cathy Varulic. Helen Arias, Alexandra Pearsaul and Cherise Westenberger.

PBSO Deputy Casey Lussier, Norma Heelan and Deputy Brad Shouse. Rosa and John Norton.

Lori Shankman and Mike Calandra. Jeff and Sue Weinstein.

Becky Portello and Nancy Mendenhall.

Barbara Nola, Norma Heelan, Mary Ann Murray and Betty Murray.

“Bridesmaids of Dracula” Sandra Anderson and Maryann Boomhower. Sylvia Tillman with Nancy and Bob DiStefano.

Deputies Brad Shouse and Casey Lussier arrest Jeff Weinstein.

The honor guard stands at attention during the national anthem.

Jeston Curry, Kristian Lambiase, Samir Daza and Jonathan Dieurestil are ready for the Ruck March.

Mayor Michael Napoleone, Sarai Pena, Maddox Pena and Councilwoman Maria Antuña at the food donation table. Runners

Dwanye Brown presents Daniel Targett, the youngest Marine in attendance, with a piece of cake.

Alex D’Innocenzo donates food after his 5K run.

Mayor Michael Napoleone welcomes everyone.

Central Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce CEO Mary Lou Bedford sings the national anthem.

Marines David Brocatto and Daniel Targett.

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

Prepping for a colonoscopy is easier than ever

When your doctor says it’s time to schedule a colonoscopy, do you start thinking up excuses to put it off? You may be concerned about unpleasantness and inconvenience as you prepare for the exam. But it’s time to stop worrying – the prep process is much easier these days.

Yes, one of the keys to a successful colonoscopy is the “clean out” beforehand. But improvements – in the liquid you drink, the amount you must drink and the timing – make the whole process easier to swallow.

Regular colonoscopies can save your life. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and the third leading cause among women in the United States.

Improvements in the liquid you drink, the amount you must drink and the timing make colonoscopy prep easier.

Most patients who develop colon cancer have no obvious risk factors. “The colon, itself, is a risk factor,” says David Hellman, DO, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic’s Wellington location.

Bowel residue polyps are a precursor for cancer, and they can be overlooked if the colon lining is not clear of solid and liquid. “Many people fear drinking the laxative prep to cleanse the bowel more than the colonoscopy itself,” says Dr. Hellman. But it’s a key part of the procedure.

Three steps for a good prep:

1. Cut out fiber

Two days before the exam, start a low-fiber diet.

2. Switch to clear liquids

The day before the procedure, consume only clear liquids.

“It’s important to keep patients hydrated and flush

TALK WITH AN EXPERT.

the prep through the intestinal tract,” advises Dr. Hellman. “The clear liquids aid in that process.”

3. Start the prep

Many physicians today prescribe a split-dose regimen, where half the prep is taken the night before and the other half in the morning. But if the exam is in the afternoon, the prep is taken the morning of the colonoscopy.

A better-tasting solution

“The liquid bowel-cleansing agents now taste better and less of the liquid is consumed. This means that the prep is, quite literally, easier to swallow,” explains Dr. Hellman. Those two factors, combined with the split-dose approach, improves the experience for patients more about selfscheduling.

The screening age for individuals without a family history of colorectal cancer or polyps dropped to 45 years old from the traditional 50 years old. Visit ClevelandClinic.org/Colonoscopy to learn more.

Cleveland Clinic in Florida is a leader in digestive health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hellman or another gastroenterology specialist, call 877.463.2010 or visit ClevelandClinic.org/Colonoscopy to learn more.

David Hellman, DO

New Sports Academy Names Baseball Training, Coaching Staff

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The long-awaited Wellington Sports Academy continues to make progress. On Thursday, Oct. 31, Wellington Sports Academy founder Jon Bostic announced the key people who will work as the coaches and coordinators for the academy’s baseball division. Many of the positions will be filled by experts with Major League Baseball experience.

Devon Travis will be the president of baseball operations and general manager. Travis, a graduate of Palm Beach Central High School, was originally drafted by the Detroit Tigers. He made his MLB debut in April 2015 with the Toronto Blue Jays. He played with Toronto as a second baseman from 2015 to 2018.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia will work as the manager and director of player development. Saltalamacchia, currently serving as the

head baseball coach at the King’s Academy, was drafted in the first round out of high school by the Atlanta Braves. He was a catcher and graduated from Royal Palm Beach High School. He won a World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox in 2013.

Jovon Edwards, a fourth-round MLB draft pick, will be the director of recruiting and assistant general manager, while Scott Feyereisen has agreed to be the assistant director of recruiting.

Sean Burnett will be the director of pitching and assistant director of player development. Burnett was a first-round pick out of Wellington High School by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Burnett was mostly a relief pitcher in his MLB career. He played for the Pirates, the Nationals and the Angels. Burnett was a member of Wellington High School’s state championship baseball team in 1999.

Brad Peacock, who won a

World Series ring with the Houston Astros in 2017, will be the pitching coordinator. He is a graduate of Palm Beach Central High School.

Robert Andino, who was selected in the second round out of high school by the Miami Marlins, will be the infield coordinator.

Luis Alicea — a first-round pick out of Florida State University, who played 13 professional baseball seasons — will serve as the infield development coach. Alicea won a World Series ring as a coach for the Boston Red Sox in 2007.

In other positions, Bryan Alveari will be the director of hitting, while Tony Gullo, the current head baseball coach at Palm Beach Central, will work as a bench coach. Breon Cox will be the manager and youth program director, and Michael Karpinski has been appointed as the travel ball director and pitching analyst. Casey Wagnon will serve as the assistant travel ball director and outfield coach, while Luther Todaro will be working as an assistant baseball coach. Finally, Logan Morrison will be the hitting coordinator. He played MLB for 11 years.

Many of these individuals will be emphasizing the importance of teaching basic skills such as fielding, base running, hitting, throwing and catching.

Travis said that truly mastering basic skills is a necessity to succeed in the sport.

“As a coach, I teach fundamen-

tals,” Travis said. “I emphasize hard work and dedication.”

Peacock focuses on the mental side of the game. “I’m big on having confidence and being mentally strong,” he said.

Burnett, who played professional baseball for 17 seasons, believes in the importance of following a game plan to succeed in baseball.

“I know how to structure a plan to succeed and stick to the process,” said Burnett, who could throw a curve ball, sinker and a change-up.

Travis, who first appeared on many people’s baseball radar screens as a member of the East Boynton Beach team that advanced to the championship game of the Little League World Series in 2003, said paying attention to little things is the key to success in baseball.

“In baseball, you must respond and pay attention to details to have success in baseball,” Travis said.

Saltalamacchia, who played pro baseball for 17 seasons, knows what it takes to survive and thrive in the game. “I focus on strength, conditioning and mastering the fundamentals,” Saltalamacchia said. “As a batter, I know how to adapt, and I understand the importance of putting the ball in play.”

As for Bostic’s “big picture” view of the academy’s baseball division, his focus will always be on what is in the best interests of the young baseball players.

“It’s about making these kids better with a focus on diet, in-

PBCHS, RPBHS & TKA Football Teams Playing In Postseason

By

The Palm Beach Central High School varsity football team is ready to play some post-season football, and it all starts Friday, Nov. 15 when the Broncos (9-1), the top seed in the third quadrant of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 6A playoff series, host Fort Pierce Central High School (5-5). The game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. With a victory, Palm Beach

Central will host the winner of the Lake Nona-Vero Beach game on Friday, Nov. 22. The goal is to reach the FHSAA’s Class 6A state championship game, which will be held in mid-December at the South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami.

Palm Beach Central head football coach Kevin Thompson said his coaches and players are thrilled to be playing postseason football.

“We’re really excited for the opportunity to play in the playoffs

again, which is the ‘second’ season,” Thompson said. “Fort Pierce Central is a very good team. You can see where they have earned the right to be in the playoffs. We’re excited for the opportunity to try to continue the legacy from last year and our team from the year before.”

Palm Beach Central, which is riding an eight-game winning streak, concluded the regular season with a pair of strong road wins.

On Friday, Nov. 1, the Broncos traveled to Palm Beach Gardens, where they thumped William T. Dwyer High School, 38-14.

On Friday, Nov. 15, the Broncos dominated Palm Beach Lakes High School, 54-6.

Royal Palm Beach High School — The regular-season performance by the RPBHS varsity football team is the biggest surprise of the regular season in Palm Beach County. This fall, the Wildcats, under the guidance of head coach Chuck Kenyon, had an impressive 7-3 record. Royal Palm Beach’s football fortunes began to improve when Kenyon became the head coach in 2022.

“From inheriting a program that had one win the year before I took the job to now qualifying for the playoffs is a testament to the hard work and determination the players and assistant coaches have shown,” Kenyon said. “I am so proud of everyone involved. This is a team achievement.”

With the regular season complete, Royal Palm Beach has been practicing for its first playoff game in many years. On Friday, Nov. 15, Royal Palm Beach will be traveling to Wesley Chapel to face Wiregrass Ranch High School (91) for an FHSAA Class 6A playoff game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. For the Wildcats to reach the Class 6A state championship game at South Dade Kia Field at Pitbull Stadium in Miami in mid-December, they must win four postseason games in the coming weeks.

The King’s Academy — TKA’s varsity football team had a brilliant 7-0 start to the regular season, but the Lions stumbled down the stretch, losing three straight games to conclude the regular season with a 7-3 record. Fortunately, the Lions have

TKA quarterback Joe Dailey runs

earned a bid as the No. 5 seed in the third quadrant of the FHSAA’s Class 2A playoff series. Their opening playoff game is Friday, Nov. 15 in Fort Lauderdale against the Calvary Christian Academy Eagles (7-3). For TKA to reach the Class 2A state championship in Miami, they must also win four postseason games in the coming weeks. According to TKA head coach Dan Burack, his team is rested and ready to tackle the postseason. “We’ve been good. We’re seven points away from being 10-0,” Burack said. “So, understanding that we have to clean up a few items has been good for teaching growth and keeping faith in God’s plan.” TKA will be led by senior quarterback Joe Dailey, who has See FOOTBALL, page 23

German Exchange Student Contributes To RPBHS Gridiron Success

By Mike May

Town-Crier Staff Report

Tony Bauer, a 16-year-old high school exchange student from Wolnzach, Germany, a small town outside Munich, is a big reason why the Royal Palm Beach High School varsity football team compiled a 7-3 regular-season record and advanced to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Class 6A state playoffs.

Of the Wildcats’ seven victories, two were achieved with gamewinning field goals by Bauer, who is living with his aunt and uncle, Royal Palm Beach residents Claudia and Chris Allison, during his one-year visit to the U.S.

“As far as I know, in the history

of the football program here at Royal Palm Beach High School, we’ve never had anybody kick a game-winning field goal for the Wildcats,” said Eric Patterson, the school’s current athletic director, who was the head coach of the football team from 2003 to 2008.

“Tony is the first.”

Bauer’s two game-winning field goals were impressive, since he had never kicked an American football until after he enrolled at RPBHS back in August. While Bauer has successfully converted a few point-after-touchdown (PAT) kicks this fall, he has actually only made two field goals this season, both of them game-winners.

Bauer didn’t officially dress

out for a varsity football game — wearing jersey number 47 — until the sixth game of the year, when the Wildcats traveled to Boca Raton High School on Oct. 4.

The first game-winning kick took place two weeks later, on Oct. 18, in his second game at Palm Beach Gardens High School.

With 14 seconds left in the game and Gardens leading 27-26, Royal Palm Beach head coach Chuck Kenyon called upon Bauer to deliver a game-winning field goal. That task was easier said than done, since that potential field goal would be Bauer’s first field goal of the season — and the first in his life as a football placekicker.

With Nico Botero snapping the

ball to holder Treven Tipton, the ball was placed on the 15-yard line for Bauer to kick the ball with his right foot between the uprights. As fate would have it, the ball cleared the players along the line of scrimmage and split the uprights to give the visiting Wildcats a 29-27 victory. The Royal Palm Beach sideline erupted into a mass celebration as the officials indicated that the kick was good.

“I don’t know how long it has been since we beat Gardens,” noted Kenyon, now in his third year as the head coach for the Wildcats.

Bauer’s second game-winning kick took place on Halloween night, Thursday, Oct. 31, when the Wildcats hosted the Bulldogs from

the new Dr. Joaquín García High School. With 6.4 seconds left in the game, and Royal Palm Beach trailing 23-22, the Wildcats had the ball at Garcia’s four-yard line. Kenyon had two choices. He could either have the offense execute one more passing play in pursuit of the go-ahead and likely game-winning touchdown, or send out the field goal unit to give Bauer a chance to kick a game-winning 21-yard field goal.

Kenyon put his trust in Bauer, who was not spooked by the magnitude of the moment. Just like in Palm Beach Gardens, Botero snapped the ball to Tipton. The snap was on target, and See BAUER, page 23

Tony Bauer with his aunt and uncle, Claudia and Chris Allison.

PHOTO BY MIKE MAY/TOWN-CRIER

Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The new Wellington Sports Academy is now under construction at Village Park.

Devon Travis Sean Burnett

Brad Peacock Luis Alicea creasing their strength and being mentally stronger,” Bostic said. Learn more at www.instagram. com/wellingtonsportsacademy.

RIDAY, DECEMBER 6TH 6-10PM

WHS Wrestler Competes In International Competition In Bahrain

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

Mac Andrews, a 16-year-old junior at Wellington High School, is back home after a once-in-alifetime trip. For two weeks in late October, Andrews traveled to Manama, Bahrain, to participate in the International School Sport Federation World Games Gymnasiade. For Andrews, who is an accomplished wrestler at Wellington High School, it was as much a cultural experience as it was an athletic competition.

“It was an amazing experience,” said Andrews, who was joined by thousands of athletes from 71 countries competing in 20 different sports.

Football Playoffs Begin

continued from page 21 completed 110 of 198 passes for 1,645 yards and 13 touchdowns.

He has only thrown three interceptions. Dailey has also run for 450 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Seminole Ridge High School

— Seminole Ridge’s varsity football team is to be commended for its staying power. After losing nine straight games, the Hawks

He was one of more than 60 members of a U.S. wrestling team, featuring boys and girls, who competed in Bahrain. He was only one of two boys chosen from Florida. There were also four girls on the team from Florida. Overall, the trip lasted two full weeks.

Prior to the 18-hour flight to Bahrain, Andrews and the U.S. wrestling team participated in a two-day camp in Chicago.

Soon after arrival in Bahrain, the athletes attended an opening ceremony. They also enjoyed a cultural day where they learned about the daily lives of the athletes from other nations. All the athletes also went sightseeing in the markets and visited local attractions. According to Andrews, the

responded like champions in their final regular season game when they defeated visiting Wellington, 27-7, on Friday, Nov. 1.

The Hawks played like a team with a 9-0 record instead of a winless 0-9 squad. Running back Willie Young III led the attack by rushing for 128 yards on 11 carries. He had two rushing touchdowns. Dylan Reid and Christopher Augustin also scored rushing touchdowns. Seminole Ridge finished the regular season with a 1-9 record.

Seminole Ridge head coach

American wrestlers also practiced with many of the other top-notch wrestlers in attendance. Andrews competed in a two-day

wrestling competition. It was one day of freestyle wrestling, and one day of Greco-style wrestling. Andrews went 1-1 in both styles.

Chad Chieffalo was proud of his team’s willingness to keep playing hard, despite one loss after another during the regular season.

“All in all, we had probably our best week of practice that week of the Wellington game,” Chieffalo said. “The kids were just desperate for a win. Wellington just happened to be our opponent that week. I hope to build on that little bit of momentum we got at the end of the season and carry it into the off season.”

Chieffalo is cautiously optimistic about the 2025 season. “We’re

Bauer

RPBHS Kicker

continued from page 21

Tipton’s hold was clean and quick. That enabled Bauer to step forward, plant his left foot and strike the ball with his right foot. As focused as Bauer was on kicking the football, the hardcharging Bulldogs’ defensive line was equally focused on blocking the kick in order to preserve their victory.

Bauer kicked the ball, it quickly cleared the many bodies along the line of scrimmage, soared into the evening sky and split the uprights to give the Wildcats a 25-23 lead and the eventual victory. Just like in Palm Beach Gardens 13 days prior, the Royal Palm Beach sideline and the fans in the stands erupted into a mass celebration as the game officials indicated that the kick was, in fact, good.

It’s fair to say that Bauer’s two

actually going to be returning about 18 kids who started or had significant playing time on all three phases of the game,” he noted.

Wellington High School — The varsity football team from WHS had a season marked by one winning streak and two losing streaks. The Wolverines opened the season by losing three out of their first four games. That was followed by three straight wins, which improved the Wolverines’ record to 4-3. Then, the Wolverines lost three games in a row to

game-winning field goals set a new precedent for the RPBHS football program. He’s now a big part of the Wildcats football team.

“He has had two game-winning field goals,” Kenyon said. “His punting and kickoffs are better than average, so to say he is important to us is an understatement.”

While Bauer is used to playing sports, the American football experience is vastly different than the type of football — known here as soccer — that he plays back in his native Germany. “I like it,” Bauer said. “There’s lots of action.”

If Bauer were to play another position besides being the team’s placekicker and punter, he’d like to play defense. “I’d like to play linebacker,” Bauer said.

As soon as the football season ends, Bauer will continue spending time running around the school’s football field as a member of the boys varsity soccer team. In soccer, he’s primarily a center back, but for Royal Palm Beach, he plays right back, center mid,

conclude the season with a 4-6 record.

According to WHS head coach

Matt Pryor, the regular season did not go as expected.

“It was a tough season for us,” he said. “We had very high expectations for our season, and we fell short of that. The high was definitely beating then-undefeated Dr. Joaquín García High School in a close tough-fought battle. The low point of the season was [losing] the last three games.

forward and center back. While the football season is still ongoing, Bauer pulled some double duty, as Kenyon allowed Bauer to play in two of the soccer team’s first four games. In the season-opener at home against Glades Central High School on Monday, Nov. 4, Royal Palm Beach prevailed, 5-1. And in the fourth game of the regular season against Fort Pierce Westwood, at

Mac Andrews after winning one of his matches in Bahrain.

Mac Andrews competing on the wrestling mat in Bahrain.

home on Friday, Nov. 8, Royal Palm Beach dominated Westwood, 8-0, to improve its record to 3-0-1.

RPBHS head soccer coach Mal Hasan enjoys having Bauer on his squad. “He’s a very good player and a fantastic kid,” Hasan said. Clearly, Bauer is as strong an addition to Royal Palm Beach’s soccer team as he is to the school’s football team.

Tony Bauer playing soccer for RPBHS.

PHOTO BY CHRIS ALLISON

SPORTS & RECREATION

Wellington Swimmers Have Strong Showing At State Meet

By Mike May Town-Crier Staff Report

The boys and girls swim teams from Wellington High School had another strong showing at this year’s Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Class 4A swimming and diving championships. This event took place Saturday, Nov. 9 in Ocala. Under the guidance of head coach Richard Whalen, WHS sent nine swimmers and divers to states. They were senior Leorah Rotchin (girls 200-yard freestyle), junior Dillon Metz (boys 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyle), freshman Veronica Metz (girls 200-yard individual medley and 500-yard freestyle), sophomore Julian Granison (boys 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle) and junior Andreas Da Silva (boys 100-yard freestyle and 100yard backstroke). Juniors Natalie Honzik, Lainsley Stegall and Everhart Fergus were members of relay teams, while sophomore Lucabella Imbimbo competed in the one-meter diving competition. Wellington also had teams competing in the girls 200-yard freestyle relay, boys 200-yard freestyle relay, girls 400-yard free-

style relay and the boys 400-yard freestyle relay.

After swimming in the morning preliminaries, many WHS swimmers and all four relay teams advanced to compete in the evening session, which featured the Consolation B and the Championship A finals.

In the morning session, Rotchin swam the girls 200-yard freestyle in 1:55.4 and registered the 14th-fastest time. That time earned her a spot in the Consolation B final. In that race, she completed in 1:55.14, which left her in 16th place overall. Dillon Metz’s morning preliminary time in the boys 200-yard freestyle was 1:44.51. That was the 15th fastest time, which put him in the Consolation B final, where he finished in 15th place overall, with a time of 1:44.54. Veronica Metz had the 11th-fastest preliminary race time (2:09.00) in the girls 200-yard individual medley, which advanced her to the Consolation B final. In the evening race, she improved her time to 2:08.63, which left her in 10th place overall. In the girls 500-yard freestyle, Metz swam the 20-lap preliminary race in 5:03.13,

which was the eighth-fastest time. That earned her the final spot in the Championship A final, which gave her a chance to win a state championship that evening. In the final, Metz swam nearly an identical time (5:03.18) to her morning effort and moved up a spot to seventh place in the state. In the boys 50-yard freestyle, Granison had the fifth-fastest time (20.84) in the morning preliminaries, which earned him a spot in the Championship A final. In the evening session, he completed the two-lap race in 20.68, good enough for an overall fifth-place finish. In the boys 100-yard freestyle, Granison had the sixth-fastest time (45.42) in the morning preliminaries, which qualified him for the Championship A final. There, he swam the 100-yard race in 45.63, which was fast enough for sixth place in the state. In the boys 100-yard freestyle, Da Silva’s morning preliminary time was fast (45.84), but not fast enough to earn a spot in the Championship A final. Instead, he was the fastest qualifier in the Consolation B final. In that race, Da Silva came alive and swam in 44.71, more than a second faster than his

morning effort. He easily won the Consolation B final, which earned him a ninth-place finish overall. Had Da Silva been swimming in the Championship A final, his time of 44.71 would have earned him a third-place finish overall in the state. To his credit, Da Silva’s clocking (44.71) was an Automatic All-American standard time. In the 100-yard backstroke, Da Silva had a strong swim (50.00) in the morning. It was the fourth-fastest time among the boys in that event. In the Championship A final, Da Silva swam a faster time (49.39) but finished in fourth place. The winning time in the boys 100-yard backstroke was 47.32 by Dylan Ferguson of G. Holmes Braddock High School in Miami.

In the relay events, Wellington’s girls 200-yard freestyle relay team (Leorah Rotchin, Veronica Metz, Natalie Honzik and Lainsley Stegall) finished in 11th place (1:40.06), while Wellington’s boys 200-yard freestyle relay (Andreas Da Silva, Dillon Metz, Everhart Fergus and Julian Granison) finished in second place (1:23.89). The winning team in the boys 200yard freestyle relay was Windermere High School (1:22.71).

Wellington’s finish was in an Automatic All-American time. In the girls 400-yard freestyle relay, Wellington’s squad (Rotchin, Honzik, Stegall and Metz) finished in 14th place (3:43.22), while Wellington’s boys 400-yard freestyle relay team (Granison, Metz, Fergus and Da Silva) finished in fourth place. In the girls one-meter diving competition, Imbimbo finished in 22nd place with 139.55

Museum Of Polo Announces Upcoming 2025 Hall Of Fame Inductees

The Board of Directors of the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame have announced the 2025 inductees into the Museum’s Polo Hall of Fame. The honorees are Joe Henderson, Jimmy Bachman, Jorie Butler Kent, Susan Stovall, and legendary horses Flash and Beatrice.

The 36th annual Hall of Fame

Induction Ceremony and Awards Dinner is one of the premier social events of the winter polo season in Florida and is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Museum of Polo.

Joe Henderson, who reached 8 goals outdoors and 10 goals in the arena, has won numerous major high-goal tournaments on grass, including the C.V. Whitney Cup in 1987 as well as the America Cup twice and the North American Cup four times. He also dominated the 1987 Pacific Coast Open, winning the title while sweeping the MVP and BPP. In 1993, Henderson and Fish Creek reached the U.S. Open final, losing 11-10 to Gehache, while he was selected as the MVP. Henderson was also a dynamic

arena player, winning numerous titles en route to a 10-goal handicap while earning Arena Player of the Year in 1988 and 1992 and recognized as Arena Player of the Centennial Era in 1990.

Posthumous Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Bachman had considerable success at all levels, winning the 20-goal Monty Waterbury Cup in 1983 and reaching the finals of both the 26-goal Sunshine League in 1985 and the 20-goal East Coast Open. He captured numerous medium-goal tournaments as well, including the Copper Cup (1987 and 1988), Bronze Trophy (1988 and 1989), the 1990 Heritage Cup and the 1991 Chairman’s Cup. But he made his name dominating low-goal polo, especially at Gulfstream in the 1980s. Bachman reached 7 goals in 1986 and played at that handicap until his untimely death in 1991.

Iglehart Award recipient Jorie Butler Kent is an iconic figure in U.S. polo, born into the sport. Her father, Paul Butler, is synonymous with Oak Brook Polo and so is his daughter, who managed the club

from 1967 to 1979, a first for a woman. Butler Kent continued her interest in polo and, along with Sue Sally Hale and several others, became the first women to receive handicaps from the USPA in 1972. She also organized the USPA Polo Pony Championship and helped to establish the rules and registry. She continued to be a pioneer in the sport when she secured the first international corporate sponsorship, Rolex. Additionally, Butler Kent was integral to the early successes of many clubs, including Palm Beach Polo, Greenwich and Windsor Polo in Vero Beach, as well as the Museum of Polo.

The posthumous Iglehart Award honoree and “force of nature” Susan Stovall left an indelible mark on the world of polo, both as a pioneer for women’s polo and on the sport in general. Stovall did it all, from riding early morning sets to competing on the field, to organizing tournaments, to entertaining royalty and celebrities at charity polo events. She was a respected and much beloved manager of Eldorado for 26 years,

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Martin Eugene Haist, a beloved figure in the U.S. dressage community, who left us on Oct. 13, 2024, at the age of 72. Marty, as he was affectionately known, was born on April 4, 1952, in Amityville, New York, and spent his life inspiring those around him with his talent, warmth and unwavering calmness.

Marty’s journey took him from the shores of Long Beach, New York, where he married the love of his life, Beth Blakely, in October 1978, to Oklahoma, where he and Beth built a life filled with passion for horses and the arts. In addition to his devotion to his family, Marty was a talented saddle master, trained by esteemed masters in the field, including Martin Gulliver and Trevor, and he honed his skills further in Germany at Sommer Saddlery. His expertise led to the development of the Sommer Flextra saddle, a testament to his dedication to the sport of dressage.

Marty was not only a master of his craft but also a gifted artist, holding a fine arts degree. He expressed his creativity through painting and sculpting, leaving a legacy of beauty that resonated even beyond the equestrian world. As the owner of Tulsa Wood Interiors and The Horse Of Course in Claremore, Oklahoma, and Wellington, Florida, Marty was a fixture in the equestrian community, always ready with a warm smile and a Zen-like calmness that was contagious to all who met him.

Marty had a unique spark that lit up any room he entered. With a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, he often seemed to be up to something delightful, bringing joy and laughter to those around him. His warmth and genuine kindness made everyone feel welcome, and his playful spirit was a reminder to embrace life’s simple pleasures. Whether sharing a laugh with friends or offering words of encouragement to a fellow rider, Marty had an extraordinary ability to uplift others and foster a sense of community.

An avid surfer and skier, Marty embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He was also a dressage rider and hosted numerous dressage schooling shows at their cherished Woodstock Farm in Claremore, Oklahoma. His love for horses and commitment to the sport inspired countless riders and enthusiasts, and his influence will be felt for generations to come.

Marty is survived by his wife and business partner, Beth Haist, his beloved stepdaughter, Michelle Fairley of Devon, UK, and his cherished grandsons, Rob Fairley of Tulsa, OK, and Dr. Jon Fairley of Devon, UK. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Mary Haist of Westhampton Beach, NY, and Eileen D’Alessio of New York City, NY.

As we remember Marty, we celebrate a life well-lived — a life filled with passion, creativity, and love for family and friends. His spirit will forever remain a guiding light in the hearts of all who knew him. A memorial service will be held during the season in Wellington, Florida, with details to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marty’s honor to www.horsesforachange.org.

while also continuing to play and continuing to help run her family’s polo operation, the White Swan Polo Club in Washington. Under her watch, Eldorado grew to become the largest polo club on the West Coast with dozens of teams regularly competing thanks to her no-nonsense approach, organizing skills, enthusiasm and genuine love for people.

The Horses to Remember honoree of the early pre-Hartman era is Beatrice, who was a warrior on and off the polo field. The little dark bay mare excelled in three international series for the U.S., ridden by two Hall of Famers, Dev Milburn (1924 Westchester Cup) and Winston Guest (1928 Cup of the Americas, 1930 Westchester Cup). She also played in the 1921 Westchester Cup for the British team. Beatrice was also a real war hero. At the age of 16, she served as an artillery horse in the British Army, and was awarded a gold medal, which she wore pinned on her saddle pad.

The phenomenal chestnut thoroughbred gelding Flash, whose

Jimmy Bachman

actual name was Rockey Kid, will be recognized as Horses to Remember for the post-Hartman era. In the 1970s, Flash helped several top players achieve tremendous victories. During the successful run of high-goal tournaments in Chicago in 1973, John Oxley purchased Flash, greatly helping his players. Flash earned three Best Playing Pony awards played by Billy Linfoot, Roy Barry and Corky Linfoot all in the same year. Flash also competed in the Coronation Cups and Queens Cup in England. The black-tie Hall of Fame Awards Dinner is the most important annual fundraising event for the museum. Contact Brenda Lynn at (561) 969-3210 or (561) 969-7015, e-mail blynn@polomuseum.org to make your reservations.

Joe Henderson

Kids Cancer Foundation Hosts Annual 5K Walk/Run In RPB

The Kids Cancer Foundation hosted its annual 5K Walk/Run in Loving Memory of Sebastian Sarmiento at Royal Palm Beach Commons Park on Saturday, Oct. 26.

The event attracted participants from all walks of life, along with generous sponsors and donors, all united to raise awareness and funds for children battling cancer.

This year’s event was enriched by a vibrant Fall Festival, featuring an array of engaging activities for families. Attendees enjoyed games and crafts facilitated by

Arts for Smiles and the Wellington Art Society, while kids bounced around in an inflatable obstacle course and received face paintings by Tera Young. Adding to the festive atmosphere, characters including Stormtroopers from the Everglades Squad, as well as Ariel and Moana from the Happy Princess Club, delighted young participants with their playful interactions. Sebastian Sarmiento’s family, who have become cherished members of the Kids Cancer Foundation community, joined in

All participants in the 5K Walk/Run received participation medals.

with a large group of supporters, reminding all of the importance of love and connection in the face of adversity.

All participants in the 5K Walk/ Run received participation medals, with special awards presented to the biggest team and various age groups, celebrating the efforts of all who took part.

The Royal Palm Beach-based nonprofit thanks Life.Church Wellington for their incredible turnout of volunteers, making the event run smoothly. Christ Fellowship made a spe-

cial appearance with their food truck, offering refreshing beverages, snacks and apple cider donuts that have become a fan favorite.

Additionally, heartfelt thanks to Anna Bakes for providing delicious cookie samples and Candid Coffee for keeping everyone energized.

The Kids Cancer Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to all participants, sponsors and volunteers who made the event possible. For more information about the Kids Cancer Foundation, visit www.kidscancersf.org.

Schaeffer Honorary Chair Of Grandma’s Angels Event

Joan O’Connell and Toni O’Brien, co-chairs of the ninth annual Grandma’s Angels Holiday Luncheon, recently announced that Dr. Heidi Schaeffer will serve as the event’s honorary chair. Schaeffer has previously been a presenting sponsor of the luncheon and serves as one again this year.

Schaeffer is a nationally recognized human trafficking awareness and intervention expert and is passionate about supporting causes that serve abused, neglected and abandoned youth. She earned her bachelor’s degrees in biology and psychology at Barry University. In 1998, she graduated from the University of Miami School of Medicine before training in internal medicine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.

Licensed to practice medicine in Florida since 1999, Schaeffer has worked with private and public healthcare organizations. She is president emeritus of the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches and serves as an executive

board member of ChildNet and the FLITE Center. She was named the State of Florida’s Human Trafficking Advocate of the Year in 2017.

Olivia Knowles, founder of Olivia’s Hot Cocoa Stand, will be the featured speaker at the event. Knowles, now 14, began her remarkable journey in philanthropy at just six years old when she set up a hot cocoa stand to raise funds for “children who did not have as much as she did.” She and her friends proudly raised $81 in that first year, and the tradition has grown every year since, transforming into a vibrant community event that draws neighbors, friends, teachers, classmates and even strangers, all united in the spirit of giving.

The luncheon on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at the Sailfish Club starts at 11:30 a.m. with a wine reception and a fabulous silent auction. During lunch, there will be a small live auction. Local CBS 12 news anchor Liz Quirantes has once again graciously agreed to serve as the celebrity emcee.

The auction proceeds benefit Royal Palm Beach-based Grandma’s Place, which provides shelter and loving care to children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect, and also provides respite care for young children with disabilities while offering support to their parents/caregivers to maximize

each child’s safety and success. Tickets are $225 per person or tables for $2,250. To receive an invitation, donate an auction item, purchase a ticket, place an ad in the event program or sponsor the event, call Roxanne Jacobs at (561) 376-0488, e-mail roxanne@ grandmasplacepb.org or visit www.grandmasplacepb.org.

The Wellington Vintage Teacher’s Bookclub is composed of retired Wellington teachers mainly from Wellington Elementary School and Binks Forest Elementary School. Many have stayed in touch since 1981 when Wellington Elementary School opened. Once a month, a pair of two teachers choose a book for the club to read, then meet at one of their homes to discuss the selection. Recently, Joy Riley and Joan Bausch chose Wellington Redemption, written by local author Stephen F. Medici. Medici readily agreed to attend when the group discussed the book on Oct. 28. The group had a lively discussion about this book and others by Medici. The group then took up a collection for contributions to a burn center that Medici is associated with in New York.

Runners and walkers of all ages participated in the event.

Attendees enjoyed games and crafts facilitated by Arts for Smiles and the Wellington Art Society.

Dr. Heidi Schaeffer Olivia Knowles

PIERCE HAMMOCK RECEIVES DONATION

Pierce Hammock Elementary School is the proud recipient of a $5,000 donation from the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Academic Support Teacher Jaselyn Leyendecker (third from left) and ESE Contact Teacher Cindy Myers (third from right) attended a recent Palm Beach Gardens City Council meeting to receive this donation. The school thanks Palm Beach Gardens for its support and generosity.

EMERALD COVE JOINS IN SERVICE PARADE

Emerald Cove Middle School’s Pre-IT, FBLA, cheer and baton students joined forces with Palm Beach Central High School and the Village of Wellington for their inaugural “Salute to Service” Parade on Friday, Oct. 25, honoring servicemen and women, first responders, doctors and nurses. Approximately 100 Emerald Cove students participated in the event, expressing their gratitude and appreciation for the dedicated individuals who serve the community.

Education Foundation Of PBC Awards Nearly $200,000 In ‘GoTeach!’ Grants

The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, in partnership with local businesses, philanthropic organizations and Florida’s Education Foundation Matching Grant Program, celebrated the 2024 “GoTeach!” Classroom Grant Awards on Oct. 24 at the Boynton Beach Arts and Cultural Center. More than 200 educators, students and community leaders gathered to recognize this year’s grant recipients, marking a significant milestone in supporting Palm Beach County’s teachers and students.

The Education Foundation awarded 86 GoTeach! Classroom Grants, providing nearly $200,000 in funding — an achievement that surpasses last year’s totals. The grants will support vital initiatives in literacy, career education, graduation rate improvement, financial literacy, STEM education and skills for learning and life, empowering teachers to create dynamic learning experiences that enhance student achievement across the district.

“The GoTeach! Classroom Grants are a testament to the creativity and dedication of our teachers,” said James Gavrilos, president and CEO of the Education Foundation. “These funds directly impact classrooms, giving teachers the tools and resources to inspire their students and address

critical educational challenges.”

The grants provide Palm Beach County public school teachers with the opportunity to develop innovative projects that align with district priorities and foster academic success. Each grant is carefully designed to create measurable change, helping underperforming students, boosting graduation rates and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive.

“We are proud to be part of a community that supports education at this level,” Gavrilos

said. “Our teachers are heroes who make a difference every day. Thanks to the generosity of our business and philanthropic partners, we’re able to help them continue their important work.”

The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County awards grants, supports innovative programs and scholarships, and provides necessary school supplies and resources from Red Apple Supplies, the foundation’s signature program. Learn more about the foundation at www.educationfoundationpbc. org.

WELLINGTON ELEMENTARY HOLDS FALL

On Thursday, Oct. 31, Wellington

permitted to come to school dressed as their favorite

characters. The students brought in books that matched their costumes. Pre-K and kindergarten

Superintendent Michael Burke, keynote speaker Jaxon Barnes and Education Foundation President & CEO James Gavrilos.

Lisa King of Verdex Construction and Jamie Wyatt, chief of staff for the school district. PHOTOS COURTESY JACEK PHOTOGRAPHY

Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind with Deputy Superintendent Ed Tierney.

Fifth Third Bank Celebrates Opening New East Wellington Location

Nothing Bunt Cakes. Attendees included several members of the Wellington Village Council; Rob Baluchi, Fifth Third Bank’s Retail Executive South Florida; Sharond Poag, Fifth Third Bank’s Retail Regional Manager Southeast

Region; John Slavik, Fifth Third Bank’s Southeast Regional Retail Executive; Arturo “Chris” Cortez, Fifth Third Bank’s Financial Center Manager for East Wellington; Capt. Nichole Addazio of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Dis-

trict 8 in Wellington; and members of the Wellington community. Fifth Third Bancorp is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the indirect parent company of Fifth Third Bank, National Asso-

vice to provide the best experience and advice to clients. Attendees enjoyed a brief program, live music, food from Talkin’ Tacos and dessert from

Jim Alderman Named Florida Farmer Of The Year

Jim Alderman of Alderman Farms in Palm Beach County has been named the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year.

Alderman has been an organic vegetable farmer since 1979, growing an array of fresh vegetables, ranging from tomatoes, zucchini, yellow squash, cucumber, eggplant, cabbage and fresh herbs. In addition to organic vegetables, Alderman owns a cow/calf operation.

farmer and leader in his community,” Florida Farm Bureau Federation President Jeb S. Smith said. “He is a staunch proponent for farming, and we are proud to have him as an ambassador for Florida’s farmers and ranchers.”

Palm Beach County Clerk & Comptroller Joseph Abruzzo recently announced a new investment of $25 million in taxpayer money in a money market account at Anchor Bank, a locally owned bank and qualified public depository.

“One of my top priorities in my role as Palm Beach County’s comptroller and chief financial officer is putting your tax dollars to work to support local institutions,” Abruzzo said. “I am proud of our office’s new investment in the only qualified, local, Hispanic-owned bank in Palm Beach County, as we continue to focus on diversifying the county’s investment portfolio to deliver a strong and healthy investment return to benefit Palm Beach County taxpayers.”

Anchor Bank was chartered in Florida in 2005 and serves as a local bank of choice for thousands of people and businesses across South Florida.

Anchor Bank’s president and

CEO, Nelson Hinojosa, was recently elected to the Florida Bankers Association (FBA) Board of Directors and is the first person of Bolivian descent elected to the FBA board.

The investment with Anchor Bank is into a money market account with a very competitive market rate of return. Anchor Bank pays a similar competitive rate offered by larger banks and participates in the Florida Public Deposits Program.

Anchor Bank holds status as a qualified public depository, ensuring that all public deposits are protected by being collateralized and governed by state statute and the Florida Administrative Code.

More information about Palm Beach County’s investment policy, monthly investment reports and annual financial reports is available on the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s web site at www.mypalmbeachclerk.com/ investments.

Alderman has been an advocate on key agricultural issues, such as trade and labor, traveling to Washington, D.C., to provide testimony on the challenges faced by farmers. He has served on the Florida Farm Bureau labor and trade advisory committees, where he provided his knowledge and expertise to help shape the organization’s policy.

“Mr. Alderman is an outstanding

The United Way of Palm Beach County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is looking for 200 volunteers to help provide free tax services throughout Palm Beach County to households with an annual income of $76,000 or less. This is a great opportunity for CPAs, retired professionals, college students, or anyone interested in accounting and finance to make an impact for local families. Also

As the 2025 Florida Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year, Alderman will compete for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year at the Sunbelt Ag Expo in Moultrie, Ga., Oct. 14-16, 2025. Ten states participate in the program: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

The Florida Farm Bureau, the state’s largest general agricultural organization, represents more than 133,000 member-families. Learn more at www.floridafarmbureau. org.

needed are volunteers who are bilingual in Spanish or Creole.

Volunteers ages 16 or older may serve as site greeters and earn community service hours. No prior experience is required. Volunteers will receive training to become IRS-certified tax preparers. All volunteers are asked to provide a minimum of four hours a week from Jan. 22 through April 15, 2025, at one of the several VITA sites in the county. CPAs are not required to undergo training but must pass the IRS certification test.

The VITA program helps Palm Beach County taxpayers save more than $1.7 million in fees they would have paid had they used a tax-preparation service. Additionally, research shows that taxpayers receiving refunds through returns processed at VITA sites use the money to achieve financial stability by paying off debt, investing in education or housing, or opening a bank account. Last year, this program helped process more than 8,500 income tax returns for lower-income households, resulting in approximately $3 million in

Chris Cortez, Joshua Mano and David Trochez of Fifth Third Bank.

Wellington officials join Fifth Third Bank representatives for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Guests tour the new East Wellington location.

Jim Alderman was named the 2025 Florida Farmer of the Year at the Florida Farm Bureau’s annual meeting in Miramar Beach. ciation, a federally chartered institution. The bank operates in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, West Virginia, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Learn

I Am Not Waiting On Thanksgiving For Black Friday To Arrive!

Did you miss it? Black Friday was Nov. 1. I know, I know. It used to be the day after Thanksgiving, but now it’s the day after Halloween. Sort of fitting, really. With all the black of Halloween, what’s one more day?

But the “black” in Black Friday really means that retailers are finally able to get solidly “in the black” and stay there through the holidays, making up for slow sales the rest of the year, where they may have been “in the red.”

These days, with the new smooshed-together holiday that I like to call “HalloThanksMas,” nobody can wait. As a retailer, I certainly have a vested interest in pushing up Christmas shopping ever closer to July, but it’s more than that.

The end of the year is a happy time of year.

Halloween is happy because it’s non-denominational, which means that everybody gets to play. It’s fanciful and inventive and seems to get bigger and more dramatic every year. I love it.

Thanksgiving means family, and no matter what sort of weirdoes you have

hanging off the twigs of your family tree, you have to admit that it’s at least entertaining to see them once a year.

Christmas isn’t for everyone but, with the entire country swathed in red and green for weeks — even months — the non-Christian end-of-year holidays have also begun to vie for attention. And more is more.

Sometimes I wonder if I opened my antiques store simply because I love to decorate. And, of course, shop. Some of the happiest days of my life are spent at auctions, bidding high on “the unusual” stuff and filling in with the more commonplace.

The back room of my store (ahhhhh, the back room) is my toybox. It’s filled to the rafters with tubs of holiday merchandise,

and unloading those tubs is when I really get to kick it into high gear. The front area of my store is reserved for holiday displays — it gets everyone in the mood, including me. When a holiday like Christmas is approaching, I clear it out and start at the ceiling. I hang as much as I can up there. People don’t expect that, and it gives a wonderful, cluttered feel, which is especially good for holidays like Christmas, the clutteriest of all holidays. I hang stars and angels and flying Santa Clauses and ornaments, and then dangle their price tags down even further, so far that they bop you in the head and scream, “I’m affordable! Buy me!” Sometimes it works. Then I like to style each haberdashery cabinet or baker’s rack in a different theme

— rustic, plaid, glittery silver, antique gold, pastel or (of course!) red-and-green. I cram as many ornaments, trees, ceramics,

Great Acting Abounds In Edward Berger’s New Film ‘Conclave’

Edward Berger’s new film Conclave is like an oasis in a desert. Although not brilliant, it presents characters that are subtle, that use their brains and believe in causes. As an ensemble, it is easily the best acted film I have seen in years. The main point of the plot is, I admit, a bit creaky and melodramatic, but it still works well.

‘I’

On CULTURE

By Leonard Wechsler

Based on a 2016 novel by Robert Harris, it focuses on the selection of a new pope for the Catholic Church. The movie begins as Thomas Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes), the Dean of the Vatican, enters the room of the recently deceased pope, unnamed although he was beloved. At that point, “Dean Lawrence” as he is called throughout the movie, is in charge of the conclave, the meeting in which a new leader will be chosen. The name conclave itself comes from Latin and means “locked room.” The cardinals are locked away in solitude for the voting, although there are others around to serve them. But the cardinals, the “princes of the church” are cut off from contact with the rest of the world while they choose. But things start coming apart early. A new man, Vincent Benitez (Carlos Diehz), comes in with paperwork demonstrating that he had been secretly named a cardinal, one from Kabul, by the previous pope. And he is accepted. There are four major candidates, a clear plot set-up. There is Cardinal Bellini (Stanley Tucci), a man of

strong progressive views; Cardinal Tremblay (John Lithgow), a man known as a bit of a plotter; Cardinal Adeyemi (Lucian Msamati), a Nigerian who is progressive on social issues but more conservative on church doctrine; and Cardinal Tedesco (Sergio Castellitto), a man who wants to cut back on good relations with other religions and push women back to what he considers their rightful place. To help you decide that he, or at least his issues, are not nice, he also has awful table manners. It turns out that all the candidates have secrets, some seemingly minor, some very open. Dean Lawrence breaks a lot of the vows involved in the conclave by working with Sister Agnes (Isabella Rossellini), who heads up the nuns brought in to feed and clean up for the men. They find out a whole group of secrets that lead to all sorts of maneuvers and then… well, see the movie.

The acting, particularly of Fiennes, is superb. His character, going through a crisis of faith at the start, has to deal with many moral questions. Can a single act done decades earlier preclude being the leader of the Catholic Church? What about immoral plotting? But Fiennes, giving the best performance I have seen by an actor in a very long time, is believable throughout. There was no wild posturing; his character was very mild-mannered, but this really good actor was able to draw us in, to feel his anguish as he dealt with sensitive issues. At one point, Lawrence said, “I asked the pope to allow me to leave my post to join a praying order. He turned me down. I think he knew I would be needed for this.” Tucci, as usual, is brilliant as the man you would like to support. Lithgow, of course, is up to his usual ability of managing to show three or four different qualities at once, creating a truly complex person.

Castellitto was very strong, as was Msamati. And Diehz, in a smaller role, brought a strong sense of humanity. The weakest part was the soap opera elements. The missteps were focused on, even when seemingly minor. The music clanged behind the key elements, preparing us for major issues like a typical slasher film, but most of the events were not really that vital. However, the film did focus on moral questions and managed most of it well. It is not, as someone I heard on TV say, anti-Catholic.

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